Page 38 - Federal Computer Week, January/February 2019

BORDER
Tethered Aerostats
Customs and Border Protection has six Tethered Aerostat Radar Systems along the border in Texas, Arizona and New Mexico. (Two more keep watch on smuggling in the Caribbean.) The platforms float 10,000 feet above fixed positions 24 hours a day, looking out as far as 200 miles for low-flying aircraft, including smaller ultralights that could be smuggling narcotics.
Ground Sensors
Unattended Ground Sensors provide CBP with short-range persistent detection along the border, as well as a limited capability to track and identify moving objects and people. Various devices can monitor for seismic vibrations, sounds and infrared signals.
Tunnel Detection
Through the Cross Border Tunnel Threat Program, CBP uses a network of seismic sensors to alert agents to potential digging. DHS’ Science and Technology Directorate is working on other technologies to find tunnels more efficiently, and robots help to inspect tunnels that are discovered.
Key border security technologies
BY MARK ROCKWELL
President Donald Trump’s desire for a “big, beautiful wall” has dominated the debate, but the inventory of technology that currently guards the U.S. southern border is vast. And wall or no wall, more border tech is all but guaranteed. Here’s a peek at what’s involved.
38 January/February 2019
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