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Same Priorities, Different Perspectives: Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff on Homeland Security
"Former Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff have each published historical retrospectives on homeland security and their experiences leading the government's newest department. In this review, Ms. Blum discusses the highlights of each book and provides a comparative analysis. While Ridge focuses on the politics of homeland security, his own internal struggles, and the state and local perspective, Chertoff focuses on placing Islamic terrorism in its proper historical context and the capabilities of the federal government to solve homeland security problems."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Blum, Stephanie Cooper
2010-01
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Letter to the Editor: Federal Nuclear Preparedness and Response Measures Reflect New Modeling Paradigms
"A response to Robert Harney's article, 'Inaccurate Prediction of Nuclear Weapons Effects and Possible Adverse Influences on Nuclear Terrorism Preparedness,' published in Homeland Security Affairs VI, no.1 (September 2009)."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Casagrande, Rocco; MacKinney, John; Bader, Judith
2010-01
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Resilience: The Grand Strategy
"Homeland Security does not have a grand strategy. Resiliency has been suggested as an over-arching goal, but what does it really mean? In this essay, Philip Palin draws from his 'Long Blog', modeled on George Keenan's 'Long Telegram' (which defined containment as the United States' Cold War strategy) to formulate resilience as a grand strategy for U.S. homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Palin, Philip J.
2010-01
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Cause-and-Effect or Fooled by Randomness?
"This article develops an unconventional theory of infrastructure criticality based on decade-old ideas from a variety of disciplines. First, the concept of self-organized criticality (SOC) is explained using three simple simulations proposed by Per Bak, Newman, and Amaral-Meyers. Each simulation illustrates an aspect of SOC: self-organization, randomness as an underlying engine of disaster, and the role of interdependency or connectivity in complex systems. Next, the discussion shifts to an explanation of a general property shared by many major disasters: the fractal power law. Power laws turn out to be appropriate proxies for the insurance industry measure of likelihood called exceedence probability (probability of consequence equal to or greater than some size). The power law exceedence probability curve is associated with nearly all sectors prone to catastrophe. This is no coincidence, but more intriguing is the realization that power law exceedence probability curves can be produced from purely underlying randomness. This supports the author's conjecture that catastrophic incidents (often) occur because of randomness -- not strictly cause-and-effect."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lewis, T. G. (Theodore Gyle), 1941-
2010-01
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Jihad Dramatically Transformed? Sageman on Jihad and the Internet
"In his book 'Leaderless Jihad', Marc Sageman claims, as the title indicates, that Jihad in the modern world is changing from a centrally organized and structured activity into a more dispersed, decentralized movement in which small groups self-organize to carry out attacks. In making this argument, Sageman claims that the internet 'has dramatically transformed the structure and dynamic of the evolving threat of global Islamic terrorism by changing the nature of terrorists' interactions.'This essay looks at the available research and questions Sageman's claim that the internet is transforming how terrorists interact."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Tucker, David
2010-01
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Changing Homeland Security: Twelve Questions From 2009
"For our third annual Year in Review essay, Christopher Bellavita reviews and categorizes several hundred 2009 homeland security news stories. The stories suggest at least twelve questions that frame some important homeland security puzzles, with 'puzzle' used in the same way Thomas Kuhn used the word to describe what spurs progress in science. These puzzles cover risk, preparedness, immigration, FEMA, intelligence, technology, aviation and cyber security, privacy, torture, Islam, and public health. The topics discussed in the essay are not the only issues from 2009 that create puzzles for homeland security. Others could be added. Identifying core puzzles may assist the continued evolution of homeland security as a professional discipline."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bellavita, Christopher
2010-01
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Finalist Essays from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security's Third Annual Essay Competition, 2010
The Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) essay contest, now in its third year, is aimed at stimulating original thought on issues in Homeland Security and Homeland Defense. CHDS launched the contest in 2008 to provide people from around the country the opportunity to express their opinions on homeland security issues and to suggest new ideas. This year's winner and four finalists were selected from 145 contest submissions by a committee comprised of CHDS staff, faculty, and alumni. The variety of the essay topics submitted, as well as the backgrounds of the authors, highlights the vast scope of the impact that homeland security policies, programs, and challenges have on our communities and professions. This year's contestants were asked to answer the question, "How can, or should, the United States make homeland security a more layered, networked, and resilient endeavor involving all citizens?" This compilation includes the winning essay "Twitter, Facebook, and Ten Red Balloons: Social Network Problem Solving and Homeland Security" Major Christopher M. Ford, and the four finalist essays: "Examining the Effective Use of Unaffiliated Volunteers" by Mark Bejarano, "Unacceptable Gaps: Community Grassroots Involvement in Homeland Security" by Lieutenant Jessica Bylsma, "Involving Citizens in Homeland Security - Changing the National Culture of Assumed Safety" by Mary Theresa Flynn, and "Homeland Bureaucracy - How to Reshape American Homeland Security Policy to Better Engage its Intelligence Professionals through a Layered, Networked and Resilient Attack Upon Terrorism at Home and Abroad" by Andrew Hicks.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ford, Christopher M.; Bejarano, Mark; Bylsma, Jessica . . .
