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Protecting New York's Infrastructure: Improving Overall Safety and Security Through New Partnerships and Concentrations on Planning, Engineering and Design
From the thesis abstract: "The infrastructure that supports New York State and its citizens is constantly faced with threats that test its resilience. These threats range from those brought upon by nature, and man-made threats, such as those from terrorists. Understanding these threats are persistent, and the challenge of infrastructure protection is complex. Stakeholders must consider methods to mitigate risk. This paper seeks to answer two questions, both of which strive to decrease risk over the long term for the state's citizens. First, what are the benefits and challenges of the state placing a greater focus on the planning, engineering, and design phase for new or significantly reconstructed infrastructure? Second, how could a new partnership model at the state level be designed to support infrastructure protection activities during this phase? To accomplish these two outcomes, three approaches focused on planning and design within the public and private sector are analyzed and compared. This paper expands upon the partnership incentives utilized to reach desired outcomes in such infrastructure programs. Finally, this research concludes that the state should do more to improve safety and security during the planning, engineering and design phase and recommends two parallel paths forward for implementation at the state level."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
McNamara, John M.
2013-12
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Role of State and Local Jurisdictions in Identifying and Protecting Critical Infrastructure
From the thesis abstract: "Over the last several years, the after effects of several major disasters have severely impacted state, local, and regional critical infrastructure. Research was conducted via an analysis of the National Infrastructure Protection program and a case study of the State of New Hampshire Critical Infrastructure Program to determine to what extent the federal criteria for identifying federal critical infrastructure and key resources apply to state and local identification of critical infrastructure and key resources. The analysis of the 'National Infrastructure Protection Plan' and subsequent sector-specific plans indicates that there is no clear connection between the 'National Infrastructure Protection Plan' and local government critical infrastructure and key resources protection and resiliency planning. Research also found that despite clear references to engaging state and local jurisdictions in planning, there was no evidence to support collaboration efforts between federal, state, and local jurisdictions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Christopoulos, Chris, Jr.
2013-12
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Using Information-Sharing Exchange Techniques from the Private Sector to Enhance Information Sharing Between Domestic Intelligence Organizations
From the thesis abstract: "Security and intelligence organizations have challenges in information sharing have resulted in incomplete information. Since 2001 state and local governments in the United States have formed information sharing hubs called fusion centers which request information from peer fusion centers as well as sharing situation reports about emerging and ongoing security situations. The requests for information (RFI) and situation awareness reporting processes are manual and occur without data standards or process standards. Public sector and private sector information sharing systems utilized both process and data standards to automate routine information sharing between organizations like those exchanges between fusion centers. These standards are coupled with information sharing tools that better enable consumer services, such as searching and booking airline travel through on-line systems, exchanges of criminal justice information using the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) and sharing of patient and medical information utilizing the Health Information Exchange (HIE). This thesis combines the process and tools from both the public and private sector's data and process standards and the use of information sharing tools to propose a conceptual national intelligence-sharing model (NISM). SMEs [Subject Matter Experts] from the intelligence, counterterrorism and technology communities, within the fusion center environment, were used to review, modify, and validate NISM."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kustermann, Aaron
2013-12
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How Critical is Critical Infrastructure
From the thesis abstract: "The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) holds the statutory mission to protect the nation's critical infrastructure, which is the systems and assets that are nationally significant, and whose losses would result in debilitating consequences to the safety and security of the United States. Based on a meta-analysis of government policies, the current critical infrastructure protection (IP) efforts may be misdirected even though it is the cornerstone mission of the department to prevent terrorism and enhance security. It is likely that the facilities DHS works to protect from terrorism are not the most likely targets for attacks. The manner in which facilities are designated as critical infrastructure may have stemmed from shared experience of many in senior leadership as military strategists rather than from identifying the targets of extremists. Even when a facility is destroyed, the consequences may be more complex than the mission of protecting a single facility against all threats and hazards. These findings can justify reducing the scope of the current IP mission and refining the focus through a risk-based methodology for evaluating only the infrastructure that would cause debilitating impacts on the safety and security of the nation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Riedman, David A.
