This project has concluded. Details on the project are below.

Synopsis

This research addresses the goals of DHS to measure, assess, and predict the impact of security and cargo flow processes, in order to facilitate secure and legitimate trade and travel. A robust Risk Assessment and Participatory Operational Assessment methodology is created for the project to help improve processing times and operational efficiency of inbound containerized cargoes in U.S. Ports of Entry, while the land border of Loredo, Texas will serve as a testbed. A wealth of land-borders related data is analyzed to examine the impact and relation among different productivity factors. 

The project seeks to satisfy the compelling need to intensify the security risk management and cargo screening processes for cargoes and passengers, at U.S. land borders, POEs and overseas. It specifically addresses the mission of U.S Customs and Border Protection to scan 100 percent of inbound containerized cargoes and screen all passengers and cargoes in the 328 sea, land and air ports of entry within the nation. 

The deliverables for the first year will apply to seaport containers. The second year will apply to land border containers transported by land via trucks and rails. 

Presentations and Publications

Presentation | 2017 PI Meeting

Poster | 2017 BTI Institute Showcase

Paper | Participatory Operational & Security Assessment on homeland security risks: an empirical research method for improving security beyond the borders through public/private partnerships