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'What the Hell Do We Do Now?' A Policy Options Analysis of State, Local, and Tribal Law Enforcement Participation in Immigration Enforcement
From the thesis abstract: "Many components come together to form not only the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but the larger homeland security enterprise across the country. State, local and tribal assets are part of the fabric of homeland security efforts, along with federal entities, in prevention, response and recovery. While immigration enforcement at the federal level was formally brought into DHS, state, local and tribal (SLT) enforcement agencies are potential partners in that effort, as pointed out in the 9/11 Commission Report. This thesis outlines some of the legal authorities for the use of local agencies, the diversity of approach and opinion in these efforts, and a cross-section of agency policies and SLT ordinances that direct enforcement efforts. Using a Policy Options analysis framework, SLT agency policies were examined and evaluated in five areas: effectiveness, legality, acceptability, efficiency, and implementation. Based on this research, it is apparent that not only is there a disparity of opinion and approach to immigration enforcement, there is a lack of any policy at all for a majority of agencies. Recommendations for enforcement efforts include not only the importance of forming a policy but doing so in a collaborative way, including federal, SLT and community partners."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nelson, Jeffrey M.
2013-09
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Active Shooters: Is Law Enforcement Ready for a Mumbai Attack?
From the thesis abstract: "Between April 16, 2007, and December 14, 2012, the United States has seen 25 mass shootings, seven of which occurred in 2012. A report by United States Department of Homeland Security, in 2009, suggested that the United States will be the target of a terrorist act that could cause a high number of casualties. The November 26, 2008, attack on Mumbai is a transparent example of how determined terrorists, trained to die fighting, can bring a large metropolitan city to its knees. It is entirely probable that Mumbai-type attacks could occur in the United States. Since the local law enforcement respond to attacks in progress, any active shooter event would be handled by the local jurisdiction. Many law enforcement agencies have begun to incorporate tactical plans to respond to Mumbai-type terrorist attacks. This thesis focused on police preparedness of select large metropolitan law enforcement agencies for potential Mumbai-type terrorist attacks. A comparative analysis of these police agencies was conducted, which showed that the frequency of training was found to be varying and inadequate by these agencies. A similar concern was that none of the agencies had equipped all the police officers with rifles, which were deemed critical to engage well-equipped active shooters. It is the conclusion of the thesis that gaps in preparedness exist and law enforcement organizations have room for improvement. It was also concluded that agencies need to enhance communication capability between neighboring jurisdictions and focus on triage of the victims during the early stages of attacks when medical personnel would be unable to approach."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Justice, Joel M.
2013-09
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Improving the All-Hazards Homeland Security Enterprise Through the Use of an Emergency Management Intelligence Model
From the thesis abstract: "As the all-hazards approach takes hold in our national Emergency Management [EM] and Homeland Security efforts and continues to seek greater collaboration between these two fields, an area that has yet to be explored to its fullest extent is the utilization of an intelligence process to enhance EM operations. Despite the existence of multiple Federal-level policies that outline the importance of intelligence and information sharing across the all-hazards community, EM is still by-and-large an outsider to the Intelligence Community (IC); the problem is one of both policy and of practice. Formalizing both an intelligence process and EM role culled from best practices of the FBI, U.S. Military, and local law enforcement, and subsequently equipping and training emergency managers in the use of intelligence would be substantially beneficial in all phases of a disaster. Once established, an intelligence process could also help EM augment and integrate into the IC to provide more robust HS capabilities, including a significant role in the State/Local Fusion Centers. This formalized EM Intelligence Cycle (EMIC) lays the groundwork for better EM-IC collaboration, better support to first responders during large-scale events, a more proactive role in preventing future disasters, and a more robust all-hazards community as a whole."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Schulz, William N.
