Advanced search Help
Resource Type or Special Collection is Theses & Research Reports
Publisher is Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Getting Serious About Games -- Using Video Game-Based Learning to Enhance Nuclear Terrorism Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis proposes the development of a video game platform to increase the public's knowledge of required protective actions in the event of a nuclear terrorism attack. Current scientific analyses have identified elementary steps the public should take to increase the likelihood of survival in the event of a nuclear terrorism incident; however, a knowledge gap currently exists with regard to the public's understanding of these required actions. Unfortunately, todays preparedness initiatives do not have the efficacy required to impact significant improvements in this area. Video games, more specifically a sub-genre of games known as serious games, are uniquely postured to address this knowledge gap. Not only do video games provide a motivating, enriching and engaging educational medium, but also they are unique in that they address the emerging educational needs of today's games generation, which desires more interactive educational environments since they have been immersed in technology for the majority of their lives. As such, leveraging this technology can help close the current knowledge gap and increase the nation's resilience to nuclear terrorism." A 9-min, 2-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722099]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gorman, Chad M.
2012-03
-
Your Faith, My Fear: Countering Consent to Cosmic Positioning
From the thesis abstract: "Addressing American fear of discourse on faith, as indicated through evolving American faith narratives, is essential in effectively countering modern day terrorism and to sustaining and securing the republic founded upon unique and enduring democratic principles. This research explores American faith narratives and subsequent relevance to cosmic war, the consequences of American reactions and perceptions to religious extremism, and the prospect, parameters, and purpose of inclusive faith discourse in the public square. Reactions and realities explored herein are framed through (1) American history of faith in the public square; (2) theoretical world views--how we know the enemy and know ourselves through Social Identity Theory and Positioning Theory, and (3) fear of unknown or uncomfortable concepts related to faith as evidenced through storylines inherent in American faith narratives. Influencing the global perception of America involves imagining the possibilities to ensure that future generations are afforded the American tradition of opportunity and freedom. This involves aggressively initiating public discourse on faith based upon securing diverse religious freedoms and beliefs and democratic principles in such a way that American faith narratives position the United States as a positive global and social influence, thereby impacting the global terrorists' threat." A 14-min, 13-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722111]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nations, Julie
2012-03
-
Nation That Cried Lone Wolf: A Data-Driven Analysis of Individual Terrorists in the United States Since 9/11
From the thesis abstract: "Lone-wolf terrorist attacks have occurred in the United States throughout the country's history. Attempted attacks from individual terrorists unaffiliated with terrorist groups may be becoming more prevalent. Both the general public and government officials acknowledge the presence and importance of these attacks; however, relatively little literature exists on the subject compared to group terrorism. Much of the information on lone wolves has been established by case study, inference, and known characteristics of group terrorism. The purpose of this study is to analyze the characteristics of lone-wolf terrorism through formal statistical models. The study then synthesizes data with case study and existing literature to formulate a base of knowledge for lone-wolf terrorism. This study demonstrates that no single dispositional profile of a lone-wolf terrorist exists. The individuals who engage in the tactic of lone-wolf terrorism form a unique ideology that combines personal grievances with common terrorist goals. Still, many lone-wolf cases exhibit certain characteristics. This thesis analyzes these characteristics and their relationship with successful attacks. These data on characteristics, goals, and motivations of lone wolves purport policies to increase engagement between the community and curb lone-wolf terrorism and its effects." An 8-min, 28-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722103]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Eby, Charles A.
