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Crowd Machine: Leveraging Emergent Crowd Behavior in Policy and Response
From the thesis Abstract: "All across the country, officials and planners of the first-responder community plan for events of various types, yet their plans do not adequately account for crowd behavior when the event is interrupted by an act of violence that turns into a mass-casualty incident, or a 'focus event.' This research contests early crowd psychology studies and presents the contemporary social identity theory, elaborated social identity model, and emergence model as better lenses for crowd behavior in responding to a focus event. Case studies of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting are used to analyze crowds that experienced focus events through the perspective of complex adaptive systems. A new framework that incorporates the elements of stress, panic, chaos, and priming is then presented to assist officials and planners with planning for crowds experiencing a focus event, with the aim of leveraging crowd emergence. The new framework presented in this research leads to a set of actionable recommendations for policymakers and planners. Ultimately, this thesis challenges officials and planners of the first-responder community to evaluate crowds as complex adaptive systems and explore the ability to leverage crowds for a more effective response."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cooper, Craig M.
2021-03
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Case for Affirming Diversity: Reflective Recruitment That Represents the Community Served
From the thesis Abstract: "Fitchburg Fire Department's (FFD) membership today is not diverse, primarily because the department has experienced limited success in recruiting motivated, diverse firefighter candidates. This thesis poses the following research questions: What can be done to identify current barriers that discourage or hamper reflective recruitment in FFD? And what can be done to overcome recruitment obstacles? The research relied on a focus group composed of Fitchburg-area civic leaders who could share a historical perspective, discuss operational and systematic bias, and consider solutions through reflective recruitment and targeted community outreach. The group's recommendations were incorporated into a plan that involved short-, medium-, and long-term recruitment outreach and recruitment goals over a two-year timeline. The group identified potential school programs, racially centric groups, and current FFD membership that can positively influence prospective firefighter candidates. Recognizing that professional standards need not be compromised in the pursuit of a more representative workforce, the focus group recommended intentional acts of inclusion to stimulate occupational and organizational interest. This thesis finds that if FFD aims to recruit a workforce that resembles the community served, inclusivity will depend largely on targeted neighborhood outreach, a form of affirmative action."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pulvermacher, Joseph J.
2021-03
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Saving Our Own: Maximizing CBRN Urban Search and Rescue Capabilities to Support Civil Authorities
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis seeks to determine how the Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN) Response Enterprise's urban search and rescue (US&R) elements can better accomplish the Department of Defense's (DOD) Defense Support of Civil Authorities mission following a domestic nuclear attack. To this end, it poses the following research question: How can the DOD maximize the employment of existing CBRN Response Enterprise US&R capabilities to support civil authority-directed lifesaving efforts following a domestic nuclear detonation? Research interviews were conducted with federal and local civil US&R authorities that inquired about their expectations of enterprise US&R elements after a nuclear detonation. Additionally, an analysis was conducted of the enterprise's ability to overcome the challenges presented by post-nuclear detonation environments when delivering this support. It was discovered that federal civil US&R authorities intend to use the CBRN Response Enterprise's US&R elements as force multipliers, while local authorities have more ambiguous expectations since they receive far less exposure to the enterprise's US&R capabilities. Furthermore, to improve the delivery of life-saving aid, the enterprise should enhance its capabilities to address the threat of fire and added challenges to the performance of US&R skills incurred by post-nuclear detonation environments."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Wagner, Robert T.
2021-03
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I've Got My AI on You: Artificial Intelligence in the Law Enforcement Domain
From the thesis Abstract: "Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems provide a unique problem for users in the law enforcement domain. On one hand, AI systems provide an opportunity for optimizations and faster workflows, especially in the environment of growing data. On the other hand if left unchecked, AI systems have the potential to negatively affect the community served by law enforcement. This research focuses on three types of AI systems currently used by law enforcement: facial recognition, predictive risk assessments, and predictive policing. By looking at these three types of AI systems, this research attempts to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology while maintaining the privacy, fairness, transparency, and accountability expected by the public. These three case studies show how AI systems can have a negative impact on individuals identified via AI systems and the need for further research into effective measures to regulate the technology. Additionally, the European Union is currently working on potential frameworks for responsible implementation of AI systems, which provide a template for future efforts in the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Baker, Eric M.
