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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Management of the Severely Mentally Ill and its Effects on Homeland Security [video]
From the Video Description: "A policy change that in effect removed the daily care of our nation's severely mentally ill population from the medical community and placed it with the criminal justice system has shown to be a major consumer of law enforcement resources nationwide. This thesis argues that highly cost-effective policy recommendations exist that if implemented, would allow sorely needed resources to be directed toward this nation's homeland security concerns." The duration of the video is 15 minutes and 9 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=691236]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Biasotti, Michael C.
2012-01-24
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High-Tech, Low-Tech, No-Tech: Communications Strategies During Blackouts
From the thesis abstract: "How do emergency managers communicate vital life-safety information when disaster strikes and the power goes out, sometimes for extended periods? Time and again, our power grid, aging and stretched beyond its intended capacity, has experienced failures. Power outages can quickly shift from being annoying to deadly--especially when temperatures are extreme--particularly for elderly and other vulnerable populations. Emergency managers will be able to use the findings of this research to communicate critical information to the community, even in the direst circumstances, without relying on a 'techno-fix.' A structured focused comparison of three disasters revealed that a 'high-tech, low-tech, no-tech' framework can be implemented successfully and inexpensively. Throughout the three disasters studied, communications methods in the high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech areas were successful in communicating with the public. The thesis recommends that every community be prepared with this three-pronged approach. To go a step further, the study recommends that FEMA consider incorporating the 'high-low-no-tech' approach into its COOP (Continuity of Operations Plan) template, which currently assumes that communications systems-- phones, Internet, email, two-way radios--will be operational within 12 hours of activation, an optimistic assumption. A sample implementation plan with cost estimates is included." A 7-minute, 55-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=750845]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Solymossy, Diana Sun
2013-12
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Future of Responder Family Preparedness: The New Normal
From the thesis abstract: "The U.S. government has recently contended that communities cannot be 'prepared' without first ensuring the safety of responders and their families. Organizations have generally done little to nothing to ensure that the families of their responders are adequately prepared to survive and function on their own in the absence of the responder. Consequently, there exists a widespread policy gap concerning family preparedness in the first-responder community. Research indicates that much of the U.S. population has ignored the U.S. government's preparedness message and opted not to prepare. This thesis used a selection research method to explore whether the development and execution of a family preparedness program would assist the Delaware State Police (DSP) in maintaining its capability during a major crisis. Good ideas and precedent for creating such policy were captured from existing literature, leading to the conclusion that the DSP should mandate a comprehensive family preparedness program that includes emergency records management, the development of family liaison troopers, and go-kits for families as issued equipment. The thesis further concludes that responder family preparedness is different from general citizen preparedness and that leaving it in the 'optional' category is insufficient." A 6 minute interview on this thesis is also available at the following link:[https://www.hsdl.org/?mdt:manage&did=750843]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hulings, James T.
2013-12
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Anthrax Vaccine as a Component of the Strategic National Stockpile: A Dilemma for Homeland Security
From the Document: "The author explains how past problems with the Defense Department anthrax vaccine currently affect Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Service policy. The departments included the BioThrax anthrax vaccine in the Strategic National Stockpile following the 2001 anthrax letter attacks. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the vaccine's "failing" status possibly motivated the letter attacks to create demand for the vaccine. This thesis explores the Department of Defense's troubled experience with the vaccine through four methodologies. The multiprism methodological approach of 'quadrangulation' serves to 'box' in past safety, efficacy, regulatory, and legal problems. A literature review demonstrates an evolving shift in critiques of the vaccine that parallels policy pronouncements. A case study tool offers a chronological review of the anthrax vaccine to evaluate causal events precipitating the anthrax letter attacks in 2001. A program evaluation includes process tracing through quantitative, qualitative, summative, and formative reviews. Finally, a gap analysis aids in explaining continued reliance on the old vaccine technology. To conclude, the thesis recommendations encourage formulation of a Presidential Study and Policy Directive process to reassess the vaccine, while suggesting alternative Department of Homeland Security policy courses of action centered on antibiotics and new technologies." A 7-min, 53-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=29432]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rempfer, Thomas L.
