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Civil Rights Auditors: Defining Reasonable Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions on First Amendment Activities
From the Thesis Abstract: "Police increasingly encounter citizens who challenge constitutional boundaries between civil rights and police power. These so-called 'civil rights auditors' and 'copwatchers' record government officials with cell phones or body cameras, while baiting or challenging them to cross constitutional lines established by the First Amendment. An officer reacting incorrectly in these encounters can--through action or inaction--create conflict, loss of police legitimacy, or liability for the officers or their agencies. Preliminary examination of auditor activities and current legal and scholarly works leads to the thesis question: What are reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to civil liberties with regard to recording police, government property, and the public? The author conducts a qualitative analysis of 59 auditor videos representing audits around the nation and identifies common tactics and targets among auditors, which provides scenarios for legal analysis and a policy review. This thesis reveals two things. First, auditors are not part of the legal, scholarly, and policy discussions and decision making; and second, through other areas of First Amendment case law, the Supreme Court has developed a framework for First Amendment challenges that directly applies to auditors. The author applies this framework to the 10 locations commonly targeted by auditors."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cummings, Gary
2019-12
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21st Century and No Emancipation in Sight: Is the U.S. Anti-Slavery Framework Adequate?
From the Thesis Abstract: "Modern slavery, commonly referred to as human trafficking, is one of the highest sources of transnational organized criminal revenue generated from private economy slavery and state-imposed forced labor, with the bulk of known profits coming from sex exploitation. Second only to drug trafficking, modern slavery is the source of major global commerce. It also can serve as an open recruitment pool for combatants, brides, and sex slaves by extremist groups. Modern slavery, including child forced labor, is interwoven into the daily lives and routines of Americans. While most U.S. law enforcement and homeland security activity focuses on the traditional sex industry, there are far more victims of forced labor and forced marriage across the globe. The questions researched are: (1) What is the current U.S. counter-slavery framework? (2) Can an economic approach garner effective results? (3) Can models employed by other countries effectively address modern slavery? This thesis explores some of the laws, regulations, policies, and available data to demonstrate that human trafficking is a serious national and homeland security problem. Looking primarily at the commercial, supply chain side of human trafficking, this paper demonstrates that there is more in the realm of modern slavery than the degradation of its victims. Some recommendations are offered to enhance the awareness and enforcement needed to eradicate this heinous crime."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Brown, Marie-Claire
2019-12
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Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems
From the Thesis Abstract: "Since 2015, the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) market has exploded; once an exclusively military domain, it is now also aimed at the private and public sectors. As a consequence, the availability of inexpensive UAS platforms that can be weaponized or outfitted with surveillance equipment has also become an attractive tool to terrorists and criminals. This thesis examines the question, How can local law enforcement protect their communities from UASs operated by careless hobbyists, criminals, and other nefarious actors, such as foreign and domestic terrorists? This thesis assessed the risk UASs pose to public safety, examined counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology currently available, and explored the limitations of C-UAS technology when deployed over urban areas. The thesis found that although the threat UAS platforms pose to urban areas is credible, C-UAS measures are available that local law enforcement can use to mitigate the risk. However, the thesis found that some forms of C-UAS technology have limitations when deployed over urban areas. In conclusion, the thesis recommends that local law enforcement consider UAS threats when conducting jurisdictional risk assessments, explore C-UAS technology and its limitations before procurement and implementation, and develop a C-UAS strategy that ensures measures taken are necessary, effective, and appropriate. The thesis provides a decision matrix to assist local law enforcement in their efforts to develop a C-UAS strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Knight, Jason
2019-12
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Misinformation Contagion: A View Through an Epidemiological Lens
From the Thesis Abstract: "Misinformation and disinformation have increasingly been a focus of public and media scrutiny in recent years. What differentiates past forms of misinformation from present-day are the new tools of information warfare--primarily the internet, and specifically social media platforms--which have effectively weaponized intentional false narratives directed at populations most vulnerable to manipulation. Where there is a lack of diverse populations willing to think critically about important issues, the mass nudging of social and political opinion via misinformation and disinformation both widens societal divides and stimulates action (or sometimes inaction) based on a false narrative. This thesis explores how we can better understand and address the proliferation of misinformation by viewing it through an epidemiological lens. To aid in this examination, the processes of cognitive bias will be explained as they relate to interventional opportunities to prevent contraction and spread, develop immunity, and treat the disease of misinformation. Recommendations focus on building individual and herd immunity to false narratives, reducing the virulence of these messages, and making online environments less conducive to the spread of misinformation. These steps require significant commitment to policies that will be difficult to achieve in a partisan and polarized sociopolitical environment, but they are necessary to support fact-based democratic discourse and decision-making."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fenton, Scott C.
