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'English Disease' and Political Protest: How Social Identity Theory Can Enhance Public Safety at Crowd Events
From the Thesis Abstract: "The existing methodologies used by law enforcement to manage crowd events to ensure public safety do not adequately address current protester-on-protester violence. Outdated methodologies, based on classical crowd psychology, may increase the chances of violence between crowd groups. Case study analysis using soccer hooliganism as a proxy for intergroup protest violence demonstrates the relevance of modern crowd psychology in this new protest paradigm. This thesis finds that law enforcement could effectively use social identity theory to understand differing groups' needs and reduce protester-on-protester violence."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barney, Christopher J.
2019-09
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Mole in Your Pocket: A Study of the Data Gathering Capabilities and Security Implications of Modern Smartphones
From the Thesis Abstract: "With the increasing prevalence of and dependency on smartphones, it is critical to understand how the sensor data collected from their users is used and shared. This thesis investigates the homeland security risks associated with smartphone-sensor data collection and sharing. Publicly available technical specifications, open-source documents, and published studies were used to evaluate how smartphone data could be used to threaten the security of the homeland. This analysis reveals that smartphone sensor data, especially when aggregated, threatens the security of individuals and organizations at a level that also threatens homeland security. This analysis recommends specific actions that should be taken by individuals, organizations, and the homeland security enterprise to mitigate these threats."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Maxson, Paula
2019-09
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Turning the Eagle's Head: Polish Nationhood and the Global War on Terror
From the Thesis Abstract: "This work explores the response to the global war on terror during the last decade in the nation of Poland. Specifically, it examines how visions of the country's nationhood have been used by the leaders of the country's dominant political party, Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, or PiS), in conjunction with real or imagined terrorist events to gain power and further its political agenda. This effort is examined in the context of one particular element of Polish nationhood, Sarmatism, which formed in the 1600s and reemerged in the first decade of the 2000s as a potent cultural force. Basing its view of modern terrorism through a Sarmatian lens and responding with Sarmatian rhetoric has proved particularly useful to PiS; not only did it gain power during this decade, but it remains the dominant political force in the country. This ascendance of PiS has transformed both terrorist and non-terrorist events into perceived existential threats to the country, threats that the party has exploited for electoral success. But this success has also transformed Poland's position in its two most important international alliances, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. As a result, any effective foreign policy responses directed at Poland must account for the Sarmatian values embedded in its nationhood and manipulated by PiS in the political arena."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Borden, Timothy G.
2019-09
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Preventing Violent Extremism in Children and Adolescents: An Elementary and Middle School Life-Safety Education Program
From the Thesis Abstract: "The threat that Islamic jihadists pose to U.S. security is often highlighted in political debates and media commentary; however, U.S. citizens who have no affiliation with foreign terrorist organizations commit the vast majority of violent attacks within the United States. Violent extremists are becoming more common, and researchers believe the ideology and mental health of lone violent individuals is different from that of group-organized political terrorists. To address this growing threat to homeland security, this thesis demonstrates how fire departments, specifically the Virginia Beach Fire Department, can address mental health in their life safety programs for elementary and middle schools to reduce the likelihood that students will become school shooters or violent extremists. This thesis surveys and incorporates best practices from national and foreign programs to outline a new safety curriculum for the city of Virginia Beach."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hutcheson, David W.
2019-09
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Sufficiency of Navy Handgun Training for Force Protection Watchstanders
From the Thesis Abstract: "Military training recently has come under review in the face of numerous service member non-combat deaths. Many of these incidents have catalyzed major changes in procedure and training, but in response to the lesser known USS Mahan shooting incident, the naval small arms training program was not scrutinized. Therefore, this thesis will investigate the following research question: Does Navy handgun training bestow the acquisition, retention, and proficiency of small arms skills necessary to counter real-world threats? This thesis analyzes the sufficiency of the naval small arms training program as written in OPNAVINST 3591.1F. Sufficient conditions for small arms training are developed through a review of quantitative research findings conducted on motor skill acquisition, retention, and proficiency. Based on these sufficient conditions, the naval small arms training program is insufficient to produce watchstanders able to counter real-world threats. In particular, it does not contain a formalized standard operating procedure for instruction, a training timeline, mandatory practice during skill acquisition, or mandatory practice during the one-year training cycle. Most importantly, the training lacks the verisimilitude necessary to prepare force protection watchstanders for the real-world shooting environment, to include the psychological stress of an actual engagement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Tate, David A.
