Advanced search Help
Publisher is Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Clear all search criteria
Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).
-
Measuring Disaster Preparedness of Local Emergency Medical Services Agencies
From the thesis abstract: "Emergency Medical Services (EMS) plays a key role in disaster response. Yet, determining how much preparedness is enough to achieve an acceptable level of preparedness is challenging. After conducting an extensive literature review, it is evident no nationally accepted method exists to evaluate an EMS system's level of disaster preparedness systematically. Research was conducted to define the skills and equipment that local emergency medical services agencies (LEMSA) or a similar entity needs to perform strategic disaster response duties and identify performance indicators for measuring preparedness. Using an appreciative inquiry approach, surveys and interviews of EMS personnel from across the nation were conducted. Interview questions focused on the positive aspects of each response with an effort to understand what might be possible in future events. Research subjects had first-hand experience in managing the EMS response during a disaster. Multiple types and sizes of events were studied. A framework for defining minimum standards for adequate disaster preparedness for LEMSAs is constructed, including core EMS disaster response roles; essential competencies; skills needed to perform the core roles; and tools or equipment used for core roles. Training strategies for developing experience, competencies, and skills are identified, and metrics listed for measuring the level of preparedness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Elliott, Ross W.
2010-09
-
Collaboration in the San Francisco Bay Area Metropolitan Medical Response System
"Within the San Francisco Bay Area there are four cities that host a Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS) program: San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Fremont. The four Bay Area MMRS cities are within fifty miles of each other. The MMRS resources could be used to reinforce each other's planning and response. The 103-city, 10- county Bay Area is under one Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). Currently though, the MMRS programs in the four cities work independently of each other and of the UASI. How can these agencies collaborate to address mission gaps and overlaps? This thesis uses a Delphi survey methodology to ascertain institutional perspectives on benefits, processes, enablers and barriers to collaboration in the San Francisco Bay Area. With collaborative effort, gaps and overlaps in San Francisco Bay Area mass casualty preparedness and response can be mitigated. This thesis recommends short term and long term actions to encourage collaboration in the Bay Area, which, in turn, can lead to better patient outcomes in infrequent mass casualty incidents."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Martin, Bruce K.
2010-09
-
Developing a Resilient Green Cellular Network
From the thesis abstract: "As technology drives society to a ubiquitously wireless world, the paradox of mobile wireless network accessibility versus resilience is disturbingly trending in opposite directions. The demand for cellular networks with greater capacity and bandwidth appears to be the primary factor in expanding coverage nationwide, with resilience becoming a secondary thought. It is expected that resilient systems will be able to withstand shocks and stresses from critical incidents and still be able to function as intentionally designed. However, the fragility of cellular networks affected by recent disasters within the last ten years has demonstrated otherwise. The purpose of this research is to direct attention to the importance of cellular base station functionality during power outages and illustrate how these assets require modification to provide critical communications for the public to summon aid, and first responders to coordinate response efforts. Prior research offers strategies to implement post-disaster remediation supplanting failed localized communication infrastructure. This mitigating strategy requires substantial time, labor, and planning to deploy that subsequently detracts from conducting immediate response and recovery. This research is intended to propose a path forward for resiliency in U.S. mobile cellular networks using renewable/alternative energy outlined in India's National Telecom Policy for 2012."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sankerdial, Roger
2013-12
-
Alternate Care Sites for the Management of Medical Surge in Disasters
From the thesis abstract: "This research compares federal and state approaches to managing disaster medical surge. The comparison identifies the varieties of regulations, assets and response methods available for federal and state responses to mass casualty incidents from which local communities can develop plans and acquire resources to create a seamless disaster medical care system. Following a disaster, survivors self-evacuate or are transported by EMS [Emergency Medical Services] to a nearby hospital. Arrival of disaster survivors, combined with an often high daily number of non-disaster patients leaves the facility overwhelmed both in terms of medical resources and personnel. The lack of local resources to manage the incident may require state and federal assets to be deployed. The time it takes for the additional resources to arrive from outside the area leaves the facility unable to respond effectively for hours and even days. A whole community approach to medical surge management organized by a collaborative regional healthcare coalition may provide a solution. Such a coalition can engage stakeholders to assess and manage resources (space, staff, and stuff) and develop surge response plans that will integrate with state and federal resources when needed. Seamless coordination will minimize the complexities of medical surge needs and lead to doing the best for the most."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stewart, Gail A.