2019-12
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Filtering a New Solution to Federal Emergency Management Through Nanotechnology
From the Thesis Abstract: "Providing clean, safe drinking water in the aftermath of a hurricane is critical for a community's survival. In 2017, Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico, leaving communities without clean, safe drinking water for days, weeks, and in some cases months. The challenges in providing long-term clean, safe drinking water echoed through official government statements and reports, as well as the news media. Recent developments in nanotechnology show great promise as a timely, cost-effective method for providing clean, safe drinking water to impacted communities. These new technologies can to supplement current water allocation programs used by the federal government by drastically reducing the amount of time and money required to provide adequate amounts of water to individuals in affected areas following a damaging hurricane. This thesis analyzes the time, money, and feasibility considerations of adopting nanotechnology-based water filtration into current emergency management. The results show nanotechnology-based water filtration can provide a timely, cost-effective method for providing clean, safe drinking water while meeting the response demands of affected communities. Nanotechnology-based water filtration can be used to drastically alter future emergency management."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Liston, Patrick M.
2019-12
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Looking Beyond the Horizon: Modeling DHS Net Assessment
"This thesis explores the modification of the Department of Defense (DOD) framework and model of net assessment for use by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The DOD uses net assessment to forecast strategically, often decades into the future, to determine where a net advantage or disadvantage exists over its adversaries. The information from such an analysis is then used by the DOD to determine where to best focus its resources in meeting these future adversaries. This thesis utilizes the corollary inputs, analysis, and outputs between DOD and DHS strategic models to visualize a notional framework that can be used to conduct these net assessments for DHS beyond the typical strategic plan timescale. For each DOD input and output, a comparable DHS input and output is selected. An example DHS net assessment is conducted to explore the viability of the model."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Davis, Michael A., Jr.
2020-03
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Home Deferred: The Future Homeland Security Implications of Reverse Dreamers
"A diaspora of U.S.-born minors living in Mexico are falling under the radar of both U.S. and Mexican authorities. Referred to in this thesis as reverse dreamers, many of these minors express interest in repatriating to the United States in the near future, and the U.S. government is severely underprepared for their return. This thesis explores the social, personal, psychological, political, and ethical implications of reverse dreamers and the policies that might mitigate the growing concerns. Using demographic research, signals analysis, fictional narratives, and scenario planning, the thesis outlines the core struggles of the reverse dreamer population during transitions to Mexico and back to the United States. Two fictional narratives imagine the plight of a reverse dreamer, shown first as an eleven-year-old boy and then as an adult. A third narrative depicts an overwhelmed U.S. government with an influx of repatriating reverse dreamers. Based on the research, the thesis presents a set of recommendations for U.S. policymakers, such as the creation of a special consular unit at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico to liaise with reverse dreamers and government authorities from both countries. Moreover, if we can identify reverse dreamers in Mexico and provide them with necessary resources and advocacy, we can help ensure that they return home with the foundation needed to become productive U.S. citizens in the future."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Engle, Kaylee M.
2020-03
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Public Health Planning for Vulnerable Populations and Pandemic Influenza
"This thesis addresses planning for vulnerable populations, those segments of each community that are normally independent but that may require special assistance during a health emergency such as an influenza pandemic. Analysis of plans from sixty of Georgia's 159 counties provides insight into the extent to which vulnerable populations are defined and identified; relevant agencies are engaged in planning; and opportunities are identified for improvement. Recommended strategies will enable local jurisdictions to more effectively plan for vulnerable populations. Some strategies have now been implemented and others are in progress."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cameron, Wendy K.
