Failure of High-tech Border Cameras Threaten Natl Security

KIRO TV Investigative Report ^ | Nov. 25, 2002 | Chris Halsne

[madfly]

A multi-million dollar, high-tech camera system developed to protect America's borders isn't working as promised -- and many days, it's not working at all.

KIRO Team 7 Investigators uncover a national security breach that, if not repaired now, could let terrorists simply walk across the border into Western Washington.

Our exclusive story exposes a failure that has top-level Justice Department officials scrambling.

KIRO-TV had to make a difficult decision regarding the airing of this story. We are in essence telling terrorist organizations that our northern border security is less than it should be.

After discussing the security camera system failures at length with top federal law enforcement agencies, we came to the determination that unless we shined some bright light on this topic, the potentially dangerous problem may never be fixed.

They are supposed to see in the dark, zoom and record images four miles away, even read the body temperature of a human target. Border Patrol calls these super-computer cameras RVS or Remote Video Surveillance. In Blaine, Washington, these lenses are the new eyes and ears along 46 miles of rural, vulnerable Canadian-U.S. border.

"It's documented evidence that something happened. It's not just a rumor, or a thought or we 'think' something's going on. We have film evidence there was an incursion," says John Bates, Assistant Chief of Border Patrol.

Border Patrol has publicly touted this new system as a panacea for the future: fewer agents more efficiently covering more territory.

However, a six month KIRO Team 7 Investigation into RVS reveals massive deficiencies in the Northern border camera system, repeated failures that continue to put national security at risk.

"When the temperature gets to be 68 degrees, the equipment doesn't work. It develops a mind of its own. The cameras point where they want, they don't respond to the control," says retired Border Patrol Chief Carey James.

James helped plan the installation of the video surveillance system on our northern border. He is speaking publicly for the first time regarding his utter disappointment in how top level Border Patrol and INS administrators in Washington, D.C., mishandled this project.

"Without those eyes up there, our agents are pretty much blind. We're not catching it all. We're not even catching a small portion of it, because we don't have the manpower."

Chief James is stating what agents on the ground have known for 11 months: the system breaks down too often to rely on it.

"We're just waiting for the next terrorist attack to happen in this country. And it is going to happen, because we're not doing our job the way it should be done," James says.

KIRO Team 7 Investigators obtained documents from confidential sources that detail hundreds of specific daily breakdowns with Remote Video Surveillance near Blaine.

"All cameras: Controls not working 95 percent of the time."
"It's another warm day and the cameras are once again not responding."
"Infrared Down, Infrared Bad."

Other deficiencies listed are: the "inability to track subjects between cameras" and "no means of recording or exporting images."

That means, despite all the cameras, human eyes have to watch the monitors -- or miss illegal border incursions. A VHS machine records activities on just one camera (out of 32) at a time.

"It appears graft and corruption have just made this system turn to garbage."

So who is the contractor on the border camera project? It's a company called International Microwave Corporation or IMC. We've discovered, despite the failures in Blaine, the Justice Department is making IMC the main government contractor for installation of surveillance camera systems along all U.S. borders.

We obtained the no-bid $200 million blanket purchase order for the work made out to IMC.

But this $200 million contract comes with a sensitive political connection. The vice president of government contracts for IMC is a woman named Rebecca Reyes. Her father is Texas Congressman Silvester Reyes.

Congressman Reyes, who sits on the House Intelligence and Homeland Security Committees, tells KIRO Team 7 Investigators "I have never exerted any influence concerning IMC contracts. My enemies at ins may be trying to smear my name."

IMC owners would not go on camera, but its attorney tells KIRO Team 7 Investigators IMC will fix all the problems with the remote cameras very soon.

The company attributes malfunctions to a variety of reasons: Wet Northwestern weather, poor installation by sub-contractors, and INS-Border Patrol administration choosing to remove key elements of the system.
 

