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Unsuspected: The U.S. Military's Unintended Contribution to Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
From the Thesis Abstract: "Active-duty military members and veterans (MIL/VETs) are joining, facilitating, and creating outlaw motorcycle gangs in search of a familiar social identity. MIL/VETs' advantageous skill sets, and their international deployments, are helping outlaw motorcycle gangs expand beyond law enforcement's ability to interdict them. In an effort to understand why some MIL/VETs join outlaw motorcycle gangs, this thesis analyzed publicly available information, and the author's personal experience as a gang investigator, through social identity theory and the social identity analytical method. The research found that outlaw motorcycle gang culture takes advantage of concepts such as patron-client relationships, challenge-response cycles, and honor challenges to provide MIL/VETs a limited good--a positive social identity--through its pseudo-warfare environment. The research also identified that MIL/VETs have specific motivations for seeking a positive identity through motorcycle gangs, including a desire to expand the criminal tradecraft, redeem regrets or missed opportunities from their military service, seek post-military employment, or address identity deficits. The findings in this thesis, along with additional research into these motivations, will contribute to the study of outlaw motorcycle gang culture and may help illuminate suitable alternatives to offer MIL/VETs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
King, S. Nicholas
2019-12
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Training for Failure in the United States Fire Service
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2017, the United States fire service documented 87 firefighter deaths and an estimated 58,835 firefighter injuries. To reduce these risks, the fire service invests hours of training in personnel to keep them as safe as possible. Unfortunately, these fatalities and injuries continue to happen despite the number of training hours conducted to master department standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintain state continuing education requirements. Although training will never prevent 100% of fire-related deaths, it is a critical component in decision-making in a high risk/low frequency occupation. Based on NIOSH findings, it can impact response to improve firefighter safety. This thesis presents various training models currently used in the fire service, how cognitive processes and panic and stress impact firefighter response, other challenges and impacts on training, as well as best practices for training in other organizations. The evaluation of these factors assists in developing a better understanding of how we learn and retain information and how these lessons can be applied to improve training in the fire service."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
O'Neal, David E.
2019-12
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Two Teams, One Mission: A Study Using Ems Units in Hospital Triage During Active-Shooter and Other Mass-Casualty Events
From the Thesis Abstract: "The Las Vegas Route 91 shooting, as well as other recent mass-casualty events, have exposed gaps in the response of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and hospitals to these types of incidents. This research sought to examine whether the use of EMS field resources in hospital triage could enhance the overall response to active-shooter and other mass-casualty events. Case studies of the Boston Marathon bombing and the Route 91 shooting were conducted. Additionally, an exercise by St. Marks Hospital testing the concept of EMS triage at hospitals was analyzed. The Las Vegas case study revealed significant gaps in hospital and EMS response and the Boston Marathon case study showed just how efficient hybrid teams of hospital and EMS personnel could be. A review of the St. Marks exercise showed that EMS crews at the hospital significantly enhanced the efficiency and efficacy of the triage operation. Finally, current EMS operations were reviewed and recommendations made to allow EMS crews to be assigned to the nearest hospitals without harming the on-scene response to these incidents."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Simons, Thomas B.
2019-12
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Strategic Vessel System Management for the Public Safety Vessel Enterprise
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis reviews current practices for vessel acquisition in the public safety and homeland security fields, and evaluates agencies' strategic management of vessels as a means for improving planning and efficiency. The research explores parallel systems--including vehicle fleet maintenance and other vessel system planning--to establish best-practice anchors, against which it analyzes case studies from the Fire Department of New York, the Port of San Diego Harbor Police, and the U.S. Navy to evaluate how off-the-shelf or design-build strategies affect strategic management. The thesis then reviews additional requests for information to evaluate the current state of the public safety/homeland security vessel enterprise. The thesis concludes by presenting strategic best-practice anchors for moving forward in the maritime area of public safety assets. Establishing these best-practice anchors is the first step toward their wider use in the homeland security vessel enterprise."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Jensen, Brian C.