2012-03
-
Health Security Intelligence: Assessing the Nascent Public Health Capability
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis explores the current state of public healths (HS) intelligence capability across State, Local, Tribal and Territorial (SLTT) jurisdictions through qualitative analysis of current public health jurisdiction plans for the collection, analysis, product creation, dissemination and programmatic oversight related to public health inputs into the homeland security intelligence apparatus. An assessment was conducted using an online Plan Assessment Tool, or PLAT, that allowed jurisdictional public health leadership to provide de-identified responses. This assessment of 25 of the 62 federally funded SLTT public health preparedness programs indicates one impediment to the continued maturation of this new intelligence capability is the lack of codified plans. The results also suggest that while public health programs at the SLTT level do indeed have much room for improvement, there is a burgeoning intelligence capability within public health. However, to sustain and improve this emergent capability will require a national effort to create mission focus and centralized guidance." A 10-min, 42-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722109]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Minarcine, Scott
2012-03
-
Crossing the River: A Conceptual Framework for Response to Chaos
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis suggests that the existing protocols for initial emergency response to a chaotic event do not take advantage of the decision-making skills of front-line responders. Building from a foundation derived from the concepts of reductionism, holism and the Cynefin framework, a purposeful sample of real-world incidents was examined in an attempt to understand and demonstrate how front-line, emergent decision making can positively impact a chaotic emergency scene. From the research and sampling, a conceptual framework was developed that supports the implementation of a protocol that encourages front-line decision making. The research also identifies a point during the response that signifies entry into the chaotic domain. The REACT framework (respond, engage, act, communicate and transition) is proposed to empower first responders and give them the ability to respond to a crisis when there is not plan. The REACT framework is capable of being implemented at the lowest level of emergency response agencies. The utilization of this framework allows the decision-making skills of responders to develop incrementally. In addition, this thesis suggests that the framework serves as a mechanism to teach critical thinking and decision making." An 11-min, 1-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 722110]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Linthicum, David W.
2012-03
-
Improved Web 2.0 Strategy for FEMA to Enable Collaboration and a Shared Situational Awareness Across the Whole of Community
From the thesis abstract: "The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has adopted a Whole of Community approach to emergency management, and seeks to enhance emergency management outcomes through improved preparedness, response and recovery efforts. The significant amount of time and money required engaging disparate partners, technological and cultural barriers to interoperability, and a lack of training/familiarity with each other inhibits the collaboration necessary to achieve a state of shared situational awareness. A lack of shared situational awareness results in an incomplete operating picture, which complicates decision-making and can lead to inefficient preparedness, response and recovery activities. This thesis explores the terms situational awareness, shared situational awareness, collaboration and common operating picture. It argues that a common operating picture is a state of shared situational awareness achievable only through the process of collaboration, which can be greatly enhanced through a comprehensive Web 2.0 strategy. The thesis reviews FEMAs current strategy for Web 2.0, and using a structure of appreciative inquiry and successful implementations of Web 2.0 as a guide, proposes strategy adjustments for FEMA. A comprehensive Web 2.0 strategy can foster a culture of collaboration, which will significantly increase FEMAs ability to achieve enhance emergency management outcomes and support the Whole of Community. FEMAs strategy has applicability throughout the homeland security enterprise, as all agencies therein seek a state of shared situational awareness reflected in a common operating picture, and all are considered part of the Whole of Community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Johnson, Samuel Rhodes, II
2012-03
-
Developing a Model Fusion Center to Enhance Information Sharing
From the thesis abstract: "Fusion Centers are in a unique position to provide the necessary collaborative space to bring the federal intelligence community together with state, local and tribal initiatives to support homeland security efforts at the grass roots level. Fusion Centers are described as a collaborative effort of two or more agencies to share, or more importantly, fuse information or data from multiple sources. Although, fusion centers have developed at different intervals, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided guiding documents to support fusion center maturation. This research examines these documents and proposed strategies incorporated into four proficient fusion centers in the Northeast Region of the United States to identify best or smart practices, success stories and areas for improvement. There has been a plethora of literature written concerning fusion centers since the tragedies of September 11, 2001. These categories of the literature include: official documents, guidelines and lessons learned for intelligence input, civil liberties safeguards and protections and literature dealing with the intelligence cycle and information sharing. The focus of this thesis is to examine correlation between the implementation of the current United States Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Department of Justice suggested Fusion Center Guidelines, and the employment of these guidelines in the successful development of a model fusion center."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Smith, Walter E.
