Advanced search Help
Resource Type or Special Collection is Theses & Research Reports
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Center for Homeland Defense and Security [website]
"The Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense & Security (CHDS) has been the nation's premier provider of homeland security graduate and executive level education since 2002. NPS and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are partnering to pioneer the development and delivery of homeland security education programs for governors, mayors and senior homeland security leaders from across a wide spectrum of disciplines in local, tribal, state and federal government, and the military."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
-
Brochure: Center for Homeland Defense and Security: Celebrating Five Years
The Naval Postgraduate School, Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) gives an overview of programs, accomplishments, and partnerships in this brochure issued for their five year celebration.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
2008-01
-
Teaching an Overview of Homeland Security
This presentation provides an overview of what Homeland Security leaders should be talking about and how to create an overview course on the subject. The Naval Postgraduate School program is reviewed and course samples are included, as well as NPS course content. Additionally, NPS philosophy and educational methods are described. The Center for Homeland Defense & Security (CHDS) includes the following curriculum: Intro to Homeland Security studies (HLS), asymmetric conflict; technology in HLS, intelligence; critical infrastructure protection, special topics; multidisciplinary approaches to HLS, comparative government for HLS; planning and budgeting for HLS, psychology of fear management and terrorism; and knowledge into practice, thesis research. Emphasis is on the practical application of legal/ethical considerations, asymmetric thinking, civil liberties/privacy balance, and interagency communications/cooperation. Course content is described, as well as sample courses, programs, foundation course content, CHDS education philosophy, and course objectives.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Supinski, Stanley B.
2007-02
-
Homeland Security Affairs Journal [website]
"Homeland Security Affairs is the online journal of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) at the Naval Postgraduate School and is the nation's preeminent peer-reviewed journal providing a forum to propose and debate strategies, policies, and organizational arrangements to strengthen U.S. Homeland Security. The instructors, participants, alumni, and partners of CHDS represent the leading subject matter experts and practitioners in the field of Homeland Security. E-published by issue, Homeland Security Affairs captures the best of their collective work, as well as that of scholars and practitioners throughout the nation, through peer-reviewed articles on new strategies, policies, concepts and data relating to every aspect of Homeland Security. These articles constitute not only the 'smart practices' but also the evolution of Homeland Security as an emerging academic and professional discipline."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
-
Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's Undergraduate Degree Program in Homeland Security [video]
From the Video Description: "In this Viewpoints interview Dr. Jim Ramsay describes the rapid growth of the Bachelor's program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University since its inception just 2 years ago. The curriculum was uniquely developed through a rigorous process relying on practitioners across the broad field of Homeland Security as advisors to define program and course level outcomes for this successful undergraduate program that meets the needs of students interested in variety professional careers which include: Aviation/Transportation, Emergency Management, Customs and Border Protection, US Coast Guard, Law Enforcement, and many more." The duration of the video is 11 minutes and 37 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ramsay, James D.
2008-11-07
-
Systems Approach to Defeating Maritime Improvised Explosive Devices in U.S. Ports
From the thesis abstract: "Insight gained from terrorist attacks, training excercises, and intelligence intercepts over the past few years has shown a renewed interest in the use of mining as an effective means of disrupting commerce and damaging critical infrastructure. In an attempt to develop a system of systems architecture to defeat mines and Maritime IEDs [Improvised Explosive Devices] (MIED), the project team developed several system alternatives, or Adaptive Force Packages, that incorporate both existing systems and emerging technologies. Overall performance was assessed using a US Joint Forces Command sponsored wargame simulating an MIED attack on ports based on the geography of Seattle and Tacoma. A critical analysis of the alternatives based on performance, suitability, cost, and risk were carried out. The study results showed that increases in performance are attainable with mixed results in cost and risk, and highlighted necessary actions and considerations that must be taken by military and civilian leaders in order to adequately prepare for and counter MIEDs in U.S. Ports."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Systems Engineering Analysis Cohort 14
2008-12
-
Achieving Shared Situational Awareness During Steady-State Operations in New York State: A Model for Success
"In order to effectively engage in decision making for the safety and well-being of the citizens of New York, the governor and state leaders must have access to real-time, accurate, and comprehensive information. During response operations, the state emergency operations center serves as the focal point for information exchange. During steady-state operations, gaps exist in information sharing, resulting in a fragmented understanding of the operating environment. This lack of a shared situational awareness during steady-state operations requires public-safety leaders to spend time developing a shared situational awareness when an untoward event emerges. This thesis explores the terms situational awareness, shared situational awareness and common operating picture as they apply during steady-state operations. It argues for the importance of shared situational awareness in support of group decision making during the transition from steady-state to response operations, examines existing models of information sharing, and proposes two new models. The thesis concludes that New York State should leverage its Disaster Preparedness Commission interagency coordination architecture to establish a governing body with responsibility for assessing current practices, identifying gaps, and developing strategies to ensure that an all-hazards public-safety shared situational awareness exists through a daily common operating picture."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brunelle, Gregory T.