2013-09
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Unity of Command for Federal Consequence Management
From the thesis abstract: "The United States eventually will face an existential catastrophe. An 'existential catastrophe' would result in cascading effects extending well beyond the physical boundaries of the event. When studying the federal response to major disasters, it is apparent higher levels of presidential interest provide a positive impact on results. The lack of coordination of federal response efforts and the inability of the president to impose his will to marshal fully federal resources effectively were major problems identified after Hurricanes Katrina and Andrew. The inability of the federal government to coordinate the federal response efficiently to a catastrophe appears throughout 60 years of modern federal disaster response. This thesis argues the most efficient way for the president to supervise the federal response to an existential catastrophe is to delegate authority for operational decisions to a single federal official that would allow the president and his cabinet to focus on strategic decisions. The Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator, who would be supported by an empowered Emergency Support Function Leadership Group, with authority to direct all agency capabilities released to them by the president and their agencies, would lead the portion of the federal operational response formerly known as consequence management."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lucie, H. Quinton
2013-09
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Instilling a Culture of Accountability at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Leveraging the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA-MA) of 2010
From the thesis abstract: "Linking the theoretical conceptualization of public and organizational accountability, defined as a culture of high-trust, with the Government Performance and Results Modernization Act (GPRA-MA) of 2010, may revolutionize the way Department of Homeland Security (DHS) leaders and performance practitioners, partners and stakeholders consider and apply strategic performance management practices and processes within the department. This thesis contains twelve (12) recommendations based on the concept of meta-governance, which incorporates 'relational webs' and 'network power' involving the general public, into departmental performance management and improvement processes. Our next generation solution to creatively implement the GPRA-MA, innovative (democratic) networked governance, integrates social complexity theory epistemologies and best practice principles in an attempt to ameliorate the five (5) cultural conditions identified as contributing to deficiencies within the five (5) major focus areas of the GPRA-MA. Placing organizational management, strategic planning, program evaluation, performance measurement, governance, accountability and decision making within the larger context of fiscal, ethical and democratic responsibility and responsiveness, would be an inestimable force multiplier to both DHS politically appointed and career officials, having the potential to revolutionize the way the United States of America secures and protects its homeland."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Smith, Teresa M.
2013-09
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Community Hazard Vulnerability Assessments: How Technology Can Assist in Comprehension
From the thesis abstract: "The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 mandates that all levels of government identify, classify and develop plans for the mitigation of the hazards to which they are exposed, be they natural or man-made. In addition to the legal requirement, communities need to complete a hazard vulnerability assessment to help them determine priorities in deciding how much of a given resource should be aimed at solving a given problem. No communities have unlimited resources; as such, it is imperative that resource allocators, be they emergency managers or elected officials, fully understand the depth and breadth of the multitude of hazards their communities face. Understanding how humans process information and then using technology to assist in the comprehension of that information can only enhance a community's emergency management cycle of planning, mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Waters, John R.
2013-09
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What is the Problem to Which the Answer Was Public Law 83-280: How is it Working Out and What Should We Do Next?
