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."

The division is currently led by Sharla Rausch. It is supervised by the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology, currently being Jay M. Cohen.

The 2007 High Priority Technical Needs Brochure published by Homeland Security 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