2010-03
-
Biosecurity of Select Agents and Toxins
"The concept of biosecurity as it pertains to Biological Select Agents and Toxins in American biomedical research institutions is explored in some depth. Posing the research question "How can specific public biomedical research universities securely use and store biological select agents?" the thesis outlines the dynamics of the select agent and toxin list, the relevant history of the control of biological agents both in the international and domestic settings, including federal regulations pertaining to biosecurity (42CFR73). Two specific case studies are presented in the thesis. The biosecurity strategies and tactics at these two distinct biomedical research are compared. An answer to the research question is proposed and additional areas for research are outlined."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Engells, Thomas E.
2005-03
-
Evolving the Joint Qualification System for DSCA: From Whole of DOD to Whole of Government
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2013, a Government Accountability Report gap analysis on the state of joint professional military education (JPME) identified deficiencies in many areas that are critical to success in the defense support to civil authorities (DSCA) mission. This thesis utilized a case study methodology to discover the leadership qualities required of DSCA officers and ways that the Joint Qualification System could be modified to develop DSCA leaders. Cases of the downrange mission and the homeland mission were examined. This thesis found that the downrange mission has evolved significantly since World War II's industrial age under MacArthur, past Operation Eagle Claw and the resulting Goldwater-Nichols Act, into Desert Storm, and finally to Operation Iraqi Freedom's information age under McChrystal. The homeland mission has evolved on a path that parallels the downrange mission by failing during Hurricane Katrina, enacting the dual-status commander concept, and succeeding at Superstorm Sandy. However, the homeland mission has yet to evolve toward the kind of shared leadership and adaptability required in the complex information age. Recommendations include evolving the JQS to include DSCA specific paths, leveraging the National Guard as well as the best and brightest universities and academia throughout the nation, and modifying the Center for Homeland Defense and Security's graduate program to qualify as JPME II credit."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Van Beek, Scott D.
2019-09
-
Combating Prejudice: Understanding Media Prejudice Toward Muslims and Advocacy Organizations' Efforts to Combat It
From the thesis abstract: "Prejudice toward Muslim and Sikh Americans, at times violent, continues in America despite advocacy organizations' efforts to combat it. Some scholars have suggested that this violence is due to a gap in firsthand interactions between Muslim and non-Muslim Americans, a critical void often filled by a prejudicial media. This thesis investigates underlying causes of media prejudice toward Muslim Americans and how well advocacy organizations are addressing this issue. Specifically, the thesis examines the reasons behind American media's promotion of prejudice in civil society, focusing on civil society groups that may be responsible for promoting stereotypes. The thesis suggests that Orientalism and efforts by fringe organizations contribute to media prejudice. Three main recommendations can be drawn from the thesis. First, advocacy organizations need to reach wider audiences to effect change based on intergroup contact theory, which promotes interaction among different groups. Second, advocacy organizations need to address fringe organizations directly. Third, advocacy organizations need to work with media advertisers to promote change and introduce new programs specifically to help normalize relationships between Muslim Americans, Sikhs, and other Americans."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Teitelbaum, Jay F.
