see also: in May 2003:   CBP officers at Otay Mesa seize over 3,300 pounds of marijuana   FDA and CBP Announce Steps to Streamline Collection of Information on Food Imports   Sweden and the United States Jointly Implement the Container Security Initiative and Begin to Target and Pre-Screen Cargo Destined for U.S.   Border Patrol Agents Seize 729 Pounds of Marijuana (pdf - 16 KB.)   CBP Linda Jacksta Nominated for Women in Technology Award   Customs and Border Protection, American Petroleum Institute Endorse Standards for Importer Self-Assesment Program Accounts ...more on cbp.gov:   Press Officers   CBP News Releases

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Orlando, FL--The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and local law enforcement agencies have solved a long-standing interagency communication problem in South Florida. Using CBP's over-the air-re-keying (OTAR) capabilities and the Coast Guard's encryption key, the partner agencies are now capable of talking to each other via radio communications.

The encryption key is a code that scrambles the radio transmissions thereby protecting sensitive radio transmissions. If the key is not shared among the agencies, private voice communication is not possible. OTAR allows the radios to be re-keyed electronically saving time and money.

"The lack of interoperability between agencies is a major issue in the security and safety of our nation," said CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. "With the continuing terrorist threat, it is more important than ever, that our first responders are able to communicate with one another. The solution in South Florida is a huge accomplishment."

The interagency working group was formed in February 2003 to focus on communications interoperability between the marine units of the U.S. Customs Service, the U.S. Border Patrol (now both CBP) and the U.S. Coast Guard operating in the Florida Keys. The solutions that have been identified will be used to support not only the marine units but all operations in the South Florida area that require very high frequency (VHF) mobile radio communication on an interagency basis.