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Lived and Remembered Experiences: Policing to Improve Relations with Communities of Color
From the Thesis Abstract: "Critical race theory (CRT) contends that U.S. structures and institutions have created a society in which White superiority and Black subjugation are widespread. Law enforcement--far from supporting justice--has been a primary source of oppression and marginalization of Black people. Drawing on CRT, this thesis examines the U.S. history of policing and its role in enforcing racism through policing practices. A CRT lens shows how the racialized policing of the past persists in contemporary policing. This perspective suggests that Black individuals experience trauma through encounters with the police, and the history and contemporary reality of racialized policing erode trust between the police and Black people. This thesis argues that if police officers were trained to understand the history of racialized policing and the brutality it has waged against Blacks--and the ways current policing implicitly mimic the explicit racist practices of the past--then policing could change for the better. Following the recommendations of the 21st Century Policing report, this thesis suggests that police officers need to develop 'critical empathy,' an educated, empathic awareness of the history of racialized policing and the trauma it produces, if police are to become guardians of individuals and communities of color."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Elow, Christine A.
2019-12
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Introducing Artificial Intelligence into the United States Law Enforcement Community: Learning from Foreign Law Enforcement Agencies
From the Thesis Abstract: "This research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be successfully incorporated into a U.S. law enforcement agency by focusing on AI's challenges and limitations. Some of those challenges include a lack of current information about AI in this setting, particularly in the United States, and legal considerations. This thesis examines how the Dubai Police have implemented AI, compares U.S. law enforcement approaches to AI with those of foreign agencies, and ultimately creates a model framework that law enforcement agencies in the United States can use to incorporate AI into their practices."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lalley, Ana Z.
2019-12
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Rico: Analyzing the Use of Federal Law to Combat Local Gang Problems
From the Thesis Abstract: "Gangs are the main contributor to violent crime in the United States. In an attempt to combat such violent crime, the federal government has begun prosecuting street-level gangs with the federal racketeering (RICO) statutes. Although these statutes were developed to address more traditional white-collar crime, the criminalizing of ongoing racketeering activity in a criminal enterprise has successfully been used to prosecute street-level gangs. This thesis provides a review of the scholarly literature on the topic, most of which is biased and averse to the RICO statutes' use in this context. This thesis also evaluates criticisms and concerns on the topic. Federal laws and procedures were analyzed during a comparative analysis of different court systems, which revealed a distinct advantage for federal courts in the investigation and prosecution of violent street gangs. Additionally, the use of the federal racketeering statutes by three different jurisdictions--New York, New York; Detroit, Michigan; and Montebello, California--was researched and analyzed. The research found that use of the RICO statutes facilitated law enforcement initiatives that reduced violent crime and homicides in all three jurisdictions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ryerson, Gene W.
2019-12
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Integrating the Fire Service into the Domestic Intelligence Enterprise: A Systems Thinking Approach
From the Thesis Abstract: "In the nearly two decades since the attacks on September 11, 2001, there have been numerous attempts to improve fire service integration at virtually all levels of government. While none have succeeded in solving this wicked problem on their own, each has done a great deal to frame the problem of fire service integration while addressing key areas of integration. In merging these individual contributions into a holistic, unified effort, a pathway forward has begun to emerge. The first step in addressing the complex problem of fire service integration is to break from the traditional reductionist problem-solving methodologies commonly found in government in favor of systems thinking to bring about the desired change. Systems thinking provides a framework for understanding the complex interactions that are both internal and external to an organization. Within the systems thinking field, the congruence model best addresses the unique, complex nature of integration efforts. Beyond the central aim of integrating the fire service into the domestic intelligence enterprise, the congruence model and, more broadly, systems thinking show promise in guiding organizations that face changes or seek new and unique ways to tackle today's and tomorrow's wicked problems."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Falkner, Kyle L.
2019-12
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Training for Failure in the United States Fire Service
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2017, the United States fire service documented 87 firefighter deaths and an estimated 58,835 firefighter injuries. To reduce these risks, the fire service invests hours of training in personnel to keep them as safe as possible. Unfortunately, these fatalities and injuries continue to happen despite the number of training hours conducted to master department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain state continuing education requirements. Although training will never prevent 100% of fire-related deaths, it is a critical component in decision-making in a high risk/low frequency occupation. Based on NIOSH findings, it can impact response to improve firefighter safety. This thesis presents various training models currently used in the fire service, how cognitive processes and panic and stress impact firefighter response, other challenges and impacts on training, as well as best practices for training in other organizations. The evaluation of these factors assists in developing a better understanding of how we learn and retain information and how these lessons can be applied to improve training in the fire service."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
O'Neal, David E.