2021-03
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If You Love Them, Let Them Go: A Comparative Analysis of Rotational Programs and Recommendations for the Homeland Security Enterprise
From the thesis Abstract: "Rotational programs--whereby employees temporarily work within a different part of an organization to gain new skills and knowledge--have become the rage across the country. Benefits of these programs in the private sector include continual learning, agility in job skills, and a 'try before you buy' approach to job satisfaction for both the employee and employer. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has implemented two rotational programs; however, these initiatives are in the early stages of implementation, and their effectiveness remains unclear. To identify opportunities for optimization, this thesis draws upon the work of Campion and Griffiths to analyze case studies from mature federal rotational programs within the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community and determines the benefits and challenges of each. Based on these findings, it investigates to what degree DHS can leverage best practices from these programs to strengthen its workforce, augment the effectiveness of the program design, and fulfill the mission of the programs. Ultimately, DHS has opportunities to improve on key elements, such as inclusivity, encouraging participation through credits and incentives, ensuring a strong foundation for the program, and developing a continual review process through metrics, data collection, and review."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Stone, Marcie
2021-03
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In the Line of Fire: Safeguarding America's Election Security
From the thesis Abstract: "The U.S. electoral system and democracy are under continued attack by foreign adversaries and political extremists intent on manipulating U.S. elections. Election officials and homeland security stakeholders must search for alternative methods to help strengthen the resiliency of the system. The question then becomes: How can red teaming and systems thinking be applied to reinforce the integrity of the U.S. electoral system? The goal is to analyze the system in its entirety to ensure the system in place can support a free and fair election and withstand an attack from an adversary. This research studies how the rapid implementation of universal mail-in voting created the opportunity for political activists to cast doubt on the validity of the election results. By applying systems thinking to the implementation of mail-in voting, election officials would have identified the additional challenges in advance and employed security protocols and alternative options to mitigate potential threats. To test security protocols in place, stakeholders should employ red teaming vulnerability probes. The vulnerability probes will assist in determining how effective the protocols are and if alternatives need to be established. Stakeholders should consider employing the use of systems thinking and red teaming to identify vulnerabilities and reinforce the integrity of the U.S. electoral system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hughes, Laura A.
2021-03
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Why We Serve: Public Service Motivation and What the USCIS Mission Means to Its Workforce
From the thesis Abstract: "Why do people choose to serve with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)? How has USCIS articulated its mission and organizational values since its creation? What mission values do employees believe in versus what USCIS asks of them? This thesis uses public service motivation (PSM) theory and value congruence theory to interpret the alignment of USCIS employee value perceptions with organizational values from 2015 to 2020. An examination of the USCIS mission from 2003 to 2020 equips the reader with a comprehensive picture of its evolution. A qualitative analysis of USCIS employee motivational survey responses captured from 2015 to 2020 provides visibility into employee perceptions of 'why we serve.' The PSM themes found within employee responses--compassionate humanitarian, public interest servant, upholder and influencer of policy, self-sacrificing public servant--provide insight into employee role perceptions. Research findings found a strong fit between organization and employee before 2018. After a substantial change in USCIS mission values in 2018, the fit between the compassionate humanitarian and the organization wanes. However, other PSM values emerge in employee PSM values, suggesting that the organizational storyline may influence individual perception over time. A call for further research is encouraged for sense-making exercises with the Cynefin framework, post-2020 employee PSM perceptions, and employee retention and organizational fit."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Witt, Katie
2021-03
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Normalizing Cybersecurity: Improving Cyber Incident Response with the Incident Command System
From the thesis Abstract: "In 2018, the Colorado Department of Transportation was hit with a ransomware attack that resulted in the first-ever state emergency declaration for a cyber attack. Cyber attacks against the nation and its infrastructure are expected to increase, yet no extensive research exists on the United States' designated response framework for them. This thesis investigated the application of the Incident Command System (ICS) in significant cyber incidents and how the system may be improved for these events. A mixed method study consisting of case studies, senior leader interviews, and a quantitative survey was used to evaluate ICS specific to the framework's eight core concepts. The research includes findings on variables that impact the effectiveness of response frameworks in cyber events. Recommendations are made to improve cyber response."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hanson, Darin T.