2019-12
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Stopping the Next Attack: How to Gain Intelligence from Suspects Detained Overseas
From the Thesis Abstract: "The United States often faces two competing choices when a terrorist is captured overseas: bring the person back to the United States immediately to face trial, or hold the person in military detention, where prosecutions are difficult and slow-moving. This thesis investigates which policy best allows the United States to reduce the threat posed by a terrorist captured overseas while maintaining the country's credibility. Recognizing the principal importance of preserving life and preventing future attacks after the detention of a suspected terrorist, this thesis used a policy options analysis method to determine which one of three approaches is best for handling terror suspects captured overseas: law of war detention, two-step intelligence and law enforcement interrogations, or arrest and extradition. The research determined that no single policy best allows the United States to reduce the threat posed by a terrorist captured overseas, takes into account the need to obtain information about looming attacks, preserves the opportunity for prosecution, and maintains the credibility of the United States. This thesis recommends the continued use of law of war detention for foreign fighters and recommends that two-step intelligence and law enforcement interrogations remain a viable option for terrorists captured overseas."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fitzgerald, James M.
2019-12
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Revitalizing Maritime Security: Is Smart the Next Element?
From the Thesis Abstract: "Project Seahawk is a multiagency program that brings state-of-the-art technology and a regional approach to the problem of port security critical infrastructure in Charleston, South Carolina. Project Seahawk, now known as the Seahawk Interagency Operation Center (IOC), is alive within the confines of the United States Coast Guard, albeit as a smaller project. The Special Maritime Action Response Team (SMART) would be a multidisciplinary, multiagency unit that protects the maritime domain of South Carolina using intelligence gathered by the Seahawk IOC. This thesis examines potential challenges to the process of forming SMART with the Seahawk IOC, particularly the security capability gaps in the maritime domain with federal, state, and local stakeholders due to insufficient manpower and funding. The SMART concept will use elements of National Security Presidential Directive 41 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13 as a baseline for evaluating the maritime security capability. The SMART concept will make Seahawk more efficient in handling maritime criminal threats to radiation detection in Charleston by providing the first responder with an avenue of options. The Seahawk IOC addresses the security capability gaps, but SMART will be more effective in the Lowcountry maritime domain. Together, the Seahawk IOC and SMART will be a one-stop shop for interagency maritime security in Charleston."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Makins, Marion C., Jr.
2019-12
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Seminaries in the System: The Effects of Prison Seminaries on Recidivism, Inmate vi olence, and Costs
From the Thesis Abstract: "Rehabilitation is one of the main goals of the correctional system, with numerous and varied programs being implemented for centuries. The United States spends millions on rehabilitation programs, yet recidivism rates, prison violence, and correctional costs continue to rise. This thesis explores how prison seminaries are addressing these issues and in the process, changing inmates' attitudes and behaviors. Examining Angola, the first prison seminary that became a model for many subsequent prison seminaries, including interviews with inmates and prison staff, reveals how inmates' attitudes and behaviors changed as a result of their seminary. Similar programs that follow Angola's model were also reviewed to determine if there was a reduction in acts of violence and a change in inmates' prosocial behaviors as a result of the programs. This thesis analyzed quantitative evidence in the form of prison statistics and inmate conduct records to determine if prison seminaries lower rates of recidivism as well as inmate violence. Legal case studies were used to evaluate the constitutionality of prison seminaries. Finally, this thesis identified reasons why prison seminaries are changing the overall culture of prisons, including individual identity transformations, the activities of inmate ministers, and participation in religious activities. The findings reveal prison seminaries are reducing both recidivism rates and inmate violence, which reduces the overall costs of incarceration."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dotson, Roy D.
2019-12
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Rico: Analyzing the Use of Federal Law to Combat Local Gang Problems
From the Thesis Abstract: "Gangs are the main contributor to violent crime in the United States. In an attempt to combat such violent crime, the federal government has begun prosecuting street-level gangs with the federal racketeering (RICO) statutes. Although these statutes were developed to address more traditional white-collar crime, the criminalizing of ongoing racketeering activity in a criminal enterprise has successfully been used to prosecute street-level gangs. This thesis provides a review of the scholarly literature on the topic, most of which is biased and averse to the RICO statutes' use in this context. This thesis also evaluates criticisms and concerns on the topic. Federal laws and procedures were analyzed during a comparative analysis of different court systems, which revealed a distinct advantage for federal courts in the investigation and prosecution of violent street gangs. Additionally, the use of the federal racketeering statutes by three different jurisdictions--New York, New York; Detroit, Michigan; and Montebello, California--was researched and analyzed. The research found that use of the RICO statutes facilitated law enforcement initiatives that reduced violent crime and homicides in all three jurisdictions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ryerson, Gene W.
