NCJ Number
209332
Journal
Crime & Justice International Volume: 20 Issue: 84 Dated: January/February 2005 Pages: 11-14
Date Published
January 2005
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article describes how the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) is helping homeland security officials with their networked operations.
Abstract
The DOD is expert at networked operations, seamlessly exchanging intelligence information under time and information strained conditions. Despite the capabilities of the DOD, most domestic State and local agencies that are charged with responding to domestic terrorist attacks lack the capacity to quickly share information. Some agencies do not even have the ability to conduct a two-way flow of information, let alone distribute information in real time from the scene of a disaster. This article details how the DOD is aiding homeland security efforts by assisting with networked operations. One initiative is called the Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD) Programs that help develop new concepts of operations and support critical technologies among law enforcement agencies. Since its development in 1994, 118 ACTD's have been undertaken to improve information sharing among domestic State and local agencies. The events of September 11, 2001, underscored the need for the immediate development of compatible, interoperable communications among all first responders. The Homeland Security ACTD prioritized demonstrating technologies that would assure communications in the event of another terrorist attack. ACTD's represent an evolving process for getting new technologies to those charged with securing the public’s safety. Notes