Managing conflicts is an integral aspect of law enforcement, but the many nuances of personal interactions can make it challenging and situations can quickly escalate to dangerous levels. The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate is conducting research to learn more about these interactions, with a focus on de-escalation methods. The aim of this effort is to identify effective conflict resolution strategies to inform future training.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate announced it has published the Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Integrity Library and Epsilon Algorithm Suite to protect against Global Navigation Satellite System spoofing, or deceiving a Global Positioning System (GPS) device through false signals. These resources advance the design of PNT systems and increase resilience of critical infrastructure to PNT disruptions.
To help address growing wildfire-related challenges in America, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) rolled out a new Wildland Fire Science Strategy. The new fire strategy will guide future USGS research and help the agency provide timely and relevant information for land managers to tackle fire risks before they occur, during wildfire response and after the flames go out.
Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas announced the release of the funding notice for eight different types of preparedness grants worth nearly $1.87 billion. Together, these programs provide more than $1.8 billion in critical funding to assist state and local partners in building and sustaining capabilities to prevent, protect against, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism and other disasters.
FLIR Systems Inc. announced the launch of the upgraded FLIR identiFINDER® R440, the next-generation of its field-trusted premium handheld radiation detection system. With improved resolution and sensitivity, the new identiFINDER R440 helps operators identify and respond to radiological threats faster and with greater accuracy.
To bolster the efforts to ensure the continued safety and security of mass transit nationwide, the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has partnered with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority in New York City (NYC) to study how simulated coronavirus aerosols travel through buses and train cars to inform disinfection and other virus mitigation methods.
It is critical for schools to open as safely and as soon as possible, and remain open, to achieve the benefits of in-person learning and key support services. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released a new Operational Strategy for K-12 Schools to incorporate the best available evidence at this time.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for bamlanivimab and etesevimab administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19.
With support from Congress, Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has recently begun working with Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine Operations and U.S. Border Patrol, the Department of Defense, the Coast Guard, the Federal Aviation Administration, and other partners and select vendors on an initiative to test and implement state-of-the-art aerial surveillance technologies, sensors, and capabilities at the northern border.
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) investigated the conditions leading up to the Camp Fire and meticulously reconstructed the sequence of events describing the first 24 hours of its progression. A new report containing the timeline identifies areas where more research is needed to improve life safety and reduce structural losses. It also offers a detailed look at how a large and deadly fire advances.