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis explores the stakeholders' positions in relation to the implementation of Public Law 83-280 (PL 280). PL 280 mandated that states assume jurisdiction on reservation land. The thesis investigates how the uniqueness of this law has caused multi-dimensional problems including; collaborations/partnerships, familiarity with the law, compliance with the law, law enforcement effectiveness and/or impacts, cultural competence, and training/education. The main claim for this thesis is that PL 280 was written as an unfunded mandate without the consent or input from the Tribes and was enacted without clear guidance for implementation. The thesis investigates whether creation of a best practice model would create a collaborative relationship among Tribes and public safety agencies, communication among multiple disciplines, unified leadership and command on an incident, and improvement for all public safety planning. The research identifies what the existing relationships are, what is lacking at an operational level, what training is available, what the challenges have been, and what the next steps should be in order to improve the process of this law. "
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Muhr, Margaret
2013-09
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Policy in Conflict: The Struggle Between Environmental Policy and Homeland Security Goals
From the thesis abstract: "Since the 1970s, every American president and many Congressional leaders have called for 'national energy independence' as a top policy priority. Among many reasons the United States (U.S.) has been unable to deliver on this goal over four decades are certain environmental policies that may tend to inhibit efficiency in fuel consumption of vehicles. This study examines the unintended consequences of certain environmental policies for American homeland security. The analyses suggest that some environmental policies may have a deleterious effect on the ability of the United States to achieve a level of energy efficiency in the transportation sector that could contribute to achieving 'national energy security.' This study suggests ways to achieve a level of sustainable energy security by reducing consumption in the most important petroleum consuming sector, that of automobile transportation. Some U.S. oil dollars may be directly supporting terrorist organizations or, at a minimum, go toward supporting the spread of radical Islamic Salafism that is inimical to U.S. and Western interests. This inquiry examines evidence to show that America's continuing dependence on other foreign oil, especially oil from the Middle East, is perilous to homeland security and compels limits to U.S. freedom of action in foreign affairs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cowden, Daniel R.
2013-09
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Protecting America Through Better Civic Education
From the thesis abstract: "How does civic education affect homeland security? A civic education curriculum that provides for the foundations of our youths' individual and collective identity may significantly contribute to the preservation of our democracy and enhance homeland security. Through a civic education, students can enhance their grasp of the concepts of our American representative democracy and learn the tenets of good citizenship, critical thinking, and the ability to self-govern. Presidential Directive Number Eight (8) clearly indicates the need for national preparedness using a whole of nation approach. The plan requires robust citizen engagement. To have an informed engaged citizenry and for a democracy to thrive, the populace must be educated. But there is no guidance or mention of the education of American youth or how such education may play a role in achieving the goals of national preparedness. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reported in 2010 that only 27 percent of the nation's fourth-grade students were proficient in civics. Only 22 percent and 24 percent of eighth-grade and twelfth-grade students, respectively, were proficient in the area. Civic education must provide youth with a personal and collective identity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ravert, Brian P.
2013-09
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Evolving Arctic: Current State of U.S. Arctic Policy
From the thesis abstract: "The Arctic environment is in a state of flux and the U.S. government must be prepared to handle the evolution and capitalize on the opportunities. Once barren and desolate, the Arctic is slowly coming to life with industry and commerce brought about by receding ice conditions. Along with that comes the need for a comprehensive and actionable Arctic policy. The other Arctic nations that ring the North Pole are quickly adapting to the shifting Arctic. Unlike the U.S., they have established Arctic policies, are implementing plans to operate in the region, and taking advantage of the opportunities that this new frontier has to offer. The U.S. framework is the National Strategy for the Arctic Region. The plan is short on detail and aspirational in nature. It lacks clear direction and authority. The U.S. has yet to commit to its role as an Arctic nation. The U.S. Arctic lacks infrastructure such as a deep-water port, a joint military base, and additional heavy icebreaker assets. Additionally, there is no lead agency that has authority and funding to carry out U.S. Arctic objectives. Under the current state of affairs, the U.S. is vulnerable to security, economic, and sovereignty issues in the Arctic."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dwyer, William G.
2013-09
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Making U.S. Security and Privacy Rights Compatible [revised and reissued March 2018]
From the thesis Abstract: "The terror attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, necessitated changes in the way domestic intelligence agencies and services conducted information-collection activities to protect against further attacks. Congress acted quickly to prevent the next attack by expanding government authority under the USA PATRIOT Act and the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Court. This gave domestic intelligence services the tools needed due to advances in technology that allowed terror organizations and suspects to travel, communicate, raise money and recruit using the Internet. Safeguards were written into the enhanced authority to protect against privacy abuses by government. Ten years after 9/11, civil-liberties advocates called for more transparency, more privacy protections and better oversight because of past abuses by government officials operating in the name of national security. Leaks about government spying on U.S. citizens have heightened the balance debate between security and privacy. Privacy or security is not a zero-sum game. A policy that incorporates an adversarial process in the FISC [Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court] and a streamlined oversight mechanism in Congress for more effective oversight, and the release of redacted classified documents to educate the public about surveillance techniques, would instill more balance and greater public trust." This thesis, originally published in September 2013, was re-released March 2018 to clarify attribution.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Clarke, David A., Jr.
