Michael J. D. Vermeer

@MJDVermeer on Twitter

Physical Scientist

Washington Office

Education

Ph.D. in chemistry, Northwestern University; B.S. in chemistry, Calvin University

Overview

Michael is a technologist with experience in science and technology policy research in criminal justice, homeland security, the intelligence community, and the armed forces. He is an expert on the cybersecurity risks created by quantum computing and the challenges with broad adoption of post-quantum cryptography. He was on the advisory board for the Cybersecurity Moonshot workshop on a Trusted Ecosystem, and he co-leads the Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative, a research partnership identifying technology and policy needs across the criminal justice system. His research portfolio includes long-term strategic planning and risk mitigation related to emerging and disruptive technologies and analyses informing near-term acquisition and implementation decisions.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

National Critical Function Emerging Issue Risk Analysis
Criminal Justice Requirements & Resources Consortium
Quantum Computing and the Future of Encryption
Identifying the Highest Priority Criminal Justice Technology Needs

Selected Publications

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Edward Parker, and Ajay K. Kochhar, Preparing for Post-Quantum Critical Infrastructure: Assessments of Quantum Computing Vulnerabilities of National Critical Functions, RAND Corporation (RR-A1367-6), 2022

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Jeremy D. Barnum, Siara I. Sitar, Dulani Woods, and Brian A. Jackson, Amplifying the Speakers: Identifying High-Priority Needs for Law Enforcement Public Information Officers, RAND Corporation (RR-A108-15), 2022

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Evan D. Peet, Securing Communications in the Quantum Computing Age: Managing the Risks to Encryption, RAND Corporation (RR-3102-RC), 2020

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Dulani Woods, and Brian A. Jackson, Would Law Enforcement Leaders Support Defunding the Police? Probably — If Communities Ask Police to Solve Fewer Problems, RAND Corporation (PE-A108-1), 2020

Jackson, Brian A., Michael J. D. Vermeer, Kristin J. Leuschner, Dulani Woods, John S. Hollywood, Duren Banks, Sean E. Goodison, Joe Russo, and Shoshana R. Shelton, Fostering Innovation Across the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Identifying Opportunities to Improve Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Fairness, RAND Corporation (RR-4242-NIJ), 2020

Vermeer, Michael J. D., Dulani Woods, and Brian A. Jackson, Identifying Law Enforcement Needs for Access to Digital Evidence in Remote Data Centers, RAND Corporation (RR-2240-NIJ), 2018

Honors & Awards

Bronze Medal Award, 2022, RAND
Spotlight Innovation Award, 2019, RAND

Commentary

Cybersecurity

Preparing for a Post-Quantum Future
Future quantum computers could create a significant national security risk by enabling attackers to break a foundational element of security in America's networked communication infrastructure. The United States is taking strides to address national security risks from quantum computing, but there is a long road ahead.
Oct 6, 2022
The RAND Blog
Cybersecurity

Hack Post-Quantum Cryptography Now So That Bad Actors Don't Do It Later
The U.S. government should consider offering a public cash bounty to anyone who can crack the new forms of encryption that are being rolled out to defend against quantum computers. If a bounty helps catch a vulnerability before it's deployed, then the modest cost of the bounty could prevent much higher costs down the line.
Jul 28, 2022
Lawfare

