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Substance Testing in the Fire Service: Making Public Safety a Matter of National Policy
From the thesis abstract: "The state of fire service substance-testing policy nationwide, and what it should be, is the subject of this project. This thesis analyzed 12 substance-testing policies from fire departments across the country. The project looked at the language fire departments were using to convey the intent, process, and consequences of their policy. Common themes emerged as each policy was examined. However, upon closer examination, more inconsistency was found than uniformity. Differences ranged from policy purposes to prevailing guidance to types of substances tested for, threshold levels, and employee treatment, with the greatest difference found in the terminology. As a result of the analysis, this thesis identifies best practices and required components of a standardized national substance-testing policy, and asserts that such a national model should be implemented." A 6-min, 37-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=752919]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Penn, Chérie A.
2014-03
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Promoting Interoperability: The Case for Discipline-Specific PSAPS
From the thesis abstract: "Given that public safety answering points (PSAPs or 9-1-1 dispatch centers) are undergoing a process of consolidation, should that consolidation occur as a function of simple geographic proximity or discipline? This thesis investigated the differences among different dispatch disciplines, the effect of dispatching on interoperability, case studies investigating the operations of several different models of PSAP consolidation, and a theoretical case study involving inter-discipline and intra-discipline consolidation of PSAPs in King County, Washington. A survey of nine PSAPs of various sizes, types, and regions was conducted to determine their capabilities in voice and operational interoperability, how often opportunities to take advantage of that interoperability were encountered, and finally, to what extent interoperability was exercised when those opportunities did present themselves. The findings indicated intra-discipline interoperability (fire-to-fire or law enforcement-to-law enforcement) is not only intuitively of more value than inter-discipline interoperability (law enforcement-to-fire) but is actually prioritized by PSAPs in their day-to-day operations. Given that PSAP consolidation is occurring, the conclusion of this thesis is that interoperability within disciplines can be best improved by consolidating PSAPs by discipline while still realizing the benefits of geographic consolidation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Walsh, Thomas Michael
2014-12
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Stacking the Deck-Can We Better Develop Future Homeland Security Leaders with Formal Mentoring Programs?
From the thesis abstract: "Informal mentoring appears to be the status quo in homeland security agencies for leadership development. However, informal mentoring is flawed due to the lack of organizational input into the quantity or quality of the mentoring relationships, underrepresentation of minority groups, and generational differences. The thesis explores the research question, 'Is the establishment of a formal mentoring program a smart practice for homeland security agencies to develop future leaders?' Case studies of the California Highway Patrol Coaching and Mentoring Program, the Lansing (Michigan) Police Department Mentor Program, and the Henrico County (Virginia) Division of Fire Acting Officer program were conducted in an effort to identify smart practices for other homeland security agencies to use when implementing a formal mentoring program. Research revealed that if properly implemented, formal mentoring programs can assist organizations with employee retention, succession planning, leadership development, closing generational gaps, and transferring organizational knowledge and skill among employees. The outcome of this thesis is a list of smart practices for formal mentoring programs. It will be up to the individual agencies to identify which smart practices fit the culture of their organization when creating a formal mentoring program, as no 'one size fits all' model exists for a formal mentoring program."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Taylor, Todd M.
2014-09
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Organizational Identity: Positioning the Coast Guard for Future Success in an Evolving Environment
From the thesis abstract: "The Coast Guard is an organization entrusted with significant responsibilities in the maritime environment. Concerns about large numbers of aging assets scheduled to reach the end of their design service life has prompted the Coast Guard to initiate the replacement and modernization of its offshore maritime and aviation fleet. Due to an initial lack of acquisition expertise and less than adequate funding, the Coast Guard has been faced with making tradeoffs. The primary goal of this thesis is to determine how the Coast Guard's organizational identity and strategic vision have impacted its ability to obtain necessary capabilities to satisfy mission requirements. This research also explores the Coast Guard's social identity and the organization's current performance measures. This research employed historical analysis, social network analysis, program analysis, and social identity theory methods. This research concludes is that changing patronage lines and in-group characterization may have negatively impacted the Coast Guard's ability to satisfy mission requirements. This thesis recommends that the Coast Guard reevaluate performance measurements that do not directly translate to the overarching strategic goals of the organization or of the Department of Homeland Security. Communication resources should focus on key figures associated with the budgetary and acquisitions processes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Burnham, Melanie A.
