IBETing on a Secure Border

• NCJ Number: 211901
• Date Published: 2002
• Length: 3 pages
• Grant Number(s): 96-MU-MU-K011
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical)

Annotation

This report discusses how the Integrated Border Enforcement Teams (IBET), providing security to the border between the United States and Canada, are utilizing new and innovative technologies to assist in their efforts to make operations safer and more efficient.

Abstract

With almost 4,000 miles of undefended border between the United States and Canada and after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, the United States and Canada formed the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) to combat smuggling and illegal immigration. Today, there are three IBET teams: (1) the northwest border team between Blaine, WA, and British Columbia; (2) the Central St. Lawrence Valley team in the Cornwall, Ontario/Massena, NY area; and (3) the team in the Detroit, MI/Windsor, Ontario area. After conducting a large-scale 2-day exercise at the Cornwall/Massena IBET, a communications deficit was recognized and hampered the operation. Following this exercise, representatives from all the U.S. and Canadian agencies and the U.S. Border Patrol office in Massena met to discuss how technology could help make operations safer and more efficient. In creating a "smart" border, IBETs have sought help from the National Institute of Justice's National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)-Northeast and the Border Research and Technology Center (BRTC). This report discusses IBETs' access to the emerging technologies for border security applications to deal with inefficiencies in communication interoperability and vehicle-stopping technology, as well as the use or adaptation of military technologies.