Joint Task Forces

DHS has not effectively managed and coordinated Department resources for its Joint Task Forces (JTFs).  Specifically, DHS has not maintained oversight authority through changes in leadership, implemented and updated policies and procedures, identified optimal JTF staffing levels and resources, and established a process to capture total allocated costs associated with JTFs.  In addition, DHS has not fully complied with public law requirements to report to Congress on JTFs’ cost and impact, establish outcome-based performance metrics, and establish and maintain a joint duty training program.  We recommended the DHS Secretary designate a department-level office to manage and oversee JTFs and address public law requirements.  We made seven recommendations to improve DHS’ management and oversight of its JTFs and ensure compliance with legislative requirements.  DHS provided a management response, but declined to comment, since the Acting Secretary is currently reviewing the status and future of the JTFs

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.