The U.S.’ border control strategy will put less focus on technology components and more on personnel and tactical management, Federal Computer Week reports.
While Customs and Border Protection has not officially issued a strategic document, Border Patrol Chief Michael Fisher told lawmakers Tuesday the agency’s strategy is indeed complete.
Fisher detailed the strategy to the House Homeland Security subcommittee on border and maritime security, which includes the agency’s mobile surveillance units, thermal imaging systems and varying technologies for inspection.
The agency has mobile units, thermal imaging technology, 270 aircraft, nine drones and 301 maritime vessels that aid in surveying U.S. borders, according to FCW.
Border Patrol uses a physical fence along the southwest border as well as a virtual fence electronic surveillance system along parts of the border between Arizona and Mexico to monitor immigration.
Fisher told lawmakers that DHS plans to move its strategy toward mobile surveillance with unmanned aerial vehicles.
In its fiscal year 2013 budget request, the White House included measures to support more than 21,000 Border Control agents, 1,200 agents for air and maritime surveillance and 21,000 CBP officers.