2016-12
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Fortress America: The Aesthetics of Homeland Security in the Public Realm
From the thesis abstract: "Architecture communicates a message about the purpose of a space, the prestige of those who use or own the space, and the values associated with both users and owners. The aesthetics of this architecture elicit specific emotions, communicate histories, and inform worldviews. In the United States, homeland security architecture is largely a physical representation of a perceived threat of a terrorist attack in public spaces. Architecture has sociological, psychological, and cultural effects, as well as security impacts, but there is little research or discourse on the physical manifestation of homeland security in the United States. What are the consequences--intended and unintended--of homeland security architecture? How does a democratic government protect itself and design buildings and public spaces that are open, attractive, and promote both physical and psychological security? This thesis is a starting point for broader awareness and discussion within the emerging discipline of security design about the importance of aesthetics in homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Quirk, Tricia (Patti)
2017-09
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Brand Caliphate and Recruitment Between the Genders
From the thesis abstract: "Since the declaration of the Islamic State (IS) in 2014, men and women have been recruited to join the Caliphate in numbers surpassing those recruited by al Qaida. This variance in recruitment volume is likely attributable to the online propaganda campaign, Brand Caliphate. This thesis looks at the recruitment of women and asks if Brand Caliphate specifically targets females with its messaging, and if so, is the messaging effective? Based on a textual analysis of Brand Caliphate's propaganda, it appears IS tried to deliver messaging targeted toward females. However, six case studies of radicalized females suggests the recruitment of these women does not appear to be directly attributable to the targeted messaging. There is, however, evidence that most of the female recruitment studied linked to online radicalization and Brand Caliphate's broader messaging. All of the women studied did initially look online for information regarding IS. This initial outreach served to identify them as targets for radicalization by IS recruiters, who continued to persuade the females through direct online communication. Ultimately, a sense of belonging to a community, even if it exists online, served as a more powerful draw to potential recruits than the targeted messaging of Brand Caliphate."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Monroe, Brandi Lynn Evans
2016-09
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Blueprints for Disaster: Balancing Secrecy and Transparency of Government Continuity Plans
From the thesis abstract: "On one hand, it is readily assumed that the government must keep some information secret for the security of the state and the safety of people; on the other, as the ultimate sovereign, the people require access to information through government transparency. One area where this tension between secrecy and transparency is highly pertinent is continuity of operations plans. Continuity plans contain highly sensitive information that, if not protected from disclosure under open records laws, may reveal vulnerabilities for potential exploitation by malicious actors. How can confidentiality and disclosure needs for government information in continuity of operations plans be reconciled? Using a hybrid method that includes historical, legal, political, and disciplinary research and contextual analysis, this thesis investigates the tension between the meaning and goals of secrecy and transparency in the political context, analyzes exposures in the current legal and practical frameworks, and considers approaches for balancing the legitimate interests of secrecy and transparency in achieving security and accountability. Based on analysis and application, this thesis proposes a practical solution in the form of a uniform protective security approach for confidentiality and disclosure through a modified understanding of risk and a specific responsive risk-balancing mode."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Vollbrecht, Stephen Scott
2016-09
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Ultra-Marathoners of Human Smuggling: Defending Forward Against Dark Networks That Can Transport Terrorists Across American Land Borders
From the thesis abstract: "National legislation requires America's homeland security agencies to disrupt transnational human smuggling organizations capable of transporting terrorist travelers to all U.S. borders. Federal agencies have responded with programs targeting extreme-distance human smuggling networks that transport higher-risk immigrants known as special interest aliens (SIAs) from some 35 'countries of interest' in the Middle East, North Africa, and Asia where terrorist organizations operate. Yet ineffectiveness and episodic targeting are indicated, in part by continued migration from those countries to the U.S. southwestern border since 9/11. Should an attack linked to SIA smuggling networks occur, homeland security leaders likely will be required to improve counter-SIA interdiction or may choose to do so preemptively. This thesis asks how SIA smuggling networks function as systems and, based on this analysis, if their most vulnerable fail points can be identified for better intervention targeting. Using NVivo qualitative analysis software, the study examined 19 U.S. court prosecutions of SIA smugglers and other data to produce 20 overarching conclusions demonstrating how SIA smuggling functions. From these 20 conclusions, seven leverage points were extracted and identified for likely law enforcement intervention success. Fifteen disruption strategies, tailored to the seven leverage points, are recommended."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bensman, Todd
2015-09
