Homeland Security Research Division

The Homeland Security Research Division (HSRD) is the research unit within RAND that houses the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center, an FFRDC operated by RAND under contract with the Department of Homeland Security. HSRD also serves as the platform by which RAND communicates relevant research from across its units with the broader homeland security enterprise.

Explore Research on Homeland Security Issues

  • Facial recognition technology being used in an airport, photo by izusek/Getty Images

    Report

    How Law Enforcement Can Mitigate Bias in Machine Learning Decision Aids

    Jan 21, 2021

    Bias in law enforcement systems that use artificial intelligence and machine learning can cause or exacerbate inequity. Agencies can avoid bias by establishing standards for measuring it, weighing the costs of biased outcomes, and providing workforce development and training in the emerging technologies.

  • The Polar Star is one of two existing U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers capable of operating in heavy polar ice, photo by U.S. Coast Guard

    Report

    The United States Needs More Polar Icebreakers

    Dec 8, 2020

    Icebreaking is important for maintaining polar presence amid increasing global interest in the Arctic and Antarctic. Only two U.S. cutters are capable of operating in heavy polar ice, and both have limited life spans. What should the Coast Guard consider as it builds new icebreakers?

  • FEMA staff at a mobile center assist residents with registration and answer questions about disaster-assistance programs in the aftermath of Hurricane Sally, September 2020, photo by FEMA

    Research Brief

    Harassment and Discrimination in the FEMA Workplace

    Dec 2, 2020

    A survey of FEMA personnel found that 29 percent of employees experienced a sex- or race/ethnicity–based civil rights violation in the past year. The survey results reveal areas in need of improvement and will help guide FEMA leadership decisions about programming and policy responses.

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