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Protecting Small Communities through Domestic Policing: Adopting an Information Analysis System to Recognize Potential Terrorist Activity
"Throughout history, the role of law enforcement has never been more demanding than it is today. In the aftermath of 9/11, local law enforcement agencies have recognized the need to develop new capabilities to protect their communities. Due to the evolving nature of terrorism, public safety organizations must modify the way they respond to crime and acts of terrorism. This report seeks to contribute to the debate among law enforcement organizations regarding how to counter the increasing threat of terrorism. The aim of this document is to assist policymakers by providing an alternate response strategy to the growing criminal and terrorist nexus. Due to limited resources, the challenges of implementing a locally driven information system for police agencies are considerable. Outcome-based policing is a promising methodology that is proactive and information driven. It is a comprehensive strategy that addresses domestic policing and homeland security concerns affecting public safety. This thesis examines the challenge small communities have in combating threats of terrorism through shared intelligence. As a final point, this report outlines how the threat of terrorism and potential terrorist activity has redefined police operations and its impact on small jurisdictions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Perry, Donnie
2009-09
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Privacy Protection Standards for the Information Sharing Environment
"Created in response to findings of the 9/11 Commission concerning the lack of information sharing as a primary factor in the failure to stop the September 11, 2001, attacks, the Information Sharing Environment (ISE) was mandated by the Intelligence Reform and Terrorist Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). The ISE was intended to build on existing information sharing systems and promote increased information sharing through the creation of a collaborative culture among a diverse group of participants. Another goal of the ISE is to protect information privacy. ISE efforts to meet the goal of information privacy protection are stymied by a lack of uniform privacy standards that are equally applicable to all ISE participants. The thesis compares two policy options--voluntarily adopted mandatory standards and federally imposed mandatory standards--to the status quo system of voluntary guidelines. These policy options are evaluated in terms of their effect on collaboration and information sharing, their constitutionality, their consistency and enforceability in application, and political acceptability. Based on projected relative outcomes, this thesis recommends that the ISE adopt a privacy protection system consisting of voluntary standards that, once adopted, become mandatory in application."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Holmstrup, Mark A.
2009-09
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Radicalization Within the Somali-American Diaspora: Countering the Homegrown Terrorist Threat
"In 2008, Minneapolis resident Shirwa Ahmed became the first U.S. suicide bomber after he detonated his explosivesladen vehicle in front of a government compound in Hargesa, Somaliland. Ahmed's transformation from an average American teenager to an Islamic jihadist was gradual and complex. This thesis will examine how Ahmed, and other Somali-Americans, morphed into Salafi jihadists. Through interviews with law enforcement, social services providers, and homeland security officials, the cultural, religious, and assimilative traits existing within this unique diaspora community that have affected the trajectory of the radicalization of its members will be examined. Factors such as historic clan identity, religious pragmatism, pastoralism, and Somali-nationalistic identity generally discourage the adoption of transnational movements like global jihadism by first generation Somali émigrés. An in-depth analysis of the profiles of Somali- American travelers suggests that Somali youth are less like their parents and are more similar to their American and European-Muslim counterparts. Thus, they are a virtual 'tabula rasa' upon which jihadist recruiters may not only write but also erase much of the youths' inherent clannish identity and cultural traits. These newly indoctrinated youths rush to embrace American culture but are torn between two diametrically opposed identities. The resulting tension leaves a gap ready to be filled by Salafi Islam."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mulligan, Scott E.