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Homeland Security is Hometown Security: Comparison and Case Studies of Vertically Synchronized Catastrophe Response Plans
From the thesis abstract: "National preparedness doctrine has constantly evolved to address the pressing hazards and threats the country faces. Although arguably centered on terrorism, the current status of national policy attempts to have an all-hazards focus. While the contemporary version provides all tiers of government more guidance and structure than ever before, it still remains largely disjointed and lacks an effective overall operational response framework. Various components of catastrophe response have been identified, including threat/hazard identification, interoperability models, and other broad planning concepts. Absent from the federal doctrine is a comprehensive plan for the synchronization of vertical intergovernmental response planning. However, there are international frameworks and domestic catastrophe response plans developed at the Federal Emergency Management Agency regional level that comprehensively close the gap between federal strategy and state/local operational necessities. These are presented as a comparison and in case studies that are evaluated against the leading catastrophe-response planning criteria from government, professional, and academic standards. The conclusion includes recommendations for adapting current federal task force models to focus on catastrophe planning, improving national emergency-response capacity, and restructuring federal homeland security grant funding."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Liquorie, Paul J.
2015-09
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Fatigue in a Bravery Culture-A Comparative Analysis
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis sought to analyze why the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) disregards practices that conform to the scientific understanding of human fatigue and to identify the effective human-error mitigation practices of two other high-consequence fields that may be useful to the HSE. Using the constant comparative method, the command center work environments of the HSE, nuclear power, and air traffic control were analyzed with regard to fatigue-mitigation practices and policies. Despite remarkable similarities in their public safety function and human-technology interface, the resulting grounded theory highlights key differences. In contrast to nuclear power and air traffic control, the HSE has yet to record a serious fatigue incident to serve as a catalyst for change, and unlike those two industries' strong safety cultures, the HSE command centers continue to operate in a deeply rooted bravery culture that prevents the focus on fatigue issues. This thesis brings attention to a clear safety gap and makes practical recommendations that would facilitate the HSE's intentional movement toward a safety culture through the implementation of comprehensive fitness-for-duty programs, multilevel fatigue mitigation training, and the gathering and continual review of human-error data in its command-center work environments."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Romero, John Anthony
2016-12
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Unstoppable? The Gap Between Public Safety and Traffic Safety in the Age of the Driverless Car
From the thesis abstract: "Autonomous vehicles (AVs) are already driving on some of the nation's streets and highways. AV technology is advancing quickly, and regulatory environments and market demands will result in its rapid diffusion throughout society. AVs are likely to dramatically reduce traffic collisions and motorist injuries, as long as those motorists become passengers only, not drivers, thus eliminating human error as a traffic safety hazard. With the traffic safety benefits of the AV, there will be little need for the traffic enforcement conducted by police and highway patrol agencies across the country today. Yet traffic stops are the most common form of face-to-face contact between police officers and citizens, and traffic enforcement has been a form of crime detection, deterrence and disruption in this country since the dawn of the automobile. This research examines the future of law enforcement in the age of the driverless automobile. It recommends that police and homeland security agencies engage with AV technology today so that they can innovate with that technology and find public safety substitutes for the traffic stop in a future where cars are unstoppable."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Wolfe, Aristotle
2017-03
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Business of Security: Applying an Economic Model to Human Trafficking in Oregon
From the thesis abstract: "Human trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry in the world and has become the fastest-growing crime today, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Many policies have attempted to reduce human trafficking through under-resourced initiatives and social services. This thesis explores whether applying an economic supply and demand model to human trafficking at the state level would reduce the prevalence of human trafficking. Using an economic supply and demand model, the research evaluates current literature and existing national and state policies within Oregon, analyzing weaknesses and gaps. The thesis presents policy analysis under a qualitative cost-benefit lens to assess economic model variables applied to state level policies. The conclusion is that existing anti-human trafficking policies in Oregon are lacking in instilling risks and costs associated with conducting the criminal behavior. Supply and demand actors in human trafficking are operating relatively unhindered in Oregon, which has led to a growth of the problem in the state. Thus, a three-pronged approach built around an applied economic supply and demand model is recommended to help reduce human trafficking in Oregon: reduce costs to victims, increase costs to suppliers, and increase costs to buyers."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Vo, Thanh N.