2019-09
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Relationship Policing: Implementing a New Model of Thinking for Law Enforcement to Build Formal Community Partnerships
From the Thesis Abstract: "Law enforcement leaders protect and serve citizens using various enforcement models, such as community policing and evidence-based policing. Another method is the formation of formal partnerships among chiefs and key community stakeholders with the purpose of building public trust and reducing crime. This study aims to answer the question: 'How do local law enforcement agencies structure successful partnerships that earn public trust and contribute to crime reduction?' Using six police partnership cases from the extant literature, success factors and barriers were identified that contributed to successful or less than successful police partnerships. Successful partnerships included factors of purpose and strategy, structure, lateral mechanisms, incentives, people practices, strong leadership, and culture. This study determined effective communication, competent personnel, and a clear purpose were leading factors to a successful partnership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Poland, Mark J.
2019-09
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When Green and Blue Collide: The Relative Superiority Theory and Law Enforcement Incidents
From the Thesis Abstract: "The past three decades have seen a significant increase in suspects using weapons, which had not been readily available to the public, and which are more lethal. When suspects are better armed and more skilled with their weapons and tactics than officers, law enforcement's disparity of superiority leads to death and injury. For example, on October 1, 2017, the Las Vegas Massacre resulted in 58 people killed and more than 850 people injured. The entire incident lasted 10 minutes with the suspect firing more than 1,200 rounds before committing suicide. Retired Admiral William McRaven developed the relative superiority theory and the six principles of special operations. The theory's basis is the need for operators to achieve superiority at a specific place and time by virtue of surprise, speed, and violence of action. This thesis analyzed case studies from the North Hollywood Shootout and the 2009 Pittsburgh officer-involved shooting. The relative superiority theory was applied to each case study and identified successes and failures of law enforcement's response to the incident. The analysis and conclusions support the application of relative superiority theory to future critical law enforcement incidents during which officers may be outgunned or are already in an inferior position."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lenart, Harley J.
2019-09
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Benefits of Utilizing Procedural Justice Principles in Hiring and Training Officers
From the Thesis Abstract: "Policing is at a critical point in its history, with ever-increasing expectations on law enforcement and evidence of mistrust among the communities they serve, particularly in communities of color. Negative encounters between police and community members are symptoms of mistrust, sometimes manifesting in acts of violence both by and against police. Trust and willingness to comply with police are linked to the community's perception of legitimacy in the institution, which is reduced when interactions between the police and public go badly. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how incorporating procedural justice principles in hiring and training will encourage active community engagement and increased minority representation in law enforcement, resulting in increased legitimacy and decreased negative encounters with citizens. This thesis looks at several real-world examples of procedural justice in action, demonstrating the ability of the key principles--voice, transparency, fairness, and impartiality--to increase trust and reduce the frequency of negative encounters between the community and law enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Boe, Theodore A.
