DHS' Joint Task Forces

The Department of Homeland Security made progress in implementing the JTFs since their inception in 2014. According to JTF leaders, operational effectiveness and efficiency has increased; staff morale has improved; and components have successfully worked together to promote information sharing and communication.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.The Department of Homeland Security made progress in implementing the JTFs since their inception in 2014. According to JTF leaders, operational effectiveness and efficiency has increased; staff morale has improved; and components have successfully worked together to promote information sharing and communication.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.We made no recommendations.