2016-12
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Sports-related Riots: Understanding Group Behavior to Improve Police Strategy
From the thesis abstract: "When a celebration following a college sporting event turns into a riot, the consequences may be devastating to a school, a community, and the police department. This trend is increasing on campuses across the country, and the perceived randomness of violence has police departments and communities alarmed. Based on several assumptions, current police training and policy focuses on crowd movement and riot suppression, which minimizes the ability to influence a crowd to the point of preventing a riot. One assumption is that large crowds share group similarities. Police also use inaccurate behavioral markers to identify the changing mood of a crowd and base their response on these markers. This thesis identifies the differences among disturbances and focuses specifically on riots that occur following college sporting events in the United States, using supporting data from case studies of college sporting events between 1997 and 2015. Using the normative and social identity theories as models, this thesis shows that sports riots follow a specific pattern of social behaviors and shows how early intervention may influence the behavior of the crowd. Finally, it concludes with recommendations for police when managing the crowd before, during, and following a college sporting event."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Mammana, Gregory N.
2016-03
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Lighting a Fire Under Public Health and Safety Education: Influence Through Rational Choice, Reasoned Behavior, and Behavioral Economics
From the thesis abstract: "Many public health and safety education interventions have failed because practitioners did not apply effective methods of influence to alter individuals' actions. Identification of successful methods has been complicated by the lack of a theory to describe the factors that cause individuals to perform recommended practices. This thesis investigated the methods that were responsible for success in individual-level public health and safety interventions. A comparative case study was conducted on a set of interventions that encouraged seat belt use, bicycle helmet wearing, and alcohol moderation. Each intervention was analyzed using a four-model approach encompassing rational choice, reasoned behavior, and both intuitive and reflective interpretations of behavioral economics in order to detect methods that might have influenced individuals to change their actions. Comparative analysis between case analyses permitted identification of the intervention methods that are correlated with successful health and safety programs in general. The social forces of injunctive pressure and public commitment were found to be correlated with effective programs of influence. This thesis concludes that future public health and safety education interventions may achieve success by leveraging peer pressure and public commitments to elicit compliance with desired practices."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McNamara, Timothy W.
2016-09
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Improving Citizen Preparedness Through Employee Disaster Preparedness Promotion in the Workplace
From the thesis abstract: "Citizen preparedness is a vital component of national preparedness, yet national surveys indicate only a small minority of citizens have completed basic individual and household preparedness actions. Workplace wellness promotion programs have made positive strides toward the influence of human behavior and are expanding in their scope of relevant issues. This study explores lessons learned from workplace wellness promotion programs through a review of relevant literature in citizen disaster preparedness promotion and workplace wellness promotion as related to four main sub-areas: 1) psycho-sociology of preparedness behavior and behavior change; 2) interrelationships among the workplace, employees, and the community; 3) rationale, motivation, and barriers to the concept of the workplace as a venue to impact behavior change; and 4) identification of promising practices that can be replicated in future strategies. Research results are synthesized in the creation of a framework that can be applied by organizations to integrate household disaster preparedness as an integral component of a workplace wellness promotion program. The overall conclusion of this study is that the workplace is a promising venue for the dissemination of citizen disaster preparedness messaging and the facilitation of household preparedness actions when identified smart practices are applied."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ettrich, Kevin D.