2015-09
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Force Protection for Fire Fighters Warm Zone Operations at Paramilitary Style Active Shooter Incidents in a Multi-Hazard Environment as a Fire Service Core Competency
From the thesis abstract: "Paramilitary-style active shooter attacks in a multi-hazard environment are an emerging threat against the U.S. homeland. Lessons learned from previous paramilitary style attacks demonstrate the breaking points of the fire service policy of standing by until law enforcement declares that the scene is secure. When followed, the standby policy prevents fire fighters from taking calculated risks to accomplish the fire service mission of saving lives and protecting property. It is likely that the standby policy will be ignored when immediate action is required to save lives or mitigate hazards in areas of the incident in which the potential for violence, but no active threat exists. The optimal fire service response policy to save lives and mitigate hazards during paramilitary style attacks in a multi-hazard environment is a force protection model in which law enforcement officers accompany and protect fire fighters in the warm zone. This model is an adaptation of the successful escort model used by law enforcement and fire fighters during civil unrest incidents. As has occurred many times in the past, the fire service must incorporate a new core mission competency - warm zone operations at paramilitary style attacks."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Atwater, Paul A.
2012-03
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Counter-Radicalization: Best Practices in the United States and Lessons Learned from Abroad
From the thesis abstract: "The proposed thesis analyzes the threat and impact of homegrown radicalization on members of Muslim communities, its development and process in the United States and Europe, as well as unified efforts to counter radicalization that emphasize the need for interagency coordination and interdisciplinary approaches among all levels of government. Examined are the effectiveness and impact of a number of currently implemented counter-radicalization strategies and community outreach programs in the United States, particularly by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, as well as in countries abroad in the United Kingdom (UK), Amsterdam and Scandinavia. Best practices recommendations for implementing effective community outreach programs and developing a multi-agency counter-radicalization policy throughout the United States that aim to counter-radicalization and prevent violent extremism are based on promising findings derived from the research literature, selected case examples from the UK and Amsterdam, and professional expertise in community affairs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kosseim, Amin G.
2011-09
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Examination of the Collateral Psychological and Political Damage of Drone Warfare in the FATA Region of Pakistan
From the thesis abstract: "This research will examine the collateral psychological and political damage of the United States drone warfare program on Pakistani society in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), to determine if this is an effective, proactive homeland defense tactic. The use of drone aircraft by the United States government has increased worldwide since this evolving technology was first utilized in 2001. Each drone strike impacts militants, noncombatants, and ordinary civilians. The potential for collateral damage and civilian casualties may overshadow the tactical gain of even successful drone strikes by inspiring radicalization, and creating recruiting opportunities for militants. The findings of this research will recommend an alternative framework from which to evaluate the effectiveness of drone warfare based on the collateral psychological and political impact on society in this region. Traditional studies of drone warfare have tended to analyze from a tactical perspective. The examination of drone warfare, based on the damage done to the psychological experiences and political attitudes of FATA residents who may turn against the U.S., provides policy makers with the ability to better assess the impact of drone strikes on communities, and determine the optimal situation to leverage this lethal tactic, while minimizing negative outcomes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dengler, Judson J.
2013-09
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Community Engagement for Collective Resilience: The Rising System
From the thesis abstract: "Since the inception of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the American public has been told that it has a prominent role to play in the 'War on Terror.' However, this role has not been clearly defined. This thesis explores the viability of community engagement as a tool to promote public safety and homeland security. Research was primarily conducted through a literature review (to understand how engagement impacts safety), and a comparison of four case studies of safety-centric engagement programs in the U.S. and United Kingdom. While several of the programs in the case studies have proven to be effective at developing trust and improving security, the U.S. federal government has not effectively worked with these resources to improve its understanding of the domestic security landscape. This thesis contends that a new system is necessary to connect the federal government to local engagement programs. This may be accomplished with a domestic coordination and engagement system, referred to as the 'Rising System' for the purposes of this thesis. The goal of the Rising System would be threefold: To link federal, state, and local governments; to build on existing community policing and outreach efforts to help at-risk communities identify their greatest challenges; and to provide a forum where community members can safely work with their government to develop solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Farrell, John L.
