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'We Need a Bomb Tech . . . ' Integrating the Bomb Squad with Swat
From the thesis Abstract: "Special weapon and tactics (SWAT) teams and public safety bomb squads (PSBSs) need to better collaborate to effectively and efficiently respond to the joint hazards that the United States faces. After-action reports, as in the case of the 1999 Columbine High School attack in Littleton, Colorado, and the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, Florida, highlight the need for PSBS to address integration and better collaboration with SWAT teams before an actual critical incident. Such collaboration between SWAT and PSBS might seem easy in theory, but challenges exist. Evaluating those challenges through the lens of trust, this thesis finds that cultivating trust between the two different disciplines requires socialization and frequent joint hazard training. Such barriers as independence of training and frequency of common missions, unit organization, and culture can inhibit SWAT and PSBS from collaborating, developing trust, and discovering collective weaknesses before a critical incident occurs. The ultimate goal, in practical terms, is the formation of cross-functional teams (CFTs). This thesis concludes by giving specific examples of boundary-spanning activities for SWAT and PSBS to foster the CFT approach, so that a better collaborative effort can emerge, thereby encouraging trust between SWAT and PSBS that will be beneficial in a critical joint hazard incident."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Klok, Richard L., Jr.
2020-12
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'Danger Close': The Need for a Nationwide Deconfliction and Notification System for All Law Enforcement Agencies
From the thesis Abstract: "To prevent friendly fire incidents and avoid duplication of effort, law enforcement agencies in the United States use multiple deconfliction systems to register investigative targets and notify outside units and agencies of proactive undercover operations. This research reveals that investigators are confused about which of the main systems to use in certain areas and that the use of multiple systems prevents investigators from gathering data on friendly fire incidents and restricts collaboration between agencies that are targeting the same criminals. Having one central deconfliction system for use by federal, state, local, and tribal authorities would make law enforcement officers' jobs safer and would facilitate information sharing among the different units and agencies, leading to greater collaboration and more successful outcomes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Nyhus, Brian A.
2020-12
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United States-North Korea Denuclearization Policy: Should it Be Complete, Verifiable, and Irreversible?
From the thesis Abstract: "Relations between the United States and North Korea reached a pivotal point in 2018 when a noticeable détente occurred while the United States pursued a foreign policy of denuclearization toward North Korea. The policy was predicated on the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the North Korean nuclear weapons program. This thesis asks whether the current United States policy toward North Korea, which places continued emphasis on the only acceptable condition for denuclearization be that it is complete, verifiable, and irreversible, is the best strategy, or if there are alternatives to this policy that the United States could feasibly pursue? This thesis answers the research question by examining and analyzing nuclear proliferation drivers and inhibitors and conducting a comparative study in which some cases maintain a nuclear weapons program and others have chosen to abandon such efforts. The study of proliferation drivers and inhibitors concluded that North Korea is unlikely to accept the conditions of complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization. However, the United States can likely achieve tangible and genuine results toward denuclearization by changing its perspective on North Korean nuclear weapons and adopting a policy that embraces North Korea's unique reasons for nuclear proliferation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bailey, Meghan M.
2020-12
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Thin Blue Line: Improving Job Satisfaction to Increase Retention in Law Enforcement [supplemental]
This record consists of an excel spreadsheet with completed data supplemental to the thesis "Thin Blue Line: Improving Job Satisfaction to Increase Retention in Law Enforcement", found here: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=850292. The spreadsheet contains demographic information related to gender, race, citizenship, education, military service, age, rank, jurisdiction, agency size, experience, number of departments of employment, reasons for leaving previous departments, thoughts of leaving current department, satisfaction with payment and opportunities, satisfaction with co-workers and supervisors, satisfaction with work conditions, family satisfaction, public perception satisfaction, and overall satisfaction.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barnett, Lisa M.