[madfly]

ping

[madfly]

ping

[CWRWinger]

Thank you for your diligent posting of these articles which keep the truth before us.

[bobi]

VHS what? You are kidding me. Is it done on VHS tape?
The news man probably got the details wrong.

The company where I work makes a 3D Video Motion Detection System. It holds the patent in Australia.

Use Linux based Digital Video Recorders. Up time is better than the Windows based. The other day we placed in a system for remote camera controling that works non stop at more than 500km from the central station.

By the way you need MAN POWER to protect borders. Video punishes crime it does not stop it. A terrorist will not care if he faces court, he has another things on his mind.

[Cold Heat]

Washington is a major entry point. We need more than flippin camera's up there!

[4Freedom]

A stinkin' Democrat congressman's daughter gets a $200 million dollar, no-bid contract???

Someone in government spent $200 million dollars of the U.S. Taxpayer's hard earned money and didn't put the contract out for bid???

How is this even legally possible?

Looks like we're importing a lot of customs from the 3rd world cesspools that are invading our borders.

[madfly]

The credit for this investigative report goes to Calawah98. He (she) saw it on the news last night in Washington State and then found it online and freepmailed me. The citizen border patrol volunteers need your help today. If you subscribe to Col. Anderson's newsletter you will have received an forwarded email from the Cochise County Board of Supervisors, who will be meeting later today to discuss this issue. Please take the time to email the Chairman, Pat Call. Please pass this along.

_________________________________________________

copy of Email from Cochise County Board of Supervisors:

Subject: Local militias and vigilante groups

Subject: Local militias and vigilante groups

Date: Sun, 24 Nov 2002

Just a quick note ...

As you are no doubt aware over the last three to four months a number of
efforts have gotten underway to initiate local vigilante groups and/or
militias.  The purpose of these groups is to try and deal with this
country's/county's problems regarding illegal immigration.  Membership and
participation in these groups are solicited from local residents who are
often armed and have little or no training.  As of today, six out of the
seven mayors of the cities in Cochise County have indicated opposition to
the formation of these groups.

This coming Tuesday, at their regularly scheduled board meeting, the Board
of Supervisors will be discussing this issue and may possibly be voting on a
resolution opposing the formation of these groups and calling for the
Federal Government to do its job in protecting the borders of this country.

I'm interested in your opinion on this issue.  There are two choices below.
If you would,  let me know which one, 1 or 2, that you would most strongly
support.

1.  I oppose the creation and operation of armed or unarmed militias and
vigilantes formed for the purpose of combating illegal immigration.  I also
recognize there are legitimate and sanctioned authorities such as the United
States Border Patrol and others who can and must address the issues of
illegal immigration. Additionally, I would urge the Federal Government to
recognize and take responsibility, fiscal and otherwise, for problems
associated with illegal immigration.

2. I support the creation and operation of armed or unarmed militias and
vigilantes formed for the purpose of combating illegal immigration.  I also
recognize there are legitimate and sanctioned authorities such as the United
States Border Patrol and others who can and must address the issues of
illegal immigration. Additionally, I would urge the Federal Government to
recognize and take responsibility, fiscal and otherwise, for problems
associated with illegal immigration.

The issue of illegal immigration is complex and there are no simple answers.
Although I will probably not be able to respond to everyone, I would be
interested to receive any comments you may be interested in sharing beyond
the simple choices I've given here.

Thank you for your interest. Pat Call.


Patrick Call Chairman, Cochise County Board of Supervisors
1415 W. Melody Lane Bisbee, AZ 85603
520.432.9200 www.cochisecounty.com

email: PCall@co.cochise.az.us

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------------------


I select number 2 for the simple reason that NOBODY is going to do what is
required unless THEY get a strong message

that the citizenry is fed up with the current do-nothing approach.  Absent
some strong message, nothing will change.

Anyone can send the message from anywhere.  The more the better.  A simple
email will do.

But ... do send a message to tell them to quit sucking their thumbs.

