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Federal Role in the Security of Religious Venues In America
From the thesis abstract: "Increasing Islamic extremist terrorist attacks against primarily Christian worship sites in the Middle East and Southeast Asia pose disturbing questions: Could terrorists attack places of worship or a religious icon in America, what security policies are currently in effect, and what would be the impact on the American People? This paper explores the potential consequences of neglecting the security of religious venues in America and how it could have strategic ramifications if ignored. Could a successful and highly visible terrorist attack on an American worship site have such an effect on the American Public that it could drastically alter the war on terror, re-draw battle lines by faith, and launch a modern day Crusades? What role does the federal government currently have in defending America's religious venues against the threat of an Islamic extremist terrorist attack? Are current security efforts adequate, and if not, what policies or new approach should be taken? The author ultimately proposes a federally-led layered security engagement strategy model for religious venues. This model utilizes an incentive-based federal resourcing approach to facilitate achieving optimal security while still preserving America's core social tenet of protecting and ensuring the religious freedoms of its citizenry from religiously-motivated Islamist terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Crockett, Michael L.
2006-03
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State and Urban Area Homeland Security Strategy v3.0: Evolving Strategic Planning
"This thesis proposes to overhaul the state and urban area homeland security strategy program by improving the strategic planning process, guidance and assistance, and strategy review in collaboration with state and local stakeholders. Federal, state, and local reviewers regard the current state and urban homeland security strategies as generally inadequate and indicative of limited strategic planning processes. Comprehensive, enterprise-wide homeland security strategies are essential in coordinating preparedness efforts and limited resources. A collaborative effort between the federal government and state and local stakeholders would promote a value innovation in strategic planning that will transform state and urban area homeland security strategies."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chen, Darren
2006-03
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Ringing the Bell; Sounding the Alarm: A Proposal for the Simultaneous Advancement of Security and Privacy
"The need for domestic intelligence and information sharing to detect indications and warnings of terrorist acts and prevent them has raised privacy and civil liberties concerns. The relationship between national security and privacy and civil liberties is often modeled as a scale with security on one end and privacy and civil liberties on the other. Success is said to be achieved when security and privacy are balanced. This model forces these values to be traded in a zero-sum game. A new model that decreases the 'cost' to privacy and increases the 'value' to security is needed. Technological, policy and organizational innovation hold promise in designing new intelligence and information-sharing architectures capable of detecting indications and warnings of terrorism and protecting the privacy and civil liberties of Americans. Using government documents that articulate attributes for a terrorism early warning system and widely accepted privacy principles as design requirements, the thesis examines technologies that could meet the challenges of both security and privacy. Designing and building a system that supports both security and privacy will benefit both. The thesis argues, this system will enable the Nation to fight terrorism while upholding the liberties that form the core values of the American people."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Novak, Kneilan K.
2006-03
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Community Expectation: Matching Government Capabilities to the Expectations of the Public
From the thesis abstract: "Major events potentially affect all types of essential services in both government and private sectors. These are services that residents expect to be delivered, required by other services to function, and are critical to the life safety of residents. If those services collapse, there will be a grave threat to life and limb. Failure to properly ensure continuity of essential governmental and private services in the wake of a natural disaster or terrorist attack could result in societal chaos. A community expects the response and outcome of any event to be the same, failing to realize the interdependencies required for continuation of necessary services. Planning in isolation only protects single aspects. Contributing factors to interdependency effects are stove-pipe planning and ineffective information sharing. A stove-pipe or vertical sector-based system creates an environment of isolation within a community rather than a cohesive interacting system. With the increasing potential for a major event to occur, government, private business and the general public have not identified and shared their expectations of essential services as the precursor to an effective continuity program. Public -- private collaboration allows the expectations to be discussed and addressed as a community rather than an independent discipline issue. As public and private expectations are identified, two relevant issues are required to address the capabilities required to deliver the essential services. They are horizontal planning and resilience. Regional or local governmental structures provide the platform for horizontal planning and cooperation for emergency preparedness that is essential to civil protection. A community based system is the mechanism for improving coordination and communication to and from the government."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Friedland, Jeffrey A.
