RAND Homeland Security Research Division

The RAND Homeland Security Research Division (HSRD) conducts research and analysis for the U.S. government; state, local, and tribal governments; and private foundations. HSRD operates the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC), an FFRDC operated by RAND under contract with the Department of Homeland Security.

HSRD is a mission critical and strategic partner for the Department of Homeland Security and the homeland security enterprise.

Explore Our Work

Immigration

The nation’s immigration system is complex. HSRD’s products focus on evaluating the effectiveness and implications of immigration enforcement policies and practices.

Border Security

The threats facing the homeland are numerous and vast. HSRD partners with Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Coast Guard, and DHS law enforcement agencies to provide insights and analyses that contribute to the development of more effective air, land, and maritime border security measures balancing security with the facilitation of legitimate trade and travel.

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Federal, state, and local law enforcement play pivotal roles in safeguarding people and property throughout the United States. HSRD helps law enforcement agencies improve their operational capabilities to enhance public safety.

Combatting Transnational Criminal Organizations and Counterterrorism

Transnational criminal organizations and terrorist groups pose significant threats to global security and stability. HSRD analyzes the strategies, tactics, and networks of terrorist groups and criminal organizations to support national security and law enforcement agencies in developing effective countermeasures.

Technology and Innovation

The explosive growth of different technological tools exposes a new frontier of threats and opportunities for the United States. HSRD is at the forefront in exploring the intersection of technology and innovation to bolster homeland defense.

Recent Sponsors

Sponsors of RAND Homeland Security Research Division projects include:

  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
  • DHS Office of Chief Readiness Support Officer
  • DHS Office of Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction
  • DHS Office of Policy
  • DHS Office of Program Accountability and Risk Management
  • DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Federal Protective Service
  • FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute (EMI)
  • Office of Homeland Security Statistics
  • Transportation Security Administration (TSA)
  • U. S. Coast Guard (USCG)
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
  • U.S. Secret Service
See More research and commentary

Recent Projects

Insights From Our Experts

HSRD operates the Homeland Security Operational Analysis Center (HSOAC), a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC) sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). HSRD also conducts research and analysis for other federal, state, local, tribal, and public- and private-sector organizations that make up the homeland security enterprise. In addition, HSRD conducts research and analysis on homeland security matters for U.S. allies and private foundations.

More About HSOAC

Latest from HSOAC

Research Programs