2019-12
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Softest Target: Security Planning for Houses of Worship
From the Thesis Abstract: "Defending houses of worship has become an ever-increasing need in homeland security. The rise of threats against faith-based organizations is growing, and the unique nature of sanctuaries makes them an ever-increasing soft target. What security help can assist houses of worship, and how can homeland security experts advise faith-based organizations? This thesis employs an appreciative inquiry approach to define the security problem that houses of worship face in specific threats and hurdles unique to them. Chapters review available resources at the government level, in the commercial space, and by faith-based organizations themselves. The material was then synthesized by developing an emergency operations plan for one house of worship: Northminster Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Arizona. This thesis suggests that overcoming the hurdles to security strategies within a house of worship is much more nuanced than previously believed, and the construction of a security plan for any house of worship is far more difficult than previously understood. Rather than seeking a one-size-fits-all or a packaged solution, houses of worship would best be served by engaging in a local effort to analyze security challenges and solutions. Little empirical study treats how houses of worship use, acquire, and find value in protection strategies on their campuses, and this thesis starts the conversation into this rarely discussed space."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Stein, John E.
2019-12
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Strategic Vessel System Management for the Public Safety Vessel Enterprise
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis reviews current practices for vessel acquisition in the public safety and homeland security fields, and evaluates agencies' strategic management of vessels as a means for improving planning and efficiency. The research explores parallel systems--including vehicle fleet maintenance and other vessel system planning--to establish best-practice anchors, against which it analyzes case studies from the Fire Department of New York, the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, and the U.S. Navy to evaluate how off-the-shelf or design-build strategies affect strategic management. The thesis then reviews additional requests for information to evaluate the current state of the public safety/homeland security vessel enterprise. The thesis concludes by presenting strategic best-practice anchors for moving forward in the maritime area of public safety assets. Establishing these best-practice anchors is the first step toward their wider use in the homeland security vessel enterprise."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Jensen, Brian C.
2019-12
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Missing Link: How Do Gaps in Mental Healthcare Contribute to the Active Shooter Epidemic?
From the Thesis Abstract: "Active shooter incidents at schools have highlighted the prevalence of mental illness in our society. Although the United States has historically struggled with its mental health policy, continuous efforts have been made to improve the system. During the 1960s, asylums were overcrowded and public outcry for humane treatment of the mentally ill pressured the government for change. To give patients a more normal life, the idea of community mental health centers emerged. Deinstitutionalization happened quickly across the country. The intent of the plan was to provide a more community-based approach to mental health. Unfortunately, the implementation of the plan was fractured. Over the past 50 years, with each iteration to the mental health system, many of those patients have found themselves in jail, in prisons, and homeless. This thesis explores a counterfactual analysis through an in-depth case study of Adam Lanza's life and navigation through the mental health system. Throughout his life, opportunities existed for intervention and treatment. Gaps in his mental health treatment allowed Adam to spiral into a deep state of mental illness in which he was debilitated by his obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. The analysis suggests that the community-based approach to mental health could have provided early intervention that might have changed the outcome for Adam Lanza and the 26 lives he took at Sandy Hook Elementary on December 14, 2012."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Buffkin, Kimberly L.