Ben Anderson



Cut and paste and send:

TO:     PCall@co.cochise.az.us

I strongly support:

Number 2.    I support the creation and operation of armed or unarmed
militias and vigilantes formed for the purpose of combating illegal
immigration.  I also recognize there are legitimate and sanctioned
authorities such as the United States Border Patrol and others who can and
must address the issues of illegal immigration. Additionally, I would urge
the Federal Government to recognize and take responsibility, fiscal and
otherwise, for problems associated with illegal immigration.

Additional comments:

[madfly]

see #8

[madfly]

ping

[Cold Heat]

Excellent! This should get the Fed's attention.

I have been working on a few ideas regarding Border security. One of them is posted today on my bio that A Few Of FR's Finest is running on todays thread.

Stop in for a visit.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/796051/posts?page=12

[doc30]

A Border Militia - Isn't that the TRUE spirit and meaning of the 2nd Amendment? It would be interesting to see if they do get in trouble with local, state and federal authorities and have it appealed all the way to the Supreme Court. THere are people in both camps on the 2nd Amendment which are:
1) It states that it is a personal right to bear arms.
2) It grants the right for arms-bearing militias to form.

Many liberals side with #2, most conservative side with #1. If liberals truly believe in #2, then they should be supporting the border militias. The Supreme Court, IMHO, would support both points and this would be a good test case to prove it.

[CWRWinger]

Thanks for the 'on-target' info! I sent an email with additional comments and copied it to others in South Carolina, North Carolina and California.

[MindBender26]

There is simply no excuse for this. These are undoubtable thermal imagery cameras. They are very simple and should work 99% of the time!

Run "FLIR" on Google and see the results. Most interesting.

[madfly]

International Microwave Corporation bought by L-3 Communications 5 days before this story broke. Very interesting.

http://www.businesswire.com/webbox/bw.112102/223252360.htm

BW2360  NOV 21,2002       8:30 PACIFIC      11:30 EASTERN

( BW)(NY-L-3-COMMUNICATIONS)(LLL) L-3 Communications Acquires International Microwave Corporation

    Business Editors

    NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 21, 2002--L-3 Communications (NYSE: LLL) announced today that on November 8, 2002 it acquired International Microwave Corporation (IMC), a global communications company that provides wireless communications, network support systems, information technology, defense communications and enhanced surveillance systems.
    The total value of the transaction is approximately $40 million in cash, with additional contingent consideration not to exceed $5 million dependent upon the financial performance of IMC in 2003. The acquisition is expected to contribute approximately $50 million to L-3's sales in 2003.
    "IMC is very synergistic with L-3 because it adds a significant capability to our extensive line of security systems," said Frank C. Lanza, chairman and chief executive officer of L-3 Communications. "In addition to being the largest supplier of security systems for airports, cargo and facilities, L-3 also supplies intrusion detection systems for the DoD facilities around the world. By adding IMC to our operations, we have a new customer base for our existing security products as well as the new technologies that we are developing."
    "IMC has begun to play a major role in helping the INS Border Patrol monitor the southwestern border of the United States with its sophisticated sensors, command and control and communications technology," continued Mr. Lanza. "Monitoring borders, government facilities, national assets and businesses is a growing niche in the homeland security market, both domestically and internationally, and IMC is well positioned to grow, particularly with the marketing support and research and development funding that L-3 can provide the business."
    Headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut, IMC designs and manufactures a broad range of analog and digital microwave products to meet growing wireless telecommunications needs around the globe. IMC's products include: national law enforcement and air traffic communications systems; integrated surveillance systems; and microwave and wireless loop systems. IMC's principal product is integrated video security and surveillance systems. These systems combine thermal imaging and CCTV cameras and associated control systems with microwave radio technology to provide a perimeter security system. The company is the only prime contractor on the U.S. Government's Remote Video Surveillance (RVS) program, which provides video surveillance for the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) to monitor and protect U.S. borders. Along with government agencies, IMC's other clients include companies in the private sector, cellular and PCS companies, utilities and telecommunication operators worldwide.
    The acquisition further enhances L-3's position in the homeland security market. L-3 recently took an equity stake in Millivision, a millimeter wavelength imaging company. When combined with L-3's existing military millimeter wavelength technology, Millivision's market-leading capabilities will enable L-3 to bring more advanced screening technologies to airports, federal buildings and commercial facilities.
    Headquartered in New York City, L-3 Communications is a leading merchant supplier of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) products, secure communications systems and products, avionics and ocean products, training products, microwave components and telemetry, instrumentation, space and wireless products. Its customers include the Department of Defense, selected US government intelligence agencies, aerospace prime contractors and commercial telecommunications and wireless customers.
    To learn more about L-3 Communications, please visit the company's web site at www.L-3Com.com.

    Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the matters set forth in this news release are forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements set forth above involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from any such statement, including the risks and uncertainties discussed in the company's Safe Harbor Compliance Statement for Forward-looking Statements included in the company's recent filings, including Forms 10-K and 10-Q, with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

    --30--AH/ny

    CONTACT: L-3 Communications, New York
             Cynthia Swain, 212/697-1111
             or
             FD Morgen-Walke, New York
             Investors: Eric Boyriven, Paul Johnson
             Media: Evan Goetz
             212/850-5600

    KEYWORD: NEW YORK
    INDUSTRY KEYWORD: GOVERNMENT TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORKING
AEROSPACE/DEFENSE MERGERS/ACQ
    SOURCE: L-3 Communications

[HangFire]

Thanks for the ping;-)

[Eva]

The cameras had no trouble picking up my friend's son for transporting marijuana across the border, though. Funny thing about this article is that local border patrol guards have reported that they have been ordered to make NO arrests of illegals. (I spoke to a woman whose son was working the border, here at Blaine.)

[Eastbound]

"2) It grants the right for arms-bearing militias to form."

Close, doc30. The 2nd Amendment is a warning to the federal government not to infringe on the pre-existing right of the people to keep and bear arms and to protect its own borders with weapons of warfare. Terrorists are warriors and we are at war. The border patrol and INS has the responsibility to patrol the borders, deal with illegals and naturalize citizens. They are police agencies, not military.

State militias are military. Time for the governors to start doing their jobs and get their state-controlled militaries busy. 'Shall not be infringed' means the state does not need permission from the federal government. It has the responsibility to protect its Citizens from terrorist attacks. Any nation that sends terrorist agents here should be dealt with as our enemy. Our U.S. military was formed to bomb those nations back to the stone age, sink their ships and correct the thinking of any survivors.

If the state governors don't do their job, it falls to the people to organize and protect themselves. If government becomes a hindrance to this, then it's time for the people to re-write the government's charter and re-place its administrators. After all, governments exist in America to protect the people and settle disputes -- not to rule over them, interfere with their lives, or grant them 'rights.'

[CWRWinger]

Good research. Interesting.

I don't know the particulars, but my guess would be the goofy managers at IMC weakened a good product then sold it to the government.

How do managers weaken a good product?
1. By cutting off R & D too soon.
2. By substituting specified parts on a bill of material with cheaper ones.
3. By putting production numbers before quality control.

[madfly]

Funny thing about this article is that local border patrol guards have reported that they have been ordered to make NO arrests of illegals.
_____________________________

A border patrol agent on the Mexican border reported here on FR that same order. And I always read in these stories, the Border Patrol refused to comment, so I'm sure they have some kind of gag order enforced too. What's up with this.

You are in Blaine? Was your friend's son busted on the border up there? or the Mexican one?

So I guess everything's under control. The gov't has millions of dollars of hi tech detection equipment and enough border patrol agents (they claim). But the equipment don't work and agents are under orders to look the other way. I feel so secure.