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 Dr. Sharla Rausch. It is supervised by the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology

Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology

The Science and Technology Directorate is the research and development arm of the United States Department of Homeland Security.-Leadership:The Science and Technology Directorate is led by the Under Secretary for Science and Technology...

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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