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Research and Development

  • Emergency Services Sector Landscape

    Multiple factors may affect the critical infrastructure security and resilience posture of the Emergency Services Sector (ESS). These factors, which influence the current operating environment and associated decision-making processes, stem from environmental, technological, human, and physical causes. This document provides a sector-specific characterization of relevant factors and decision-making drivers influencing the current operating environment and security and resilience posture of the ESS. Government and sector partners may use this document to help identify and address factors that could have adverse effects on the security or resilience of facilities, personnel, and operations.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, Resilience
    Resource Type:
    Educational Resources, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Critical Infrastructure, Strengthen National Resilience
    Last Updated:

  • Exploring the Use of Three-Digit Call Lines: A Prevention Resource

    This report provides an overview of current research and programming efforts to integrate targeted violence and terrorism prevention (TVTP) information and practice into three-digit call lines, such as 211 and 311 assistance and information telephone numbers, as well as 911 and 988 emergency and crisis support lines.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, Terrorism and National Security Threats
    Resource Type:
    Educational Resources, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Active Shooter Preparedness, Bombing Prevention, Emerging Technology, School Safety, Secure Public Gatherings, Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention
    Last Updated:

  • DHS Prevention Resource Finder

    The Prevention Resource Finder provides tools to help people prepare for and prevent acts of targeted violence like mass shootings, school and campus shootings, workplace violence, and hate crimes. Resources include community support; grant funding opportunities; information-sharing platforms; evidence-based research; bullying, depression, domestic violence, and mental health support; gun safety best practices; and training opportunities for communities to reduce the risk of targeted violence, including hate-based targeted violence.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Border Security, Crimes of Exploitation and Victim Services, Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, Terrorism and National Security Threats
    Resource Type:
    Assessments, Educational Resources, Field Support, Grant Funding Opportunities, Operational Support, Programs or Services, Research and Development, Technical Assistance, Training or Exercises
    Topic:
    Active Shooter Preparedness, Bombing Prevention, Physical Security, School Safety, Secure Public Gatherings, Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention
    Last Updated:

  • Public Safety and Violence Prevention Program

    The Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Public Safety and Violence Prevention (PSVP) program conducts research and development studies in support of National and Departmental-objectives in prevention of acts of terrorism and targeted violence. PSVP enhances capabilities of prevention practitioners and local programs by improving field performance through analysis of data and development of capabilities to improve early detection and determine intervention needs earlier in the mobilization process to decrease the likelihood of violence. PSVP focuses on targeted violence and terrorism prevention, human trafficking, and soft target security. PSVP research enables policymakers and operational end-users, such as first responders and local communities, to make informed decisions in policy and practice while providing prevention programs and practitioners with the tools they need.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Border Security, Crimes of Exploitation and Victim Services, Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, Terrorism and National Security Threats
    Resource Type:
    Educational Resources, Programs or Services, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Active Shooter Preparedness, Bombing Prevention, Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Counter TCOs and Other Illicit Actors, Critical Infrastructure, Emerging Technology, Human Trafficking, Physical Security, School Safety, Secure Public Gatherings, Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention, Victim Services
    Last Updated:

  • Performance Assessment of Field-Portable Instruments and Assays for Fentanyl and Fentanyl-Related Compounds

    This project addressed the growing issue with synthetic opioids entering the United States by providing an understanding of the baseline performance of equipment and assays using a wide range of fentanyl-related compounds and mixtures as test samples that reflect real-world mixture compositions seen in seizures. This contributes to the goal of improving the performance of field detection systems that use spectral library matching, colorimetric assays, and immunoassays to identify synthetic opioids. The outcomes of this project benefit first responders and front-line personnel by providing the knowledge needed to adapt and optimize current protocols for existing deployed handheld devices (e.g., combining different technology class detection capabilities when feasible) and to inform future procurements of equipment to improve the safety of both first responders and the public.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Border Security
    Resource Type:
    Educational Resources, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Counter TCOs and Other Illicit Actors
    Last Updated:

  • DHS Technology Clearinghouse

    The DHS Technology Clearinghouse is a resource for the entire homeland security community that allows users to search, discover, and access the latest outcomes of cutting-edge research, development, testing, and evaluation (RDT&E) activities. The Technology Clearinghouse makes curated homeland security technology information available to improve decision making for research and development, procurement, policy, and deployment of innovation technology solutions. This access to innovative technology solutions helps save money, time, and lives and leads to more resilient communities.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Border Security, Crimes of Exploitation and Victim Services, Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, Terrorism and National Security Threats
    Resource Type:
    Educational Resources, Programs or Services, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE), Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, Counter TCOs and Other Illicit Actors, Critical Infrastructure, Emerging Technology, Human Trafficking, Physical Security, Protect Designated Individuals, Facilities, and Events, School Safety, Secure and Manage Air, Land, and Maritime Borders, Secure Public Gatherings, Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention
    Last Updated:

  • Urban Operational Experimentation: Technologies that Address First Responder Priorities

    Urban OpEx is marked by a weeklong series of experiments showcasing technologies of interest to the public safety community. Technologies have included UAS and robotics, incident management platforms, and deployable communications, among others. Through iterative demonstrations and operational exercises, Urban OpEx allows for collaboration between the technology development and public safety communities, enabling real-time problem solving and valuable end-user feedback for technology developers to enhance their products for operational deployment. During Urban OpEx 2022, technologies were placed into the hands of first responders to explore each one’s features, functions, and capabilities, and give end-user feedback to the developers behind these tools. This feedback is published in a series of reports to assist federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial first responders in making informed acquisition decisions for fielding new technologies.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Border Security, Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, Terrorism and National Security Threats
    Resource Type:
    Educational Resources, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE), Counter TCOs and Other Illicit Actors, Critical Infrastructure, Emerging Technology, Physical Security, Protect Designated Individuals, Facilities, and Events, School Safety, Secure and Manage Air, Land, and Maritime Borders, Secure Public Gatherings, Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention
    Last Updated:

  • National Urban Security Technology Laboratory

    S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) develops technical resources, tools, modeling, and guidance to help state, local, tribal, and territorial public safety agencies initiate a response in the first minutes, hours, and days following radiological and nuclear incidents and support longer-term recovery needs. These science-based resources inform emergency planning and can be leveraged to shape response tactics for radiological and nuclear emergencies.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Resilience, Terrorism and National Security Threats
    Resource Type:
    Educational Resources, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE), Incident Response, Strengthen National Resilience
    Last Updated:

  • System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program

    The System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) program is managed by S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) and provides information on commercially available equipment to assist law enforcement with making informed purchasing decisions. Known as “Consumer Reports for First Responders,” SAVER reports on available technologies and how they perform under realistic conditions. SAVER has published law enforcement-related reports on Augmented and Virtual Reality Training Systems, Body Cameras, Body Armor for Women, Blue List Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), CBRNE Detection Payload on Unmanned Systems, Crowd Analysis Technologies, Indoor Position and Location Tracking in Three Dimensions, Handheld Language Translators, Laser Eyewear, Night Vison Devices, RFID Evidence Management, Tactical Eyewear, Vehicle Tracking Technology, Walk-through Screening for Mass Casualty Threats, and Wireless Surveillance Cameras. Search and download reports from the SAVER Library Website.

    Audience:
    Campus Law Enforcement, State and Local Law Enforcement, Territorial Law Enforcement, Tribal Law Enforcement
    Mission Area:
    Border Security, Cyberspace and Critical Infrastructure, Terrorism and National Security Threats
    Resource Type:
    Programs or Services, Research and Development
    Topic:
    Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosives (CBRNE), Counter TCOs and Other Illicit Actors, Critical Infrastructure, Emergency Communications, Physical Security, Secure Public Gatherings, Transportation Security
    Last Updated: