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Everyone Is Doing It: The Effectiveness of Body-Worn Cameras Beyond Randomized Controlled Trials
From the thesis abstract: "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is at a decisional crossroads regarding body-worn camera implementation. Although the technology has gained widespread acceptance in the law enforcement community, there is a tremendous amount of conflicting information surrounding its efficacy. Neither the academic, nor civil liberty, nor law enforcement communities have examined the effectiveness of body-worn cameras in isolation or attempted to determine whether other police reforms accomplish the same goals. This thesis addresses whether CBP should adopt body-worn cameras. The author employed a comparative case study methodology to examine the impact of the technology within the context of other reform initiatives in two major police departments in which randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of body-worn cameras produced differing results. One RCT showed that the technology reduced the use of force and complaints while the other did not. By examining the effectiveness of other police reform initiatives in these departments before and after body-worn camera implementation, this research concludes that the technology has not been more effective at reducing the use of force or complaints than other reform measures. This thesis expands the body-worn camera discussion beyond the results of RCTs and places it in the broader context of police reform."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lawler, Robert M.
2018-12
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Tailoring Violent Extremism Prevention: A Targeted Intervention Method
From the thesis abstract: "The threat that emanates from violent extremism in the United States has shifted from large-scale networked cells to lone-wolf attackers. These violent extremists vary in ethnicity, race, age, religion, and motivations, and their path to radicalization is not linear. However, the majority of Department of Homeland Security programs designed to combat violent extremism still focus exclusively on the Muslim population and on community-based approaches. This thesis identifies two separate but related deficiencies in current countering violent extremism (CVE) programs: first, their inability to prevent attacks perpetrated by individuals who have been interviewed by law enforcement but did not become subjects of a formal investigation, and second, their inability to provide early intervention for individuals who are vulnerable to radicalization. This research proposes a multi-disciplinary, comprehensive model to prevent violent extremism at every intervention point, leveraging law enforcement capabilities, neighborhood policing models, and more robust threat assessment methods." The CHDS Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security video link for this thesis is available at: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=8212445
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Mourad, Mourad
2018-12
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Area Maritime Security Committees and the Maritime Transportation System
From the thesis abstract: "The purpose of this thesis was to explore the modern threats to the maritime homeland security environment and the effectiveness of Area Maritime Security Committees (AMSCs) in preventing and responding to transportation security incidents. AMSCs are deliberately designed to encompass senior representatives of numerous stakeholders in the maritime homeland security enterprise, such as law enforcement, fire, industry, and labor. There were two research questions used in this project: What are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to the effectiveness of AMSCs, and how can AMSCs improve their interagency collaboration to enhance the homeland security enterprise? Two rounds of Delphi surveys were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of AMSCs. These were issued to 24 people from five Captain of the Port Zones across the West Coast of the United States. The survey answers were then evaluated against open-source reports produced by AMSCs. Between these research sources, AMSCs were shown to be positive collaboration and information-sharing mechanisms, but geography creates barriers to participation and effectiveness. In order to improve, AMSCs must increase funding, change policy to fund the travel and training of AMSC members, recruit and provide engaging training for new personnel, and establish metrics of performance. On the national level, all AMSCs should target and monitor common threats to better secure the maritime transportation system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Crowell, Ben
2018-12
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Homeland Security from a Tribal Context
From the thesis abstract: "A gap exists between the federal government and the 567 tribal nations, which hampers tribal inclusion in homeland security. American Indian and Alaskan Native lands comprise 100 million acres of land within the territory of the United States, with 250 miles of borderlands--potentially a formidable rift in the nation's homeland security. According to its mission statement, the United States homeland security enterprise necessarily assumes tribal participation, cooperation, and communication in upholding its mission to 'ensure a homeland that is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards.' Keeping the nation safe encompasses many aspects of protection, and 'hundreds of thousands of people from across the federal government, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments, the private sector, and other nongovernmental organizations are responsible for executing these missions.' If not well supported with staff, training, and funding, the tribal nations struggle to fulfill such federal expectations. The first step to close that gap, and build stronger, more collaborative homeland security practices, is improving tribal preparedness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Figueroa, Lisa M.
2018-12
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Applying the THIRA to Special Events: A Framework for Capabilities-Based Planning Adoption in Local Governments
From the thesis abstract: "Determining preparedness across the United States' homeland security enterprise (HSE) is a complex task because the nation's overall disaster management capability is an aggregation of the independently developed capabilities of local and state agencies. In 2012, FEMA promulgated a six-step capabilities-based planning (CBP) framework, the Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment (THIRA), to standardize how states and major cities assess preparedness. CBP is a non-linear planning process used within the Department of Defense (DoD) to determine how military capabilities should develop to ensure success in future conflicts, despite uncertainty around threats, actors, and theaters. This thesis proposes increasing CBP adoption by state and local governments through incorporating an adapted THIRA methodology into recurring, real-world interagency activities, such as mass-gathering contingency planning. An expanded THIRA framework is synthesized, which completes an initial DoD CBP sequence in the context of local government planning for a special event. Three policy options are developed that evaluate the adapted THIRA framework's implementation in these scenarios: no adoption, use in a local government-planned event, and adoption within a national special security event (NSSE). This thesis recommends implementing a THIRA framework into special-event planning to allow interagency stakeholders to perform and adapt CBP locally in real-world collaborative environments."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bradley, Daniel J.
2018-12
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Fusing the Four Corners: Integrating Intelligence-Led Policing Within New Mexico's Rural and Tribal Communities
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis examines how New Mexico's state fusion center can develop a robust intelligence-led policing and all-hazards model for New Mexico and its rural and tribal communities. The research examines the principles behind intelligence-led policing and identifies best practices established by other local and state law enforcement organizations, focusing on how these practices are followed by fusion centers. Then, it conducts a close analysis of the New Mexico fusion center to determine, in light of best practices, how policies and procedures might be changed to better address rural and tribal concerns. A redefined intelligence and all-hazards mission, as described in this thesis, will provide all participating agencies with a universal definition of intelligence-led policing, will maintain and enhance community-policing efforts, and will establish a platform for contribution to the domestic intelligence cycle--fusing New Mexico's four-corner region, which is essential for leveraging resources to detect and disrupt organized criminal organizations and terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Vasquez, Robert
2018-12
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Career Paramedic-Firefighter Staffing Problems: Is Recruiting Women Part of the Solution?
From the thesis abstract: "Fire departments are the largest employer of emergency medical services workers, but many face a shortage of paramedic-firefighter applicants. These applicants typically work as single-role paramedics, an occupation facing an even greater shortage. Although women are almost 47 percent of the general labor force, few apply to be paramedic-firefighters, suggesting an untapped labor pool that could resolve some of the shortage. This thesis explores whether fire departments can mitigate the shortage of paramedic-firefighter applicants by examining the issues that prevent people from applying and by recruiting more women. In a comparative analysis of four departments that employ an above-average percentage of females, the research found that: 1) low ambulance-bill reimbursements restrict paramedic wages, and thus paramedic supply; 2) economic and other challenges that limit the supply of paramedics are increasing; 3) fire departments appear not to be aware of, or have implemented, published recruiting recommendations; and 4) strong staffing performance requires consistent human resources proficiency. This research recommends that fire departments address issues that appear to deter potential applicants, especially women. Doing this can mitigate staffing shortages and foster community trust."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Byron, Juan
2018-12
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Olive Branch and the Maple Leaf: A Comparative Analysis of Refugee Policies in Canada and the United States and the Potential for Blended Reform
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis reviewed the United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) to address concerns regarding the program and actions taken by the Donald J. Trump administration. Specifically, the thesis sought to determine if the admission of refugees poses a threat to the United States and if the USRAP can be modified. To determine potential threats, the research reviewed several concerns, including physical threats that could be caused by refugee admissions as well as economic and social impacts that refugees could have on host countries or individual communities, and then weighed competing arguments against objective evidence. Additionally, the research made a broader comparison between the structure of the United States' and Canada's refugee programs to determine if best practices from both nations might craft an updated USRAP. Ultimately, the thesis determined that refugees pose neither a physical security risk nor an economic risk to the United States. The country, however, is currently failing in its statutory mandate to involve local communities in resettlement decisions; this has long-term negative effects on refugees and citizens. To address this concern, the United States should blend in smart practices from Canada's Provincial Nominee Program to bring USRAP more in line with statutory requirements and current humanitarian needs."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Tisdale, Robert
2018-12
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When the House is Full, but the Guests Keep Coming: Determining the Impact of Daily Hospital Overcrowding on Disaster Response
From the thesis abstract: "Hospitals throughout the United States are facing overcrowding every day, with more patients than available staff and space can accommodate, yet current disaster response policy related to managing a surge of patients does not include considerations for this daily challenge. This thesis investigates the questions that need to be answered regarding the foundational principles of current U.S. surge policy and how healthcare coalitions might assist in answering such questions. A gap analysis of current healthcare coalition policy related to surge was completed that identified the need for policy makers to continue to expand the role of evidence-based decision making for surge policy. As a result, this thesis recommends that additional data points be added for hospitals receiving patients during the required annual coalition surge test-related performance measures for healthcare coalitions. The additional data points are designed to help policy makers determine whether overcrowding impacts surge response, so policy can be adjusted if needed."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Menefee, Charity M.
