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Enhancing Decision Making During Initial Operations at Surge Events
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis utilized a Delphi survey method to obtain the perspective of seasoned Incident Commanders (ICs), as they reflected on their experience responding to surge incidents. Surge events are defined as complex and chaotic emergencies that require resources well beyond normal operating capacity. These surge events are rare and of such a magnitude that the Incident Commander is confronted with a unique situation that often exceeds his/her experience and ability to improvise and adapt to changing conditions. This thesis combines the pertinent literature on decision making, situational awareness, collaboration and geospatial technology with the lens of experience provided by the Delphi panel. First, this research identifies and prioritizes 18 signals that an incident is becoming nonroutine, unfamiliar and chaotic. Second, it provides an inventory of strategic options that an Incident Commander can consider when faced with the chaos that often accompanies a surge event. Finally, this material was synthesized into a quick action guide as a reference source that can inform Incident Commanders, as they face the dynamic and unpredictable environment of surge events. The knowledge obtained through this research is offered with the desire to enhance the ability of Incident Commanders to make effective decisions when lives are most at risk." A 12-minute, 28-second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?mdt:manage&did=730384]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Brian P.
2012-12
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Getting Serious About Games [video]
From the Video Description: "This thesis proposes the development of a video game platform to increase the public's knowledge of required protective actions in the event of a nuclear terrorism attack. Current scientific analyses have identified elementary steps the public should take to increase the likelihood of survival in the event of a nuclear terrorism incident; however, a knowledge gap currently exists with regard to the public's understanding of these required actions. Video games, more specifically a sub-genre of games known as serious games, are uniquely postured to address this knowledge gap." The duration of this video is 9 minutes and 2 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=710287]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Gorman, Chad M.
2012-09-06
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Enhancing Decision Making During Initial Operations at Surge Events [video]
From the Video Description: "Surge events are defined as complex and chaotic emergencies that require resources well beyond normal operating capacity. In this Viewpoints interview, CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] alumni Brian Duggan discusses his thesis in which he utilized a Delphi survey method to obtain the perspective of seasoned Incident Commanders (ICs), as they reflected on their experience responding to surge incidents." The duration of the video is 12 minutes, 28 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=732026]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Brian P.
2013-01-30
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: The Road Less Traveled: Exploring the Experiences and Successes of Women Leaders in Homeland Security [video]
From the Video Description: "Today, women constitute over 50% of the United States' population. Yet, women are still a minority in many workforce fields, including homeland security. A woman currently leads the Department of Homeland Security, and women have achieved high levels of leadership within the federal homeland security apparatus. While great strides are being made, women are still clearly the minority and hold an average of 20% of leadership positions in homeland security related professions." The duration of the video is 6 minutes and 55 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=736340]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
West, Jonna
2013-05-14
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: US DEA Intelligence [video]
From the Video Description: "Anthony Placido is the Chief Intelligence Officer for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration [DEA] and in this interview, he discusses his top priorities and vision for U.S. DEA Intelligence. His challenges are many, including integrating the newest member into the 16-agency U.S. Intelligence Community, stepping up effective intelligence collection, analysis and reporting and embracing key Information Sharing Enterprise initiatives. He provides a vision and a focus for U.S. DEA Intelligence over the next 2-3 years." The duration of the video is 19 minutes and 2 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Placido, Anthony P.
2009-05-06
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Psychological Effect of Media Exposure in the Case of a National Tragedy [video]
From the Video Description: "In this Viewpoints segment, Dr. Jim Breckenridge discusses his research on the adverse effect of mass media exposure on the American public after a tragic or catastrophic event, using the Virginia Tech massacre in April 2007 as a relevant and timely example." The duration of the video is 15 minutes and 32 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Breckenridge, Jim
2007-06-26
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Suicide Terrorism in America? The Complex Social Conditions of this Phenomenon and the Implications for Homeland Security [video]
From the Video Description: "Suicide terrorism is growing worldwide and is becoming more geographically diverse. In this interview Rick Fleece (U.S. Secret Service) discusses his research where he has applied social identity and intergroup relations theory to the phenomenon of suicide terrorism. In his thesis, Rick has developed a framework that can be used to better understand the threat of suicide terrorism and the implications for United States homeland security." The duration of this video is 9 minutes, 44 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=732023]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fleece, Richard J.