2013-09
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Toward a Common Standard: The Role of Law Enforcement at WMD Incidents
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis examines the role of law enforcement personnel at weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and hazardous materials incidents with regard to WMD training, standards and preparedness, and identifies gaps and problems in current local law enforcement WMD response preparedness. Different models of local law enforcement WMD response are analyzed to compare with the New York City model, and the U.S. Bomb Squad and United Kingdom law enforcement chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear training programs are examined as examples of successful national preparedness response programs. The implications of this thesis indicate a need for a national strategy for local law enforcement WMD training, equipment and operating procedures to better coordinate response efforts between local law enforcement agencies at WMD incidents."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Taylor, Keith L.
2013-09
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Intergovernmental Unity of Effort in Support of Biological Threat Prevention
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this thesis is to examine ways to prevent the terrorist use of a biological weapon of mass destruction. Intelligence sources from around the globe report that terrorist groups are developing the capability and the intention to deliver biological weapons of mass destruction. Four coalitions of governments were studied to examine stated health security policies and reported outcome of a large biological threat incident of H1N1 global pandemic influenza of 2009--2010. This thesis presented the results and proposed methods to enhance intergovernmental connectivity and information sharing to prevent a biological threat."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stevens, Wendy L.
2013-09
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Implementing the National Framework for a Biothreat Field Response Mission Capability
From the thesis abstract: "Since the 2001 anthrax attacks, communities have been responding to a sample surge of suspicious mailings. Each event has the potential to be an act of bioterrorism involving a deadly pathogen and, thus, requires a timely response in order to evaluate the risk to public safety. Stakeholders from federal and state governments and industry have recognized the need to develop a mission capability for responding to these suspicious events. The framework for a biothreat field response mission capability advocates the use of innovative detection technology in support of a risk assessment concept of operation. Implementing the framework will require federal and state collaboration and will establish local certification training standards, field-based proficiency and competency assessment exercises, and state response plans that reflect national guidance. This research describes the critical elements of a bioresponse framework, the current status of framework adoption at the state level, and recommendations for a three-phased implementation model."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Marsh, Bryon
2013-09
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Examination of the Collateral Psychological and Political Damage of Drone Warfare in the FATA Region of Pakistan
From the thesis abstract: "This research will examine the collateral psychological and political damage of the United States drone warfare program on Pakistani society in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), to determine if this is an effective, proactive homeland defense tactic. The use of drone aircraft by the United States government has increased worldwide since this evolving technology was first utilized in 2001. Each drone strike impacts militants, noncombatants, and ordinary civilians. The potential for collateral damage and civilian casualties may overshadow the tactical gain of even successful drone strikes by inspiring radicalization, and creating recruiting opportunities for militants. The findings of this research will recommend an alternative framework from which to evaluate the effectiveness of drone warfare based on the collateral psychological and political impact on society in this region. Traditional studies of drone warfare have tended to analyze from a tactical perspective. The examination of drone warfare, based on the damage done to the psychological experiences and political attitudes of FATA residents who may turn against the U.S., provides policy makers with the ability to better assess the impact of drone strikes on communities, and determine the optimal situation to leverage this lethal tactic, while minimizing negative outcomes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dengler, Judson J.