2010
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Factors Affecting the Amplification or Attenuation of Public Worry and Dread about Bioterrorist Attacks
"This study examined what variables -- technical/rational or normative/value -- predict public worry and dread about bioterrorist attacks. Data from a national sample indicate that the technical variable of media attention and the normative variable of perceived readiness of the government to counter threats predicted level of worry. The normative variables of trust in universities and advocacy groups, trust in interpersonal sources, alienation from government, and government readiness to defend the country against attacks predicted level of dread. The results point to the need to provide the public with information, through the most effective channels, to maintain a sense of trust in the government's and individuals' abilities to provide protection in the event of attack."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Rodriguez, Lulu; Lee, Suman
2010-01
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Optimization Approaches to Decision Making on Long-Term Cleanup and Site Restoration Following a Nuclear or Radiological Terrorism Incident
"Emergency planning activities have historically focused on the early phase of an event, especially issues associated with triaging in the initial response such as rescuing survivors. The most difficult task following an event may be the eventual recovery of society's most affected areas; the government must spend a large amount of money and effort to cope with the long-term site cleanup and restoration issues. In particular, the underlying principles and implementation guidelines for conducting the recovery effort have not been well developed. Following publication of the National Response Framework by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, some major responsibilities have been identified and defined. For example, DHS [Department of Homeland Security] recently published Protective Action Guides as planning guidance for health protection and recovery following incidents involving Radiological Dispersal Devices or Improvised Nuclear Devices. For the first time, the guidance addresses long-term recovery issues associated with radiological events, for which an 'optimization' process is prescribed to address the multifaceted, long-term recovery effort. This article analyzes this particular subject more deeply and evaluates the critical need for further development."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Chen, S.Y.; Tenforde, Tom S.
2010-01
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Information Sharing: Exploring the Intersection of Policing with National and Military Intelligence
"Policing and police intelligence rarely overlapped or intersected with national and military intelligence before September 11, 2001. Since then, a great amount of emphasis has been placed on improving intelligence and information sharing. This article explores the details of information sharing between (1) police and (2) national and military intelligence using fourteen police/intelligence experts who responded to six hypothetical scenarios. Results indicate that the complexity of the inter-organizational setting and the newness of information-sharing protocols create uncertainty about what information should be shared in different situations, and inconsistency about how it should be shared. Additionally, customs, traditions, and tensions between agencies and levels of government still seem to interfere with the amount of information that actually would be shared in various situations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cordner, Gary W.; Scarborough, Kathryn E.
2010-01
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Watermark: The Alumni Magazine of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security [Fall 2010]
This edition of Watermark features the following articles: "1) Alumni Conference 2011 2) Fellows in the News 3) Fusion Center Program 4) Kluckhuhn Tracks Gulf Spill Bell at USEUCOM [United States European Command] 5) CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] Women in Law Enforcement 6) Seth Jones on Afghanistan".