2007-09
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Detect and Defeat - The Complexities of Accomplishing the HLS Mission with Existing Intelligence Collection Practices
From the thesis abstract: "Since the tragic events of 11 September 2001, it has been argued that accurate and well-vetted intelligence is critical to securing the Homeland; but over five years after the historic day, the realm of creating an "effective" domestic intelligence platform falls short of meeting desired milestones. The distinct threat of radicalism incubating within our smaller communities (townships, rural community) still exists and the lack of intelligence collection efforts at the local level may be fueling this threat. As a result of interviewing small townships and rural communities dispersed across the United States, it was discovered that though law enforcement resources of our smaller populations have been recognized as critical assets in the realms of Homeland Security (HLS), small townships and countryside communities still experience shortfalls in available resources and HLS related training. More times than none, these deficits revolve around domestic intelligence collection, processing, and dissemination. This research project will review the shortfalls plaguing the environment of intelligence collection and sharing. This project will also offer a cost effective strategy to mitigate the identified intelligence discrepancies and propose a solution to improve information sharing between Homeland Security stakeholders."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Robertson, Jeffrey T.
2007-09
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Strategic Changes for the Fire Service in the Post 9/11 Era
"The fire service mission has changed since September 11, 2001, and the threat of terrorism is placing new demands on fire service leaders. Expectations of the community and a duty to maximize safety for fire service employees have created complex problems that will require unique and non-traditional solutions. The challenge for fire service leadership is how to best manage the contemporary threat of terrorism while maintaining its growing list of traditional mission-oriented requirements. This thesis uses formative evaluation and policy analysis to reach its recommendations in four key areas that the fire service must address if it is going to be successful in meeting its post 9/11 mission. First, the fire service must engage in intelligence activities in order to maximize situational awareness, and be effective at planning and budgeting. Second, the community must be partnered with and leveraged in order for security to be maximized. Third, new methods of response must be considered that ensures broad based effectiveness. Fourth, leadership principles must change from the current transactional approach to a more transformational style to meet the rapidly changing environment. Although fire service agencies vary across the nation, the recommendations included herein are intended to be universal."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Weeks, Douglas M.
2007-09
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Effect of Assessment Processes on Measuring Homeland Security Capability
"The National Preparedness Goal directs that preparedness efforts for major events should be developed through a capability-based planning process. The ability to perform a valid and reliable capability assessment is necessary to guide proper allocation of resources in the capability-based planning process. Capability assessment is also necessary to validate and measure the impact of investments. This thesis examines a self assessment methodology that may be used to perform capability assessment. A comparative case study methodology is employed to examine process options. These options might be utilized to determine which process provides the most opportunity for data collection while fostering a collaborative environment that may provide opportunities for sharing knowledge among assessment group members. A review of the case studies suggests that the subject-matter experts employed in the analysis may not have the requisite knowledge to perform the assessment. This suggested finding implies problems with capability-based planning efforts. The thesis makes recommendations for future strategies to perform homeland security capability assessments."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Donnelly, John A., Sr.
2007-09
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What Type of State Homeland Security Strategy Should the State of New Jersey Develop?
"The State of New Jersey does not have a written homeland security strategy. This thesis argued that New Jersey should have a strategy. The author has reviewed the reasons why New Jersey does not have a state strategy. Based on preliminary work, any justifications are no longer supportable. Beyond that, the thesis described the elements that should be in that strategy. A by-product of the thesis was a homeland security strategy template that can be used by other states. As per the methodology, existing state strategies were reviewed and compared against national criteria for an acceptable strategy. New Jersey must create a strategy with a strong foundation, similar to the National Strategy for Homeland Security, which at the same time contains clear and concise goals, objectives, and activities, commonly found in conventional business plans. Based on that review the author recommended that New Jersey create a homeland security strategy similar to the National Capital Region Homeland Security Strategic Plan. Further, New Jersey should construct this strategy using the Government Accountability Office (GAO) report which identified six desirable characteristics that should appear in (national) homeland security strategies as a guide."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rosell, Richard G.
