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White Extremism & the U.S. Military
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis argues that the involvement of active duty military personnel in white extremist groups and activities, no matter how small in numbers, poses a serious threat to the 'good order and discipline' and ultimate combat effectiveness of the U.S. military. The purpose of this thesis is twofold: 1) to produce a reference document for military commanders; and 2) to offer policy and other recommendations. Beginning with a discussion of the two subsets of white extremists and their respective ideologies, the thesis then provides an in-depth analysis of nine contemporary groups and a profile of their membership. Following this is a discussion of sociological and psychological explanations for contemporary white extremism. Finally, this thesis outlines the Department of Defense (DoD) policy on extremism, analyzes reports released by the United States Army (USA) and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) on this subject and discusses the extent of this problem DoD-wide. Recommendations that I advocate beyond those recommended by the USA and the NAACP are: 1) the prohibition of passive participation in extremist groups; 2) that leaders receive periodic training in the indicators of extremist activity and information on local extremist groups; 3) that minorities are spread evenly throughout units so as to be present at the smallest sub-units possible; 4) that servicemembers should be assigned to barracks rooms based on these ethnically diverse small units; 5) that the DoD should prohibit the policy of 'open installations.' and 6) that the DoD (e.g. the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute (DEOMI) should consult with those in academia who are subject matter experts on extremism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Curtin, Lawrence M., Jr.
1997-06
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Most Dangerous Place: Investigating Pakistan's Irregular Warfare Campaign in Kashmir Under the Nuclear Shadow
From the thesis Abstract: "For more than thirty years, Pakistan has conducted an irregular warfare campaign in Kashmir to wrest control of the disputed region from India while also leveraging its nuclear weapons capability. This approach has frustrated a decisive Indian response, precipitated multiple crises, and risked nuclear exchange. This thesis analyzes Pakistan's irregular warfare-nuclear deterrence strategy by evaluating Kashmir crises nested within three distinct periods of Pakistan's nuclear capability: de facto, overt, and advanced technology. The results suggest Pakistan has successfully employed irregular warfare under the nuclear umbrella within Kashmir, but has also incurred great cost by risking nuclear exchange, alienating the international community, and destabilizing itself through empowerment of violent jihadist groups. As one looks forward to the implications of Great Power Competition upon the Indian subcontinent, the dynamics have dramatically shifted as the U.S. and China compete for influence. While the U.S. moves closer to India, and China to Pakistan, potential polarization of the Kashmir problem presents additional nuclear escalation risks. However, emerging opportunities to leverage the global powers' common interest in preventing terrorism could prove a catalyst for South Asian stabilization. Pakistan's Kashmir strategy can also provide insights regarding how current or future nuclear-armed regional powers may choose to employ irregular warfare to optimize their influence."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hanes, Matthew D.
2020-12
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Computational Framework for Optimization-Based Interdependent Infrastructure Analysis and Vulnerability
From the thesis Abstract: "Civilian communities and military installations operate numerous critical infrastructure systems to deliver services like power, water, mobility, and communications to people and missions. The vulnerability of these systems can be measured by considering the robustness of each infrastructure network on its own or by considering the interdependencies between different networks. Diverse infrastructure network models are available to analyze system vulnerability, yet a standard architecture for linking pre-existing models for interdependent analysis does not exist. We develop a computational framework to generate combined models that link multiple network-flow optimization models together for interdependent analysis. We validate our methods and implementation in the Python programming language with well-studied interdependent energy networks. We further demonstrate the versatility of our methods by developing a new assessment of fictitious energy and transportation networks with models not originally created with interdependencies. Overall, this work develops a standard way to conduct interdependent infrastructure analysis with pre-built models and sets a foundation for future analysis of other interdependencies and systems."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kuc, Matthias P.
