Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
immediately, denying the person access to all controlled areas. The system
can be programmed to provide a specific alert to the security staff if the
employee's license plate is identified on or near the perimeter. This
system is seeing increased usage as a means of enhancing security in high-
threat areas, such as Israel. The city of Ariel, Israel, utilizes the Zamir
license plate recognition system to enhance security at the city's guarded
entrance (see Exhibit 13.4).
In early 2002, we had the opportunity to meet with a senior executive
from Zamir prior to the Israel Security Event, an event in which Israeli
security firms showcase their products for the American law enforcement
community. We got a firsthand explanation of the system and gained a
real appreciation for the many applications this technology is suited for.
In our opinion, the potential applications of this technology have yet to
be fully appreciated. For example, every day alerts are put out to law
enforcement agencies all over the world. Quite frequently, these alerts
identify a particular vehicle and license plate that is being sought. It would
be a simple matter to enter the data into the Zamir systems wherever they
might be located. The systems would be able to alert law enforcement
authorities that the sought-after vehicle was at a particular location at a
particular time. What if the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) receives
information that a truck laden with explosives, or worse, bearing a par-
ticular plate was heading to New York City? Recognition systems in place
at the city's bridges and tunnels would be an effective line of defense
against this type of attack.
Other types of recognition systems are available, and new ones are
being developed. Handprints, voiceprints, facial features, as well as reti-
nal patterns all provide a reliable means of limiting access to only those
people who require it. It is a very simple matter to use the same system
for all employees and merely provide additional security authorization to
different individuals. For example, every employee would be able to access
the parking lot, but only those with special clearance could access the
executive washroom or any other place you needed to limit.
Many types of screening systems available can be used to prevent
weapons and dangerous objects from being brought into your facility. In
reverse, screening systems also can be used to prevent employee pilferage.
We spoke previously about x-ray machines in the mailroom. They are crit-
ical pieces of equipment if you are really serious about mailroom security.
Other machines make it possible to detect explosives in a package. Still
others can sterilize mail thought contaminated with a biological hazard or
