Grants Will Pay For Closed Circuit TV Upgrade

TSA recently announced approximately $5 million in funding for the purchase of additional equipment for a closed circuit television (CCTV) system at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and approximately $6 million award for the installation of a similar system at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) - designed to assist Transportation Security Administration efforts to strengthen security at airports.

"The addition of new cameras as well as increased storage capability on pre-existing cameras will be a tremendous asset to our security efforts at SFO airport," said Federal Security Director Ed Gomez. "These video recording enhancements will strengthen security, allow better personnel deployment and assist with the resolution of suspicious items." DFW Federal Security Director Cedric Alexander echoed those comments.

The grants, which come from fiscal year 2009 funds, will enhance CCTV systems currently in place at SFO and DFW airports. CCTV systems are an integral part of TSA and airport security operations, providing a high level of threat detection and enhancing emergency response and risk mitigation. They will also increase the storage capacity on existing CCTV systems

"We are extremely appreciative of the additional funding TSA has provided to San Francisco International Airport to further expand and enhance the airport's comprehensive closed-circuit television system," said Airport Director John L. Martin. "SFO's number one priority has been, and always will be, the safety and security of everyone traveling through and working at the San Francisco International Airport."

 "This funding is the latest example of the great partnership we have had with TSA to strengthen the security systems at our airport," said Jeff Fegan, DFW's chief executive officer. "We look forward to collaborating with the TSA on this and future security enhancements that will enhance passenger safety."

CCTV technology is used at hundreds of airports across the country and TSA has collaborated with individual airports to expand these sophisticated and integrated security networks.

FMI: www.tsa.gov