2019-12
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'I Forgot I Had That .38 in My Bag': How Memory Failure Contributes to Passengers Carrying Firearms and Other Prohibited Items to Security Screening Checkpoints
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discoveries of firearms at U.S. security screening
checkpoints have increased significantly in recent years. In 2008, TSA discovered 926 firearms, and in
2018, 4239. When questioned, passengers commonly state they "forgot" about the firearm. Following a
qualitative research design, this investigation analyzed four cases from publicly available, open-source
internet posts by individuals who were detained or arrested at security screening checkpoints. Through case
analysis, four common themes emerged. Passengers 1) experienced a prospective memory failure; 2) were
frequent flyers; 3) had recently experienced interruptions; and 4) were in a hurry. This thesis identifies
factors that contribute to memory failures, such as interruptions, multitasking, and delaying actions.
Mitigating concepts and strategies from cognitive psychology are explored, specifically, use of the Dynamic
Multiprocess Framework; the creation of salient, distinctive, and unfamiliar reminders; encouragement of
prompt action; employing mnemonics as reminding devices; inducing deeper levels of processing; and
leveraging existing technologies. Concepts and strategies that discourage prospective memory failure are
tested through a thought experiment designed to clarify and modify the mitigating concepts and strategies
recommended.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Yi, Suk H.
2019-12
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How Does the Democratic Party of Japan Affect Security Policy? High-Profile Stumbles and Quiet Progress
"When the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) took power in Japan in 2009, both Japanese and American observers feared sea changes in Japanese security policy. Compared to the longgoverning and familiar Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the DPJ seemed young and inexperienced, farther left and less ideologically coherent, and eager to make policy change for change's sake. The DPJ has appeared to earn this reputation over the last three years, as exemplified by its early mishandling of reorganization plans for U.S. military installations in Okinawa, which prompted widespread criticism both within Japan and from U.S. alliance managers and observers. This notion of a hapless DPJ is only partly correct. The DPJ government has indeed begun to popularize and politicize Japanese security policy, leaving security decisions more exposed to political and public leverage. This reflects the party's anti-bureaucratic policymaking instincts, its top-heavy structure, and its promotion of two-party competition. In some ways, though, the party has been a victim of its own success. It has stumbled most badly over the most high-profile, politically salient issues: military base politics, incidents surrounding territorial disputes, North Korea crisis management. This has reflected poor coordination more than misguided or unpopular policy stances. But at the same time, on many substantively important but less politically salient issues -- arms non-export policies, military-military relations with South Korea, the updating of National Defense Program Guidelines -- the DPJ is quietly progressing along a security policy trajectory that is familiar, constructive, and not particularly worrying for either the U.S. or the Japanese public. This pattern may be somewhat reassuring for American alliance managers, but it suggests the need to watch for gradual politicization of previously under-the-radar security matters. It also suggests that the handling of security policy has new potential to vex all incumbent Japanese governments, DPJ-led or otherwise, and thereby to contribute to governance destabilization across the board in Japan." Note: This document has been added to the Homeland Security Digital Library in agreement with the Project on Advanced Systems and Concepts for Countering WMD (PASCC) as part of the PASCC collection. Permission to download and/or retrieve this resource has been obtained through PASCC.
Henry L. Stimson Center; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); United States. Defense Threat Reduction Agency
Tatsumi, Yuki; Weiner, Robert
2012-07
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Applying the Three C's of Sustainable Development to Defense Department Planning
"This exposition reviews the extant literature on sustainable development and interviews from senior executives from multinational enterprises to develop a framework for understanding the conditions which generate high shared value initiatives for global enterprises and for the broader system. We consider how the lessons from private industry may be applied in the defense department acquisition process. In general, our analysis indicates that both types of enterprises (private and military) are most likely to generate high shared value when they have the capability to do so, there is consistency between the creation of primary stakeholder value and system value, and that the system value can be cultivated beyond the enterprise that created the original initiative. From a military acquisition perspective, our analysis suggests that additional factors may need to be considered in the evaluation of partners in light of the revised energy policy currently being implemented."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Maltz, Elliot
2012-04-30
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European Navy: Can it Complete European Political and Economic Integration?