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
2010
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Watermark: The Alumni Magazine of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security [Spring 2010]
This edition of Watermark contains the following articles: 'The Pioneers'; '2010 Alumni Conference'; 'Regional Alumni Meeting Promotes Partnerships'; 'CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] Fellows Take Experience to FEMA'; 'Center Graduate Expands Vision'.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
2010
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: The Coast Guard's Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS) Program [video]
From the Video Description: "In this Viewpoints interview, Captain Matthew Cutts gives an overview of the Coast Guard's Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS) program which is designed to measure the effectiveness of the Coast Guard to achieve maritime security in our nation's ports and waterways." The duration of the video is 7 minutes and 58 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cutts, Matthew
2009-12-08
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Tell Me What I Need to Know: What Mayors and Governors Want from Their Fusion Center [video]
From the Webpage: "Mayors and governors who represent high threat, high-density urban areas need strategic, decision-making advantages and, as such, should be significant users of intelligence products developed by state and local fusion centers. These chief executives desire to understand the operating environment for their jurisdictions where daily risks and threats emerge from the complexities of an integrated world. In this Viewpoints interview, recent CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] graduate Yi-Ru Chen discusses her thesis which examines the numerous advantages in engaging these top-level officials in this discourse." The duration of this video is 7 minutes, 55 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=33136]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chen, Yi-Ru
2009-12-07
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: No Dark Corners: Defending Against Insider Threats to Critical Infrastructure [video]
From the Webpage: "An adversary who makes a frontal attack can be anticipated or repulsed. An adversary who attacks from within, however, cannot be so readily countered. In this Viewpoints interview, winner of the CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] Outstanding thesis award, Nick Catrantzos, discusses the theory and research that support his unique perspective on how to defend critical infrastructure from an insider attack." The duration of this video is 13 minutes, 51 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=33503]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Catrantzos, Nick
2009-12-07
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New Role for Emergency Management: Fostering Trust to Enhance Collaboration in Complex Adaptive Emergency Response Systems
"In spite of publications such as the '9/11 Commission Report' and a revised incident command system, effective interagency collaboration at emergency incidents within New York City has not been fully achieved. This thesis explores how the development of these collaborative efforts may be dependent on social factors, such as interorganizational trust, and whether emergency management agencies are well positioned to assume a leadership role in fostering and implementing trust-building programs in the furtherance of collaborative agency partnerships. The methodology for this study involved data collection and thematic analysis derived from an interview process, which involved senior management of seven public safety agencies, in order to draw conclusions on the role of trust and provide recommended strategies for fostering inter-organizational trust. The conclusions drawn from the following research support the concept that trust, operates as a catalyst in the fostering of inter-organizational collaborative efforts, enhancing the components of effective interagency partnerships, such as communication, as well as providing for increased problem solving capacities. Additionally, that the 'leadership in building trust' concept is complex, primarily reliant on establishing a trust in the collaborative process itself, and embraces the need for a collective synthesis of various agency skills to effectively meet homeland security challenges." A 6-minute, 57-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 29434]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Currao, Thomas J.
2009-12
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Regional Security Assessments: A Strategic Approach to Securing Federal Facilities
"The 18 critical infrastructure sectors identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security form a vast and complex network of interdependent assets that supports the functioning of nearly every aspect of business, government, and commerce. The disruption of even one critical infrastructure sector by a terrorist attack or natural or manmade disaster is likely to have cascading effects on other sectors. As the Sector-Specific Agency for the Government Facilities Sector, the Federal Protective Service conducts recurring facility security assessments for approximately 9000 federal facilities. These federal facilities are interconnected in varying degrees of complexity and form a network of multi- or bi-directional connections between assets, within or between many types of systems, and within or across critical infrastructure sectors. This thesis presents a Policy Options Analysis of a cross-sector approach for protecting federal facilities across the United States. These options seek to expand the security assessments conducted by the Federal Protective Service to include interdependency analysis at the operational and strategic levels. These options may also serve as a model for other cross-sector security assessment methodologies that may be adopted by other critical infrastructure sectors." A 5-minute, 57-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 29435]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Consolini, Todd
2009-12
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Anthrax Vaccine as a Component of the Strategic National Stockpile: A Dilemma for Homeland Security
From the Document: "The author explains how past problems with the Defense Department anthrax vaccine currently affect Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Service policy. The departments included the BioThrax anthrax vaccine in the Strategic National Stockpile following the 2001 anthrax letter attacks. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the vaccine's "failing" status possibly motivated the letter attacks to create demand for the vaccine. This thesis explores the Department of Defense's troubled experience with the vaccine through four methodologies. The multiprism methodological approach of 'quadrangulation' serves to 'box' in past safety, efficacy, regulatory, and legal problems. A literature review demonstrates an evolving shift in critiques of the vaccine that parallels policy pronouncements. A case study tool offers a chronological review of the anthrax vaccine to evaluate causal events precipitating the anthrax letter attacks in 2001. A program evaluation includes process tracing through quantitative, qualitative, summative, and formative reviews. Finally, a gap analysis aids in explaining continued reliance on the old vaccine technology. To conclude, the thesis recommendations encourage formulation of a Presidential Study and Policy Directive process to reassess the vaccine, while suggesting alternative Department of Homeland Security policy courses of action centered on antibiotics and new technologies." A 7-min, 53-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=29432]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rempfer, Thomas L.
