DHS Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division explained

Agency Name:	DHS Border and Maritime Security Division
Seal:	Seal of the United States Department of Homeland Security.svg
Formed:	2003
Jurisdiction:	United States
Headquarters:	DHS Nebraska Avenue Complex, Washington D.C.
Chief1 Name:	Christopher Turner
Chief1 Position:	Director
Parent Agency:	DHS Science and Technology Directorate
Website:	DHS Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division

The Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division (HFD) is a division of the Science and Technology Directorate of the United States Department of Homeland Security. Within the Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency, HFD applies social and behavioral sciences to improve detection, analysis, and understanding and response to homeland security threats.^[1]

Overview

The Department's 2007 High Priority Technical Needs Brochure defines critical focus areas for Human Factors research, falling primarily under the categories of "border security":^[2]

• Ability to non-intrusively determine the intent of subjects during questioning and "people screening":
  • Systematic collection and analysis of information related to understanding terrorist group intent to engage in violence
  • Non-invasive monitoring: Identifying and tracking unknown or potential threats from individuals at key checkpoints. Real-time detection of deception or hostile intent through integrated system of human and machine methods
  • Capability in real-time for positive verification of individual's identity utilizing multiple biometrics
  • Capability for secure, non-contact electronic credentials; contactless readers or remote interrogation technologies for electronic credentials
  • Mobile biometrics screening capabilities, to include hand-held, wireless, and secure devices
  • High-speed, high-fidelity ten-print capture capability

Notes and References

1. Web site: Science & Technology Directorate Human Factors/Behavioral Sciences Division . United States Department of Homeland Security . January 31, 2011 . June 23, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110623090352/http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1224537081868.shtm . June 23, 2011 .
2. Web site: High-Priority Technology Needs . United States Department of Homeland Security . Science and Technology . May 2009 . June 23, 2011 . Border security represents a myriad of challenges. Detection and identification, and, when required, apprehension and law enforcement, represent a significant portion of the DHS mission. The Border Security IPT works to prioritize functional mission needs and to identify solution space for the path to successful technology development. This leads to the development of mature technologies that support rapid, coordinated, and safe responses to anomalies and threats against the Nation and the personnel assigned to conduct the mission.