2020-12
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What We Have Here is a Failure to Tourniquet: Increasing the Efficacy of Hemorrhage Control Training
From the thesis Abstract: "Bleeding to death is the primary avertable cause of death for victims who have suffered trauma--like a gunshot wound. Emergency medical services response times of less than five minutes yield the best outcomes for shooting victims, but the average response time is six to eight minutes; help may be even farther away in an ongoing shooting incident or mass shooting event. In emergency incidents, bystanders with some training and some gear--in this case, tourniquets--may provide life-saving aid to victims of traumatic injury until medical personnel can take over. Precedents for involving, equipping, and empowering the public in public safety, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillators, and Narcan/Naloxone, have been established. This thesis explores these programs. Several important takeaways from this review can be applied to any immediate responder program. First, priority must be given to providing training in the most widely accessible manner to reach the most people. Second, if specialized equipment is necessary, it must be easy-to-use and readily accessible, and should include instructions. While training is an important first step, building in natural points of contact for trainers and trainees, like requiring recertification, can increase the trainees' retention of and ability to apply those lessons learned."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Werner, William C.
2020-12
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National Institute of Justice Journal (Issue 282)
This December 2020 issue of the National Institute of Justice Journal focuses on violent crime and includes the following articles: "Understanding Domestic Radicalization and Terrorism: A National Issue Within a Global Context"; "Advancing Mass Shooting Research To Inform Practice"; "Serial Killer Connections Through Cold Cases"; "Using Forensic Intelligence To Combat Serial and Organized Violent Crimes"; "Functional Family Therapy-Gangs: Adapting an Evidence-Based Program To Reduce Gang Involvement"; "What Do the Data Reveal About Violence in Schools?"; and "New Approaches to Policing High-Risk Intimate Partner Victims and Offenders."
National Institute of Justice (U.S.)
2020-12
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Advantage At Sea: Prevailing with Integrated All-Domain Naval Power
From the Introduction: "The United States is a maritime nation. Our security and prosperity depend on the seas. Since the end of World War II, the United States has built, led, and advanced a rules-based international system through shared commitments with our allies and partners. Forward deployed forces of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard--collectively known as the Naval Service--have guaranteed the security of this system. Free and open access to the world's oceans has fostered an extraordinary era of wealth and peace for many nations. That system is now at risk. 'Advantage at Sea' is a Tri-Service Maritime Strategy that focuses on China and Russia, the two most significant threats to this era of global peace and prosperity. We prioritize competition with China due to its growing economic and military strength, increasing aggressiveness, and demonstrated intent to dominate its regional waters and remake the international order in its favor. Until China chooses to act as a responsible stakeholder rather than brandish its power to further its authoritarian interests, it represents the most comprehensive threat to the United States, our allies, and all nations supporting a free and open system."
United States. Department of the Navy; United States. Marine Corps; United States. Coast Guard
2020-12
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Most Dangerous Place: Investigating Pakistan's Irregular Warfare Campaign in Kashmir Under the Nuclear Shadow
From the thesis Abstract: "For more than thirty years, Pakistan has conducted an irregular warfare campaign in Kashmir to wrest control of the disputed region from India while also leveraging its nuclear weapons capability. This approach has frustrated a decisive Indian response, precipitated multiple crises, and risked nuclear exchange. This thesis analyzes Pakistan's irregular warfare-nuclear deterrence strategy by evaluating Kashmir crises nested within three distinct periods of Pakistan's nuclear capability: de facto, overt, and advanced technology. The results suggest Pakistan has successfully employed irregular warfare under the nuclear umbrella within Kashmir, but has also incurred great cost by risking nuclear exchange, alienating the international community, and destabilizing itself through empowerment of violent jihadist groups. As one looks forward to the implications of Great Power Competition upon the Indian subcontinent, the dynamics have dramatically shifted as the U.S. and China compete for influence. While the U.S. moves closer to India, and China to Pakistan, potential polarization of the Kashmir problem presents additional nuclear escalation risks. However, emerging opportunities to leverage the global powers' common interest in preventing terrorism could prove a catalyst for South Asian stabilization. Pakistan's Kashmir strategy can also provide insights regarding how current or future nuclear-armed regional powers may choose to employ irregular warfare to optimize their influence."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hanes, Matthew D.