2009-12
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Diffusion of DNA Testing in the Immigration Process
From the thesis abstract: "DHS's Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for screening potential immigrants to the United States. Loopholes in the process allow fraudulent applicants, criminals and terrorists to enter and remain here undetected. Innovative DNA screening technology would help to protect against fraud, detect criminals and terrorists, facilitate inter-agency information sharing, improve customer service, and save resources. However, USCIS currently has no authority to require DNA testing. Seeking ways to utilize this technology, I conducted research employing various qualitative data collection methodologies, such as interviews, observations, and participation in a nationwide DHS-sponsored survey. The goal was to develop a policy recommendation regarding whether and how to move forward toward expanded DNA testing in the immigration process. I found that maintaining the status quo would leave us vulnerable. USCIS should highlight the benefits of DNA testing to its stakeholders and dispel any myths and fears. It should work with its national and international partners to establish standards and achieve interoperability. To protect privacy, USCIS must take great care to safeguard all personal information stored in the DNA database. A pilot testing program may offer the opportunity to implement DNA testing in phases, and to test, evaluate, and adjust the process where necessary."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sahli, Evelyn
2009-12
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Enhancing National Security by Strengthening the Legal Immigration System
"One of the biggest challenges the U.S. contends with is how foreign nationals are using the legal immigration system to embed themselves in the country. While not every person who commits immigration fraud is a terrorist, those who intend to do this country harm will likely engage in some form of immigration fraud or seek to evade immigration laws in order to gain admission into or remain in this country in an immigration status. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the reality that foreign terrorists seek to exploit loopholes in the international travel system to facilitate the planning and implementation of attacks has become clearer. This thesis explores the interconnected relationship between immigration and terrorism. It will illustrate how border security can be strengthened if terrorists' access to immigration benefits is denied. In order to ascertain how terrorist have been able to successfully manipulate the immigration system and avoid detection, this study analyzes the immigration histories of terrorists involved in four case studies. This analysis shows that rather than focus on one benefit category or manner of entry, terrorists will utilize all means available in order to gain admission into or remain in the country. The recommendations provided based on this analysis focus on all facets of the immigration system and apply a holistic approach to immigration reform."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lee, Danielle
2009-12
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Value of Doctrine for a Developing Organization
"Border security has become an increasingly public topic since the events of September 11, 2001. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the Department of Homeland Security's largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the United States (U.S.). It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws. When CBP was created, the majority of the existing organization came from two legacy agencies, U.S. Customs and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. CBP continues today, six years after this merger, to have difficulty synergizing its activities. Research has shown that policies have not been amalgamated, strategies are not aligned and missions are not yet integrated. There is evidence to suggest that CBP has a great deal of improvement to make before achieving synergy. This thesis argues that doctrine development would be of great value to the organization, but CBP must first become a learning organization, which includes much more than just doctrine."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Scudder, Kathleen A.
2009-12
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Relationship between Criminal and Terrorist Organizations and Human Smuggling
"This thesis sought to expand on the literature that has been written on the possibility and impact of a relationship forming between criminal and terrorist organizations in terms of human smuggling. These entities could form a strategic alliance and leverage existing narcotics, weapons, and human smuggling corridors that exist south of the U.S. [United States]/Mexico border to smuggle terrorist operatives into the U.S. thereby threatening U.S. interests and national security. The analysis of the scholarly literature, interview data, and case studies point to a relationship between criminal and terrorist organizations and the fact that they have worked together to smuggle terrorists into the U.S. Additionally, corruption efforts by these organizations places a weak link in U.S. border security that can be exploited for nefarious purposes. Enhanced information sharing between law enforcement entities may be the single best way to detect the relationship between criminal and terrorist organizations and prevent them from smuggling a terrorist operative into the U.S."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lanzante, Joseph A.