2021-03
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Crisis of Legitimacy After Police-Related Civilian Deaths: Applying the Cynefin Framework to Legitimacy-Developing Policies
From the thesis Abstract: "Police-related civilian deaths, caused by direct force or occurring during custody, pose one of the central challenges to police legitimacy. This thesis studied five police departments that experienced such a crisis of legitimacy, as evidenced by either deadly retaliatory violence against police or substantial civil unrest in response. Specifically, this thesis examined how each agency implemented expert-recommended legitimacy-developing policies before and in response to the challenge of these deaths. This thesis then applied the Cynefin framework to these implementations, revealing which domains better conform to expert recommendations and sustain legitimacy policies in the wake of a crisis. This research recommends and provides a method for police leaders to leverage the Cynefin framework to assess their legitimacy policy implementations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Espinoza, Stephen
2021-03
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Realizing Resilience: A Study of Definition, Indicators, and Operationalization
From the thesis Abstract: "Resilience is a term ubiquitously used to gauge how communities fare during and following disasters. Academics and practitioners see resilience as a critical driver of a community's success or failure in recovering or bouncing back from disasters. This thesis aims to provide insight into improving resilience by bridging how it is studied in theory and practiced in the field. This thesis examines resilience in the literature and presents four case studies, which focus on resilience governance and social, physical, and economic resilience indicators. The findings of this thesis show the necessity of community cohesion in growing a community's resilience. The cases also show the benefit of clear resilience governance frameworks rooted in diverse, equitable leadership that represents the communities served. Moreover, fostering individual resilience contributes to a community's resilience level. Finally, the term resilience needs both reconceptualizing and reimagining in a way that better aligns with current-day challenges."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Raycroft, Jill
2021-03
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Strategic Communications and the Department of Homeland Security: Immigration Policies, Mixed Messaging, and Information Fratricide
From the thesis Abstract: "Under President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rolled out the controversial parent-child separation policy, also known as zero tolerance, and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program in 2018-19. How DHS conducts strategic communications about such controversial policies is directly related to public and stakeholder perception of these policies. A newly developed stakeholder-centric measurement and evaluation model used to evaluate these two policy case studies demonstrates that Trump's DHS used messaging which was, at times, inconsistent and even contradictory. While communications on MPP showed an evolution in DHS's ability to successfully engage in strategic communications related to these enforcement efforts, the parent-child separation policy represents the prototypical example of information fratricide. The research methodology adopts an outsider viewpoint and employs a media content analysis of high-level public communications of DHS officials. Identification and future use of DHS's top communications strengths, as displayed in these sample communications, can lead to more effective strategic communications and improved stakeholder engagement. The thesis concludes with generalized recommendations for future communications policy within DHS based on lessons learned from this thesis research."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Graham, Jonathan M.
2021-03
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Policing for the 22nd Century: A Complexity Theory-Based Approach
From the thesis Abstract: "Although many alternatives to the standard model of policing have been proposed, none of them meaningfully engages with the massive social and technological changes that have occurred since the mid-20th century. This thesis asks if complexity theory can serve as a theoretical foundation for a new model of policing. Literature on complexity, complex adaptive systems, and network theory is examined and finds that observed behavior of street robberies in Washington, DC, can be understood as a complex adaptive system. This thesis concludes that it is vital to recognize that the United States is transitioning into an informational, network-based society increasingly governed by nonlinear, dynamic processes. It also concludes that the present dissatisfaction with the state of policing is due to its institutional misalignment with those social dynamics. Several recommendations are offered on how to educate and structure police agencies to function effectively in complex environments."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hollan, Brian T.
2021-03
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Monitoring the Unpredictable: What Can Law Enforcement Do to Track Potential Active Shooters?
From the thesis Abstract: "Since the late 1990s, few incidents have captured the national spotlight more than active shooter events. These events are a significant concern to the public, and as questions arise surrounding these incidents, the focus often turns to law enforcement and its ability to protect the public. Often, law enforcement's response to inquiries surrounding prevention strategies concludes with officials explaining that they did everything possible to prevent the attack. This thesis analyzes the history of active shooter response and examines why law enforcement focuses more on response management than on prevention strategies. The project identifies issues when law enforcement, regardless of size or allocated resources, fails to establish a plan to track and monitor potential active shooter threats. Comparing four case studies--the Marjory Stoneman Douglas school shooting, Virginia Tech incident, Odessa-Midland attack, and the 1 October Las Vegas mass shooting--the research aims to identify investigative gaps that may have helped prevent the attacks. It categorizes the probability of preventing attacks based on available resources to law enforcement. The conclusion points to gaps with information sharing, planning, and resource allocation that could help agencies prepare for any future attacks."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Reyna, Robert A.