Publications

Report
Reducing Deaths in Law Enforcement Custody: Identifying High-Priority Needs for the Criminal Justice System
On behalf of the National Institute of Justice, RTI International and the RAND Corporation convened a panel of experts to discuss challenges and potential solutions to developing and using a national data collection of law enforcement–related deaths.
Oct 11, 2022
Report
Amplifying the Speakers: Identifying High-Priority Needs for Law Enforcement Public Information Officers
Law enforcement communications staff are crucial to meeting public expectations for transparency and responsiveness to concerns, but little is known about their needs. Researchers held a workshop to identify priorities for improving the profession.
Sep 8, 2022
Report
Preparing for Post-Quantum Critical Infrastructure: Assessments of Quantum Computing Vulnerabilities of National Critical Functions
Researchers assessed quantum computing vulnerabilities in the 55 national critical functions (NCFs) for urgency, scope, cost per organization, other mitigating or exacerbating factors, and priority for assistance. This report documents the findings.
Aug 18, 2022
Report
Intimate Partner Abuse Solution Programs: Identifying High-Priority Needs Within the Criminal Justice System for Programs Focused on Intimate Partner Violence Prevention
Despite widespread use of intimate partner abuse solution programs by court systems and communities, there remains limited information on their effectiveness. The authors convened a panel of experts to better understand the needs of these programs.
Jul 27, 2022
Report
Identifying Critical IT Products and Services
Researchers have identified the software and businesses that provide critical information technology products and services and developed a framework to continue this analysis as technology evolves. They assessed both software risk and business risk.
Jul 6, 2022
Report
Leveraging Technology to Support Prisoner Reentry
The corrections sector increasingly uses technology to provide supervision services and programs for individuals reentering the community after incarceration. Experts identified strategies for employing technology to improve reentry outcomes.
May 3, 2022
Report
Sex Trafficking and Substance Use: Identifying High-Priority Needs Within the Criminal Justice System
In this report, RAND researchers investigate the intersections between substance use disorder and sex trafficking and discuss how these issues complicate victims' identification and screening and their ability to access treatment and legal remedies.
Feb 24, 2022
Report
Community Supervision in a Digital World: Challenges and Opportunities
Increased access to technology and corresponding increases in computer-facilitated crime have resulted in a greater number of tech-savvy individuals under supervision. Experts identified strategies to help officers manage their online activity.
Jul 26, 2021
Research Brief
How the Criminal Justice System's COVID-19 Response Has Provided Valuable Lessons for Broader Reform: Looking to the Future
As the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, stakeholders have an opportunity to reimagine the justice system. This brief presents key lessons learned and recommendations from participants in workshops related to different aspects of the justice system.
Jun 22, 2021
Report
Analyzing a More Resilient National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Capability
The authors assess the costs associated with realistic threats to domestic, nonmilitary uses of the Global Positioning System (GPS), and consider possible additions to the positioning, navigation, and timing ecosystem in light of those costs.
May 17, 2021
Report
Online Dispute Resolution: Perspectives to Support Successful Implementation and Outcomes in Court Proceedings
Online dispute resolution provides a forum for the resolution of court matters that was especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. A panel of experts identified strategies to improve access to justice using these platforms.
May 14, 2021
Research Brief
Promising Practices from Community Corrections Organizations' COVID-19 Response: Ensuring Safety in the Community
This brief highlights the challenges that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic posed for community supervision organizations, how they adapted to those challenges, and a discussion of which adaptations might hold promise after the pandemic.
Apr 30, 2021
Research Brief
Promising Practices from Law Enforcement's COVID-19 Response: Protecting the Public
This brief highlights the challenges that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic posed for law enforcement agencies, how they adapted to those challenges, and a discussion of which adaptations might hold promise after the pandemic.
Apr 30, 2021
Research Brief
Promising Practices from the Court System's COVID-19 Response: Ensuring Access to Justice While Protecting Public Health
This brief highlights the challenges that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic posed for the court system, how courts adapted to those challenges, and a discussion of which adaptations might hold promise after the pandemic.
Apr 30, 2021
Research Brief
Promising Practices from the Institutional Corrections System's COVID-19 Response: Managing Safety and Security on the Inside
This brief highlights the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic created, shows how corrections agencies adapted to the challenges, describes which adaptations may hold promise, and provides evaluations to demonstrate the efficacy of such adaptations.
Apr 30, 2021
Research Brief
Promising Practices from Victim Services Providers' COVID-19 Response: Protecting Victims and Those Who Serve Them
This brief highlights the challenges that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic posed for victims services providers, describes how they adapted to those challenges, and discusses which adaptations might hold promise after the pandemic.
Apr 30, 2021
Report
The U.S. Criminal Justice System in the Pandemic Era and Beyond: Taking Stock of Efforts to Maintain Safety and Justice Through the COVID-19 Pandemic and Prepare for Future Challenges
The Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative convened a set of workshops with justice practitioners to take stock of responses to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. They identified key challenges, system innovations, and lessons for the future.
Apr 8, 2021
Report
Wearable Sensor Technology and Potential Uses Within Law Enforcement: Identifying High-Priority Needs to Improve Officer Safety, Health, and Wellness Using Wearable Sensor Technology
Data from wearable sensor technologies (WSTs) could be used to assess and improve police officer health and well-being. A panel of experts identified ways to implement WSTs in law enforcement settings, evaluate them, and obtain buy-in from officers.
