ALERT | Awareness and Localization of Explosive-Related Threats

CBP-ADEPT-05 Workshop on Advanced Developments Encompassing Processes and Technologies for Customs and Border Protection

ALERT convened the annual Customs and Border Protection Advanced Developments Encompassing Processes and Technologies (CBP-ADEPT05) workshop on July 25 and 26, 2023 at Northeastern University.

Participants were welcomed by ALERT’s Founding Director, Michael Silevitch, who is also the Director of current DHS COE, Soft Target Engineering to Neutralize the Threat Reality (SENTRY). Opening remarks were also provided by Chelsea Thompson, Program Manager with the Office of University Programs, Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate of DHS, and Laura Parker, Senior Advisor for Sensors, also with the S&T Directorate of DHS.

Spearheaded by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)’s Portfolio Manager, David Taylor, this year’s event focused on the development and deployment of algorithms to enhance the interdiction of contraband, with the goal of improving border security. The workshop featured a comprehensive agenda with perspectives from academic researchers, national labs, and industry. Speakers shared updates on algorithms for automatic threat and anomaly recognition, CBP requirements, funding, deployment, testing, quality assurance, access to training and test data, and much more.

Click here to view all the presentations from this year’s event.  

Among the presenters was ALERT Thrust Lead, David Castañón, who shared developments from his research on video analytics and anomaly detection and how it pertains to enhancing customs and border protection. Michael Silevitch shares, “The ALERT mission of anomaly detection is central to advancements in border security. Our continued development of this technology will be of significant benefit to CBP as well as to other stakeholders within DHS.”

Overall, CBP-ADEPT-05 provided an excellent opportunity for experts, stakeholders, and industry members to come together and exchange knowledge and ideas regarding the development and implementation of advanced technologies for enhancing border security and preventing the illegal transportation of contraband.