2014-09
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Performance-Based Design for Arson Threats: Policy Analysis of the Physical Security for Federal Facilities Standard
From the thesis abstract: "Although perhaps not so dramatic or newsworthy as chemical, biologic, radiologic, nuclear, or explosive attacks, intentionally set fires are identified security threats to federal buildings accessible to the public. The Department of Homeland Security Interagency Security Committee in 2010 adopted building construction standards that purport to give facility safety committees and building designers guidance on developing permanent countermeasures to 31 diverse threat scenarios described in the 'Design-Basis Threat'. To assess the effectiveness of the permanent countermeasures options provided in the 'Physical Security Criteria for Federal Facilities', a performance-based approach to evaluating the design and construction features is recommended. Clearly articulated performance objectives and quantifiable characterization of the hazardous elements comprising the threat scenarios are essential to evaluating outcomes using a performance-based design approach. A mixed methods research approach is used to analyze the 'Physical Security Criteria for Federal Facilities' standard to make policy recommendations that may enhance occupant safety and federal property protection from arson attacks. Computerized fire effects modeling is used to compare outcomes in non-military and non-postal federal facilities from a variety of simulated arson scenarios using commonly available accelerants."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Neale, Robert A.
2013-09
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Beyond Hate: Countering Violent Extremism from the White Power Movement
From the thesis abstract: "Counterterrorism efforts are a major focus for the homeland security enterprise. Throughout the world, however, efforts have largely focused on countering violent extremism from Islamist organizations. While Islamist terrorists have been responsible for more deaths in the United States, this research focuses on white power domestic terrorism. It considers successful methods from the United States and the United Kingdom (UK), but applies them to factions of the right-wing movement, rather than Salafi-jihadist groups. This research is a case study comparison of former right-wing leaders, both of whom were associated with planned domestic terror plots. Significantly, the research included participation of individuals formerly active within the politically motivated Ku Klux Klan, and the religiously motivated the Covenant, the Sword, and the Arm of the Lord (CSA). It revealed a common anti-government theme between the vastly different groups, as well as the sociological underpinnings for participation in the Klan, within the theoretical framework of Social Identity Theory. While extremism is an unpleasant fact, perhaps violence can be mitigated, and having dialogue with those who once carried the torch of white power rhetoric may hold some answers, or provide a starting point for successful counterterrorism efforts."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Owens, Kimberly B.
2013-12
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Your Faith, My Fear: Countering Consent to Cosmic Positioning
From the thesis abstract: "Addressing American fear of discourse on faith, as indicated through evolving American faith narratives, is essential in effectively countering modern day terrorism and to sustaining and securing the republic founded upon unique and enduring democratic principles. This research explores American faith narratives and subsequent relevance to cosmic war, the consequences of American reactions and perceptions to religious extremism, and the prospect, parameters, and purpose of inclusive faith discourse in the public square. Reactions and realities explored herein are framed through (1) American history of faith in the public square; (2) theoretical world views--how we know the enemy and know ourselves through Social Identity Theory and Positioning Theory, and (3) fear of unknown or uncomfortable concepts related to faith as evidenced through storylines inherent in American faith narratives. Influencing the global perception of America involves imagining the possibilities to ensure that future generations are afforded the American tradition of opportunity and freedom. This involves aggressively initiating public discourse on faith based upon securing diverse religious freedoms and beliefs and democratic principles in such a way that American faith narratives position the United States as a positive global and social influence, thereby impacting the global terrorists' threat."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nations, Julie
2012-03
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Health Security Intelligence: Assessing the Nascent Public Health Capability
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis explores the current state of public healths (HS) intelligence capability across State, Local, Tribal and Territorial (SLTT) jurisdictions through qualitative analysis of current public health jurisdiction plans for the collection, analysis, product creation, dissemination and programmatic oversight related to public health inputs into the homeland security intelligence apparatus. An assessment was conducted using an online Plan Assessment Tool, or PLAT, that allowed jurisdictional public health leadership to provide de-identified responses. This assessment of 25 of the 62 federally funded SLTT public health preparedness programs indicates one impediment to the continued maturation of this new intelligence capability is the lack of codified plans. The results also suggest that while public health programs at the SLTT level do indeed have much room for improvement, there is a burgeoning intelligence capability within public health. However, to sustain and improve this emergent capability will require a national effort to create mission focus and centralized guidance."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Minarcine, Scott
