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Volpe Center Highlights - January/February 2002

Director's Notes

Director's Notes | Focus | Safety | Mobility | Human and Natural Environment
Economic Growth | National Security | Papers and Presentations

Supporting the President's Homeland Security Mission

Threats to national security, especially through our transportation system, have become a reality that to most U.S. citizens was unthinkable before September 11, 2001. The feelings of shock and vulnerability of that day have turned to vigilance and determination to do everything possible to protect our homeland. As President Bush said in his recent State of the Union address, the government intends to do everything possible to protect our citizens and strengthen our nation against the ongoing threat of another attack. The Volpe Center is dedicated to actively supporting the President's efforts to improve homeland security.

The Center has a 30-year history of supporting the government in addressing security for the nation's transportation system, the military, and other critical facilities and operations. In this time of heightened awareness, we are leveraging our expertise in physical and information security to address continuing and emerging threats.

The Center's systems perspective is particularly suited to the intricate nature of security work. Our approach incorporates advanced technologies into physical and information security networks. Process engineering, human factors, and training are also critical elements in the development and deployment of integrated security systems, such as our ongoing work at the U.S Capitol Complex. We apply a systems approach whether we are conducting a vulnerability analysis of the National Airspace System, deploying communications and tracking systems for the Department of Defense, training U.S. Postal Service employees in identifying and handling hazardous materials, or designing systems that protect our nation's borders.

We are especially proud that the Center is a member of the Technical Support Working Group (TSWG), the U.S. national forum that identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates interagency and international research and development requirements for combating terrorism. The TSWG rapidly develops technologies and equipment to meet the high-priority needs of those combating terrorism, and addresses joint international operational requirements through cooperative R&D with major allies. The Center will continue to serve when and where we are needed to help safeguard national security.

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