2011-12
-
Notes on a National Strategy for Global Education
From the thesis abstract: "Scholarly literature and anecdotal reports have long suggested that the Americans lack the language skills and cultural competence to carry out the Nation's business effectively, in both the public and the private sectors, despite almost 75 years of federal support for cross-cultural and language education. This study sought to answer the questions whether there is in fact a problem; if so, why; and whether a national strategy for global education could contribute to the solution of the problem. Semi-structured interviews were held with a convenience sample of respondents connected with the intelligence, defense, diplomatic, and academic communities, and the private sector, and the results transcribed and coded thematically. Results were supplemented by relevant literature. Although the results were not unanimous, the respondents generally agreed that improvements in global education were critical to national and homeland security, including the Nation's ability to remain competitive in an increasingly global economy, and that a national strategy would be a useful tool for providing the necessary political leadership and public education. The respondents also offered preliminary thoughts on how a national strategy might be developed, what goals it might seek to achieve, and issues to be considered in planning."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Golden, Gregg H. S.
2011-12
-
Assessment of the New York State Enhanced Security Guard Training Legislation and its Efficacy on Security Officer Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis analyzes the results of a survey instrument administered to a random sample of New York City security officers in order to understand the relationship between job training and turnover and, in turn, the effect of high turnover on the preparedness and effectiveness of that population in performing its duties. Replicating a 2004 survey sponsored by the New York City Public Advocate Office, which exposed poor training and rampant turnover among security guards and resulted in the August 2005 New York State Enhanced Security Guard Training legislation, this thesis seeks to determine changes in and correlations among those phenomena by employing bivariate analysis, independent t-test, and Cronbach's Alpha methods. The data analysis reveals correlations between employment conditions--including training and advancement opportunities--and retention, and thus contributes to the discourse surrounding the role of private-sector and nonsworn personnel in the Homeland Security Enterprise."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Scollan, Thomas J.
2011-12
-
Violent Islamic Radicalization Process: A Framework for Understanding
From the thesis abstract: "The violent Islamic radicalization process is understood differently across disciplines within the homeland security enterprise. Radicalization of U.S. citizens is an emerging threat within the homeland. Current theories and models of the radicalization process offer a linear progression or focus heavily on religious behaviors. When those processes are relied upon to inform policy or procedures for interdiction, civil liberties issues arise. Some theories or models rely on a demographic profile of terrorists. Research suggests that a demographic profile of terrorists is nonexistent. This study analyzes prevailing theories and models that explain radicalization. Using appreciative inquiry, a framework is identified that comprehensively captures the contributions of various theories and models that compose and best explain the dynamics of the radicalization and mobilization process. The identified framework, developed by the National Counterterrorism Center, is comprehensive and suitable for informing training, and counter-radicalization policies and measures within the United States. This research examines radicalization strategies from abroad, as well as studies that identify behavioral indicators of radicalization and mobilization, which establish the basis for future research for behavioral profiling of terrorists. This research recommends a counter-radicalization policy theme that begins with the development of radicalization process expertise and understanding across the homeland security enterprise."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Keys-Turner, Karen D.
2011-12
-
Fragmentation of DHS Public Corruption Investigations: Options to Leverage Overlapping Jurisdiction and Enhance Collaboration
From the thesis abstract: "From maintaining aviation security, to patrolling the country's borders, to granting immigration documentation, the Department of Homeland Security [DHS] has tremendous responsibilities. As such, it is imperative that the Department has a robust internal investigative mechanism to prevent, deter and investigate allegations of public corruption. Currently, there are eight agencies that have authority to conduct public corruption investigations within the Department. For every allegation of corruption within the Department, there are three agencies that have concurrent jurisdiction to investigate; in some cases, four agencies have overlapping jurisdiction to investigate the same matter. To maximize efficiency of operations, avoid duplication of efforts and best serve the American public, collaboration is essential. This thesis will examine other domestic and foreign institutions that have grappled with overlapping jurisdiction and leadership issues and provide analysis as to how those lessons learned can be applied to the DHS anti-corruption community. Several policy options are provided to enhance collaborative efforts, improve information sharing and create synergy of efforts. The policy options include: recognition and utilization of an already existent megacommunity; expanding the cross-designation of agency personnel; and the formation of public corruption task forces."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Merchant, Roger T.