2012-09
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Understanding 'Swift Trust' to Improve Interagency Collaboration in New York City
From the thesis abstract: "For over a decade, homeland security leaders have urged emergency response agencies to improve their collaborative capacity. Collaboration and coordination is critical to homeland security effectiveness. The homeland security threat scenarios facing NYC [New York City], including terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and high consequence accidents, require a synergistic response from first arriving responders. To understand the foundation of collaborative relationships among the FDNY [Fire Department City of New York City] and NYPD [New York City Police Department], this thesis examines the concept of 'swift trust.' Swift trust is a unique form of trust that occurs between groups or individuals brought together in temporary teams to accomplish specific tasks, often under time constraints. This thesis examines swift trust formation in military, business, and virtual collaborative studies. It applies the factors critical to swift trust formation in those areas to interagency incidents involving the NYPD and FDNY. Among the factors affecting the formation of swift trust between NYC first responders are initial interactions and communications, identification of roles and assigned tasks, formulation of a team identity, and organizational culture. The conclusions drawn from this research reveal organizational and procedural barriers preventing the formation of swift trust at interagency incidents. Additionally, current training is largely ineffective at developing swift trust."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fahy, Michael J.
2012-09
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Incomplete Intelligence: Is the Information Sharing Environment an Effective Platform?
From the thesis abstract: "Gathering and analyzing suspicious activity is a core element in the prevention of crime and terrorism. The Information Sharing Environment (ISE) and the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) program is an attempt to address this issue, but it creates human and systemic barriers to information access--the same barriers that existed prior to 9/11. The SAR program, through its process-related policies, limits critical information from entering the shared space for analysis. These limitations are two-fold: Information must be specifically prepared for submission by a human being who recognizes that a potential nexus to terrorism might exist and decides to act upon this recognition; and, once submitted, each data element must be individually vetted and approved by more human analysts. Removing the dual limitations of lack of complete operating picture (based upon the limited information made available for vetting) and dependence on human frailty will provide a more effective platform for the identification and mitigation of possible preterrorist incident indicators. This thesis provides an overview of the SAR program and compares and contrasts it with more mature platforms that better meet their objectives, and provides recommendations on how the ISE/SAR enterprise can be improved."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lewin, Jonathan H.
2012-09
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Contemporary Jus Ad Bellum on Use of Force in Self-Defense by States Against Non-State Terrorist Group -- Limitations, Evolutions and Alternatives
From the thesis abstract: "International law is challenged to ensure the legal and legitimate use of force by states against non-state terrorist groups. Such groups evade easy classification as criminals or armed forces. Their organization, methods and targets are simultaneously local in application, but global in impact. They attack the foundations of state identity and legitimacy, including the monopoly on use of force, but are not state actors. Non-state actor threats are not unprecedented, but states and international law have never had to contend with non-state actors possessing global reach and force, resources and influence on par with some states, which creates a dilemma for contemporary states and jus ad bellum--to adhere to principles of international law and customs of legitimate state action, or to ensure the security of the state's citizens. The predicament is incompatible with the notion that, in the modern era, the use of force by states is to be limited, governed and made legitimate by the rule of law. State use of force without legal authorization creates severe issues of legitimacy, with politically and socially destabilizing effects. This paper examines these issues in full and identifies key trends and potential avenues for legal reform."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brody, Michael H.
2011-09
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Expanding the Role of Emergency Medical Services in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Emergency Medical Services (EMS) has an established nationwide workforce that has not participated in homeland security as a full partner. EMS is a profession in transition that is looking to establish its identity and expand in ways that enhance its overall mission. This thesis explores the role of EMS in response, recovery, acting as intelligence sensors, participation in fusion centers, and syndromic surveillance to see if there are practical applications and logical integrations that could provide value to homeland security. EMS has an opportunity to take advantage of new models and technologies to meet the needs of the citizens and to improve the outcomes of patients. EMS should consider what expanded roles in homeland security enhances the EMS profession, improves security at home, and meets current goals of EMS across the nation. Comparative analysis, application, evaluation, measurement, and vulnerability assessment provided several potential new roles for EMS in homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kemp, Malcolm
2013-03
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Sustaining Statewide Disaster Response Capabilities from a Fire Service Perspective
From the thesis abstract: "The events of 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina have forever changed the way we look at disaster readiness and response from an emergency-response perspective at the local, state, and federal levels of government. A public expectancy of preparedness and resilience for emergency-response organizations that leverages collaboration in order to meet mission requirements is a primary focus of government. To assist emergency-responder readiness at the state and local levels of government, the federal government has increased homeland security spending by more than 350 percent since 2001 (Federal Emergency Management Agency, 2012). Because of current fiscal constraints posed by a lagging economy, local and state emergency responders must find a more efficient way to prepare and manage disaster preparedness and response. Using the state of Texas as its focus, a policy analysis of centralized and decentralized disaster response has been studied in order to explore more efficient methods of disaster response. The emphasis is an analysis of how the fire service in Texas is integrated into Texas Task Force 1 Urban Search and Rescue, and how the statewide model of disaster response could be organized to maximize cost effectiveness and emergency responder capability."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Giusti, Richard G.