2012-03
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Securing Public Safety Vehicles: Reducing Vulnerabilities by Leveraging Smart Technology and Design Strategies
From the thesis abstract: "The threat of public safety vehicles being used by criminals or terrorists to commit violent acts is real. The problem is public safety vehicles are vulnerable to criminal activity and terrorist use because they do not routinely utilize security technology measures involving three core aspects: theft prevention, authentication to specific operators (authorized use), and ability to track and recover public safety vehicles that get into the wrong hands. Consequences from such acts create great risk for the public's safety, including significant injury and loss of human life, as well as exposure to financial liabilities in the form of lost equipment, damage to property, and lawsuit settlements. This thesis provides a model solution to agencies for securing emergency response vehicles with engineering (SERVE). The SERVE model was developed by the author and provides a framework for implementing public safety vehicle security enhancements taking the complex interaction between technological fusion, vehicle system integration and end user interface design into account. Tier I--Theft Prevention, Tier II--Authorized Use, Tier III-- Tracking and Recovery can be implemented in stages, allowing agencies to utilize the technologies based on budgetary restraints and allocation of resources. Lastly, Tier IV--Human Machine Interface emphasizes the importance of the human machine interface by taking into account how technologies and operators communicate to ensure critical task proficiency is not disrupted."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Johansmeyer, Michael
2013-12
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New York City Fire Department Chief Officer's Evaluation of the Citywide Incident Management System as It Pertains to Interagency Emergency Response
From the thesis abstract: "A review of the events of September 11 in New York City shows that inadequate inter-agency coordination or interdisciplinary collaboration existed among the rescuers arriving at the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. The 9/11 Commission recommended and NIMS [National Incident Management System] mandated better coordination between the several agencies, specifically the fire and police departments. In 2004, New York City created the Citywide Incident Management System (CIMS) to address these shortcomings. The goal of this research is to provide an evaluation of CIMS several years after implementation; has it changed emergency response in New York City or are the same problems occurring? A survey of the FDNY [New York City Fire Department] chief officers was conducted and the results show that CIMS' policies are not consistently enacted. The history and creation of CIMS shortly following the September 11 terrorist attacks is discussed along with a brief background on interagency emergency operations. The history of conflict between the FDNY and the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and its motives are not the subject of this thesis, although they are discussed briefly. In closing, many of the same problems that plagued the emergency responders on September 11 still exist according to the survey results."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Esposito, John M.
2011-09
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Effective Selection: a Study of First-Line Supervisor Selection Processes in the Department of Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Leadership is crucial in any organization. Executive leadership provides guidance, direction and structure. First-line supervisors ensure that the vision, guidance and direction of executive leaders become reality in an organization, and they also are responsible for the morale and motivation of nonsupervisory employees. Historically, federal agencies have struggled with developing and implementing selection processes that produce effective first-line supervisors. This research examines the four most important tenets of a selection process. These four tenets include laws and regulations that govern first-line supervisor selection processes, the accepted competencies associated with effective first-line supervisors, assessment tools used in the selection process and most effective measures in assessing organizational performance and first-line supervisors. Using a multi-method approach that includes survey data, interviews and policy review, this study compares first-line supervisor selection processes for effective and less effective federal agencies, as measured by the Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS)/Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FedView). Finally, conclusions and recommendations are offered for developing standards and improving first-line supervisor selection processes in DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and the rest of the federal government."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kaminsky, Mark T.