2013-01-30
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Delivering High Situational Awareness and Improved Decision Support [video]
From the Video Description: "Today's complex air security environment and rapid pace of operations have stretched the limits of fielded technologies that support senior leader decision-making processes. In this Viewpoints interview, Reserve Advisor to the NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] Director of Operations and Deputy N-NC Command Center Director Robert Hehemann discusses the need for a common, net-centric near real-time information sharing capability to enhance stakeholder situational awareness and improve senior leader decision support." The duration of this video is 17 minutes and 5 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hehemann, Robert
2012-09-06
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Health Security Intelligence: Assessing the Nascent Public Health Capability [video]
From the Video Description: "In this interview, Scott Minarcine discusses his thesis which explores the current state of public health's (PH) intelligence capability across State, Local, Tribal and Territorial (SLTT) jurisdictions through qualitative analysis of current public health jurisdiction plans for the collection, analysis, product creation, dissemination and programmatic oversight related to public health inputs into the homeland security intelligence apparatus." The duration of this video is 10 minutes and 42 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=710264]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Minarcine, Scott
2012-09-06
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Does Homeland Security Constitute an Emerging Academic Discipline? [video]
From the Video Description: "In the wake of 9/11, the enterprise now called homeland security rocketed into the limelight leaving an educational gap that many academic institutions rushed in to fill. Educators and scholars alike from various disciplines rallied together to form a useful curriculum, and in doing so, they established a new community that shares a common intellectual commitment to making insightful, valuable, and practical contributions to the sphere of human knowledge focused on societal resilience and prosperity. Once the dust settled, a debate began to unfold. Is homeland security an emerging academic discipline?" The duration of the video is 6 minutes and 1 second. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=736325]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Falkow, Michael D.
2013-05-14
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Regulating Hawala: Thwarting Terrorism or Jeopardizing Stability? [video]
From the Video Description: "NPS-CHDS [Naval Postgraduate School-Center for Homeland Defense and Security] master's graduate Monika Mali (MA1803/1804), Transportation Security Inspector at the Transportation Security Administration [hyperlink], talks about her thesis which uses the case study method to investigate the unintended consequences that have resulted from the United States' efforts to deter criminal abuses of hawala. It explores the illegitimate and legitimate uses of hawala in Africa and the Middle East in the post-9/11 era. Despite extensive regulatory blocks, hawala has been a key financial node for the Taliban, Islamic State, and al-Shabaab. On the other hand, hawala serves as a lifeline for victims of terrorism in Africa and the Middle East. Any disruption in service jeopardizes their survival and protection. This study identifies how regulatory action has caused financial exclusion and is counterproductive to the United States' anti-money laundering efforts and campaigns against terrorism financing. Practices like de-risking encourage the growth of alternative money transfer systems. This assessment concludes with a recommendation to use mobile money platforms to reinvigorate the formal financial sector and promote financial inclusion. Mobile hawalas are already leveraging digital delivery channels and have gained rapid momentum. In lieu of further regulatory action, Western institutions can employ these emerging technologies to transform into more adaptive and advantageous competitors of hawala and avoid compromising the essential service it provides." The duration of this video is 12 minutes and 10 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=834586].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Mali, Monika
2020-07-15
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Civil Rights Auditors: Defining Reasonable Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions on First Amendment Activities [video]
From the Video Description: "NPS-CHDS [Naval Postgraduate School-Center for Homeland Defense and Security] master's graduate Gary Cummings (MA1803/1804), Lieutenant at the Garland Police Department [hyperlink], talks about how police increasingly encounter citizens who challenge constitutional boundaries between civil rights and police power. These so-called 'civil rights auditors' and 'copwatchers' record government officials with cell phones or body cameras, while baiting or challenging them to cross constitutional lines established by the First Amendment. An officer reacting incorrectly in these encounters can--through action or inaction--create conflict, loss of police legitimacy, or liability for the officers or their agencies. Preliminary examination of auditor activities and current legal and scholarly works leads to the thesis question: What are reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to civil liberties with regard to recording police, government property, and the public? Gary conducts a qualitative analysis of 59 auditor videos representing audits around the nation and identifies common tactics and targets among auditors, which provides scenarios for legal analysis and a policy review. This thesis reveals two things. First, auditors are not part of the legal, scholarly, and policy discussions and decision making; and second, through other areas of First Amendment case law, the Supreme Court has developed a framework for First Amendment challenges that directly applies to auditors. Gary applies this framework to the 10 locations commonly targeted by auditors." The duration of this video is 16 minutes and 25 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=834484].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cummings, Gary D.