2009-12
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Is NIMS Going to Get Us Where We Need to Be? A Law Enforcement Perspective
"The admissions of the survey respondents to this thesis demonstrate that there is a problem with the implementation of the National Incident Management System [NIMS] in both large and small law-enforcement agencies in the state of Wisconsin. NIMS training is a perishable skill, and without constant refreshment--either through regular practice or actual use--this system cannot be sustained within an organization. There is a flaw either within the training, in the implementation of the training, or in the system itself. So, what are the barriers to Wisconsin law-enforcement agencies adopting and routinely using NIMS, and how can those barriers be reduced? To gather data on the barriers that Wisconsin law-enforcement agencies encounter using NIMS, an electronic survey was developed. Approximately 550 law-enforcement agencies within Wisconsin were queried in the survey with a very low 12% response rate. Sixty-six percent of the respondents reported that, while they may be in compliance with federal NIMS requirements, they are not proficient. Recommendations include promoting a culture of customization of NIMS, creation of a small agency version of NIMS, and conducting a program evaluation of NIMS that includes the creation of objective NIMS proficiency standards through output/performance measurement and tying future funding incentives to those objective standards."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bauer, Thomas P.
2009-12
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Interoperable Communications Systems: Governance and Risk
"This thesis explores how shared governance mitigates risk related to multi-agency, multi-discipline interoperable radio communications projects. Case study research focused on two California counties, Marin and Monterey, to discover how shared governance emerged to mitigate financial, managerial and discipline risk. The significance of this research identifies the elements of shared governance that can lead to the successful implementation of interoperable radio communications projects. Findings indicate that shared governance emerges over time and is influenced by existing professional relationships. Metaleaders are individuals take the sum of their professional experience (roles) and use that experience to facilitate shared need and common understanding between all participants. Finally, public safety tradition and culture will impact the development of shared governance solutions and can inhibit or facilitate shared governance solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Aspland, Michael J.
2009-12
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Enhancing Emergency Preparedness and Response: Partnering with the Private Business Sector
"In order for local government to have a comprehensive emergency management program, all facets of the community, including the private business sector, must be engaged and given the opportunity to contribute. Furthermore, because neither the public sector nor the private business sector has enough expertise or resources to manage a major disaster alone being able to work collaboratively can provide an essential tool to facilitate a coordinated response. For some jurisdictions the development of a public private partnership for emergency preparedness and response has offered a conduit for such collaboration. This thesis examines the challenges to building public private partnerships between the government and the private business sector. Through interviews with subject matter experts this research identifies the four most critical factors local government must address when contemplating the development of a public private partnership. A cross disciplined approach and incentives are offered to local government as recommendations to facilitate partnership building."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Regan, Bonnie L.
2009-12
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Support Framework for First Responder Family Members: A Proposed Model for Increasing Responder Effectiveness
"This thesis focuses on the physical, mental and emotional support requirements for the family members of first responders engaged in emergency scene mitigation. The likelihood of a large-scale incident involving multiple emergency disciplines and a multi-day deployment has significantly increased. Effective, efficient and safe operations during these incidents could be greatly enhanced if responders' anxiety and apprehension is decreased. Emergency responders and their families are often ill prepared to deal with the myriad of issues that arise from local large scale incidents. Parameters of the proposed solutions for increased first responder family member support will be identified to include; updated listing of personnel contact information, sensitive financial documentation and defined processes that outline integration of the mega-community concept which leverages all community partners (business, churches, schools, non-governmental and non-profit organizations) into the enhanced first responder family member support system network. The development of a 'blue ocean strategy' will also be highly recommended as a method for optimizing and maintaining financial responsibility as family support plans are constructed and implemented. The ability to effectively develop and implement first responder family member support systems can enhance emergency scene mitigation. The utility of such programs also reflect a total health and wellness approach from the organization toward its members and their families."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sturdivant, Brian E.
