Supporting Trusted Recognition and Interpretation of Data from Events to Enhance Fusion Center and Law Enforcement Insights
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Project Summary
Suspicious activity reports frequently lack clarity and consistency, making it difficult for analysts to identify threats quickly while protecting civil liberties. Improving how reports are collected, displayed, and interpreted strengthens Fusion Center and law enforcement decision-making. Prior project years identified where both sides break down, and this year turns those findings into working tools.
Purpose/Objectives
The aim is to enhance the reliability, interpretability, and trustworthiness of data flowing from the public and first responders to analysts. Objectives include refining intake questions, building smarter display tools, testing analyst comprehension, and creating toolkits and training for adoption nationwide.
Method
Phase 1 conducts focus groups with Fusion Center personnel from across the United States, who evaluate dashboard features, data visualizations, alert structures, and case management functions to guide prototype refinement. Phase 2 fields a nationally representative survey of U.S. adults measuring familiarity with game-based learning, gaming behavior, learning preferences, digital literacy, reporting knowledge, and reporting self-efficacy. Phase 3 develops a prototype video game and tests it on usability, engagement, learning outcomes, and reporting efficacy.
Outputs and Impact
- Fusion Center dashboard prototype, requirements, design recommendations
- A prototype video game training evaluated on usability, engagement, knowledge acquisition, recognition of suspicious activity indicators, understanding of reporting pathways, and behavioral intention to report
- Implementation guidance and a public video game training toolkit, plus assessment of commercialization and licensing pathways for both the dashboard and the training products
Research Team
Erin Kearns, Ph.D.
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Associate Professor, Head of Prevention Research Initiatives at NCITE
- School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Expertise: Relationship between public perceptions of terrorism and counterterrorism practices, relationship between communities and law enforcement
Joel Elson, Ph.D.
- University of Nebraska at Omaha
- Assistant Professor, NCITE Head of Information Science & Technology Research Initiatives
- College of Information Science and Technology
- Expertise: Human-machine teaming, spatial computing, and terrorism