2019-12
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Unsuspected: The U.S. Military's Unintended Contribution to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
From the Thesis Abstract: "Active-duty military members and veterans (MIL/VETs) are joining, facilitating, and creating outlaw motorcycle gangs in search of a familiar social identity. MIL/VETs' advantageous skill sets, and their international deployments, are helping outlaw motorcycle gangs expand beyond law enforcement's ability to interdict them. In an effort to understand why some MIL/VETs join outlaw motorcycle gangs, this thesis analyzed publicly available information, and the author's personal experience as a gang investigator, through social identity theory and the social identity analytical method. The research found that outlaw motorcycle gang culture takes advantage of concepts such as patron-client relationships, challenge-response cycles, and honor challenges to provide MIL/VETs a limited good--a positive social identity--through its pseudo-warfare environment. The research also identified that MIL/VETs have specific motivations for seeking a positive identity through motorcycle gangs, including a desire to expand the criminal tradecraft, redeem regrets or missed opportunities from their military service, seek post-military employment, or address identity deficits. The findings in this thesis, along with additional research into these motivations, will contribute to the study of outlaw motorcycle gang culture and may help illuminate suitable alternatives to offer MIL/VETs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
King, S. Nicholas
2019-12
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Seminaries in the System: The Effects of Prison Seminaries on Recidivism, Inmate Violence, and Costs
From the Thesis Abstract: "Rehabilitation is one of the main goals of the correctional system, with numerous and varied programs being implemented for centuries. The United States spends millions on rehabilitation programs, yet recidivism rates, prison violence, and correctional costs continue to rise. This thesis explores how prison seminaries are addressing these issues and in the process, changing inmates' attitudes and behaviors. Examining Angola, the first prison seminary that became a model for many subsequent prison seminaries, including interviews with inmates and prison staff, reveals how inmates' attitudes and behaviors changed as a result of their seminary. Similar programs that follow Angola's model were also reviewed to determine if there was a reduction in acts of violence and a change in inmates' prosocial behaviors as a result of the programs. This thesis analyzed quantitative evidence in the form of prison statistics and inmate conduct records to determine if prison seminaries lower rates of recidivism as well as inmate violence. Legal case studies were used to evaluate the constitutionality of prison seminaries. Finally, this thesis identified reasons why prison seminaries are changing the overall culture of prisons, including individual identity transformations, the activities of inmate ministers, and participation in religious activities. The findings reveal prison seminaries are reducing both recidivism rates and inmate violence, which reduces the overall costs of incarceration."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dotson, Roy D.
2019-12
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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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Optimize or Die: Dynamic and Innovative Deployment Models for Fire Departments
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis analyzes current fire department practices and explores how resource deployments can be modified by innovation and optimization to result in improved services to customers. Alternative response vehicles, mobile integrated healthcare, technology adoption, accreditation, and leveraging data for policy analysis are five opportunities examined in this thesis with data used from 10 fire departments, including Dayton Fire Department. The findings show that implementing alternative vehicles for responding to medical emergencies, leveraging technology, and using data for policy implementation to adopt a mobile integrated healthcare program may decrease the cost of providing services and improve response times to meet national standards. These findings may be beneficial to fire departments across the country that are experiencing budget reductions coupled with increased demand for services." A 12 minute and 57 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866894].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McCoy, Tyler B.
2019-12
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Civil Rights Auditors: Defining Reasonable Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions on First Amendment Activities
From the Thesis Abstract: "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? The author 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. The author applies this framework to the 10 locations commonly targeted by auditors." A 16 minute and 25 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866884].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cummings, Gary
2019-12
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Case for State and Local Integration of the Separate Federal Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis provides an overview and policy options analysis of offsite radiological emergency preparedness and response protocols for commercial nuclear power plants. This program is developed by the federal government and implemented by state and local government emergency management as the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP). The capabilities built under the separate REPP, if integrated within the wider emergency preparedness enterprise, could be properly accounted for and included in a community-wide assessment of its aggregate capabilities within its existing all-hazards program. The research question for this thesis addresses which benefits, shortfalls, and challenges emerge from the integration of the hazard-specific emergency preparedness and response program established under REPP with the all-hazards core capabilities and the National Preparedness System doctrine. The research design utilizes a logic model framework to facilitate the process of evaluating different policy options and approaches to an emergency preparedness and response program for nuclear power plants in the United States. The conclusion of the research is to augment the existing REPP protocol with a robust means to measure capability and performance, which is modeled as a policy proposal to use an oversight framework and measurable site-specific performance indicators tied to probabilistic risk assessment." A 10 minute and 10 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866888].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Heckard, Matthew K.
2019-12
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You Don't Have to Live Like a Refugee: An Analysis of Selected Refugee Resettlement Programs to Improve Comprehensive Integration Outcomes in 'Free Case' Refugee Resettlement
From the Thesis Abstract: "By law, refugees entering the United States must become self-sufficient as quickly as possible. But successful integration means more than achieving this benchmark. True integration involves social inclusion and ties to community and nation--particularly difficult for 'free case' refugees who have no family in the U.S. and are wholly reliant upon resettlement organizations. This thesis asks the question: How can free case refugee resettlement practices be improved to enhance the likelihood of sociocultural integration and create stronger ties to the United States? A comparative assessment of three resettlement programs was undertaken to identify best practices. Integration success was assessed through statistical measures such as percentage of refugees who self-migrated after initial resettlement, and subjective measures of wellbeing and satisfaction as reported by refugees themselves. The analysis found refugees served by programs that lasted two years, as opposed to one year or less, reported a high degree of wellbeing and satisfaction, and less secondary migration. Moreover, refugees who were required to stay in a location for an extended period were less likely to engage in secondary migration afterward. This thesis recommends national refugee resettlement policy be updated to require local resettlement programs last a minimum of two years and that free case refugees must remain in their original resettlement location in exchange for three years of resettlement assistance." A 17 minute and 30 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866875].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bierman, Wilhelm F.