2013-12
-
Increased Anti-Money Laundering Banking Regulations and Terrorism Prosecutions
From the thesis abstract: "After 9/11, anti-money laundering banking regulations were increased to counter terrorism finance. This study attempts to identify whether increasing banking regulations has countered terrorism finance by reviewing terrorism prosecutions. This study looked at federal terrorism prosecutions from January 2004 through April 2009. The study reviewed court documents and case backgrounds for indicators that anti-money laundering banking regulations were useful to the terrorism prosecution by either detecting terrorism financing or by supporting other charges, such as money laundering. The study did not find that banking regulations detected terrorist financing. The avoidance of banking regulations was used to support money laundering charges in two cases; however, pre-9/11 regulations would have sufficed. The study found that increasing anti-money laundering banking regulations had limited effects on countering terrorism financing. How anti-money laundering banking regulations are implemented within a counterterrorism finance regime should be reevaluated."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kao, Albert L.
2013-03
-
Denying the Dangerous: Preventing Firearms from Entering the Hands of the Dangerously Mentally Ill
From the thesis abstract: "Mass shootings in the United States tend to be succeeded by a period of great public attention to gun control laws. Often of particular concern is the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), which is promulgated by law to prevent statutorily defined individuals, including the dangerously mentally ill, from obtaining firearms. This thesis analyzed the NICS, particularly its ability or inability to prevent firearm access to the mentally ill. The examination looked at three criteria: (1) the weaknesses in the NICS that inhibit its ability in preventing the dangerously mentally ill from obtaining firearms, (2) how consistently applicable records are submitted to the NICS from the individual states, and (3) the proposed recommendations to change and create a more efficient NICS. Specific high-profile mass shootings in the United States were reviewed to illustrate legislative response to those shootings and the changes to the NICS, if any, that followed them. The goal was to identify any immediate deficiencies in the NICS and determine any corrective actions necessary to enhance it to produce a more reliable system. This research should serve as a roadmap for committees or individuals tasked with gun control legislation in the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bonk, David M.
2014-12
-
Purposefully Manufactured Vulnerabilities in U.S. Government Technology Microchips: Risks and Homeland Security Implications
From the thesis abstract: "Government at all levels, industry, military and critical infrastructure, may be at risk due to purposeful manipulation of micro-processing chips during the manufacturing process. Many microchips intentionally provide remote access to allow for monitoring and updating firmware. However, a remote access capability also introduces a vulnerability, which allows others to potentially take control of a system and shut it down remotely, spy, or remove data. If this is in fact occurring, the implications to the national and homeland security could be significant. It does not appear that there are currently policies and processes to identify purposefully manufactured vulnerable micro processing chips. Should it be determined that vulnerabilities do in fact exist, a federal government-led effort is needed to identify the entities producing these chips; to assess possible intentions of these actors; inventory hardware that is in use, which may have been compromised; and, finally, to pursue the development of a remediation strategy. Additionally, the current supply chain process will have to be re-examined to mitigate current and future concerns. Therefore, in 2012, the Government Accounting Office recommended that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) create and implement a cyber security supply chain vulnerability policy. This policy will assist the federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector entities, to develop guidelines for procurement and policy decisions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Perera, George
2012-12
-
Interoperable Communications Systems: Governance and Risk
"This thesis explores how shared governance mitigates risk related to multi-agency, multi-discipline interoperable radio communications projects. Case study research focused on two California counties, Marin and Monterey, to discover how shared governance emerged to mitigate financial, managerial and discipline risk. The significance of this research identifies the elements of shared governance that can lead to the successful implementation of interoperable radio communications projects. Findings indicate that shared governance emerges over time and is influenced by existing professional relationships. Metaleaders are individuals take the sum of their professional experience (roles) and use that experience to facilitate shared need and common understanding between all participants. Finally, public safety tradition and culture will impact the development of shared governance solutions and can inhibit or facilitate shared governance solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Aspland, Michael J.