2013-09
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Submersible Threat to Maritime Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Small submersible vessels have been used for years by nation states, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations to achieve operational objectives. These entities have sought to capitalize on the overriding tactical advantage of submersible technology which is stealth. For example, drug trafficking organizations in Central and South America have been routinely using self-propelled semi-submersible vessels to clandestinely transport large quantities of illicit drugs to North America. Small submersible vessels can also be nefariously used in the maritime domain to transport persons or weapons or they could be used as waterborne improvised explosive devices. Terrorists and criminals are complex adaptive adversaries and are driven to innovate when confronted with threats to their operational effectiveness. Innovation and adaption are driving these foes to leverage disruptive technology towards the development or acquisition of fully-submersible vessels. Furthermore, there is a growing population of privately owned submersibles within the U.S. that policymakers have little visibility of. Homeland security policymakers lack adequate situational awareness regarding the vulnerabilities, threats, and consequences to the maritime transportation system from the malicious use of submersibles. The core challenge for the maritime homeland security enterprise with regards to submersibles is developing effective strategies to mitigate their potential risk."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Davis, Donald B.
2013-09
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Play Well with Others: Improvisational Theater and Collaboration in the Homeland Security Environment
From the thesis abstract: "Collaboration, though identified as a critical component to the Homeland Security (HLS) enterprise, can be difficult to achieve when working in complex HLS environments or addressing the wicked problems that permeate the enterprise. Federal doctrine and directives tell us collaboration is important, but we are not told how to collaborate. Improvisational theater, on the other hand, is built on collaboration among performers to invent a narrative, performers who have been trained to collaborate. Based on a distillation of improvisational theater into five key principles, a comparative analysis of established collaborative models, and a case study of collaboration in the homeland security environment, I believe that those working within the homeland security enterprise can apply the same principles used by theatrical improvisers. This thesis proposes a new framework for collaboration, the Improvisational Theater Collaboration Model. Utilizing this framework to develop collaboration training or as a tool to assess the efficacy of collaboration in homeland security environments are two suggestions for further study into the Improvisational Theater Collaboration Model."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Phelps, Andrew J.
2013-09
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Minding the Gap: The Growing Divide Between Privacy and Surveillance Technology
From the thesis abstract: "Pervasive mass surveillance in a given in U.S. society. However, whether U.S. citizens sacrifice privacy as a result remains under debate. Does privacy fade away in light of the connected world in which we all live? The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in U.S. v. Jones did not address whether pervasive mass surveillance by the government constituted a search under the Fourth Amendment, and, thereby, triggering constitutional review. The lack of legal guidance presents challenges for law enforcement investigations, as it can takes years for a court to decide a privacy case and surveillance technology evolves at a far more rapid pace. Given the refusal, or inability, of the courts to answer what constitutional privacy protections are afforded U.S. citizens in light of the growing use of sensor technology to conduct mass surveillance, inclusive of GPS [Global Positioning Satellite], RFID [Radio Frequency Identification], and LPR [License Plate Recognition], comprehensive legislative privacy options must be explored. To date, privacy has been left to the individual states, which results in privacy protections based upon geography. Federal privacy legislation is limited, focusing on certain technologies, such as eavesdropping under Title III, or certain privacy issues, such medical record data under HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act]. Further, very few laws govern the use and dissemination of the PII [Personally Identifiable Information] data that derives not only from governmental surveillance, but also from commercial data collection. A federal data protection act would define the privacy interests protected, rather than using the law to limit the government's specific use of a surveillance technology, which would ensure that the rules of engagement for the government surveillance were clear and held the government accountable to its citizens."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kirby, Debra
2013-06
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Climate Change Mitigation: Can the U.S. Intelligence Community Help?