2011-03
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Opaque Communities: A Framework for Assessing Potential Homeland Security Threats from Voids on the Map
From the thesis abstract: "Opaque communities confound homeland security situational awareness and integration efforts, which generates pervasive threat perceptions that have often escalated into governmental interventions and violent confrontations. Governmental failures to effectively communicate with, and judiciously address past incidents involving opaque communities, have led to tactical response disasters; future inabilities to foster contact with such groups could present grave, unforeseen challenges to homeland security and surrounding community resiliency efforts. Utilizing a structured focused method, this thesis explores whether governmental entities adopt a common set of operational assumptions regarding threats emanating from opaque communities and, if so, whether alternative interactional frameworks for integrating such communities into homeland security efforts are available. This thesis presents case study analysis of interventions involving the opaque communities of the Branch Davidians at Waco, MOVE in Philadelphia, and FLDS [The Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints] YFZ [Yearning for Zion] Ranch in Eldorado and finds that ingrained default oppositional frameworks influenced governmental deliberations throughout each event. This inquiry concludes that targeted constructive communication strategies utilizing dedicated interlocutors knowledgeable about a given community will assist in preventing future unnecessary and costly official interventions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Speer, Matthew E.
2014-09
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Now Is the Time for CVE-2: Updating and Implementing a Revised U.S. National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism
From the thesis abstract: "The United States (U.S.) national strategy countering violent extremism (CVE) has yet to be updated and currently does not provide the necessary national framework to best combat self-radicalization and violent extremism (VE) in the United States. If people subscribe that the need for an updated strategy is evident, then the question is 'What are the necessary and effective components of the national U.S. CVE strategy that best prevent self-radicalization and VE in the United States?' This research examined the concepts and strategies surrounding extremism and self-radicalization in the U.S., the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia. Through this analysis, multiple findings and recommendations were made. One such finding was the identification of overarching elements that, if implemented, would increase the effectiveness and applicability of the U.S. CVE strategy. These elements include: 1) identifying the federal agency in charge of administering the U.S. CVE strategy, 2) developing a more robust and actionable national CVE framework, 3) refocusing the federal government on support and not local engagement of CVE, 4) requiring all CVE related terms be defined in every document, and 5) requiring regular evaluations and updates of the U.S. CVE strategy. The details of these and other findings are contained in this thesis."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Davis, Thomas J.
2014-09
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Risky Shift Toward Online Activism: Do Hacktivists Pose an Increased Threat to the Homeland?
From the thesis abstract: "This research uses a grounded theory approach to study the phenomenon of hacktivism and seeks to understand how the Internet has evolved to become a disproportionate and significant platform for disruption. Technological advancements involving the Internet, such as social media, have provided a significant advantage for social activists to advance their causes and enables them to recruit large masses with little effort. This platform also provides the distinct advantage of anonymity and increased availability of malicious tools and malware that, if directed toward U.S. critical infrastructure, could potentially cause severe economic and physical harm to the homeland. This research will also provide readers an in-depth analysis of three well-known social movements that have revealed the potential for increasing violence and/or disruption. The civil rights movements of the 1960s and the environmentalist movements of the 1980s are examples of activist movements that quickly evolved into direct action networks. Such historical context, when compared to current hacktivist collectives like Anonymous, suggests that social activist movements, regardless of venue, possess the cognitive praxis to cause injury or harm in furtherance of a social cause."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Murphy, Brian C.
2014-09
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Pulling the Religious Trigger: Iran's End-Times Beliefs and Divine Justifications for Potential Action Against the United States
From the thesis abstract: "The 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran has significantly shaped and impacted developments in the Near and Middle East and inspired the regional rise of Shia Islam. Iran's Islamic government has consistently played a leading role in promoting anti-Western and anti-American sentiments within the global context of Islamic radicalization. It is imperative, therefore, that United States government officials more fully understand the role of religion in Iran's approach to international relations. This thesis topic fulfills a specific and important knowledge gap in understanding Iran's religious beliefs as trigger points for strategic actions against the United States. In particular, this research examines Iran's religious tools and sacred carriers as potential triggers in the form of individual leaders, end-times beliefs, religious traditions, or divine justifications. It explores Iran's end-times beliefs, to include how the earth will be governed before the Day of Judgment, and the extent to which these millenarian beliefs might affect the regime's actions. Using primary source documents from Iran's most influential contemporary leaders, this research project revealed three major narratives that are central to the self-preservation of the Iranian regime: 1) establishing a government representing true or pure Islam; 2) protecting the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Revolution; and 3) fighting oppression and imperialism. These narratives serve as the backdrop to understanding Iran's religious options-the sacred carriers and tools-that could play a key role in future Iranian aggression directed at the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Moody, Jamison B.