2007-09
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Impact of Police and Media Relations on a Crisis
"Effective crisis management and communication is crucial during any catastrophic event, otherwise fear, panic, and mass hysteria can prevail. The public relies heavily on the government (police) and the media for information during a crisis. This thesis focuses on a joint police and media response plan and outlines a preparation plan to assist the public during a terrorist attack or similar crisis. Historically, the police and the media have had opposing views regarding sharing and disseminating information to the public. This report studies the inherent mistrust between both organizations and proposes strategies to overcome the suspicion and build a partnership. Proven community policing models within the Philadelphia Police Department are examined as a potential template for a police and media partnership. Survey results and focus group responses from the police, media, and the community are presented. This document examines national and international lessons learned and offers best practices on providing timely and accurate information, educating and informing the public, and improving communication and trust between the police and the media. The proposed police and media training curriculum breaks down the cultural barriers and develops mutual respect for each individual profession."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Castro, C. Daniel
2006-09
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Standardized Training to Improve Readiness of the Medical Reserve Corps: A Department of Health and Human Services Program under the Direction of the Office of the Surgeon General
"The Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) was formed to provide a cadre of trained medical volunteers to support and strengthen the public health infrastructure and improve its' emergency preparedness level. Training policies and standards are left to the discretion of the local MRC coordinator so the program maintains its flexibility to meet community needs. Training varies from unit to unit, and there are no protocols in place to measure or evaluate the effectiveness of that training. According to recent studies and surveys, disaster operations are an unfamiliar role for most MRC volunteers and the public health workforce in general. Evidence also suggests that few medical and public health workers receive this important preparedness training. In 2005, MRC working group members developed a list of core competency recommendations to provide training guidance, but specific educational content to satisfy those competencies were not defined. This thesis offers specific training content guidelines and strategies for achieving competency. The MRC must be able to integrate into the disaster environment while working safely, effectively and efficiently. Standards will set the mark for success, enabling the MRC to respond in a coordinated manner and at a consistently higher level to any public health emergency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cox, Cynthia A.
2006-09
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Improvised Incendiary Devices: Risk Assessment, Threats, Vulnerabilities and Consequences
"The current trend in terrorist tactics is the use of simple, inexpensive and conventional weapons. One such weapon is improvised incendiary devices (IIDs). The homeland security community has underestimated the magnitude of the threat. Policy makers must recognize the potential for terrorist cells to use IIDs to create terror and fear in the public. IIDs have the potential to create devastating fires resulting in mass casualties. In addition to evaluating the risk of an IID attack and determining the state of preparedness of first responders, this thesis includes a proposal for the creation of two new national planning scenarios, urban and wildland conflagrations or firestorms. Recommendations will include incendiary protocols in the weapon of mass destruction matrix as represented by 'I' in CBIRNE. This organizational change can be applied to the homeland security strategies, lexicons and documents of Federal, State, and local governments and the private sector to address the IID threat. This thesis is intended to serve as a catalyst for the Department of Homeland Security to set policy that will decrease vulnerabilities and consequences of this lesser-known threat."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Raynis, Stephen A.
