Impact of Technology on Homeland Security - Annotated Bibliography Example

Impact of technology on Homeland Security Annotated Bibliography: Impact of technology on Homeland Security IntroductionBraun defines technology “as the ways and means by which humans produce purposeful material artefacts and effects” (Braun, 1998). From the definition, it is evident that technology has been a benefit as well as a curse depending on the view taken when delivering an opinion on technology. What remains to be true on technology is that it has changed the lives of people since agricultural revolution and manner other technological advances that have been seen in the present day use of internet in almost all facets of human living. Technology has also impacted on homeland security over the years, and it is on this basis that this paper is aimed at developing a critical annotated bibliography on the impact of technology on homeland security. Critical bibliography on the Technologies impact on Homeland Security Jones, J., (2003). Active, non-intrusive inspection technologies for homeland defense. Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Retrieved from http://www.inl.gov/technicalpublications/Documents/2585364.pdf The article explains that active and non-intrusive inspection technologies have been in use for over 100 years with the main focus being radiographic imaging. The article demonstrates the presence of a number of technologies that have been fronted for use owing to their unique capabilities, but sadly less used. The reasons for the lack of use include reliance on passive detection systems and concerns about safety of radiation by the public. The article’s strength is that it provides the opportunity to have an understanding Homeland security challenges in the US require out of the box solutions provided by technology despite the fact that they take a lot of time for implementation. The other strength of the article is that it provides ways through which technology can be used well to harness positive impact for Homeland Security, overcome challenges, and reviews new technology that can aid in solving challenges for Homeland security. Current technologies used for efficiency in Homeland Security include equipment for imaging, explosive, radiation, and nuclear material detection. The article has one limitation in that it does not categorically state the limitations inherent in technology in its application to homeland security. Homeland Security. (February 3, 2015). DHS Digital Strategy. Retrieved on February 10, 2015 from http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-digital-strategy The article states the measures being undertaken by the Obama administration in ensuring agencies are more efficient and coordinated through embracing digital service delivery. The article then gives the measures being taken by the department of homeland security to meet the digital service delivery to ensure better access to data and information by the citizens, procure and manage applications, services, and smart data in a safe, efficient, and secure manner, and harness the power of big data. The articles strength is that it captures some of the impacts of technology to homeland security including access to innovations and improvements such as cloud computing and agile development and mobility allowing for value delivery. The other impact of technology on homeland security captured in the article is quality service delivery through better use of departmental data, promote innovation and leverage on unique mobile computing for further service delivery. The article will be very useful in the research is it provides a first-hand account of the impacts of technology on homeland security from the department of homeland security. Orphan, V., Muenchau, E., Gormley, J. & Richardson, R. (2005). Advanced y ray technology for scanning cargo containers. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 63 (5/6), 723-732. The article provides a comprehensive discussion on the use of SAIC scanning technology in improving the efficiency of cargo screening in Los Angeles, Oakland, San Diego, and Seattle ports. The benefit of the technology to Homeland Security is that it produces radiographic images of the vehicles and containers in less than a minute allowing for fast screening and avoidance of congestion in ports without compromising security. There is the use of the SAIC technology at all seaports in the United States, and the mechanisms of use of the SAIC technology are well explained by the article allowing for better understanding. The strengths are inherent in the article making it an important addition to the literature in the research include that it is published in a peer-reviewed journal depicting credibility. The other strength is that the articles provide insightful information on current technology used by Homeland security allowing the research to gauge its effectiveness in measuring the impact of technology on Homeland Security. The authors of the article have wide recognition as writers in the scanning technology field making the article an important addition to the literature. The main limitation of the research is that it focuses only on the technology used in ports, which is only a facet of the functions under Homeland security. Gozani, T. (2007). Principles and applications of neutron-based inspection techniques. Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research, 261 (1-2), 311-315. The article reviews the use of neutron based explosive inspection systems and its ability to detect a lot of substances including explosives, nuclear materials, and narcotics for national security reasons. The article explains the measures for use in neutron based technology in Homeland security at airports and other points of entry. The article is relevant to the literature review because it relays the research development that will impact Homeland Security in terms of improving the technology use it positively. The article proffers the current technology used in homeland and the potential for better technology in neutron based systems. Illicit cargo detection is the main impact that is highlighted by the article in terms of the impact of the technology on Homeland Security. Hazi, A. (2005). Screening cargo containers to remove a terrorist threat. