Field Interrogation Support Tool (FIST)

[George W. Maschke]

In fiscal year 2005, the Department of Defense budgeted $696,000 for the development of a voice stress analyzer to be evaluated by Special Operations Command. Marty Kauchak, in an article titled Defense Acquisition Challenge Program" published by Special Operations Technology on 16 August 2005 writes:

Field Interrogation Support Tool (FIST)

USSOCOM, Army and Marines will evaluate the Concurrent Technologies Corp., Johnstown, PA, and NITV Federal Services, West Palm Beach, FL, FIST project for use in conducting interpersonal operations and interrogation while in a combat environment.

Deployed SOF and other military and government personnel involved in law enforcement require a system that provides a capability to determine, with a high degree of accuracy and reliability, truthfulness or deception while conducting interpersonal operations and interrogation in combat, tactical, field and operational settings.

FIST will employ proven software currently used in the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer hosted on a laptop for processing voice—with several changes. First, the two vendors will rewrite the software algorithms making it possible to re-host the software in a handheld personnel digital assistant device for SOF. Second, automated graphical display features, which currently require manual evaluation by a trained technician, will also be enhanced for field use. Finally, on-the-spot evaluation, by personnel without specialized skills training, will by made possible.

The FIST reduces cost, size and weight, while increasing system capability over existing systems.

A DoD budgetary document provides the following line-item description for this project:

	Service	FY 2004	FY 2005	FY 2006	FY 2007
Field Interrogation Support Tool	USSOCOM	0.000	0.696	0.000	0.00

The Field Interrogation Support Tool (FIST) is a hand-held computerized voice stress analysis device which hosts technology for use in interpersonal operations. It makes use of proven software currently used in the Computer voice Stress Analzer^TM and hosted in a COTS laptop for processing voice. This DAC will rewrite the software algorithms making it possible to re-host the software in a hand-held Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Automated graphical display features currently require manual evaluation by a trained technician will also be provided but enhanced for field use and on the spot evaluation by personnel without specialized skills training.
The new product will be repackaged into the hand-held device for SOF, however use by other services and government agencies involved in law enforcement are expected to purchase this product.

Vendor(s): Concurrent Technologies Corp. (Fl)
Program Office of Record: USSOCOM PEO, Information and Intelligence Systems (IIS)

FY 2005 Plans: Project funding received. Contract for and receive test articles. Analyze data. Conduct Phase I technical testing. Conduct Operational Test. Milestone C Decision. Submit DACP Close-out Report.

The Field Interrogation Support Tool is a boondoggle. The National Institute of Truth Verification, whose Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA) technology is behind the project, has admitted in court that its device "is not capable of lie detection." Not only is taxpayer money being funneled to a coterie of charlatans, but the missions and safety of U.S. military personnel will also be endangered to the extent that they place any reliance on the readings of this quack device.

If our armed forces really want a hand-held voice based lie-detector with automated graphical display features, they can purchase the Handy Truster off-the-shelf. The National Institute of Truth Verification's technology has not been proven to detect deception or verify truth any better than this toy.

[momee]

Pork and boondoggles?

In my research of the (in a booming megaphone voice) "NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR TRUTH VERIFICATION" ... I decided to check out political contributions... these folks donate more money to the GOP than DeLay's buddies.

I don't want to turn this into a political party debate, but it may be of interest to some.

http://www.newsmeat.com/fec/bystate_detail.php?st=FL&last=Humble&first=Charles

[momee]

Those who have been following the CVSA issue in depth and know more than I :

Is there any correlation between the state senatorial campaigns NITV founder has contributed to and the legal status of CVSA in those particular states?

[George W. Maschke]

momee,

Local law enforcement agencies around the country are generally free to use CVSA to interrogate criminal suspects if they so desire. In any event, U.S. senators wouldn't make the local laws. It is interesting that Humble has been contributing to the campaigns of senators from outside his home state of Florida. It might be more revealing to look at the committee assignments of the senators to whom he has given campaign contributions.

[momee]

Re committee membership. We have Foreign Relations Chair, Armed Services, and a Homeland Security.

Might help explain the use of CVSA federally.