2008-12
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Diffusion of DNA Testing in the Immigration Process
From the thesis abstract: "DHS's Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is responsible for screening potential immigrants to the United States. Loopholes in the process allow fraudulent applicants, criminals and terrorists to enter and remain here undetected. Innovative DNA screening technology would help to protect against fraud, detect criminals and terrorists, facilitate inter-agency information sharing, improve customer service, and save resources. However, USCIS currently has no authority to require DNA testing. Seeking ways to utilize this technology, I conducted research employing various qualitative data collection methodologies, such as interviews, observations, and participation in a nationwide DHS-sponsored survey. The goal was to develop a policy recommendation regarding whether and how to move forward toward expanded DNA testing in the immigration process. I found that maintaining the status quo would leave us vulnerable. USCIS should highlight the benefits of DNA testing to its stakeholders and dispel any myths and fears. It should work with its national and international partners to establish standards and achieve interoperability. To protect privacy, USCIS must take great care to safeguard all personal information stored in the DNA database. A pilot testing program may offer the opportunity to implement DNA testing in phases, and to test, evaluate, and adjust the process where necessary."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sahli, Evelyn
2009-12
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Assessment of the New York State Enhanced Security Guard Training Legislation and its Efficacy on Security Officer Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis analyzes the results of a survey instrument administered to a random sample of New York City security officers in order to understand the relationship between job training and turnover and, in turn, the effect of high turnover on the preparedness and effectiveness of that population in performing its duties. Replicating a 2004 survey sponsored by the New York City Public Advocate Office, which exposed poor training and rampant turnover among security guards and resulted in the August 2005 New York State Enhanced Security Guard Training legislation, this thesis seeks to determine changes in and correlations among those phenomena by employing bivariate analysis, independent t-test, and Cronbach's Alpha methods. The data analysis reveals correlations between employment conditions--including training and advancement opportunities--and retention, and thus contributes to the discourse surrounding the role of private-sector and nonsworn personnel in the Homeland Security Enterprise."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Scollan, Thomas J.
2011-12
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Can Local Police and Sheriff's Departments Provide a Higher Degree of Homeland Security Coordination and Collaboration through Consolidation of Police Services?
"Police consolidation is examined in this thesis because it fits with the homeland security mission of integrating and coordinating intelligence information, standardizing policies, procedures, and training, leveraging police resources in combating terrorism, while working to create a uniform response system to major police incidents. Though this thesis has a special focus on San Mateo County, California, the makeup of the San Mateo County system of small jurisdictional policing within specific boundaries is replicated throughout the United States. The claim of this thesis is in order to provide integrated homeland security protection to communities, cities must abandon decentralization for consolidated policing. This thesis will use a comparative case study model and policy options analysis to examine the benefits of police consolidation. The overarching theme is this country continues to face challenging threats against determined terrorist and local police agencies have an obligation to become an integral part of the homeland security mission. To fulfill that obligation, cities must explore abandoning the current fragmented system of policing for a system that promotes coordination of intelligence, uniformity of policy and procedures, standardization of training, comprehensive prevention plans and unified response procedures that address the unique challenges facing police in the twenty-first century."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Callagy, Michael P.
2010-09
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Enhancing National Security by Strengthening the Legal Immigration System
"One of the biggest challenges the U.S. contends with is how foreign nationals are using the legal immigration system to embed themselves in the country. While not every person who commits immigration fraud is a terrorist, those who intend to do this country harm will likely engage in some form of immigration fraud or seek to evade immigration laws in order to gain admission into or remain in this country in an immigration status. Since the September 11, 2001 attacks, the reality that foreign terrorists seek to exploit loopholes in the international travel system to facilitate the planning and implementation of attacks has become clearer. This thesis explores the interconnected relationship between immigration and terrorism. It will illustrate how border security can be strengthened if terrorists' access to immigration benefits is denied. In order to ascertain how terrorist have been able to successfully manipulate the immigration system and avoid detection, this study analyzes the immigration histories of terrorists involved in four case studies. This analysis shows that rather than focus on one benefit category or manner of entry, terrorists will utilize all means available in order to gain admission into or remain in the country. The recommendations provided based on this analysis focus on all facets of the immigration system and apply a holistic approach to immigration reform."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lee, Danielle
2009-12
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Value of Doctrine for a Developing Organization
"Border security has become an increasingly public topic since the events of September 11, 2001. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is one of the Department of Homeland Security's largest and most complex components, with a priority mission of keeping terrorists and their weapons out of the United States (U.S.). It also has a responsibility for securing and facilitating trade and travel while enforcing hundreds of U.S. regulations, including immigration and drug laws. When CBP was created, the majority of the existing organization came from two legacy agencies, U.S. Customs and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. CBP continues today, six years after this merger, to have difficulty synergizing its activities. Research has shown that policies have not been amalgamated, strategies are not aligned and missions are not yet integrated. There is evidence to suggest that CBP has a great deal of improvement to make before achieving synergy. This thesis argues that doctrine development would be of great value to the organization, but CBP must first become a learning organization, which includes much more than just doctrine."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Scudder, Kathleen A.
