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Stopping the Next Attack: How to Gain Intelligence from Suspects Detained Overseas
From the Thesis Abstract: "The United States often faces two competing choices when a terrorist is captured overseas: bring the person back to the United States immediately to face trial, or hold the person in military detention, where prosecutions are difficult and slow-moving. This thesis investigates which policy best allows the United States to reduce the threat posed by a terrorist captured overseas while maintaining the country's credibility. Recognizing the principal importance of preserving life and preventing future attacks after the detention of a suspected terrorist, this thesis used a policy options analysis method to determine which one of three approaches is best for handling terror suspects captured overseas: law of war detention, two-step intelligence and law enforcement interrogations, or arrest and extradition. The research determined that no single policy best allows the United States to reduce the threat posed by a terrorist captured overseas, takes into account the need to obtain information about looming attacks, preserves the opportunity for prosecution, and maintains the credibility of the United States. This thesis recommends the continued use of law of war detention for foreign fighters and recommends that two-step intelligence and law enforcement interrogations remain a viable option for terrorists captured overseas."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fitzgerald, James M.
2019-12
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Revitalizing Maritime Security: Is Smart the Next Element?
From the Thesis Abstract: "Project Seahawk is a multiagency program that brings state-of-the-art technology and a regional approach to the problem of port security critical infrastructure in Charleston, South Carolina. Project Seahawk, now known as the Seahawk Interagency Operation Center (IOC), is alive within the confines of the United States Coast Guard, albeit as a smaller project. The Special Maritime Action Response Team (SMART) would be a multidisciplinary, multiagency unit that protects the maritime domain of South Carolina using intelligence gathered by the Seahawk IOC. This thesis examines potential challenges to the process of forming SMART with the Seahawk IOC, particularly the security capability gaps in the maritime domain with federal, state, and local stakeholders due to insufficient manpower and funding. The SMART concept will use elements of National Security Presidential Directive 41 and Homeland Security Presidential Directive 13 as a baseline for evaluating the maritime security capability. The SMART concept will make Seahawk more efficient in handling maritime criminal threats to radiation detection in Charleston by providing the first responder with an avenue of options. The Seahawk IOC addresses the security capability gaps, but SMART will be more effective in the Lowcountry maritime domain. Together, the Seahawk IOC and SMART will be a one-stop shop for interagency maritime security in Charleston."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Makins, Marion C., Jr.
2019-12
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Seminaries in the System: The Effects of Prison Seminaries on Recidivism, Inmate vi olence, and Costs
From the Thesis Abstract: "Rehabilitation is one of the main goals of the correctional system, with numerous and varied programs being implemented for centuries. The United States spends millions on rehabilitation programs, yet recidivism rates, prison violence, and correctional costs continue to rise. This thesis explores how prison seminaries are addressing these issues and in the process, changing inmates' attitudes and behaviors. Examining Angola, the first prison seminary that became a model for many subsequent prison seminaries, including interviews with inmates and prison staff, reveals how inmates' attitudes and behaviors changed as a result of their seminary. Similar programs that follow Angola's model were also reviewed to determine if there was a reduction in acts of violence and a change in inmates' prosocial behaviors as a result of the programs. This thesis analyzed quantitative evidence in the form of prison statistics and inmate conduct records to determine if prison seminaries lower rates of recidivism as well as inmate violence. Legal case studies were used to evaluate the constitutionality of prison seminaries. Finally, this thesis identified reasons why prison seminaries are changing the overall culture of prisons, including individual identity transformations, the activities of inmate ministers, and participation in religious activities. The findings reveal prison seminaries are reducing both recidivism rates and inmate violence, which reduces the overall costs of incarceration."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dotson, Roy D.
