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).
-
Leveraging Knowledge Management Tools to Support Security Risk Management in the Department of Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis examines Knowledge Management (KM) initiatives at the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the United Kingdom (UK), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The first goal was to identify existing KM approaches that would foster higher levels of knowledge sharing and collaboration among security risk management practitioners within Department of Homeland Security (DHS) agencies to enhance risk-informed decision-making activities. Through the analysis of the three case studies, it was discovered that organizational culture, more than any particular KM process or enabling technology is responsible for moderating the level of knowledge sharing. The KM strategies, policies and implementation mechanisms explored in the three case studies are good models for DHS to consider in order to reduce agencies' uncertainty, aiding decision making and bolstering effectiveness. The Risk Knowledge Management System (RKMS) called for in the DHS Integrated Risk Management Directive will require similar implementation and support structures for DHS to overcome the cultural, process, security, and funding obstacles experienced by the United Kingdom, Canada, and NASA. By using these case studies as models and reflecting on their experiences, DHS will be better positioned to effectively implement and adopt proven KM policies on an agency-wide basis."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dixon, David D.
2011-12
-
No Failure of Imagination: Examining Foundational Flaws in America's Homeland Security Enterprise
From the thesis abstract: "Current United States (U.S.) policy vis-à-vis the nation's homeland security enterprise is built on a fatally flawed foundation. It is based on a top-down, federal-centric model rather than on a constitutional model that develops capability for resilience, response, protection and preparedness for crises. The issues leading to this flawed foundation go back to the inherent constitutional tension between the federal and state governments. Historically, when confronted by national-level crises, the federal government has based its actions and mandates on flawed metapolicy addressing all possibly related issues, rather than directing effort at solving the major crisis at hand. In so doing, the preemption of power, and the coercion through funding and regulation have been results unto themselves. The crisis that encapsulates homeland security today is as wide and amorphous as the crisis confronting America at the time of the Great Depression. Both crises involve Constitutional, social, financial, and political issues of extreme complexity. In addition, both resulted in significant expansion of federal prerogatives. This thesis seeks to examine the metapolicy behind the reaction to such severe and yet amorphous crises and to suggest courses of action that--within the bounds of existing political reality--can redirect today's homeland security enterprise in a more effective manner. The research looks at historical and legal concepts, and conducts an in-depth review of similarities between the New Deal era and the modern homeland security era."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Freed, Judson M.
2011-09
-
Homeland Security Strategic Plan for the Non-Major Local Law Enforcement Agency
From the thesis abstract: "Effectively implementing a homeland security program within police agencies labeled 'non-major' in the United States is a challenge that requires different approaches from those that the large, or 'major' departments employ. This research provides critical analysis leading to recommendations on how this important implementation can be accomplished without increasing the budget or personnel requirements within a given agency. Using a rigorous policy analytical framework and a representative case study approach, the findings coordinate and suggest how this process can fit into an agency's plan to protect and respond to a community while successfully merging new and existing homeland security programs. The research finds that within a non-major police agency, the critical nodes for implementing effective homeland security hinge on an integrated leadership, communication and data collection synergy that leaders of these non-major departments can be taught and implement. This research contributes to the growing literature seeking to merge traditional law enforcement responsibilities with emerging homeland security requirements more effectively."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Halsey, Brad A.
2011-09
-
State and Local Homeland Security Officials: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
From the thesis abstract: "Today, hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the United States of America are offering prospective students homeland security certificates, bachelor's and master's degrees to educate a new cadre of homeland security officials. Yet, when asked, a practicing homeland security professional will likely admit that he/she has little idea what these students will be able to do when they graduate. The problem is that homeland security, in its current form, is not clearly defined and few understand what homeland security officials actually do, especially at the state and local levels. This research addresses this problem by asking state and local homeland security officials about who they are and what they do. By conducting interviews with state and local homeland security officials in practice, this research provides insight into the world of nonfederal homeland security officials, their activities and their backgrounds. It further provides a set of recommendations for developing educational, training and developmental programs that support homeland security officials at the state and local levels."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nairn, Jason P.