2006-09
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Hurricane Katrina: Utilization of Private, Non-Governmental Health Professionals Time for New Strategies
"This thesis focuses on the medical as part of the public health response to Hurricane Katrina, specific to the issues of the private, non-governmental health professional. A brief survey was completed by 41 state level Bioterrorism Hospital Coordinators. Information obtained highlights the issues of the inability to deploy these private health professionals. Traditional governmental mutual aid mechanisms do not cover private non-governmental health professionals for workers compensation and death benefits. A review of the potential deployment mechanisms provides insight to the challenges and complexity specific to private health professionals. The motivation for volunteerism highlights the importance of targeting volunteer activities to the motivation of the individual volunteer. Investigating the impact thwarting the private, nongovernmental health professionals may have on future planning and response activities reinforce the need to modify the structures currently in place. The National Response Plan stresses the importance of including private industry into emergency preparedness and response strategies. This thesis outlines a strategy to pilot a project working with an established state volunteer registry by providing mechanisms to federalize those pre-identified, pre-credentialed volunteer health professionals. Once completed, this pilot could be expanded to other states ensuring a solid mechanism to quickly and safely mobilize this critical response discipline."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Scott, Linda J.
2006-09
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United States Department of Homeland Security Concept of Regionalization - Will it Survive the Test?
"The United States Department of Homeland Security has proposed that the nation's system of response to terrorism and catastrophic disasters would be more practical and efficient if handled on a regional basis throughout the country. Regionalization is one of three overall priorities under the National Preparedness Goal. The primary hypothesis is there is a mismatch between the federal government's expectations of regionalization and the understanding of it by state and local governments. This lack of understanding will negatively impact the expenditure of federal funds in the future. The author proposes that there are six major reasons regionalization may fail and that a change of policy by the federal government will be necessary to increase the chance of success. The reasons include a lack of definition for regionalization; the impact of federalism; the influence of risk-based funding on local interest in regionalization; the impact of home rule and local autonomy; risk and liability questions; and the lack of leadership. Three options are considered including maintaining the same program, creating a Regional Homeland Security Service Agency, and the Regional Council of Governments (RCG) approach."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Austin, William H.
2006-09
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Impact of Homeland Security Communities of Learning: Developing a Strategy for Training and Collaboration
From the thesis abstract: "As the threat of domestic terrorism increases and the demands on Emergency Responders and the public intensify, a more distributed, efficient, and flexible training and collaboration model is needed to guide future efforts. The current blended learning strategy unintentionally limits collaboration. As learners move away from interactive learning to more static based solutions, continuing education and collaboration is severely limited. This research investigates the potential impact of Homeland Security Communities of Learning on information sharing, training costs, and innovation. This study reviewed current efforts in Internet-based interactive learning through an analysis of Networked Based Learning. A futures forecast was conducted identifying trends and events that may influence the future of Communities of Learning. The research findings support the creation of Homeland Security Communities of Learning that are designed to include collaborative technologies such that information sharing leads to enhanced capabilities and innovation. A strong correlation (r=.798) was attributed to the degree to which Networked Based Learning contributed to knowledge accumulation. The study presents a strategic plan, implementation framework, and Community of Learning pilot. The pilot includes previously excluded participants from non-Emergency Responder public and private stakeholders. Additionally the pilot identifies a significant cost savings with Communities of Learning."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Braziel, Rick
2006-09
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Establishing a Homeland Security Field Structure
From the thesis abstract: "Historically, the American governance system, divided into federal, state and local jurisdictions, does not provide a natural vehicle for discussing public policy issues from a regional, multi-jurisdictional perspective. The autonomy of local jurisdictions and competing priorities within and among them makes regional coordination difficult. Efforts that seek to overcome these challenges to coordinate regionally must take into account the different operational structures and civic traditions of states and municipalities. The establishment of a Homeland Security Regional Structure will support the DHS mission of leading a unified national effort to secure America. The homeland security regions will enhance the national effort to prepare for threats and hazards to the nation. The regional structure will move DHS support closer to state, and local governments that have been overwhelmed by new requirements for homeland security within their jurisdictions. Engaging state and local governments at the regional level provides the best opportunities for the integration of homeland security efforts across all levels of government."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dunn, Brian L.