2019-09
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After the Exercise: Using Change Management Theory to Improve After-Action Event Outcomes
From the Thesis Abstract: "Preparedness agencies fail to act on gaps identified by exercises; instead, they repeat exercises and never move to resolve issues. After-action reports document exercise findings, but are not shared with forward-facing staff who do the work. Agencies spend federal money exercising capabilities, but fail to implement changes recommended by exercise evaluations. Yet some agencies are able to report successful after-action events and document improved capability performance. This thesis interviewed exercise professionals to identify common success factors and innovative solutions to after-action process challenges. It also surveyed preparedness employees to determine if after-action experiences differ by authority level. The thesis reviewed corporate change management literature looking for common steps to manage change and improve capabilities for emergency management agencies. The survey results show exercise participants experience after-action events differently based partly on their authority level. In particular, employees at an agency's forefront are less likely to see policy changes or be given an opportunity to read after-action documents and improvement plans. The literature review indicates specific interventions that can alleviate this, and the interviews illustrate instances where changes have been successfully applied. The thesis finally recommends specific strategies to increase the success of improvement plans."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Holmes, Cynthia
2019-09
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Blockchain Technology Implementation in the U.S. Customs Environment
From the Thesis Abstract: "Blockchain technology promises to revolutionize supply chain management and may improve the international trade environment as well as compliance and enforcement capabilities. Because blockchain technology is still developing, the government has an opportunity to collaborate with the trade industry and to explore the technology's capabilities. This thesis examines the first proof of concept (POC) blockchain implementation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and provides recommendations for future government involvement in the implementation of blockchain technology in the U.S. customs environment. The POC proved that blockchain technology can be implemented in the U.S. customs environment and that the technology can improve the processing and tracking of trade documents, facilitate interaction with multiple entities, enable better auditability, and expedite processing. The POC revealed that utilization of emerging interoperability specifications and standards is key for successful implementation. This research concludes that if government entities join the blockchain revolution early on, they have an opportunity to drive the change, rather than to react and adapt to systems established by others. This thesis recommends that CBP expand blockchain implementation by joining efforts with other government agencies and the trade industry. CBP can facilitate future coordination, implementation, and creation of global blockchain standards necessary in international trade."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Angert, Svetlana
2019-09
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Building the Case for a Prison Mass-Casualty Planning Framework
From the Thesis Abstract: "The corrections enterprise is wholly unprepared for mass casualty incidents (MCI). Prisons regularly experience incidents involving inmate violence; these events can quickly escalate into an MCI that overwhelms the prison's ability to respond and overload local medical systems. Despite numerous prison-related disasters, the corrections enterprise remains disengaged from national emergency preparedness efforts. Further complicating the issue is the lack of corrections-specific emergency management doctrine to guide prison emergency planners toward achieving national preparedness goals. This thesis asks, 'How can a framework be developed that will improve prison mass-casualty planning and response?' The first part of the research involves a gap analysis comparing the prescribed performance outcomes found in emergency management doctrine and MCI planning guides to the actual performance outcomes from several MCI events. In the second part, a panel of correctional and emergency management experts participated in a modified Delphi process to validate the results of the gap analysis using a discussion-based wargaming exercise. The research found that it is possible to create an accurate depiction of the problem space by reframing gap analysis data in the context of the prison operational environment. The resulting MCI framework recommends a series of corrections-specific planning actions, backed by doctrine, which is scalable and applicable to any prison or correctional facility."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Day, Michael D.
2019-09
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Building Community Capacity and Resilience Through Improvements in Economic Recovery
From the Thesis Abstract: "This research answers the following question: How does the United States improve economic recovery to mitigate the impacts a disaster has on a community? The thesis examines existing literature and insight from subject-matter experts to determine how the nation can improve economic recovery after a disaster to mitigate the overall impact on communities. Using the Delphi methodology, subject-matter experts from different levels of government, as well as the business sector, answered questions about the present status of knowledge, capabilities, and capacity of economic recovery. The Delphi information became the basis for a net assessment, which helped to create a shared understanding of U.S. capabilities and how they can counter or mitigate the overall impact of a nebulous and challenging problem. This assessment analyzed economic recovery using three broad categories: the National Disaster Recovery Framework, the operational environment, and governance. The research identified three problems hindering existing capabilities: limited unity of effort, unrealistic objectives, and a lack of emphasis on economic recovery. Addressing these areas would allow the nation to improve its preparedness capability and, more importantly, provide practitioners and stakeholders the tools to support the citizens they serve."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McMahan, Kevin D.
2019-09
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Guided Search: Exploring Technological Solutions for Interior Navigation in the Structural Fire Environment
From the Thesis Abstract: "The structural fire environment is hazardous and challenging to firefighters who are operating in unknown locations with zero visibility. Many firefighters lose spatial awareness and get lost, leading to inefficient operations as well as deaths and injuries. This research was designed to reveal which technology has the highest potential to provide interior navigation for firefighters in such an environment. This thesis used the exploratory research method to identify and appraise existing indoor navigation technology. The mission model canvas was applied to determine the business potential of each alternative and identified one potential solution to the problem that is a good market fit and has a high chance of adoption. Spectral image fusion technology augments spatial awareness and will help firefighters perform more efficiently. However, this technology will not provide navigation, so it is an incremental enhancement to the existing thermal image capability. Terrestrial transmitters are likely to have high adoption rates, appear able to achieve the mission, and are a viable solution. This thesis recommends that the fire service continue to push for more evaluation and testing of terrestrial transmitters. Fire service leaders should work with and encourage vendors to set up trials to develop additional interior navigation solutions that can be implemented."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pravetz, Kenneth A.