2019-12
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Rico: Analyzing the Use of Federal Law to Combat Local Gang Problems
From the Thesis Abstract: "Gangs are the main contributor to violent crime in the United States. In an attempt to combat such violent crime, the federal government has begun prosecuting street-level gangs with the federal racketeering (RICO) statutes. Although these statutes were developed to address more traditional white-collar crime, the criminalizing of ongoing racketeering activity in a criminal enterprise has successfully been used to prosecute street-level gangs. This thesis provides a review of the scholarly literature on the topic, most of which is biased and averse to the RICO statutes' use in this context. This thesis also evaluates criticisms and concerns on the topic. Federal laws and procedures were analyzed during a comparative analysis of different court systems, which revealed a distinct advantage for federal courts in the investigation and prosecution of violent street gangs. Additionally, the use of the federal racketeering statutes by three different jurisdictions--New York, New York; Detroit, Michigan; and Montebello, California--was researched and analyzed. The research found that use of the RICO statutes facilitated law enforcement initiatives that reduced violent crime and homicides in all three jurisdictions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Ryerson, Gene W.
2019-12
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'I Forgot I Had That .38 in My Bag': How Memory Failure Contributes to Passengers Carrying Firearms and Other Prohibited Items to Security Screening Checkpoints
Transportation Security Administration (TSA) discoveries of firearms at U.S. security screening
checkpoints have increased significantly in recent years. In 2008, TSA discovered 926 firearms, and in
2018, 4239. When questioned, passengers commonly state they "forgot" about the firearm. Following a
qualitative research design, this investigation analyzed four cases from publicly available, open-source
internet posts by individuals who were detained or arrested at security screening checkpoints. Through case
analysis, four common themes emerged. Passengers 1) experienced a prospective memory failure; 2) were
frequent flyers; 3) had recently experienced interruptions; and 4) were in a hurry. This thesis identifies
factors that contribute to memory failures, such as interruptions, multitasking, and delaying actions.
Mitigating concepts and strategies from cognitive psychology are explored, specifically, use of the Dynamic
Multiprocess Framework; the creation of salient, distinctive, and unfamiliar reminders; encouragement of
prompt action; employing mnemonics as reminding devices; inducing deeper levels of processing; and
leveraging existing technologies. Concepts and strategies that discourage prospective memory failure are
tested through a thought experiment designed to clarify and modify the mitigating concepts and strategies
recommended.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Yi, Suk H.
2019-12
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Case for State and Local Integration of the Separate Federal Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis provides an overview and policy options analysis of offsite radiological emergency preparedness and response protocols for commercial nuclear power plants. This program is developed by the federal government and implemented by state and local government emergency management as the Radiological Emergency Preparedness Program (REPP). The capabilities built under the separate REPP, if integrated within the wider emergency preparedness enterprise, could be properly accounted for and included in a community-wide assessment of its aggregate capabilities within its existing all-hazards program. The research question for this thesis addresses which benefits, shortfalls, and challenges emerge from the integration of the hazard-specific emergency preparedness and response program established under REPP with the all-hazards core capabilities and the National Preparedness System doctrine. The research design utilizes a logic model framework to facilitate the process of evaluating different policy options and approaches to an emergency preparedness and response program for nuclear power plants in the United States. The conclusion of the research is to augment the existing REPP protocol with a robust means to measure capability and performance, which is modeled as a policy proposal to use an oversight framework and measurable site-specific performance indicators tied to probabilistic risk assessment."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Heckard, Matthew K.
2019-12
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21st Century and No Emancipation in Sight: Is the U.S. Anti-Slavery Framework Adequate?
