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were placed. The audio manufacturer also showed immigration officials new audio solutions that could enhance the entire se- curity system.
Security Upgrade and Installation
In order to improve situational awareness in terminal one, a new audio system was de- signed to include the deployment of over 100 microphones, which AISG installed in the fall of 2018. The new system enables audio capture capability throughout each step of the immigration and customs process—from initial checkpoint areas all the way to inter- view and secondary screening rooms.
Louroe’s Verifact L-DT microphones are placed at all 32 passport-check podiums to verify interactions travelers have with of- ficers. Designed as a bi-directional micro- phone that adheres to tabletop or counter surfaces, the L-DT picks up sound from both the officer and passenger while minimizing background noise. For individuals detained by agents for additional questioning and asked to stand in the waiting area behind the podium, the omnidirectional Verifact B-6 microphone is deployed. In this setup, the B-6 is mounted on the high ceiling while the microphone element is hung down and able to capture audio from several feet below.
Bag checks are another important step in the immigrations process. To ensure that all sound is captured during screenings and searches, Verifact LD-T microphones are mounted on the podiums in the baggage area, as well as the B-6 in the surrounding area to capture any additional sound. The sound from both microphones is combined via the company’s RN-2 audio mixer, which allows security staff to get a larger area for that station.
For suspects who require further screen- ing or questioning, officers required audio equipment in interview rooms, booking areas, and holding cells. For these applica- tions, the Verifact A is simply mounted on walls and ceilings in each interview room and holding cell, and strategically placed on the booking area ceiling. The microphones can be integrated with all video surveillance cameras and video management systems.
Technology Benefit
Having exceptional audio is imperative for operations, so that immigration officers can not only see but also hear exactly what is be- ing said. The audio also helps them to better assess individuals. When reviewing footage
either in real-time or for forensic evaluation, immigration officers look for any visual, physiological and verbal cues that might in- dicate falsehood or suspicious behavior. In this regard, the audio has helped customs of- ficers gather additional information.
The sound component of the security system also gives officials peace of mind, knowing they have complete audio coverage of the entire immigration and customs area and that a verbal record of all needed con- versations will be clear and fully admissible in court.
Cost-Savings
Not only did the new solutions produce ex- ceptional sound quality for the application, but they also yielded a cost-savings. With the ability to place the microphones directly into the surveillance cameras, the integrator didn’t have to install an additional interface to send the audio to the video management system.
Additionally, when working with tradi- tional legacy or analog equipment, every mi- crophone and camera requires its own power supply. Running cable through an airport from the switchboard location to the instal- lation area is expensive and quite a challenge due the constant flow of people. To solve this issue, the organization deployed the IF- PX solution, which powers audio and video equipment by a single Cat-5 cable.
By eliminating the need for extra equip- ment and cabling, immigration officials were able to save on infrastructure costs and AISG was able to save on installation labor.
Looking Towards the Future
Crime prevention is a top priority for im- migration officers at the JFK Airport inter- national terminal. Thanks to its security upgrade, officers are better equipped to deal with the everyday challenges they face. In fact, they plan to deploy the audio solutions in other areas of the airport, including in- ternational terminal seven. Immigration of- ficials are committed to adding sound and safety to their operations at JFK airport and protecting the public and our borders from harmful materials and people.
Richard Brent is the CEO of Louroe Electronics.
1 U.S. Customs and Border Protection, “Her- oin Discovered by CBP at JFK Airport,” pub- lished July 18, 2018, https://www.cbp.gov/ newsroom/local-media-release/heroin-discov- ered-cbp-jfk-airport
GOVERNMENT SECURITY JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019
Audio Security