2020-12
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Computational Framework for Optimization-Based Interdependent Infrastructure Analysis and Vulnerability
From the thesis Abstract: "Civilian communities and military installations operate numerous critical infrastructure systems to deliver services like power, water, mobility, and communications to people and missions. The vulnerability of these systems can be measured by considering the robustness of each infrastructure network on its own or by considering the interdependencies between different networks. Diverse infrastructure network models are available to analyze system vulnerability, yet a standard architecture for linking pre-existing models for interdependent analysis does not exist. We develop a computational framework to generate combined models that link multiple network-flow optimization models together for interdependent analysis. We validate our methods and implementation in the Python programming language with well-studied interdependent energy networks. We further demonstrate the versatility of our methods by developing a new assessment of fictitious energy and transportation networks with models not originally created with interdependencies. Overall, this work develops a standard way to conduct interdependent infrastructure analysis with pre-built models and sets a foundation for future analysis of other interdependencies and systems."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kuc, Matthias P.
2020-12
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New Simulation-Optimization Model for Wildland Fire Resource Pre-Positioning
From the thesis Abstract; "Every day, using detailed weather forecasts, paired with reports on the moisture content of soil and vegetation, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) must decide where to pre-position firefighting equipment and personnel for the following day. For years, LACoFD has relied on their own expert judgment to make these costly decisions. In 2019, NPS student Zachary Scholz developed the Augmentation Optimization Model (AOM), a mathematically based decision tool to guide resource pre-positioning. Unfortunately, AOM relies on weak estimations of expected burned acreage, complicating result interpretation. We address this problem by developing a simulation to estimate 'initial attack' area containment as a function of pre-positioned resources. These estimates inform the new AOM's objective, producing improved, realistic, and interpretable results. In addition, we have followed LACoFD feedback to incorporate accessibility and steepness of terrain, hand-crew resources, and solution evaluation. We also standardize assembled resources as mixes of engines and exchangeable personnel and reformulate the model so it generates and solves faster. Through an upgraded user interface, LACoFD is using the new AOM daily and analyzing alternatives of protection and cost. The results improve those of legacy AOM and LACoFD's manual solutions on the critical days tested. Moreover, we demonstrate that protection can benefit from augmentation policies not solely based on burning index."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Seeberger, Rachel A.
2020-12
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Client/ Server Model for Automated Red Teaming
From the thesis Abstract: "Red Team testing is a proven method to improve cybersecurity on organizational networks. However, due to the low availability of required expertise in this field, red teaming is prohibitively expensive to conduct on a large scale. In response, the Office of the Secretary of Defense has sponsored research to build a Red Team in a Box (RTIB) tool to perform many of the basic red team functions without requiring the user to have in-depth knowledge of red teaming tools and techniques. This research has resulted in the prototype implementation of CARTT, the Cyber Automated Red Team Tool. This thesis extended CARTT from its current stand-alone host-based implementation to include the ability to identify potential targets on a range network, communicate results to a command node, and respond to orders to attack from the command node. Redesigning the CARTT as a client/server system allows system administrators to access the tool remotely, affording increased cybersecurity throughout the Navy's networks while reducing the cost of red teaming. Additionally, the client/server model mitigates the risk of having Metasploit and OpenVAS installed on machines throughout these target networks. A messaging system was implemented that facilitates a command and control channel between users."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Berrios, Joseph A.