2009-12
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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." A 12-minute, 28-second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?mdt:manage&did=730384]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Brian P.
2012-12
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Enhancing Decision Making During Initial Operations at Surge Events [video]
From the Video Description: "Surge events are defined as complex and chaotic emergencies that require resources well beyond normal operating capacity. In this Viewpoints interview, CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] alumni Brian Duggan discusses his thesis in which he utilized a Delphi survey method to obtain the perspective of seasoned Incident Commanders (ICs), as they reflected on their experience responding to surge incidents." The duration of the video is 12 minutes, 28 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=732026]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Brian P.
2013-01-30
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Suicide Terrorism in America? The Complex Social Conditions of this Phenomenon and the Implications for Homeland Security [video]
From the Video Description: "Suicide terrorism is growing worldwide and is becoming more geographically diverse. In this interview Rick Fleece (U.S. Secret Service) discusses his research where he has applied social identity and intergroup relations theory to the phenomenon of suicide terrorism. In his thesis, Rick has developed a framework that can be used to better understand the threat of suicide terrorism and the implications for United States homeland security." The duration of this video is 9 minutes, 44 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=732023]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fleece, Richard J.
2013-01-30
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Regulating Hawala: Thwarting Terrorism or Jeopardizing Stability?
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis uses the case study method to investigate the unintended consequences that have resulted from the United States' efforts to deter criminal abuses of hawala. It explores the illegitimate and legitimate uses of hawala in Africa and the Middle East in the post-9/11 era. Despite extensive regulatory blocks, hawala has been a key financial node for the Taliban, Islamic State, and al-Shabaab. On the other hand, hawala serves as a lifeline for victims of terrorism in Africa and the Middle East. Any disruption in service jeopardizes their survival and protection. This study identifies how regulatory action has caused financial exclusion and is counterproductive to the United States' anti-money laundering efforts and campaigns against terrorism financing. Practices like de-risking encourage the growth of alternative money transfer systems. This assessment concludes with a recommendation to use mobile money platforms to reinvigorate the formal financial sector and promote financial inclusion. Mobile hawalas are already leveraging digital delivery channels and have gained rapid momentum. In lieu of further regulatory action, Western institutions can employ these emerging technologies to transform into more adaptive and advantageous competitors of hawala and avoid compromising the essential service it provides." A 12 minute and 10 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866898].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Mali, Monika
2019-12
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Optimize or Die: Dynamic and Innovative Deployment Models for Fire Departments
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis analyzes current fire department practices and explores how resource deployments can be modified by innovation and optimization to result in improved services to customers. Alternative response vehicles, mobile integrated healthcare, technology adoption, accreditation, and leveraging data for policy analysis are five opportunities examined in this thesis with data used from 10 fire departments, including Dayton Fire Department. The findings show that implementing alternative vehicles for responding to medical emergencies, leveraging technology, and using data for policy implementation to adopt a mobile integrated healthcare program may decrease the cost of providing services and improve response times to meet national standards. These findings may be beneficial to fire departments across the country that are experiencing budget reductions coupled with increased demand for services." A 12 minute and 57 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866894].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McCoy, Tyler B.
2019-12
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Beyond the First 48: Incorporating Nontraditional Stakeholders into Incident Response
From the Thesis Abstract: "During a catastrophic attack or cyber-attack on critical infrastructure, how can local emergency management agencies integrate nontraditional stakeholders successfully into incident response operations? A wide variety of stakeholders who are not traditionally involved in incident response will likely be critical at this time--such as human services, the transportation sector, and private-sector entities. This thesis first explores an academic discussion of the current incident response framework, comprising the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the Incident Command System (ICS). The thesis then uses a scenario based around a large-scale water outage to illustrate the potential cascading impacts and gaps of the status quo framework. The research shows that NIMS and ICS do not effectively incorporate nontraditional stakeholders into incident response operations at the local government level, and that this framework should be reserved for traditional first responders working to stabilize life safety at an incident scene. This study highlights capabilities that local governments should focus on to ensure their organizational readiness to respond to a critical infrastructure outage that may have catastrophic impacts." A 9 minute and 26 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866900].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McLoughlin, Emily J.
