Boeing tapped to build surveillance system along Delaware River

Correction: Boeing has activated the network, and handed it over to Delaware County, Pa. The company will continue to provide system maintenance and support services until October 2014.

Under a $4.4 million contract that Boeing Co. won in July 2011 with Delaware County, Pa., the company has activated its Watchstander integrated surveillance and monitoring network along a 14-mile stretch of the Delaware River.

The purpose of the Watchstander Integrated Security Solutions network is to detect threats to critical infrastructure, the company said. Boeing will provide services including design, procurement, installation, integration, testing and maintenance of the system, and will provide the necessary training required to use it.

"There are more than 10 critical resources in this area that need the top-level security that Watchstander provides, including refineries that supply almost 80 percent of the petroleum needs for the northeastern United States,” said Tom McGarrigle chairman of the Delaware County Council.

The network system uses a slew of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors and systems, enabling the sharing of information and the provision of real-time situational awareness for local, state and regional law enforcement personnel.