DHS Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division

Updated on Dec 11, 2024

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Formed 2003		Jurisdiction United States

Headquarters DHS Nebraska Avenue Complex, Washington D.C. Agency executive Christopher Turner, 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.

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":

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

References

DHS Human Factors and Behavioral Sciences Division Wikipedia

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