For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and the Honorable Vic Toews, Canadian Minister of Public Safety, today announced a new Shiprider pilot project designed to bolster cross-border security operations in the waters of Puget Sound and off the Pacific Coast before and during the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. The project enables the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and the U.S. Coast Guard to cross-train, share resources and personnel and utilize each others’ vessels in the waters of both countries.
“The United States and Canada are committed to securing our shared waterways against threats on both sides of the border,” said Secretary Napolitano. “This pilot project will enhance coordination and information-sharing between our two countries and strengthen our joint efforts to protect our citizens and visitors from around the world during the 2010 Winter Games.”
“This announcement supports our efforts to ensure a safe and secure 2010 Olympic Winter Games. During the Olympics, Canadian and U.S. law enforcement will work together to combat criminal activity in our shared waterways,” said Minister Toews. “Together with the United States, we are sending a strong message to criminals that illegal activity at our shared border will not be tolerated.”
The pilot will be consistent with the Framework Agreement governing Shiprider operations in shared waterways signed by Secretary Napolitano and former Public Safety Minister, the Honorable Peter Van Loan, in May 2009. Both countries remain committed to fully implementing this agreement and jointly protecting against shared threats.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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