2013-03
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Faded Colors: From the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) to the National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)
From the thesis abstract: "After the events of 9/11, Homeland Security Presidential Directive-3 (HSPD-3) established the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS) to provide a comprehensive and effective means to disseminate information regarding the risk of terrorist acts to federal, state, and local authorities and the American people. Under HSAS, threat levels were raised or lowered 16 times, but never below Threat Level Yellow (Elevated Condition). HSAS should have been straightforward and easy to understand. What evolved was confusion over alerts, lack of specific threat information, concerns over costs to institute and maintain protective measures, and questions regarding what was expected of citizens. Government agencies, the private sector, and the general population became immune with the threat level remaining at or above Yellow. HSAS was woefully misunderstood not just by the general population, but also within federal, state, and local governments. Ridiculed by comedians, HSAS gradually began to disappear, to the point where it was necessary to search to find the current threat level, whereas it had once been prominently posted. The purpose of this thesis is to review HSAS and the associated problems, look at comparable international systems, and present an alternative recommendation to provide timely and informative warnings of terrorist threats, and restore credibility by merging HSAS with the already existing DoD [Department of Defense] force protection conditions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Sharp, Vincent H.
2013-03
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Evolving the Local Fire Service Intelligence Enterprise in New York State: Implementing a Threat Liaison Officer Program
From the thesis abstract: "Eleven years after the attacks of 9/11, the local fire departments in New York State (excluding New York City) have made limited progress toward increasing their involvement in the homeland security intelligence enterprise. The New York State (NYS) fire service, however, has underutilized potential to be effective contributors, consumers and collaborators with regards to intelligence and information sharing. As the threats facing the fire service and the citizens it protects continue to evolve, the local NYS fire service must build upon NYS's intelligence strengths and overcome existing gaps. This thesis recommends developing and implementing a locally initiated, statewide fire service inclusive Terrorism Liaison Officer (TLO) program. Based on four factors (effectiveness, efficiency, political and legal feasibility, and adaptability), a systematic policy options analysis compares three nationally recognized TLO programs to determine a recommended NYS TLO program model. A detailed implementation strategy is developed to address key stakeholder challenges. This thesis demonstrates that instituting a NYS fire service inclusive TLO program will be a catalyst for evolution. Increasing the local fire service's involvement with the homeland security intelligence enterprise is a natural evolution of the fire service's existing public safety mission."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Covert, Robert M., II
2012-12
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Entropy and Self-organization- An Open System Approach to the Origins of Homeland Security Threats
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis addresses the problem that there is no coherent, unifying paradigm for understanding the origins of homeland security threats. In addition, the thesis asks if the concept of disorder as understood in the dynamics of open, dissipative systems can provide a way of understanding real-world homeland security threats. Ideas from approaches to complex systems based on the idea of dissipative systems were synthesized to create a scalable model of a living social system that imports and exports disorder (entropy) via the transfer of matter, energy, and information. Then, the idea of a dissipative system that exports disorder to its surroundings as it self-organizes was meta-theoretically applied to the processes of self-organization occurring in the world, such as technological advance, population growth, economic growth, and globalization, and can be causally linked to real-world homeland security threats. One conclusion is that, on a descriptive level, the causes of homeland security threats can be modeled as a complex, dissipative system. Another conclusion is that causes of homeland security threats and the means to counter them often lie in complex social, economic, and environmental processes that are well outside the jurisdiction of Department of Homeland Security and the homeland security enterprise, meaning that we should reconsider our approach to homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dobson, Thomas Kirwan
2015-06
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Homeland Security: What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Different Local Homeland Security Organizational Structures?