2020-12
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New Simulation-Optimization Model for Wildland Fire Resource Pre-Positioning
From the thesis Abstract; "Every day, using detailed weather forecasts, paired with reports on the moisture content of soil and vegetation, the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACoFD) must decide where to pre-position firefighting equipment and personnel for the following day. For years, LACoFD has relied on their own expert judgment to make these costly decisions. In 2019, NPS student Zachary Scholz developed the Augmentation Optimization Model (AOM), a mathematically based decision tool to guide resource pre-positioning. Unfortunately, AOM relies on weak estimations of expected burned acreage, complicating result interpretation. We address this problem by developing a simulation to estimate 'initial attack' area containment as a function of pre-positioned resources. These estimates inform the new AOM's objective, producing improved, realistic, and interpretable results. In addition, we have followed LACoFD feedback to incorporate accessibility and steepness of terrain, hand-crew resources, and solution evaluation. We also standardize assembled resources as mixes of engines and exchangeable personnel and reformulate the model so it generates and solves faster. Through an upgraded user interface, LACoFD is using the new AOM daily and analyzing alternatives of protection and cost. The results improve those of legacy AOM and LACoFD's manual solutions on the critical days tested. Moreover, we demonstrate that protection can benefit from augmentation policies not solely based on burning index."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Seeberger, Rachel A.
2020-12
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Client/ Server Model for Automated Red Teaming
From the thesis Abstract: "Red Team testing is a proven method to improve cybersecurity on organizational networks. However, due to the low availability of required expertise in this field, red teaming is prohibitively expensive to conduct on a large scale. In response, the Office of the Secretary of Defense has sponsored research to build a Red Team in a Box (RTIB) tool to perform many of the basic red team functions without requiring the user to have in-depth knowledge of red teaming tools and techniques. This research has resulted in the prototype implementation of CARTT, the Cyber Automated Red Team Tool. This thesis extended CARTT from its current stand-alone host-based implementation to include the ability to identify potential targets on a range network, communicate results to a command node, and respond to orders to attack from the command node. Redesigning the CARTT as a client/server system allows system administrators to access the tool remotely, affording increased cybersecurity throughout the Navy's networks while reducing the cost of red teaming. Additionally, the client/server model mitigates the risk of having Metasploit and OpenVAS installed on machines throughout these target networks. A messaging system was implemented that facilitates a command and control channel between users."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Berrios, Joseph A.
2020-12
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Electronic Border Searches After 'Riley'
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis discusses the implications of the Supreme Court's 2014 decision in Riley v. California for the search of electronic devices at the border, termed 'electronic border searches.' It explores the degree to which such searches continue to be constitutionally permissible and contrasts Riley's categorical rule protecting electronic devices in the interior with the general search power granted the government at the border. Following an examination of the divergences among lower courts in applying Riley, it finds Riley has limited application to the conduct of electronic border searches and that they continue to be constitutionally permissible. This thesis also explores how the reasonableness of such searches can be maintained despite evolving technology and privacy perceptions. By examining other legislative and constitutional rules, it derives an approach for electronic border searches where powerful government interests and privacy concerns collide. The result is a view of electronic devices at the border as hybrid property--as both containers and novel 'effects.' Accordingly, this thesis advocates a hybrid-scope-limited approach that tethers suspicion-less electronic border searches to the original rationale for the border search doctrine. It presents a bifurcated framework leading to a two-tiered, hybrid-scope-limited rule where distinct levels of intrusion into electronic devices at the border are tied to differential levels of suspicion."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bode, Aaron
2020-12
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Improving the U.S. Immigration System: Lessons Learned from the Diversity Visa, Family, and Merit-Based Immigration Programs
From the thesis Abstract: "The U.S. immigration system is the subject of an ongoing debate regarding necessary reforms to protect American national security and benefit all Americans economically. This thesis asks two questions: (1) How should the current U.S. immigration system be improved to address existing economic and national security concerns presented by legal immigration?, and (2) What elements from existing U.S. legal immigration programs, as well as from Canada's and Australia's legal immigration programs, can the United States incorporate in its revamped immigration policies? This thesis conducted a comparative analysis of the U.S. diversity immigrant visa and family-based immigration programs and existing merit-based immigration systems in Canada and Australia. The inquiry identified which of the aforementioned immigration programs have had a positive effect on their respective countries' economies, based on levels of education and unemployment rates, and which immigration policies have resulted in fewer terrorist attacks by immigrants who come to each country, via relevant noted programs. This thesis found that although the U.S. diversity immigrant and family-based immigration programs are not perfect, they serve an important purpose and can be improved. This thesis recommends, among other things, introducing points-based human capital criteria into family-based immigration and instituting a five-year review of the U.S. immigration system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bierman, Vlada
2020-12
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Fire Service Intelligence: Informed Strategies, Operations, and Tactics
From the thesis Abstract: "Fire service agencies struggle to receive and use relevant, agency-specific intelligence, which hampers their ability to prevent attacks, protect the community, mitigate an attack's impact, respond safely, and recover from such events. This thesis presents the intelligence requirements necessary to support the fire service and specifies how the fire service can use intelligence to guide strategic policy development, operational planning, and tactical decision-making. It employed a qualitative gap analysis, using a 15- question survey of fire service personnel, to compare the current state of the fire service intelligence apparatus with a desired future state. This thesis also used case analysis to identify current intelligence products to understand how well they support strategic, operational, and tactical decisions. This thesis identifies intelligence gaps from a broader fire-service audience and offers a holistic set of recommendations, thus contributing to intelligence research. The gaps involve collaborating with law enforcement on intelligence, establishing intelligence requirements to better support the fire service, handling sensitive information, and using finished intelligence for decision-making. This thesis recommends identifying and distributing intelligence requirements to the fire service, developing training and policy guidance on intelligence handling, and creating a joint intelligence guide."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Phillips, Derrick D.