2009-12
-
Improving Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in the United States Through Improved and Centralized Federal Coordination
"Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is an important discipline in the arena of first responders. Unlike other first response disciplines, EMS does not have strong representation at the federal level. This thesis argues that representation is necessary and identifies the federal agency in which it should reside. Current federal agencies that have a role in EMS are evaluated. These agencies include the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and Health and Human Services. These agencies are evaluated to determine where the federal oversight for EMS should be placed. Existing overlaps are shown. EMS strategy needs are conveyed by examining the components of interest-based strategy and identifying EMS as a megacommunity. The application of megacommunity components identifies what needs to be eliminated and reduced combined with what issues need to be raised and how this will create a stronger network for EMS support for both everyday needs and in times of national disaster. The recommendation is made that the federal oversight of EMS be a newly created office of United States EMS Administration (USEMSA) within the Department of Health and Human Services. The recommendation includes what should be considered in forming the USEMSA."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mims, Leeanna
2011-03
-
Recommendation for a National Standard for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care and Israeli Hospital Trauma Protocols in the United States
From the thesis abstract: "This research asks the following question: Why are tactical emergency casualty care (TECC) rescue task force (RTF) and Israeli hospital trauma programs the best approaches to addressing the current gaps and weaknesses in trauma management in the United States in the context of terrorist attacks and/or active shooter incidents? The purpose of this thesis is to ascertain why existing tactical emergency medical service protocols in most public safety jurisdictions are deficient and to analyze which types of resources jurisdictions need in order to ensure that they have optimal programs in place for mass casualty incident response. Active shooter and terrorist attacks have been on the rise since the 1990s. This thesis found that most public safety organizations in the United States are unprepared to provide emergency medical services during these incidents. Provision of tactical emergency medical services in hostile environments require that emergency medical services personnel train and deploy using TECC RTF guidelines and the Israeli hospital paradigm. This thesis recommends the implementation of a national standard to ensure that these programs are instituted in jurisdictions across the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Kierstead, Robert L.
2015-06
-
Getting the Message Across: An Analysis of Foodborne Outbreak Communications Between Federal, State, and Local Health Agencies
From the thesis abstract: "To assure coordination of emergency response across multiple areas of responsibility, clear methods of communication between public health agencies need to be defined before responding to foodborne outbreaks. Such capacity is essential to assure the United States can satisfy its goal of achieving an Integrated Food Safety System, as mandated under the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act. With this in mind, a comparative analysis was conducted of 21 states' general operating procedures to ascertain lines and modes of communication related to foodborne outbreaks, evaluate for procedural commonalities and best practices, identify potential barriers to effective communication, and make recommendations to enhance multi-directional coordinated information exchanges among health agencies. The analysis identified that while all states included recognize the value of a prompt response in disease identification, investigation and control, coordinated communication strategies within and between affected public health agencies is less robust. Many protocols are vague in establishing parameters for what information can be shared with other agencies, and under which circumstances. A multitude of electronic portals exist for collaborative purposes; however, these resources are not centralized. Recommendations for systemic improvement include expanding the current food protection rapid-response teams to all 50 states, assuring that formalized inter- and intra-agency communication plans exist in every outbreak response protocol, assuring the Incident Command System is explicitly stipulated in every regulatory outbreak response plan, and establishing funding opportunities for county and local health agencies related to communication training and system enhancements for collaborations in the midst of an outbreak."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Samarya-Timm, Michele
2016-06
-
Terrorism-Related Loss of Citizenship - A Policy Review
From the thesis abstract: "Since September 11, 2001, a collection of bills have been submitted to Congress proposing to amend section 349 of the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide that an individual may lose United States citizenship for joining a terrorist organization, or engaging in or supporting terrorism. Although several of our allies, including the U.K., Australia, and France, have considered and in some instances passed similar legislation during the same period, Congress has not given these proposals serious consideration. This thesis provides a policy analysis, assessing the viability of terrorism-related loss of citizenship under U.S. law. Following a review of the history of acquisition and loss of citizenship in the United States, including key laws and precedent decisions, and a comparative analysis of legislation considered and either passed or rejected by the U.K., Australia, and France, it provides a critical review of terrorism-related loss of citizenship bills submitted to Congress since 9/11. This thesis demonstrates that viable terrorism-related loss of citizenship legislation may be possible, but that bills submitted to date have been largely symbolic, rather than serious, efforts. This thesis provides drafting recommendations to legislators, but raises questions about the practical utility and necessity of such laws."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Martin, James H.
