RSD is conducting research on how to improve security and identify unknown individuals. This a broad area of research that encompasses many interrelated activities aimed at improving homeland security. RSD is researching hostile intent detection and surveillance using advanced behavior-based video analytics for remote screening, determining effective techniques for identifying threats and how to reduce manpower costs. RSD continues to research how best to collect and evaluate high-quality biometrics to prevent illegal entry into the United States and speed legitimate travel.
Other efforts seek to identify behaviors associated with transporting contraband so DHS can focus on the most suspicious activities during priority screening. RSD also works to improve the security and integrity of the immigration system by improving capabilities to combat human trafficking and to foster family reunification through rapid evaluation of DNA. DHS S&T is committed to the protection of individual privacy and to the safeguarding of civil rights.
- The Hostile Intent Detection and Surveillance project improves the ability to identify aviation security threats. It compares direct observations against video observations and decentralized versus centralized remote observation techniques for identifying high-risk behavior.
- The biometrics program improves DHS components’ ability to identify and prevent people who could pose a threat from entering the United States, while at the same time facilitating the movement of legitimate travelers. Within the biometrics program, the Rapid DNA project enhances the security and efficiency of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services immigration system and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) by providing a rapid, low-cost capability to verify family relationships. Rapid DNA systems can be used to counter human trafficking and support immigration services by verifying family relationships at the border and in asylum, refugee reunification and overseas adoption cases.
- The Risk Prediction project improves the ability of CBP and the Transportation Security Administration to identify suspicious behaviors that may be associated with the illegal transportation of people or goods. RSD develops and tests high-speed threat models related to air, land and sea cargo transportation in order to identify these behaviors before individuals enter the United States.