From the thesis abstract: "With the euro-crisis of the year 2011 threatening to fracture the European Union, the timing may seem wrong for makers of policy and sailors to imagine a unitary European Navy within a comprehensive European defense policy. But as Europeans explore the limits of economic and financial harmony in the EU and NATO amid financial distress, they may embrace European integration in the defense sector, especially in its maritime dimension. The ongoing global and regional budget crises demand that responsible governments seek cost savings where they can; a unified European security and defense structure certainly would eliminate redundancies and spread the burden of regional defense more evenly among member states. In addition, though, the European Union and NATO could leverage the incremental, but steady progress toward a unified defense structure to bolster the European project at this sensitive moment. If the European Union puts in place the few remaining policy commitments that would create a single European Navy--hardly the stuff of fantasy fiction these days, in light of several recent initiatives--its internal and external unity would be stronger."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Tranbarger, Paul R., III
2012-06
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Preventive Detention in the War on Terror: A Plan for a More Moderate and Sustainable Solution
"After September 11, 2001, the Bush Administration decided to detain certain individuals suspected of being members or agents of al Qaeda or the Taliban as enemy combatants and hold them indefinitely and incommunicado for the duration of the war on terror. The rationale behind this system of preventive detention is to incapacitate suspected terrorists, facilitate interrogation, and hold them when traditional criminal charges are not feasible for a variety of reasons. While the rationale for preventive detention is legitimate and the need for preventive detention real, the current Administration's approach has been reactionary, illogical, and probably unconstitutional. This thesis explores the underlying rationales for preventive detention as a tool in this war on terror; analyzes the legal obstacles to creating a preventive-detention regime; discusses how Israel and Britain have dealt with incapacitation and interrogation of terrorists; and compares several alternative ideas to the Administration's enemy-combatant policy under a nonpartisan methodology that looks at questions of lawfulness, the balance between liberty and security, and institutional efficiency. In the end, this thesis recommends using the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to monitor a narrow regime of preventive detention only to be used under certain prescribed circumstances where interrogation and/or incapacitation are the justifications. Note: This thesis was published as a book by Cambria Press in November 2008. The book is entitled 'The Necessary Evil of Preventive Detention in the War on Terror: a Plan for a More Moderate and Sustainable Solution.' An excerpt of the thesis based on Chapter V was published by 'Homeland Security Affairs' in October 2008 [http://www.hsaj.org/?article=4.3.1]. An excerpt based on Chapters III and IV, entitled 'The Why and How of Preventive Detention in the War on Terror,' will be published by The Thomas M. Cooley Law Review in the Spring of 2009."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Blum, Stephanie
2008-12
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'Someone to Watch over Me?' Privacy and Governance Strategies for CCTV and Emerging Surveillance Technologies
From the thesis abstract: "Responding to concerns of terror around the world, law enforcement agencies are rapidly moving to utilize a range of surveillance technologies to address the threat. While the lead technology in this area is closed circuit television (CCTV), other technologies like radio frequency identification (RFID), global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and biometrics are also being expanded for use in monitoring human activity. These systems share common features and can be interrelated and controlled with developing computer technologies. They can also be used by government for a range of other purposes. However, use of these technologies has implications for individual privacy. This research examines the nature of privacy and existing legal protections. It also investigates a range of approaches to govern the use of these developing technologies. It is a critical governmental function to administer the use of that technology to ensure that it is related to appropriate government purposes and that individual civil rights are protected. To be successful, that governance scheme will have to address key privacy concerns while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing technology. Informed by this research policymakers will be better able to develop effective governance strategies."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Zoufal, Donald R.
