Emergency services providers and local law enforcement agencies in Delaware County, Pa., have a powerful new tool to detect threats to critical infrastructure with this week's activation of the Boeing Watchstander Integrated Security Solutions network along the Delaware River near Philadelphia.

"Boeing Watchstander allows us to fully integrate land and maritime awareness with emergency response to ensure our key resources are secured, monitored and protected," said Delaware County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle.

"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."

Using an advanced suite of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance sensors and systems, Watchstander enables information sharing and provides real-time situational awareness for local, state and regional law enforcement personnel and first responders.

"Boeing draws on its extensive security experience and longstanding expertise in C4ISR in the design and implementation of the Watchstander system," said Mike Hettmann, director of Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Force Protection for Boeing Electronic and Mission Systems.

"We're proud to partner with the Delaware County Council, the Delaware County Office of Emergency Services and other regional stakeholders to address critical infrastructure protection challenges with innovative and affordable solutions that can be adapted to a variety of environments."

Focused on a 14-mile stretch of the Delaware River that includes the Commodore Barry Bridge, Marcus Hook and Hog Island, Watchstander will provide 24-hour surveillance, detection, identification and recognition. Under the $4.4 million contract, Boeing is responsible for the design, procurement, installation, integration, testing and maintenance of the system, as well as training law enforcement and emergency services personnel in its use.