2020-07-15
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Regulating Hawala: Thwarting Terrorism or Jeopardizing Stability?
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis uses the case study method to investigate the unintended consequences that have resulted from the United States' efforts to deter criminal abuses of hawala. It explores the illegitimate and legitimate uses of hawala in Africa and the Middle East in the post-9/11 era. Despite extensive regulatory blocks, hawala has been a key financial node for the Taliban, Islamic State, and al-Shabaab. On the other hand, hawala serves as a lifeline for victims of terrorism in Africa and the Middle East. Any disruption in service jeopardizes their survival and protection. This study identifies how regulatory action has caused financial exclusion and is counterproductive to the United States' anti-money laundering efforts and campaigns against terrorism financing. Practices like de-risking encourage the growth of alternative money transfer systems. This assessment concludes with a recommendation to use mobile money platforms to reinvigorate the formal financial sector and promote financial inclusion. Mobile hawalas are already leveraging digital delivery channels and have gained rapid momentum. In lieu of further regulatory action, Western institutions can employ these emerging technologies to transform into more adaptive and advantageous competitors of hawala and avoid compromising the essential service it provides." A 12 minute and 10 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866898].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Mali, Monika
2019-12
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Interoperability in the State of Vermont [video]
In this Viewpoints interview, "Col. Sonny Schumacher explains his unique role in the state of Vermont - where the expertise of the Vermont National Guard and his personal experience in applying strategic vision to technology-centric issues have been used to assist the state communications board with moving forwards in implementing a successful statewide plan for interoperable communications." The duration of the video is 8 minutes and 22 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Schumacher, Sonny
2009-08-17
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Connecting Our Nation's Crisis Information Management Systems
From the thesis abstract: "Many states and localities have implemented Crisis Information Management Systems (CIMS) to integrate situational awareness, notification and disaster assessment tools utilized in Emergency Operation Centers (EOC)s and to eliminate separate stovepipe communications. In February 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the deployment of the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) as the primary means for all jurisdictions and levels of government to share information. The system is redundant with state and local CIMS, which have and are being developed. Implementing both the integration and interoperability of EOCs requires that the systems used every day be connected; this cannot be achieved through the development of a new system. To implement this solution will require four steps: 1) Jurisdictions utilizing CIMS should do more to leverage built in capabilities and jurisdictions without CIMS systems to consider purchasing, 2) Jurisdictions should integrate the individual information systems currently in use with the jurisdiction's CIMS, 3) Jurisdictions should improve their systems' abilities to collect and store information, and 4) Jurisdictions should create a portal to allow specific information to be shared across larger regional areas at their discretion and with greater control over who receives the information."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Voss, Christopher
2008-12
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Deciding Who Lives: Considered Risk Casualty Decisions in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Homeland security was changed by the events of September 11, 2001, including how we make life and death decisions. Terrorism, all hazards, and public health issues increase the number of decisions involving the expenditure of civilian lives. These Considered Risk Casualties are akin to the military concept of "acceptable losses." Homeland security professionals have little or no experience, let alone guidance, in decision making under circumstances that bring this condition to the civilian population. Other disciplines such as philosophy, theology, bioethics, and the military, etc. have examined principles that are involved in the concept of accepting loss of life and have identified theoretical circumstances under which acceptance is achieved. Homeland security has had little discussion of these matters and virtually no criteria to support such decision making. Examining the observations, and how those disciplines test the concept, can inform and assist homeland security practitioners when having to make these decisions. Examining homeland security events that addressed loss of life can expand the range of scenarios those disciplines use for their analysis. An educational process that draws on other sectors' experience can serve to improve decision-making capabilities. Future research opportunities exist within and external to homeland security and those disciplines."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mahoney, Robert T.