2020-12
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Mapping the Manosphere: A Social Network Analysis of the Manosphere on Reddit
From the thesis Abstract: "The manosphere network is a dispersed collection of online spaces that proliferate an anti-feminist ideology that in some cases has been associated with violence. This thesis aims to observe the manosphere network structure as it exists on Reddit by using a mixed method research design of digital ethnography and social network analysis (SNA). This research identified a unifying anti-feminist framework and found that informal social divisions within the network faded over time, which indicates that both moderate and extreme manosphere subgroups are now sharing common online spaces. It also found that platform algorithms helped with network resilience by acting as gatekeepers of information that suggested related content and shielded unrelated content to users that helped to grow the network in size and interconnectivity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fitzgerald, Kelly C.
2020-12
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It Starts at Home: Internal Actions Police Agencies Can Take to Improve Staffing
From the thesis Abstract: "The shortage of police officers in the United States has become a crisis. Many officers leave the force after only a few years, and police departments struggle to find qualified applicants to fill rapidly increasing openings. This thesis asks what police leaders can do to solve their staffing problems. The research looks to the armed forces' recruitment methodology and the private sector's use of analytics to address strategic problems, and analyzes two police departments that have been able to reduce the number of open positions through an integrated approach to recruiting, retention, and force management. The research finds that traditional methods are no longer effective; modern recruiting requires departments to adapt to new and changing environments and generations. Recruitment advertising must be honest and targeted to the right audience, and must use the most appropriate medium for the message. To promote retention, police leaders must go beyond offering competitive compensation; equally as important, they must consider how they engage with and connect to their employees. Further, successful force management requires leaders to determine which positions must truly be filled by sworn officers and which can be filled by appropriately skilled civilians. To address staffing challenges, police leaders must start with retention and force management to determine what and who they need, and then enhance their recruiting efforts to complete the triad and fill their open spots."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Haynes, Mark L.
2020-12
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Thin Blue Line: Improving Job Satisfaction to Increase Retention in Law Enforcement
From the thesis Abstract: "This research analyzes current levels of job satisfaction and desires to leave employment in law enforcement to determine the relationship between satisfaction and intentions to quit. Current law enforcement officers in the United States responded to survey statements regarding satisfaction and intentions to leave their current agencies related to seven areas: pay, opportunities, co-workers, immediate supervisors, work conditions, work and family conflict, and public perception on a five-point Likert scale. In the 930 responses, respondents indicated overall satisfaction with their work and the intention to stay with their agencies. The most satisfied officers work for the county, are in agencies with 100-500 officers, or have 1-5 years of experience. Officers who work for a county or in agencies with 100-500 officers have reported being the least likely to leave their agencies. These results contradict previous research that claims officers in agencies with 100-500 officers were the least satisfied. These results also differ from previous research that indicates immediate supervisors play a significant role in job satisfaction and by finding that while significant differences did not exist in job satisfaction for gender overall, significant differences did exist for specific facets of satisfaction and intentions to quit. This research study contributes to the current knowledge on job satisfaction by supporting a correlation between job satisfaction and intentions to quit." Excel spreadsheet supplemental data can be found here: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=850293
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barnett, Lisa M.
