Port conference features latest in security technology

Finding the perfect pitch Vendors flock to port seminar selling gadgets for security By JEMIMAH NOONOO Rows of vendors hawking terrorist-fighting items such as $500,000 underwater 3-D cameras and $40,000 crash-resistant fences lined a downtown hotel Thursday in the hopes of catching the eyes of those tasked with helping the U.S. Department of Homeland Security spend $400 million on port security. Dozens of security chiefs representing the nation's largest ports gathered in Houston this week for an annual security conference sponsored by the American Association of Port Authorities. And there was no shortage of salespeople offering the shiniest new tools for fighting al-Qaida and anyone else who would seek to sabotage America's commerce hubs. "Mr. Crews," an eager salesman beckoned, flagging down Bill Crews, Port Security and... [read full story]