Nov 2, 2020
Report
Risk and Needs Assessments in Prisons: Identifying High-Priority Needs for Using Evidence-Based Practices
Prison systems are underresourced and might lack the capacity to implement risk and needs assessments that reduce recidivism. A panel of experts identified ways to address and improve the use of these tools in prisons.
Sep 9, 2020
Report
The Law Enforcement Response to Homelessness: Identifying High-Priority Needs to Improve Law Enforcement Strategies for Addressing Homelessness
Police often are the first (and sometimes the only) point of government contact for persons experiencing homelessness. A panel of experts identified ways to address and improve their response to homelessness.
Aug 25, 2020
Report
Would Law Enforcement Leaders Support Defunding the Police? Probably — If Communities Ask Police to Solve Fewer Problems
The authors describe police leaders' views on defunding the police -- that is, budgeting less money for police and more for other public safety strategies -- and explain why revisiting law enforcement's role in society could have broad appeal.
Aug 20, 2020
Report
Autonomous Road Vehicles and Law Enforcement: Identifying High-Priority Needs for Law Enforcement Interactions With Autonomous Vehicles Within the Next Five Years
Autonomous vehicles promise many benefits, but questions remain about how law enforcement officers will interact with them. A panel of experts identified ways to address this challenge.
Jul 16, 2020
Report
Countering Technology-Facilitated Abuse: Criminal Justice Strategies for Combating Nonconsensual Pornography, Sextortion, Doxing, and Swatting
Online platforms that enable users to interact virtually have given rise to new methods of perpetrating harassment and other criminal behaviors that compromise victims' privacy and safety. A panel of experts identified ways to address this challenge.
Jun 18, 2020
Report
Countering Drug-Impaired Driving: Addressing the Complexities of Gathering and Presenting Evidence in Drug-Impaired Driving Cases
Driving under the influence of drugs is a serious and growing threat to public safety. Addressing these cases involves identifying impairment and presenting complex evidence in court. A panel of experts identified ways to address this challenge.
May 7, 2020
Report
Data-Informed Jails: Challenges and Opportunities
Jails produce vast amounts of data because of the expanding scope of services they are expected to provide. However, most jails are not using these data to improve operations or outcomes. A panel of experts identified ways to address this challenge.
May 4, 2020
Report
Securing Communications in the Quantum Computing Age: Managing the Risks to Encryption
What risks are posed by the development of quantum computers able to crack digital encryption, and how quickly will postquantum cryptography (PQC) that can withstand quantum attacks be standardized and adopted to protect communications security?
Apr 9, 2020
Report
Fostering Innovation Across the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Identifying Opportunities to Improve Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Fairness
In this report, the authors draw on panel discussions from the five-year Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative and focus on needs that apply to law enforcement, the courts, and corrections agencies.
Mar 23, 2020
Report
Naval Aviation Maintenance System: Analysis of Alternatives
This report presents the results of an analysis of alternatives for fielding the Naval Aviation Maintenance System, which is intended to help modernize the U.S. Navy's afloat and ashore maintenance capabilities.
Mar 9, 2020
Tool
A Database of Criminal Justice Needs for Innovation: Requirements for Developers and Funders: User Guide
Since 2015, the Priority Criminal Justice Needs Initiative has published more than 20 reports identifying and prioritizing criminal justice needs for innovation. This product provides a database of all of the needs generated during the Initiative.
Mar 5, 2020
Report
Air Force Capability Development Planning: Analytical Methods to Support Investment Decisions
RAND Project AIR FORCE examines analytical methods for Air Force capability development planning under conditions of deep uncertainty.
Dec 11, 2019
Report
Law Enforcement Efforts to Fight the Opioid Crisis: Convening Police Leaders, Multidisciplinary Partners, and Researchers to Identify Promising Practices and to Inform a Research Agenda
An expert panel of law enforcement leaders identified promising efforts to combat the opioid crisis, including connecting people to needed medications, effectively collaborating to achieve community buy-in, and protecting officers on the front lines.
Sep 6, 2019
Report
Fostering Innovation to Respond to Top Challenges in Law Enforcement: Proceedings of the National Institute of Justice's 2018 Chiefs' Panel on Priority Law Enforcement Issues and Needs
An expert panel of law enforcement leaders identified challenges facing law enforcement today, and their priorities are presented in this report. Panel members discussed needs for innovation that, if pursued, might help resolve those challenges.
Jul 22, 2019
Report
Using Video Analytics and Sensor Fusion in Law Enforcement: Building a Research Agenda That Includes Business Cases, Privacy and Civil Rights Protections, and Needs for Innovation
Video technology is changing the ways that law enforcement works and interacts with the public. In this report, the authors explore some of the challenges posed and innovation needs in this emerging area.
Dec 28, 2018
Report
Using Social Media and Social Network Analysis in Law Enforcement: Creating a Research Agenda, Including Business Cases, Protections, and Technology Needs
This report describes the proceedings of an April 2017 expert workshop on the use of social media and social network analysis in law enforcement.
Jul 18, 2018
Report
Identifying Law Enforcement Needs for Access to Digital Evidence in Remote Data Centers
Researchers discuss the challenge of accessing data in remote data centers, summarize the discussion of an expert panel, and provide a list of needs identified and prioritized by the panel to inform concerned communities and stakeholders.
Apr 23, 2018
Report
Strategies to Mitigate the Impact of Electronic Communication and Electronic Devices on the Right to a Fair Trial
In this report, an expert panel identifies ways that electronic communication can impact the right to a fair trial and recommends strategies to protect witnesses from intimidation and jurors from compromising their independence.
Apr 10, 2018
Report
National Guard Youth ChalleNGe: Program Progress in 2015–2016
National Guard Youth ChalleNGe is a residential, quasi-military program for young people at risk of dropping out of high school. This report provides information on recent ChalleNGe participants and develops metrics of program success.
Nov 1, 2017