2006-09
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Critical Infrastructure Protection: How to Assess and Provide Remedy to Vulnerabilities in Telecom Hotels
From the thesis abstract: "The state of Utah, like all states and the federal government, has had a long-standing need to improve communication capacity in its emergency response and public safety system. As government entities strive to meet this priority in the National Strategy for Homeland Security, it is crucial that communication systems be interoperable. Ironically, the groundwork for establishing an interoperable communication system nationwide is dependent upon effective human communication and coordination among policy makers, homeland security professionals, first responders and technologists. Accurate and complete information, in the right hands at the right time, can prevent, deter or mitigate a terror event or other mass casualty event. As hosts of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah understood that communication was critical to incident command and control and created a world-class 800 MHz communication system to support that mission. Since the 2002 Winter Olympics, with the leadership of former Governor Olene S. Walker and hard work and dedication from multiple agencies, Utah has developed that basic Olympic communications blueprint into the Utah Wireless Integrated Network (UWIN). It is the nation's first statewide, interoperable, wireless voice and data network and it is used every day by Utah's public safety professionals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ordonez, Michael A.
2006-09
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Utah Wireless Integrated Network (UWIN)
From the thesis abstract: "The state of Utah, like all states and the federal government, has had a long-standing need to improve communication capacity in its emergency response and public safety system. As government entities strive to meet this priority in the National Strategy for Homeland Security, it is crucial that communication systems be interoperable. Ironically, the groundwork for establishing an interoperable communication system nationwide is dependent upon effective human communication and coordination among policy makers, homeland security professionals, first responders and technologists. Accurate and complete information, in the right hands at the right time, can prevent, deter or mitigate a terror event or other mass casualty event. As hosts of the 2002 Winter Olympics, Utah understood that communication was critical to incident command and control and created a world-class 800 MHz communication system to support that mission. Since the 2002 Winter Olympics, with the leadership of former Governor Olene S. Walker and hard work and dedication from multiple agencies, Utah has developed that basic Olympic communications blueprint into the Utah Wireless Integrated Network (UWIN). It is the nation's first statewide, interoperable, wireless voice and data network and it is used every day by Utah's public safety professionals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Anthony, S. Camille
2006-09
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Towards a Homeland Security Strategy for the United States Virgin Islands: The Terrorism and Natural Disasters Planning Group
"The Virgin Islands (VI) is under-prepared for major natural disasters and terrorism. Many emergency plans are incomplete, based on inaccurate information, wrongly optimistic and assume an infrastructure that does not exist. The VI is at risk to a direct terrorist attack and also subject to whatever secondary consequences result from a stateside attack, because virtually one hundred percent of food, fuel, medicine, oil used to make electricity and potable water - and tourists, the economy's lifeblood -- are imported. Also, (1) geographically, help is not readily available from any neighboring city or state; (2) the VI's first responders are likely to be affected by the same disaster they are responding to and unable to assist; (3) the VI must assume more of the emergency preparedness functions that would typically be shared between neighboring communities; (4) the VI must have more funding than similar communities on the mainland; and (5) preparedness planning must include the importing of mainland resources. The purpose of this thesis is to point out how the VI is different from the mainland U.S. This thesis documents vulnerabilities and shows how the Government's existing infrastructure is inadequate. Included is discussion of how the police, social issues, and existing VI Government leadership affect the vulnerabilities. It examines existing preparedness plans. One chapter discusses how management can harm Homeland Security while another chapter deals with change and proposes a Terrorism and Natural Disasters Planning Group. Lastly is an Action Plan listing things that can be done immediately."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Alperen, Martin J.