2018-12
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Responding to High-Rise Active Shooters
From the thesis abstract: "On October 1, 2017, a mass shooting took place in Las Vegas in which the active shooter--perched on the thirty-second floor of a high-rise building--killed fifty-eight people at an outdoor concert below. Law enforcement last modified its active-shooter response practices after the mass shooting at Columbine High School in 1999. Since then, agencies across the United States have based their active-shooter responses on the assumption that the shooter is on the move and in the same two-dimensional environment as the responding officers; the response practices, training, and resource requirements do not address a three-dimensional threat in a semi-fixed position. This thesis analyzed case studies from the University of Texas tower shooting, the Mumbai terrorist attack, and the Las Vegas mass shooting to illuminate patterns, nuances, practices, techniques, tactics, and procedures related to high-rise active shooters. The conclusions identified training procedures, equipment considerations, and response practices that may help first responders mitigate damage from similar attacks in the future." The CHDS Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security video link for this thesis is available at: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=821244
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Seebock, James J.
2018-12
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School Bus Security: A Case for Regulations to Improve Child Safety
From the thesis abstract: "Each day, millions of parents send their children to school on public school buses under the assumption of their safety. In the United States, school buses transport more passengers each day than all other modes of mass transit combined. The lack of minimum security standards governing the school bus transportation industry has created a deep security void in the homeland security enterprise. Given the threats that U.S. mass transit systems face, more must be done to ensure the safety and security of children during their daily commute on school buses. This thesis examines the security void through an analysis of critical infrastructure methodologies and security strategies deployed worldwide to secure other modes of transportation. These methodologies form the basis for recommending new federal transportation security regulations that cover the school bus industry. The implementation of these proposed regulations uses a multi-layered security approach to ensure security is enhanced at all levels of the school bus transportation system. Security regulations provide a baseline standard for the entire school bus industry that will help safeguard the most precious commodity, children." The CHDS Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security video link for this thesis is available at: https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=821242
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Whitehead, Ryan N.
2018-12
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God Protocol: In Search of a Common Ethical Approach to Disaster Response
From the thesis abstract: "The evolution of domestic disaster response within the United States has created a dissonance between the capabilities of response resources and public expectations. Resource shortages in a catastrophe will compel decision-makers in disaster response organizations at all levels of government to make difficult choices. Given America's social contract, the ethical foundation for these choices should be common and consistent between the various actors. This research provides a primer on the abstracta (philosophical) and concreta (practical) issues impacting ethical choices about the allocation and distribution of food and water in response to a catastrophe. A single case study reviewing the Cascadia Subduction Zone provides a focused, threaded scenario to illustrate the interplay of the philosophical and practical issues. The research and application within the case study found that while the social contract creates both rights and expectations, government response cannot be assessed solely on the basis of quantifiable outcomes. The measure of effectiveness for response remains largely socially constructed due to the discursive framing by the various actors involved in disaster response. While a common ethical approach may be overly ambitious, this thesis recommends various procedural remedies to achieve greater consonance in ethical approaches."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Soucie, Eric D.