2021-03
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Protecting America's High Ground: A Public-Private Response to Space Debris
From the thesis Abstract: "The United States is reliant on the capabilities provided by satellite technology for nearly every facet of society. A sustained loss of satellite capabilities due to any service outages will have a significant negative impact on the nation's homeland security. The areas affected include communication, financial transactions, intelligence gathering, internet access, and weather surveillance. Existing domestic and international policy has been insufficient in managing debris growth. The removal of large debris from congested orbits through active debris removal (ADR) is now necessary to prevent future collision events that will damage or destroy operational satellites that may possibly render certain regions of space unusable for generations. To safeguard its satellites and critical services they provide to homeland security, the United States should develop a domestic debris removal program using the established public-private partnership model that NASA has leveraged over the previous 15 years. This model has reduced developments costs and risks of schedule delays, and also stimulates growth in the private space sector and creates additional tax revenues. Furthermore, the commercial sector possesses knowledge and experience in the field of on-orbit servicing, a field with similar technical challenges to debris removal that can provide a foundation for the development of ADR systems. The United States must begin remediation by partnering with the private sector."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Repair, Christopher W.
2021-06
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United States Coast Guard and Spontaneous Volunteers: Collaboration or Chaos During Disaster Response
From the thesis Abstract: "Spontaneous volunteers who conduct search and rescue (SAR) in the aftermath of major disasters are changing the emergency management landscape. This thesis explores ways in which the United States Coast Guard (USCG) could better engage organized spontaneous volunteers (OSV) who conduct maritime SAR during hurricane response operations. The research involves three exploratory case studies. In each case study, the organizational response of both the USCG and OSVs was examined according to the Disaster Research Center's four-fold typology of organized responses to disasters. The analysis identified specific factors of the USCG's organizational response that affected OSV engagement. Recommendations are made for the USCG to take on new or non-regular SAR tasks and to develop new organizational structures to respond effectively to maritime disasters. New organizational structures should also include OSV groups if the USCG desires to increase engagement during future hurricane response operations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Gilbert, Joshua R.
2021-06
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Carrot or Stick--a Multiple Case Study of Anti-Corruption and Incentive-Based Programs and Lessons Learned
From the thesis Abstract: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for protecting all U.S. borders. CBP protects all air, land, and seaports, as well as the areas on the border between the official ports of entry. Drug trafficking organizations and human trafficking organizations continually target gaps in CBP's infrastructure, practices, and methodologies to exploit any shortfalls. Outside of technology and infrastructure gaps, CBP employees themselves are targets for criminal organizations. Criminal organizations look to corrupt current employees or insert a member of the criminal organization as a new employee to further their criminal enterprise. This thesis investigates the human element in insider threats and employee corruption, as well as whether current nontechnology-based CBP tactics to combat insider threats and employee corruption requires additional fortifications. One incentive-based and one anti-corruption program are studied to determine if those programs can benefit CBP. CBP has a unique and challenging operational environment. This thesis addresses the unique operating environment encountered by CBP and provides recommendations to fill the gaps in current nontechnology-based insider threat and anti-corruption methodologies used in CBP."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Garcia, Cesar
2021-06
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Theoretical Foundations of Community Disaster Resilience
From the thesis Abstract: "The relatively recent theory of community disaster resilience (CDR) would benefit from an exploration of the established theories that form its basis. This study proposes that the approach embodied by social identity theory (SIT) from social psychology aligns with the tenets of CDR. Validating CDR through SIT supports further research in the former theory as well as informs its practical applications. This thesis presents an extensive review of academic research in both theories and qualitative analysis, highlighting connections between the two fields and providing context for future CDR researchers. Finally, this thesis offers ways to make CDR-measuring tools more effective and adaptable, so they can be used to improve a community's CDR before a disaster and customized to meet the needs of specific communities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barnes, Jill M.