2020-12
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Standardization of Specialization: Regional Task Force Swat Team Response to Critical Incidents
From the thesis Abstract: "Critical incidents that involve multiple responding Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams frequently result in interoperability, command-and-control, and familiarity challenges for all involved. Time and time again, after-action reports have shown that these challenge points are not easy to overcome, and this is a key problem because those with advanced knowledge of effective tactics in handling complex and rapidly changing incidents often contribute to these evaluations. Given the scale, scope, and complexity of modern mass-casualty or critical incidents, how do SWAT team structures dealing with interoperability, training, familiarity, and command and control need to change for SWAT response to remain viable? This thesis used the case study method of structured, focused comparison for two complex critical incidents involving SWAT units, drawing commonalities from among those incidents and juxtaposing them against a task force-based approach. These key commonalities were then discussed in depth, and several recommendations were made for strategic planners around the country to consider. The ultimate goal of this thesis was to provide a foundational guideline for homeland security leaders to change how SWAT teams are structured when responding to critical incidents from manmade threats in the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
George, Jonathan A.
2020-12
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Road Map to Successful Immigrant Integration for Local Leaders
From the thesis Abstract: "The United States has struggled to define and implement effective integration for immigrants because the immigration and integration systems are unwieldy and confusing. This thesis analyzes case studies at the national and local levels to determine what elements constitute effective integration policy. A rubric was created using the International Organization of Migration's definition of integration and the European Union's guiding principles to analyze and grade each case study. The rubric helped to rate the following elements: employment, education, and equal access to services; respect for cultures; and communication and participation. Each case study received scores for these elements on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 representing complete integration of immigrants in the host country. This thesis finds that the integration process never ends; the more stakeholders who engage in the integration process, the better; and re-evaluating programs and policies after a certain period is crucial. These findings support the following recommendations for local leaders in the United States: 1) create an integration curriculum for new immigrants and continue the integration program even after the course's completion, 2) engage with as many stakeholders as early and as often as possible, and 3) understand that integration policy is continuous and requires constant improvement to ensure integration in the community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
O'Malley, Robert
2020-12
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Tainted Love, Crab Pickers, and Opportunities for Fraud: A Comparative Analysis of Deterrence Mechanisms in USCIS
From the thesis Abstract: "The marriage immigration benefits programs and the H-2B visa program for temporary nonagricultural workers are programs that, amid fraud or abuse, could lead to nefarious actors gaining access to the United States and posing a threat to homeland security. This thesis explores the strengths and weaknesses of fraud deterrence processes in these visa programs, seeking to understand how U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can better combat abuse and prevent national security risks. The purpose of this qualitative research was to compare these two programs and explore strengths and weaknesses of their deterrence mechanisms through the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate (FDNS). This thesis reviews and compares the legal frameworks of these visa programs, their fraud and security risk detection and prevention mechanisms, various reports issued by government agencies, media reports, and case studies through interviews with FDNS officers at USCIS. This thesis finds that the H-2B visa program has better fraud and national security risk detection and prevention mechanisms than the marriage programs have and provides recommendations for improvements in the following distinct core areas: legal framework, notification requirements and site visits, and interagency collaboration. The results of this thesis are meaningful for academics and practitioners because they provide real-world policy recommendations to improve deterrence mechanisms at USCIS FDNS."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Perdomo, Mildred
2020-12
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Drone America: The End of Privacy?
From the thesis Abstract: "Cutting-edge technological innovations have enabled law enforcement agencies to collect data over a geographical area in relatively short amounts of time. Drones (also known as unmanned aerial vehicles) are becoming increasingly acceptable and employed by state and local law enforcement to become force multipliers. While the Federal Aviation Administration has addressed the integration and safety of flight requirements for law enforcement agencies to utilize drones, federal privacy and data collection regulations are unresolved. This thesis argues that federal regulation is required and attempts to highlight the distinction between surveillance technology and delivery platforms to understand how to approach the regulation of data gathering. In doing so, this thesis uses a political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological (PEST) analysis to examine Title III and relative jurisprudence dealing with both surveillance and aerial platforms. The PEST analysis aims to bring forward the salient points in crafting recommendations and expansion in current legislation that support an increase in citizens' safety and security, but remain within the bounds of constitutional liberty and the Fourth Amendment."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Farias, Richard T.
2020-12
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Islamic and Domestic Radicalization: Does One Size Fit Most?