2017-12
-
Mole in Your Pocket: A Study of the Data Gathering Capabilities and Security Implications of Modern Smartphones
From the Thesis Abstract: "With the increasing prevalence of and dependency on smartphones, it is critical to understand how the sensor data collected from their users is used and shared. This thesis investigates the homeland security risks associated with smartphone-sensor data collection and sharing. Publicly available technical specifications, open-source documents, and published studies were used to evaluate how smartphone data could be used to threaten the security of the homeland. This analysis reveals that smartphone sensor data, especially when aggregated, threatens the security of individuals and organizations at a level that also threatens homeland security. This analysis recommends specific actions that should be taken by individuals, organizations, and the homeland security enterprise to mitigate these threats."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Maxson, Paula
2019-09
-
Turning the Eagle's Head: Polish Nationhood and the Global War on Terror
From the Thesis Abstract: "This work explores the response to the global war on terror during the last decade in the nation of Poland. Specifically, it examines how visions of the country's nationhood have been used by the leaders of the country's dominant political party, Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, or PiS), in conjunction with real or imagined terrorist events to gain power and further its political agenda. This effort is examined in the context of one particular element of Polish nationhood, Sarmatism, which formed in the 1600s and reemerged in the first decade of the 2000s as a potent cultural force. Basing its view of modern terrorism through a Sarmatian lens and responding with Sarmatian rhetoric has proved particularly useful to PiS; not only did it gain power during this decade, but it remains the dominant political force in the country. This ascendance of PiS has transformed both terrorist and non-terrorist events into perceived existential threats to the country, threats that the party has exploited for electoral success. But this success has also transformed Poland's position in its two most important international alliances, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. As a result, any effective foreign policy responses directed at Poland must account for the Sarmatian values embedded in its nationhood and manipulated by PiS in the political arena."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Borden, Timothy G.
2019-09
-
Preventing Violent Extremism in Children and Adolescents: An Elementary and Middle School Life-Safety Education Program
From the Thesis Abstract: "The threat that Islamic jihadists pose to U.S. security is often highlighted in political debates and media commentary; however, U.S. citizens who have no affiliation with foreign terrorist organizations commit the vast majority of violent attacks within the United States. Violent extremists are becoming more common, and researchers believe the ideology and mental health of lone violent individuals is different from that of group-organized political terrorists. To address this growing threat to homeland security, this thesis demonstrates how fire departments, specifically the Virginia Beach Fire Department, can address mental health in their life safety programs for elementary and middle schools to reduce the likelihood that students will become school shooters or violent extremists. This thesis surveys and incorporates best practices from national and foreign programs to outline a new safety curriculum for the city of Virginia Beach."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hutcheson, David W.
2019-09
-
Relationship Policing: Implementing a New Model of Thinking for Law Enforcement to Build Formal Community Partnerships
From the Thesis Abstract: "Law enforcement leaders protect and serve citizens using various enforcement models, such as community policing and evidence-based policing. Another method is the formation of formal partnerships among chiefs and key community stakeholders with the purpose of building public trust and reducing crime. This study aims to answer the question: 'How do local law enforcement agencies structure successful partnerships that earn public trust and contribute to crime reduction?' Using six police partnership cases from the extant literature, success factors and barriers were identified that contributed to successful or less than successful police partnerships. Successful partnerships included factors of purpose and strategy, structure, lateral mechanisms, incentives, people practices, strong leadership, and culture. This study determined effective communication, competent personnel, and a clear purpose were leading factors to a successful partnership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Poland, Mark J.
2019-09
-
When Green and Blue Collide: The Relative Superiority Theory and Law Enforcement Incidents
From the Thesis Abstract: "The past three decades have seen a significant increase in suspects using weapons, which had not been readily available to the public, and which are more lethal. When suspects are better armed and more skilled with their weapons and tactics than officers, law enforcement's disparity of superiority leads to death and injury. For example, on October 1, 2017, the Las Vegas Massacre resulted in 58 people killed and more than 850 people injured. The entire incident lasted 10 minutes with the suspect firing more than 1,200 rounds before committing suicide. Retired Admiral William McRaven developed the relative superiority theory and the six principles of special operations. The theory's basis is the need for operators to achieve superiority at a specific place and time by virtue of surprise, speed, and violence of action. This thesis analyzed case studies from the North Hollywood Shootout and the 2009 Pittsburgh officer-involved shooting. The relative superiority theory was applied to each case study and identified successes and failures of law enforcement's response to the incident. The analysis and conclusions support the application of relative superiority theory to future critical law enforcement incidents during which officers may be outgunned or are already in an inferior position."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lenart, Harley J.