2021-06
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New Normal: Integrating Wireless Sensor Network Systems into Fire Service Tactical Operations
From the thesis Abstract: "In the early 2000s, a key study revealed that firefighters often lack accurate information at fires. It found that in 17 incidents between 1979 and 2001, firefighter disorientation contributed to 23 fatalities. In each of these incidents, firefighters ran out of air from disorientation in prolonged, zero-visibility conditions where the fire had caused structural collapse or blocked egress. If there were a way to locate the fire faster, fewer firefighters would become disoriented, thereby saving lives. Thus, there is a pressing need for advanced alarms that provide firefighters with not only a geolocational reading of each alarm, but the temperature and smoke density as well. Such a system could also provide a map through Bluetooth connectivity to a firefighter's thermal imaging camera, allowing a firefighter to locate the fire faster. In theory, replacing standard smoke alarms with this proposed new system would provide visual data on the fire to help determine its growth, allow for quicker fire extinction, and prevent future firefighter fatalities. Using a modified version of George Heilmeier's catechism, this thesis lays out the blueprint for a new sensor technology to be integrated with current fire alarm plans to help firefighters locate fires more swiftly and safely."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Kelly, Antoine D., Jr.
2021-06
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Addressing FEMA's Recruitment Challenges: Lessons from Teach for America
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis is a single-case study of Teach for America's model for recruitment and selection of young adults. The civil service has struggled with recruitment, which is becoming increasingly urgent as its workforce ages. Human capital challenges are at the center of mission failures in government. National service is an indicator of civic engagement, which is necessary for the functioning of democracy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency remarked on its goal to 'cultivate the next generation of emergency managers' in its 2016 Human Capital Strategic Plan, and yet its challenges with recruitment persist. On the other hand, Teach for America is a shining example of recruitment to national service while the government is struggling. The civil service has yet to address long-standing challenges with its organization, particularly its human capital systems that control recruitment, hiring, selection, and performance management. These challenges undermine public trust in government and also have a direct impact on recruitment. To examine the civil service's recruitment shortfalls, this study examined Teach for America's model. This study provides recommendations and a summary of findings that may inform government leaders who wish to recruit and hire young adults."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ellenwood, Mikaela
2021-06
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National Network of Fusion Centers: Perception and Reality
From the Abstract: "The National Network of Fusion Centers (the Network) is one of many organizational efforts the nation has undergone to help bolster its counterterrorism prevention and response efforts. Since its creation in the years following the 9/11 attacks, the Network has garnered both accolades and criticisms, resulting in an uneven opinion about fusion center functions and performance. The diverse opinions that are held of the Network appear at times to be based on perceptions incongruent with some of the realities of current Network operations and which lead to an undervaluation of its contributions. This research examined the points of opposition between supporters and critics of the Network and identified strategies employed by the Network to mitigate areas of concern, in order to define the relationship or gap between actual performance and the perception of performance of the Network held by external (to the Network) parties. This research employed a modified version of the multi-goal policy analysis method as a guide for the conduct of analysis. This study recommends a recalibration of these perceptions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Klem, Nicholas
2014-12
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Integration of Behavioral Threat Management into Fusion Center Operations to Prevent Mass or Targeted Violence
From the Abstract: "Incidents of mass or targeted violence seem to occur without warning and lead us to conclude that nothing may be done to prevent them. These incidents may take the forms of mass shootings, stabbings, vehicular attacks, and other methods designed to kill or injure many people. Opportunities to detect and interdict potential attackers may exist. The literature identifies a host of warning behaviors that may be useful in detecting and disrupting acts of violence. This thesis examines the opportunities available to the nation's 78 fusion centers to help prevent mass or targeted violence by learning to conduct behavioral threat assessments and management activities. Analysis of four police agencies that conduct behavioral threat assessments is conducted. Also, the National Network of Fusion Centers is explored to determine whether behavioral threat assessment and management may be a good tool to incorporate into current violence prevention efforts. It was found that fusion centers already perform basic behavioral analysis through the vetting of suspicious activity reports as part of the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative. Preventive efforts may be more successful should principles of behavioral threat assessment and management be incorporated into fusion center operations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Marks, W. Payne
2016-12
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State and Local Intelligence Fusion Centers: An Evaluative Approach in Modeling a State Fusion Center
From the Abstract: "In the final report on the attacks of September 11, 2001, the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (9/11 Commission) found that the attacks were successful in part because information was not shared and analysis not pooled among the different agencies across all levels of government. Since that time, there have been significant strides to improve cooperation and close the intelligence gaps among the different intelligence and law enforcement services. Effective terrorism prevention, however, requires information and intelligence fusion as a cooperative process at all levels of government so that the flow of intelligence can be managed to support the identification of emerging threats to our homeland. This thesis explains the value of a state/regional fusion center by examining three successful fusion centers in Arizona, Georgia, and Los Angeles. Recommendations from each agency on lessons learned as well as independent research have been provided to help state and local agencies develop their own fusion centers."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Forsyth, William A.