2011-09
-
Enhancing Decision Making During Initial Operations at Surge Events
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis utilized a Delphi survey method to obtain the perspective of seasoned Incident Commanders (ICs), as they reflected on their experience responding to surge incidents. Surge events are defined as complex and chaotic emergencies that require resources well beyond normal operating capacity. These surge events are rare and of such a magnitude that the Incident Commander is confronted with a unique situation that often exceeds his/her experience and ability to improvise and adapt to changing conditions. This thesis combines the pertinent literature on decision making, situational awareness, collaboration and geospatial technology with the lens of experience provided by the Delphi panel. First, this research identifies and prioritizes 18 signals that an incident is becoming nonroutine, unfamiliar and chaotic. Second, it provides an inventory of strategic options that an Incident Commander can consider when faced with the chaos that often accompanies a surge event. Finally, this material was synthesized into a quick action guide as a reference source that can inform Incident Commanders, as they face the dynamic and unpredictable environment of surge events. The knowledge obtained through this research is offered with the desire to enhance the ability of Incident Commanders to make effective decisions when lives are most at risk."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Brian P.
2012-12
-
Myth, Metaphor, and Imagination: Framing Homeland Security as Art and Archetype
From the thesis abstract: "Art, myth, metaphors and archetypes can foster divergent thinking and serve as channels for integrating imagination and evocative ambiguity into traditional analysis and problem solving. New ways of representing ideas about homeland security not only provide vehicles for communication, but also expand and improve our ability to contemplate and understand this complex, emerging discipline. Through this paper and three original artworks, I argue for admitting art, imagination and the searching attitude of humanism into the domain of homeland security. I use the myth of Perseus and Medusa to focus on the mirrored shield as a metaphor for seeing ourselves as part of the predicament and for regarding the response not simply as solution, but as creative evolution. The metaphors we choose, consciously or unconsciously, to tell the story of homeland security will frame not only what we think but how we act and how we are perceived. Art is not frivolous. It is both mirror and shield, and allows us to move, stretch, and reach to transform reality. Art is forward leaning and operates in a non-linear or supra-linear process whose edges, mass, margins, and shadows expand the universe of possibilities and pre-suppose the existence of new forms."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Epley, Veronica H.
2013-03
-
On a Clear Day, You Can See ICS: The Dying Art of Incident Command and the Normal Accident of NIMS-A Policy Analysis
From the thesis abstract: "One basic expectation that citizens have of government is to restore order in the face of devastation. With each catastrophic incident, politicians and administrators step under the public microscope, as they attempt to bring order out of chaos. Failure to perform such a basic governmental function subjects officials and agencies to immense scrutiny with personal and organizational repercussions. In the quest for the answers to 'What can be done better next time?' and 'How do we prevent this from happening again?' elected officials and bureaucrats seek various policies. A recent example of this is the National Incident Management System (NIMS). NIMS is a fusion of Incident Command Systems (ICS) and broad governmental policy aimed at providing a systematic response to incidents. The fact that NIMS became policy was quite possibly a predictable event in an incremental series of events that began in the early 1970s. This thesis reveals how these predictable and incremental efforts have pushed our national frameworks into an increasing state of complexity with the potential of catastrophic failure. Further, this thesis recommends ways that will harvest success in the face of a catastrophic or disastrous incident without increasing complexity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Teeter, Andrew C.
