Where does science end and science fiction begin in the Adminstration's War on Terror? Get ready for lie-detecting dogs and radar-detecting bullets, courtesy of the anti-terror agency Technical Support Working Group.

What is this group? From its " about page":

The Technical Support Working Group (TSWG) is the U.S. national forum that identifies, prioritizes, and coordinates interagency and international research and development (R&D) requirements for combating terrorism. The TSWG rapidly develops technologies and equipment to meet the high-priority needs of the combating terrorism community, and addresses joint international operational requirements through cooperative R&D with major allies.

Mission Statement

Conduct the National Interagency research and development program for Combating Terrorism through rapid research, development, and prototyping.

Identify requirements, develop solutions, and execute projects. Customize technology to specific user needs.

According to the Wired News article referenced above:

"TSWG is, in effect, a kind of mini-DARPA, except it is more clearly focused on a counterterrorism mission," according to Stephen Aftergood, a senior research analyst at the Federation of American Scientists (FAS).

TSWG funds projects that range from the commonsensical, like better chemical weapons sensors, to the far out, like intelligent video camera arrays.

...TSWG's budget has grown from $8 million in 1992 to $111 million in 2002 and to over $200 million in 2003. Still, TSWG, under the joint control of the Pentagon and the State Department, remains a tiny operation when compared to DARPA, which will spend almost $2.8 billion dollars on research this year.

Some of the proposals make good sense. Others are way out there. Among the currently funded projects are " bullet-detecting radar to prevent assassinations, a project to extract DNA from fingerprints, a cooling system for body armor and a mass transit surveillance camera system. "