2019-09
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Dimensions of Public Engagement for Inclusive Emergency Planning
From the Thesis Abstract: "Vulnerable populations suffer disproportionate impacts in disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s whole-community approach addresses this disparity in the emergency planning process. An inclusive planning process is needed to operationalize FEMA's whole-of-community concept. This thesis focuses on public engagement as foundational to inclusive planning. This research first analyzed whether prior research translated into useful whole-community planning processes in large urban areas with different hazard profiles. Then, a structured, systematic case examination of four projects--in Hertford, North Carolina; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Los Angeles County, California; and San Antonio, Texas--confirmed the efficacy of the five dimensions of public engagement identified in prior research. In addition to these dimensions, this thesis offers eight new findings. One set identifies factors that affect public engagement: jurisdictional size, poverty and disability, a community's ethnic make-up, and a history of disasters. The other set adds three key dimensions of public engagement: trust among partners, addressing language barriers, and community-specific strategies. The thesis concludes with recommendations for emergency planners, and future research. This thesis supports emergency planners in implementing FEMA's whole-community planning within their varied jurisdictions and contributes to a definition for an inclusive emergency planning process."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Witmer, Deborah L.
2019-09
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China's Emerging Soft/Sharp Power Strategy in Hollywood
From the Thesis Abstract: "China is currently the second-largest film audience market in the world and is set to surpass the U.S. market by 2020. China's lucrative market is controlled by Beijing's state, which permits only the release of films that place China in a positive light. Meanwhile, China has nefariously sought U.S. technology through spying, specifically targeting the space industry where China has emerged as the strongest competitor to the United States. This thesis examines China's intentions of controlling narratives and stealing or co-opting media tradecraft and capabilities through the use of its markets and investment. Six Hollywood films are examined to understand the nature of China's expanding sharp power into United States through Hollywood. This thesis concludes that by controlling Hollywood, China may be positioned to shape perceptions of the U.S. society, which is susceptible to propaganda particularly coming from American sources. This research concludes with three recommendations to help control or mitigate the Chinese threat."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Larson, Douglas F.
2019-09
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Hitting the Accelerator: Will Tesla Crash the Los Angeles Grid?
From the Thesis Abstract: "How many Teslas will it take to crash the Los Angeles, California, grid? This thesis conducts a thought experiment to explore whether rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Los Angeles will reduce the reliability of electric power in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) service territory. Federal and state regulations are encouraging the shift to electric transportation in support of policy priorities that include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources. However, high market penetration by EVs will change the patterns of electricity use, especially in urban areas. Under some scenarios, EVs could pose a risk to the reliability and resilience of the electric grid serving these areas. To explore this issue, I developed a model that projects the impact of EVs on the peak power load in Los Angeles in 2030 under different scenarios of EV market penetration and constraints on demand for vehicle charging (e.g., time-of-day pricing). I found that even with moderate EV penetration, if vehicle charging is unconstrained, the load placed on the LADWP grid will exceed the established reserve margin in 2030. Only by adopting some form of incentives for EV drivers to shift their power demands from the normal end-of-day charging routine will the LADWP be able to maintain the reliability and resilience of the power grid."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Orr, Marilee
2019-09
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Technological Solution for the Reduction of Police Pursuits: Implications for Increased Investment
From the Thesis Abstract: "The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the primary federal funding source for state, local, and tribal law enforcement departments throughout the United States. In recent years, there has been a call to address the risks associated with traditional vehicle pursuit methods. The adoption of pursuit management technology has been identified as an effective and beneficial alternative to established kinetic methods. The established methods are defined by contact with the pursued vehicle that does result in a greater risk for collateral damage. By acting in its role as a major funding source, the DOJ can provide the necessary framework for the acquisition of pursuit management technology by state, local, and tribal departments. This thesis evaluates the sources relating to pursuit management technology, DOJ funding activities, departmental pursuit policy, and DOJ policy reform efforts. Policy prescriptions are provided based on the information presented in the evaluation. It is recommended that the DOJ redirect more funds toward the acquisition of pursuit management technology to improve departmental efficiency and strategic efficacy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Troxell, Ian
2019-09
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There Are No Monsters in the Closet: Why Fire Departments Are Not Implementing Best Concepts for Active Assailant Incidents
