Long Beach (CA,USA) the second-largest US seaport, handles about $100 billion in trade between the USA and its trading partners. The new $21-million, 2,322-square-meter security facility coordinates communications from about 40 local, state and federal agencies. A fiber-optic and wireless network connects some 400 video cameras, installed for surveillance of the harbor on land and sea. The military-grade video cameras can detect ships 11.25 km offshore, and some of the cameras are equipped with night-vision technology.

Security features at the new facility include facial recognition technology that can be used to help port authorities locate any person within the port area. The authorities are also able to control highway signs to warn drivers to stay out of the area in the event of major incidents. Strategically placed motion-detection sensors inform police officers to check out disturbances. A radio-frequency identification (RFID) tagging system is employed to track cargoes and their owners.

SSR Engineering (Anaheim, CA, USA) provided the radar and camera surveillance systems. The fiber-optic communications network was designed and installed by engineering consultant firm Tetra Tech (Pasadena, CA, USA). The port also uses remotely operated submersible video cameras fromVideoRay (Phoenixville, PA, USA) for underwater surveillance, and a team of underwater divers.

The 125-member staff of the port's the three-story command center coordinates the activities of the coast guard, customs and border protection, homeland security, the Long Beach police department, and the port harbor control. The center's control room is equipped with a large computer screen for displaying multiple surveillance images and monitoring data throughout the port.

"We have one of the most innovative security operations of any seaport in the USA," said James Hankla, president of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners.

Related Links:
Tetra Tech
SSR Engineering 
VideoRay