2008-03
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Introducing the Future Now: Using Memetics and Popular Culture to Identify the Post 9/11 Homeland Security Zeitgeist
"What effect did the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 have on American culture? One outcome was the emergence of 'homeland security' as a new institution, concept, and method. But what does this mean as part of a broader historical narrative of cultural change following 9/11? This thesis uses a combination of both classic and contemporary theories to gain perspective on how the public perceives homeland security--Zeitgeist theory and memetics. By examining small clues found within American popular culture, called memes, the reader is able to see how ideas related to homeland security have been transmitted, varied, or faded away. What may appear to be random events found in American popular culture can be considered part of a larger dynamic at work called the 'Zeitgeist' and may provide the first glimpse into a future that 'currently exists, but is just not widely distributed yet.' The themes found within the homeland security Zeitgeist--patriotism, victimization, fear, and absurdity--provide insight into how Americans perceive homeland security and awareness of emerging cultural patterns that affect their lives. Opportunities for further research are suggested related to cultural evolution, memetics, popular culture analysis, strategic communications, and homeland security." A short video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36642]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Boyd, Judith K.
2008-03
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Wireless Robotic Communications in Urban Environments: Issues for the Fire Service
"Firefighters are tasked with conducting search and rescue operations at incidents ranging from minor smoke conditions to multi-agency disasters. In each instance, a rapid risk assessment must be conducted based on preliminary dispatch information. Small lightweight 'man portable' robots are a natural fit for gaining improved situational awareness, yet few have been employed for this application. The problems encountered in using wireless robots in urban environments are among the primary reasons. This thesis focuses on the wireless link between the robot and the firefighter employing it. The work presented is useful for policy makers in allocating public safety spectrum, firefighters in pre-planning responses, and engineers for designing relevant control systems. While the arguments rest on a technical footing of test data and models, the paper is written primarily for a non-technical audience. A technology acceptance model is developed for employing robots wirelessly. Test data is presented showing the debilitating effects of interference from employing multiple robots concurrently. Models are applied to predict signal loss in tunnels and urban environments, and results indicate an optimal frequency range exists between 500 MHz and 1 GHz. A case is presented to allocate spectrum in this range using a priority access protocol."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hough, George
2008-03
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Integration of Virtual Public-Private Partnerships into Local Enforcement to Achieve Enhanced Intelligence-Led Policing
"In light of the recent emergence of fusion centers and centralized intelligence units, and the move to develop intelligence capacity within local law enforcement agencies in the United States, intelligence-led policing (ILP) is well-positioned to be on the nation's law enforcement agenda for the next decade. ILP relies on robust data collection from a wide range of sources to create intelligence products that can influence decision makers, and ultimately, impact the criminal environment. Virtual public-private partnerships (VP3s) offer local law enforcement agencies an effective and efficient way to leverage a vast and resourceful private sector for the purpose of enhancing ILP. A VP3 can exponentially enhance data collection capacity, facilitate the utilization of the private sector as a force multiplier, and provide the means by which local policing agencies can begin to instill a culture of preparedness in the citizens they serve. This thesis includes case studies of three VP3s -- Citizen Observer, NYPD Shield, and the Nassau County Security/Police Information Network (SPIN). In addition, virtual communities and social capital are examined with an eye towards the potential impact on crime, homeland security, and ILP. The findings of this thesis form the framework for a VP3-enhanced model of intelligence-led policing."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Simeone, Matthew J., Jr.
2007-09
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No Failure of Imagination: Examining Foundational Flaws in America's Homeland Security Enterprise
From the thesis abstract: "Current United States (U.S.) policy vis-à-vis the nation's homeland security enterprise is built on a fatally flawed foundation. It is based on a top-down, federal-centric model rather than on a constitutional model that develops capability for resilience, response, protection and preparedness for crises. The issues leading to this flawed foundation go back to the inherent constitutional tension between the federal and state governments. Historically, when confronted by national-level crises, the federal government has based its actions and mandates on flawed metapolicy addressing all possibly related issues, rather than directing effort at solving the major crisis at hand. In so doing, the preemption of power, and the coercion through funding and regulation have been results unto themselves. The crisis that encapsulates homeland security today is as wide and amorphous as the crisis confronting America at the time of the Great Depression. Both crises involve Constitutional, social, financial, and political issues of extreme complexity. In addition, both resulted in significant expansion of federal prerogatives. This thesis seeks to examine the metapolicy behind the reaction to such severe and yet amorphous crises and to suggest courses of action that--within the bounds of existing political reality--can redirect today's homeland security enterprise in a more effective manner. The research looks at historical and legal concepts, and conducts an in-depth review of similarities between the New Deal era and the modern homeland security era."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Freed, Judson M.