2008-12
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Emergency Management Span of Control: Optimizing Organizational Structures to Better Prepare Vermont for the Next Major or Catastrophic Disaster
From the thesis abstract: "During a statewide disaster in Vermont, one of the most important actions Vermont Emergency Management should take during the response phase is to maintain awareness of the situation and provide coordinated logistical support. If the State does not understand what is occurring, or is not able to perform resource coordination in support of response efforts across the State, then local and state responses are not coordinated, and actionable federal requests for assistance cannot be articulated. Forty-five states have county emergency management structures between municipal and state structures, which regionalize emergency management within those states. Of the five states without county emergency management structures, Rhode Island has 39 municipalities, Connecticut and Massachusetts have established regional emergency management structures that do not align with counties, New Hampshire has 234 municipalities linked to the state emergency management center, and the State of Vermont has 251 municipal Emergency Management Directors who are linked directly to a single state Emergency Operations Center. This paper examines emergency management span of control nationally, surveys emergency management directors in four New England states, and proposes a regional construct for emergency management in Vermont, to enable effective emergency management during the next man-made or natural disaster."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Schumacher, Ludwig J.
2008-12
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How Should Municipal Police Agencies Participate in America's Homeland Security Strategy?
"The majority of municipal law enforcement agencies in the United States are not proactively contributing to America's homeland security, counterterrorism or domestic intelligence efforts. These agencies -- the country's most critical domestic security assets -- sit idle on the homeland security sidelines as terrorism becomes increasingly prolific, lethal, asymmetric, transnational, and closer to our hometowns. Seven years after 9/11, there is no nationwide, municipal-level network of homeland security professionals across the United States. There is no preventative-based, forward-thinking system for domestic intelligence collection. And the vast majority of police departments lack homeland security or terrorism specialists. Furthermore, neither federal nor state strategy has clearly defined specific homeland security roles and responsibilities for municipal police departments. And, as of this writing, there is no municipal-level homeland security strategy. Most importantly, no realistic federal or state strategy has been put forth that integrates all of America's homeland security assets-- including municipal police officers - into a single synergistic design. This thesis examines three policy options and arrives at a conclusion as to which option America should implement to effectively protect our citizenry from terrorists. This thesis introduces the concept of 'municipal homeland security' and defines the specific roles and responsibilities of municipal police agencies."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Andreas, Michael D.
2008-12
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Transportation Security Leadership: The Right Stuff?
"This thesis focuses on the evolving concepts of network leadership, and managing by network. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the agencies that make it up have daunting, complex challenges to face in protecting the homeland. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as a part of DHS, similarly has complex challenges in protecting the U.S. transportation systems from terrorist threats. With the growing complexity and global nature of the terrorist networks, it requires leadership that is collaborative, integrative, and able to take a holistic leadership approach. In the TSA, the Federal Security Director (FSD) position has a field leadership role in developing and supporting transportation security and anti-terrorism plans and activities with stakeholders across the nation. The FSD's mission is to build effective multi-modal transportation security networks. The findings support that network leadership is seen by FSDs, stakeholders, and TSA executives to be the future leadership model for transportation security. The issue focuses on which skills, paradigms, education, organizational strategies and structures will allow FSDs to become skillful network leaders. Areas with the potential to strengthen network leadership in the TSA's Federal Security Director cadre include FSD role clarification, leadership culture and capacity, organizational structure and strategies, and a stakeholder collaboration framework."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burke, Karen
2008-12
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Transforming the U.S. Immigration System after 9/11: The Impact of Organizational Change and Collaboration in the Context of Homeland Security
"The terrorist attacks on 9/11 led to a fundamental reorganization of the U.S. immigration structure. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was abolished in 2003 and its missions were transferred into three distinct components within DHS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This thesis focuses on the perceptions of USCIS employees on organizational change and collaboration in the DHS immigration structure that was established in 2003. Effective organizational change is essential for an agency to carry out policies and execute its missions. Collaboration is also vital to USCIS since it works closely with ICE in combating immigration benefit fraud to strengthen the security of the legal immigration system. This thesis identifies areas for USCIS regarding future organizational change and enhancements to collaboration with a homeland security partner such as ICE. It further identifies areas such as collaborative competencies, trust and networks to improve collaboration between USCIS and ICE in targeting immigration benefit fraud."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Wolfe, David