2020-12
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Electronic Border Searches After 'Riley'
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis discusses the implications of the Supreme Court's 2014 decision in Riley v. California for the search of electronic devices at the border, termed 'electronic border searches.' It explores the degree to which such searches continue to be constitutionally permissible and contrasts Riley's categorical rule protecting electronic devices in the interior with the general search power granted the government at the border. Following an examination of the divergences among lower courts in applying Riley, it finds Riley has limited application to the conduct of electronic border searches and that they continue to be constitutionally permissible. This thesis also explores how the reasonableness of such searches can be maintained despite evolving technology and privacy perceptions. By examining other legislative and constitutional rules, it derives an approach for electronic border searches where powerful government interests and privacy concerns collide. The result is a view of electronic devices at the border as hybrid property--as both containers and novel 'effects.' Accordingly, this thesis advocates a hybrid-scope-limited approach that tethers suspicion-less electronic border searches to the original rationale for the border search doctrine. It presents a bifurcated framework leading to a two-tiered, hybrid-scope-limited rule where distinct levels of intrusion into electronic devices at the border are tied to differential levels of suspicion."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bode, Aaron
2020-12
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Improving the U.S. Immigration System: Lessons Learned from the Diversity Visa, Family, and Merit-Based Immigration Programs
From the thesis Abstract: "The U.S. immigration system is the subject of an ongoing debate regarding necessary reforms to protect American national security and benefit all Americans economically. This thesis asks two questions: (1) How should the current U.S. immigration system be improved to address existing economic and national security concerns presented by legal immigration?, and (2) What elements from existing U.S. legal immigration programs, as well as from Canada's and Australia's legal immigration programs, can the United States incorporate in its revamped immigration policies? This thesis conducted a comparative analysis of the U.S. diversity immigrant visa and family-based immigration programs and existing merit-based immigration systems in Canada and Australia. The inquiry identified which of the aforementioned immigration programs have had a positive effect on their respective countries' economies, based on levels of education and unemployment rates, and which immigration policies have resulted in fewer terrorist attacks by immigrants who come to each country, via relevant noted programs. This thesis found that although the U.S. diversity immigrant and family-based immigration programs are not perfect, they serve an important purpose and can be improved. This thesis recommends, among other things, introducing points-based human capital criteria into family-based immigration and instituting a five-year review of the U.S. immigration system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bierman, Vlada
2020-12
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Fire Service Intelligence: Informed Strategies, Operations, and Tactics
From the thesis Abstract: "Fire service agencies struggle to receive and use relevant, agency-specific intelligence, which hampers their ability to prevent attacks, protect the community, mitigate an attack's impact, respond safely, and recover from such events. This thesis presents the intelligence requirements necessary to support the fire service and specifies how the fire service can use intelligence to guide strategic policy development, operational planning, and tactical decision-making. It employed a qualitative gap analysis, using a 15- question survey of fire service personnel, to compare the current state of the fire service intelligence apparatus with a desired future state. This thesis also used case analysis to identify current intelligence products to understand how well they support strategic, operational, and tactical decisions. This thesis identifies intelligence gaps from a broader fire-service audience and offers a holistic set of recommendations, thus contributing to intelligence research. The gaps involve collaborating with law enforcement on intelligence, establishing intelligence requirements to better support the fire service, handling sensitive information, and using finished intelligence for decision-making. This thesis recommends identifying and distributing intelligence requirements to the fire service, developing training and policy guidance on intelligence handling, and creating a joint intelligence guide."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Phillips, Derrick D.
2020-12
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Mapping the Manosphere: A Social Network Analysis of the Manosphere on Reddit
From the thesis Abstract: "The manosphere network is a dispersed collection of online spaces that proliferate an anti-feminist ideology that in some cases has been associated with violence. This thesis aims to observe the manosphere network structure as it exists on Reddit by using a mixed method research design of digital ethnography and social network analysis (SNA). This research identified a unifying anti-feminist framework and found that informal social divisions within the network faded over time, which indicates that both moderate and extreme manosphere subgroups are now sharing common online spaces. It also found that platform algorithms helped with network resilience by acting as gatekeepers of information that suggested related content and shielded unrelated content to users that helped to grow the network in size and interconnectivity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fitzgerald, Kelly C.
