Inside the Science & Technology Directorate (DHS S & T) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a little known group called The Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division (HFD). Their purpose is to applied social and behavioral sciences “to improve detection, analysis and understanding of homeland security threats.”
Biometrics plays a significant role in HDF’s research. Key areas of their research activities include, capability in real-time positive verification of individual’s identity utilizing multiple biometrics, and mobile biometric screening such as handhelds and smart devices. DHS S & T and HDF work very closely with the National Labs, universities, and designated Center of excellence to develop and test technologies in the human factors area, especially in informatics and decision support.
In transportation security, people screening is paramount for national security. The operational focus requires a balance of safety, commerce, and privacy. Screeners must provide rapid, accurate and non-invasive analysis in near real-time conditions. This is not an easy task, especially the need to acquire the biometrics under the balanced operational focus. Interesting technologies are developed not only in ex-ray and back-scatter technologies, but also in biometric capabilities. This includes video facial recognition of potential terrorist on a watch list, fingerprint capture, and potentially iris identification of travelers. Also, HFD conducted research on a Rapid DNA program that would allow low-cost biometric verification of family relationships, especially to validate fraudulent immigration claims.
Biometrics plays a significant role in HDF’s research. Key areas of their research activities include, capability in real-time positive verification of individual’s identity utilizing multiple biometrics, and mobile biometric screening such as handhelds and smart devices. DHS S & T and HDF work very closely with the National Labs, universities, and designated Center of excellence to develop and test technologies in the human factors area, especially in informatics and decision support.
In transportation security, people screening is paramount for national security. The operational focus requires a balance of safety, commerce, and privacy. Screeners must provide rapid, accurate and non-invasive analysis in near real-time conditions. This is not an easy task, especially the need to acquire the biometrics under the balanced operational focus. Interesting technologies are developed not only in ex-ray and back-scatter technologies, but also in biometric capabilities. This includes video facial recognition of potential terrorist on a watch list, fingerprint capture, and potentially iris identification of travelers. Also, HFD conducted research on a Rapid DNA program that would allow low-cost biometric verification of family relationships, especially to validate fraudulent immigration claims.