From the thesis abstract: "After the attacks of September 11, 2001, and the creation of the federal Department of Homeland Security in 2002, many local agencies formed their own homeland security entity. Since that time, significant economic downturns have resulted in reductions in the amount of homeland security funding available to local jurisdictions. Another issue involves the lack of a common definition of homeland security and what it entails and how daily operations are conducted to forward the mission. A jurisdiction wishing to continue to support a homeland security entity needs to make sound decisions as it pertains to these issues in an effort to provide the greatest service to its communities. This thesis analyzed three homeland security organizational structures located within the Metro Atlanta, GA, area to find their advantages and disadvantages using a case study method. The analysis for these structures was based on the mission of each structure, as evaluated based on the 2014 Quadrennial Homeland Security Report, or the mission of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or both if applicable, their operational functions as they pertain to the mission, and an inspection of each jurisdiction's financial records relating to the overall department budget, homeland security budget, and grant monies. Advantages were noted for all structures along with recommendations that included the addition of mission-specific experts, the improvement of information sharing, jurisdictional relationships, cyber protection, and the proper development of a mission statement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fitzpatrick, William Mark
2015-06
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Mitigate Soft Target's Vulnerability and Prevent Crime Through Biometrics
From the thesis abstract: "Identifying a known criminal or terrorist, and providing protection for soft targets, is not only the concern of New York City, but of law enforcement agencies and municipalities throughout the country. The research reveals several challenges that may arise in utilizing facial recognition and behavioral recognition technology in closed circuit television systems. In recognizing these challenges, the writer looks to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent crime. The research indicates that the projects' success increased when the environment was controlled. Data sources reviewed show that camera angles or lighting are two factors that can impact the environment control. The thesis also looked at the accuracy of the system and legality of any privacy concerns, as well political, public and media influence may have on an emerging technology system. Biometric emerging technology surveillance is an industry that is rapidly growing in both the public and private sector. However, It lacks the monitoring of one central authority to insure civil liberties are safeguarded. The research expanded on a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system that is currently in place and devises a system that will be the foundation for the future of law enforcement by integrating biometric technology into a security surveillance system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Collins, Vincent J.
2013-12
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Enhancing FBI Terrorism and Homeland Security Information Sharing With State, Local and Tribal Agencies
"This thesis examines FBI [Federal Bureau of Investigation] terrorism and homeland security information sharing with state, local and tribal homeland security agencies mandated by presidents Bush and Obama, and the U.S. Congress. The thesis compares this 'status quo' with three new proposed approaches that use technology and modify the FBI 'routine use' exceptions to the Privacy Act to improve overall FBI information sharing. The thesis rates the following approaches: (1) 'status quo,' (2) new homeland security 'routine use' exception, (3) Discoverability of Information and (4) XML Segregation of Information. All four options are analyzed using a two-phase analysis to determine their effectiveness and likelihood of successful implementation. The effectiveness is evaluated by judging the information shared, the privacy protected and the security of each approach. The likelihood of successful implementation is evaluated by judging the impact of FBI cultural resistance, fiscal performance, utilization of technology and training requirements. This thesis proposes the implementation of all three proposed approaches to enhance overall FBI terrorism and homeland security information sharing."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gomez, Peter L.
2010-09
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Designating Domestic Terrorist Individuals or Groups
From the thesis abstract: "Terrorism is a crime committed by individuals with a political or social agenda designed to influence a government or its population. The U.S. government, state and local law enforcement agencies have, as a priority, the mission of protecting the homeland from the threats of terrorism-domestic or foreign. However, the U.S. government has not effectively defined what constitutes a domestic terrorist with the same processes and vigor used to identify international terrorists, gang members, or sex offenders. The lack of a workable definition and validation process for identifying a 'domestic terrorist' places law enforcement and homeland security agencies in a position of having to balance the need to protect constitutional rights and the need to protect against the nation's security threats. To this end, this thesis will identify the problems associated with a lack of a comprehensive definition, address the safeguards required in a definition to ensure constitutionally protected rights are not impinged, and will offer a working definition and designation process."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Heller, David E.
2010-09
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Filling the Gap between NIMS/ICS and the Law Enforcement Initial Response in the Age of the Urban Jihad
"The National Incident Management (NIMS) and Incident Command Systems (ICS) are important tools that can be adapted to establish command and control in coordinating some aspects of the response and recovery phases of many major incidents, including some types of terrorist attacks. These command and control paradigms, however, are heavily reliant on communications technology and other social and organizational preconditions, and may fail to adequately support the initial law enforcement response to some types of incidents, such as the attacks that occurred in Mumbai, India and Lahore, Pakistan. This thesis will suggest that recent developments in tactics employed by terrorists in India, Pakistan and elsewhere demand an urgent re-examination of the urban policing model currently employed in the United States. The American urban policing model is well suited for response to ordinary domestic criminal activity and, through the use of command and control tools such as NIMS, works adequately for many unusual occurrences. The NIMS-based model alone, however, including the current National Response Scenarios, seems ill suited for response to acts of paramilitary terrorism. American law enforcement may require a supplemental response paradigm that envisions an effective initial response when faced with degraded communications capabilities and uncertain command and control structures."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Moody, Theodore J.
