Homeland Security: Requirements for Installation Security Decision Support Systems

Abstract : The terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001 caught the nation off guard and made it apparent that existing homeland security capabilities were inadequate. There also was a realization that federal, state, and local government agencies require an installation security system that serves as an interagency communication and decision support tool. This tool would present one Common Operational Picture (COP), and provide common situational awareness in real time. Such a system must enhance the government's ability to effectively combat terrorism and respond to large-scale emergencies and disasters in a coordinated fashion. Installation security is both a force protection and public safety assurance measure that must detect and identify threats, deter attacks, secure key facilities, and protect personnel to ensure national security and mission readiness. There are currently a number of endeavors being undertaken in parallel efforts to field such a system. None of these endeavors, however, are being coordinated to ensure compatibility or to prevent duplicative effort. This paper will define the requirements for an installation security system, compare the capabilities of the different systems that are currently being proposed, discuss the status of acquiring and fielding these systems, and provide a recommendation about which system best meets the necessary requirements. An automated installation security system, commonly referred to as a Decision Support System (DSS), would provide the following capabilities: (1) instantaneous inter- and intra-agency communication, (2) access to a COP, (3) remote monitoring of alarm or sensor systems (chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear), (4) location tracking of assets in real time, (5) automated public alert and recall or notification of essential and key personnel, and (6) a tie-in to law enforcement criminal background check systems. Twenty-four briefing charts describing PRISM are included.