From the thesis abstract: "The administration has declared climate change to be a threat to national security. Thus far, the national security establishment has focused its attention on adaptation to the effects of climate change rather than mitigation of the human cause, though evidence of the need to reduce global CO2 [Carbon Dioxide] emissions continues to mount. This thesis asks whether the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC) might be enlisted in the battle against climate change (global warming), by supporting the international monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) of a global greenhouse gas limitation treaty. This covert monitoring is already contemplated by the CIA, though the question remains open, Congress has conducted no public discussion of whether using the IC's unique covert sources and methods would in fact aid in climate change mitigation. This thesis compares various cases involving the IC's monitoring of weapons nonproliferation--and in particular the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)--with a hypothetical international CO2 emissions limitation agreement (ICELA) successor to the Kyoto Protocol. Using these case study findings, an analysis of four policy options for structuring an IC CO2 emissions limitation monitoring entity (ICCME) is conducted. By adopting the most promising of these options, Congress might ensure that the ICCME would support, rather than undermine, a future ICELA."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bruhnke, Louis
2013-06
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Effective Electronic Security: Process for the Development and Validation from Requirements to Testing
From the thesis abstract: "An electronic physical security system will often fail to meet user expectations or even basic needs. The inability to easily determine if the system is effective is a key symptom of this failure. This paper explored the process for development, implementation and testing of an electronic security solution. This was accomplished by asking 'What is a simple and repeatable systems engineering process that promotes an effective electronic physical security system?' An effective solution was not identified within the literature review process. The Requirements, Alternative, Design, Implementation, Testing and Commissioning (RADITC) process was developed as an alternative solution for the development and validation, from requirements to testing, of an effective physical security solution. The new process is based on two existing processes. The first is a commercial best practice as articulated by Thomas J Whittle. This provides a good foundation of activities. A second more complex life cycle management process used by the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provided steps and concepts that are missing from the commercial best practices in use today. This resulted in an effective, easy to use and repeatable process."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Prokop, James A.
2013-06
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When Will We Ever Learn? The After Action Review, Lessons Learned and the Next Steps in Training and Educating the Homeland Security Enterprise for the 21st Century
From the thesis abstract: "The problem of how preparedness and response organizations effectively elicit, develop, capture and disseminate organizational knowledge has been difficult to answer. Although techniques such as the after action review (AAR) have been practiced for over 40 years, not much is known about how it actually works at a theoretical level or if it still has viability in an increasingly complex world. Research also suggests that within many agencies, the AAR is not being practiced regularly and the lessons learned from the AARs being completed are not distributed or implemented effectively. An over-reliance on AARs and lessons learned might in fact be creating more harm than help. The complexity of modern day exercises and emergencies demands that responders be able not just to apply learning from past events but also to reflect, act, and learn in real time. Determining how to create the proper individual and organizational conditions for response professionals to make sense of and act upon the various learning opportunities inherent both during and after an event is crucial. Thinking of the problem within a larger emergency learning framework (ELF) and identifying learning as its own discrete organizational capability are recommended as potential solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kaliner, Jeffrey
2013-06
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Developing a Blueprint for Successful Private Partnership Programs in Small Fusion Centers: Key Program Components and Smart Practices
From the thesis abstract: "The 'Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers' required fusion centers to establish programs to interact with the private sector. These programs took the form of Public and Private Sector outreach programs. This requirement had a profound budgetary and operational impact on fusion centers, but agencies received very little guidance about how to plan, organize, and sustain these programs. The goal of this thesis was to identify smart practices and create an operational blueprint that fusion centers and intelligence units could use to establish a successful private sector outreach program. Three nationally recognized programs were studied and evaluated by a panel of subject-matter experts. The group identified six fundamental components that executives should consider prior to establishing a program: determine if the host agency has the expertise to manage the program, assess the agency's culture to identify it's willingness to interact with the business community, establish sustainable funding mechanisms prior to implementing the program, use a hybrid approach to communication including websites and face-to-face meetings, fully understand the value of the private sector, and emphasize the importance of participation by agency leadership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Rueben, Kenneth
