Challenges in Making and Using Risk Assessments

Sun. 3:30-5:00 p.m., Centennial F

The 2010 National Research Council Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis illuminates the difficulties of building risk analysis capabilities to inform decision making. The Department of Homeland Security uses risk analysis to inform decisions ranging from high-level policy choices to fine-scale protocols that guide the minute-by-minute actions of DHS employees. Although the department is responsible for mitigating a range of threats, natural disasters, and pandemics, its risk analysis efforts are weighted heavily toward terrorism. The report recommended that the department continue to build its integrated risk management framework, improve the way models are developed and used, and follow time-tested scientific practices. In this session DHS officials, members of the NRC report committee, and risk management experts will discuss the report findings and the DHS response as a specific example of the broader challenge.

Stephan Parker Stephan Parker, Moderator
National Academies Transportation Research Board

 

Michael Smith Michael Smith, Panelist
University of Virginia

 

Ellis StanleyEllis Stanley, Panelist
Dewberry

 

PanelistRobert Kolasky, Panelist
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

 

PanelistErnest R. Frazier, Sr., Panelist
Countermeasures Assessment and Security Experts

 

NHC