2013-03
-
Clarifying Resilience in the Context of Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "The term resilience is frequently used in the context of homeland security. The definition continues to emerge within the evolving homeland security enterprise. The purpose of this thesis is to clarify the concept of resilience in the context of homeland security. Existing homeland security polices of the federal government of the United States were synthesized with resilience-based research obtained from various sciences. The synthesis of research and policy concluded that resilience is a process of adaptability influenced by complexity, interaction, and experience. In the homeland security context, resilience is a continual process of adaptation based upon a variety of man made, natural, and economic adversities. Resilience is a vision of homeland security rather than a policy of the enterprise. The homeland security practitioner's understanding of resilience is influenced through the clarification, introduction, and application of the concept. Developing a clear understanding of resilience is accomplished through the development of a resilience narrative for the enterprise, the introduction of the concept into new and existing training programs of the homeland security enterprise, and the application of the concept as an approach of the enterprise. The exploration of the homeland security enterprise at the academic and practitioner level requires a directional heading. The concept of resilience recommended by this thesis establishes a directional heading for the homeland security practitioner."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Monier, Jerry T., Jr.
2013-03
-
Road Less Traveled: Exploring the Experiences and Successes of Women Leaders in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Today, women constitute over 50% of the United States' population. Yet, women are still a minority in many workforce fields, including homeland security. A woman currently leads the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and women have achieved high levels of leadership within the federal homeland security apparatus. While great strides are being made, women are still clearly the minority and hold an average of 20% of leadership positions in homeland security related professions, such as law enforcement, fire, and emergency management. These numbers do not reflect the success that women who achieve leadership positions in the homeland security profession experience. Qualitative research was conducted through personal interviews with 14 women who currently hold, or have previously held, top leadership positions in federal, state or local agencies with homeland security responsibilities. Data gathered from these interviews shows that women are succeeding in homeland security leadership positions due to various factors including experience, education, the influence of strong mentors and role models, personality traits like tenacity and confidence, having vision, and their ability to overcome obstacles and barriers and take advantage of opportunities available to them."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
West, Jonna
2013-03
-
When Will We Ever Learn? The After Action Review, Lessons Learned and the Next Steps in Training and Educating the Homeland Security Enterprise for the 21st Century
From the thesis abstract: "The problem of how preparedness and response organizations effectively elicit, develop, capture and disseminate organizational knowledge has been difficult to answer. Although techniques such as the after action review (AAR) have been practiced for over 40 years, not much is known about how it actually works at a theoretical level or if it still has viability in an increasingly complex world. Research also suggests that within many agencies, the AAR is not being practiced regularly and the lessons learned from the AARs being completed are not distributed or implemented effectively. An over-reliance on AARs and lessons learned might in fact be creating more harm than help. The complexity of modern day exercises and emergencies demands that responders be able not just to apply learning from past events but also to reflect, act, and learn in real time. Determining how to create the proper individual and organizational conditions for response professionals to make sense of and act upon the various learning opportunities inherent both during and after an event is crucial. Thinking of the problem within a larger emergency learning framework (ELF) and identifying learning as its own discrete organizational capability are recommended as potential solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kaliner, Jeffrey
2013-06
-
Continuity of Operations Plans: Policy and Strategy for K-12 Schools in the State of Florida
From the thesis abstract: "Schools, especially those at the K-12 academic levels, have, to this point, not been viewed as critical infrastructure, which is especially true for the state of Florida. Consequently, plans have been slow to be developed that address the continuity of this level of education. This oversight would lead to a loss of academic continuity if a school were damaged or rendered unusable for any length of time, which could cause a cascading failure within the community, which has occurred in other states, such as Mississippi, Alabama and Missouri. This loss of such facilities has impacted both the economic and operational response to local disasters, which is especially important in those communities that by their very location, may be affected by disasters more than other locations. This situation is especially true for the state of Florida as it is impacted by numerous factors that could cause the cessation of academic requirements by law. For schools to maintain this academic continuity, Continuity of Operations Plans (COOPs) should be developed. For the state of Florida, guidance is provided, and statutorily identified requirements are identified, for state governmental and university organizations to have COOPs; in the case of K-12 schools, it is not required or identified. This research explores what policy and strategy would be required to develop a K-12 academic level COOP, as well as those elements that would need to be included in its development."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Andreasen, Rodney E.
