Matching Available Datasets with Counterterrorism Workforce Needs
So what?
Two decades of counterterrorism research and activity have produced volumes of material and datasets that working professionals cannot always access or vet. The research team reviewed more than 1,400 journal articles in an effort to curate those datasets best suited for specific research areas. This saves time and removes the burden on the counterterrorism workforce to search for, vet, and utilize existing datasets.
Project Summary
The project will draw from the academic literature and information collected from counterterrorism analysts to identify the most up-to-date datasets that the Department of Homeland Security can provide its counterterrorism workforce. Additionally, the project will administer a “needs and barriers” survey to counterterrorism analysts to capture information on data-related limitations, needs, and best practices for using the data for mission need.
Purpose/Objectives
In line with NCITE’s mission of supporting counterterrorism professionals, this project aims to describe the current landscape of datasets related to counterterrorism and targeted violence and provide information on their reliability, validity, and utility for practitioners.
Method
In Year 1 of this two-year project, the team conducted a literature review to identify sources of domestic violent extremism and targeted violence-related data. In Year 2, researchers will distribute a survey to current counterterrorism analysts to understand the types of data most often used, any barriers or limitations regarding data access or usability, and the type of data analysts would need access to in the future.
Outputs and Impact
- Technical report on data needs and barriers survey, including recommendations for overcoming any identified limitations and barriers
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Michael Logan, Ph.D.
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Steven Windisch, Ph.D.
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