2020-09
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Community Preparedness: Creating a Model for Change [video]
In this video Nicholas Campasano speaks on Community Preparedness: Creating a Model for Change. From the Webpage: "Although the United States has made great strides in improving its capacity to respond to and mitigate large scale incidents resulting from acts of nature or deliberate acts of man, the development and improvement of community resiliency and preparedness has lagged behind. National surveys have shown that our nation's residents are not as prepared as they believe they are or know they should be, and reveal a national population that is largely unprepared and potentially vulnerable to a catastrophic event. Attempting to improve upon low preparedness levels, the Citizen Corps Personal Behavior Change Model for Disaster Preparedness (PDP) was introduced as a tool to assist in the design of outreach/social marketing preparedness programs. This thesis examines the underlying theoretical constructs of the PDP Model and identifies their limitations and gaps. The Community/Individual Integrated Model, which provides for an integration of individual and community-based behavior change models, is proposed and compared to the original PDP Model. It is suggested that, through the use of this model, a coordinated and matched approach between an individual and his/her community can develop a preparedness program that maximizes social relationships and moves the entire community, not just individuals, through the behavioral stages of change." The duration of this video is 6 minutes and 29 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=27143]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Campasano, Nicholas
2010-07-28
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: The Contribution of Police and Fire Consolidation to the Homeland Security Mission [video]
From the Webpage: "Vinicio Mata's thesis explores the idea of challenging a traditional organizational structure of public safety through the consolidation of police, fire and EMS into a single department to deliver public safety services to communities in an integrated fashion. In his thesis Mata, explored 3 different consolidation models that are currently found in the U.S.. His thesis discussed the benefits of working in a unified command - where day to day issues of interoperability and communication can be addressed in non-emergency situations - so at the time of a crisis, where an interdisciplinary response is required, those barriers have already been addressed and resolved." The duration of this video is 8 minutes, 23 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=27185]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mata, Vinicio R.
2010-07-28
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CHDS Thesis Series: Where Do I Start? Decision Making in Complex Novel Environments [video]
From the Webpage: "Threats to our country have never been more real, nor had more potential to impact large populations of Americans. From the homeland defense perspective, some ideology-based groups have the ability and intent to attack the United States in ways that we as a nation have never imagined. As our world grows more complex and unpredictable, our first responders need tools to enable them to operate in this space." The duration of this video is 11 minutes, 10 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=16054]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Diaz, Sara Katherine
2010-11-11
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Is Prostitution Funding Terrorism? [video]
From the Webpage: "In this Viewpoints interview Richard DiGiacomo discusses the unusual topic of his thesis, 'Is Prostitution Funding Terrorism?' DiGiacomo's thesis argues that the business of prostitution could be a viable criminal funding source for terrorist activities and cites a variety of reasons why - he also proposes several recommendations that if institutionalized could act as significant deterrents to organizations who might be using this method." The duration of this video is 12 minutes, 24 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=20517]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
DiGiacomo, Richard
2010-07-28
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Building a Team within FEMA [video]
From the Webpage: "Richard Serino discusses how FEMA's new leadership, with their unique perspective, has encouraged the creation of new initiatives that are helping to build a team-like approach, both internally and externally." The duration of the video is 8 minutes and 54 seconds.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Serino, Richard A. (Richard Allen), 1954-
2010-04-16
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Can You Lead Me Now? Leading in the Complex World of Homeland Security [video]
From the Webpage: "In this interview, Nola Joyce discusses her masters thesis on suggested activities and processes to yield more successful leadership within an organization which is required when facing complex issues and problems like those found in homeland security." The Center for Homeland Defense and Security produces the "Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security" series to allow homeland security leaders to share opinions on current issues and challenges. The duration of this video is 9 minutes, 1 second. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=479345]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Joyce, Nola
2007-10-09
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Tell Me What I Need to Know: What Mayors and Governors Want from Their Fusion Center [video]