2011-12
-
Compilation of Necessary Elements for a Local Government Continuity of Operations Plan
From the thesis abstract: "National and state homeland security strategies call for continuity of operations plan development. The 2006 Nationwide Plan Review Phase II Report identifies continuity of operations plan development as a state and local goal with a federal goal of providing continuity of operations plan development support. Most local governments do not have a continuity of operation plan or it needs to be updated. Continuity of operations plan guidance is provided by a variety of international, federal, state and local documents. Common, unique and best practice elements are identified and should be contained in a continuity of operations plan. An identified compilation of continuity of operation elements is presented. Planning templates are good for COOP document structure and should contain the compilation of COOP elements, a recommended template is offered. Local government continuity of operations plan developers must independently develop and ‘own' their continuity of operations plan based on the compilation COOP elements. An after action-report is a necessary component for continuity of operations plan maintenance and can be used for continuity of operations plan research. Academia must pursue continuity of operations plan research to qualitatively and quantitatively identify effective continuity of operations plans and their respective elements. With the advent of homeland security as an academic pursuit, research opportunity exists and should be supported by the federal government because of the critical nature of an effective COOP for local government in ensuring the continuity of essential functions during and after an event."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cashen, Kevin M.
2006-09
-
Study of Musicology and Social Discourse in Mid-Twentieth-Century America
From the thesis Abstract: "Social scientists and philosophers generally agree that music pervades most cultures and helps form people's identities and worldviews. This thesis examines music associated with mid-twentieth-century discourse movements in the United States to establish musicological patterns and analyze their relationship to social discourse. Documented historical accounts and music-chart ratings across movements were used to determine the popularity and historical significance of songs. The present study finds that mid-twentieth-century popular music reflected and amplified belief systems held during the era and reciprocally affected social action. This work identifies how music interacted with the counterculture movement, the civil rights movement, and the anti-Vietnam War movement, and reveals an intimate and multifaceted relationship with music across multiple subgenres. This exploration of the youth-powered mid-twentieth-century music industry shows how larger-than-life performers emerged and exerted tremendous influence on young people, thus developing youth identities and fueling youth activism during the era. Ultimately, this thesis suggests that music can help practitioners who are responsible for resolving social imbalances and maintaining peace to explain the belief systems and motivations of people involved in discourse, especially for those such as the youth of most cultures, whose personal identity and worldview formation are commonly in flux during the coming-of-age process."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Briggs, James B.
2020-12
-
Blip on the Radar: School Safety Synergy Through Early Warning and Information Sharing
From the thesis Abstract: "The traditional response to school violence by legislators and school districts has been mostly reactive. Scholars and existing research in the field of school safety and security recommend a critical safety and security initiative that is proactive and works to prevent violence by identifying concerns early on through behavioral threat assessment practices. This thesis applied a multi-step qualitative and comparative policy analysis framework that evaluated existing opportunities to increase the safety and security posture of schools. This study evaluated strengths and weaknesses in school safety and security by drawing lessons from past incidents of school violence in the United States, assembling contributing factors to inaction, comparing another country's holistic approach to targeted violence, and evaluating gaps in existing school safety legislation. This thesis used scholarly research to make school safety and security recommendations at the federal, state, and local levels--for legislators, public safety professionals, school district leadership, and particularly, school safety and security professionals in Texas. This thesis found that for behavioral threat assessment and management to be an effective violence prevention strategy, school officials and legislators ought to develop programs and implement training and measurement tools that focus on efficacy rather than compliance or broad measures that consequentially affect children who do not pose a threat."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dias, Bruno S.
2020-12
-
Assimilation Through the Ballot: How Voting Facilitates Integration into American Life
From the thesis Abstract: "The United States has been colloquially considered a nation of immigrants. However, the subject of immigrant integration in the United States remains insufficiently explained. Prior research suggests an association between political participation and social integration within the American mainstream, but this relationship remains underexplored. This thesis investigates the relationship between political participation and integration, with particular reference to electoral participation and the act of voting. Drawing upon democratization literature, this thesis proposes a theory of integration through elections whereby electoral participation advances a newcomer's integration into their new host society. Through evaluating this theory of integration through elections within a mixed-methods research design, the results confirm a relationship between electoral participation and integration and suggest that electoral participation may facilitate the integration process. The results further contain implications for future studies of integration and for immigration policy in the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Knowlton, Nicholas D.