2016-09
-
Next Generation 9-1-1: Policy Implications of Incident Related Imagery on the Public Safety Answering Point
From the thesis abstract: "Fully implemented, Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) will dramatically change the way in which 9-1-1 calls are processed in the United States. While the NG9-1-1 initiative is expected to introduce a variety of new features and functionality to the public safety answering point, this thesis examines the operational impact of a single capability of the program. That capability, hereafter referred to as Incident Related Imagery (IRI), will allow 9-1-1 callers to send still images, pre-recorded video, and streaming media directly to a 9-1-1 telecommunicator via a variety of mediums. The study analyzes existing 9-1-1 operational practices; provides a baseline understanding of the Next Generation 9-1-1 initiative, and makes the case for preparation and early adoption of the technology. Further, it explores how the viewing of graphic or objectionable material by 9-1-1 personnel likely exposes these professionals to greater levels of stress and vicarious trauma, and analyzes the importance of stress mitigation and treatment methods prior to and following IRI exposure. Finally, this thesis investigates existing communications center hiring and training practices, and evaluates their effectiveness in a post-NG9-1-1 setting."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
DeMar, D. Jeremy
2017-03
-
Recycled Bricks: Exploring Opportunities to Reintegrate Returning American Foreign Fighters Using Existing Models
From the thesis abstract: "Foreign fighters have been engaged in conflicts for hundreds of years, but the sheer number of foreign fighters who travel to Iraq and Syria during the last five years is unprecedented. The United States is not sure what to do with American ex-foreign fighters who leave their group and want to return to the States and peacefully reintegrate back into society, since currently there is no reintegration program for ex-foreign fighters. This thesis explores how the United States can develop an ex-foreign fighter reintegration strategy using existing, analogous models. This study identifies two groups that possess similar characteristics to foreign fighters: U.S. street gangs and the U.S. military. Utilizing the conceptual frameworks of street gangs and the military, the conceptual life-cycle of foreign fighters is detailed to ascertain the practicality of developing a foreign-fighter reintegration program utilizing the existing reintegration programs of street gangs and the military. Based on the findings that foreign fighters, street gang members, and formerly deployed service members are very similar, I recommend the development of a multidisciplinary reintegration program for retuning [sic] ex-foreign fighters using specific aspects of each previously referenced reintegration program."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Scott, Edward Francis, III
2016-12
-
Moral Hazard: How the National Flood Insurance Program is Limiting Risk Reduction
From the thesis abstract: "Moral hazard occurs when people do not assume the full risk of an action or decision; they are not inclined to make a fully responsible or moral choice. Over the course of the last half-century, federal government involvement in providing disaster assistance has greatly expanded. With this expansion, many believe that in providing disaster assistance, the federal involvement limits risk reduction and contributes to the rise of a moral hazard. Flooding and flood-related hazards are the most prominent and significant hazards in the United States, accounting for the highest percentage of major disaster declarations and direct economic losses. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) aims to reduce the impact of flooding through hazard identification and risk assessment, floodplain management, and flood insurance. A study of the NFIP concludes that aspects of the program limit risk reduction, specifically the continued coverage of repetitive loss properties and use of subsidies to desensitize risk. Furthermore, the long-term sustainment and resilience of the program are compromised by failures of policymakers to adjust for catastrophic losses. Identification of these issues provides a framework for consideration of the unintended consequences of federal government involvement in providing disaster assistance."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Starbuck, Kevin T.