2019-09
-
Benefits of Utilizing Procedural Justice Principles in Hiring and Training Officers
From the Thesis Abstract: "Policing is at a critical point in its history, with ever-increasing expectations on law enforcement and evidence of mistrust among the communities they serve, particularly in communities of color. Negative encounters between police and community members are symptoms of mistrust, sometimes manifesting in acts of violence both by and against police. Trust and willingness to comply with police are linked to the community's perception of legitimacy in the institution, which is reduced when interactions between the police and public go badly. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how incorporating procedural justice principles in hiring and training will encourage active community engagement and increased minority representation in law enforcement, resulting in increased legitimacy and decreased negative encounters with citizens. This thesis looks at several real-world examples of procedural justice in action, demonstrating the ability of the key principles--voice, transparency, fairness, and impartiality--to increase trust and reduce the frequency of negative encounters between the community and law enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Boe, Theodore A.
2019-09
-
After the Exercise: Using Change Management Theory to Improve After-Action Event Outcomes
From the Thesis Abstract: "Preparedness agencies fail to act on gaps identified by exercises; instead, they repeat exercises and never move to resolve issues. After-action reports document exercise findings, but are not shared with forward-facing staff who do the work. Agencies spend federal money exercising capabilities, but fail to implement changes recommended by exercise evaluations. Yet some agencies are able to report successful after-action events and document improved capability performance. This thesis interviewed exercise professionals to identify common success factors and innovative solutions to after-action process challenges. It also surveyed preparedness employees to determine if after-action experiences differ by authority level. The thesis reviewed corporate change management literature looking for common steps to manage change and improve capabilities for emergency management agencies. The survey results show exercise participants experience after-action events differently based partly on their authority level. In particular, employees at an agency's forefront are less likely to see policy changes or be given an opportunity to read after-action documents and improvement plans. The literature review indicates specific interventions that can alleviate this, and the interviews illustrate instances where changes have been successfully applied. The thesis finally recommends specific strategies to increase the success of improvement plans."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Holmes, Cynthia
2019-09
-
Blockchain Technology Implementation in the U.S. Customs Environment
From the Thesis Abstract: "Blockchain technology promises to revolutionize supply chain management and may improve the international trade environment as well as compliance and enforcement capabilities. Because blockchain technology is still developing, the government has an opportunity to collaborate with the trade industry and to explore the technology's capabilities. This thesis examines the first proof of concept (POC) blockchain implementation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and provides recommendations for future government involvement in the implementation of blockchain technology in the U.S. customs environment. The POC proved that blockchain technology can be implemented in the U.S. customs environment and that the technology can improve the processing and tracking of trade documents, facilitate interaction with multiple entities, enable better auditability, and expedite processing. The POC revealed that utilization of emerging interoperability specifications and standards is key for successful implementation. This research concludes that if government entities join the blockchain revolution early on, they have an opportunity to drive the change, rather than to react and adapt to systems established by others. This thesis recommends that CBP expand blockchain implementation by joining efforts with other government agencies and the trade industry. CBP can facilitate future coordination, implementation, and creation of global blockchain standards necessary in international trade."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Angert, Svetlana
2019-09
-
Building the Case for a Prison Mass-Casualty Planning Framework
From the Thesis Abstract: "The corrections enterprise is wholly unprepared for mass casualty incidents (MCI). Prisons regularly experience incidents involving inmate violence; these events can quickly escalate into an MCI that overwhelms the prison's ability to respond and overload local medical systems. Despite numerous prison-related disasters, the corrections enterprise remains disengaged from national emergency preparedness efforts. Further complicating the issue is the lack of corrections-specific emergency management doctrine to guide prison emergency planners toward achieving national preparedness goals. This thesis asks, 'How can a framework be developed that will improve prison mass-casualty planning and response?' The first part of the research involves a gap analysis comparing the prescribed performance outcomes found in emergency management doctrine and MCI planning guides to the actual performance outcomes from several MCI events. In the second part, a panel of correctional and emergency management experts participated in a modified Delphi process to validate the results of the gap analysis using a discussion-based wargaming exercise. The research found that it is possible to create an accurate depiction of the problem space by reframing gap analysis data in the context of the prison operational environment. The resulting MCI framework recommends a series of corrections-specific planning actions, backed by doctrine, which is scalable and applicable to any prison or correctional facility."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Day, Michael D.