2011-12
-
Ending America's Energy Insecurity: How Electric Vehicles Can Drive the Solution to Energy Independence
From the thesis abstract: "The homeland/national security threat posed by the United States' dependence on foreign oil has been part of the American discourse for years; yet nothing has been done. No pragmatic, realistic step-by-step plan has been pursued to end this scourge on the American people. The solution can be found in the problem. Net imports of oil account for approximately 50 percent of the oil the U.S. consumes. Likewise, 50 percent of oil consumed in the U.S. is consumed as motor gasoline. If overnight the U.S. stopped using oil to power its vehicles, if overnight drivers switched to electric vehicles, then overnight the U.S. would become energy independent. Using historical data to establish the effect of gasoline price changes on consumer vehicle choice, a predictive model has been created showing the expected switch to electric vehicles if the price of gasoline increases and the cost of electric vehicles decreases. There is a cost to energy independence: two to five dollars per gallon of retail gasoline sold. If monies raised from the tax are used to lower the price of electric vehicles, build recharge infrastructure, and dampen the regressive nature of the tax, energy independence is a few short years away."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stein, Frederick
2011-12
-
Aviation Security: A Case for Risk-Based Passenger Screening
From the thesis abstract: "Since September 11, 2001, the United States has invested considerable resources to improving aviation security. Despite technology and procedural improvements, passenger screening remains subject to much criticism. Challenges to the current approach include the assumption that all passengers pose a risk; the reactive responses to new threats that are applied broadly to all passengers; high levels of threat uncertainty; a focus on objects versus people; and time constraints on completing the screening process. Combined, these challenges adversely impact performance and result in poor public acceptance of government efforts to protect the commercial aviation sector from terrorist attacks. Questions persist regarding the long-term efficacy and sustainability of the current approach and the availability of a better model. The approach used by Israel and a risk-based approach that calibrates security measures to groups of passengers based on risk are two frequently offered alternative screening models. This thesis evaluates the current and alternative models using security effectiveness, risk mitigation, constitutional permissibility, social acceptance, and political feasibility as evaluation dimensions. This evaluation of policy options allows a side-by-side comparison of the three models and demonstrates that adopting a risk-based security approach to passenger screening is the best option for the U.S. government to pursue."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fletcher, Kenneth C.
2011-12
-
Collaborative Policy Making: Vertical Integration in the Homeland Security Enterprise
From the thesis abstract: "President Obama, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security and other senior federal officials have emphasized that, in order to make our country safe and resilient, all levels of government, non-governmental organizations and the private sector must all work together. This commitment to the shared responsibility requires the White House National Security Staff to make a commitment to engage meaningfully with stakeholders in the mission, through increased transparency and direct consultation. Continued engagement will not only build trust and support from those entities, but it will greatly improve the homeland security enterprise. This research set out to identify a model for the White House National Security Staff to consider using that would provide the most effective and efficient manner for the National Security Staff to engage local, state, tribal, non-governmental and private sector partners to achieve an integrated homeland security policy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Wolslayer, Kelly A.
2011-12
-
Perfect Storm: Changing National Policies to Reduce Flooding Impacts and Costs
From the thesis abstract: "Flooding matters. As the nation's most common natural hazard, flooding costs this nation economically, disrupts communities and commerce, and renders communities and extrapolated--the nation--less than fully postured for other homeland security threats. It will not get better. Demographics leading to more people living in flood-hazard areas and forecasted increases in precipitation are converging to create the perfect storm. This thesis examines two national policies that can influence the impact and costs of flooding: The National Flood Insurance Program [NFIP] and the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Act. Examination and research reveals that the NFIP has failed to achieve its goals of reducing flood losses and political, economic, and societal factors serve to make reforming the NFIP effectively less than likely. A policy options analysis examines how changes to the Stafford Act might influence a reduction in the impact and costs of flooding where the political, economic, and societal factors at play may lend to favorable implementation consideration. The policy options include changing enforcement and incentive provisions of the Stafford Act along with a proposal to begin a national dialogue on mitigation through the creation of a National Mitigation Collaborative Consortium."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Keefe, Sandra A.