2016-12
-
Challenges to Gender Integration in the Career Fire Services: A Comparative Case Study of Men in Nursing
From the thesis abstract: "Many career fire departments in the United States are struggling to promote greater workplace diversity. In particular, the successful recruitment and retention of women in the fire service remains elusive. The challenges to gender integration are rooted in both organizational and societal constructs. This thesis explores the challenges to gender integration in career fire services by conducting a comparative case study of men in nursing. Research is based in academic and historical accounts, in addition to the use of participant-observation methodology. This thesis uses the subcategories of entitlement, belonging, pride, indoctrination, and tradition to analyze the challenges to gender integration in the workplace. It starts with an overview of fire service culture. This overview is followed by a detailed analysis of women in fire service and men in nursing. Finally, the thesis compares the elements within each subcategory to identify the impact of various impediments to promoting recruitment and retention in gendered workspaces. The thesis concludes that the successful integration of women into the fire services will remain a slow process based on societal and organizational impediments, including some factors irrelevant of gender."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Schermerhorn-Collins, Anna L.
2017-03
-
Social Media Principles Applied to Critical Infrastructure Information Sharing
From the thesis abstract: "Social media is on the forefront of leading capabilities to share information faster, more broadly, and to extremely large, targeted audiences. To many in the business of disseminating information quickly to these broad audiences, social media is a critical enabler. Areas of homeland security, and in particular, critical infrastructure protection, rely significantly on sharing information with partners across the mission yet are consistently criticized for their inability or ineffectiveness at sharing information. Social media principles, the fundamentals that make social media unique and successful, may have applicability to critical infrastructure information sharing, and in turn, may further the information-sharing goals of this mission area. This thesis explores the principles of social media, the resultant outcomes as seen in case studies with information sharing objectives similar to those in the critical infrastructure arena, and proposes applicability of those social media principles to the information sharing practices of the critical infrastructure discipline."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Riccardi, Christine
2013-12
-
Major Crimes Task Force-Afghanistan: A Case Study and Examination of Implications for Future FBI Capacity Building Programs
From the thesis abstract: "In 2009, to attack the financial and political support structure of the growing insurgency in Afghanistan, the FBI created the Major Crimes Task Force-Afghanistan (MCTF-A). However, within approximately two years, the FBI had withdrawn its personnel from the task force, and the MCTF-A's efforts to counter corruption within the highest levels of the Karzai government were at the center of a highly public diplomatic row that changed the strategic direction of U.S. national security objectives for Afghanistan and the region. Was the outcome predictable and can lessons be captured by examining the FBI's experience with the MCTF-A, and should the FBI ever consider attempting to build capacity in post-conflict or developing nations? The FBI is now being asked by U.S. government partners to build similar rule of law (ROL) capacity-building programs around Africa and the Middle East. Through the MCTF-A case study, a set of cultural, legal and political criteria was developed for evaluating potential capacity-building partners and programs. This thesis proposes a repeatable and structured process to help the FBI evaluate potential capacity-building partners, and design an end-based, sustainable law enforcement capacity-building program and build capable counterterrorism partners while improving the nation's entire ROL framework."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cyrus, Stephen A.
2014-12
-
Building Automation System Cyber Networks: An Unmitigated Risk to Federal Facilities
From the thesis abstract: "The General Services Administration accesses building-automation system technology that runs federal facility processes such as HVAC [Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning], lighting, elevators, and access control via active Internet connections. Currently, these networks are not secure, despite legislation requiring them to be. This thesis investigated whether the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) could leverage existing federal laws, presidential directives, executive orders, government frameworks, and its current cyber and investigative capabilities to establish a strategy to secure federal facility building-automation system cyber networks, or if additional resources are needed The research uncovered significant vulnerabilities and threats to federal facility building-automation system networks, which, if exploited, could cause a significant impact on the American people, who are dependent on services offered by federal agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Social Security Administration. A qualitative research method was used to interpret and analyze government and nongovernment institutional studies and reports, existing cybersecurity frameworks, and scholarly journals to determine which of the policy options offered would provide the best strategy for the DHS moving forward. The thesis concluded that utilizing a combination of private contractors and existing DHS assets would provide the best option."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Tupper, Shawn P.