From the thesis Abstract: "Many studies have examined the process by which Islamic extremists radicalize, yielding three dominant approaches: grievance approach, social media approach, and network approach. However, over the last 20 years, the extremist threat has shifted from international and homegrown Islamic extremism to predominantly right-wing domestic extremism. The last five years have seen some of the highest numbers of fatalities by right-wing extremists recorded. As such, understanding how far-right sympathizers radicalize has become more important. This thesis analyzes three right-wing extremists: Dylann Roof, Patrick Crusius, and John Earnest, focusing on their backgrounds, radicalization history or motivations, and their respective manifestos. This information is then compared to two Islamic radicalization models to determine if key factors of these models help contribute to an understanding of each individual's radicalization. This thesis asks if those theories can be applied to the radicalization process of domestic far-right extremists. Although three case studies may not be sufficient to draw definitive conclusions, the information gathered from each subject and their respective application to the Islamic radicalization models yield a significant correlation to the process of domestic extremists' radicalization. With few alterations to existing models, it is possible to leverage earlier studies of Islamic radicals to understand the process by which right-wing extremists emerge."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rogers, Cody A.
2020-12
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Securing the NHL Global Series: How International Terrorism Can Threaten Hockey
From the thesis Astract: "The Canadian-born National Hockey League (NHL) has become more popular and more profitable due to its success within the North American market, particularly the United States. Because of this success, the NHL created its Global Series program to bring the world's most premier ice hockey to fans across the world, starting with Europe. American influence on NHL culture, marketing, and business has allowed the league to globalize in Europe, and this globalization poses specific and unique threats that stakeholders may not be considering--for example, terrorism. This thesis considers how the NHL can prepare to deal with the threat of international terrorism while operating overseas to ensure the safety and security of their personnel and events. The thesis concludes that anti-Americanism is an underlying, persistent, and increasing threat in Europe as NHL overseas operations expand. Specifically, this thesis finds that anti-Americanism is often easily linked with anti-capitalism, anti-globalization, and anti-culturalization movements in Europe. Ultimately, the thesis recommends that NHL Global Series security stakeholders consider the anti-American threat and sentiment in a host nation to secure the games. Further, this thesis recommends that NHL executives also consider anti-Americanism when planning future expansions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dunn, Blaize A.
2020-12
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Foreign-Born Human Trafficking--A Dark Spectre Haunting America: An Examination of the Sex and Labor Trafficking Landscape
From the thesis Abstract: "This research examined how the inclusion of human trafficking as a crime subject to state mandatory reporting requirements would enhance local and state law enforcement efforts to identify, document, and investigate the crimes of foreign-born human trafficking. This thesis documented the impact of state mandatory reporting laws on police responses to domestic violence and child abuse crimes through an examination of relevant legislation and statutes, scholarly works, data collection frameworks, case studies, and statistical findings. It subsequently found that state-level mandatory reporting laws related to domestic violence and child abuse enhanced law enforcement's ability to identify such crimes through improved data collection and analysis. Based on these findings, the incorporation of trafficking crimes into states' existing mandatory reporting frameworks will likely improve law enforcement efforts to create comprehensive data collection and sharing platforms necessary for evidence-based policy development and evaluation of anti-human trafficking strategies. However, amending mandatory reporting laws should be held in abeyance until such time that due consideration can be given to ethical concerns and the potential victim impact of such changes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Haunsperger, Natasha B.
2020-12
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Role of Subtropical Intrusion in the Development of Typhoon Usagi (5W) 2007
"During July 2007, fields from both the NCEP GFS final analyses and ECMWF model of OW and SF analyses suggests the development of two distinct areas with sub-tropical intrusion from remnants of a decaying baroclinic system in the WNP.