2013-03
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Preparing South Carolina Emergency Departments for Mass Casualties with an Emphasis on the Planning Process
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis addresses the role of the emergency department in planning for mass casualties during an emergency. The demand on hospital emergency departments has stretched the capacity for normal operations beyond their original design. Hospital surge capacity is not only complex, but affects every hospital emergency department in the country. Factors, such as hospital bed capacity, surge levels, staffing and the use of volunteers in time of emergency, all play a critical role in the ability and accessibility of the hospital to react during times of need. The recommendations provided are based on the analysis of county, state and federal plans along with case studies that provide a varied approach to emergency preparedness and the role of the hospital, focus on some of the facets of preparedness and the immediate need for emergency planning, training/exercising and communication in hospitals across America, and specifically, in hospitals in South Carolina."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Donovan, Colleen Mary
2013-03
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Preventing School Shootings: A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence
From the thesis abstract: "Gun violence in America must be addressed at the highest levels of society. Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech were attacks on the very fabric of America. School shootings represent attacks on our nations' future. A public health approach to gun violence focuses on prevention. Public safety professionals, educators and community leaders are squandering opportunities to prevent horrific acts of extreme violence. Preparedness is derived by planning, which is critical to mobilizing resources when needed. Rational public policy can work. Sensible gun legislation, which is accessible through a public health approach to gun violence, neither marginalizes nor stigmatizes any one group. University administrators must fully engage the entire arsenal of resources available to confront this pernicious threat. The academic community can create powerful networks for research, collaboration and information sharing. These collective learning environments are investments in the knowledge economy. In order for the police to remain relevant, they must actively engage the community they serve by developing the operational art necessary to cultivate knowledge, relationships and expertise. Police departments must emphasize strategies that improve performance. Police officers must understand the mission and meaning of 'To Protect and Serve' and the consequences of public safety, which often comes at their personal peril. Gun violence in America is a public health epidemic and preventing it requires a collective responsibility." A 7-min, 6-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736902]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Welch, Edward J.
2013-03
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Defining the Role of Public Health in Disaster Recovery: An Evaluation of State Public Health Planning Efforts
From the thesis abstract: "There is very little to direct public health planning for long-term disaster recovery. This research surveyed plans from nine hurricane-prone states to determine the extent to which those plans comply with recently published standards from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2011. An abstraction form was devised to score each plan and to document novel or innovative components within each plan. Results indicate poor compliance with the CDC standards; 79 percent of the assessments of individual preparedness components resulted in a score of zero (on a scale of zero to four). Particularly notable was a lack of planning for continuity of operations and the insufficient plans for advising residents and partner agencies as to the plans and locations for providing services after a disaster. A complicating factor was the general lack of acceptance, by public health, of the fact that public health recovery should be focused on restoring community services instead of simply restoring operations of public health agencies. This research identifies smart practices that can be adopted by public health agencies in an attempt to ensure a robust level of recovery preparedness." An 8-min, 47-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736898]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Davidson, Nicholas E.
2013-03
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Does Homeland Security Constitute an Emerging Academic Discipline?
From the thesis abstract: "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? This paper seeks to answer the question by defining a common analytical framework for what constitutes an academic discipline including the concept of legitimacy and the interrelationships or 'coevolution' between academia, industry, and government. It then compares through qualitative research and weighted scoring several widely accepted disciplines to see how they fit within this model. Finally, given the persistent threat of natural and manmade disasters, steady funding and continuous career prospects, ongoing rapid advances in technology, and systematic widespread integration into university curricula, this research concludes that homeland security has begun its emergence as a formal academic discipline especially given the interdisciplinary nature of its dynamic and complex domain." A 6-min, 1-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736899]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Falkow, Michael D.