2015-12
-
Preempting Mass Murder: Improving Law Enforcement Risk Assessments of Persons with Mental Illness
From the thesis abstract: "Across the United States, mass murder events have been on the rise for nearly a decade. This thesis found that persons with serious mental illness perpetrated a statistically significant number of these events. Currently, law enforcement agencies are often the first--and in many communities the only resource--available to assist and assess mentally ill persons in crisis. This thesis investigated the current state of law enforcement training as it relates to assessing dangerousness and the risk for violence among persons with serious mental illness. It found that there is very little training and no risk assessment tool or guide currently available to assist law enforcement officers tasked with assessing mentally ill persons for dangerousness. Subsequently, this thesis examined alternative methods and models for assessing risk, including clinical violence risk assessments, and it conducted summary case studies. These included cases in which mentally ill persons committed acts of mass murder and cases where law enforcement successfully intervened and prevented mentally ill persons from carrying out planned violence. As a result of this research and analysis, a field risk assessment guide has been developed and recommended for adoption to aid law enforcement officers in assessing the dangerousness of mentally ill persons."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Milby, John D.
2015-03
-
Texas Should Adopt Homeland Security Standards for High-Speed Rail
From the thesis abstract: "A private corporation is proposing a high-speed intercity passenger train system to operate between Dallas and Houston using Japanese technology and methods. This project brings with it an array of unique and unprecedented homeland security issues. Train bombings in Madrid and London and attacks on high-speed trains elsewhere raise questions about the security of such transportation. A modern high-speed rail system is a network of potential vulnerabilities, and terrorist groups have identified public transportation as desirable targets. Should the State of Texas require homeland security standards for high-speed rail? A review of the literature reveals the number and consequences of terrorist actions against passenger rail in general and intercity high-speed trains in particular. In addition, it suggests that this writing is the first in its specific application. This thesis places the project in historical and geographical context and reviews potential vulnerabilities using a framework developed by the Argonne National Laboratory. Furthermore, it includes a fault tree analysis and an options analysis through which possible approaches are identified and analyzed. Finally, this thesis finds that the State of Texas should require homeland security standards and provides recommendations for action in the areas of law enforcement, cybersecurity, intelligence, privacy, screening, psychological and mental health effects, and community involvement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Polunsky, Steven M.
2015-12
-
Suicide in the Fire Service: Saving the Lives of Firefighters
From the thesis abstract: "The goal of this thesis was to determine whether post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and firefighter suicide are on the rise in the U.S. fire service and how fire chiefs can implement programs to curb PTSD-related firefighter suicide. The research was limited, however, by imprecise statistics on PTSD and suicide in the fire service, caused in part by the firefighter culture. To work toward a proactive solution, this research examined current, effective mental health programs that can be utilized in-house by fire departments, including Critical Incident Stress Debriefing, Psychological First Aid, and Stress First Aid. Research on professional mental health focused on therapies used by the Department of Veterans Affairs, including psychotherapy, medication, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Through a critical review of available programs, this thesis identifies best practices for collecting accurate firefighter suicide data, and suggests development of a tiered approach to decrease PTSD and firefighter suicide. A limitation of the research was the inability to verify results of a firefighter being 'cured' of PTSD."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Heitman, Steven C.
2016-03
-
Comparative Analysis of Fusion Center Outreach to Fire and EMS Agencies
From the thesis abstract: "Fire and EMS responders have had little involvement with fusion center operations, and this directly impacts the country's safety. Only a handful of fusion centers have integrated the fire and emergency medical services (EMS) responders into the collection, analysis, and sharing of information on homeland security activities. This thesis analyzes the predominant practices of five fusion centers that have integrated fire and EMS responders into their reporting process. The highlighted practices from the study of these fusion centers can be utilized to expand the integration at fusion centers across the country and to further expand the role of the fire and EMS responder in homeland security. Implementing these practices involves the fusion centers commitment to integration, to cooperation, and to preparedness. Having basic terrorism behavior training, along with suspicious-activity indicator awareness, sets the baseline for fire and EMS agencies to select key decision makers who become the liaison with the fusion center. Sufficient quantities of fusion center liaisons are needed to support the size and number of agencies in the fusion centers' area of responsibility. Having uniformed senior fire and EMS line officers staffing the liaison positions will expand the trust of the fusion centers' processes while providing more channels for outreach and interaction between first responders and fusion centers."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Goldstein, Scott E.