2008-12
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Expansion of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Criminal Alien Program in the War on Terror
"The continued presence of criminal aliens, non-citizens present in the United States either legally or illegally, poses a significant threat to the security of this Nation. While criminal aliens are present at all levels of our criminal justice system, ICE's current Criminal Alien Program only addresses criminal aliens encountered at the state and federal level. This thesis examines how ICE's Criminal Alien Program can be expanded at the local and county level, the possible effects this expansion will have upon ICE in detaining and removing criminal aliens and whether this removal of criminal aliens is an effective and efficient weapon in a terrorist prevention strategy. Individuals from the Joint Terrorism Task Force and NYC Police Department's Shield were interviewed concerning whether the efficient removal of criminal aliens is an effective tool in the war on terror. In researching this thesis of expansion of ICE's Criminal Alien Program and the issues that arise from such expansion, structured formal interviews were conducted of a representative mix of ICE field officials varying in size and physical location in the United States. The creation of a megacommunity amongst the stakeholders involved in ICE's Criminal Alien Program should be included in U.S. counterterrorism strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Michalec Olszewski, Laura
2008-12
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Public/Private Partnerships with Hazardous Material Motor Carriers: Creating Incentives to Increase Security through Assessed Risk (Star)
"On September 11, 2001, terrorists used commercial airliners as weapons of terror inside the United States, and America's approach to security was forever changed. While commercial airliners were the weapons of choice on that day, the 9/11 Commission recognized that Al Qaeda and other groups had, prior to the use of airlines, used suicide vehicles, namely, truck bombs, to commit terrorist acts. The threat from hazmat trucks continues today. There can be no doubt that terrorists are interested in using hazmat trucks as weapons within the borders of the United States. In 2004, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld's visit to Iraq was punctuated by a fuel-truck attack that burned a section of Baghdad. More recently, terrorists in Iraq have used chlorine-based truck bombs repeatedly as a weapon in the Iraq war. The Department of Transportation (DOT) recognizes that hazmat trucks are "dangerous and ready-made weapons" and are "especially attractive" to terrorists. Stephen Gale, a University of Pennsylvania professor and terrorism expert, agrees that hazmat trucks are essentially ready-made bombs that are "tailor-made" for terrorists to conduct an attack at the lowest cost and with the greatest impact. In fact, terrorism experts consider trucks to be one of the best tools a terrorist can use to breach security measures and carry explosives since the U.S. airline industry significantly increased security procedures. The ability of the government to secure every hazardous materials motor carrier against terrorist attack is severely limited, yet the potential that hazardous materials trucks will be used in terrorist attacks is great. Therefore, it is important to consider whether the security of hazardous materials motor carriers can be improved voluntarily and quickly by realigning existing resources and instituting a plan that leverages market forces and other incentives. This thesis introduces a unique voluntary incentive-based program, Security Through Assessed Risk (STAR) that can be used to increase security for a vast number of presently under protected hazardous materials motor carriers. It explains how TSA can leverage existing resources as well as successful ideas from both private sector and governmental programs to rapidly and significantly enhance the security of hazardous materials motor carriers."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Colsky, Andrew E., Esq.
2008-12
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Virtual Communities in the Law Enforcement Environment: Do These Systems Lead to Enhanced Organizational Memory
"There is a large body of research on the topic of knowledge management and organizational memory, as well as on the topic of communities of practice and virtual communities of practice. This research looked at three law enforcement and intelligence related case studies and how the use of Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoP) in these law enforcement environments can mitigate the loss of organizational memory. This research looked at these VCoPs in an attempt to determine if explicit and tacit knowledge shared in these VCoP environments can be codified and ultimately reduce the loss of organizational memory. The research methodology used in this thesis project is the case study approach. A qualitative analysis of messages, postings, and conversations contained within the VCoP was used to identify the transfer of both explicit and tacit knowledge. Data collection and analysis was conducted based on three VCoP sites. The research conducted for this thesis suggested that a VCoP can mitigate the loss of organizational memory. Interview data, along with case site reviews, support the use of VCoP to mitigate the loss of organizational memory while providing a means for the transfer of explicit knowledge by those participating in the VCoP."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Yavneh, Jonathan S.