2009-12
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Whistleblowing in a Wikileaks World: A Model for Responsible Disclosure in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Whistleblowing serves as a check/balance system to the government bureaucracy, helping to bypass administrative roadblocks and to provide a mechanism through which homeland security can monitor and increase efficiency in its operations. However, homeland security also deals with information that can be of a sensitive or secret nature, the unauthorized disclosure of which can cause damage to both homeland security efforts and national security. The current process for the authorized submission of whistleblowing information fails to provide whistleblowers the protections they require, instead encouraging whistleblowers to disclose information to the media or through stateless news organizations like Wikileaks to prevent reprisals. The technological capability to provide whistleblowers protections through anonymity currently exists, and has been demonstrated to be effective. By leveraging those technologies and setting up an authorized process for responsible disclosure, through which homeland security employees can submit whistleblowing information without fear of reprisals, it may increase the likelihood of whistleblowers reporting issues in the first place, and reduce the number of leaks to unauthorized recipients (media/stateless news organizations)."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bernard, Gregory M.
2012-03
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Composite Artistry Meets Facial Recognition Technology: Exploring the Use of Facial Recognition Technology To Identify Composite Images
From the thesis abstract: "Forensic art has been used for decades as a tool for law enforcement. When crime witnesses can provide a suspect description, an artist can create a composite drawing in hopes that a member of the public will recognize the subject. In cases where a suspect is captured on film, that photograph can be submitted into a facial recognition program for comparison with millions of possible matches, offering abundant opportunities to identify the suspect. Because composite images are reliant on a chance opportunity for a member of the public to see and recognize the subject depicted, they are unable to leverage the robust number of comparative opportunities associated with facial recognition programs. This research investigates the efficacy of combining composite forensic artistry with facial recognition technology to create a viable investigative tool to identify suspects, as well as better informing artists and program creators on how to improve the success of merging these technologies. This research ultimately reveals that while facial recognition programs can recognize composite renderings, they cannot achieve a level of accuracy that is useful to investigators. It also suggests opportunities to better design facial recognition programs to be more successful in the identification of composite images."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Montgomery, Tracy L.
2011-09
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Federal-Tribal Government Collaboration in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Each day, more than fifteen hundred illegal immigrants enter the United States through the tribal lands of the Tohono O'odham Nation, and more than twenty-five other tribes have land on or near the international borders or shorelines of the United States. Beyond borders, tribal lands cover fifty-six million acres of trust lands that include a wide variety of national critical infrastructure, that often provide the backbone of non-tribal regional infrastructure. Although federal-tribal relationships have long been rooted in a unique relationship defined by the sovereignty of each government, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 defines tribal governments as local governments. The shift virtually ignores decades of treaties and U.S. Supreme Court rulings that established the special relationship between tribes and the federal government. Despite the recent addition of the word 'tribal' to many Department of Homeland Security documents, this action fails to outline the mechanisms for collaboration with tribal governments in homeland security programs that adequately reflect and build upon the sovereign status of tribal governments. This research reviews aspects of social trust required for collaboration, explores successful federal-tribal collaboration efforts, and suggests legislative and policy changes that may provide mechanisms necessary for effective federal-tribal collaboration in homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kueny, Monica
2007-09
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Violent Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations in Texas: Political Discourse and an Argument for Reality
From the thesis abstract: "In 2006, Mexico President Felipe Calderon, with U.S. assistance, launched a military campaign to combat Violent Mexican Transnational Criminal Organizations in attempt to disrupt the growing violence throughout Mexico. The result has been an uncontrollable drug war that has claimed more lives within Mexico than the U.S. campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq combined. From the U.S. perspective, the threat of spillover violence emanating from Mexico is a wicked problem and one that polarizes the political discourse. Conflicting opinions about the meaning of spillover violence has driven misrepresentation of events and evidence that fuel the political narrative. Therefore, no metric for analysis can be put in place to accurately document and monitor the threat to the U.S. homeland. The term spillover violence, instead, has become the focal point. This research seeks to find a broader framework outside of political agendas that provides analysis in a systematic manner rather than focusing on semantics. This research identifies gaps in the understanding of how spillover violence is defined and captured within the current construct; examines current criminal metrics used to classify and report violent crime statistics; and evaluates the scope of Texas border operations dedicated toward violent crime crossing the Southwestern border."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rush, Mathew C.