2015-12
-
I Am the Dragoman: EMS Translations and Boundary Objects in National Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "Emergency medical services (EMS) in the United States is highly localized, arising from the historical efforts of local entrepreneurs, with local resources, perceptions and expectations. Early EMS development was spurred by strong federal leadership and funding for capacity building, but since the early 1980s, EMS has suffered from an absence of both, resulting in a patchwork of thousands of persistent local EMS interpretations. This study evaluates EMS through the framework of Boundary Object Theory, demonstrating that EMS is what Star and Griesemer refer to as a 'boundary object,' around and within which multiple communities of practice interact. A case study of a local EMS agency as a community of practice demonstrates that it is indeed an organizational community of practice, and part of a larger EMS--and specifically out of hospital EMS community of practice. These communities of practice contribute to a coherent collective meaning of the EMS object at some analytical levels, but EMS perceptions do not scale from the local level to national preparedness policy. The consequences are discordant EMS preparedness policy and gaps in national preparedness, exacerbated by a lack of standardized methods and consolidated federal leadership for EMS. Recognizing out of hospital EMS as a discipline with a defined domain, its inclusion in preparedness policy development, and the return of federal leadership in EMS are recommendations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Robinson, James L.
2018-09
-
'Sensing Disaster': The Use of Wearable Sensor Technology to Decrease Firefighter Line-of-Duty-Deaths
From the thesis abstract: "After more than 30 years of the American fire service averaging over 100 line-of-duty deaths annually, the technology now exists that can reduce the number of firefighter line-of-duty deaths of cardiac origin. Despite the creation of programs designed to improve firefighters' cardiac health and fitness, no reduction has occurred in the number of firefighters suffering fatal cardiac events. While firefighters can suffer heart attacks or cardiac emergencies anywhere, it has been well documented that firefighters working on the fire ground are exposed to significantly increased risk-factors for the development of coronary heart disease, as well as the exacerbation of underlying cardiac problems. As a result, more firefighters experience signs and symptoms of cardiac complications while on the fire ground than anywhere else while on duty. The development of wearable sensor technology now allows for incident commanders or their assigned designees to monitor the real-time physiologic health and wellness of each and every firefighter operating on the fire scene. Through the use of wearable sensor technology, firefighters can not only have their vital signs and EKG [Electrocardiogram] monitored, but this technology will also allow for real-time tracking of their location within a structure and their body motion, speed, and direction of travel. The use of wearable sensor technology in the fire service will have a significant impact on improving not only firefighter health and safety, but when fully developed, will improve other aspects of the firefighting profession, such as search and rescue and fire attack."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Payne, John A.
2015-12
-
Will Climate Change the Future of Homeland Security?
From the thesis abstract: "Drought, melting Arctic ice, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise are all subsectors of climate change. I have identified these as slow-onset disasters. The purpose of this thesis is to determine whether slow-onset disasters are adequately addressed in the homeland security discipline. Risk assessments were performed to determine the level of risk these types of disasters pose to homeland security. The critical infrastructure lifeline sectors--Energy, Communications, Transportation Systems, and Water and Wastewater Systems--were chosen for these assessments because of their identified criticality to national security. The assessments reveal slow-onset disasters pose varying degrees of risk to these sectors. Policy analyses were conducted on the components of the nation's coordinated approach to homeland security. These reveal the homeland security discipline does not adequately address slow-onset disasters because of internal contradictions. The contradictions are the result of two of the frameworks used in the development of homeland security policies--continuity heuristic and probabilistic thinking. These frameworks lead disaster-consequence planners to consider the probability and magnitude of a disaster based on a retrofocused approach. Based upon my findings, I recommend that possibilistic reasoning (anticipating the worst that could happen), coupled with a future-focused approach, be used to develop homeland security policies that will fully address the emerging threats posed by slow-onset disasters."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Wasp, Valli A.