From the Thesis Abstract: "Modern slavery, commonly referred to as human trafficking, is one of the highest sources of transnational organized criminal revenue generated from private economy slavery and state-imposed forced labor, with the bulk of known profits coming from sex exploitation. Second only to drug trafficking, modern slavery is the source of major global commerce. It also can serve as an open recruitment pool for combatants, brides, and sex slaves by extremist groups. Modern slavery, including child forced labor, is interwoven into the daily lives and routines of Americans. While most U.S. law enforcement and homeland security activity focuses on the traditional sex industry, there are far more victims of forced labor and forced marriage across the globe. The questions researched are: (1) What is the current U.S. counter-slavery framework? (2) Can an economic approach garner effective results? (3) Can models employed by other countries effectively address modern slavery? This thesis explores some of the laws, regulations, policies, and available data to demonstrate that human trafficking is a serious national and homeland security problem. Looking primarily at the commercial, supply chain side of human trafficking, this paper demonstrates that there is more in the realm of modern slavery than the degradation of its victims. Some recommendations are offered to enhance the awareness and enforcement needed to eradicate this heinous crime."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Brown, Marie-Claire
2019-12
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Continuity and Transformation in the United States' Nuclear Posture
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis created a matrix to compare the four post-Cold War Nuclear Posture Reviews (NPRs) published by the United States Department of Defense. Side-by-side comparison of these white papers revealed remarkable trends in U.S. nuclear policy. The matrix began by assigning themes within NPRs to paradigms common to international relations research. These paradigms are declaratory policy, procurement policy, employment policy, and deployment policy. This thesis began by analyzing the history of NPRs and reactions to them in the scholarly and international communities. Next, it created an impartial summary of the identified themes as they are tracked through the NPRs. This thesis then analyzed and critiqued the trends in nuclear policy based on the matrix, scholarly reactions to NPRs, and other research related to U.S. force structure and the worldwide threat environment such as the economic interdependence between the United States and China and how it affects the two countries' relationship. Some policy trends followed party lines; others did not. Some were erratic and others were more predictable. The value of these trends validates some concerns and disproves others with regard to the U.S. nuclear posture and the worldwide threat environment. The thesis concluded that the world is a safer place with nuclear weapons, and although a world free of nuclear weapons is a responsible goal for future policymakers, it is simply not practical for the foreseeable future."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Metz, Andrew D.
2019-12
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Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems
From the Thesis Abstract: "Since 2015, the unmanned aircraft system (UAS) market has exploded; once an exclusively military domain, it is now also aimed at the private and public sectors. As a consequence, the availability of inexpensive UAS platforms that can be weaponized or outfitted with surveillance equipment has also become an attractive tool to terrorists and criminals. This thesis examines the question, How can local law enforcement protect their communities from UASs operated by careless hobbyists, criminals, and other nefarious actors, such as foreign and domestic terrorists? This thesis assessed the risk UASs pose to public safety, examined counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology currently available, and explored the limitations of C-UAS technology when deployed over urban areas. The thesis found that although the threat UAS platforms pose to urban areas is credible, C-UAS measures are available that local law enforcement can use to mitigate the risk. However, the thesis found that some forms of C-UAS technology have limitations when deployed over urban areas. In conclusion, the thesis recommends that local law enforcement consider UAS threats when conducting jurisdictional risk assessments, explore C-UAS technology and its limitations before procurement and implementation, and develop a C-UAS strategy that ensures measures taken are necessary, effective, and appropriate. The thesis provides a decision matrix to assist local law enforcement in their efforts to develop a C-UAS strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Knight, Jason
2019-12
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Lived and Remembered Experiences: Policing to Improve Relations with Communities of Color
From the Thesis Abstract: "Critical race theory (CRT) contends that U.S. structures and institutions have created a society in which White superiority and Black subjugation are widespread. Law enforcement--far from supporting justice--has been a primary source of oppression and marginalization of Black people. Drawing on CRT, this thesis examines the U.S. history of policing and its role in enforcing racism through policing practices. A CRT lens shows how the racialized policing of the past persists in contemporary policing. This perspective suggests that Black individuals experience trauma through encounters with the police, and the history and contemporary reality of racialized policing erode trust between the police and Black people. This thesis argues that if police officers were trained to understand the history of racialized policing and the brutality it has waged against Blacks--and the ways current policing implicitly mimic the explicit racist practices of the past--then policing could change for the better. Following the recommendations of the 21st Century Policing report, this thesis suggests that police officers need to develop 'critical empathy,' an educated, empathic awareness of the history of racialized policing and the trauma it produces, if police are to become guardians of individuals and communities of color."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Elow, Christine A.