From the Webpage: "Mayors and governors who represent high threat, high-density urban areas need strategic, decision-making advantages and, as such, should be significant users of intelligence products developed by state and local fusion centers. These chief executives desire to understand the operating environment for their jurisdictions where daily risks and threats emerge from the complexities of an integrated world. In this Viewpoints interview, recent CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] graduate Yi-Ru Chen discusses her thesis which examines the numerous advantages in engaging these top-level officials in this discourse." The duration of this video is 7 minutes, 55 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=33136]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chen, Yi-Ru
2009-12-07
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: No Dark Corners: Defending Against Insider Threats to Critical Infrastructure [video]
From the Webpage: "An adversary who makes a frontal attack can be anticipated or repulsed. An adversary who attacks from within, however, cannot be so readily countered. In this Viewpoints interview, winner of the CHDS [Center for Homeland Defense and Security] Outstanding thesis award, Nick Catrantzos, discusses the theory and research that support his unique perspective on how to defend critical infrastructure from an insider attack." The duration of this video is 13 minutes, 51 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=33503]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Catrantzos, Nick
2009-12-07
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Impact of Obesity on National and Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Through a series of policy decisions, innovations, and a growing complex food system, the United States moved from a nation of people considered to be undernourished at one point to a nation with 100 million obese citizens. This radical change in our collective condition took place in less than one generation. This body composition change is impacting military readiness, military recruiting, first-responder readiness, and first-responder recruiting. Further, the impacts of obesity have an annual cost that is estimated to be nearly half a trillion dollars. In our mission to meet both acute and chronic homeland security needs, it is crystal clear that the human and economic burdens of obesity are substantial. Therefore, obesity is a homeland security issue." A 12 minute, 51 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=747924].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
O'Connor, Daniel W.
2013-09
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Twituational Awareness: Gaining Situational Awareness Via Crowdsourced #Disaster Epidemiology
From the thesis abstract: "Public health and other agencies need situational awareness to respond effectively to disasters or other incidents. Traditional means of obtaining this information require significant time and personnel. Social media is becoming increasingly popular among American citizens, and research is demonstrating that it may be a useful tool for bolstering information about unfolding events. This research analyzed the potential of the microblogging service Twitter in providing situational awareness. Tweets from a major snowstorm affecting the state of Massachusetts were collected, coded for content, and compared to traditional public health methods. The results indicate that Twitter can provide a rich source of data for responding agencies. Still, the immense volume of conversations makes extracting useful information in a timely manner a significant challenge. Practical approaches uncovered during this research can help agencies with nascent social media surveillance programs begin to unearth the valuable information that Twitter contains. Collaboration with information technology experts could allow public health and other responding agencies to create even greater value from social meechdia platforms." A 6 minute, 48 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=747925].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cain, Daniel T.
2013-09
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Now Is the Time for CVE-2: Updating and Implementing a Revised U.S. National Strategy to Counter Violent Extremism
From the thesis abstract: "The United States (U.S.) national strategy countering violent extremism (CVE) has yet to be updated and currently does not provide the necessary national framework to best combat self-radicalization and violent extremism (VE) in the United States. If people subscribe that the need for an updated strategy is evident, then the question is 'What are the necessary and effective components of the national U.S. CVE strategy that best prevent self-radicalization and VE in the United States?' This research examined the concepts and strategies surrounding extremism and self-radicalization in the U.S., the United Kingdom (UK) and Australia. Through this analysis, multiple findings and recommendations were made. One such finding was the identification of overarching elements that, if implemented, would increase the effectiveness and applicability of the U.S. CVE strategy. These elements include: 1) identifying the federal agency in charge of administering the U.S. CVE strategy, 2) developing a more robust and actionable national CVE framework, 3) refocusing the federal government on support and not local engagement of CVE, 4) requiring all CVE related terms be defined in every document, and 5) requiring regular evaluations and updates of the U.S. CVE strategy. The details of these and other findings are contained in this thesis." A 14 minute, 32 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866917]/
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Davis, Thomas J.