2020-12
-
Avoiding the Cassandra Complex: Improving Warnings and Notifications for People with Functional and Access Needs
From the thesis Abstract: "How can emergency alerts be modified to more effectively serve people with functional and access needs? This thesis employed a qualitative analysis of three U.S. and two international case studies of disasters, applying the findings to the value proposition framework, which considers the warning requirements of people with disabilities or other access needs as well as what inclusive warning and notifications systems would look like. This framework drove eight recommendations that stakeholders can use to improve such systems. Alert originators and professional associations should enhance inclusive planning and education and implement broader use of diverse warning systems for public safety and the public. They should also leverage assistive technologies and community relationships. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, respectively, should incentivize inclusive warning programs through grant funding and fund technology research for resilient warning infrastructure."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Miller, Sean D.
2020-12
-
Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action: How Can Law Enforcement Enhance the Recruitment of Women?
From the thesis Abstract: "Women entered the law enforcement profession over 100 years ago, and while they now account for over 50 percent of the U.S. population, they represent a meager 12 percent of the 800,000 sworn police officers serving in the country. As law enforcement agencies struggle to find enough officers to fill staffing shortages, women remain an under-recruited resource. This thesis aims to answer the question of how law enforcement can enhance the recruitment of women. A comparative analysis approach was used to compare and contrast Australia's and Canada's policing, recruitment practices, and maternity benefits to those of the United States. These two allied countries were chosen for comparison as they share similar democratic frameworks to the United States yet have significantly higher percentages of women serving as police officers. Findings from the analysis suggest that the strategies used in Australia and Canada have a significant impact and could be implemented in the United States to enhance women's recruitment. U.S. law enforcement leaders must strive to move the numerically underrepresented women from token status and work to create a profession rife with diversity and inclusion. Findings suggest that law enforcement should change the focus of recruitment from the physical strength of a candidate to problem-solving capabilities, interpersonal strengths, and communication skills."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Newman, Michelle L.
2020-12
-
Assumption and Adaptation in Emergency Response: Evaluating the Strategic Approach of the National Incident Management System
From the thesis Abstract: "The National Incident Management System (NIMS) guidance strategy influences local public safety organizations and jurisdictions with emergency response obligations to develop and adopt all-hazards emergency response plans to prepare for critical incidents and natural disasters. Plan developers use assumption-based planning to imagine disaster scenarios and cultivate response options, but there are inherent problems with using such an approach for emergency preparedness. This thesis reviews the literature regarding NIMS strategy for incident response, assumption-based and adaptive planning processes, complexity and decision-making, and response implementation to determine whether a shift in policy could benefit local responders. It also covers four response case after-action reports to determine whether pre-incident plans were beneficial to responders and if jurisdictions had sufficient resources to respond to their incidents. The review illustrates that assumption-based planning is not the best tool for developing new plans but is better suited to review existing procedures or as a training tool for responders. This thesis shows that pre-selected and trained incident management teams provide superior preparedness for response and, when combined with a decision-making framework, are a dynamic, efficient tool. This thesis recommends changing the national strategy to influence local authorities in the development and implementation of coordinated local incident response teams."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Chapman, Charles W.
