SIA Congressional Briefing: Understanding the Role of Emerging Technologies in Protecting the Homeland

About the Event

Join the Security Industry Association (SIA) for an interactive forum to explore how the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is harnessing emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to better protect the homeland. S&T Under Secretary Dimitri Kusnezov will guide a discussion with industry experts on how technologies such as AI are providing homeland security operators, including first responders, new options to reduce operational risk and enhance decision-making capabilities and boost mission effectiveness.

Under Secretary Kusnezov will speak to core return on investment research impacts, including tools for improving screening, detection, awareness and recognition tasks, which are scaling to help security operators save lives and better adapt to a quickly changing security environments. Additionally, as co-chair of the DHS AI Task Force,  Kusnezov will share updates on departmental efforts to lead in the responsible use of AI to secure the homeland and defend against the malicious use of advanced technology.

The discussion will cover examples where emerging technologies are improving the effectiveness of the workforce – saving time and resources to enhance security and preparedness outcomes.

Discussion topics will include:

• Pattern recognition to improve inspections and screening and detection for security operators working at ports of entry and infrastructure protection environments
• Predictive analytics and computer vision to detect illicit material, including fentanyl, weapons and other contraband items, enabling agents in the field and intelligence officers to make better informed data-driven decisions
• Data analysis, imaging and visualization to identify dangerous patterns that may indicate criminal activities, including transnational criminal organization activity

Recognizing there are no single point solutions to safeguarding the nation and identifying better ways to attack problems, this discussion will also address how reductions in S&T research funding will significantly impact the department’s ability to address near-term capability gaps across all DHS missions and technology domains.

Lunch will be provided. Note this event is considered a “widely attended event” and complies with House and Senate ethics guidelines.