2014-09
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'English Disease' and Political Protest: How Social Identity Theory Can Enhance Public Safety at Crowd Events
From the Thesis Abstract: "The existing methodologies used by law enforcement to manage crowd events to ensure public safety do not adequately address current protester-on-protester violence. Outdated methodologies, based on classical crowd psychology, may increase the chances of violence between crowd groups. Case study analysis using soccer hooliganism as a proxy for intergroup protest violence demonstrates the relevance of modern crowd psychology in this new protest paradigm. This thesis finds that law enforcement could effectively use social identity theory to understand differing groups' needs and reduce protester-on-protester violence." A 7 minute, 27 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866916].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barney, Christopher J.
2019-09
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Punching Above Their Weight: The Homeland Security Contributions of the U.S. Pacific Territories
From the Thesis Abstract: "While the United States' Pacific territories were brought into the U.S. fold in recognition of their importance to national security, today many Americans--including many policy makers--seem to be unfamiliar with the U.S. Pacific territories and their strategic value. This thesis addresses the question, 'What is the value of the United States' Pacific territories--Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and American Samoa--to the nation's homeland security, and what are the strategic implications of that value?' Secondary sources such as congressional testimony, military doctrine and unclassified plans, and governmental reports were analyzed to answer that question, using the framework of the DIME (diplomatic, informational, military, and economic) instruments of national power to assess the overlap of homeland security missions with national security interests. While the territories contribute to the nation's security, the lack of coordinated and informed management by the federal government to these territories, including homeland security missions that have at times been at odds with U.S. military interests, prevents a full realization of their potential. Recommendations are made for reexamination of legal, process, and funding approaches to the U.S. Pacific territories by the federal government, including homeland security agencies." A 14 minute, 35 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866921].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Stanton, Colby E.
2019-03
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There Are No Monsters in the Closet: Why Fire Departments Are Not Implementing Best Concepts for Active Assailant Incidents
From the Thesis Abstract: "Despite literature that recommends fire departments in the United States implement best concepts to more rapidly access victims during active assailant incidents, the adoption of such concepts languishes. As the number of active assailant incidents in this country increases, fire fighters will be increasingly called to respond to incidents involving active shooters, vehicle ramming, and fire used as a weapon, regardless of policy implementation. For this thesis, representatives of seventeen fire departments across the country were asked to describe challenges and facilitators of success when developing or implementing recommended best concepts. When describing challenges, the representatives pointed to the tradition-bound culture of the fire service, lack of senior leadership support, lack of trust between fire and law enforcement agencies, and the logistics of training all personnel. Factors that facilitate best practices include the ability to secure funding for ballistic protection equipment and training, preexisting relationships between fire and law enforcement agencies, joint fire-police training exercises, and the availability of best concepts. Because the resources available for fire departments around the United States vary, a one-size-fits-all approach to best concepts is difficult to implement. However, the recommendations provided in this thesis can help all fire departments adapt best concepts for active assailant incidents to encourage implementation." An 8 minute, 19 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866918].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Sabat, David
2019-09
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Social Identity Theory and Intergroup Conflict in Israel/Palestine
From the Thesis Abstract: "Intergroup dynamics have been a central vector in long-lasting identity conflicts around the globe. In Israel-Palestine, the conflict has not been reduced to the same level of sustained peace as it has in other countries. The conflicting groups often get involved in increasingly destructive forms of reciprocating violence, which fuels narratives that lead to further cycles of violence. This thesis examines whether social identity theory is a useful framework for understanding this conflict. The thesis finds that both Israeli and Palestinian group behaviors can be better understood using the framework of social identity theory. It finds that both sides view each other through a lens of in- and out-group dynamics that rationalizes moves by the in-group and demonizes actions by the out-group. Israelis see things through the lens of a Westphalian nation-state, and Palestinian groups see themselves as liberation movements. Both sides of this conflict have extensive patronage lines to other nations, react to provocations to restore a sense of lost honor, respond to challenges with escalating levels of violence, and contest the same set of limited goods. The fact that the United States has a history of providing Israel with aid has had negative consequences for the former state with much of the Arab and Muslim communities. Terrorists use this assistance as part of their narratives against the United States. Consequently, the United States may have to rebalance its aid to the region." An 11 minute, 11 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866919].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Felty, Stephen M.
