PISCES is a border control database system.

Overview

The PISCES-project was initiated by the Department of State, Terrorist Interdiction Program (TIP) in 1997, initially as a system for countries in improving their watch listing capabilities by providing a mainframe computer system to facilitate immigration

Immigration

Immigration is the act of foreigners passing or coming into a country for the purpose of permanent residence...

 processing.

The PISCES-program falls under "The Terrorist Interdiction Program" (TIP), an ongoing program of the United States Department of State

United States Department of State

The United States Department of State , is the United States federal executive department responsible for international relations of the United States, equivalent to the foreign ministries of other countries...

. TIP provides all necessary software and hardware

Hardware

Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....

 (mostly commercial and off-the-shelf, such as cameras and passport

Passport

A passport is a document, issued by a national government, which certifies, for the purpose of international travel, the identity and nationality of its holder. The elements of identity are name, date of birth, sex, and place of birth....

 scanners), full installation, operator training. Additionally, TIP assists with immigration

Immigration

Immigration is the act of foreigners passing or coming into a country for the purpose of permanent residence...

business process improvement at ports of entry chosen for PISCES installation.