Border checkpoint report is out

READ THE REPORT (under Aug. 31) AT: http://www.gao.gov/

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U.S. Homeland Security officials say they’re moving to address recommendations contained in an oversight agency’s report on Border Patrol checkpoints, including a proposed permanent facility on Interstate 19 between Tucson and Nogales, Ariz.

The Government Accountability Office report released Monday in Washington says checkpoints on Southwestern border-area roadways help authorities seize drugs and apprehend illegal immigrants.

But the report also says the Border Patrol doesn’t adequately measure the checkpoints’ effectiveness and the impact they have on surrounding areas where smugglers go to evade the checkpoints.

The Border Patrol says it is working to develop new monitoring systems for checkpoints, including their effectiveness and staffing needs.