2020-12
-
Cybercrime Response Capabilities and Capacity: An Evaluation of Local Law Enforcement's Response to a Complex Problem
From the thesis Abstract: "Local law enforcement is expected to respond to cybercrimes by having the appropriate level of capabilities and capacity for highly technical and complex investigative activities. Having the specialized resources necessary to have this type of investigative capabilities and capacity presents significant challenges for local law enforcement agencies regardless of size. Small and midsize agencies face even greater challenges based on a lack of necessary resources, ranging from trained personnel to funding. Adding to the list challenges is a lack of standardization, policies, and protocols to provide guidance to agencies looking for strategies to address the need for cybercrime investigative capabilities and capacity. This thesis examined different models being used by local law enforcement agencies of all sizes to address the need for cybercrime investigative capabilities and capacity and lumped them into three models: internal resources, conventional task forces, and hybrid task forces. Using strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats (SWOT) analysis, the three models were examined. The findings revealed commonalities and differences between the models, highlighting potential pros and cons for each. Recommendations were made for local law enforcement decision makers to consider when developing policies and protocols around their need for cybercrime investigative capabilities and capacity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Monaghan, Ryan M.
2020-12
-
Muted Voices: Toward an Understanding of the U.S. Asylum Program at the Southwest Border
From the thesis Abstract: "The often-dismissed people who live, work, and pass through the Mexico-U.S. border can offer new insight into the U.S. asylum program crisis. This thesis develops a concept called muted voices that can help identify, access, and hear the subjective stories of displaced people, border patrol agents, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officers. These individuals go through a similar journey of trauma and stress in their interactions with U.S. bureaucratic systems--systems made even more cumbersome by executive orders and procedural changes from a presidential administration hell-bent on restricting the U.S. asylum program. The fictional narratives and historical background presented in this thesis illuminate the everyday realities, struggles, and complexities along the border as well as the geopolitical, historical, and economic conditions that have culminated in the current crisis. The accounts of a displaced youth fleeing his home, a border patrol agent implementing the praxis of bordering, ordering, and othering, and a refugee officer interpreting asylum procedures reveal how policies shape lives and help to situate implications and recommendations for homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Chen, Jaime
2020-12
-
Subversive Influence: Vulnerabilities of the United States and Its Elections to Russian Interference Campaigns
From the thesis Abstract: "The United States and its allies have been subjected to clandestine interference campaigns led by theRussian government for nearly a century. The targets and mechanisms of subversive Kremlin influence have varied over the decades, but themes such as seeking to tamper with electoral processes have seen refinement and renewed vigor in the 21st century. From the inception of the Soviet Union to the era of Vladimir Putin, this thesis investigates the targets and mechanisms of subversive Russian influence--with particular focus on election meddling--to identify the greatest U.S. vulnerabilities to such interference campaigns. We determined that the Kremlin possesses a wide variety of well-honed tools such as disinformation, cyberattacks, and forgeries that allow it to apply stress to democratic systems and exploit rival nations' internal divisions, and that it has had success in deploying such tools in a number of Western democratic elections since 2014. We find that significant damage to the credibility of elections and the U.S. government is a viable vulnerability for Russian interference campaigns, and that mounting defensive measures against and mitigation thereof must be a top priority for U.S. national and homeland security entities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McMasters, Daniel H.
2020-12
-
Sleeping Beauty's Secret: Identity Transformation in Female Suicide Terrorists
From the thesis Abstract: "Women have been active participants in terrorism throughout modern history; yet the existing body of literature dedicated to dissecting and understanding the motivations of foreign suicide terrorists largely omits gender as an expression of discourse. This thesis uses a case study method to investigate how identity formation and transformation increases vulnerability to radicalization in women who become suicide terrorists. Social identity theory is applied to two suicide terrorist groups with named female subgroups to look for patterns of dynamics in the women's social relationships and social and individual identities that indicate how identity transformation influences radicalization. Noted differences in social roles and gender-based in-group expectations between men and women were found to be significant for both groups and contribute to uniquely complex identity formation in the women. Themes of internal conflict from competing influences and shame that threatens in-group connection are common to the women in both groups, and appear to be linked to increased vulnerability to suggestion and engagement in desperate behavior designed to preserve or restore value. The case study analysis shows sufficient cause to indicate further study of radicalization along gender lines is worthwhile, as it may improve early identification of women who are most vulnerable to radicalization and inform counter-recruiting measures for women, both domestically and abroad."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lynn, Judith W.