2009-12
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Leveraging Successful Collaborative Processes to Improve Performance Outcomes in Large-Scale Event Planning: Super Bowl, A Planned Homeland Security Event
"Super Bowls are one of the world's premier sporting events, bringing hundreds of thousands of event participants, vendors, and fans to host cities. They are high-stakes, planned events that require the same elements of focus, all-hazard orientation, coordination, trust, collaboration, and unity of purpose that the homeland security environment requires in order to achieve the goals set forth in the Presidential Directives. This thesis considers the predictable performance activities in the planning process that lead to predictable performance outcomes. Large-event planners and operators can benefit from understanding these activities and implementing preventive steps that lead to more desirable event outcomes. By establishing a cooperative and highly participative SB planning process, the majority of operational conflicts (whether cultural or technical) will be uncovered in a controlled way and lead toward more predictable performance outcomes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Shannon, Thomas
2010-03
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Interagency Modeling Atmospheric Assessment Center Local Jurisdiction: IMAAC Operations Framework
"The Interagency Modeling Atmospheric Assessment Center (IMAAC) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) interagency working group responsible to create atmospheric air plume dispersion model predictions for designated emergencies. When 'activated' IMAAC is comprised of representatives from eight federal agencies with the National Atmospheric Release Advisory Center (NARAC) serving as the interim host. The Center concept was designed to eliminate contradictory plume predictions during weapons of mass of destruction (WMD) and hazardous materials incidents. IMAAC plume predictions represent the federal position during such emergencies. IMAAC resources are also available to assist local jurisdictions during incidents requiring 'federal coordination' as cited by the DHS National Response Framework. An operations framework model has been devised in this thesis to address ongoing plume modeling issues between IMAAC and first responders in need of fast and accurate plume predictions during accidental or intentional spills, releases, or discharges of WMD or hazardous materials into the environment. The proposed operations framework model is designed to address related obstacles facing first responders including IMAAC Web-based and stand-alone models accessibility, incident 'reach back' support, coordinated procedures, training, exercises, and funding."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dadosky, Edward J.
2010-03
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Enhancing Unity of Effort in Homeland Defense, Homeland Security, and Civil Support Through Interdisciplinary Education
"Whether in prevention of or response to a natural disaster or act of terrorism, overseas or on American soil, unity of effort among multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional operations is essential. Unity of effort goes beyond cooperation or teamwork to include the concepts of communication using a commonly accepted language; understanding roles, missions, authorities, responsibilities, capabilities, and gaps; information sharing; interoperability; and relationship building and collaboration. This thesis highlights the importance of unity of effort, its challenges, and the contributions of interdisciplinary education to building collaborative capacity in meta-discipline environments. The intricacies of homeland defense, homeland security, and civil support necessitate the adaptation of military and national security professional education to incorporate interdisciplinary concepts. The shared learning environments present in the health care meta-discipline are explored for correlations to interdisciplinary homeland defense and security education. The Center for Homeland Defense and Security program is examined to identify contributions of interdisciplinary education to enhancing unity of effort among homeland defense and homeland security stakeholders. By integrating a variety of strategies and reports, this research serves to acknowledge the collaborative capacity built via multijurisdictional, interdisciplinary education as a method to enhance unity of effort and build a cadre of military and national security professionals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Church, Kristi K.
2010-03
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Fusion Center Privacy Policies: Does One Size Fit All?
"'The 9/11 Commission Report' states, 'The choice between security and liberty is a false choice, as nothing is more likely to endanger America's liberties than the success of a terrorist attack at home. Our history has shown us that insecurity threatens liberty. Yet, if our liberties are curtailed, we lose the values that we are struggling to defend.' This thesis will explore privacy policies from established fusion centers, federal guidance and civil liberty advocate statements on privacy, civil liberty infringement and the sharing of information in and outside of fusion centers. Recommendations are provided for the State of New Hampshire's Information and Analysis Center as the basis for developing a privacy and civil liberty policy framework that maintains the integrity of the information, protects citizens' rights, and achieves the mission of the center."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Harper, Jennifer L.
2009-12
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Regional Joint Border Commands: A Pathway to Improving Collaboration and Effectiveness for Border Control
"Control of the U.S. border is a primary concern for the Department of Homeland Security. Three of the department's components have major roles in providing border security and control. With increasing costs and constantly changing threats, it is vital that all border organizations work together collaboratively. This thesis looks at two new ideas, border regionalization and joint regional border commands, and compares them with current efforts to increase collaboration. By establishing border regions, DHS can use threat based planning in each region to allow all border control components to focus on threats specific to their region while also increasing the level effectiveness of resources. Joint regional border commands offer even greater advantages in collaboration between components and resource usage. The DoD model for regional combatant commands is used as an example of how DHS can take advantage of the lessons learned with this recommendation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Carr, Alan
2009-12
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Preparing Federal Coordinating Officers (FCOs) to Operate in Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Environments
"In this thesis the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Federal Coordinating Officer (FCO) function is examined as it relates to Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) operations. It is suggested that targeted changes can be made to ensure the FCOs are better prepared to manage the additional complexities of a CBRN environment. The changes include addressing the FCOs from the systems approach internally to improve the FCO personal and professional development; external organizational design to improve the FCO's cross-jurisdictional operating environment; and agency support changes to provide the FCOs with additional CBRN staffing expertise to aid in managing the complexity. If the recommendations herein are adopted, the critical command and control function of the FCO in a CBRN environment will be substantially enhanced and the readiness level of the federal response system greatly improved."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Russell, Tony
2008-12
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State of Leadership in DHS -- Is There a Model for Leading?