From the Thesis Abstract: "Despite literature that recommends fire departments in the United States implement best concepts to more rapidly access victims during active assailant incidents, the adoption of such concepts languishes. As the number of active assailant incidents in this country increases, fire fighters will be increasingly called to respond to incidents involving active shooters, vehicle ramming, and fire used as a weapon, regardless of policy implementation. For this thesis, representatives of seventeen fire departments across the country were asked to describe challenges and facilitators of success when developing or implementing recommended best concepts. When describing challenges, the representatives pointed to the tradition-bound culture of the fire service, lack of senior leadership support, lack of trust between fire and law enforcement agencies, and the logistics of training all personnel. Factors that facilitate best practices include the ability to secure funding for ballistic protection equipment and training, preexisting relationships between fire and law enforcement agencies, joint fire-police training exercises, and the availability of best concepts. Because the resources available for fire departments around the United States vary, a one-size-fits-all approach to best concepts is difficult to implement. However, the recommendations provided in this thesis can help all fire departments adapt best concepts for active assailant incidents to encourage implementation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Sabat, David
2019-09
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Convergence, Guns, and the Public Safety Response
From the Thesis Abstract: "Natural and man-made disasters have altered the public safety paradigm by contributing to an increase in firearms sales, gun-carrying by the public, and a general relaxation of the rules of engagement in which citizens may employ deadly force. These conditions have made the landscape in which police, fire, and emergency services work potentially more dangerous. This thesis addresses how public safety agencies should evaluate and respond tactically, operationally, and strategically to the changing landscape caused by crisis events. It begins with an examination of two such crisis events, Hurricane Katrina and Sandy Hook, focusing on the gun-related outcomes of these events. The thesis then presents two hypothetical scenarios that incorporate these gun-related outcomes to contextualize them for public safety officers. The thesis then offers prescriptive recommendations for public safety agencies to manage disaster convergence of armed citizens, interact with schools where armed staff members are present, and build positive relationships with the gun-owning community. Finally, it concludes that interacting with armed citizens is a trend that will likely continue and that the best course of action is to plan for these challenges in advance of crisis events."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lyon, Jason D.
2019-09
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Bring in the Dogs: Using Canines to Improve School Safety and Security
From the Thesis Abstract: "School violence is a consistent problem that cannot be underestimated by government and school officials. Though pervasive and ever-changing, current school safety initiatives are not always effective. This thesis explores how schools can take advantage of a dog's therapeutic and security instincts to improve existing school safety initiatives. To assess fittingness, the thesis first explores research that indicates there is an evolutionary bond between humankind and dogs, which--when paired with dogs' general and emotional intelligence--makes them a perfect candidate for the school safety platform. The thesis then presents data to suggest that therapy and police dogs are equally suitable to improve school safety initiatives. Finally, the thesis details a theoretical observational study that demonstrates the practicality and benefits of pairing a therapy dog with a school resource officer. The findings reveal that dogs could be an added layer to improve current school safety initiatives. A dog's security instincts can bolster school resource officers' crime-prevention capabilities and also enhance or replace other physical security measures, like metal detectors. Furthermore, a dog's therapeutic abilities can provide stress relief and can strengthen a school resource officer's informal counseling skills, which may help the officer develop much-needed rapport with troubled students."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Cybert, Matthew W.
2019-09
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Level the Playing Field: Are Law Enforcement Policies and Practices Rigged Against Women and Mothers?
From the Thesis Abstract: "Over 109 years after the United States swore in its first female officer, women still constitute only 13.3 percent of law enforcement personnel. Women have always been, and continue to be, a minority in law enforcement careers. The numbers are disproportionate because female officers face challenges that negatively affect gender equality in law enforcement career paths. These challenges involve law enforcement culture, gender perception, gender role expectations, balancing motherhood, and a disparity in promotion opportunities. This thesis set out to answer the following question: How can law enforcement agencies modernize human resources policies and practices to improve the career paths of women in law enforcement, in an effort to ensure retention? This research demonstrated that female officers leave their law enforcement careers prematurely for reasons associated with policies and practices in their agencies. Law enforcement culture and the discriminatory manifestations of those within the sector discourage longevity for the female officer. Gender perception and gender role expectations continue to exhibit the historical masculine traditions that do not embrace the benefits of having the female officer on the force. Additionally, the issues surrounding current policies or the lack thereof that would allow equality in career assignments continue to stifle the law enforcement career progression of women."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Neely, Dione A.