2016-09
-
Shades of Gray: Releasing the Cognitive Binds that Blind Us
From the thesis abstract: "The United States Intelligence Community is tasked with providing the intelligence necessary to protect the homeland and U.S. interests abroad. Technology acts as a force multiplier for intelligence analysts, but that advantage also comes with substantial risk. The risk lies in our reliance on technology and processes, and the tradecraft of intelligence analysis and critical thinking appears to be losing relevance. During the intelligence analysis process, weak signals are often identified and then dismissed. In hindsight, these weak signals are realized as missed opportunities that could have allowed the Intelligence Community to mitigate the threat. This research examines cognitive bias from multiple perspectives and affirms that cognitive bias does influence intelligence analysis, and intelligence analysts need to understand the effects of cognitive bias. This research presents a recent case study and determines the negative influences of those biases had an impact on the decisions that were ultimately made in error. As a result of this research and analysis, several mitigation strategies are identified and included as recommendations to the Intelligence Community. These strategies present the United States with an opportunity to decrease the influences of cognitive bias on intelligence analysis, leading to a more effective and resilient Intelligence Community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hensley, Patrick D.
2016-09
-
Securing Healthcare's Quantified-Self Data: A Comparative Analysis Versus Personal Financial Account Aggregators Based on Porter's Five Forces Framework for Competitive Forces
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis explores possible solutions to secure the aggregation and sharing of healthcare's quantified-self data, based on lessons from the personal financial industry. To address this concern, Porter's Five Forces Framework is used to understand how consumers are impacted by the two sectors' differences in legislation, technology, and security. The analysis in this thesis indicates that consumers of financial account aggregators benefit from more secure and interoperable services. In contrast, users of healthcare aggregators are negatively affected by the healthcare industry's higher threat of new entrants and the bargaining power of suppliers. Therefore, healthcare leaders should improve consumer benefits by transforming their industry's competitive forces to mimic those of the financial services industry. To accomplish this goal, industry leaders could focus on filling the gap in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for self-generated data, improving security innovations, and attracting third-party developers to secure data interoperability."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Chiang, Catherine H.
2016-09
-
GPS: Public Utility or Software Platform?
From the thesis abstract: "The Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite navigation system, is critical to the United States' (U.S.) national and homeland security. The U.S. has made GPS resilient to interruption by flying more satellites than required, dispersing its infrastructure, and increasing its signals. Despite these efforts, there is concern the U.S. may not be able to overcome disturbances in GPS's operations. Limitations in GPS data and the policy literature prevent the full quantification of exactly how vulnerable GPS is to service interruption. This thesis used constant comparison analysis to examine how a shift in conceptual lens from viewing GPS as public utility to viewing it as a software platform has changed our understanding of its criticality, resilience, and vulnerability. This methodology overcomes research limitations by using GPS system design, operations, and policies as its data sources. The public utility lens reveals the U.S. has increased GPS resilience through system design and redundancies. The software platform lens shows the U.S. further increased GPS resilience by adding navigation signals. Together, the lenses indicate manufacturers, applications developers, and users are constraints to increasing GPS's resilience. Additional data, models, and research are required to inform policies and decisions to further improve GPS's resilience."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Thibault, Marc A., Jr.
2016-09
-
Protecting Networks via Automated Defense of Cyber Systems
From the thesis abstract: "Over the next ten to fifteen years, the number of internet-enabled devices is anticipated to grow exponentially, which will magnify cyber risks across an expanding attack surface area. It is unclear whether current manual methods of detection, verification, and remediation will allow network defenders to keep up with those risks. This thesis examined whether automated cyber defenses promise to be more effective than current models to cope with the results of vulnerabilities introduced by the projected increase in internet-enabled devices. The thesis further proposed a future model called Automated Defense of Cyber Systems, built upon three core technological components: sensors, autonomics, and artificial intelligence. Our conclusion is that automation is the future of cyber defense, and that advances are being made in each of the three technological components to support needed productivity gains for information technology security personnel. Continued advances will occur piecemeal, and it is recommended that network defenders make incremental investments consistent with an automated defensive strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Morin, Matthew E.
2016-09