2020-12
-
Refugee Radicalization in the United States: Scope of Threat and Steps Toward Mitigation
From the thesis Abstract: "The rhetoric of the Trump administration has fomented a belief among the U.S. public that refugees are a source of terrorism and a growing threat to the security of American citizens. This rhetoric has been reinforced by executive orders, regulations, and policies that have severely restricted the number of refugees admitted to the United States since 2017 and subjected those who enter to enhanced screening and vetting in an attempt to mitigate this perceived threat. This thesis assesses the actual scope of threat posed to the security of the United States by resettled refugees. Looking at quantitative data for attempted and perpetrated attacks by refugees in the United States, this thesis concludes that the threat posed to the U.S. homeland by resettled refugees is so minimal as to be statistically insignificant. Analyzing well-known examples of resettled refugees who have been radicalized to terrorism abroad, this thesis also concludes that the true risk of radicalization lies in the failed integration of these refugees into American society. Preventing the ostracism of refugees through policy changes to the refugee admissions program may serve to mitigate this risk and cure the misperceived fear of refugees among the public."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Rosich, Nicole M.
2020-12
-
Stretched Too Thin: The Impact of Homelessness on U.S. Law Enforcement
From the thesis Abstract: "As homelessness in the United States continues to impact local communities, law enforcement organizations situated at the forefront of the crisis are struggling to respond effectively. This thesis presents the findings of a nationwide survey of U.S. law enforcement personnel, which reveals that homelessness has a drastic effect on law enforcement organizations, and their attempts to respond appropriately cause many agencies to divert invaluable resources away from traditional law enforcement and homeland security efforts. The thesis delivers several recommendations and concludes that law enforcement leaders today must reconsider their role and acknowledge that other entities--nongovernmental, governmental, or a combination thereof--may be better suited to lead the effort to combat homelessness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fisher, Charles
2020-12
-
Peer Support in Law Enforcement
From the thesis Abstract: "Peer support programs have been around U.S. police departments for many years, but little research has been conducted as to whether these programs are effective. To this end, the present research aims to establish whether peer support works in the sense of enhancing recruitment, retention, and overall officer well-being within the field of law enforcement. This project gathered information in the form of a survey from medium-sized municipal police agencies in the western United States, as well as in-person interviews. The overwhelming consensus is the need to 'normalize' seeking mental health help within police organizations amid any officer's personal stress, organizational stress, and cumulative stress. Additionally, peer support programs provide a level of assistance that may allow agencies to retain officers, especially women, who value such programs more highly, according to the results. Ultimately, this project finds that officers cannot help others if they do not first have help themselves; peer support programs are a way to provide the help officers need for success at work and at home."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Scherer, Cathy J.
2020-12
-
'We Need a Bomb Tech . . . ' Integrating the Bomb Squad with Swat
From the thesis Abstract: "Special weapon and tactics (SWAT) teams and public safety bomb squads (PSBSs) need to better collaborate to effectively and efficiently respond to the joint hazards that the United States faces. After-action reports, as in the case of the 1999 Columbine High School attack in Littleton, Colorado, and the 2016 Pulse nightclub massacre in Orlando, Florida, highlight the need for PSBS to address integration and better collaboration with SWAT teams before an actual critical incident. Such collaboration between SWAT and PSBS might seem easy in theory, but challenges exist. Evaluating those challenges through the lens of trust, this thesis finds that cultivating trust between the two different disciplines requires socialization and frequent joint hazard training. Such barriers as independence of training and frequency of common missions, unit organization, and culture can inhibit SWAT and PSBS from collaborating, developing trust, and discovering collective weaknesses before a critical incident occurs. The ultimate goal, in practical terms, is the formation of cross-functional teams (CFTs). This thesis concludes by giving specific examples of boundary-spanning activities for SWAT and PSBS to foster the CFT approach, so that a better collaborative effort can emerge, thereby encouraging trust between SWAT and PSBS that will be beneficial in a critical joint hazard incident."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Klok, Richard L., Jr.