This analysis of the formation of Usagi points to sub-tropical intrusion of a strong lower-tropospheric baroclinic system undergoing decay as potential seedlings for typhoon formation in areas of high sea surface temperatures, weak
low-level vertical wind shear, and persistent convection. As the PV anomalies is stretched and detached from the baroclinic source region, it is wrapped around a strong tropospheric anticyclone in the subtropics. This constitutes a
different type of baroclinic initiation process than has been previously identified in Atlantic cyclone formation events associated with TT, which are induced by upper-level troughs. The area of high values of OW at the tip of a PV streamer favors sustained deep convection, which will enhance the low-level vorticity and moisten the mid-level thereby producing high values of SF. The area of strong vorticity at the tip of the second PV streamer possessed both high OW and SF, favoring deep convection and cyclonic vortex tube stretching that appeared to culminate in an enhancement of lower tropospheric cyclonic vorticity. Although this analysis was originally motivated by initial analyses suggesting that ex-hurricane Cosme underwent a direct vorticity interaction with the second PV streamer, our revised hypothesis on the role of Cosme is
that it may have enlarged the wave pouch and helped preserve the mid-tropospheric circulation from hostile outside influences. In this sense, the Cosme wave may have played an important indirect role in the formation of Usagi. This hypothesis requires further investigation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
DeLeon, Rudy
2008-03
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Dual Disruptions: Overcoming the Effects of Disasters and Mis-, Dis-, and Mal-Information on Democracies
From the thesis Abstract: "Democracy stands at a critical juncture in the current environment of mis-, dis-, and mal-information spreading in the media ecosystem and intensifying disaster challenges. This thesis examines how democratic governments can maintain legitimacy after a catastrophic disaster in the age of false information. It uses the comparative case study method to evaluate three international catastrophic disaster responses--the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant disaster in Japan; the Australian wildfires of 2019-2020; and the COVID-19 response in the United States beginning in 2020--within the frameworks for democratic principles, crisis leadership, sensemaking, and the social production of disasters. This thesis finds that the combination of ineffective disaster response, poor leadership, and false information can undermine socially constructed legitimacy, amplify and intensify existing social divides, and create instability and distrust of the government. This thesis proposes a model of social response to disasters that recommends networked responder actions to uphold democratic institutions and legitimacy when citizens have been affected by chaos and uncertainty in the operational and information environments. It recommends building trust and resilient communities through sensemaking, meaning-making, adaptation, community stabilization, and ethics and equity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McLane, Lauren
2021-03
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Beyond Reform: Better Policing Through Systems Thinking
From the thesis Abstract: "Police reform is a long-standing objective in America. In one form or another, the same fundamental problem persists: police have never consistently navigated the tension between effectively policing society and being a part of it. In part, systems theory helps explain why traditional best-practice reforms have not been consistently effective. The solution to these problems may lie not in reform but in reframing the approach to police organizations through systems thinking. This thesis seeks to answer a key question predicated on the assumption that reform is not enough: How can systems thinking improve policing? Using gap analysis, this thesis identifies ways to improve American policing and its processes through application of systems theory, specifically systems thinking. This research considers some of the problems that face policing from a systems-thinking perspective and finds that managing systems structures, building agent capacity, understanding context and goal-setting, and pursuing feedback could improve policing in ways that traditional reform strategies have not. Finally, it recommends that law enforcement agencies adopt systems-thinking strategies to improve performance."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bagby, Christopher R.
2021-03
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Connecting Law Enforcement Records Management Systems
From the thesis Abstract: "Every law enforcement agency uses records management systems (RMS) that contain a wealth of information essential for investigations or intelligence. This information includes crime reports, arrest reports, name records, and property records. The ability to share this information between law enforcement agencies, especially those with bordering jurisdictions, would appear beneficial to the homeland security enterprise; however, this thesis reveals that sharing RMS data is not occurring as often as expected. Direct RMS connections are uncommon, and law enforcement agencies possess valuable information hemmed off in seclusion. This thesis examines a research-based RMS model and other systems that attempt to solve the data-sharing problem. One case study reveals the costly failure of a records system commissioned by the FBI. A survey and interviews of Texas police agencies reveal gaps in information sharing, including many not furnishing data to exchange networks. Although fusion centers and regional information-sharing systems (RISS) provide valuable intelligence and investigative products, many police agencies do not use these resources. How can law enforcement improve information sharing? The answer requires agency leaders to become educated on the many resources available and break down bureaucratic or political barriers that prevent the automated sharing of law enforcement RMS data."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Birkenfeld, Martin L., Jr.