2019-12
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Misinformation Contagion: A View Through an Epidemiological Lens
From the Thesis Abstract: "Misinformation and disinformation have increasingly been a focus of public and media scrutiny in recent years. What differentiates past forms of misinformation from present-day are the new tools of information warfare--primarily the internet, and specifically social media platforms--which have effectively weaponized intentional false narratives directed at populations most vulnerable to manipulation. Where there is a lack of diverse populations willing to think critically about important issues, the mass nudging of social and political opinion via misinformation and disinformation both widens societal divides and stimulates action (or sometimes inaction) based on a false narrative. This thesis explores how we can better understand and address the proliferation of misinformation by viewing it through an epidemiological lens. To aid in this examination, the processes of cognitive bias will be explained as they relate to interventional opportunities to prevent contraction and spread, develop immunity, and treat the disease of misinformation. Recommendations focus on building individual and herd immunity to false narratives, reducing the virulence of these messages, and making online environments less conducive to the spread of misinformation. These steps require significant commitment to policies that will be difficult to achieve in a partisan and polarized sociopolitical environment, but they are necessary to support fact-based democratic discourse and decision-making."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Fenton, Scott C.
2019-12
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Digital Infrastructure's Connection Between Citizens and the Cultivation of Homeland Security Terrain
From the Thesis Abstract: "The purpose of this research is to investigate the shift of the homeland security landscape in response to rapid urbanization and integration of technology in cities. Governments and municipalities are rushing toward the utilization of advanced technologies to solve challenges dealing with urban expansion and the increase of high-tech threats. Privacy concerns and vulnerabilities in associated 'smart city' design are becoming apparent and related to the adoption of new security measures. This thesis answers the question: How will the transformation of Homeland Security terrain, influenced by smart city infrastructure, affect how governments deliver services and security to citizens? The effects are revealed through the use of a comparative analysis between Singapore and Denmark, highlighting the governmental composition, social dynamics and policy approaches involved with smart city development. The comparison discloses that the effectiveness and implementation of a smart city design in part depends on the level of collaboration, training, and policy formulation in security planning that occurs among public-private, academic and citizen stakeholders. The results suggest that stakeholders should be involved from the beginning in smart city planning. Their initial involvement allows for security and privacy issues to be mitigated beforehand. It also encourages the public's trust of government services that are delivered in an advanced technological city environment."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Valero, Noah R.
2019-12
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Introducing Artificial Intelligence into the United States Law Enforcement Community: Learning from Foreign Law Enforcement Agencies
From the Thesis Abstract: "This research explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can be successfully incorporated into a U.S. law enforcement agency by focusing on AI's challenges and limitations. Some of those challenges include a lack of current information about AI in this setting, particularly in the United States, and legal considerations. This thesis examines how the Dubai Police have implemented AI, compares U.S. law enforcement approaches to AI with those of foreign agencies, and ultimately creates a model framework that law enforcement agencies in the United States can use to incorporate AI into their practices."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lalley, Ana Z.
2019-12
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Measuring the Effectiveness of Surveillance Technology at the U.S. Southern Border
From the Thesis Abstract: "The United States' investment in southern border security has consistently been a topic of discussion regarding technological improvements and measurements of effectiveness. There have been multiple failed programs designed to combine infrastructure, personnel, and technology, ranging from the America's Shield Initiative (ASI) to the Secure Borders Initiative Network (SBInet). These efforts have resulted in billions of dollars of wasted funding. The latest initiative, named the Southwest Border Technology Plan, claims to use lessons learned from previous failures and focuses on integrating systems tailored to individual sectors of the border. A related issue is the use of apprehension rates and other passive metrics as the measures of effectiveness for the security of the southern border, continuing the historical inconsistency of inaccurate reporting methods. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has recognized the problem of inadequate measurement and is developing new methods with the assistance of improved data captured with biometric systems; however, the issue of inaccurate reporting remains. An alternate and more active option to consider for measuring security effectiveness is red teaming. This thesis explores the following questions: what technologies are currently utilized for border security and how can their effectiveness be measured? And, can red teaming be used to improve on existing measures of effectiveness?"
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hudspeth, Robert A.