2006-03
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Opening the Mexican Door: Continental Defense Cooperation
"Today's security environment has changed dramatically and the institutions, which defend our continent against common threats, must adapt to remain viable. Otherwise, the safety, security, and economic prosperity of North America will be in jeopardy. The World Trade Center attack demonstrated that asymmetric threats can approach the U.S. from any direction. This attack also
reinforced that natural and technological disasters can have binational consequences and continental impact. Given this, a noticeable missing element in the defense relationship with Canada and Mexico is the absence of a formal policy for bilateral military cooperation in support of civil authorities. Also missing is a Mexican defense coordinating presence at NORAD and USNORTHCOM. This thesis examines U.S.-Mexican security challenges and argues that a bilateral transnational emergency management framework that incorporates a civil-military partnership can serve as the cornerstone upon which North American defense can be built."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burkett, Jeffrey W.
2005-09
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Making the Nation Safe in the Twenty-First Century
"This thesis addresses how the United States national security system better protects the nation given that twenty-first century threats are borderless, adaptive, and complex. To best respond to these new and ever changing threats, the United States' security system needs the ability to quickly translate covert intelligence into law enforcement action, creating both a proactive and reactive response to twenty-first century threats. This paper proposes the following recommendations to make the nation safe: 1) combine domestic intelligence and law enforcement functions and formally create a national security organization--the FBI; 2) create a new national security doctrine which defines national security, domestic security, domestic intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security for the twenty-first century; and 3) change the mindset and culture of the current national security players so as to transform the system into a megacommunity. It is acknowledged that it will take time to achieve these recommendations as it has taken decades to build the walls of today's national security system. Within these walls lie individual stove-piped agencies that compete as opposed to being a community of networked, interconnected, and decentralized agencies working in unison. The national security system needs to undergo dramatic reform, which will require the national security system players to learn, unlearn, and relearn. But the stakes have never been higher."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Heck, Brenda L.
2009-12
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Medical Operations Centers: Duplication or a Needed Innovation?
"The medical system in the United States is comprised of many different agencies and organizations that need coordination in order to provide optimal care for individual patients created by a mass-casualty incident or public-health emergency. This coordination of all the medical system components has been a challenge in the past, and the medical operations center (MOC) has been one relatively new concept utilized by some jurisdictions to address that challenge. The public-health system, in contrast to the medical system, focuses on the care provided to the entire community or large population group. Are the two systems different? Are they mutually exclusive? Can the medical operations center meet the coordination needs of the medical community? This thesis uses surveys of medical system leaders and a qualitative analysis of focus group discussion from jurisdictions currently using an MOC. The thesis begins with a description of the medical system and the challenges that currently exist for coordination and response. Collaboration barriers and facilitators are discussed along with the difference between the two systems. A section of the thesis examines the origins and current functions of four existing medical operations centers in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Houston, and San Antonio. The findings support the argument that the two systems are indeed different, but not mutually exclusive. The data also strongly support the MOC as a means of coordinating the medical system if done in concert with public-health agencies. The thesis concludes with a proposal, conceptual design, and argument to build a national network of medical operations centers in order to enhance the medical system response to a mass-casualty incident or public-health emergency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Murphy, Michael F.
2009-12
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Analyzing the Need for Special Operations Teams Within the Fire Service
From the thesis abstract: "Fire suppression and rescue is the primary mission of the fire service, but not all rescue efforts entail putting out fires. For this reason, the fire service created special operations teams. Special operations teams are comprised of highly trained members with advanced skills that come at a high cost to fund and operate. Using three Dallas Fire-Rescue special operations teams as case studies, the findings presented are: (1) benefits and priorities of developing subject matter experts; (2) feasibility from the fire service standpoint and practicality of special operations teams in the fire service; (3) special operations teams can complement or support other special operations teams; and (4) the framework for Dallas Fire-Rescue special operations teams is flexible enough for many fire departments to utilize. The conclusion and recommendations of this analysis will challenge fire service tradition. The value innovation of rank-specific organizational reform in special operations teams will save lives and property while reducing recovery costs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lohrke, Trixie G.
