DHS Science and Technology Human Factors Division

According to the DHS S&T website, the Human Factors Division of Homeland Security Science and Technology "applies the social and behavioral sciences to improve detection, analysis, and understanding and response to homeland security threats."^[1]

The division is currently led by Dr. Sharla Rausch. It is supervised by the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology.

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^{[clarification needed]} 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^{[clarification needed]}
  • 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^{[clarification needed]} for electronic credentials
  • Mobile biometrics screening capabilities, to include hand-held, wireless, and secure devices^{[clarification needed]}
  • High-speed, high-fidelity ten-print capture capability^{[clarification needed]}

References

1. ^ "Science & Technology Directorate Human Factors/Behavioral Sciences Division". United States Department of Homeland Security. January 31, 2011. http://www.dhs.gov/xabout/structure/gc_1224537081868.shtm. Retrieved June 23, 2011. "Mission: We will advance national security by developing and applying the social, behavioral, and physical sciences to improve identification and analysis of threats, to enhance societal resilience, and to integrate human capabilities into the development of technology." 
2. ^ "High-Priority Technology Needs". Science and Technolgy. United States Department of Homeland Security. May, 2009. http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/High_Priority_Technology_Needs.pdf. Retrieved 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" 

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the United States Department of Homeland Security.