2019-09
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Disaster Housing for Urban Environments
From the Thesis Abstract: "The purpose of this research was to determine how government agencies can provide more effective post-disaster housing in densely populated urban areas where the infrastructure has been damaged. The thesis analyzed the problems of previous disaster housing efforts both in the United States and abroad using the PESTEL analytical model, which considers the political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal concerns of a given issue. The research identified issues with the expense of post-disaster housing, the availability of land for placement of housing, deployment time, and the unmet needs of victims and those living near post-disaster housing. The thesis provides policy recommendations for government stakeholders that can address the identified issues."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Krieger, Aisha E.
2019-06
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Digital Volunteers in Emergency Management
From the Thesis Abstract: "The meteoric rise of social media applications has fundamentally altered the way citizens share information, but after more than a decade, public safety agencies continue to grapple with how to integrate them into operations. Building on prior research on digital volunteers in humanitarian response, this thesis examined whether the social media model had the potential to enrich sensemaking in emergency operations centers. Interviews were conducted with senior public safety leaders to illuminate the potential advantages and impediments to this strategy, as well as their current integration of social media information. There was universal agreement that social media offers unique insight not replicated by other means. However, the clearest use case was to assist with public messaging in a crisis event. The responders were concerned about the veracity of social media posts, expressed most clearly by law enforcement interviewees. Additionally, there were concerns about how social media information could be broadly shared across agencies to ensure a shared situational awareness. Recommendations include creating a liaison position in the emergency operations center to serve as a social media coordination point, standardizing situational awareness data standards, and leveraging new patterns of volunteer information sharing."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bout, Danjel L.
2019-06
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Combating Strategic Weapons of Influence on Social Media
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis provides an overview of how the Russian Federation deploys strategic weapons of influence through social media with the intent to weaken the United States. The thesis asserts that these influence weapons are a direct threat to U.S. national security and have not been completely neutralized by present countermeasures. In an effort to improve the U.S. response to this threat, this thesis seeks to answer the following questions: (1) How effective has the U.S. government's response been to countering Russia's strategic weapons of influence on social media from the 2016 U.S. presidential election through the end of 2018? (2) How effective has the social media industry's self-regulation been in preventing further platform exploitation by strategic weapons of influence during the same time frame? It finds that both the present governmental and private sector responses have not completely blunted this threat. The Kremlin's continued propagation of socially corrosive, divisive narratives over social media highlights the need for an improved response capability that includes cognitive defenses and a government-housed alert mechanism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Walker, Robert E.
2019-06
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Diversity in the Fire Service: Beyond Basic Demographics
From the Thesis Abstract: "Research in diversity has failed to study the unique challenges that the fire service's schedule, stress, and culture of tradition pose for diverse workforces. There has also been a lack of depth when researchers have studied demographics in the fire service. This case study uses the history and demographics of the Richmond (VA) Department of Fire and Emergency Services (RFES) to answer the following research question: What can homeland security agencies learn about diversity from the successes and challenges of the City of Richmond's Department of Fire and Emergency Services? This research consists of a qualitative and quantitative study of this fire department. The qualitative study evaluates the factors that had the greatest impact on the work environment. The quantitative study compares RFES to other career departments in Virginia and nationally. The results reveal a large gap, beyond basic demographics, in promotion opportunities for minorities and women in Virginia and national datasets. These same demographic groups in RFES, however, were promoted at rates higher than or equal to their counterparts."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Martin, Bailey C., Jr.