2021-03
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Fire When Ready: A Needs-Based Analysis of Firearms in the U.S. Fire Sector
From the thesis Abstract: "Recent active shooter incidents and other on-the-job violent encounters have caused U.S. fire departments to consider arming their personnel. Since governmental bodies and safety agencies have failed to establish firearms-use guidelines within the fire sector, many fire service decision-makers have arbitrarily adopted gun carry policies. This thesis investigates the most relevant factors such as firearms program costs, gun training concerns, and safety agency positions on firearms for the U.S. fire sector to consider when establishing firearms programs and employs a comparative options analysis methodology. Issues surrounding proper training in gun use and gun storage, the lack of safety agency guidance, and conflicting gun policy attitudes are some of the crucial elements addressed. This work evaluates the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Tactical Fire Team (TFT), and conceal carry programs, which can be leveraged by fire stakeholders to make informed decisions as they consider including firearms in their operational models. Finally, this study concludes that departments should fashion firearms programs in the image of established armed teacher programs, which have yielded the most robust safety records and that the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) should be assigned to set standards for a full suite of safe gun practices. Moreover, if properly motivated, the federal government can enact one national firearms policy for fire service members."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Zam, Christopher E.
2021-03
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Every Community an Island: Preparing for Catastrophic Disasters
From the thesis Abstract: "This thesis is a single-case study of Puerto Rico's experience with Hurricane Maria and its catastrophic impacts. As the nation faces more complex and frequent catastrophic disasters, practitioners must consider how to build resilience in a meaningful way by beginning with the community. America's approach to disaster preparedness and response outlined in the National Preparedness Goal (NPG) and the National Response Framework (NRF) has respectively produced 'whole community' concepts and a tiered response approach to disasters. However, the NPG has yet to realize the concept of 'whole community' fully by effectively integrating community-based actors and other non-governmental entities into disaster preparedness, response, and recovery cycles. The NRF also does not outline contingencies for the collapse of the framework in catastrophic disasters when mutual aid, state, and federal resources become unavailable or insufficient for lengthy periods of time, leaving communities isolated. To examine these issues, Puerto Rico's disaster impacts are examined via the Federal Emergency Management Agency's community lifelines as a categorical method of organization. By synthesizing a large body of literature, this study provides disaster preparedness and response conclusions for all lifelines and identifies overarching themes centered upon a need for holistic disaster preparedness, integration of non-governmental actors, decentralization, and redundant critical infrastructure systems."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Card, Sean
2021-03
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Problem of Definition: Considerations for Recategorizing Domestic Terrorists
From the thesis Abstract: "In the past five years, the United States has seen a noticeable increase in racially, ethnically motivated violent extremist (REMVE) activity. By examining the relevance of defining terrorism as international or domestic, this thesis identifies antiquated assumptions that have hindered the U.S. federal approach to investigating and prosecuting REMVE organizations. It also explores whether U.S. legal and judicial frameworks are adaptive enough to address emerging REMVE trends and how the homeland security enterprise can better mitigate and respond to the threat. Using case study analysis to explore the Atomwaffen Division and the Base--two accelerationist, white, ethno-nationalist groups with transnational ties--the thesis documents the emerging trend of REMVE actors, their ideology and motivation, and the digital and transnational context of their activity. The thesis also delves into the ways the First and Fourth Amendments shape the investigation and prosecution of violent extremists, and how their application to domestic and international terrorism varies, as defined in 18 U.S.C. §2331. Homegrown violent extremist organizations can no longer be automatically classified as domestic terrorists. In cases where transnational links exist, the homeland security enterprise should leverage the same tools that have been applied to international terrorist threats such as al-Qaida."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Jones, Jaime
2021-03
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Stepping Out of the Shadows: Leveraging the Community to Stop the Sexual Exploitation of Minors
From the thesis Abstract: "The online transmission of child pornography has exploded in recent years, and law enforcement does not have the resources to stop it. This thesis seeks to determine the advantages and disadvantages of using citizen volunteers to help investigate child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Specifically, it investigates whether incorporating civilians into certain aspects of CSAM investigations could assist law enforcement in filling gaps in resources needed to ensure all recovered images be fully investigated in less time. To test the hypothesis that creating opportunities for civilians to assist law enforcement will positively impact law enforcement's ability to investigate CSAM offenses, this thesis uses policy analysis to compare three policyoption alternatives. The results confirm the hypothesis by demonstrating that incorporating skilled civilian volunteers into a national volunteer program is an effective option to assist law enforcement in CSAM investigations. These results suggest law enforcement and policy makers should establish a national volunteer program that allows skilled volunteers to assist law enforcement agencies around the nation in certain time-consuming or technically complex aspects of investigations. Doing so opens up resources to law enforcement agencies and provides much-needed assistance to investigators while allowing volunteers meaningful opportunities to use their skills and time to combat the sexual exploitation of children."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Yerkes, Elisabeth
2021-03
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Policing the Aerotropolis: A Model for Securing the Nation's Large Airports
From the thesis Abstract: "As aviation continues to be the fastest and most efficient form of global transportation, airports across the country continue to see exponential growth in size and population. This expansion means airports will remain a high-value target to crime and terrorism. The need to protect the airport environment against these threats is essential. The responsibility of policing the nation's major airports is unique and full of challenges. Airport police must balance the requirements of providing security to a critical infrastructure and highly transient population, with the needs of protecting the surrounding businesses and commercial developments around the airport. This research answers the question of whether traditional policing models are effective in protecting and serving this unique environment or if a new model should be adapted to suit the needs of policing the aerotropolis better. Research findings, combined with a comparative analysis of policing methods at major U.S. airports, show that a dedicated, highly proactive, and customer-oriented police force is vital in ensuring the nation's large airports and the aviation industry continue to play a vital role in the world economy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cousins, Joshua T.