2012-09
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Civil Restitution as an Objective of Department of Homeland Security Mission 3
From the thesis abstract: "Rates of illegal immigration recidivism by previously convicted and removed noncitizens--criminal immigration recidivists--are disconcerting. Enforcement strategies such as prosecution and removals do not appear to prevent and deter this population's reoffending behavior as much as expected. Meanwhile, resources are continually strained--at the taxpayers' expense--due to re-enforcement of immigration, criminal, and other laws. As a result, this thesis argues in favor of introducing civil restitution (CR) as an enforcement strategy against criminal immigration recidivism. In support of this argument, the author employed a hybrid experimental and causal design methodology to research the history of restitution as an alternative sanction in the criminal justice system. The feasibility of developing a strategy against criminal immigration recidivism modeled after restitution's theoretical underpinnings was explored and tested. The CR strategy borrows from restitution's focus on holding offenders accountable for the financial losses their offenses have caused to their victims, and, as per the research findings, its potential to lower recidivism rates, thereby reducing the costs of re-enforcing or reinitiating the removal process at the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) expense. The thesis concludes by recommending the implementation of a CR policy model strategy. The strategy will become part of the DHS Mission 3's 'prevention of unlawful immigration' goals and objectives."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Calcaño, Niurka Y.
2014-06
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Being Social: Integrating Social Media into Public Information Support to Emergency Response #smem
From the thesis abstract: "Emergency response agencies across the homeland security spectrum rely on their public information offices to leverage social media in support of citizens and response organizations during times of disaster. Do these public information practitioners have the guidance and tools necessary to represent their organizations effectively in times of emergency? To answer this question, this thesis reviews social media policies at the local, state, federal and international emergency response agency levels, specifically looking at guidance provided for crisis communications social media use during and after a disaster. Case studies on the how social media are used during and after a disaster are studied from the various perspectives. Finally, this research examines additional considerations for social media and emergency response. The policy review and case studies find a disparity between what is expected of our emergency response agency communicators and the guidance provided to them to meet the needs of our citizens and organizations in a time of disaster. This gap between policy and action leaves room for miscommunication and inconsistencies that must be addressed. This thesis concludes with research analysis, addressing that information gap and provides a policy template for normal conditions and emergency response events."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Spicer, Tamara L.
2013-03
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Twituational Awareness: Gaining Situational Awareness Via Crowdsourced #Disaster Epidemiology
From the thesis abstract: "Public health and other agencies need situational awareness to respond effectively to disasters or other incidents. Traditional means of obtaining this information require significant time and personnel. Social media is becoming increasingly popular among American citizens, and research is demonstrating that it may be a useful tool for bolstering information about unfolding events. This research analyzed the potential of the microblogging service Twitter in providing situational awareness. Tweets from a major snowstorm affecting the state of Massachusetts were collected, coded for content, and compared to traditional public health methods. The results indicate that Twitter can provide a rich source of data for responding agencies. Still, the immense volume of conversations makes extracting useful information in a timely manner a significant challenge. Practical approaches uncovered during this research can help agencies with nascent social media surveillance programs begin to unearth the valuable information that Twitter contains. Collaboration with information technology experts could allow public health and other responding agencies to create even greater value from social meechdia platforms."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cain, Daniel T.