2019-12
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Revitalizing Maritime Security: Is Smart the Next Element?
From the Thesis Abstract: "Project Seahawk is a multiagency program that brings state-of-the-art technology and a regional approach to the problem of port security critical infrastructure in Charleston, South Carolina. Project Seahawk, now known as the Seahawk Interagency Operation Center (IOC), is alive within the confines of the United States Coast Guard, albeit as a smaller project. The Special Maritime Action Response Team (SMART) would be a multidisciplinary, multiagency unit that protects the maritime domain of South Carolina using intelligence gathered by the Seahawk IOC. This thesis examines potential challenges to the process of forming SMART with the Seahawk IOC, particularly the security capability gaps in the maritime domain with federal, state, and local stakeholders due to insufficient manpower and funding. The SMART concept will use elements of National Security Presidential Directive 41 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13 as a baseline for evaluating the maritime security capability. The SMART concept will make Seahawk more efficient in handling maritime criminal threats to radiation detection in Charleston by providing the first responder with an avenue of options. The Seahawk IOC addresses the security capability gaps, but SMART will be more effective in the Lowcountry maritime domain. Together, the Seahawk IOC and SMART will be a one-stop shop for interagency maritime security in Charleston." A 14 minute and 13 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866876].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Makins, Marion C., Jr.
2019-12
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Two Teams, One Mission: A Study Using EMS Units in Hospital Triage During Active-Shooter and Other Mass-Casualty Events
From the Thesis Abstract: "The Las Vegas Route 91 shooting, as well as other recent mass-casualty events, have exposed gaps in the response of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and hospitals to these types of incidents. This research sought to examine whether the use of EMS field resources in hospital triage could enhance the overall response to active-shooter and other mass-casualty events. Case studies of the Boston Marathon bombing and the Route 91 shooting were conducted. Additionally, an exercise by St. Marks Hospital testing the concept of EMS triage at hospitals was analyzed. The Las Vegas case study revealed significant gaps in hospital and EMS response and the Boston Marathon case study showed just how efficient hybrid teams of hospital and EMS personnel could be. A review of the St. Marks exercise showed that EMS crews at the hospital significantly enhanced the efficiency and efficacy of the triage operation. Finally, current EMS operations were reviewed and recommendations made to allow EMS crews to be assigned to the nearest hospitals without harming the on-scene response to these incidents." A 9 minute interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866878].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Simons, Thomas B.
2019-12
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Engaging Children and Youth, via K-12 School Curricula, to Build a Culture of Disaster Preparedness
From the Thesis Abstract: "Despite the impacts of natural disasters increasing across the United States, a significant percentage of Americans remain unprepared for disasters. Children and youth are disproportionally impacted by these events, but they also have the potential to be major assets in disaster preparedness. This thesis analyzes how to engage children and youth to facilitate behavioral change and build a culture of disaster preparedness. A comparative analysis of primary and secondary school curricula for disaster preparedness content, including case studies from the United States, France, and New Zealand, establishes a set of evaluation criteria, including curriculum scope; engaged learning; parental, school, and community involvement; and effective evaluation. This thesis finds that the United States could improve and expand existing curricula, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Student Tools for Emergency Planning program, and work to integrate disaster preparedness curricula into existing school safety and mandatory public health curriculum requirements. By reaching children and youth with disaster preparedness information, the United States can work to shift values and social norms around the topic, similar to past successes seen with such issues as anti-smoking and seatbelt enforcement." A 9 minute and 19 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866896].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hayward, Kimberly A.
2019-12
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Countering Violent Extremism: How We Win [video]
From the Webpage: "In this episode of Viewpoints, Erik Dahl interviews Farah Pandith about her experiences countering violent extremism in relation to her book, 'How We Win' Pandith's book focuses on how cutting edge entrepreneurs, political visionaries, enlightened business leaders, and social media mavens can defeat the extremist threat." The duration of this video is 29 minutes and 3 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dahl, Erik J.; Pandith, Farah
2019-11-26
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: How DHS Utilizes Biometric Identity [video]
From the Webpage: "In this episode of Viewpoints, Heather Issvoran interviews Carol Lucas on the topic of Biometric Identity. Lucas is a Senior Strategic Planner for the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and she discusses how DHS utilizes biometrics within the evolving realm of technology." The duration of this video is 12 minutes and 57 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Issvoran, Heather; Lucas, Carol L.