2019-12
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Integrating the Fire Service into the Domestic Intelligence Enterprise: A Systems Thinking Approach
From the Thesis Abstract: "In the nearly two decades since the attacks on September 11, 2001, there have been numerous attempts to improve fire service integration at virtually all levels of government. While none have succeeded in solving this wicked problem on their own, each has done a great deal to frame the problem of fire service integration while addressing key areas of integration. In merging these individual contributions into a holistic, unified effort, a pathway forward has begun to emerge. The first step in addressing the complex problem of fire service integration is to break from the traditional reductionist problem-solving methodologies commonly found in government in favor of systems thinking to bring about the desired change. Systems thinking provides a framework for understanding the complex interactions that are both internal and external to an organization. Within the systems thinking field, the congruence model best addresses the unique, complex nature of integration efforts. Beyond the central aim of integrating the fire service into the domestic intelligence enterprise, the congruence model and, more broadly, systems thinking show promise in guiding organizations that face changes or seek new and unique ways to tackle today's and tomorrow's wicked problems."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Falkner, Kyle L.
2019-12
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Filtering a New Solution to Federal Emergency Management Through Nanotechnology
From the Thesis Abstract: "Providing clean, safe drinking water in the aftermath of a hurricane is critical for a community's survival. In 2017, Hurricane Maria struck the island of Puerto Rico, leaving communities without clean, safe drinking water for days, weeks, and in some cases months. The challenges in providing long-term clean, safe drinking water echoed through official government statements and reports, as well as the news media. Recent developments in nanotechnology show great promise as a timely, cost-effective method for providing clean, safe drinking water to impacted communities. These new technologies can to supplement current water allocation programs used by the federal government by drastically reducing the amount of time and money required to provide adequate amounts of water to individuals in affected areas following a damaging hurricane. This thesis analyzes the time, money, and feasibility considerations of adopting nanotechnology-based water filtration into current emergency management. The results show nanotechnology-based water filtration can provide a timely, cost-effective method for providing clean, safe drinking water while meeting the response demands of affected communities. Nanotechnology-based water filtration can be used to drastically alter future emergency management."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Liston, Patrick M.
2019-12
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Civil Rights Auditors: Defining Reasonable Time, Place, and Manner Restrictions on First Amendment Activities
From the Thesis Abstract: "Police increasingly encounter citizens who challenge constitutional boundaries between civil rights and police power. These so-called 'civil rights auditors' and 'copwatchers' record government officials with cell phones or body cameras, while baiting or challenging them to cross constitutional lines established by the First Amendment. An officer reacting incorrectly in these encounters can--through action or inaction--create conflict, loss of police legitimacy, or liability for the officers or their agencies. Preliminary examination of auditor activities and current legal and scholarly works leads to the thesis question: What are reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions to civil liberties with regard to recording police, government property, and the public? The author conducts a qualitative analysis of 59 auditor videos representing audits around the nation and identifies common tactics and targets among auditors, which provides scenarios for legal analysis and a policy review. This thesis reveals two things. First, auditors are not part of the legal, scholarly, and policy discussions and decision making; and second, through other areas of First Amendment case law, the Supreme Court has developed a framework for First Amendment challenges that directly applies to auditors. The author applies this framework to the 10 locations commonly targeted by auditors."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cummings, Gary
2019-12
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Homeland Human Security: A New Framework for America's Approach to Homeland Security?
From the Thesis Abstract: "The current understanding of the concept of homeland security in the United States--measures taken to protect the United States from terrorist attacks and to recover from natural disasters--has resulted in a practical approach that largely ignores many threats to the security of the average American. A deeper analysis of the insecurities faced by the American people reveals that the security of the homeland is a complex system of interconnected varieties of security including food, health, personal, economic, environmental, community, and political. This thesis suggests an alternate approach to homeland security based on the human security framework--a non-traditional approach to understanding security that seeks to shift the referent object of security from the state to the individual and ensure a world where the individual is free from fear, free from want, and free to live in dignity. This research explored the nexus of homeland security and human security by examining the development of the concept of homeland security, identifying the shortcomings of the current approach, and outlining the applicability of the human security framework to the understanding and practice of homeland security. This thesis finds that an approach to homeland security based on the steps for applying the human security framework is not only plausible, but would result in overall increased security for the American people."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Schiavone, Michael V.