2011-06
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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
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Policy Options to Address Crucial Communication Gaps in the Incident Command System
From the thesis abstract: "The Incident Command System (ICS) resulted from the need for a new approach to the problem of managing wildfires in the early 1970s. The events of September 11, 2001, led to issuing of Homeland Security Presidential Directive (HSPD) 5 requiring agencies to adopt ICS as their incident management system. However, in events of national significance since then, internal communications have not performed well, causing numerous response problems. In addition, public information systems have failed to meet the community's expectations and keep the public informed about the size, scope, and impact of the emergency. Three models of possible solutions for addressing the problem were assessed. Model 1 consists of expanding the Communications Unit within the Logistics Section. Model 2 expands and clearly defines the duties, roles and responsibilities of the Public Information Officer. Model 3 merges all communications functions into one section directly under the Incident Commander. Metrics were designed around the management characteristics of the ICS and were assessed utilizing a defined scale. The research found that the creation of the Communication Section would provide the most benefits towards improving communications. However, that model may be difficult to implement due to resistance to strategic change."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bushman, Edward
2012-09
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Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: Where Do We Go from Here to Bring the Fire Service into the Domestic Intelligence Community?
From the thesis abstract: "The United States Fire Service has not only a role but a need to be included in the domestic intelligence community. The fire service in gaining access to information and adding untapped sources of information/intelligence can add value to the efforts of the domestic intelligence community and in return provide value added to fire departments' day-to-day operations. Absent is a strong national guidance for fire service intelligence integration, smart practice models, and local solutions have filled the vacuum. This thesis will look at the future of fire service intelligence sharing and how to pick up where previous efforts left off. Specifically, a model for a national fire intelligence framework is presented. This model considers current local level intelligence solutions within the fire service, and a holistic approach that can meet the needs of unique individual departments. The secondary intent for this thesis is also to stimulate discussion, advance the evolution of fire service intelligence, suggest some operational models, and provide a point upon which others can build upon."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dennis, Joshua M.
2012-09
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Theory to Practice: How Developing a K-12 Curriculum in Emergency Preparedness, Life Safety, or Homeland Security Can Lead to Resiliency
From the thesis abstract: "In 2002, The White House issued the National Strategy for Homeland Security. Since then, the federal government has authored several documents from the Department of Homeland Security and The White House relating to a growing recognition of developing a resilient United States. The documents identify regions, states, local agencies, communities, and individuals in order to develop a resilient America. The development of resiliency discussed in the documents needs to be addressed through a comprehensive program that includes an educational component that begins with a K-12 curriculum experience. Unfortunately, education is absent from any discussion on developing resiliency. In order for resiliency to be realized, children must be exposed to education that promotes resiliency and learn it in addition to the traditional three R's--reading, (w)riting, and (a)rithmetic. This thesis reviews the strategic documents issued by The White House and Homeland Security; reviews the world campaign on disaster risk reduction. This thesis then looks at teaching and learning strategies, a case study, selected educational theories, and the link between the educational theories and resiliency. The use of K-12 curricula seems the most plausible source of obtaining the goal of a resilient U.S."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Vasquez, Albert
2012-09
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Emergent Social Software Platforms for the Sharing of and Collaboration on Criminal Information and Intelligence
From the thesis abstract: "Information sharing and collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies has been repeatedly stressed as a part of the national security strategy. The emphasis has been on inter-agency communication and has largely left unaddressed the need for internal information systems improvements. This thesis will examine how Web 2.0 technology as part of an emergent social software platform (ESSP) can be used to improve intra-agency law enforcement criminal information sharing and collaboration. Challenges in implementing these technologies were also examined. Two case studies were conducted to examine current applications of Web 2.0 technologies in secure environments. The hypothesis was that ESSPs have the potential of revolutionizing policing by providing personnel with an advanced means of information sharing and collaboration. The resulting data and information will benefit internal and external intelligence activities. Human-computer interfaces that provide ease of use along with a structure that is mission focused will aid in implementation of an ESSP. Integration with current systems and mobility are also important. However, implementing an ESSP is not simply a technical issue, but a cultural one. For any ESSP to be successful, a culture that values the free and efficient flow of information over traditional hierarchical systems is needed."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Alexander, Richard A.