2019-11-22
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Beyond the First 48: Incorporating Non-Traditional Stakeholders into Incident Response [video]
From the Video Description: "In this Master's Thesis Series interview, Octavio Saenz speaks with Emily Jane McLoughlin (MA1801/1802), Emergency Preparedness Program Manager for the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management in Arlington, VA [hyperlink], about the research behind her thesis 'Beyond the first 48: Incorporating Non-Traditional Stakeholders into Incident Response' McLoughlin's thesis explores how the county could potentially leverage the private sector and other nontraditional stakeholders to work within the National Incident Management System [hyperlink] (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS) for a more effective response." The duration of this video is 9 minutes and 26 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=847067].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McLoughlin, Emily J.
2019-11-21
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: The 'English Disease' and Political Protest [video]
From the Video Description: "In this Master's Thesis Series video, Octavio Saenz interviews Christopher Barney (MA1801/1802), Battalion Chief for Portland Oregon Fire & Rescue [hyperlink], about the research behind his thesis 'The 'English Disease' and Political Protest: How Social Identity Theory Can Enhance Public Safety at Crowd Events.' By investigating existing methodologies used by law enforcement to manage crowd events to ensure public safety, his thesis finds that law enforcement could effectively use social identity theory to understand differing groups' needs and reduce protester-on-protester violence." The duration of this video is 7 minutes and 27 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=831042].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barney, Christopher J.
2019-11-20
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: There Are No Monsters in the Closet [video]
From the Video Description: "NPS-CHDS [Naval Postgraduate School-Center for Homeland Defense and Security] master's graduate David Sabat (MA1801/1802), Captain for Howard County, MD, Fire and Rescue [hyperlink], discusses his thesis with Octavio Saenz in this Master's Thesis Series video. Sabat's thesis is titled 'There Are No Monsters in the Closet: Why Fire Departments Are Not Implementing Best Concepts for Active Assailant Incidents' and delves into the question of why fire departments in the United States are reluctant to implement best concepts to more rapidly access victims during active assailant incidents. The recommendations provided in his thesis can help all fire departments adapt best concepts for active assailant incidents to encourage implementation." The duration of this video is 8 minutes and 19 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=831044].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Sabat, David
2019-11-20
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Reflecting Pool Podcast: Improving Human Performance Through Mindfulness [audio]
From the Webpage: "First responders prepare themselves physically for complex and chaotic situations but what about mental preparedness. Yonkers Fire Department Assistant Chief John Flynn (Masters 1501/ELP 1301) wanted to know if responders could optimize their crisis decision making through mindfulness training. He studied the predominant decision-making paradigms, frameworks, models and systems, alongside various mindfulness training programs and practices, to determine if mindfulness training would be a worthwhile means of enhancing first-responder crisis decision-making. John's research found that mindfulness training may improve certain human factors, skills and abilities which correlate with enhanced first responder crisis decision-making, with a consequent significant improvement of outcomes during future emergencies and disasters."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Karimi, Bijan P.
2019-11-07
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Evolving the Joint Qualification System for DSCA: From Whole of DOD to Whole of Government
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2013, a Government Accountability Report gap analysis on the state of joint professional military education (JPME) identified deficiencies in many areas that are critical to success in the defense support to civil authorities (DSCA) mission. This thesis utilized a case study methodology to discover the leadership qualities required of DSCA officers and ways that the Joint Qualification System could be modified to develop DSCA leaders. Cases of the downrange mission and the homeland mission were examined. This thesis found that the downrange mission has evolved significantly since World War II's industrial age under MacArthur, past Operation Eagle Claw and the resulting Goldwater-Nichols Act, into Desert Storm, and finally to Operation Iraqi Freedom's information age under McChrystal. The homeland mission has evolved on a path that parallels the downrange mission by failing during Hurricane Katrina, enacting the dual-status commander concept, and succeeding at Superstorm Sandy. However, the homeland mission has yet to evolve toward the kind of shared leadership and adaptability required in the complex information age. Recommendations include evolving the JQS to include DSCA specific paths, leveraging the National Guard as well as the best and brightest universities and academia throughout the nation, and modifying the Center for Homeland Defense and Security's graduate program to qualify as JPME II credit."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Van Beek, Scott D.
