Critical Releases in Homeland Security: November 12, 2014

From the Abstract: "This research proposes that violent gangs are similar to insurgent cells in their organization and their methods of gaining control of an area or population. Recognizing that insurgent organizations and gangs are complex adaptive systems, this monograph uses Jamshid Gharajedagi's context, structure, function, and process analytical model to compare the two phenomena. The monograph will use New Orleans, Louisiana as a case study to illustrate the similarities between gangs and insurgents, and, to examine the efficacy of a counterinsurgency approach to addressing the gang problem. The hypothesis for this monograph is that some aspects of counterinsurgency theory and doctrine are applicable to combating violent gangs in New Orleans. To develop the argument in support of the hypothesis, the research will seek to answer the following research questions: Do violent gangs in New Orleans, resemble insurgent cells, if so, in what ways? What aspects of counterinsurgency theory or doctrine apply to countering violent gangs? What changes in doctrine, organization or technology will help New Orleans' law enforcement and its government in countering gang violence in its neighborhoods? To answer the research questions, this study will include literature reviews and data analysis from the academic fields of political science, criminology, sociology, and history. The research concludes by recommending an operational approach that will aid the City of New Orleans and its Police Department in combating violent neighborhood gangs."

"Recent quarantine policies announced by several states, including New York and New Jersey, for travelers arriving from areas affected by the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease have raised legal and constitutional questions about federal and state authority to order quarantine and isolation measures. Both the federal and state governments have authority to impose isolation and quarantine measures to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. While the terms are often used interchangeably, quarantine and isolation are two distinct concepts. Quarantine typically refers to separating or restricting the movement of individuals who have been exposed to a contagious disease but are not yet sick. Isolation refers to separating infected individuals from those who are not sick. Historically, the primary authority for quarantine and isolation exists at the state level as an exercise of the state's police power in accordance with its particular laws and policies. Generally, state and local quarantines are authorized through public health orders, though some states may require a court order before an individual is detained. The Supreme Court has indicated that at least where Congress has not taken action, it is 'well settled' that states may impose quarantines to prevent the spread of disease. Nevertheless, the federal government has jurisdiction over interstate and foreign quarantines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is authorized to take measures 'to prevent the introduction, transmission, or spread of communicable diseases from foreign countries into the States or possessions, or from one State or possession into any other State or possession.'"

"Fusion centers play a key role in sharing threat information among all levels of government and the private sector. Federal agencies support these centers by providing personnel, funding, and other assistance. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to assess how federal agencies are accounting for ongoing support provided. This report addresses the extent to which (1) DHS [Department of Homeland Security] has helped centers assess capabilities and address gaps, (2) the federal government has defined its expectations for centers and assessed their contributions to homeland security, (3) federal agencies have deployed personnel to centers, and (4) DHS grant reforms have improved accountability for federal funds that support centers. GAO analyzed the results of center assessments, documents on center expectations, guidance for deploying personnel, and grant requirements. GAO also interviewed DHS and FBI officials who work with centers, and directors, staff, and deployed personnel at 10 of 78 fusion centers. GAO selected centers based on geographic location and other factors. Interviews are not generalizable, but provided insights on center capabilities and federal support provided."