2019-09
-
Building Community Capacity and Resilience Through Improvements in Economic Recovery
From the Thesis Abstract: "This research answers the following question: How does the United States improve economic recovery to mitigate the impacts a disaster has on a community? The thesis examines existing literature and insight from subject-matter experts to determine how the nation can improve economic recovery after a disaster to mitigate the overall impact on communities. Using the Delphi methodology, subject-matter experts from different levels of government, as well as the business sector, answered questions about the present status of knowledge, capabilities, and capacity of economic recovery. The Delphi information became the basis for a net assessment, which helped to create a shared understanding of U.S. capabilities and how they can counter or mitigate the overall impact of a nebulous and challenging problem. This assessment analyzed economic recovery using three broad categories: the National Disaster Recovery Framework, the operational environment, and governance. The research identified three problems hindering existing capabilities: limited unity of effort, unrealistic objectives, and a lack of emphasis on economic recovery. Addressing these areas would allow the nation to improve its preparedness capability and, more importantly, provide practitioners and stakeholders the tools to support the citizens they serve."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McMahan, Kevin D.
2019-09
-
Guided Search: Exploring Technological Solutions for Interior Navigation in the Structural Fire Environment
From the Thesis Abstract: "The structural fire environment is hazardous and challenging to firefighters who are operating in unknown locations with zero visibility. Many firefighters lose spatial awareness and get lost, leading to inefficient operations as well as deaths and injuries. This research was designed to reveal which technology has the highest potential to provide interior navigation for firefighters in such an environment. This thesis used the exploratory research method to identify and appraise existing indoor navigation technology. The mission model canvas was applied to determine the business potential of each alternative and identified one potential solution to the problem that is a good market fit and has a high chance of adoption. Spectral image fusion technology augments spatial awareness and will help firefighters perform more efficiently. However, this technology will not provide navigation, so it is an incremental enhancement to the existing thermal image capability. Terrestrial transmitters are likely to have high adoption rates, appear able to achieve the mission, and are a viable solution. This thesis recommends that the fire service continue to push for more evaluation and testing of terrestrial transmitters. Fire service leaders should work with and encourage vendors to set up trials to develop additional interior navigation solutions that can be implemented."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pravetz, Kenneth A.
2019-09
-
Dimensions of Public Engagement for Inclusive Emergency Planning
From the Thesis Abstract: "Vulnerable populations suffer disproportionate impacts in disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s whole-community approach addresses this disparity in the emergency planning process. An inclusive planning process is needed to operationalize FEMA's whole-of-community concept. This thesis focuses on public engagement as foundational to inclusive planning. This research first analyzed whether prior research translated into useful whole-community planning processes in large urban areas with different hazard profiles. Then, a structured, systematic case examination of four projects--in Hertford, North Carolina; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Los Angeles County, California; and San Antonio, Texas--confirmed the efficacy of the five dimensions of public engagement identified in prior research. In addition to these dimensions, this thesis offers eight new findings. One set identifies factors that affect public engagement: jurisdictional size, poverty and disability, a community's ethnic make-up, and a history of disasters. The other set adds three key dimensions of public engagement: trust among partners, addressing language barriers, and community-specific strategies. The thesis concludes with recommendations for emergency planners, and future research. This thesis supports emergency planners in implementing FEMA's whole-community planning within their varied jurisdictions and contributes to a definition for an inclusive emergency planning process."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Witmer, Deborah L.