2009-12
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Evaluating the Florida Urban Search and Rescue System: Its Future Structure and Direction
"Since September 12, 2001, The Florida Urban Search and Rescue System (FLUSAR) in Florida has grown from a nascent system to a full-fledged, multi-tiered, statewide search and rescue system. Through an urgent need for Urban Search and Rescue (US&R) capabilities, good planning and a unity of purpose after September 11, 2001, Florida was able to establish a system that is emulated by other states. However, due to a lack of state control, sustainable funding, a strategic plan and policies to protect integral members from professional liability, the system is in jeopardy of ceasing to exist. If this were to occur, Florida could not adequately protect its citizens during emergencies that cause structural collapse. By examining the qualitative information gleaned from the literature review, a survey of state US&R systems, interviews with personnel who were involved with the establishment of FLUSAR, or have a role in other state's US&R systems, and the author's experience with the FLUSAR system with state and local governments, this thesis will also evaluate the present capability of the US&R system within the state of Florida and provide a description of where FLUSAR has been, where it is today and to recommend changes for the future. In order to ensure the highest degree of performance and accountability to the citizens of Florida, including recognizing the real strength of a US&R system is one that is based on the rapid, local and regional response of specially trained US&R teams and task forces from within a state, the author will recommend that the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal establish a US&R advisory board and US&R program coordinator and dedicate sufficient funding to support an Advisory Board and US&R program coordinator and that the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal should be the agency in charge of the state US&R system, or FLUSAR."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
DeIorio, John J.
2009-12
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Radicalization Within the Somali-American Diaspora: Countering the Homegrown Terrorist Threat
"In 2008, Minneapolis resident Shirwa Ahmed became the first U.S. suicide bomber after he detonated his explosivesladen vehicle in front of a government compound in Hargesa, Somaliland. Ahmed's transformation from an average American teenager to an Islamic jihadist was gradual and complex. This thesis will examine how Ahmed, and other Somali-Americans, morphed into Salafi jihadists. Through interviews with law enforcement, social services providers, and homeland security officials, the cultural, religious, and assimilative traits existing within this unique diaspora community that have affected the trajectory of the radicalization of its members will be examined. Factors such as historic clan identity, religious pragmatism, pastoralism, and Somali-nationalistic identity generally discourage the adoption of transnational movements like global jihadism by first generation Somali émigrés. An in-depth analysis of the profiles of Somali- American travelers suggests that Somali youth are less like their parents and are more similar to their American and European-Muslim counterparts. Thus, they are a virtual 'tabula rasa' upon which jihadist recruiters may not only write but also erase much of the youths' inherent clannish identity and cultural traits. These newly indoctrinated youths rush to embrace American culture but are torn between two diametrically opposed identities. The resulting tension leaves a gap ready to be filled by Salafi Islam."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mulligan, Scott E.
2009-12
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Fusion Center Privacy Policies: Does One Size Fit All?
"'The 9/11 Commission Report' states, 'The choice between security and liberty is a false choice, as nothing is more likely to endanger America's liberties than the success of a terrorist attack at home. Our history has shown us that insecurity threatens liberty. Yet, if our liberties are curtailed, we lose the values that we are struggling to defend.' This thesis will explore privacy policies from established fusion centers, federal guidance and civil liberty advocate statements on privacy, civil liberty infringement and the sharing of information in and outside of fusion centers. Recommendations are provided for the State of New Hampshire's Information and Analysis Center as the basis for developing a privacy and civil liberty policy framework that maintains the integrity of the information, protects citizens' rights, and achieves the mission of the center."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Harper, Jennifer L.
2009-12
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Regional Joint Border Commands: A Pathway to Improving Collaboration and Effectiveness for Border Control
"Control of the U.S. border is a primary concern for the Department of Homeland Security. Three of the department's components have major roles in providing border security and control. With increasing costs and constantly changing threats, it is vital that all border organizations work together collaboratively. This thesis looks at two new ideas, border regionalization and joint regional border commands, and compares them with current efforts to increase collaboration. By establishing border regions, DHS can use threat based planning in each region to allow all border control components to focus on threats specific to their region while also increasing the level effectiveness of resources. Joint regional border commands offer even greater advantages in collaboration between components and resource usage. The DoD model for regional combatant commands is used as an example of how DHS can take advantage of the lessons learned with this recommendation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Carr, Alan
2009-12