2019-06
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Enacting Policy and Solutions to the Modern-Day Slavery Problem of Forced Labor and Domestic Servitude in Monterey County
From the Thesis Abstract: "For the last several years, the United States has been the number-one destination for inward migration--both legal and illegal. Persons with undocumented immigration status are at a high risk of being targeted by traffickers and forced into modern-day slavery. Of the more than 550 cases of human trafficking reported by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2001, nearly half were from the four most populous states--California, Florida, Texas, and New York--which foster a welcoming environment for immigrants. Within California, Monterey County's labor and industrial profile, with a strong demand for agricultural laborers and hospitality industry service employees, suggests it is at high risk for trafficking. However, the low number of arrests and prosecutions to date indicates that the current level of human trafficking prevention in Monterey County might not be commensurate with its risk. Using the UN's internationally recognized 4Ps anti-trafficking framework, this thesis assesses Monterey County's risk factors for human trafficking and its current approach to combating human trafficking, concluding that there remain many areas in which significant improvement is needed. It then proposes anti-trafficking recommendations for Monterey County reached through investigating approaches used in other areas, including Florida and Texas, with similar socioeconomic indicators."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Craig, Kimbley
2019-06
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When 9-1-1 is Not Enough: Transitioning the 9-1-1 Center into a Multi-Channel Emergency Communications Center
From the Thesis Abstract: "Disasters, terrorist attacks, and network outages have demonstrated the limitations of the 9-1-1 system. Emergency communications centers that remain focused on 9-1-1 as the singular emergency reporting channel fall short of providing a comprehensive emergency response solution in their communities. A change is required to adapt to the modern means of communications, such as text and picture messaging, livestream video, crowdsourcing, apps, sensors, and social media. This thesis reports on the actions taken to transition an emergency communications center into a multi-channel environment capable of building resiliency, and provides supplemental reporting channels, creates situational awareness, and builds more efficient workflows. Using business model generation and lean strategy methodology, this thesis provides a model for implementation strategies and proposes a bottom-up approach to meet individual community needs. This thesis recommends a pathway to shift the culture and strategy in carrying out the mission of emergency communications and responding to requests for emergency services."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Potts, Michelle R.
2019-06
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Fiat Currency, from Wallet to Museum: Accelerating the Inevitable in the Name of Homeland Security
From the Thesis Abstract: "This research examined what influence large-denomination currency has on the financial networks of terror and criminal groups. This thesis analyzed how the removal of the $50 and $100 bills would affect these illicit groups. A historical review identified the use and effectiveness of large-denomination currency in the context of social acceptance and its place in the modern global financial payment system. This thesis employed a comparative policy analysis to examine alternatives to cash as an effort to combat the illicit world of finance. Recommendations include that the U.S. government reevaluate its obligation with respect to large-denomination circulating currencies, and develop alternate financial frameworks that incorporate the restriction or discontinuation of the $50 and $100 notes."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Swangler, Michael J.
2019-06
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United States' Border Wall: A Maritime Perspective
From the Thesis Abstract: "The President of the United States has requested increased security at the southern border, mainly by investing in and building a border wall. Some argue that this will cost too much money, and some argue that it simply will not be effective. Conversely, others would argue that it is a necessary tool within the United States' border security policy. This thesis examines a potential border wall's effectiveness by analyzing illegal immigration apprehensions and drug seizures. Furthermore, this thesis uses the southern border's existing border fencing as an example of how border infrastructure affects the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs. In addition to the land border, this thesis hypothesized that, based on historic border security data, an increase in land border security will result in an increase in illegal immigration and drug smuggling through maritime routes. So, illegal immigration and drug smuggling data from before and after large amounts of border fence mileage were constructed was compared from land and maritime perspectives. This research found that a border wall can be effective at redirecting the flow of people and drugs, but ineffective at the greater goal of stopping it. Also, this thesis discovered changes in maritime border security data that suggest that as security is increased on the land border with border barriers, the maritime domain will experience significantly more drug smuggling and illegal immigration."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fontana, Christopher B.
2019-06
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Female Genital Mutilation: A Different Kind of Terrorism
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis demonstrates that in addition to constituting a human rights violation, female genital mutilation can also function as a form of terrorism against women and girls. Much like a terrorist act, female genital mutilation is carried out to influence the attitudes and behavior of a wider target audience. Specifically, female genital mutilation is a violent act that perpetuates society's control over women and influences gender inequality. A basic assessment of female genital mutilation against the core characteristics of terrorism reveals that, in many instances, all the elements commonly accepted by scholars who define terrorism are found within female genital mutilation. By demonstrating how female genital mutilation can function as a terrorist act, this thesis offers another category for experts to explore in the evolution of the phenomenon known as terrorism: gender-based terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Krebs, Kristie L.
2019-06