2019-12
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Nuclear Deterrence and North Korea―Dissuasion or Persuasion?
From the Thesis Abstract: "The threat of nuclear war has been a possibility since the first atomic device was invented during World War II. From the end of World War II through the Cold War period, the greatest risk of nuclear proliferation was between the main superpowers at the time, the United States and the Soviet Union. U.S. nuclear deterrence doctrine promised mutually assured destruction (MAD): if the Soviets were to launch a nuclear missile at the United States, the United States would retaliate in such a way to ensure the annihilation of the Soviet Union. The global economic, social, and political environment has changed since the end of the Cold War; however, the threat of atomic warfare still exists with the emergence of the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea as a nuclear threat. This thesis explores the question of whether the doctrine developed during the Cold War is still valid: Is the U.S. nuclear strategy sufficient to deter North Korea from attacking the United States and its allies in the East Asian region? In formulating an answer to the question, the author analyzed the motivations, perceptions, and intentions of North Korea's regime from the country's formation to present day. While it is clear that the original Cold War MAD doctrine will not work for North Korea, it is recommended that the right combination of MAD elements, conventional forces, UN sanctions, and negotiations will provide a chance for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula to become a reality."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Vaughn, Steve
2019-12
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Engaging Children and Youth, Via K-12 School Curricula, to Build a Culture of Disaster Preparedness
From the Thesis Abstract: "Despite the impacts of natural disasters increasing across the United States, a significant percentage of Americans remain unprepared for disasters. Children and youth are disproportionally impacted by these events, but they also have the potential to be major assets in disaster preparedness. This thesis analyzes how to engage children and youth to facilitate behavioral change and build a culture of disaster preparedness. A comparative analysis of primary and secondary school curricula for disaster preparedness content, including case studies from the United States, France, and New Zealand, establishes a set of evaluation criteria, including curriculum scope; engaged learning; parental, school, and community involvement; and effective evaluation. This thesis finds that the United States could improve and expand existing curricula, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Student Tools for Emergency Planning program, and work to integrate disaster preparedness curricula into existing school safety and mandatory public health curriculum requirements. By reaching children and youth with disaster preparedness information, the United States can work to shift values and social norms around the topic, similar to past successes seen with such issues as anti-smoking and seatbelt enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hayward, Kimberly A.
2019-12
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Optimize or Die: Dynamic and Innovative Deployment Models for Fire Departments
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis analyzes current fire department practices and explores how resource deployments can be modified by innovation and optimization to result in improved services to customers. Alternative response vehicles, mobile integrated healthcare, technology adoption, accreditation, and leveraging data for policy analysis are five opportunities examined in this thesis with data used from 10 fire departments, including Dayton Fire Department. The findings show that implementing alternative vehicles for responding to medical emergencies, leveraging technology, and using data for policy implementation to adopt a mobile integrated healthcare program may decrease the cost of providing services and improve response times to meet national standards. These findings may be beneficial to fire departments across the country that are experiencing budget reductions coupled with increased demand for services."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McCoy, Tyler B.
2019-12
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Biothreat Response: Local Emergency Response Efforts for Suspicious and Unknown Substances
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2001, the United States faced two attacks that ultimately changed how emergency responders mitigate and recover from terrorism events: the devastating attacks of 9/11 and a case known as Amerithrax, in which letters tainted with anthrax were mailed to media outlets and politicians. While the nation was initially unprepared to take on a biological weapon of mass destruction such as anthrax, government agencies and first responders collaborated to overcome this silent adversary, and the FBI closed its Amerithrax investigation in 2010. This thesis presents a historical analysis of Amerithrax to assess how the federal and state resources that were developed with this case have affected the nation's preparedness for future weapons-of-mass-destruction attacks with a biological nexus. The analysis shows that, as a result of Amerithrax, response agencies adopted laws and procedures to standardize equipment, training, investigative methods, and emergency preparedness and response efforts. Furthermore, the thesis analyzes policies of local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical response teams, showing that local decision-makers have failed to take the same posture as their state and federal partners, which weakens their response capabilities. Finally, the thesis compares efforts in the United States to efforts of foreign governments and provides recommendations to help local agencies respond more successfully to cases involving suspicious and unknown substances."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dowdell, Craig S.