2019-09
-
China's Emerging Soft/Sharp Power Strategy in Hollywood
From the Thesis Abstract: "China is currently the second-largest film audience market in the world and is set to surpass the U.S. market by 2020. China's lucrative market is controlled by Beijing's state, which permits only the release of films that place China in a positive light. Meanwhile, China has nefariously sought U.S. technology through spying, specifically targeting the space industry where China has emerged as the strongest competitor to the United States. This thesis examines China's intentions of controlling narratives and stealing or co-opting media tradecraft and capabilities through the use of its markets and investment. Six Hollywood films are examined to understand the nature of China's expanding sharp power into United States through Hollywood. This thesis concludes that by controlling Hollywood, China may be positioned to shape perceptions of the U.S. society, which is susceptible to propaganda particularly coming from American sources. This research concludes with three recommendations to help control or mitigate the Chinese threat."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Larson, Douglas F.
2019-09
-
Hitting the Accelerator: Will Tesla Crash the Los Angeles Grid?
From the Thesis Abstract: "How many Teslas will it take to crash the Los Angeles, California, grid? This thesis conducts a thought experiment to explore whether rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Los Angeles will reduce the reliability of electric power in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) service territory. Federal and state regulations are encouraging the shift to electric transportation in support of policy priorities that include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources. However, high market penetration by EVs will change the patterns of electricity use, especially in urban areas. Under some scenarios, EVs could pose a risk to the reliability and resilience of the electric grid serving these areas. To explore this issue, I developed a model that projects the impact of EVs on the peak power load in Los Angeles in 2030 under different scenarios of EV market penetration and constraints on demand for vehicle charging (e.g., time-of-day pricing). I found that even with moderate EV penetration, if vehicle charging is unconstrained, the load placed on the LADWP grid will exceed the established reserve margin in 2030. Only by adopting some form of incentives for EV drivers to shift their power demands from the normal end-of-day charging routine will the LADWP be able to maintain the reliability and resilience of the power grid."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Orr, Marilee
2019-09
-
Developing a Blueprint for Successful Private Partnership Programs in Small Fusion Centers: Key Program Components and Smart Practices
From the thesis abstract: "The 'Baseline Capabilities for State and Major Urban Area Fusion Centers' required fusion centers to establish programs to interact with the private sector. These programs took the form of Public and Private Sector outreach programs. This requirement had a profound budgetary and operational impact on fusion centers, but agencies received very little guidance about how to plan, organize, and sustain these programs. The goal of this thesis was to identify smart practices and create an operational blueprint that fusion centers and intelligence units could use to establish a successful private sector outreach program. Three nationally recognized programs were studied and evaluated by a panel of subject-matter experts. The group identified six fundamental components that executives should consider prior to establishing a program: determine if the host agency has the expertise to manage the program, assess the agency's culture to identify it's willingness to interact with the business community, establish sustainable funding mechanisms prior to implementing the program, use a hybrid approach to communication including websites and face-to-face meetings, fully understand the value of the private sector, and emphasize the importance of participation by agency leadership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Rueben, Kenneth
2013-03
-
Preparing South Carolina Emergency Departments for Mass Casualties with an Emphasis on the Planning Process
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis addresses the role of the emergency department in planning for mass casualties during an emergency. The demand on hospital emergency departments has stretched the capacity for normal operations beyond their original design. Hospital surge capacity is not only complex, but affects every hospital emergency department in the country. Factors, such as hospital bed capacity, surge levels, staffing and the use of volunteers in time of emergency, all play a critical role in the ability and accessibility of the hospital to react during times of need. The recommendations provided are based on the analysis of county, state and federal plans along with case studies that provide a varied approach to emergency preparedness and the role of the hospital, focus on some of the facets of preparedness and the immediate need for emergency planning, training/exercising and communication in hospitals across America, and specifically, in hospitals in South Carolina."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Donovan, Colleen Mary
2013-03
-
State Methods for a Cyber Incident
From the thesis abstract: "The National Cyber Incident Response Plan stipulates the state homeland security advisor as the contact point for a significant cyber incident. But this may not be the most effective method of response because the state homeland security advisors are not domain experts for cyberspace. A questionnaire was sent to state chief information officers and/or state chief information security officers to determine current capability and procedures for responding to a national cybersecurity incident. Nineteen states replied with 227 responses relating to information sharing between states and the federal government; use of established cybersecurity event and response definitions, coordination and control mechanisms, and terms; use of risk-based approaches to cyber incident planning, including remediation based on workflows and procedures; establishment of thresholds when predefined boundaries are crossed; and instigation of varying courses of action. As a result of the survey, the author recommends increasing knowledge and information flow between state and federal agencies regarding national cyber incidents; the establishment of regional cybersecurity hubs throughout the nation; and the creation of a national cyber incident teleconferencing network and prearranged protocols for situational awareness and communication of courses of action following a cybersecurity incident."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mulligan, Michael R.