2019-09
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Mole in Your Pocket: A Study of the Data Gathering Capabilities and Security Implications of Modern Smartphones
From the Thesis Abstract: "With the increasing prevalence of and dependency on smartphones, it is critical to understand how the sensor data collected from their users is used and shared. This thesis investigates the homeland security risks associated with smartphone-sensor data collection and sharing. Publicly available technical specifications, open-source documents, and published studies were used to evaluate how smartphone data could be used to threaten the security of the homeland. This analysis reveals that smartphone sensor data, especially when aggregated, threatens the security of individuals and organizations at a level that also threatens homeland security. This analysis recommends specific actions that should be taken by individuals, organizations, and the homeland security enterprise to mitigate these threats."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Maxson, Paula
2019-09
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Turning the Eagle's Head: Polish Nationhood and the Global War on Terror
From the Thesis Abstract: "This work explores the response to the global war on terror during the last decade in the nation of Poland. Specifically, it examines how visions of the country's nationhood have been used by the leaders of the country's dominant political party, Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, or PiS), in conjunction with real or imagined terrorist events to gain power and further its political agenda. This effort is examined in the context of one particular element of Polish nationhood, Sarmatism, which formed in the 1600s and reemerged in the first decade of the 2000s as a potent cultural force. Basing its view of modern terrorism through a Sarmatian lens and responding with Sarmatian rhetoric has proved particularly useful to PiS; not only did it gain power during this decade, but it remains the dominant political force in the country. This ascendance of PiS has transformed both terrorist and non-terrorist events into perceived existential threats to the country, threats that the party has exploited for electoral success. But this success has also transformed Poland's position in its two most important international alliances, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. As a result, any effective foreign policy responses directed at Poland must account for the Sarmatian values embedded in its nationhood and manipulated by PiS in the political arena."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Borden, Timothy G.
2019-09
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Preventing Violent Extremism in Children and Adolescents: An Elementary and Middle School Life-Safety Education Program
From the Thesis Abstract: "The threat that Islamic jihadists pose to U.S. security is often highlighted in political debates and media commentary; however, U.S. citizens who have no affiliation with foreign terrorist organizations commit the vast majority of violent attacks within the United States. Violent extremists are becoming more common, and researchers believe the ideology and mental health of lone violent individuals is different from that of group-organized political terrorists. To address this growing threat to homeland security, this thesis demonstrates how fire departments, specifically the Virginia Beach Fire Department, can address mental health in their life safety programs for elementary and middle schools to reduce the likelihood that students will become school shooters or violent extremists. This thesis surveys and incorporates best practices from national and foreign programs to outline a new safety curriculum for the city of Virginia Beach."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hutcheson, David W.
2019-09
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Relationship Policing: Implementing a New Model of Thinking for Law Enforcement to Build Formal Community Partnerships
From the Thesis Abstract: "Law enforcement leaders protect and serve citizens using various enforcement models, such as community policing and evidence-based policing. Another method is the formation of formal partnerships among chiefs and key community stakeholders with the purpose of building public trust and reducing crime. This study aims to answer the question: 'How do local law enforcement agencies structure successful partnerships that earn public trust and contribute to crime reduction?' Using six police partnership cases from the extant literature, success factors and barriers were identified that contributed to successful or less than successful police partnerships. Successful partnerships included factors of purpose and strategy, structure, lateral mechanisms, incentives, people practices, strong leadership, and culture. This study determined effective communication, competent personnel, and a clear purpose were leading factors to a successful partnership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Poland, Mark J.
2019-09
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When Green and Blue Collide: The Relative Superiority Theory and Law Enforcement Incidents
From the Thesis Abstract: "The past three decades have seen a significant increase in suspects using weapons, which had not been readily available to the public, and which are more lethal. When suspects are better armed and more skilled with their weapons and tactics than officers, law enforcement's disparity of superiority leads to death and injury. For example, on October 1, 2017, the Las Vegas Massacre resulted in 58 people killed and more than 850 people injured. The entire incident lasted 10 minutes with the suspect firing more than 1,200 rounds before committing suicide. Retired Admiral William McRaven developed the relative superiority theory and the six principles of special operations. The theory's basis is the need for operators to achieve superiority at a specific place and time by virtue of surprise, speed, and violence of action. This thesis analyzed case studies from the North Hollywood Shootout and the 2009 Pittsburgh officer-involved shooting. The relative superiority theory was applied to each case study and identified successes and failures of law enforcement's response to the incident. The analysis and conclusions support the application of relative superiority theory to future critical law enforcement incidents during which officers may be outgunned or are already in an inferior position."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lenart, Harley J.
2019-09