2010-09
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Homeland Security within State Departments of Agriculture: Success Factors and Barriers to an Effective Security Program
From the thesis abstract: "The food and agriculture sector in the United States is vulnerable to attack. One solution is to ensure that homeland security programs within the state departments of agriculture have the necessary support and resources. However, there is little understanding of the abilities and capabilities of state departments of agriculture related to homeland security initiatives. The challenge is that these programs tend to fall between agriculture and homeland security programs. This research involved interviewing representatives of 24 state departments of agriculture to identify success factors and barriers related to homeland security programs. Respondents reported multi-state agriculture groups, public-private partnerships, and organizational structure as success factors in building successful homeland security programs. This research found that lack of information sharing, a disconnect between the federal and state government, and inadequate funding created barriers to the implementation of constructive homeland security programs. To better position the homeland security programs within state departments of agriculture, this research provides several recommendations. Given the diversity of the roles and responsibilities in agriculture agencies, it is not possible to develop a model program for every state. These recommendations identify components of a model program that agencies could selectively use to enhance the effectiveness of homeland security programs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Blackwood, Matthew Joseph
2010-09
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Impact of Incentives and Requirements on Group Collaboration
"In the aftermath of catastrophic incidents that have stressed emergency response capabilities there is a growing national awareness that risks and threats exist that are complex, wide reaching, and will require a response effort that crosses jurisdictional boundaries. Response to these incidents will require a coordinated regional response effort that did not exist in many areas prior to 9/11. In an effort to build a regional response capability, as well as the collaborative regional infrastructure to support it, DHS [Department of Homeland Security] has committed grant funding to the emergency response community. Regional collaboration is a condition of receipt of these funds. Because collaboration has been required, it is difficult to know whether cooperation is the result of that requirement or whether it is the result of a cultural norm that values collaboration. It is also unclear whether groups that were created due to federal requirements are meeting to collaborate or meeting to fulfill requirements. The purpose of this thesis is to further the national dialogue about regional collaboration and its dependence on federal grants, as well as gauge the success of groups created due to grant requirements."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jardine, Sheryl
2010-09
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Homeland Security Intelligence: To What End?
"In this thesis, I present potential solution sets to the question of why homeland security leaders and practitioners use intelligence to improve homeland security decisions. Specific roles and benefits of intelligence are identified, analyzed, and where applicable, extended to domestic security objectives across the homeland security community spectrum. This thesis purports and defends the theory that there are many and varied roles for intelligence for homeland security stakeholders. Six categories of benefits are presented as a frame work for homeland security decision makers, especially those with limited prior knowledge of threat intelligence, to consider as they conceptualize the employment or expectations of intelligence in a homeland security context. The adaptive threat orientation is introduced as a model for acquisition and maintenance of persistent decision advantage in the homeland security threat-scape. The adaptive threat orientation model relies on a continual, repeatable and consistent process, whereby homeland security leaders can acquire and maintain decision advantage over an adversary in the homeland security decision space. This thesis defines homeland security decision advantage, the elements necessary for its acquisition and maintenance, and ultimately defines and defends the value of intelligence in improving homeland security decisions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Miller, Andrew D.
2010-09
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Improbable Success: Risk Communication and the Terrorism Hazard
From the thesis abstract: "This research considers whether America's efforts to warn the public of terrorism can be improved by utilizing risk communication principles with the Homeland Security Advisory System (HSAS), or if not, how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) should handle risk communication in the future. The research proceeds from the assumption that the HSAS is irreparably flawed, due to specific public communication issues unique to terrorism. This research uses a policy analysis method to establish a better understanding of the impact and implications of the HSAS on homeland security. Existing literature on this subject is either abundant for hazards other than terrorism or minimal and watered down when terrorism is grouped with 'all-hazards.' Unforeseen future changes in technology, politics, and society will require continued review of this subject matter and related policy; it is anticipated that this research will help those future efforts. There is no evidence that the American public can be provided with more than vague and general information regarding threats of terrorism and the specificity required by risk communication principles is better used to support prevention efforts. Recommendations for future homeland security risk communication policy address the formation and sustainment of public resiliency through education."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cox, Anthony A.