2020-12
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It Starts at Home: Internal Actions Police Agencies Can Take to Improve Staffing
From the thesis Abstract: "The shortage of police officers in the United States has become a crisis. Many officers leave the force after only a few years, and police departments struggle to find qualified applicants to fill rapidly increasing openings. This thesis asks what police leaders can do to solve their staffing problems. The research looks to the armed forces' recruitment methodology and the private sector's use of analytics to address strategic problems, and analyzes two police departments that have been able to reduce the number of open positions through an integrated approach to recruiting, retention, and force management. The research finds that traditional methods are no longer effective; modern recruiting requires departments to adapt to new and changing environments and generations. Recruitment advertising must be honest and targeted to the right audience, and must use the most appropriate medium for the message. To promote retention, police leaders must go beyond offering competitive compensation; equally as important, they must consider how they engage with and connect to their employees. Further, successful force management requires leaders to determine which positions must truly be filled by sworn officers and which can be filled by appropriately skilled civilians. To address staffing challenges, police leaders must start with retention and force management to determine what and who they need, and then enhance their recruiting efforts to complete the triad and fill their open spots."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Haynes, Mark L.
2020-12
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Thin Blue Line: Improving Job Satisfaction to Increase Retention in Law Enforcement
From the thesis Abstract: "This research analyzes current levels of job satisfaction and desires to leave employment in law enforcement to determine the relationship between satisfaction and intentions to quit. Current law enforcement officers in the United States responded to survey statements regarding satisfaction and intentions to leave their current agencies related to seven areas: pay, opportunities, co-workers, immediate supervisors, work conditions, work and family conflict, and public perception on a five-point Likert scale. In the 930 responses, respondents indicated overall satisfaction with their work and the intention to stay with their agencies. The most satisfied officers work for the county, are in agencies with 100-500 officers, or have 1-5 years of experience. Officers who work for a county or in agencies with 100-500 officers have reported being the least likely to leave their agencies. These results contradict previous research that claims officers in agencies with 100-500 officers were the least satisfied. These results also differ from previous research that indicates immediate supervisors play a significant role in job satisfaction and by finding that while significant differences did not exist in job satisfaction for gender overall, significant differences did exist for specific facets of satisfaction and intentions to quit. This research study contributes to the current knowledge on job satisfaction by supporting a correlation between job satisfaction and intentions to quit." Excel spreadsheet supplemental data can be found here: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=850293
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barnett, Lisa M.
2020-12
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Standardization of Specialization: Regional Task Force Swat Team Response to Critical Incidents
From the thesis Abstract: "Critical incidents that involve multiple responding Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams frequently result in interoperability, command-and-control, and familiarity challenges for all involved. Time and time again, after-action reports have shown that these challenge points are not easy to overcome, and this is a key problem because those with advanced knowledge of effective tactics in handling complex and rapidly changing incidents often contribute to these evaluations. Given the scale, scope, and complexity of modern mass-casualty or critical incidents, how do SWAT team structures dealing with interoperability, training, familiarity, and command and control need to change for SWAT response to remain viable? This thesis used the case study method of structured, focused comparison for two complex critical incidents involving SWAT units, drawing commonalities from among those incidents and juxtaposing them against a task force-based approach. These key commonalities were then discussed in depth, and several recommendations were made for strategic planners around the country to consider. The ultimate goal of this thesis was to provide a foundational guideline for homeland security leaders to change how SWAT teams are structured when responding to critical incidents from manmade threats in the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
George, Jonathan A.