2018-12
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Shoot the Horse and Build a Better Barn Door: Exploring the Potential for a Superforecasting Methodology to Strengthen the DHS Leadership Selection Process
From the thesis abstract: "Over the course of several years, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has worked diligently to improve the quality of its leaders. Such efforts have focused almost exclusively on initiating or expanding programs related to leadership development. To date, the impact of that exertion might be charitably described as tepid. While the issues associated with existing leaders have received ample attention, the selection process that precipitated them has not. This gap represents an opportunity to explore a nascent space and suggest new solutions that target the problem at the source. This thesis examines the process of leadership selection at a network level and finds several systemic problems related to measurement, structure, and decision-making. These problems bear a striking resemblance to those observed in the intelligence community and its ability to accurately predict complex future geopolitical events. One method that has dramatically improved the accuracy of geopolitical predictions is superforecasting. At its core, leadership selection is a prediction or a forecast. It is an educated but nonetheless imperfect best guess about how a candidate observed today will perform tomorrow. These features collectively suggest a novel question. Could DHS use a superforecasting methodology to improve its leadership selection process? This thesis follows the progression of that question to an unexpected destination and offers several concrete recommendations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dorman, Ronald
2018-12
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Watchlist: Improving the Transparency, Accuracy, Efficiency, and Accountability of the Terrorist Screening Database
From the thesis abstract: "The government's unclassified terror watchlist, the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB), has grown dramatically, stressing government screening and counterterrorism resources. The TSDB has been criticized for lacking independent oversight and transparency in its operations, which has led some to allege it is discriminatory toward minority communities. How should the TSDB be improved to improve transparency, efficiency, and accuracy, and to decrease secrecy and perceived bias? This thesis is a policy analysis that examines the TSDB administrative processes to determine the extent to which the structure and function serve or compromise national security. It also considers the difficulties the system of redress poses for those classified as a 'Known or Suspected Terrorist' by their inclusion on the watchlist. This thesis recommends that the evidentiary standard needed to list a person on the watchlist should not be changed, but the government should extend the procedures recently adopted for No Fly subjects to all citizens and lawfully admitted permanent residents who request redress of their watchlist status. Judicial oversight and fixed review periods should be added to the redress process to facilitate independent review of the government's watchlisting determinations and ensure that all information contained in the TSDB is regularly reviewed."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Park, David
2018-12
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Crowd-Based Techniques to Improve Intelligence Analysis
From the thesis abstract: "The essential nature of the homeland security enterprise involves making consequential and complex policy decisions under uncertainty. The inputs that policy makers use in making these decisions are facts, analyses, and predictions (which can fit a definition of intelligence)--all of which are subject to significant uncertainty. This thesis seeks to improve analysis by developing a crowd-based analytic methodology to address the problem of intelligence analysis while accounting for, and taking advantage of, the unique characteristics of the intelligence analysis process and the U.S. Intelligence Community culture itself. The thesis's proposed methodology applies learning regarding crowdsourcing and prediction markets-based forecasting in a new context--that of intelligence analysis and the Intelligence Community. If the Intelligence Community implements the crowd-based analytic proposed methodology, which has achieved results in other contexts, it should improve its predictions of real-world events."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Srinivasan, Sridhar
2018-09
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I Am the Dragoman: EMS Translations and Boundary Objects in National Preparedness
From the thesis abstract: "Emergency medical services (EMS) in the United States is highly localized, arising from the historical efforts of local entrepreneurs, with local resources, perceptions and expectations. Early EMS development was spurred by strong federal leadership and funding for capacity building, but since the early 1980s, EMS has suffered from an absence of both, resulting in a patchwork of thousands of persistent local EMS interpretations. This study evaluates EMS through the framework of Boundary Object Theory, demonstrating that EMS is what Star and Griesemer refer to as a 'boundary object,' around and within which multiple communities of practice interact. A case study of a local EMS agency as a community of practice demonstrates that it is indeed an organizational community of practice, and part of a larger EMS--and specifically out of hospital EMS community of practice. These communities of practice contribute to a coherent collective meaning of the EMS object at some analytical levels, but EMS perceptions do not scale from the local level to national preparedness policy. The consequences are discordant EMS preparedness policy and gaps in national preparedness, exacerbated by a lack of standardized methods and consolidated federal leadership for EMS. Recognizing out of hospital EMS as a discipline with a defined domain, its inclusion in preparedness policy development, and the return of federal leadership in EMS are recommendations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Robinson, James L.
2018-09
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Facing Reality: The Benefits and Challenges of Facial Recognition for the NYPD
From the thesis abstract: "Facial recognition technology (FRT) and license plate readers (LPRs) are comparable technologies that share similar benefits and challenges. Many of the challenges associated with LPRs have already been mitigated, resulting in citizen acceptance and expanded use. Recent advancements in FRT, such as its use in real time, create new opportunities to leverage the technology for increased public safety. To what extent are LPRs and FRT analogous, and how can the use of LPRs by the New York City Police Department (NYPD) provide a roadmap for public support of real-time FRT? This thesis examines benefits and challenges that may arise if the NYPD considers using real-time FRT in the New York City subway system. Through comparative analysis, this thesis determines that real-time FRT could help law enforcement deter terrorism, prevent violent crime, identify wanted individuals, find missing persons as well as assist in mental health situations and post-event investigations. Real-time FRT can help the NYPD meet its mission by reducing fear, increasing resiliency, and adding a layer of protection for citizens riding in the New York City subway system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Carter, Anthony M.