2013-03
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Road Less Traveled: Exploring the Experiences and Successes of Women Leaders in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "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 U.S. 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, such as law enforcement, fire, and emergency management. These numbers do not reflect the success that women who achieve leadership positions in the homeland security profession experience. Qualitative research was conducted through personal interviews with 14 women who currently hold, or have previously held, top leadership positions in federal, state or local agencies with homeland security responsibilities. Data gathered from these interviews shows that women are succeeding in homeland security leadership positions due to various factors including experience, education, the influence of strong mentors and role models, personality traits like tenacity and confidence, having vision, and their ability to overcome obstacles and barriers and take advantage of opportunities available to them." A 6-min, 55-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736903]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
West, Jonna
2013-03
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Applying the Israeli Practice of Reconstruction Following a Terrorist Attack as a Model for Cities in the United States
From the thesis abstract: "A component of the Israeli counter-terrorism policy includes a strategic choreographed response to restore and reconstruct physical damage caused by a terrorist attack with the goal of removing all markings of the attack in an expeditious timeframe. The investment of reconstructing a damaged scene is intended to yield increased resiliency for the impacted population and devalue the fear intended to be delivered with the attack. The critical element of the Israeli model is that the government accepts that attacks will occur and has developed a response for such attacks beyond aiding the injured and processing a crime scene. Application of the Israeli model to the United States merits review, as there is a strong likelihood that future terrorist attacks will occur on domestic soil in the United States and a best practice may be extrapolated from the Israeli model. The intended restoration of normalcy that follows Israel's reconstruction efforts is designed to mitigate the psychological impact of a terrorist attack and serve as a palm to the damaged psyche of an impacted population. The State of Israel recognizes that the element of fear is a coconspirator in terror attacks and has developed a response to it. The subject of this thesis will address the specific response of reconstructing a damaged scene following a terrorist attack."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kelly, Robert J.
2013-03
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Being Social: Integrating Social Media into Public Information Support to Emergency Response #smem
From the thesis abstract: "Emergency response agencies across the homeland security spectrum rely on their public information offices to leverage social media in support of citizens and response organizations during times of disaster. Do these public information practitioners have the guidance and tools necessary to represent their organizations effectively in times of emergency? To answer this question, this thesis reviews social media policies at the local, state, federal and international emergency response agency levels, specifically looking at guidance provided for crisis communications social media use during and after a disaster. Case studies on the how social media are used during and after a disaster are studied from the various perspectives. Finally, this research examines additional considerations for social media and emergency response. The policy review and case studies find a disparity between what is expected of our emergency response agency communicators and the guidance provided to them to meet the needs of our citizens and organizations in a time of disaster. This gap between policy and action leaves room for miscommunication and inconsistencies that must be addressed. This thesis concludes with research analysis, addressing that information gap and provides a policy template for normal conditions and emergency response events."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Spicer, Tamara L.
2013-03
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Combating Terrorism Within Local Policing Through Crime Reduction: Using Real-Time, Situational Awareness Within a Distributed Common Operating Picture to Combat All Crime and Terrorism-V2I2SION Process and SAFECOP Pilot Project
From the thesis abstract: "Local law enforcement agencies' role in combating terrorism should center on crime reduction. The crime fighting energy recovered from lowering crime can be converted to proactive efforts, which can root out precursor acts related to the planning and execution of domestic and international terrorism as an operational byproduct. To achieve this local momentum information and intelligence Sense-making within a common operating picture, offering real-time situational awareness can be the key difference in gaining or sustaining the crime reduction, starting this flywheel effect. By allowing function to follow form within a supporting technology, the V2I2SION [Validating, Visualization, Information, Intelligence, Solutions, Optimization, Next] process allows a more objective approach to format information sharing by: Validating an offense to expend the best return on time; Visualization in real-time versus delayed mapping; Information-to-Intelligence by effective case management - and crime bulletin construction and viewing in real-time; moving toward Solutions and debriefed Intelligence for future Sense-making; and leading to Optimization and the Next action. A pilot solution named Situational Awareness for Enforcer's Common Operating Picture (SAFECOP) was tested during the 2012 Republican National Convention and showed promising results against an event-strained agency's resources; which is comparable to either a crime reduction plateau or loss of personnel due to localities' budget restraints."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bennett, John A., Jr.
2013-03
