DHS' Joint Task Forces

We observed a strong “unity of effort” and commitment among DHS leaders in working together to promote and support the JTFs.  Although the JTFs are a step forward for DHS, they face challenges, including a need for dedicated funding and outcome-based performance measures.  Without dedicated funding, the JTFs rely on components that may have competing or conflicting priorities.  Without performance metrics, the JTFs cannot show the value they add to homeland security operations.  During our fieldwork, Congress passed the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, prompting us to modify our report objective.  This abbreviated report provides our views of successes and some challenges the JTFs face in achieving their mission.  We made no recommendations.