2011-12
-
Public Sector Unionization: Understanding the Rise in Membership Rates and Impact on Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Public sector union membership rolls will swell by over 40,000 Transportation Security Officers (TSO) as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) embarks on transitioning to a unionized screener workforce. Proponents argue that screening operations will be in jeopardy as poor performing screeners will be difficult to remove for cause, attention will be focused on union issues rather than security measures, and the threat of work slowdown or unofficial strikes if union demands are not met could have nationwide economic repercussions. The TSA organizing as a unionized workforce has parallel similarities to another unionized aviation industry federal agency--the Professional Air Traffic Controllers Organization (PATCO). Disgruntled with years of attempted bargaining between PATCO and the Federal Aviation Association (FAA), PATCO staged an unofficial work strike in August 1981 that temporarily halted air traffic in the United States. As airlines were forced to cancel flights, this strike brought national attention to the impacts that federalized workers can have on national security and the economy. Federal agencies with national and homeland security responsibilities must remain operationally agile. The economic devastation resulting from a TSA work strike could potentially cripple the complex transportation network of aviation, rail, pipeline, highway, cargo, maritime and mass transit."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Grannan, Donna J.
2011-12
-
Altered Standards of Care: An Analysis of Existing Federal, State, and Local Guidelines
From the thesis abstract: "A disaster with mass casualties or event involving a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is a profound, life-impacting event that can lead to further devastating consequences. Under austere conditions, however, the implementation of altered standards of care can greatly increase the quality of life of individuals injured by such an event. This thesis evaluates, compares, and contrasts, at the various federal, state, and local levels, guidance documents for altered standards of care and presents a policy recommendation for the inclusion of triggers, guaranteed minimums of care, and legal immunity into existing planning guidance documents for altered standards of care at the federal, state, and local levels. In formulating this policy recommendation, consideration was given to ethical values that should be used to develop policies for altered standards of care, which are recommended to guide and support decision making during both preparation and response at different levels of government."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Galfano, Greg T.
2011-12
-
Smart Practices in Building Interorganizational Collaborative Capacity to Strengthen the Florida Comprehensive Disaster Management Enterprise
From the thesis abstract: "This research demonstrates how the building of Interorganizational Collaborative Capacity served as an enabler for effective change efforts in Florida and constructs a narrative describing smart practices that may be leveraged by other professionals to enhance their own interorganizational collaborative capacity and efficiency efforts. Florida is viewed by many professionals as one of the best-prepared states in the field of emergency management. It built a credible reputation over the past 20 years through increasingly effective responses to catastrophic hurricanes, floods, tornados, wildfires, tropical storms and environmental threats. In particular, the Florida State Emergency Response Team evolved during this time as a result of many change efforts following the initial response to Hurricane Andrew in 1992, an event viewed by many as the initial starting point for the creation of the modern Florida emergency management era. This research examines Florida's Comprehensive Disaster Management evolution from 1992 to 2004 using after-action reports for major emergency events utilizing Hocevar, Thomas and Jansen's model of Inter-organizational Collaborative Capacity and focuses on the factors that served as catalysts for increased interagency cooperation and efficiency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hall, Richard D.
2011-12
-
Emergency Responder Personal Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "Citizens have an expectation that emergency responders will come to their aid during emergencies. There is the general assumption that these responders and the agencies they work for are prepared for any type of event. With a core element of any disaster response being the capability of the emergency responders, a lack of personal preparedness by emergency response personnel is likely to be highly detrimental and reduces this capability when responders are needed to respond to a catastrophic event. Past incidents and research has indicated that emergency responders may not respond until they ensure their own families safety. Emergency responders do not have the option to assist voluntarily during a disaster--they must respond to ensure citizen safety and security while maintaining order. This research used a nationwide survey of emergency responders to determine why emergency responders are not personally prepared and what factors may influence increasing their personal preparedness level. The result of this research identified three reasons why emergency responders do not personally prepare for disasters and concludes with recommendations that involve five incentives or motivations on how emergency response agencies can increase personal preparedness among their personnel."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kelenske, Chris A.