"This thesis studies strategic leadership within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The study centered on a search for a leadership strategy that may be helpful for DHS leaders given their inherent organizational, functional, and technological challenges. The research entailed an in-depth review of existing literature along with interviews/focus groups with senior executives external to DHS, senior executives within DHS, and DHS managerial level professionals. This thesis argues that DHS leaders would benefit from an organizationally sponsored leadership strategy that supports DHS's pursuit to secure the United States' homeland. The findings of this research are based on key themes that were formed as a result of the research. These themes are presented as key findings and, in some cases, recommendations for how DHS leaders may be able to enhance both individual and organizational performance as DHS carries on into the future. The findings support that there are leadership strategies that can help DHS to achieve a higher level of organizational and mission-oriented performance. The leadership strategy that is recommended as a result of this research is for DHS to establish a leadership strategy that is not only linked to its overall business strategy, but is inherently part of its business strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bell, Christina
2008-12
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Potential Transformative Impact of Web 2.0 Technology on the Intelligence Community
From the thesis abstract: "Web 2.0 technologies can transform and improve interagency collaboration in the Intelligence Community in many of the same ways that have marked their use through the internet in the public domain and private industry. The potential for success is illustrated in the early stages of ODNI's implementation of the Analytical Transformation program within the sixteen agencies across the Intelligence Community. Intelligence analysts have already seen an impact in their ability to connect, share information, conduct research and analysis utilizing a suite of web 2.0 technology, including Intellipedia and A-Space. However, adoption of the technology in the Intelligence Community will not be without challenges, including a number that are unique to Intelligence Community. Those challenges include the need for the Intelligence Community to move away from a 'need to know' culture towards a 'responsibility to provide' culture, a need for increased promotion of these tools and a need for training on web 2.0 technology."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Werner, Adrienne
2008-12
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DSCA Corps: Bridging the Gap Between the Profession of Arms and Domestic Operations
From the thesis abstract: "Defense Support to Civil Authorities (DSCA) is an important mission for the Army and the Department of Defense. Inherent to this mission, and critical in its execution, is effective liaison, coordination, and integration of Army forces into the emergency response structures of local, state, and federal civilian agencies. An examination of two cases, the 2012 response to Hurricane Sandy and the 2016 Cascadia Rising earthquake response exercise, identifies several shortfalls in integration and coordination between the Army, other service components, and civil authorities. This thesis examines these shortfalls and provides a potential solution to correct them for future DSCA missions. This thesis suggests that a creation of a functional area and force structure within the Army that is dedicated to the Army's DSCA mission would bridge the gap between the Army and its civilian partners at all levels. The new DSCA Corps would be responsible for civil-military liaison, relationship building, and integrated planning prior to a disaster. During a disaster, the DSCA Corps would provide a core of DSCA subject matter experts (SMEs) to facilitate the rapid deployment and integration of Title 10 and Title 32 forces in support of the civilian Incident Command System (ICS)."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Winters, Nicholas E.