2018-09
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Systematic Approach to Law Enforcement Safety
From the thesis abstract: "The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) requires that employers provide a safe work environment for their employees. Many states have their own plans that follow federal guidelines and that are inclusive of law enforcement officers. Despite this, there are no federal--and few state--regulations that specifically apply to law enforcement. Although they are commonly found in other high-risk professions, expected practices for OSHA-consistent hazard analysis and mitigation do not exist in law enforcement. This thesis highlights the information that is necessary for policy administrators in this field to establish a systematic approach to safety. After reviewing how police departments can improve officer safety by applying OSHA standards, the thesis examines the fire service and the aviation and medical professions. Specifically, the thesis reviews how these professions have applied Dr. James Reason's principles to create advanced safety systems in high-risk environments. Using OSHA guidelines and standards from other high-risk professions, the thesis constructs a roadmap that, if followed, produces a systematic approach that can create a culture of safety in law enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Finch, Joseph W.
2018-09
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Civilians on Police Use-Of-Force Review Boards: A Delphi Study Involving Six Police Departments
From the thesis abstract: "Some U.S. law enforcement agencies incorporate voting community members on their use-of-force review boards to support transparency, legitimacy, and community relations. This thesis set out to determine whether police departments that incorporate community members on their review boards follow similar standards in structure and operations. Six cities were included in this study: Denver, Las Vegas, Olympia, Phoenix, Portland, and Tucson. A comparative case study method was used to evaluate their use-of-force review board practices. A two-round Delphi, which asked nine board members from the six cities to identify ideal structures and operations for these boards, found a wide variety of practices. All Delphi participants expressed support for the practice of including voting community members. The literature review and Delphi results identify several recommendations for improving these boards. Recommendations include increasing training, term limits, the authority to review, and opportunities to question for voting community members as well as improving public reporting."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Breckenridge, John H.
2018-09
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911 and the Area Code from Which You Call: How to Improve the Disparity in California's Emergency Medical Services
From the thesis abstract: "Thirty-three local emergency medical services (EMS) authority agencies serve the 58 counties in California. A local EMS authority (LEMSA) in California governs either EMS providers in a single county or several counties combined. Each LEMSA dictates widely different treatment and transport protocols for its paramedics. Preliminary data for this thesis substantiate previously published literature, which shows broad disparities in prehospital care and patient outcomes among LEMSA jurisdictions in California. Although previous research has established the problem of geographic EMS disparities, nothing definitively explains their cause. This thesis contends that the decentralized LEMSA system is the chief culprit for EMS disparities in California, based on an analysis of the available California EMS performance-measure data. Regression analysis does not identify a single factor to explain the problem; the only constant across all LEMSAs in California is that their treatment protocols and training standards to maintain local accreditation vary widely. Unfortunately, the striking lack of performance-measure data--a data desert--for EMS throughout the United States limits the scope of research seeking to explain the inconsistency in EMS care."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Covitz, Jeffrey A.
2018-09
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Prescription for Information Sharing Between Law Enforcement and the Medical Community to Improve Threat Assessments
From the thesis abstract: "Medical practitioners may have information that could be used to determine whether an individual poses a violent threat to the community. However, legal and cultural barriers often prevent information sharing between the medical field and law enforcement. This thesis examines the impact of laws and regulations such as HIPAA [Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996], FERPA [Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act], 42 CFR [Code of Federal Regulations] Part 2, and state duty-to-warn laws, and recommends a legal analysis of these laws to determine whether modifications are necessary. It suggests that states could enact individual laws that mandate information sharing between the medical community and law enforcement for the purposes of threat assessment, which would then allow release of the information under HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2. It also suggests training for both law enforcement and the medical community to ensure they understand how to apply these laws, as well as joint exercises to enhance collaboration and trust."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Thibault, Amy L.
