Mumbai Attacks Reinforce the Need for Homeland Security Efforts; Biometrics

The Mumbai attacks have reinforced the need for homeland security efforts. Biometrics research should be a large part of a multi-pronged effort.
A new NDIA conference will address these needs.

On 5 JUNE 2008, The President of the United States issued a national directive aimed at enhancing the security of our nation, its citizens and infrastructure, through the use and application of biometrics. The document is entitled, "Homeland Security Presidential Directive/HSPD – 24." The subject of the directive is, "Biometrics for Identification and Screening to Enhance National Security."
The Attorney General working with the Secretaries of State, Defense and Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence and the Director of the Office of Science and Technology is charged to develop an Action Plan for implementing HSPD-24 by June 2009. NDIA’s Biometric Conference 2009 is designed to be an open forum for identifying and discussing practical approaches to the challenges of successfully implementing HSPD-24. The NDIA conference will examine a broad spectrum of issues ranging from:
Policy development
Existing and planned U.S. Government programs
Examples of commercial application of biometrics to address mission critical business goals
Enabling technologies
Initiatives within the international community
Challenges to achieving true interoperability and information sharing.
The conference’s goal is to develop a mutual understanding and cardinal direction for possible solutions wherein jurisdiction gaps are closed, technologies are interoperable and policies are cohesive.
HSPD-24, "Biometrics for Identification and Screening to Enhance National Security," June 2008, creates the framework for a biometric network to defeat a terrorist network by "sharing of biometric and associated biographical and contextual information." It calls for "layered approach to identification and screening of individuals, as no single mechanism is sufficient" across multiple sovereign jurisdictions of Federal, States, local and tribal authorities. The Federal Government has responsibility for 115 airports, 14 seaports, 150 land ports, 220 consulates and two sea borders and the two land borders with numerous waterways. On that layer, add the 50 states and municipalities. HSPD-24 is challenged by multiple jurisdictions, different technologies and policies.