2005-09
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Federated Search Tools in Fusion Centers: Bridging Databases in the Information Sharing Environment
From the Abstract: "This research utilized a semi-structured survey instrument delivered to subject matter experts within the national network of fusion centers and employed a constant comparison method to analyze the survey results. This 'smart practice' exploration informed through an appreciative inquiry lens found considerable variation in how fusion centers plan for, gather requirements, select and acquire federated search tools to bridge disparate databases. These findings confirmed the initial hypothesis that fusion centers have received very little guidance on how to bridge disconnected databases to enhance the analytical process. This research should contribute to the literature by offering a greater understanding of the challenges faced by fusion centers, when considering integrating federated search tools; by evaluating the importance of the planning, requirements gathering, selection and acquisition processes for integrating federated search tools; by acknowledging the challenges faced by some fusion centers during these integration processes; and identifying possible solutions to mitigate those challenges. As a result, the research will be useful to individual fusion centers and more broadly, the National Fusion Center Association, which provides leadership to the national network of fusion centers by sharing lessons learned, smart practices, and other policy guidance."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Wormet, Jody R.
2012-09
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Fusion 2.0: The Next Generation of Fusion in California: Aligning State and Regional Fusion Centers
From the Abstract: "A growing number of states have created multiple fusion centers, including California. In addition to having a state fusion center, California has four regional centers statewide. Each center is separately governed, but intended to work together as a unified, statewide system. Given their recognized autonomy, the relationship between California's fusion centers is voluntary and 'horizontal' versus 'hierarchical,' with no single entity in charge. Consequently, the attainment and sustainment of a robust and synchronized partnership between California's fusion centers is dependent upon each center's commitment to collaborate. Current research has focused largely on building collaboration within fusion centers, as opposed to between fusion centers. This research seeks to identify the appropriate role and mission of California's state fusion center as it relates to strengthening stakeholder relationships, collaboration, and sustainability, through the analysis of data captured from California's regional centers, sheriffs and police chiefs, and examining the roles and methods of other state fusion centers in states with multiple centers. From this research, this thesis recommends a series of collaborative initiatives intended to help strengthen intra-state fusion center collaboration, more properly align state and regional fusion center efforts, and enhance sustainability through maintained relevancy and added value to stakeholders and customers."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
MacGregor, David S.
2010-03
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Cybersecurity: Utilizing Fusion Centers to Protect State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Entities Against Cyber Threats
From the Abstract: "Many areas of the cyber domain of American citizens are under attack: critical infrastructure, electrical grids, banks, businesses, government, and personally identifiable information (identity theft, medical records, child exploitation, etc.). Although the focus of recent cybersecurity legislation has provided additional authorities to federal agencies, a key concern for state, local, tribal and territorial (SLTT) government entities is this: What is the best way to protect computer networks at the state and local level? State and local governments have the responsibility to protect dams, freeway systems, power and water plants, emergency communications, personal identifiable information, health care records, educational institutions, and banking systems. The array of responsibilities and the cybersecurity threat landscape make state- and local-level computer networks fertile ground for the cyber adversary. This research focuses on the threat to SLTT computer networks and how to leverage information-sharing initiatives, cybersecurity policies and state and local fusion centers to prevent, mitigate, and deter cyber threats targeted at SLTT computer networks."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Flynn, Payton A., Sr.
2016-09
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Eyes of the Storm: Can Fusion Centers Play a Crucial Role During the Response Phase of Natural Disasters Through Collaborative Relationships with Emergency Operations Centers?
From the Abstract: "Through the maturation of the national network of fusion centers, processes and capabilities originally designed to detect and thwart terrorist attacks are now applied to disaster responses. The fusion process, which involves the synthesis and analysis of streams of data, can create incident specific intelligence. The sharing of this information can enhance the operating picture that is critical to key decision makers and the discipline of emergency management. This thesis examined three case studies of fusion center disaster responses through a collaborative-based analytical framework. The resulting analysis of the case studies identified the crucial role played by fusion centers in responding to disaster events in a collaborative effort with emergency operations centers. This thesis concludes that fusion centers offer the greatest impact through enabling information sharing throughout the response phase. The specific benefits of the sharing of information directly influence executive briefings and the deployment of resources. This thesis also modeled a collaborative response. The research determined that the depth and breadth of these relationships involving cooperative responses must be proportionate to the incident and include a level of redundancy. Through a system design model, overconnectivity through efficiency was shown to increase the likelihood of fracturing cooperative relationships."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Coyle, Timothy P.