2012-03
-
Collaborative Response and Recovery from a Foot-and-Mouth Disease Animal Health Emergency: Supporting Decision Making in a Complex Environment with Multiple Stakeholders
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis recommends ways to support decision makers who must operate within the multi-stakeholder complex situation of response and recovery from a major foot-and-mouth disease outbreak. This is important because poor decision making and uncoordinated response and recovery execution to a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak may lead to increases in the size and scope of the outbreak with associated increased economic costs. The United States can strengthen its preparedness posture and can improve its ability to support effective decision making in responding to and recovering from a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the following three ways. (1) Maintain Regional Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships (2) Strengthen Data and Information Support to Decision Makers (3) Understand the Complexity of the Situation and Approach Decision Making Accordingly The first sets up an ongoing, regional, multi-stakeholder enabling structure that can be used to build trust by convening collaborative people from the multiple stakeholder groups. The second supports the provision of credible and rapid information upon which to make decisions. The third provides decision makers with a sense making framework for understanding and working in complex situations with multiple stakeholders."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dixon, Susan M.
2013-12
-
Putting the Lid on the Devil's Toy Box: How the Homeland Security Enterprise Can Decide Which Emerging Threats to Address
From the thesis abstract: "Evolving developments in nanotechnology, materials science, and artificial intelligence are paving the way for exponential growth in humanity's abilities to create--and destroy. Emerging Promethean technologies will deliver capabilities to average persons that, until recently, have been relegated only to governments, militaries, and large research laboratories. The responsibilities of the homeland security enterprise can be divided between two mission sets: the systemic mission (responding to known threats) and the future-shock mission (preparing for highly uncertain threats from emerging technologies). The latter mission encompasses forecasting which emerging Promethean technologies are most likely to be actualized and then used by bad actors, and which have the direst plausible consequences. Pandora's Spyglass, a decision-support tool for performing a 'devil's toy box' analysis, fuses best practices from a wide variety of predictive analytical techniques. It produces an ordinal list of most-destructive scenarios involving emerging Promethean technologies likely to come to market within a five- to ten-year window--a 'to-do' list for counter-future-shock research and development. It is a ranking tool, not meant to serve as a budget justification or formulation tool; however, the procedure's assumptions and variables can be validated so that it could legitimately serve that latter function."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fox, Andrew J.
2018-03
-
Cloudy Crystal Ball: Detecting and Disrupting Homegrown Violent Extremism
From the thesis abstract: "Homegrown violent extremism (HVE) is unpredictable, but not completely absent of warning signs. This thesis evaluates how potential homegrown extremists can be identified before an attack occurs, and the use of preventive detention is considered for preempting violent acts. An evaluation of recent HVE incidents--including the Boston Marathon bombing, Charleston church shooting, San Bernardino shooting, Orlando Nightclub massacre, and Fort Lauderdale airport attack--reveals threat investigation gaps. Without a crystal ball, it is unlikely investigators could have predicted violence in these cases, but opportunities for improvement were found in hindsight. This thesis argues multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) and threat assessment tools can contribute to better outcomes in the future. Research in this thesis indicates MDTs [Multidisciplinary Team] using risk assessment instruments can add value to programs that attempt to identify individuals who are more likely to commit extremism-inspired violence, but these techniques lack the precision necessary to justify preventive detention. This thesis introduces and recommends the use of a trusted contact model to visualize how stakeholders in an MDT framework interact. This thesis also recommends a threat assessment matrix to prioritize intervention efforts. The threat assessment matrix aligns a person's radical belief system with evidence of violent behavior to manage potential risks."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pendley, James Adam
2018-03
