“Virtual Fences”
By James Jay Carafano Posted in Archived — Comments (0) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
More lessons from walking the border with the Border Patrol in San Diego.
The Department of Homeland Security recently received a lot of criticism for its Secure Border Initiative Net (SBI-NET) project which aims to integrate technologies on the border to help stem the flow of illegal crossings. A recent test of a pilot-project “virtual fence” did not go well.
Folks, however, should not be too quick to dismiss SBI Net.
First of all, it was a test. We test systems to learn how they work or don’t work. Then we fix them and test them again.
Second, there is plenty of evidence that integrated sensors on the border, used at the right place in the right way can make a big difference. San Diego offers a case in point. San Diego has a Remote Video Sensor System, kind-of-a primitive SBI Net that links cameras on the border together in a central command station linked to officers in the field, who cued by the cameras rush in to make arrests. The system has proven real value added in ensuring persistent security along the border.
The lesson of San Diego is to give SBI Net a chance. It won’t be a silver bullet for border security, but if the program is implemented responsibly it should make a difference on the border.