2020-12
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Road Map to Successful Immigrant Integration for Local Leaders
From the thesis Abstract: "The United States has struggled to define and implement effective integration for immigrants because the immigration and integration systems are unwieldy and confusing. This thesis analyzes case studies at the national and local levels to determine what elements constitute effective integration policy. A rubric was created using the International Organization of Migration's definition of integration and the European Union's guiding principles to analyze and grade each case study. The rubric helped to rate the following elements: employment, education, and equal access to services; respect for cultures; and communication and participation. Each case study received scores for these elements on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing complete integration of immigrants in the host country. This thesis finds that the integration process never ends; the more stakeholders who engage in the integration process, the better; and re-evaluating programs and policies after a certain period is crucial. These findings support the following recommendations for local leaders in the United States: 1) create an integration curriculum for new immigrants and continue the integration program even after the course's completion, 2) engage with as many stakeholders as early and as often as possible, and 3) understand that integration policy is continuous and requires constant improvement to ensure integration in the community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
O'Malley, Robert
2020-12
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Tainted Love, Crab Pickers, and Opportunities for Fraud: A Comparative Analysis of Deterrence Mechanisms in USCIS
From the thesis Abstract: "The marriage immigration benefits programs and the H-2B visa program for temporary nonagricultural workers are programs that, amid fraud or abuse, could lead to nefarious actors gaining access to the United States and posing a threat to homeland security. This thesis explores the strengths and weaknesses of fraud deterrence processes in these visa programs, seeking to understand how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can better combat abuse and prevent national security risks. The purpose of this qualitative research was to compare these two programs and explore strengths and weaknesses of their deterrence mechanisms through the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). This thesis reviews and compares the legal frameworks of these visa programs, their fraud and security risk detection and prevention mechanisms, various reports issued by government agencies, media reports, and case studies through interviews with FDNS officers at USCIS. This thesis finds that the H-2B visa program has better fraud and national security risk detection and prevention mechanisms than the marriage programs have and provides recommendations for improvements in the following distinct core areas: legal framework, notification requirements and site visits, and interagency collaboration. The results of this thesis are meaningful for academics and practitioners because they provide real-world policy recommendations to improve deterrence mechanisms at USCIS FDNS."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Perdomo, Mildred
2020-12
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Drone America: The End of Privacy?
From the thesis Abstract: "Cutting-edge technological innovations have enabled law enforcement agencies to collect data over a geographical area in relatively short amounts of time. Drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles) are becoming increasingly acceptable and employed by state and local law enforcement to become force multipliers. While the Federal Aviation Administration has addressed the integration and safety of flight requirements for law enforcement agencies to utilize drones, federal privacy and data collection regulations are unresolved. This thesis argues that federal regulation is required and attempts to highlight the distinction between surveillance technology and delivery platforms to understand how to approach the regulation of data gathering. In doing so, this thesis uses a political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological (PEST) analysis to examine Title III and relative jurisprudence dealing with both surveillance and aerial platforms. The PEST analysis aims to bring forward the salient points in crafting recommendations and expansion in current legislation that support an increase in citizens' safety and security, but remain within the bounds of constitutional liberty and the Fourth Amendment."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Farias, Richard T.
2020-12
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Islamic and Domestic Radicalization: Does One Size Fit Most?
From the thesis Abstract: "Many studies have examined the process by which Islamic extremists radicalize, yielding three dominant approaches: grievance approach, social media approach, and network approach. However, over the last 20 years, the extremist threat has shifted from international and homegrown Islamic extremism to predominantly right-wing domestic extremism. The last five years have seen some of the highest numbers of fatalities by right-wing extremists recorded. As such, understanding how far-right sympathizers radicalize has become more important. This thesis analyzes three right-wing extremists: Dylann Roof, Patrick Crusius, and John Earnest, focusing on their backgrounds, radicalization history or motivations, and their respective manifestos. This information is then compared to two Islamic radicalization models to determine if key factors of these models help contribute to an understanding of each individual's radicalization. This thesis asks if those theories can be applied to the radicalization process of domestic far-right extremists. Although three case studies may not be sufficient to draw definitive conclusions, the information gathered from each subject and their respective application to the Islamic radicalization models yield a significant correlation to the process of domestic extremists' radicalization. With few alterations to existing models, it is possible to leverage earlier studies of Islamic radicals to understand the process by which right-wing extremists emerge."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rogers, Cody A.