2017-12
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Arctic: A Wait and See Approach to Defending the Homeland
From the thesis abstract: "When it comes to the Arctic, there is no lack of planning, debating, studying, or shortage of opinions as to what the U.S. should or should not do in this region of extremes. Should the United States spend billions on icebreakers that when completed may not have ice to break, ignore the region and hope the rest of the world follows suit, or worse, militarize the region for an unknown future threat? Given the budget-constrained environment and lack of threat to the U.S. national security from the Arctic, is there another option or method to allow policy makers to envision a different future for the Arctic, one requiring them to wait and do nothing, knowing with some certainty that taking no action is the right decision at this moment in time? Using scenario planning, this thesis examines four future scenarios for the Arctic and evaluates the strategic patience and persistence strategy introduced in the 2015 National Security Strategy to understand better the costs, risks, and benefits of doing little or nothing in the Arctic. Given the uncertainties in the Arctic and faced with greater threats to the homeland, the strategic patience and persistence strategy is a viable approach to pursue in the Arctic, which allows the U.S. to achieve its national Arctic goals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hegedusich, William
2017-12
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Pre-Incident Planning for the Los Alamos National Laboratory
From the thesis abstract: "The Los Alamos Fire Department (LAFD) provides emergency response services to the Los Alamos National Laboratory. The laboratory places high expectations on the delivery of these services; over a twenty-year period, however, multiple third-party evaluators identified problems with the LAFD's preincident planning process. This thesis investigated pre-incident planning improvement methods and found that the LAFD plans for the Los Alamos National Laboratory lacked information and collaborative efforts. A review of related literature and best practices from other national laboratory sites and accredited fire departments provided potential solutions. This research recommends that the LAFD establish a working group to improve the pre-incident planning process at Los Alamos National Laboratory, using the best practice examples as guidelines."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hughes, Troy L.
2017-12
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Prospective Vigilance: Assessing Complex Coordinated Attack Preparedness Programs
From the thesis abstract: "State and local first responders in the United States lack a common strategic approach to prepare for complex coordinated attacks (CCAs). Inconsistent terminology and insufficient guidance from all levels of government and academia complicate matters. State and local agencies face three main barriers to CCA response preparedness: First, the United States has not experienced a CCA like those in Mumbai or Paris; this renders the threat low probability, if high consequence, and thus low priority. Second, preparedness funding in the United States is declining across the board; only high-priority, high-probability events receive necessary funding and attention. Third, if a CCA were to occur today without a unified response plan, first responders would attempt to bring order to chaos; but because this type of event is qualitatively different from those for which responders have trained, such a response could prove to be disastrous. This thesis analyzed and assessed federal summary reports from current preparedness programs. It surveyed program participants about the programs' value and use. When combined with the federal report examination, the survey results revealed that even without a national CCA strategy, these programs increase participants' preparedness and resilience, and first responders may be adapting to the current threat environment. Three recommendations are provided to help address the findings and augment state and local first responder preparedness before a CCA occurs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Goff, Jared B.
2017-12
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Evolving Role of Emergency Medical Services in Sacramento, CA
From the thesis abstract: "Due to the Affordable Care Act, millions of Americans now covered with health insurance have found it increasingly difficult to find primary care physicians. The demand for health care has exceeded the capacity of the current system to supply it. People have turned to emergency medical services to receive care for their chronic illness and non-acute medical problems instead of dealing with the long wait times at clinics or unavailability of primary care physicians. This transition to low acuity care occupies a large portion of the emergency response system and leaves communities with very limited emergency response resources. Several cities have attempted to increase the availability of their emergency response resources by matching the type of care that is being requested through the nation's 9-1-1 system. Mid-level nurse practitioners and behavioral health specialists paired with paramedics can provide a broader set of solutions instead of transporting all patients to a hospital emergency department and at the same time allow traditional emergency response ambulances to remain available. Measuring the performance of these new programs and tailoring them to meet the precise needs of a community can enhance the resilience of emergency resources and improve the nation's homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
King, Niko S.
2017-12
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South Carolina National Guard Secure Area Duty Officer Program: A Reserve Component Active Shooter Contingency Case Study
From the thesis abstract; "On July 16, 2015, five military reservists were murdered during an active shooter attack on two reserve component military facilities. This act of domestic terrorism was only the latest in a series targeting U.S. military facilities in recent years. Since the Fort Hood Massacre in 2009, at least 37 military personnel have been killed and 55 wounded while at their place of duty in the United States. In response to this threat the South Carolina National Guard, in collaboration with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, established an active shooter contingency program called the Secure Area Duty Officer Program, or SADOP. The focus of this single case study thesis is to determine whether SADOP is an effective method to mitigate risk posed by the dynamic active shooter threat. The assertion that this innovative approach achieves its purpose is supported by the deliberate development methodology and interviews with key decision makers instrumental in the crisis-action response concept planning and program implementation. The findings of this study indicate that SADOP resourcefully employs a force protection framework tailored to the success of the reserve component as opposed to obliging its organizations to utilize legacy force-protection regulations designed by and for the active component of the military."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ramey, Barry N.