2021-03
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Security Cooperation with Cuba: The Impact of Normalization on the Coast Guard's Relationship with the Cuban Border Guard
From the thesis Abstract: "This research examines the Coast Guard's maritime security relationship with the Cuban Border Guard--before, during, and after normalization--through a qualitative case study comparison of five distinct mission areas: drug interdiction, migrant interdiction, search and rescue, marine environmental protection, and port security. By reviewing the aftereffects of the Trump administration's rollback of U.S.-Cuba policy, specifically the impact on the Coast Guard-Cuban Border Guard security relationship, it is possible to recognize that such a policy reversal does not serve the national security interests of the United States. The operational focus of the Coast Guard's maritime security cooperation with the Cuban Border Guard, combined with measured growth in mission areas of mutual concern, are key factors in the long-term success of this important relationship. With no significant concentration of bilateral security exchanges since 2018, the United States should take steps to reinvigorate law enforcement cooperation with Cuban authorities in areas such as counternarcotics, illegal migration, counterterrorism, and mass rescue operations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cromwell, Derek
2021-03
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Crowd Machine: Leveraging Emergent Crowd Behavior in Policy and Response
From the thesis Abstract: "All across the country, officials and planners of the first-responder community plan for events of various types, yet their plans do not adequately account for crowd behavior when the event is interrupted by an act of violence that turns into a mass-casualty incident, or a 'focus event.' This research contests early crowd psychology studies and presents the contemporary social identity theory, elaborated social identity model, and emergence model as better lenses for crowd behavior in responding to a focus event. Case studies of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting are used to analyze crowds that experienced focus events through the perspective of complex adaptive systems. A new framework that incorporates the elements of stress, panic, chaos, and priming is then presented to assist officials and planners with planning for crowds experiencing a focus event, with the aim of leveraging crowd emergence. The new framework presented in this research leads to a set of actionable recommendations for policymakers and planners. Ultimately, this thesis challenges officials and planners of the first-responder community to evaluate crowds as complex adaptive systems and explore the ability to leverage crowds for a more effective response."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cooper, Craig M.
2021-03
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Case for Affirming Diversity: Reflective Recruitment That Represents the Community Served
From the thesis Abstract: "Fitchburg Fire Department's (FFD) membership today is not diverse, primarily because the department has experienced limited success in recruiting motivated, diverse firefighter candidates. This thesis poses the following research questions: What can be done to identify current barriers that discourage or hamper reflective recruitment in FFD? And what can be done to overcome recruitment obstacles? The research relied on a focus group composed of Fitchburg-area civic leaders who could share a historical perspective, discuss operational and systematic bias, and consider solutions through reflective recruitment and targeted community outreach. The group's recommendations were incorporated into a plan that involved short-, medium-, and long-term recruitment outreach and recruitment goals over a two-year timeline. The group identified potential school programs, racially centric groups, and current FFD membership that can positively influence prospective firefighter candidates. Recognizing that professional standards need not be compromised in the pursuit of a more representative workforce, the focus group recommended intentional acts of inclusion to stimulate occupational and organizational interest. This thesis finds that if FFD aims to recruit a workforce that resembles the community served, inclusivity will depend largely on targeted neighborhood outreach, a form of affirmative action."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pulvermacher, Joseph J.
2021-03