2018-09
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Model of Creating Inpatient Hospital Surge Capacity Through Early Discharge
From the thesis abstract: "When catastrophic disasters strike, health care systems are often faced with overwhelming volumes of patients to treat (patient surge). While many governmental and policy organizations have outlined recommendations to build 'surge capacity,' there has been little research on specific strategies to accommodate these significant patient loads. Specifically, a concept known as 'reverse triage,' which allows clinicians to assess current patients for possible discharge or reduction in the level of their clinical care, is still poorly understood. This research study investigated the utility of a structured assessment tool to predict the ability of a current patient to be discharged or downgraded in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Clinicians were provided a mock scenario and asked to use their clinical judgment or a structured assessment tool. The charts of patients were then reviewed 96 hours after the assessments were completed to determine whether predictions were accurate. This pilot study showed that the assessment tool was slightly better at predicting which patients could be safely discharged and which needed to remain admitted. This project serves as a first foray of research into this area and will initiate broader discourse and additional studies. The goal is to provide clinicians with stronger guidance vetted in scientific evidence and supported in ethical, legal, and moral context to make difficult decisions in the face of catastrophic disaster situations."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dunne, William J.
2018-09
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Imagining a Shift Toward Serial Terrorism
From the thesis abstract: "Most terrorist attacks in recent years have resulted in the quick death or capture of the suspect. This thesis examines the hypothesis that terrorism in the United States, from groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS [Islamic State in Syria], changes in tone, scope, and scale to obtain multiple attacks from each individual adherent. While historically most serial killers try to conceal their crimes, some have taunted the government and the populace with their acts and, in so doing, engendered tremendous fear in large groups of people over significant periods. This thesis examines three cases of well-known serial killer events--the Zodiac killer, BTK [blind, torture, kill], and the D.C. Beltway snipers--and compares them to three recent cases of terrorism--in Boston, San Bernardino, and Orlando. It employs a comprehensive comparison of these six incidents to study the congruency, differences, discourse, patterns, and effects of each to examine the possible impacts and implications of terrorists who use tactics similar to serial killers. The output provides key takeaways pertaining to possible policy implications for the law enforcement community and its situational awareness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pedrini, Christopher J.
2018-09
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Oregon Trail: An Exploratory Case Study for Higher Education Emergency Management Programs
From the thesis abstract: "Institutions of higher education have underdeveloped emergency management programs despite academic research, industry surveys, and guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Education. This research set out to discover what recurring issues are commonly identified in higher education emergency management programs. These issues tended to fall into three broad categories: resources, planning, and engagement. An exploratory case study was then conducted on Oregon's Campus Resilience Consortium to see how this proposed model could address repetitive issues. The research found that Oregon's program is poised to strengthen continuity, communication, and collaboration among institutions across the state. Implementation concerns were identified."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dunn, Kelly
2018-09
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DHS Acquisition Workforce: The Threat's Not Leaving, Why Are You?
From the thesis abstract: "To mitigate threats to our nation, homeland security operators depend on the acquisition workforce in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop, field, and sustain the technologies that help them accomplish their mission. Instability in the acquisition workforce can delay readiness of those technologies, giving adversaries a distinct advantage. This study defines the acquisition workforce, establishes a benchmark for instability, and determines whether the DHS acquisition workforce is unstable. The study uses data from DHS, industry, and other government sources to determine attrition rates and the primary causes leading to attrition during the last five years. Overlaying additional data, the study includes a comparative analysis and trend identification, and discusses staffing requirements, shortages, time to deliver an initial operational capability, and time to hire as critical contributors to instability. The results show that, based on the established benchmark, the acquisition workforce is stable; however, the same methodology applied at the component level shows that two DHS components are unstable. Finally, the thesis presents simple recommendations, such as establishing career models for the acquisition workforce, as well as more complex ways forward, such as consolidating the acquisition workforce."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dumais, Wayne A.
2018-09
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Suicide in Law Enforcement: Protecting Those Who Serve
From the thesis abstract: "The goal of this thesis was to identify effective suicide prevention protocols currently being used by law enforcement that can help leadership meet their organizations' needs. The research also reviewed suicide prevention protocols used by the military since both occupations are intrinsically connected by the psychological maladies they endure. Specifically, the thesis examined the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program and the Montreal police department's Together for Life suicide prevention program. Both programs used longitudinal studies that combined several suicide prevention protocols into their overall strategies. Metadata from each case study show that combining suicide prevention protocols creates a synergistic effect that results in fewer suicides over a measured period. Although the thesis also examined the effectiveness of individual protocols employed independently--including pre-employment psychological screenings, gatekeeper training, peer support programs, and employee assistance programs--this research was limited by insufficient metadata. Through a critical review of suicide prevention case studies and initiatives, this thesis identified best practices that may be tailored to the needs of law enforcement and the military."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bernier, Raymond J.