2020-12
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Securing the NHL Global Series: How International Terrorism Can Threaten Hockey
From the thesis Astract: "The Canadian-born National Hockey League (NHL) has become more popular and more profitable due to its success within the North American market, particularly the United States. Because of this success, the NHL created its Global Series program to bring the world's most premier ice hockey to fans across the world, starting with Europe. American influence on NHL culture, marketing, and business has allowed the league to globalize in Europe, and this globalization poses specific and unique threats that stakeholders may not be considering--for example, terrorism. This thesis considers how the NHL can prepare to deal with the threat of international terrorism while operating overseas to ensure the safety and security of their personnel and events. The thesis concludes that anti-Americanism is an underlying, persistent, and increasing threat in Europe as NHL overseas operations expand. Specifically, this thesis finds that anti-Americanism is often easily linked with anti-capitalism, anti-globalization, and anti-culturalization movements in Europe. Ultimately, the thesis recommends that NHL Global Series security stakeholders consider the anti-American threat and sentiment in a host nation to secure the games. Further, this thesis recommends that NHL executives also consider anti-Americanism when planning future expansions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dunn, Blaize A.
2020-12
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Foreign-Born Human Trafficking--A Dark Spectre Haunting America: An Examination of the Sex and Labor Trafficking Landscape
From the thesis Abstract: "This research examined how the inclusion of human trafficking as a crime subject to state mandatory reporting requirements would enhance local and state law enforcement efforts to identify, document, and investigate the crimes of foreign-born human trafficking. This thesis documented the impact of state mandatory reporting laws on police responses to domestic violence and child abuse crimes through an examination of relevant legislation and statutes, scholarly works, data collection frameworks, case studies, and statistical findings. It subsequently found that state-level mandatory reporting laws related to domestic violence and child abuse enhanced law enforcement's ability to identify such crimes through improved data collection and analysis. Based on these findings, the incorporation of trafficking crimes into states' existing mandatory reporting frameworks will likely improve law enforcement efforts to create comprehensive data collection and sharing platforms necessary for evidence-based policy development and evaluation of anti-human trafficking strategies. However, amending mandatory reporting laws should be held in abeyance until such time that due consideration can be given to ethical concerns and the potential victim impact of such changes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Haunsperger, Natasha B.
2020-12
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Long-Term Care and the Impact of COVID-19: A First Look at Comparative Cross-National Statistics
From the Introduction: "Policymakers and care providers all over the world recognize that the risk of infection and of death from the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) increases with age and among individuals with pre-existing conditions, especially diabetes and heart disease. Because many younger adults and children with physical or intellectual disabilities also have these and other medical conditions, they are also at higher risk of becoming seriously ill and dying from COVID-19 infections. Most highly developed countries as well as some countries with emerging economies are tracking rates of infection and deaths from COVID-19 among high-risk subsets of their populations. Due to the concern over infection rates in congregate settings, to date (October 2020) most of the focus has been on rates of infection and death in residential long-term care (LTC) facilities serving the elderly (persons 65 and older) exclusively or predominantly. However, despite the dearth of comparable statistics about rates of COVID-19 infections and deaths among LTC users not residing in nursing homes or related residential care facilities, the available evidence suggests that COVID-19 infection rates are likely to be lower among the elderly and people of all ages with disabilities and chronic medical conditions who reside and receive assistance 'at home.' In this brief, we summarize the available data and literature on the cross-national impact of COVID-19 in LTC settings as of October 2020 and the changes in reported death rates since June 2020."
United States. Department of Health and Human Services. Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation
Doty, Pamela; Blanco, Martin
2020-12
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Humanitarian Disgrace: U.S. Continues to Illegally Block, Expel Refugees to Danger
From the Document: "The Trump Administration continues to break U.S. laws and treaty obligations that protect refugees from persecution, returning to danger people seeking protection at the southern border. In addition to implementing its notorious 'Remain in Mexico' program, the Trump Administration has weaponized public health powers since the beginning of the pandemic to ban children, families, and adults from requesting asylum at official ports of entry and to expel those who cross the border in search of protection - delivering them back either to the countries they fled or to escalating violence in Mexico. [...] Instead of blocking people seeking humanitarian protection, the U.S. government should employ measures recommended by public health experts [hyperlink] - such as distancing and masks, health screenings, testing, and use of non-congregate settings - to expeditiously [hyperlink] process and parole asylum seekers under existing legal authority, pending immigration court proceedings. Case management [hyperlink] alternatives to detention can be employed where asylum seekers sheltering with family or friends need additional appearance support."