2019-12
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Department of Defense Counterdrug Mission: Can the Effectiveness Be Measured?
From the Thesis Abstract: "For the last 30 years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has been asked in various ways to measure the effectiveness of the DoD counterdrug mission. In this thesis, I advance the idea of using the drug purity data as the best and only stand-alone metric to determine if drug interdiction efforts are reducing the amount of illicit drugs available in the United States. I also present a cost-benefit equation the DoD can utilize to determine the cost effectiveness of the counterdrug mission. The intangible benefits and unintended consequences of the DoD counterdrug mission are relayed and include developing partner nation relations and building partner capacity, positive and negative impacts on military readiness, and promoting the incorrect idea that the military can and should be used to solve any national problem. I conclude that the DoD cannot measure the outcomes of the counterdrug mission; however, it can combine counterdrug mission data already collected with key performance indicators inside of a pattern and trend methodology to better correlate the DoD counterdrug mission and supply-side outcome goals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Berry, Brian F.
2019-12
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Assessing the Potential Value of Autonomous Vehicles in Emergency Medical Services Using the Knowledge Value Added Methodology
From the Thesis Abstract: "Directors and fire chiefs throughout the emergency services are facing staffing shortages as emergency medical technicians and paramedics migrate to higher-paying, less-hazardous jobs in the medical field or emergency management environment. These shortages are compounded by a continually increasing service demand. This research compares the current 'As Is' model in the multi-tiered, fire-based, advanced-life-support emergency medical system with the 'To Be' model, which incorporates autonomous vehicle technologies. The two models were assessed using a knowledge value added (KVA) methodology to determine whether autonomous technology would increase productivity and add value by decreasing unit workload and increasing system capacity. The 'As Is' model showed a return on knowledge (ROK) across all medical-based subprocesses but an inverse relationship between ROK and subprocess time, meaning that ROK drops when responders perform non-medical tasks and worsens the longer a subprocess takes. Moreover, driving is a poor use of the employee's overall knowledge as ROK for driver subprocesses was as low as 38 percent during long transport times. The 'To Be' model showed superior ROK across all variations of driver and most medical subprocesses, and all driver subprocesses showed exponential increases in ROK. This thesis finds that increased transport times and call volumes increase ROK in the 'To Be' model, indicating a quantifiable value-add from autonomous technology."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hillhouse, Joseph S.
2019-12
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From Golden Handcuffs to Pig Iron: Projecting Pension Reform's Impact on the Homeland Security Enterprise
From the Thesis Abstract: "The chronic underfunding of numerous public pensions, along with historic capital-market setbacks, has created a public pension debt crisis throughout much of the nation. The depth of this crisis makes pension reform inevitable, and that reform will transform the nature of public-servant compensation in the coming decades. This thesis explores the impact pension reform will have on the effectiveness of public-sector organizations with homeland security missions. To approach this issue, this thesis draws on existing academic literature from a wide range of disciplines, including economics, public administration, organizational behavior, sociology, and social psychology. Emerging from the research is a clear recognition that pension reform will change employee behavior, organizational culture, and the market for human capital through second- and third-order effects. Exactly how such change will play out is not so clear. The thesis turns to scenario-planning techniques to synthesize the diverse literature and provide plausible responses to the question of what pension reform's impact will be within the homeland security domain. The thesis offers three different potential outcomes and recommends more robust, collaborative scenario-planning initiatives for which the thesis itself provides a useful launching pad."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Waldman, Jeffrey H.
2019-12
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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."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Mali, Monika
2019-12
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Reforming U.S. Immigration Policy: A Case for Merit-Based Immigration?