2013-09
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Arizona Border Wall Case Study
From the thesis abstract: "Illegal immigration is a popular topic. Obtaining operational control of the southwest border and adding infrastructure was deemed necessary and important when Congress voted for the Secure Fence Act in 2006. This thesis determines how much, and where, additional infrastructure should be added. How effective can a border wall or fence be in securing the U.S.-Mexico border? Under what circumstances are walls and fences effective? When are other types of security measures more effective? The Yuma and Tucson sectors are examined to determine the current border infrastructure's effectiveness using arrest and geographical data. Current border infrastructure, the complete wall system's cost, and results realized in reducing illegal crossings are reviewed. Government documents, congressional testimonies, and think-tank analyses are analyzed. This thesis focused on barriers and tactical infrastructure on the southwest border. It found that a wall or fence is a viable option to improve the security of some border sections. The Yuma sector is already under operational control and is lower priority. The Tucson sector is higher priority and needs additional infrastructure. It is recommended that all urban and rural zones under 80 percent effectiveness be upgraded to modern fencing, while very remote areas below 80 percent effectiveness remain exempt if zone activity stays low."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bristow, Justin Alexander
2017-12
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Weapons of Mass Distraction: Strategies for Countering the Paper Terrorism of Sovereign Citizens
From the thesis abstract: "Sovereign citizens and other anti-government groups affect the judicial system through a tactic known as 'paper terrorism,' clogging the courts with nonsensical, voluminous filings, phony lawsuits, and false liens against public officials as a form of harassment and intimidation. This behavior is sometimes a precursor to violence. As such, this thesis examines legislative measures in various jurisdictions to thwart paper terrorism, particularly directed against the courts and judicial officials. An exploration of the origins of the movement's history, tactics, violent tendencies, and ideology provides an understanding of the mindset behind this behavior, which, in turn, informs recommendations for prevention and deterrence. Comparative analysis of available policy solutions endeavors to validate this hypothesis. The analysis targets five states for further study. A survey of court professionals provides insight into the depth of the problem and effectiveness of solutions. The findings of this project suggest that no single solution is completely effective; still, this research concludes with recommendations for multiple levels of legislation and administrative procedures."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
March-Safbom, Terri A.
2018-03
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U.S. Refugee Policy in the Era of Homeland Security: A Comparative Government Analysis
From the thesis abstract: "U.S. immigration and refugee policy reform has stalled due to competing national narratives. Claims that refugees harm the U.S. economy and national security are in direct conflict with the country's historical national identity and values, and this is apparent in the public discourse. This thesis explores the validity of these claims and provides a comparative analysis with Canada and Germany, both of which are democratic Western societies facing similar issues. It answers the question of what U.S. policy makers can learn from the refugee policies of Canada and Germany and makes 11 recommendations for the United States based on this analysis. This thesis finds the claims that refugees negatively impact a country's economy and national security in the United States, Canada, and Germany to be unfounded. Basing U.S. refugee policy on unfounded claims harms U.S. standing and credibility in the international community as well as deprives it of the economic and safety benefits of admitting and properly integrating refugees into U.S. society."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Kuczera, Reiss
2017-12
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Humans, Intelligent Technology, and Their Interface: A Study of Brown's Point
From the thesis abstract: "The integration of self-driving vehicles introduces a unique and unprecedented human-machine interface that brings promise and peril. Several socially constructed theories try to explain this human-intelligent machine interface and predict how the future will look. This thesis offers a counter-narrative called Brown's Point that suggests an alternative way of thinking about this relationship. The first Autopilot fatality offers a window into the human considerations needing attention as these intelligent machines, such as self-driving vehicles, combine with humans. How can the human-machine interface be optimized to ensure it offers the most benefit and safety for humanity? This thesis investigated the causal variables that led to the first Autopilot fatality by using Joshua Brown's interface with the technology before and during the accident. I combined the findings from the accident investigation with various heuristics regarding the human-machine interface, theories from cognitive psychology, and sociological constructs to determine how Brown came to trust a machine he knew was fallible."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
White, Jackie L. J.
2017-12
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Case for State and Local Integration of the Separate Federal Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis provides an overview and policy options analysis of offsite radiological emergency preparedness and response protocols for commercial nuclear power plants. This program is developed by the federal government and implemented by state and local government emergency management as the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP). The capabilities built under the separate REPP, if integrated within the wider emergency preparedness enterprise, could be properly accounted for and included in a community-wide assessment of its aggregate capabilities within its existing all-hazards program. The research question for this thesis addresses which benefits, shortfalls, and challenges emerge from the integration of the hazard-specific emergency preparedness and response program established under REPP with the all-hazards core capabilities and the National Preparedness System doctrine. The research design utilizes a logic model framework to facilitate the process of evaluating different policy options and approaches to an emergency preparedness and response program for nuclear power plants in the United States. The conclusion of the research is to augment the existing REPP protocol with a robust means to measure capability and performance, which is modeled as a policy proposal to use an oversight framework and measurable site-specific performance indicators tied to probabilistic risk assessment."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Heckard, Matthew K.
2019-12
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Nuclear Deterrence and North Korea―Dissuasion or Persuasion?