2011-12
-
Implementation of Organizational Design Principles Throughout the San Mateo County Emergency Services Joint Powers Agreement and its Ability to Increase Applicability, Relevance, and Effectiveness
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis examines the application of organizational design principles to, and intergovernmental effort for, the provision of emergency management and homeland security services to a county comprised of twenty individual incorporated cities with a population of over 700,000. A current lack of attention paid to these important factors has led to an emergency management process that does not provide the necessary level of collaboration or the efficient distribution of vital resources. The premise is that the inclusion of special districts in the county's emergency plans and response strategies will promote the optimum level of safety, security, and preparedness. Interoperable communications is presented as an area where an existing Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) can be more comprehensive and effective. The thesis will examine the nature of a series of perceived challenges associated with this joint powers agreement as these factors apply to special districts and interoperable communications. The paper also examines potential solutions to these challenges via the implementation of organizational design principles."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Barberini, Edmund L
2011-12
-
Intelligence-Led Risk Management for Homeland Security: A Collaborative Approach for a Common Goal
From the thesis abstract: "The concept of risk management provides the foundation of the homeland security enterprise. The United States of America faces numerous complex risks ranging from a series of natural hazards, pandemic disease, technological hazards, transnational criminal enterprises and acts of terrorism perpetrated by intelligent adversaries. The management of these risks requires a strategic collaborative effort from the intelligence and risk analysis communities and many stakeholders at all levels of government, including the private sector. Paradoxically, a decentralized collaborative approach to homeland security risk management may produce better results than a hierarchical central approach driven by the U.S. Department of Security, as this thesis suggests. Intelligence-Led Risk Management represents the fusion of intelligence with risk management in a collaborative framework to promote effective risk management throughout the homeland security enterprise. Concepts from strategic thought and planning, such as the Cynefin Framework, Appreciative Inquiry, and Quantum Planning provide vehicles to promote collaboration and thoroughly explore the spectrum of risk management options available to the homeland security enterprise. Decentralization of homeland security risk management to states with the application of Intelligence-Led Risk Management through the network of fusion centers will promote collaboration and yield a stronger risk management culture within the homeland security enterprise."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jackson, David P.
2011-12
-
Denationalized Citizenship Theory: What Is The Role of Citizenship Theory In Homeland Security?
From the thesis abstract: "The homeland security community interacts with U.S. citizens every day and the national strategy for homeland security calls for an active and engaged citizenry to play a significant part in homeland security. The naturalization process that makes new citizens and to the many international variables, such as dual citizenship, that affect any interaction with many naturalized U.S. citizens is often overlooked. This thesis presents a qualitative synthesis of the different types of citizenship theory to discover what aspects of this theoretical work are relevant to homeland security. The synthesis of the global, cosmopolitan, diaspora, multicultural, post- and transnational types of citizenship theory produced recommendations for the homeland security community to pay greater attention to and act upon: The greater and continuing interaction between immigrants and their countries of origin. The countries of origins' greater interest and continuing interaction in their migrant populations. Greater understanding of immigrant cultures and histories to better enhance interaction. The need to make U.S. citizenship significant to naturalized citizens to keep them engaged here as much as they are with their countries of origin. 5) [sic] The need to standardize the U.S. government's policy towards dual and multiple citizenship status."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lombardi, Cherie A.
2011-12
-
Decade of Experience: Which Network Structures Maximize Fire Service Capacity for Homeland Security Incidents in Metropolitan Regions?