From the Thesis Abstract: "The thesis investigates how U.S. national interests have been defined in the country's immigration policy, and whether the current policy, which prioritizes family-based immigration, supports those interests. The Donald J. Trump administration has looked to Canada's points-based system, which has brought highly skilled and educated immigrants into the country. Through a comparative analysis of Canada's and the United States' immigration policies, this research provides perspective on whether screening immigrants is an effective way to meet a country's national interests, particularly economic interests, and whether other factors must be considered for immigration policies. Ultimately, this thesis found that current U.S. immigration policies do not best serve national interests. This is not because the U.S. prioritizes family-based immigration but rather because the stagnant immigration policy does not respond to the changing needs of the country. Common-sense immigration reform requires more than looking to foreign partners for solutions; it requires us to review current practices and identify ways to enhance existing policies."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Garza, Daisy
2019-12
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Plan Bee--Understanding Threats to the Honey Bee Population and Examining Strategies to Promote and Protect Pollinators
From the Thesis Abstract: "In the early 2000s, a series of pollinator colonies, including honey bee colonies, collapsed--an early warning of a serious threat to our nation's environmental, economic, and food security. Two national initiatives (the creation of the White House Pollinator Health Task Force in 2014 and the subsequent implementation of a national strategy to promote pollinator health in 2015) demonstrate that the government is serious about improving pollinator health. This thesis seeks to determine if pollinator health is a homeland security issue, and reviews policies in the United States and the European Union that protect the health of pollinators. These topics are explored through a comparative policy analysis centered on four considerations: a holistic focus on all pollinators, pesticide regulation, the inclusion of regional plans in national policy, and climate change. Research indicates that decisive governance in the quest for pollinator health is essential for national security. This thesis offers a limited scope that must be enhanced to attain a more robust and resilient national pollinator plan and to improve environmental, economic, and food security in the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pfrogner, Mildred G.
2019-12
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Reforming the Bank Secrecy Act to Address Emerging Technology and Prevent Illicit Financing
From the Thesis Abstract: "The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) was enacted by Congress to prevent criminals from hiding or laundering their illicit gains through the U.S. banking system. Over the years, criminals continue to exploit the financial system by moving illegal money using new technology. Lawmakers should amend the age-old BSA to address monetary thresholds of currency transaction reports and suspicious activity reports, along with addressing emerging financial technology (Fintech). In dealing with these issues, a delicate balance exists between increasing regulation to prevent crime and hindering the growth of innovation and customer convenience, along with privacy concerns. This thesis provides policy analysis and proposals for legislative and technological improvements to financial fraud detection. Furthermore, policy leaders will have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and consequences of specific policy actions. This thesis concludes with policy recommendations of the BSA to include increasing the currency transaction report from $10,000 to $60,000 along with incorporating the controversial beneficial ownership provision. Last, add a minimum standard for a client opening financial accounts, increase know-your-customer requirements, and regulate peer-to-peer devices. As criminal organizations continue to move money throughout the U.S. financial services sector, legislators should amend the BSA to address these areas of concern to ensure financial stability and integrity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bradstreet, Shawn M.
2019-12
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Evolving the Joint Qualification System for DSCA: From Whole of DOD to Whole of Government
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2013, a Government Accountability Report gap analysis on the state of joint professional military education (JPME) identified deficiencies in many areas that are critical to success in the defense support to civil authorities (DSCA) mission. This thesis utilized a case study methodology to discover the leadership qualities required of DSCA officers and ways that the Joint Qualification System could be modified to develop DSCA leaders. Cases of the downrange mission and the homeland mission were examined. This thesis found that the downrange mission has evolved significantly since World War II's industrial age under MacArthur, past Operation Eagle Claw and the resulting Goldwater-Nichols Act, into Desert Storm, and finally to Operation Iraqi Freedom's information age under McChrystal. The homeland mission has evolved on a path that parallels the downrange mission by failing during Hurricane Katrina, enacting the dual-status commander concept, and succeeding at Superstorm Sandy. However, the homeland mission has yet to evolve toward the kind of shared leadership and adaptability required in the complex information age. Recommendations include evolving the JQS to include DSCA specific paths, leveraging the National Guard as well as the best and brightest universities and academia throughout the nation, and modifying the Center for Homeland Defense and Security's graduate program to qualify as JPME II credit."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Van Beek, Scott D.
2019-09