2018-09
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Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for Automated External Defibrillator Delivery in the Seattle King County Region Following Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest
From the thesis abstract: "Using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver a shock to a cardiac arrest patient before emergency medical services arrive increases the likelihood that the patient will survive. This thesis explores the possibility of using unmanned aerial systems (UASs, or drones) to deliver AEDs to patients experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Washington's Seattle/King County region--particularly in suburban and rural areas where traditional emergency response may be delayed. The researcher collected qualitative data on OHCA incidents in the region over a five-year period and ran simulated models to determine whether an AED-equipped UAS could arrive to a cardiac arrest patient faster than a traditional ground response. The research concluded that such UASs could be launched and maintained by a single organization, and could significantly decrease response times to the suburban and rural areas of the Seattle/King County region."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Tyerman, Aaron M.
2018-09
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Challenges Associated with Providing Efficient and Effective Fire Services to Large Arab-American Populations and the Resources Required to Meet Them
From the thesis abstract: "Challenges to effective service can be encountered when a predominantly white, Christian, Euro-ethnic, and male fire service encounters unfamiliar minority populations. While studies have been conducted to determine challenges that firefighters face in servicing certain minority groups, no studies have been published related to the challenges encountered when servicing a predominantly Arab-American minority population. This thesis collected data from a sample of firefighters employed by the City of Dearborn, home to the largest percentage of Arab-Americans outside of the Middle East. Firefighters were asked to identify not only the challenges encountered, but also the resources that would aid them in providing more effective service. The research concluded that Dearborn firefighters did encounter challenges when servicing Arab-American minority groups, which included language barriers and the lack of education on the role of the fire service within the community. Resources identified to improve service efficiency and effectiveness included increased collaboration with Arab-American community and religious leaders, educational programs, and the recruitment of bilingual staff."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Murray, Joseph P.
2018-09
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Blockchain Testbed for DoD Applications
From the Abstract: "Although initially introduced to support the Bitcoin cryptocurrency, many blockchain technology applications have been envisioned. As a result, blockchain platforms have been created and others are under development. The Department of Defense (DoD) needs blockchain platform testbeds so that applications beyond cryptocurrency can be explored. To solve this problem, we decided to construct a small blockchain testbed. We developed criteria to aid in selecting a blockchain platform for use in a testbed. Then, we evaluated a set of blockchain platforms against our criteria, selected the highest-ranking platform, and used it to create the testbed. We installed and exercised applications provided by the platform's developers to test its behavior. Study of the services provided by the platform allowed us to propose the design of an application that could be tailored for DoD use. The selected blockchain platform, Hyperledger Fabric, was hosted in lightweight virtual machines called Docker containers and can be used for design and experimentation on applications and blockchain networks. This lowered the effort and resources required to configure and set up blockchain networks. Hyperledger Fabric is an example of a blockchain platform that can support more use cases beyond cryptocurrency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Shaw, Markus R.
2018-09
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(Un)convinced to Kill
From the thesis abstract: "Miscategorization of perceived enemies has plagued the United States since September 11, 2001. With the rise and decline of the Islamic State, this thesis seeks to determine how preparations to handle those suspected of terrorism have changed. Since the Islamic State entered the Western psyche, American foreign fighters have left home only to return from the battlefield disillusioned. Informed by needs theories, this thesis explores idiosyncratic radicalization trajectories of American foreign fighters between 2011 and 2017. Eight foreign fighter cases are examined to determine the individual causes of radicalization and defection. It is evident that the U.S. may be miscategorizing returnees. Through empathetic inquiry, this research found that many Americans traveled to Syria and Iraq to fulfill moral needs, rather than out of bloodthirst. Despite moral reasoning and eventual moral objection to acts witnessed in the self-proclaimed caliphate, misadventures have continually been met with prosecution. Hard power remains the U.S. defacto returnee policy. Consideration of the benefits of soft power in counterterrorism strategies has been largely neglected by U.S. authorities. It is recommended that categorization and treatment of returning American foreign fighters be reevaluated. Soft power may prove an indispensable tool in curtailing the threat of long-term, generational terrorism on U.S. soil."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Minor, Morgan M.
2018-09
