Integrated Technologies

The next-generation countermeasure architecture, under development, integrates technologies and operations to find and defeat improvised explosive devices in crowd situations.
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Next-Generation Countermeasure Architecture System

Unstructured crowds present many challenges for detection and defeat of concealed threats. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is seeking the best combinations of sensors and technologies to integrate into an overall countermeasure architecture—a suite of sensors, technologies, and operations that are integrated, deployed, and operated as a system. Ideally, this architecture will integrate seamlessly with the flow of patrons and the venue's business and security operations.

To address the wide range of venues and operational models, STIDP is developing a "tool box" of technologies and a suite of design principles and operational concepts that could be used to protect venues from explosives threats. A key concept is the ability to enable "plug and play" of an evolving suite of standoff and remotely operated sensors.

A second-generation conceptual countermeasure architecture was developed based on field test results of a first-generation architecture, input from industry and government, and an extensive survey of existing and emerging technologies from the open literature.

Overview

A Next-Generation Countermeasure Architecture to Prevent Explosives Attacks at Large Public Events.

The architecture being developed uses a layered-defense approach that automates screening operations, prioritizing threats and mobilizing resources accordingly. A video-based system tracks people as they move and displays their position and sensor status to operators via a geographic information system. A threat and asset management system automatically targets individuals who present higher risk levels and then identifies the appropriate sensor for screening. Where warranted, a second scan of an individual is obtained with a different kind of sensor. An optimized operator interface allows the operator focus on risk management and provides real-time video and sensor data to law enforcement serving as spotters or interdiction teams.

In total, the integrated architecture improves the countermeasure effectiveness by greatly reduces labor requirements, improving situational awareness, and enabling operators to focus on risk management. The Department of Homeland Security is working with industry on technology development and testing to achieve the required level of system integration and economics in crowd conditions.

To evolve the architecture, STIDP is using a stage-gate approach with testing and development cycles to accelerate viable technical solutions. End users provide input on requirements, system design, and the usability of the deployed equipment. STIDP is developing detailed operational and technical requirements that will help drive industry solutions. Product maturation funds are made available to vendors to adapt and integrate their technologies to meet the architecture's requirements.