2017-12
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Implications of Nanotechnology for the Fire Service: Avoiding the Mistakes of the Past
From the thesis abstract: "Firefighters are exposed to numerous hazardous materials throughout their careers. Managing that exposure is essential for the health and safety of the fire service. This thesis examines how exposure to nanotechnology will impact the fire service in the future. This cutting-edge technology has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries by improving a wide variety of products including fabrics, electronics, furniture, and building materials that can break down in the uncontrolled environment of a structural fire. As industries race to incorporate nanotechnology into everyday products, those exposed to the material as it degrades may face dangerous health complications. Given the newness of this technology, and the evolving scientific data, this thesis examines known hazards that have plagued the fire service to provide guidance on how to manage exposure to nanomaterials. Carbon nanotubes have been found to interact with lung tissue in ways similar to asbestos fibers. They have also been found to be a part of the particulate matter in diesel exhaust. Both hazards are examined to show how they have progressed and what measures have been taken to minimize exposure to them. The connection to these hazards demonstrates why it is so critical for the fire service to be aware of this new technology. It also offers guidance on the most effective methods to use to mitigate exposure."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
O'Sullivan, Daniel John
2017-12
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Reality of the Homeland Security Enterprise Information Sharing Environment
From the thesis abstract: "Responding to recommendations from the 9/11 Commission, Congress created the Information Sharing Environment (ISE) with the passage of the 2004 Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act. Linked to the creation of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and championed by that office's program manager for the ISE, the ISE has contributed to national intelligence reform by attempting to improve information sharing across the federal, state, local, territorial, and tribal domains. Given the rise in domestic terrorist attacks and the progress of intelligence reform over the last 16 years, this thesis explores an analysis of the ISE's effectiveness and an examination of alternative means of information sharing to address the remaining information-sharing challenges brought to light in attacks carried out between 2014 and 2017. Alternative information-sharing techniques have been used by our nation's special operations forces and by our largest police force, the New York Police Department. The best practices of organizations such as these may be leveraged by the ISE to further future intelligencesharing reform."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Brown, Michael E.
2017-12
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Crisis Leadership and Complex Crises: A Search for Competencies
From the thesis abstract: "A vast amount of research examines leadership within a single organization, in a routine setting. Less research exists regarding leaders in multi-agency, chaotic, uncertain, and complex environments. To reduce the existing research gap in the study of leadership competencies, this study focused on leaders' actions and decisions during complex crises involving a multi-agency response. This thesis applied the meta-leadership framework to law enforcement leaders' actions during three contemporary homeland security crises. While this study found the meta-leadership model to be useful, the model failed to stress the importance of key elements that significantly affect leadership during crises, such as experience, technical skills, and training, as well as additional competencies discovered within the case studies. Thus, in lieu of developing a specific crisis leadership model, I recommend that agencies endeavor to understand the common crisis leadership competencies and strive to train and develop experienced crisis leaders. Agencies that lack practiced crisis leaders should consider having experienced crisis advisors available during such events."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Saltz, Michael E.
2017-12
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Mitigating Insider Threats in the Domestic Aviation System: Policy Options for the Transportation Security Administration
From the thesis abstract: "The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) defines insider threat as the risk posed by workers with inside access and knowledge to exploit vulnerabilities in the nation's transportation systems. In recent years, insiders have been leveraged by criminal and terrorist organizations to further nefarious plots in the aviation system. This thesis examines policy options for TSA to mitigate insider threats in the domestic aviation system and discusses the effectiveness of TSA's insider threat programs. This thesis also explores whether TSA can be more effective at insider threat prevention with additional intelligence collection authorities. The insider threat programs of the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United Kingdom's MI5, and federal defense contractor Lockheed Martin are analyzed to identify alternative solutions. At their core, insider threat policies center around three primary areas: security programs, counterintelligence programs, and organizational culture. TSA should establish its own counterintelligence program while continuing to fine-tune its security programs. Integrating counterintelligence and security programs enhances an organization's ability to detect and prevent insider threats. Finally, taking additional steps to establish a strong security ethos within the airport environment will help further 'harden the target.'"
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bean, Brian S.
