The Homeland Security Institute’s training-tracking registration system is intended to feed into a credentialing tool which forms the basis for the orderly deployment of first responders in a disaster or terrorist attack. Rapid and accurate tracking of units and individual personnel at a large-scale incident is essential. Incident managers need to have a good
handle on WHO is on the scene, with WHAT credentials, WHEN did they arrive and depart, and WHERE are they located or assigned.
In the wake of the Oklahoma City attack in 1995, over 28,000 first responders poured into the area. Even in this relatively benign environment, it took emergency managers nearly two weeks to set up an ad hoc credentialing system which would allow them to deploy assets in a systematic fashion. In the face of a WMD incident, where the threat agent both lingers and spreads, we must have a system in place which cuts through the fog of confusion.
Lever aging technology, a credentialing system might include smart cards (encasing computer 
chips) issued to each first responder, scanner enabled lap-tops and PDAs, and wireless technology which connects these components to the training and registration system. In addition to containing training and certification information, smart cards carried by every first responder could include digitally encoded biometric data for security and identification purposes, medical information which could be important for emergency treatment, and additional data deemed important by discipline or unit.
Our challenge is to develop a scalable system which has hardened components that can operate under difficult conditions. In order to be cost-effective and sustainable it must also serve a day-to-day purpose for first responders at all levels. The HSI is studying the needs of each discipline, Emergency Operations Centers, and state emergency managers. Although the Credentialing Project is not our initial priority, we are collecting relevant information on initiatives being taken by the federal government and other states. Given the fact that any WMD attack response will likely require interstate mutual aid, it is important that our credentialing efforts mesh with the efforts of others. As we begin construction of the training-tracking system, we will have a better idea of the requirements for credentialing.
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