2008-12
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Enhancing Recruitment and Retention of Volunteers in the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
"The U.S. Coast Guard lacks the personnel and resources to fill critical gaps in its safety and security missions without help from its volunteer arm, the Coast Guard Auxiliary. It is for this reason that Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard leaders have become dependent on the Auxiliary to achieve a number of Coast Guard missions, a reliance that has become more tenuous as Auxiliary membership dropped 20.61% since 2003 to the current 28,635. This trend is in sharp contrast to membership trends in other large volunteer groups in the U.S. Further, at its current strength, the Auxiliary is far from the 48,000 member goal declared mission-critical by 2000 in the 1987 Coast Guard report to the U.S. Congress. This thesis describes the Auxiliary's 69-year history and examines the reasons for the organization's decreasing membership. In this process, the thesis also revealed the absence of a systematic, quantitative tool to assess Auxiliary recruiting and retention practices. This thesis proposes the use of the Coast Guard Organizational Assessment Survey, already administered to all other components of the Coast Guard and which, tailored to the Auxiliary, would be extremely effective in stimulating a genuinely useful approach to increasing Auxiliary membership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dooris, Matthew D.
2008-12
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Preventive Detention in the War on Terror: A Plan for a More Moderate and Sustainable Solution
"After September 11, 2001, the Bush Administration decided to detain certain individuals suspected of being members or agents of al Qaeda or the Taliban as enemy combatants and hold them indefinitely and incommunicado for the duration of the war on terror. The rationale behind this system of preventive detention is to incapacitate suspected terrorists, facilitate interrogation, and hold them when traditional criminal charges are not feasible for a variety of reasons. While the rationale for preventive detention is legitimate and the need for preventive detention real, the current Administration's approach has been reactionary, illogical, and probably unconstitutional. This thesis explores the underlying rationales for preventive detention as a tool in this war on terror; analyzes the legal obstacles to creating a preventive-detention regime; discusses how Israel and Britain have dealt with incapacitation and interrogation of terrorists; and compares several alternative ideas to the Administration's enemy-combatant policy under a nonpartisan methodology that looks at questions of lawfulness, the balance between liberty and security, and institutional efficiency. In the end, this thesis recommends using the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to monitor a narrow regime of preventive detention only to be used under certain prescribed circumstances where interrogation and/or incapacitation are the justifications. Note: This thesis was published as a book by Cambria Press in November 2008. The book is entitled 'The Necessary Evil of Preventive Detention in the War on Terror: a Plan for a More Moderate and Sustainable Solution.' An excerpt of the thesis based on Chapter V was published by 'Homeland Security Affairs' in October 2008 [http://www.hsaj.org/?article=4.3.1]. An excerpt based on Chapters III and IV, entitled 'The Why and How of Preventive Detention in the War on Terror,' will be published by The Thomas M. Cooley Law Review in the Spring of 2009."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Blum, Stephanie
2008-12
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Contingency-Focused Financial Management and Logistics for the U.S. Coast Guard
From the thesis abstract: "The Coast Guard has had significant success conducting response operations during major contingencies. And yet, mission execution has been buoyed and supported in an ad hoc fashion by the logistics and financial management structure of the organization. Should ad hoc efforts fail in the future, the Coast Guard may find itself unprepared for managing the logistical and financial challenges of widespread contingencies. Shortfalls in the existing approach to contingency preparedness include: a lack of contingency-based financial and logistics policies, unprepared contingency cost accounting mechanisms, a non-resilient financial management community, a lack of geographically focused logistics plans for a range of contingencies and, operational and logistical professionals are not adequately trained for contingency resource management. Qualitative research and reviews of after action reports indicate that there are solutions to these challenges. Recommendations include establishing policy on cost tracking, pre-contracting and rapid procurement, modifying the financial systems readiness to track costs, developing an information sharing and collaborative construct with other units and agencies using a Contingency Logistics Planning Group (CLPG), building resilience in contingency procurement through Advanced Readiness Contracting and meeting the 'human aspects' of business continuity planning and, reconfiguring the training for planners, logisticians and procurement personnel."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Berg, Benjamin D.