2011-09
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Mitigating Information Overload: The Impact of 'Context-Based Approach' to the Design of Tools for Intelligence Analysts
"With the explosion of available data from a variety of sources, it has become increasingly difficult to keep pace with the amount of arriving data, extract actionable information, and integrate it with prior knowledge. Add to that the pressures of today's fusion center climate and it becomes clear that analysts, police officers, and executives' ability to make rapid, sound decisions is severely compromised. The combination of circular reporting and the complexity of data sources are contributing to information overload. Law enforcement agencies realize this cannot be resolved by continuing to hire more intelligence analysts. Instead, they must begin leveraging technology. The Illinois State Police is utilizing a technology artifact in its Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) which incorporates technology built from the context of these users. This thesis uses a survey instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology on reducing circular reporting and the handling of complex data sources. The findings conclude that intelligence analysts within STIC perceive that information overload exists, and both the complexity of data sources as well as circular reporting minimizes their effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this technology effectively improves these negative effects, and increases the STIC's ability to better serve communities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brueggemann, Charles E.
2008-03
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Risk Management as Strategic Change in National Homeland Security Policy
From the thesis abstract: "Secretary Michael Chertoff has said that the core principle that animates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is risk management. Risk management is a process of choosing trade-offs between available resources and the cost of minimizing the risk of unwanted consequences through an ongoing cycle of objective setting, risk assessment, alternatives evaluation, and implementation, in a way that buys down risk over time. The statements of national leaders, federal legislation, and the Department of Homeland Security's own strategy documents have set risk management as homeland security policy. Nonetheless, DHS has been challenged to implement a coordinated and integrated risk management program to include compatible risk assessment methodologies among its component agencies. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), released in 2006, for the first time sets out a vision for a national risk management framework. That vision now extends the application of risk management to the nation's critical infrastructure owners and operators. This paper explores the challenges involved in implementing the risk management framework under the NIPP, examines how implementation has been managed as strategic change through the lens of change management theory, and offers recommendations for improvement. It is hoped this paper will motivate further study into homeland security strategic change."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Paczkowski, John P.
2007-09
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Applying Network Theory to Develop a Dedicated National Intelligence Network
"Adaptive terrorist organizational structure and the lack of intelligence sharing were to blame for terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Because terrorist groups are moving toward a less predictable, but more diverse, dynamic, and fluid structure, effective combativeness of terrorism requires fighting terrorists with a network. This network must be capable of collecting and sharing credible, reliable and corroborative information on an unprecedented scale, transcending geographic, agency, and political boundaries. This thesis demonstrates utilization of a network-theory approach for sharing information, which will be argued, can provide insight into the system dynamics of the U.S. IC because it allows a systematic, comparative analysis of the system representation and fundamental problems associated with information sharing. The problems associated with past intelligence failures can be overcome with such a system because the use of a dedicated, nationally networked system will allow completion of three primary tasks: (1) examination of the strength of criminal/terrorist connections, (2) identification of suspects and mapping of networks, and (3) prediction of future behavior and better likelihood of prevention, response, and prosecution. A dedicated national networked intelligence-sharing system called DNIN (Dedicated National Intelligence Network), including geographic areas, regional centers, personnel, computer IT networks, and policy options is discussed."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Tindall, James A., 1953-
2006-09
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Leveraging Citizens and Cultivating Vigilance for Force Multiplication in the Maritime Domain
"This thesis examines a Coast Guard-led networked community (Citizen's Action Network -- CAN) by exploring the network's potential to augment the Coast Guard in managing its prodigious maritime domain risks. Through an expansive literature review, a survey and a set of semi-structured interviews, a proposed set of community-based structural components were identified and tested for strength and significant relationships using ANOVA, Regression and Student's T statistical testing methods. Findings suggest that component parts of CAN fit into a business-oriented networked management model called a Community of Practice (COP), with vigilance emerging as a sustainable, predictable and highly desirable post-9/11 networked community behavior. CAN's demographics were also examined to determine trends, such as above-average military veteran membership, which may support future targeted volunteer recruiting. Finally, various Coast Guard-initiated CAN communication methods were tested for significant impact; volunteers receiving phone calls correlated to higher levels of trust in the Coast Guard, while those receiving written communications maintained a heightened sense of access to the Coast Guard. These findings underscore the yet-untapped potential to groom grassroots vigilance, build trust in government and create a culture of prevention by sharing national challenges -- ultimately putting the 'home' back in homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Billeaudeaux, Michael Andre
2007-09
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From the Battlefield to the Homeland: Building the Case for Network-Centric Response
From the thesis abstract: "Our nation's ability to respond to natural or man-made disasters has remained relatively unchanged since the attacks of 9/11. Current response operations are characterized by the inability to efficiently produce a collaborative and effective response to incidents of national significance and address the challenges of the Information Age. The military has adapted network-centric tenants and principles from business applications to effectively operate in the Information Age and increase mission effectiveness. These tenants and principles can be adapted by responders to address current deficiencies and increase mission effectiveness. Implementation of "network-centric response" is both technologically and organizationally feasible. Network-centric response operations would allow responders to meet the challenges and leverage the opportunities of the Information Age, resulting in increased mission effectiveness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Peterson, Michael C.