From the Thesis Abstract: "The threat of nuclear war has been a possibility since the first atomic device was invented during World War II. From the end of World War II through the Cold War period, the greatest risk of nuclear proliferation was between the main superpowers at the time, the United States and the Soviet Union. U.S. nuclear deterrence doctrine promised mutually assured destruction (MAD): if the Soviets were to launch a nuclear missile at the United States, the United States would retaliate in such a way to ensure the annihilation of the Soviet Union. The global economic, social, and political environment has changed since the end of the Cold War; however, the threat of atomic warfare still exists with the emergence of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea as a nuclear threat. This thesis explores the question of whether the doctrine developed during the Cold War is still valid: Is the U.S. nuclear strategy sufficient to deter North Korea from attacking the United States and its allies in the East Asian region? In formulating an answer to the question, the author analyzed the motivations, perceptions, and intentions of North Korea's regime from the country's formation to present day. While it is clear that the original Cold War MAD doctrine will not work for North Korea, it is recommended that the right combination of MAD elements, conventional forces, UN sanctions, and negotiations will provide a chance for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to become a reality."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Vaughn, Steve
2019-12
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Engaging Children and Youth, Via K-12 School Curricula, to Build a Culture of Disaster Preparedness
From the Thesis Abstract: "Despite the impacts of natural disasters increasing across the United States, a significant percentage of Americans remain unprepared for disasters. Children and youth are disproportionally impacted by these events, but they also have the potential to be major assets in disaster preparedness. This thesis analyzes how to engage children and youth to facilitate behavioral change and build a culture of disaster preparedness. A comparative analysis of primary and secondary school curricula for disaster preparedness content, including case studies from the United States, France, and New Zealand, establishes a set of evaluation criteria, including curriculum scope; engaged learning; parental, school, and community involvement; and effective evaluation. This thesis finds that the United States could improve and expand existing curricula, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Student Tools for Emergency Planning program, and work to integrate disaster preparedness curricula into existing school safety and mandatory public health curriculum requirements. By reaching children and youth with disaster preparedness information, the United States can work to shift values and social norms around the topic, similar to past successes seen with such issues as anti-smoking and seatbelt enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hayward, Kimberly A.
2019-12
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Optimize or Die: Dynamic and Innovative Deployment Models for Fire Departments
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis analyzes current fire department practices and explores how resource deployments can be modified by innovation and optimization to result in improved services to customers. Alternative response vehicles, mobile integrated healthcare, technology adoption, accreditation, and leveraging data for policy analysis are five opportunities examined in this thesis with data used from 10 fire departments, including Dayton Fire Department. The findings show that implementing alternative vehicles for responding to medical emergencies, leveraging technology, and using data for policy implementation to adopt a mobile integrated healthcare program may decrease the cost of providing services and improve response times to meet national standards. These findings may be beneficial to fire departments across the country that are experiencing budget reductions coupled with increased demand for services."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McCoy, Tyler B.
2019-12
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Lived and Remembered Experiences: Policing to Improve Relations with Communities of Color
From the Thesis Abstract: "Critical race theory (CRT) contends that U.S. structures and institutions have created a society in which White superiority and Black subjugation are widespread. Law enforcement--far from supporting justice--has been a primary source of oppression and marginalization of Black people. Drawing on CRT, this thesis examines the U.S. history of policing and its role in enforcing racism through policing practices. A CRT lens shows how the racialized policing of the past persists in contemporary policing. This perspective suggests that Black individuals experience trauma through encounters with the police, and the history and contemporary reality of racialized policing erode trust between the police and Black people. This thesis argues that if police officers were trained to understand the history of racialized policing and the brutality it has waged against Blacks--and the ways current policing implicitly mimic the explicit racist practices of the past--then policing could change for the better. Following the recommendations of the 21st Century Policing report, this thesis suggests that police officers need to develop 'critical empathy,' an educated, empathic awareness of the history of racialized policing and the trauma it produces, if police are to become guardians of individuals and communities of color."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Elow, Christine A.
2019-12
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Introducing Artificial Intelligence into the United States Law Enforcement Community: Learning from Foreign Law Enforcement Agencies
From the Thesis Abstract: "This research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be successfully incorporated into a U.S. law enforcement agency by focusing on AI's challenges and limitations. Some of those challenges include a lack of current information about AI in this setting, particularly in the United States, and legal considerations. This thesis examines how the Dubai Police have implemented AI, compares U.S. law enforcement approaches to AI with those of foreign agencies, and ultimately creates a model framework that law enforcement agencies in the United States can use to incorporate AI into their practices."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lalley, Ana Z.
2019-12
