BergerWorld: 2nd Quarter 2004

Since 1996, Berger has been supporting the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in reducing illegal immigration and upgrading processing centers. Following the reorganization of the INS under the Department of Homeland Security, protecting America's borders has been even more crucial. To assist INS, the Berger Group has undertaken a variety of projects, including upgrading detention centers and border security capabilities around the nation.

The border between the United States and Canada is roughly 4,000 miles long, making it the longest open border in the world. To reduce the risk of illegal entry in parts of the border, INS selected Berger to conduct environmental assessments for the installation of remote video surveillance cameras in the Buffalo Sector. This sector, covering large areas of upstate New York and over 450 miles of water boundary, was extremely difficult for the 25 patrol agents to monitor. The task is also dangerous, since the rivers in the area contain treacherous currents capable of overturning INS patrol boats and carrying away swimmers. To improve surveillance and reduce the risk to border agents, standard and infrared cameras were mounted on new and existing structures to provide comprehensive 24-hour surveillance. These images are transmitted to a central communications center where they are monitored by patrol agents. These cameras have freed agents to accomplish other tasks and dramatically reduced time needed to intercept people illegally crossing the border. The Berger Group also supported the installation of similar cameras along the New Mexico border, reducing the number of agents needed to patrol the area and improving effectiveness.

The Krome Service Processing Center in Miami, FL, was originally built in the 1960s as a U.S. Army installation. In 1981, INS acquired the site, and since that time has constructed new facilities and expanded or modified existing buildings to provide secure detention facilities for illegal immigrants. To meet the challenge of transforming a former military installation into a fully secured and accredited facility, Berger was selected to provide on-site design and construction project management services for a variety of upgrades, including perimeter security fencing, perimeter road repavement and new security cameras.

Berger conducted a thorough assessment of the facility and identified critical projects. One of the Team's first priorities was to replace the maze of security fences topped with concertina wire with a perimeter security fence and lighting system conforming to American Correctional Association criteria. An additional security enhancement was the repair and upgrade of the perimeter patrol road. The existing road was badly deteriorated from constant patrols and frequently flooded during the rainy season. The Team designed the roadway, obtained the necessary environmental permits and supervised the construction of this important security feature. The most comprehensive, state-of-the-art security upgrade at Krome is the closed circuit TV surveillance system. Berger selected security specialists to design the system and install cameras at strategic points along the perimeter security fence. These upgrades allow facility staff to observe detainee movement both inside buildings and in the open areas of the camp via monitors strategically located at the guard stations, the command post and senior staff offices.