2007-03
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Impact of Contextual Background Fusion on Perceived Value and Quality of Unclassified Terrorism Intelligence
"There are millions of police, fire, public health, emergency medical, emergency management, and public sector homeland security professionals ready and willing to assist in the global war on terror (GWOT) and current strategies to strengthen homeland security include the provision of unclassified intelligence products to these non traditional recipients (NTR). Simply pushing intelligence products to NTR is not enough, NTR must possess adequate contextual background in order to effectively utilize intelligence provided by the Intelligence Community (IC) in implementing strategies in information driven and risk based prevention and response. Given the diversity of NTR, distribution of 'one size fits all' products ensures that the intelligence will fit no one's needs. This thesis researches the impact of intelligence contextual background fusion (CBF) through the use of hyperlink technology and evaluates the likelihood of hyperlink acceptance by NTR. By utilizing DHS and FBI customer satisfaction survey questions in 'quality' and 'value' factors along with previously validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questions in 'ease of use' and 'usefulness' factors, this research finds that CBF significantly improves both perceived value and quality, and finds that NTR overwhelmingly prefer a CBF product. NTR broadly accepted hyperlink technology in this application."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Eaneff, Charles
2007-03
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Cross-Sector Collaboration Among Critical Infrastructure Utilities: A Case Study for Assessing Relational Capacity
From the thesis abstract: "This nation relies on the network of critical infrastructures to maintain economic superiority, public health, and military strength. Under this premise, the federal government established the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) to leverage national and regional preparedness. Hurricane Katrina demonstrated that, collectively, the infrastructure sectors are not prepared to respond to local and regional disasters using national strategies and resources. There remains a lack of capability to assess an organization's capacity to collaborate. To better understand the enablers and barriers to collaboration within a region's infrastructure system, this study reports the findings of interviews of 13 middle managers and 10 top managers from the utility organizations in and around Mesa, Arizona. In addition to interviews, the managers in this case study completed a survey on collaborative capacity, which provides a lens for examining the factors that enable and impede cross-sector collaboration in the City of Mesa and the interdependent sectors. Finally, the managers were requested to provide individual interpretations of the survey data and recommendations for improvement on the 'Response Form.' Incorporating this feedback will be critical for starting the momentum for change."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Draper, Brian Allen
2007-09
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Can You Lead Me Now? Leading in the Complex World of Homeland Security
"This thesis focuses on a theory of leading and the activities and processes used to move a bureaucratic, public agency to a higher level of fitness in the contexts of dynamic equilibrium and the edge of chaos. The main claim is that leading and all of its components -- thinking and sensemaking, storytelling and demonstrating the right ideas, and organizing action and shaping collective movement -- are required for an organization to address the complex, coordinating problems of homeland security. This research is exploratory using the methodology of grounded theory. An in-depth analysis of a single case was used to test a theory of leading in complexity. Descriptive examples are provided of the activities identified in the process of leading. The findings supported the theory of leading and offered some suggestions for leading the work of homeland security. The analysis demonstrated that leading is a process that weaves in a non-linear way from thinking to sensemaking to demonstrating the "right ideas" and identities to organizing collective movement and back around to thinking. It is a process without ends and a process that shows how to accomplish organizational change in the realm of complexity and chaos." A short video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36617]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Joyce, Nola
2007-09
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Unleashing Our Untapped Domestic Collection is the Key to Prevention
From the thesis abstract: "Human intelligence from informants, criminals, good-Samaritans and cooperative individuals is the key to neutralizing major terrorist plots. The need for domestic intelligence collection in the United States is supported by a review of the national strategies and data collected from statements of Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security officials. Unfortunately, scholarly articles and commentaries point to an inadequate human intelligence program five years after the events of September 11, 2001. This thesis presents a community based exploitation strategy for the expansion of domestic collection through the leveraging of state and local law enforcement, public and private collection. The strategy would take advantage of the significant untapped resources available to state and local law enforcement, public and private entities by encouraging sharing and discouraging hoarding. The technology would do the heavy lifting by sifting through the vast amounts of available information to find the key piece of data. Technology can assist analysts by allowing them to exploit the semantic process of the Global Justice Extensible Markup Language (XML), a computer language. Together, this exploitation strategy and technology will become part of new homeland security doctrine that could unleash the full potential of domestic collection and provide the missing pieces of the intelligence puzzle."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duarte, Nestor