2014-09
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Leading Preparedness for Local Fire Agencies
From the thesis abstract: "In the post-9/11 world, the role of the fire service in the homeland security space is not clearly defined. The fire service has provided America's emergency response since the days of Benjamin Franklin and the Union Fire Company. Neighborhood fire stations have expanded since those early days as the threats and hazards have evolved. Fire departments remain firmly entrenched in communities delivering traditional services, such as fire suppression, fire prevention, emergency medical services, rescue, and hazardous materials service that translate directly to some core capabilities in homeland security and preparedness. Homeland security preparedness reaches beyond emergency response and fire prevention for fire departments. Preparedness can be enhanced by fire department participation as whole community partners. This preparedness requires full engagement of leadership and implementation of effective management systems across all levels of the fire service. This research is conducted through a content analysis of homeland security literature and comparative analysis of existing preparedness strategies. The information is synthesized to produce recommendations for advancing the role of the fire service and local fire departments in homeland security and preparedness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Goble, Steven R.
2014-12
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Barriers to Cyber Information Sharing
From the thesis abstract: "As our reliance on the Internet grows, our interconnected networks become more vulnerable to cyberattacks. Cyberattacks and other cyber threats can cause disastrous results, especially if a coordinated targeted attack hits multiple networks at the same time. For this reason, cyber information-sharing among public and private organizations becomes necessary and important to defend our networks. Many cyber threats are difficult to detect and identify by a single organization. Information sharing can help detect these potential risks, prevent cyberattacks, and facilitate incident response to better defend networks. Although the public and private sectors have begun to share cybersecurity information, there are still many barriers that stop agencies from sharing more. This research identifies and reviews what the barriers are to sharing cyber information and possible ways that the barriers can be overcome."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Harwood, Deanne I.
2014-12
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Optimizing Fire Department Operations Through Work Schedule Analysis, Alternative Staffing, and Non-Productive Time Reduction
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis conducts a policy analysis exploring how current fire department policies can be modified to optimize employee availability to lead to higher staffing levels and lower sick leave and injury leave usage. Work schedule modification, alternative staffing models, and the reduction of nonproductive time through health and wellness initiatives are the three options examined in this thesis by using data from the Dayton (Ohio) Fire Department. The findings of this research are that schedule modification and the reduction of nonproductive time by initiating wellness programs may increase employee availability; alternative work schedules tended to increase injury rates and the potential for political and legal conflict. These findings should be applicable to fire departments across the country, most of whom address the same budget shortfalls and force-strength challenges."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Payne, Jeffrey
2014-09
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Adaptive Leadership: Fighting Complexity with Complexity
From the thesis abstract: "Contemporary crises have become increasingly complex and the methods of leading through them have failed to keep pace. If it is assumed that leadership matters--that it has a legitimate effect on the outcome of a crisis, then leaders have a duty to respond to that adaptation with modifications of their own. Using literature sources, the research explores crisis complexity, crisis leadership, and alternative leadership strategies. Specifically, the research evaluates the applicability of complexity science to current crises. Having identified the manner in which crises have changed, it focuses on the gap between contemporary crises and the current methods of crisis leadership. The paper pursues adaptive methods of leading in complex crises and examines a number of alternative strategies for addressing the gap. The research suggests that a combination of recognizing the complexity of contemporary crises, applying resourceful solutions, and continually reflecting on opportunities to innovate, may be an effective way to lead through complex crises using complex leadership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Smith, Peter
2014-06