2010-03
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Effective Funding Strategy for Washington State Emergency Management Programs
From the Thesis Abstract: "The emergency management program in Washington State is vulnerable because it has no sustainable and stable funding source. This thesis identifies potential state and local funding and allocation methods that can possibly stabilize and sustain Washington State's emergency management programs. Three case studies are conducted in which the funding source, allocation method, and policy strategy are analyzed for each case. Various funding methods can be applied to emergency management programs in the state of Washington. Allocation methods have the potential to exacerbate disparities in communities with low income, high unemployment, or restricted access to services. Policy strategy analysis identifies themes for a successful implementation. A recommendation is for Washington State to establish an Emergency Management Partnership. The partnership can identify critical emergency management services, examine funding needs, and provide a recommendation for implementing critical emergency management services across the state of Washington."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Gillespie, Amy
2020-09
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Formal Critiques and After Action Reports from Conventional Emergencies: Tools for Homeland Security Training and Education
From the thesis abstract: "The activities and tasks performed by firefighters when responding to emergencies caused by asymmetric threats to homeland security mirror the activities and tasks that firefighters regularly employ when responding to conventional emergencies. However, the learning opportunities created by conventional incidents are not routinely exploited for the purposes of preparing firefighters to respond to incidents of asymmetric origin. Instead, homeland security training and education is often conducted in a manner that is stand-alone and requires a dedicated budget. The policy analysis conducted assesses the similarities and differences between mitigation procedures and technical skills used when responding to incidents of similar nature but different origin and whether or not formal critiques and after action reports from conventional incidents can be used to effectively support the long-term sustainment of specialized training and education. Efficiency, process values, and robustness and improvability are the criterion used to conduct a modified cost-benefit analysis. The findings suggest that expanding the scope of formal critiques and after action reports from conventional incidents to include 'what if' questions about potential incidents of asymmetric origin does facilitate the long-term sustainment of specialized training and education programs in a manner that capitalizes on adult and organizational learning theory principles."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chattin, Jody M.
2010-09
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United We Stand, Divided We Fall: Increasing Response Capability in Kentucky through Regionalization and Leadership
"Research indicates that the benefits of regionalization include optimal resource allocation and enhanced communication across jurisdictions. In this thesis, regionalization is defined as the act of the region collaboratively working across jurisdictional boundaries in a formal capacity to network, preplan and respond during incidents. The 2009 Kentucky ice storm devastated the entire state. Some counties throughout the commonwealth collaborated during the response; however, only one region out of eleven formally regionalized. Possible factors related to regionalization will be explored, such as support and understanding by leaders of the concept and the importance of networking with a variety of agencies. Networking is described as interorganizational interaction and communication. Tools from social network analysis are used to visualize networking and collaboration during the 2009 Kentucky ice storm. In addition, regionalization is discussed in the context of area command. Using a case study and interviews, this thesis investigates regionalization in Kentucky as it relates to the 2009 ice storm. Recommendations are presented for improving responses to future large-scale disasters utilizing regionalization."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bogard, Amanda
2011-03
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Identifying Best Practices in the Dissemination of Intelligence to First Responders in the Fire and EMS Services
"September 11, 2001 thrust the fire service into the world of intelligence but the evolution of its involvement has been slow and challenging. The evolving role in the intelligence process presents unprecedented challenges. This expanded role has presented an opportunity to contribute to the homeland security prevention and protection mission in addition to their traditionally recognized role in response and recovery. As fire service participation expands and the macro level sharing of intelligence between the fire service and the intelligence/law enforcement communities becomes more recognized as a matter of course, it will be necessary for fire service agencies also to develop internal mechanisms of disseminating intelligence to field level personnel. If field level personnel do not receive timely, credible, and actionable information, driven by the intelligence process, before, during and after an incident, their lives, as well as the lives of the public they are trying to help, can be jeopardized. This thesis presents research to answer the question, 'how can information and intelligence be better disseminated to local first responders to enhance situational awareness, provide a higher degree of responder safety, and better protect the public?' Structured interviews were conducted to examine existing models being used to disseminate intelligence to first responders who were surveyed to determine what type of intelligence they preferred to receive, and in what format they would prefer to receive it. The findings revealed that first responders want intelligence products in an easily accessible concise format available in real time."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Richardson, Thomas Joseph
2010-09
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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