2019-03
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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." An 18 minute and 22 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866873].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Monaghan, Ryan M.
2020-12
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21st Century Crime: How Malicious Artificial Intelligence Will Impact Homeland Security
From the Thesis Abstract: "Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of research with the potential to radically change society's use of information technology, particularly how personal information will be interconnected and how private lives will be accessible to cybercriminals. Criminals, motivated by profit, are likely to adapt future AI software systems to their operations, further complicating present-day cybercrime investigations. This thesis examines how transnational criminal organizations and cybercriminals may leverage developing AI technology to conduct more sophisticated criminal activities and what steps the homeland security enterprise should take to prepare. Through a future scenario methodology, four scenarios were developed to project how cybercriminals might use AI systems and what should be done now to protect the United States from the malicious use of AI. This thesis recommends that homeland security officials expand outreach initiatives among private industry and academia that are developing AI systems to understand the dual-use implications of emerging AI technology and to provide public security perspectives to AI research entities. Finally, this thesis recommends that federal agencies develop specific initiatives--aligning with existing national cyber and AI strategies--that confront the potential challenge of future, AI-enabled cybercrime." A 17 minute, 15 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=866924].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Peters, Kevin M.
2019-03
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series Spring 2008: 'Someone to Watch over Me?' Privacy and Governance Strategies for CCTV and Emerging Surveillance Technologies [video]
From the Webpage: "In this Viewpoints interview, Don Zoufal discusses his recently published thesis which describes the formulation of effective governance strategies to address the complex issues regarding the legal protections for privacy that might be jeopardized by the usage of current surveillance technologies used to control the threat of terrorism in the United States." The Center for Homeland Defense and Security produces the "Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security" series to allow homeland security leaders to share opinions on current issues and challenges. The duration of this video is 7 minutes, 43 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=484897]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Zoufal, Donald R.
2008-05-15
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series Spring 2008: Introducing the Future Now: Using Memetics and Popular Culture to Identify the Post 9/11 Homeland Security Zeitgeist [video]
In this Viewpoints episode, "Judith Boyd, winner of the 'Outstanding Thesis Award,' explores how homeland security is perceived by the public and the relevancy of this topic for policy makers and practitioners through her examination of 'memes' (units of cultural transmission)." The Center for Homeland Defense and Security produces the "Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security" series to allow homeland security leaders to share opinions on current issues and challenges. The duration of this video is 7 minutes, 33 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=484905]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Boyd, Judith K.
2008-05-15
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Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series Fall 2007: Integrating Public and Private Partnerships to Produce More Effective Intelligence-led Policing [video]
In this Viewpoints interview, "Matt Simeone, Security/Police Information Network Administrator, Nassau County Police Department discusses the distinct advantages in improving data collection using partnerships developed between local law enforcement agencies and the public and private industry." The Center for Homeland Defense and Security produces the "Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security" series to allow homeland security leaders to share opinions on current issues and challenges. The duration of this video is 7 minutes, 33 seconds. The complete thesis can be accessed at the following web address: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=479359]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Simeone, Matthew J., Jr.
2007-10-09