From the thesis abstract: "The Philadelphia metropolitan region is the fifth most populated metropolitan region in the United States. One method of providing homeland security services involves the use of regional response networks to achieve the capacity required to respond to terrorist incidents. The Philadelphia metropolitan region presents a challenge of coordination because there are two FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency] regions, two state borders, two state offices of emergency management, eight county emergency management offices, and 317 local government emergency management coordinators involved. This thesis examines three regional networks to identify the features of successful regional arrangements. The research includes the assessment of leadership, structure, and regional performance to identify features that can serve as recommendations for the Philadelphia Metropolitan Region. The research reviews the impact of federalism on regional networks and identifies one system--the Metropolitan Planning Organization--that serves shared federal, state, and local functions within regions. Recommendations center on creating a regional integrative network that utilizes existing fire service capacity to deliver functional homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Giorgio, Robert
2011-12
-
Organizing the National Guard to Provide Effective Domestic Operations
From the thesis abstract: "Over the last 30 years, the National Guard (NG), out of necessity, has needed to look beyond each individual state's boundaries in an attempt to respond better collectively as a NG rather than individual militias. As a result of this shifting need in domestic operations, the current structure of the NG is not conducive to providing efficient and effective support for these homeland security missions. The NG should establish regional command relationships that extend beyond current state boundaries to respond better to homeland security missions. Establishing regional command relationships will enhance the NG 's homeland response better to both natural and man-made disasters. Instead of having the current model of 54 separate entities, the NG with regionalization, could utilize the current model of Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s 10 regions or a model similar to that used by Canada Command and the Canadian Forces (CF). Creating a regional structure would allow a better disbursement of limited resources and provide a more efficient response to the incident site. States within the same region would essentially have a compact that would allow other state's NG assets to deploy and operate in a time of need; all controlled by a regional director or commander."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fitzgerald, Shawn Patrick
2011-12
-
Leveraging Knowledge Management Tools to Support Security Risk Management in the Department of Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis examines Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the United Kingdom (UK), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The first goal was to identify existing KM approaches that would foster higher levels of knowledge sharing and collaboration among security risk management practitioners within Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies to enhance risk-informed decision-making activities. Through the analysis of the three case studies, it was discovered that organizational culture, more than any particular KM process or enabling technology is responsible for moderating the level of knowledge sharing. The KM strategies, policies and implementation mechanisms explored in the three case studies are good models for DHS to consider in order to reduce agencies' uncertainty, aiding decision making and bolstering effectiveness. The Risk Knowledge Management System (RKMS) called for in the DHS Integrated Risk Management Directive will require similar implementation and support structures for DHS to overcome the cultural, process, security, and funding obstacles experienced by the United Kingdom, Canada, and NASA. By using these case studies as models and reflecting on their experiences, DHS will be better positioned to effectively implement and adopt proven KM policies on an agency-wide basis."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dixon, David D.
2011-12
-
Continuity of Operations Plans: Policy and Strategy for K-12 Schools in the State of Florida
From the thesis abstract: "Schools, especially those at the K-12 academic levels, have, to this point, not been viewed as critical infrastructure, which is especially true for the state of Florida. Consequently, plans have been slow to be developed that address the continuity of this level of education. This oversight would lead to a loss of academic continuity if a school were damaged or rendered unusable for any length of time, which could cause a cascading failure within the community, which has occurred in other states, such as Mississippi, Alabama and Missouri. This loss of such facilities has impacted both the economic and operational response to local disasters, which is especially important in those communities that by their very location, may be affected by disasters more than other locations. This situation is especially true for the state of Florida as it is impacted by numerous factors that could cause the cessation of academic requirements by law. For schools to maintain this academic continuity, Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) should be developed. For the state of Florida, guidance is provided, and statutorily identified requirements are identified, for state governmental and university organizations to have COOPs; in the case of K-12 schools, it is not required or identified. This research explores what policy and strategy would be required to develop a K-12 academic level COOP, as well as those elements that would need to be included in its development."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Andreasen, Rodney E.