2012-09
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Metrics for Success: Using Metrics in Exercises to Assess the Preparedness of the Fire Service in Homeland Security
"The Fire Service is at an important crossroads in its history. The increasing threat of terrorism, along with the need for the Fire Service to make a major contribution to the Homeland Security effort, compels firefighters to expand upon their traditional mission requirements. They must deepen and widen the skills they possess for responding to all hazard incidents, and must also cover the terroristic events and weapons of mass destruction incidents that are inevitable during this war on terrorism. This will only be possible if the Fire Service embraces major conceptual changes in the way that it trains and exercises its members. In many respects, that exercise and training system is excellent and serves as a model for other disciplines. In other ways, however, it tends to be flawed and burdensome, preventing the Fire Service from taking major strides forward in its training efforts - especially with respect to the use of metrics to objectively evaluate performance capabilities for Homeland Security-related operations, and the embedding of assessment techniques in a broader system to provide for improved performance. This thesis examines the current approach taken by the Fire Service to training and exercising, especially in the Fire Department of New York (FDNY), and identifies gaps and problems in those existing systems. Then, the thesis examines relevant "best practices" from the United States Military and the private sector that might be applied to the shortfalls in Fire Service training and exercising. The remainder of the thesis proposes changes to the training and exercise system, designed to make a measurable, sustained impact on the capabilities of the fire service to accomplish Homeland Security and traditional mission requirements."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Doherty, Vincent J.
2004-06
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Homeland Security Advisory System
From the thesis abstract: "In March of 2002, through the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 3, the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) was developed. The original intent of the HSAS was to provide a warning mechanism for the federal government; other state and local agency responses were voluntary. However, the intent expanded to include a warning system for local, state, federal agencies, the private sector and the general public. Five orange alerts later, the confusion continues with a mix of complacency and misunderstanding. State and local officials complain about the general nature of the intelligence and the lack of specificity directed at regions or targets. The cost of orange protective measures is adding up into the billions of dollars. Warnings specific to New York City have a different value in Utah. Solutions require a new federal intelligence culture with a new name and location under the direction of the Department of Homeland Security distributing specific intelligence. We need highly trained intelligence analysts working with multi-agency state or metropolitan fusion centers. The media should help in educating the public on the HSAS and promoting volunteer organizations, encouraging participation to assist in Homeland Security and to reduce the fear of a catastrophic event. Customized HSAS should be developed for each community, state and private sector business to better utilize protective resources. Protective measures should be implemented with specific intelligence to support the elevation of the HSAS."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Behunin, Scott M.
2004-06
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Private Security as an Essential Component of Homeland Security
"This thesis argues that first preventers are not limited to law enforcement and/or intelligence personnel. Private security officers are our true first preventers because they control access to the myriad of facilities we enter and exit every day. They are the individuals with their boots on the ground in our efforts to recognize abnormal or unusual activity. Based on the observation by President George W. Bush in the 'National Strategy for Homeland Security' that 85% of the nation's critical infrastructure is owned by private agencies and organizations, one conclusion is incontrovertible: No one is in a better position to be a first preventer than the private security officer in America. In New York State, a professionally trained and licensed security officer's primary directive is defined as detecting, deterring and reporting on conditions which might harm life or property. It is incumbent upon government public security officials, and private security executives themselves, to cultivate and exploit this undervalued segment of our efforts to combat terrorism on a national basis. In order to do so, and to assure the public of the competency of the private security workforce, it is imperative that private security officers be mandated to meet minimum standards. Therefore, this thesis makes the argument that advocating nationwide, state controlled licensing and training of private security officers is essential to the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to employ 'First Responder' and 'First Preventer' strategies in the war on terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hetherington, Christopher John
2004-06