2017-12
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Border Patrol, Social Media, and Transnational Messaging
From the thesis abstract: "Since the U.S. Border Patrol was established in 1924, agents have been an integral part of the community and have worked to educate the public on the Border Patrol mission and how they can support it. Outreach campaigns began with such programs as D.A.R.E. [Drug Abuse Resistance Education], Red Ribbon Week, and No Mas Cruces. The campaigns were conducted via schools and traditional media such as radio, television, and print. In 2003, Border Patrol's Public Affairs Office was absorbed into the newly created Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency. While Border Patrol conducts public affairs, the messaging is controlled by CBP. The prevalence of social media has provided an inexpensive, high-capacity way for Border Patrol to conduct community engagement. However, CBP retains the authority to approve social media use in an official capacity and only allows Border Patrol to use social media under the CBP umbrella. This thesis argues that Border Patrol should be allowed to use Border Patrol-specific social media accounts for community engagement and to educate the public on the Border Patrol mission. Furthermore, engagement should occur with Canadian and Mexican citizens in their native languages when possible and applicable."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Christie, Kathleen Ann
2017-12
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Marijuana, the Straight Dope: Guidance for Federal Policy Reform
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis explores the increasingly popular push by states to decriminalize and legalize marijuana and the resulting problems that raise concern about maintaining the current federal marijuana policy. This thesis conducts an analysis of various policy options to resolve conflicts that arise between recently enacted state legislation and federal criminal statutes, U.S. compliance with international treaties, and public safety. Utilizing Bardach's eight-step method, this thesis compares three possibilities for policy recommendation. The first option is to maintain the status quo, or to continue a policy of relaxed federal enforcement. The second option is one of strict enforcement, essentially rolling back marijuana laws in the states and mandating compliance with current federal law. The third option is one of balancing the desires of the states while ensuring treaty compliance and public safety by rescheduling marijuana. The research shows that a rescheduling of marijuana, from Schedule I of the Controlled Substance Act to Schedule III, would protect marijuana's access to those with a medical necessity while ensuring compliance with international counter-narcotics accords and enable the drug's availability for research purposes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Baker, Erik D.
2017-12
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Millennials in the Fire Service: The Effectiveness of Fire Service Recruiting, Testing, and Retention
From the thesis abstract: "Modern-day fire service methods' ability to effectively attract and retain millennials is in question. Stale marketing and static testing processes may be contributing to smaller hiring pools and the inability to reach recruits with the skillsets needed to replace experienced firefighters lost through attrition. Millennials are looking for employment in organizations that complement four-year college degrees and offer immediate inclusion and growth. These traits may be misaligned with the fire service business model. Through a customized survey, this thesis gathered data needed to explore the challenges plaguing fire service attraction and retention. The research concluded: 1) the fire service is not attracting the number and quality of applicants that it once did, 2) the generational traits of millennials do not fully align with the business model of the modern fire service, and 3) parents direct their children toward the college education many of them did not have themselves. These issues are preventing the fire service from replenishing the profession with the quality and quantity of talent needed to ensure continuity of response at the local level"
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Neal, Scott F.
2017-12
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Indications and Warning Methodology for Strategic Intelligence
From the thesis abstract: "Today's U.S. intelligence community lacks the human-centric focus needed to develop a forwardlooking intelligence estimate. Using a comparative research model, this thesis explored how gray zone indicators used by the U.S. Army Special Operations Command translate into modern indicators for the intelligence community, and sought similar applications for the homeland security enterprise. The research found that, for homeland security, implementing a human-centric indications and warning methodology that focuses on the actor as the key security challenge can help provide advance warning for a planned attack or can indicate a bad actor who is inspiring others to take action."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Kimmelman, Susann
2017-12
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Dashboards for the Fire Service
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this thesis is to examine how fire service agencies can best apply the principles of Business Intelligence (BI) toward constructing dashboards to improve agency performance. To accomplish this project, action research principles were applied to construct a first-generation model of such a dashboard. The model dashboard(s) constructed contains program measures and information that fire agency supervisors at different levels may use to improve subordinate performance and to support decision-making. It does appear possible for fire departments to apply modern BI principles toward improving fire department performance. Since the dashboard developed only represents the first generation of this process, it is recommended that further research focus on how to improve such dashboards through iteration and to examine the effects of such dashboards on agency performance to see if they are truly useful."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Butsch, Alan L.