2007-09
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National Imperative to Establish a Domestic Medical Intelligence Center
"The United States does not have a centralized organization tasked with the oversight or implementation of a domestic medical intelligence program. Organizations throughout the nation have adopted a variety of definitions and operating procedures related to medical intelligence; however, they are inconsistent. Additionally, most jurisdictions limit medical intelligence to epidemiological surveillance. This thesis will propose the structure, governmental organization, data sets, and reporting for a domestic medical intelligence center. This center will require close partnership with other federal agencies and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. In addition, this thesis will analyze medical intelligence operations within the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs, the Metropolitan Washington Fusion Center, and the Los Angeles Terrorism Early Warning Group. As this thesis shows, the development of a domestic medical intelligence center, covering a wide range of data sets, will allow for the effective collection, integration, analysis, and dissemination of both tactical and strategic actionable intelligence for federal and SLTT governments and private sector partners. These actions will assist in addressing this significant gap and increasing our nation's level of preparedness thereby improving our nation's response to large scale incidents, both naturally occurring and man-made."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Natarajan, Nitin
2007-09
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Improving the Resiliency of the Natural Gas Supply and Distribution Network
"To accommodate the nation's escalating demand for natural gas, which is expected to increase 700% by 2030, the natural gas industry will likely build several new liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals. The location of these new terminals is an important strategic decision that significantly impacts the resiliency of the nation's natural gas supply and distribution network. Due to public opposition in many communities and shortcomings in the current licensing process, any additional LNG import terminals are apt to be concentrated along the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, this impending concentration will increase the vulnerability and diminish the resiliency of this critical infrastructure. This thesis uses network theory to forecast how the location of new terminals will impact the risk, vulnerability, and resiliency of the natural gas supply and distribution network. To enhance the resiliency and reduce the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure, we argue network analysis methodology should be applied during the terminal siting process. The Federal government must act quickly to facilitate siting of terminals in locations that reduce the vulnerability and improve the resiliency of the natural gas network. Failure to act will squander an unprecedented opportunity to shape and intelligently design this portion of the nation's critical infrastructure."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nadeau, John
2007-03
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Transportation Security Administration's Four Major Security Programs for Mass Transit - How They Can Be Improved to Address the Needs of Tier II Mass Transit Agencies
"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established four major programs for the security of mass transit against terrorism. This thesis examined how these programs can be improved to address the terrorism security needs of the nation's 51 transit agencies in urban areas classified as Tier II. Homegrown terrorism represents a new and changing threat to Tier II regions. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies examined the DHS [Department of Homeland Security] risk analysis methodology. Both identified problems with the risk analysis methodology used for the distribution of TSA's security program resources. This thesis used the interview and policy options methodologies to find ways to improve these security programs. The focus of the study was on high level strategic goals of increasing law enforcement officers, and increasing explosives detection canine teams for Tier II transit agencies. Strategic recommendations for achieving these goals and other tactical considerations are enumerated. These recommendations and considerations will be forwarded to the Transit Police and Security Peer Advisory Group (PAG) that advises the TSA on these types of issues. If the PAG finds them to be of merit, it may choose to present them to the TSA."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Joyce, John P.
2011-03