2008-12
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Rethinking Intelligence to Integrate Counterterrorism into the Local Law Enforcement Mission
"Law enforcement agencies are constantly challenged by a changing threat environment, and they attempt to meet the challenges with the resources they have. In the past twenty years, terrorism is a dangerous threat to America while community expectations to address crime have also grown. Americans rely on local, state, and federal law enforcement to understand this threat and to incorporate counter terrorism efforts into their already full missions. In looking for the best ways to understand and combat the threat of terrorism, intelligence-led policing (ILP) has been offered as an effective strategy to improve police effectiveness. This thesis studies the ILP practices of two police departments-Metro Nashville and Chicago-and analyzes those elements of their strategies that contribute to successful ILP. This analysis validates the elements of the 3i model of effective ILP operations, and emphasizes several other elements as critical strategic elements necessary for an agency to develop and implement a successful ILP strategy. ILP is an effective policing strategy and the critical strategic elements identified in this thesis should serve as the foundation of efforts to build capacity in an agency. This thesis furthers these critical elements and presents a framework for agencies to implement ILP."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ball, John E.
2007-03
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Chemical Industry Security: Voluntary or Mandatory Approach?
"A successful attack on a hazardous materials storage facility has the potential to cause mass casualties and panic. Although the risk and consequences vary greatly among these sites, there are a significant number of facilities with tens of thousands of individuals who live and work in the vulnerability zone. Until P.L. 109-125 was enacted on October 4, 2006, which required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue regulations establishing riskbased performance standards, the Federal government policy for securing chemical facilities from terrorist attack relied entirely upon voluntary actions by industry. Though it is sure to create controversy, this thesis proposes the need for new legislation that mandates standards for chemical industry security yet also addresses the economic and implementation impacts. DHS, in close partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is best suited to undertake this responsibility. In addition, State delegation of oversight responsibility is necessary to address the resources required to handle such a large number of sites. Public participation in preparedness and response activities is vital to reduce the fear and anxiety inherent to acts of terrorism. Inherently Safer Technology evaluations are recommended for the chemical sector through regulatory amendments to the Clean Air Act Section 112."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Baldauf, Paul D.
2007-03
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Requirements and Information Metadata System
"This thesis proposes an adoption of a data schema called RIMS (Requirements and Information Metadata System) developed as a pilot project in the Pittsburgh Field Office of the FBI and sets out to determine if RIMS could be an effective and efficient method to capture, catalogue and retrieve intelligence information within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). RIMS would enhance the search platform used by FBI analysts and investigators who gather or data mine existing information in furtherance of the FBI's priorities. The use of this coding system can be adapted for use by other U.S. intelligence and law enforcement communities for commonality and uniformity in retrieval, cataloguing, and collecting of intelligence information. The use of this system can be manipulated into a non-classified code for use by state, local, and tribal law enforcement and intelligence entities. Finally, the use of the coding system within the intelligence community will consolidate and integrate information and intelligence and reduce delays in detecting and retrieving pertinent intelligence obtained and shared within the intelligence community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Beckman, Erin M.
2007-03
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Transforming Leadership in the FBI: A Recommendation for Strategic Change
From the thesis abstract: "The FBI has entered a critical point in its history. The new normalcy of the post-9/11 world has created seemingly insurmountable challenges that highlight the need to further examine the FBI's policies, practices, and procedures used to identify, select, professionally develop, evaluate and place leaders in its Special Agent ranks. The FBI must identify its most capable leaders, set conditions for their success, and systematically place them in positions that will maximize their impact on the future of the organization. This research examines drivers and impediments that have led to the current methodologies used by the FBI to select and place its Special Agent leaders. It also reviews the current mechanisms for training and developing FBI Special Agent mid-level and executive managers and explores an alternative strategy to identify, select, professionally develop, evaluate and place ensuing generations of FBI Special Agent leaders. Finally, this research recommends specific courses of action and a new strategic framework, moving from a system of individual career management to a system of organizational career development or a leadership pipeline, to transform the FBI's Special Agent leaders into standard setters within the larger intelligence and law enforcement communities they serve."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Schwein, Richard D., Jr.
2007-03