2017-12
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Career Paramedic-Firefighter Staffing Problems: Is Recruiting Women Part of the Solution?
From the thesis abstract: "Fire departments are the largest employer of emergency medical services workers, but many face a shortage of paramedic-firefighter applicants. These applicants typically work as single-role paramedics, an occupation facing an even greater shortage. Although women are almost 47 percent of the general labor force, few apply to be paramedic-firefighters, suggesting an untapped labor pool that could resolve some of the shortage. This thesis explores whether fire departments can mitigate the shortage of paramedic-firefighter applicants by examining the issues that prevent people from applying and by recruiting more women. In a comparative analysis of four departments that employ an above-average percentage of females, the research found that: 1) low ambulance-bill reimbursements restrict paramedic wages, and thus paramedic supply; 2) economic and other challenges that limit the supply of paramedics are increasing; 3) fire departments appear not to be aware of, or have implemented, published recruiting recommendations; and 4) strong staffing performance requires consistent human resources proficiency. This research recommends that fire departments address issues that appear to deter potential applicants, especially women. Doing this can mitigate staffing shortages and foster community trust."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Byron, Juan
2018-12
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Rethinking Intelligence to Integrate Counterterrorism into the Local Law Enforcement Mission
"Law enforcement agencies are constantly challenged by a changing threat environment, and they attempt to meet the challenges with the resources they have. In the past twenty years, terrorism is a dangerous threat to America while community expectations to address crime have also grown. Americans rely on local, state, and federal law enforcement to understand this threat and to incorporate counter terrorism efforts into their already full missions. In looking for the best ways to understand and combat the threat of terrorism, intelligence-led policing (ILP) has been offered as an effective strategy to improve police effectiveness. This thesis studies the ILP practices of two police departments-Metro Nashville and Chicago-and analyzes those elements of their strategies that contribute to successful ILP. This analysis validates the elements of the 3i model of effective ILP operations, and emphasizes several other elements as critical strategic elements necessary for an agency to develop and implement a successful ILP strategy. ILP is an effective policing strategy and the critical strategic elements identified in this thesis should serve as the foundation of efforts to build capacity in an agency. This thesis furthers these critical elements and presents a framework for agencies to implement ILP."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ball, John E.
2007-03
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Chemical Industry Security: Voluntary or Mandatory Approach?
"A successful attack on a hazardous materials storage facility has the potential to cause mass casualties and panic. Although the risk and consequences vary greatly among these sites, there are a significant number of facilities with tens of thousands of individuals who live and work in the vulnerability zone. Until P.L. 109-125 was enacted on October 4, 2006, which required the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to issue regulations establishing riskbased performance standards, the Federal government policy for securing chemical facilities from terrorist attack relied entirely upon voluntary actions by industry. Though it is sure to create controversy, this thesis proposes the need for new legislation that mandates standards for chemical industry security yet also addresses the economic and implementation impacts. DHS, in close partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), is best suited to undertake this responsibility. In addition, State delegation of oversight responsibility is necessary to address the resources required to handle such a large number of sites. Public participation in preparedness and response activities is vital to reduce the fear and anxiety inherent to acts of terrorism. Inherently Safer Technology evaluations are recommended for the chemical sector through regulatory amendments to the Clean Air Act Section 112."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Baldauf, Paul D.
2007-03
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Requirements and Information Metadata System
"This thesis proposes an adoption of a data schema called RIMS (Requirements and Information Metadata System) developed as a pilot project in the Pittsburgh Field Office of the FBI and sets out to determine if RIMS could be an effective and efficient method to capture, catalogue and retrieve intelligence information within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). RIMS would enhance the search platform used by FBI analysts and investigators who gather or data mine existing information in furtherance of the FBI's priorities. The use of this coding system can be adapted for use by other U.S. intelligence and law enforcement communities for commonality and uniformity in retrieval, cataloguing, and collecting of intelligence information. The use of this system can be manipulated into a non-classified code for use by state, local, and tribal law enforcement and intelligence entities. Finally, the use of the coding system within the intelligence community will consolidate and integrate information and intelligence and reduce delays in detecting and retrieving pertinent intelligence obtained and shared within the intelligence community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Beckman, Erin M.
2007-03