Human Rights First (Organization)
Gendelman, Rebecca; Neusner, Julia; Kizuka, Kennji
2020-12
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Preparedness Grants Effectiveness Case Study: Jersey City-Newark, New Jersey
From the Overview: "In September 2020, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) conducted a preparedness grants effectiveness virtual case study with members of the Jersey City-Newark, New Jersey Urban Areas Security Initiative (UASI; Jersey City-Newark). The purpose of the study was to understand the role of FEMA preparedness grants on the region's COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic response. FEMA also drew from information that community officials provided for the Biannual Strategy Implementation Report and the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment /Stakeholder Preparedness Review. This case study found that Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP)-funded projects have improved Jersey City-Newark's capability to protect emergency responders, have allowed effective information-sharing with the public and other stakeholders through investment in a regional fusion center, and have provided exercises and training that have improved Jersey City-Newark's public health response."
United States. Federal Emergency Management Agency
2020-12
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Historical Review of the Influence of the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS): from 1951 to Present: A 70-Year Review
From the Document: "As the Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services (DACOWITS) prepares to celebrate seven decades of service to the Department of Defense (DoD) next year, we are proud to present this retrospective on the influence of this important Committee during the past 70 years. [...] The purpose of this chapter is to present an overview of DACOWITS' impact through a detailed review of the more than 1,000 recommendations made by the Committee. These recommendations have addressed dozens of issues and challenges facing women in the U.S. military, some of which have been resolved over time and others that persist today. To provide context for this analysis, the chapter also includes a brief overview of women's service and a review of the history of the Committee. Chapter 2 presents a history of women's service in the U.S. military. Chapter 3 provides an overview of the history of DACOWITS from 1951 to present day. Chapter 4 describes the research team's methodology for analysis, and presents the results of the analysis of DACOWITS' recommendations over time. Chapter 5 presents the conclusion."
United States. Defense Advisory Committee on Women in the Services
Gaddes, Rachel; Montgomery, Sidra; Jacobson, Zoe . . .
2020-12
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CTC Sentinel [November/December 2020]
This November/December 2020 issue of the U.S. Military Academy's Combating Terrorism Center (CTC) Sentinel features the following article: "Afghanistan's Future Emirate? The Taliban and the Struggle for Afghanistan" by Seth G. Jones. Other reports include: "Biosecurity in the Wake of COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019]: The Urgent Action Needed" by Hamish de Bretton-Gordon; and "Outlasting the Caliphate: The Evolution of the Islamic State Threat in Africa" by Jason Warner, Ryan O'Farrell, Héni Nsaibia, and Ryan Cummings.
Combating Terrorism Center (U.S.)
2020-12
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More Immigration Needed to Offset COVID-19 and America's Demographic Decline
From the Document: "As it has in so many areas of American life, the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic has accelerated certain demographic trends that were already heading in a worrisome direction. The pandemic has coincided with a drop in the US birth rate, a further rise in the death rate, and a sharp decline of net immigration, all combining to slow the growth of the US population and workforce. Unless addressed by policymakers, the resulting decline in population growth will have serious and lasting ramifications for America's prosperity, fiscal sustainability, and influence in the world. America's population growth has slowed dramatically in recent years, and recent projections indicate the nation's total population may peak as soon as 2062. In 2019, according to the Census Bureau, the US population grew by 1.5 million from the year before to 328.2 million, or 0.47 percent. That compares to an average annual growth of 2.69 million, or 0.91 percent, in 2001-2010 and 3.23 million, or 1.21 percent, in 1991-2000. The change in the population of the United States from 2018 to 2019 was the smallest since 1945, and it was the smallest percentage change since the Spanish Flu year of 1918.2 Because of fallout from the current coronavirus pandemic, population growth will likely slow even further in 2020."
Mercatus Center
Griswold, Daniel T., 1958-
2020-12
