Technology Improves Border Security, Helps Trade And Transit
Due to security concerns following the terrorist attacks in September 2001, new technology and practices were implemented on Minnesota’s remote northern border to ensure terrorists and weapons do not cross into the United States. The technology is also streamlining the passage of truckers, anglers, snowmobilers, and other traffic. The government is working to ensure that the border is secure and also an effective passage for goods to and from Canada from Minnesota; the state exported $2.5 billion in goods to Canada in 2001 while bringing in $5.6 billion in merchandise. Security measures include increasing the number of inspectors from the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Customs Service, and implementing use of a mobile gamma-ray imaging system to screen containers, rail cars, and vehicles. Koochiching County, Minn., Sheriff Duane Nelson asserts that the government should provide funding to local law enforcement to increase patrols of wooded areas on the border that are still easy entrance places for terrorists.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from the Duluth News-Tribune (03/04/03); Nelson, Todd.