2011-12
-
Perfect Storm: The Religious Apocalyptic Imagination and Personal Disaster Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "Using the Citizen Corps' Personal Disaster Preparedness (PDP) Model as a framework, this thesis examines the relationship between religious apocalyptic beliefs and disaster preparedness motivations in the United States. Four focus groups were convened with members of the American public who reported holding religious beliefs that included an end-times doctrine. Findings include the following: 1) estimations of likelihood, impact and response efficacy were not significantly influenced by religious end-times beliefs; 2) beliefs in biblical prophesy did not alter the cognitive heuristics that have been shown to influence personal risk assessment; 3) spiritual beliefs motivated spiritual preparedness while material or secular concerns motivated actual completion of FEMA [Federal Emergency Management Agency]-recommended preparations; and 4) millennialist beliefs provided high spiritual self-efficacy, but it did not correlate with high material self-efficacy, which is essential to material preparation. Recommendations are made for leveraging high spiritual self-efficacy in millennialist faith groups to further DHS's [Department of Homeland Security] mission of disaster resiliency. Suggestions include building a Threat/Efficacy profile specific to the religious populations that holds strong eschatological beliefs, with distinctions between pre-, post- and amillenialism, as well as Christian and non-Christian populations." An 8-minute, 28-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=704310]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Albertazzi, Anne Marie
2011-12
-
Domestic Security Command-The Evolution of U.S. Northern Command
From the thesis abstract: "The United States lacks the capability to effectively achieve whole nation situational awareness and accomplish intergovernmental, interagency and multidisciplinary planning and response in the homeland. United States Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) were established in the post-911 environment to address this issue but should now be reevaluated to ascertain whether they truly provide the appropriate framework to facilitate the nation's needs within our Federalist framework. This thesis discovers that USNORTHCOM can provide the military component and form the basis of this unique capstone organization but should evolve significantly to become a coalition of those organizations that, together, truly facilitate a whole nation approach to defense and security. USNORTHCOM should evolve away from a traditional military-centric Combatant Command towards an integrated Homeland Defense and Security Command (DSC) that effectively melds Department of Defense (DoD) elements, selected Department of Homeland Security components and National Guard organizations while also providing for connectivity to states and their governors. The resultant DoD-DHS-NGB [National Guard Bureau] coalition organization would be better able to secure, defend and support the U.S. homeland."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Shelstad, Kristine L.
2011-09
-
U.S. Maritime Security: Sustainability Challenges
From the thesis abstract: "The U.S. maritime domain includes vast resources and enables transportation of goods and services across the globe. Similar to all critical infrastructures and key resources, the maritime domain can be exploited to cause harm to people and disrupt economic stability. The President's National Strategy for Maritime Security and the U.S. maritime security framework is designed to deter, prevent and respond to a broad range of threats and exploitations. The U.S. maritime security system has evolved over the past decade and faces significant challenges including severe budget reductions, gaps between national guidance and specific roles and responsibilities assigned to federal agencies, and lack of interoperability among disparate logistic, training processes and operational command centers within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Within the DHS, the United States Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection execute the preponderance of maritime security missions. They struggle with aging air and marine assets and continuous interoperability challenges. The long-term solution includes a new alignment of air and marine resources and capabilities under one agency within the department, which will increase efficiency and reduce duplication of effort and costs, while maintaining a sustainable and layered maritime security posture in support of the President's strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Thompson, Laura Jean
2011-09
-
New York City Fire Department Chief Officer's Evaluation of the Citywide Incident Management System as It Pertains to Interagency Emergency Response
From the thesis abstract: "A review of the events of September 11 in New York City shows that inadequate inter-agency coordination or interdisciplinary collaboration existed among the rescuers arriving at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 Commission recommended and NIMS [National Incident Management System] mandated better coordination between the several agencies, specifically the fire and police departments. In 2004, New York City created the Citywide Incident Management System (CIMS) to address these shortcomings. The goal of this research is to provide an evaluation of CIMS several years after implementation; has it changed emergency response in New York City or are the same problems occurring? A survey of the FDNY [New York City Fire Department] chief officers was conducted and the results show that CIMS' policies are not consistently enacted. The history and creation of CIMS shortly following the September 11 terrorist attacks is discussed along with a brief background on interagency emergency operations. The history of conflict between the FDNY and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and its motives are not the subject of this thesis, although they are discussed briefly. In closing, many of the same problems that plagued the emergency responders on September 11 still exist according to the survey results."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Esposito, John M.
2011-09
