Public Safety Center Simulates Homeland Security

First responders who want to test their crisis systems and processes can now take advantage of a new commercial homeland security test facility in McLean, Virginia.

According to an article by Robert K. Ackerman in the February 2004 issue of SIGNAL magazine, the public safety integration center (PSIC) is serving as a proving ground for systems and processes for all levels of government responders. San Diego, California-based Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) developed and operates the center, which features hardware and software from dozens of companies as well as potential crisis scenarios developed by government officials.

Ackerman says the facility has two major functions: demonstrating how technologies and processes can be integrated horizontally to serve homeland security needs and to test procedures for emergency responses in potential crises. The center focuses on six key areas of security, including collaboration, access control, intelligence and surveillance, vulnerability and consequence management, interoperable incident management and public safety communications.

The article lists several government organizations that have used the PSIC, including the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Seattle, the Fort Belvoir Night Vision Laboratories and the Naval Research Laboratory.

To find out more about PSIC and read Ackerman's full article, Click HERE>>