2020-12
-
'Danger Close': The Need for a Nationwide Deconfliction and Notification System for All Law Enforcement Agencies
From the thesis Abstract: "To prevent friendly fire incidents and avoid duplication of effort, law enforcement agencies in the United States use multiple deconfliction systems to register investigative targets and notify outside units and agencies of proactive undercover operations. This research reveals that investigators are confused about which of the main systems to use in certain areas and that the use of multiple systems prevents investigators from gathering data on friendly fire incidents and restricts collaboration between agencies that are targeting the same criminals. Having one central deconfliction system for use by federal, state, local, and tribal authorities would make law enforcement officers' jobs safer and would facilitate information sharing among the different units and agencies, leading to greater collaboration and more successful outcomes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Nyhus, Brian A.
2020-12
-
United States-North Korea Denuclearization Policy: Should it Be Complete, Verifiable, and Irreversible?
From the thesis Abstract: "Relations between the United States and North Korea reached a pivotal point in 2018 when a noticeable détente occurred while the United States pursued a foreign policy of denuclearization toward North Korea. The policy was predicated on the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of the North Korean nuclear weapons program. This thesis asks whether the current United States policy toward North Korea, which places continued emphasis on the only acceptable condition for denuclearization be that it is complete, verifiable, and irreversible, is the best strategy, or if there are alternatives to this policy that the United States could feasibly pursue? This thesis answers the research question by examining and analyzing nuclear proliferation drivers and inhibitors and conducting a comparative study in which some cases maintain a nuclear weapons program and others have chosen to abandon such efforts. The study of proliferation drivers and inhibitors concluded that North Korea is unlikely to accept the conditions of complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization. However, the United States can likely achieve tangible and genuine results toward denuclearization by changing its perspective on North Korean nuclear weapons and adopting a policy that embraces North Korea's unique reasons for nuclear proliferation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bailey, Meghan M.
2020-12
-
Thin Blue Line: Improving Job Satisfaction to Increase Retention in Law Enforcement [supplemental]
This record consists of an excel spreadsheet with completed data supplemental to the thesis "Thin Blue Line: Improving Job Satisfaction to Increase Retention in Law Enforcement", found here: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=850292. The spreadsheet contains demographic information related to gender, race, citizenship, education, military service, age, rank, jurisdiction, agency size, experience, number of departments of employment, reasons for leaving previous departments, thoughts of leaving current department, satisfaction with payment and opportunities, satisfaction with co-workers and supervisors, satisfaction with work conditions, family satisfaction, public perception satisfaction, and overall satisfaction.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barnett, Lisa M.
2020-12
-
What We Have Here is a Failure to Tourniquet: Increasing the Efficacy of Hemorrhage Control Training
From the thesis Abstract: "Bleeding to death is the primary avertable cause of death for victims who have suffered trauma--like a gunshot wound. Emergency medical services response times of less than five minutes yield the best outcomes for shooting victims, but the average response time is six to eight minutes; help may be even farther away in an ongoing shooting incident or mass shooting event. In emergency incidents, bystanders with some training and some gear--in this case, tourniquets--may provide life-saving aid to victims of traumatic injury until medical personnel can take over. Precedents for involving, equipping, and empowering the public in public safety, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, automated external defibrillators, and Narcan/Naloxone, have been established. This thesis explores these programs. Several important takeaways from this review can be applied to any immediate responder program. First, priority must be given to providing training in the most widely accessible manner to reach the most people. Second, if specialized equipment is necessary, it must be easy-to-use and readily accessible, and should include instructions. While training is an important first step, building in natural points of contact for trainers and trainees, like requiring recertification, can increase the trainees' retention of and ability to apply those lessons learned."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Werner, William C.
2020-12