2014-09
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Asserting Collective State Sovereignty to Strengthen the National Network of Fusion Center
From the Abstract: "The lack of legal uniformity in the National Network of Fusion Centers, or National Network, is not a simple problem, and there is no simple solution; however, operating in a 'network' with 79 fusion centers and 54 different legal frameworks while trying to detect and prevent criminal―and terrorism-related activity―is not a simple task, either. And despite the expenditure of significant federal, state, and local dollars to establish a capable and robust network of fusion centers, insufficient time and energy has been dedicated to the creation of an effective and uniform legal framework for the National Network. Through interviews with leadership from 11 fusion centers, this thesis addresses the complications of non-uniformity and evaluates three legal mechanisms with the potential to create uniformity. This research reveals that a congressionally approved interstate compact would be the most effective legal mechanism to create uniformity within the National Network because it results in state statutory authority in every participating jurisdiction, has the potential to create national legal uniformity, and respects the sovereignty of the states visà- vis the federal government."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ladich, Samantha
2018-03
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Rising Tide Floats All Boats, but Drowns Infrastructure: The Impact of Sea-Level Rise on America's Maritime Infrastructure
"America's maritime ports provide vital services to the nation's economy and national security functioning as the critical nodes in a transportation network facilitating imports and exports and connecting distribution routes throughout the entire country. Many maritime ports also provide facilities for military operations for all branches of the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security. The homeland security enterprise is primarily focused on counterterrorism. A changing climate brings significant threats across a wide spectrum of vectors. Maritime ports and their supporting infrastructure are at risk of inundation from sea-level rise as a consequence of global climate change. The homeland security enterprise continues to focus on the low probability/high consequence threat of domestic maritime terrorism while a high probability/high consequence event looms just over the horizon. This paper examines the risks, vulnerabilities, costs and consequences posed by the catastrophic threat of sea-level rise--nature's weapon of mass destruction, reviews the dynamics behind recent and current resource allocation, and proposes recommendations for future policy deliberations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Sullivan, Michael
2020-03
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Area Maritime Security Committees and the Maritime Transportation System
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this thesis was to explore the modern threats to the maritime homeland security environment and the effectiveness of Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs) in preventing and responding to transportation security incidents. AMSCs are deliberately designed to encompass senior representatives of numerous stakeholders in the maritime homeland security enterprise, such as law enforcement, fire, industry, and labor. There were two research questions used in this project: What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the effectiveness of AMSCs, and how can AMSCs improve their interagency collaboration to enhance the homeland security enterprise? Two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of AMSCs. These were issued to 24 people from five Captain of the Port Zones across the West Coast of the United States. The survey answers were then evaluated against open-source reports produced by AMSCs. Between these research sources, AMSCs were shown to be positive collaboration and information-sharing mechanisms, but geography creates barriers to participation and effectiveness. In order to improve, AMSCs must increase funding, change policy to fund the travel and training of AMSC members, recruit and provide engaging training for new personnel, and establish metrics of performance. On the national level, all AMSCs should target and monitor common threats to better secure the maritime transportation system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Crowell, Ben
2018-12
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Submersible Threat to Maritime Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Small submersible vessels have been used for years by nation states, terrorist groups, and criminal organizations to achieve operational objectives. These entities have sought to capitalize on the overriding tactical advantage of submersible technology which is stealth. For example, drug trafficking organizations in Central and South America have been routinely using self-propelled semi-submersible vessels to clandestinely transport large quantities of illicit drugs to North America. Small submersible vessels can also be nefariously used in the maritime domain to transport persons or weapons or they could be used as waterborne improvised explosive devices. Terrorists and criminals are complex adaptive adversaries and are driven to innovate when confronted with threats to their operational effectiveness. Innovation and adaption are driving these foes to leverage disruptive technology towards the development or acquisition of fully-submersible vessels. Furthermore, there is a growing population of privately owned submersibles within the U.S. that policymakers have little visibility of. Homeland security policymakers lack adequate situational awareness regarding the vulnerabilities, threats, and consequences to the maritime transportation system from the malicious use of submersibles. The core challenge for the maritime homeland security enterprise with regards to submersibles is developing effective strategies to mitigate their potential risk."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Davis, Donald B.
2013-09