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, United States Department of Energy. The article makes an informative description of the intersection of commerce and security at seaports in terms of ensuring security is checked while activities at the airport run smoothly. The effect is the need to have the improved technology at seaports with the article explaining the research undertaken by Lawrence Livermore researchers on radiation science and detection to achieve this goal. The article explains the neutron interrogation system for cargo containers that will allow for quick screening of shipments for plutonium and highly enriched uranium, nuclear materials. The article tackles an important Homeland Security function, hence an important addition to the research owing to the in-depth analysis of technology improvement for nuclear material detection at seaports. This information will be important in the review of the literature of the research on the impact of technology on Homeland Security. Homeland Security. (December 15, 2008). Privacy Impact Assessment for the Future Attribute Technology (FAST) Project. The article reviews the impacts of the Fast project that aims at ensuring innovation and technology is harnessed to support, apply, and advance homeland technology in the provision of better security for the homeland. The article makes an exposure of the different technological tools that are poised for screening of people in evaluation of suspicious behaviour and the judgement of the implications of the behaviours. The article demonstrates the benefits of the FAST project including the ability of Homeland personnel to rapidly assess potential threats. The article has strengths that make it an important addition to the literature review including that it is authored by Homeland Security providing information on the first-hand experiences and the technological needs of the department in dealing with security issues. The article touches on the impacts of technology on certain functions of Homeland Security, which form the main basis for the research hence the need to have the research as part of the literature. The article also depicts the measures that are taken to ensure the privacy of the participants and the general public faced by technological improvements in Homeland security making an argument for the impact of technology on Homeland Security. Office of the President of the United States of America. (April, 2005). Science and Technology a Foundation for Homeland Security. The article states the importance of science and technology in protecting the homeland both from catastrophic events and terrorism. Radiological, medical, and nuclear countermeasures, biological & chemical threat detection, and use of protection are the avenues for use of technology in defending the homeland from catastrophic events. The articles detail different aspects through which science and technology have been monumental in dealing with terrorism. The facets through which science and technology play an important role include research and development coordination, intent detection, technical analysis, biometric identification, first responder capabilities among other ways analysed in the article. The article involves the highest office in the land and is aimed at making policy hence high credibility of the research. The article also provides in-depth attention on both terrorism and catastrophic protection through the use of technology, which are the main homeland functions. This makes the article an important piece for inclusion in the research literature on technology impacts on Homeland Security. Jackson, B. (January 2009). “Technology Strategies for Homeland Security: Adaptation and Coevolution of Offense and Defense.” Homeland Security Affairs 5, (4), https://www.hsaj.org/articles/109 The article begins with the portrayal of the actions of terrorists that are mainly anchored on production of fear and damage with the main use of technology. To counter terrorism, Homeland Technology has a reliance on technology to be in a position to meet these threats head on and protect Americans. The article expounds on the adaptation and coevolution of offense and defence by terrorists and Homeland Security respectively with emphasis on the use of technology in the process. Terrorist tailor activities are depending on the technology and weapons at their disposal. The article demonstrates the need to have technology that is flexible in building defensive approaches, shaping choices for the adversaries, and reducing sensitivity to change and adaptation to terrorists. The article takes on the core functions of Homeland security and takes a lot of research and examples of the technology used by both terrorists and homeland security. The article takes time to explain the need for technology incorporation in Homeland security. The article will provide the much-needed emphasis on the impact of technology on Homeland Security. The article also forms a platform to blend the other research on other functions of Homeland Security with the terrorist activities touched on by the article to make comprehensive research. Conclusion The articles depict the monumental role played by technology in the activities by Homeland security in ensuring the safety of the American citizens. There is a huge quantity of research that points to the dependence on technology at Homeland security especially in the prevention and enforcement phases of protecting the homeland. The sources are wide and written by varied authors under different organizations and aimed at meeting different purposes allowing for the research authenticity, reduced bias, and objectivity. The articles will aid in the formation of a strong conclusion on the impacts of technology on Homeland Security. References Braun, E. (1998). Technology in context: Technology assessment for managers. London: Routledge. Jones, J., (2003). Active, non-intrusive inspection technologies for homeland defense. Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory, Retrieved from http://www.inl.gov/technicalpublications/Documents/2585364.pdf Homeland Security. (February 3, 2015). DHS Digital Strategy. Retrieved on February 10, 2015 from http://www.dhs.gov/dhs-digital-strategy Orphan, V., Muenchau, E., Gormley, J. & Richardson, R. (2005). Advanced y ray technology for scanning cargo containers. Applied Radiation and Isotopes, 63 (5/6), 723-732. Gozani, T. (2007). Principles and applications of neutron-based inspection techniques. Nuclear Instruments & Methods in Physics Research, 261 (1-2), 311-315. Hazi, A. (2005). Screening cargo containers to remove a terrorist threat. Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, United States Department of Energy. Homeland Security. (December 15, 2008). Privacy Impact assessment for the Future Attribute Technology (FAST) Project. Office of the President of the United States of America. (April, 2005). Science and Technology a Foundation for Homeland Security. Read More