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Education in Action: Educating USNORTHCOM's Critical Stakeholders at the Away Game
"This thesis is a customizable strategy to educate United States Northern Command's Critical Stakeholders utilizing a Mobile Education & Training Team, educating key stakeholder personnel at their location. After providing background on the United States Northern Command (NORTHCOM) and discussing why it is important for stakeholders to have an understanding of the unit's missions, organizations, capabilities and limitations, the thesis poses a research question: "How can NORTHCOM change its outreach and education policies and practices to more effectively educate its key interagency stakeholders, at the stakeholder location, in order to improve response efforts during a crisis?" Stakeholders are identified ("WHO to Educate"), a customizable education package is presented ("WHAT to Educate"), several delivery options are discussed ("HOW to Educate"), and several courses of action are considered regarding Educator Options ("WHO Should Educate"). A methodology called the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) is utilized to assist in identifying the most effective courses of action, developing evaluation criteria, ranking each course of action utilizing those criteria, and using a quantifiable system to determine the most effective courses of action. These chapters are augmented with a discussion on developing and implementing measures of effectiveness, along with recommended areas for future study."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Osterholzer, Steven
2008-09
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Altering the Mission Statement: The Training of Firefighters as Intelligence Gatherers
This NPS thesis investigates the role of firefighters as intelligence gatherers in the War on Terrorism. "The fire service is one of the premier emergency response agencies in the United States. As our nation strives to expand and enhance its homeland security efforts, firefighters have been recognized as an underutilized asset. The opportunity for firefighters to act as 'first preventers' in the war on terrorism is unmatched by any other emergency response agency. This, coupled with the warrantless search provisions afforded firefighters by the Constitution, makes firefighters the logical choice for training and inclusion into an expanded terrorism awareness initiative. Expansion of the intelligence-gathering capabilities of first responders, specifically firefighters, will not be without difficulty. The lack of training and educational opportunities afforded firefighters in this area, the changes in firefighting culture, the status of firefighters as an integral part of the community, are all obstacles that must be addressed. Firefighters respond to homes and businesses with unprecedented frequency. A multi-faceted approach involving training, community involvement, and operational awareness will streamline the utilization of firefighters in the area of threat recognition. Trained firefighters will help shoulder some of the burden placed on law enforcement while the utilization of a current asset will put forth a new best practice for the safety of our communities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Blatus, Richard J.
2008-09
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Leveraging Service Oriented Architecture to Enhance Information Sharing for Surface Transportation Security
"This thesis determines the technology and architecture best suited for sharing security information among mass transit systems (MTS), their security partners, and TSA. The architecture would enable TSA to enhance the security of MTS and surface transportation. It incorporates existing security practices between MTS, their regional security partners, and TSA. Existing practices were determined through interviews and case reviews of regional information sharing networks. These were analyzed to identify gaps in information sharing practices and technology. Requirements for the architecture were established to close the gaps, accounting for the variability in size, capability, risk and ownership characteristics of MTS. A scalable architecture, adaptable to evolving homeland security requirements, and capable of exchanging information among disparate databases and formats was needed. Characteristics of Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) were analyzed and found to fulfill these requirements. Technologies underlying SOA, including XML and web services, were reviewed to develop the understanding needed to create the architecture. An architecture was created for TSA consistent with its organization and business practices, and that of MTS and their stakeholders. Data exchange standards being developed by DHS were incorporated in the architecture. Collaboration and governance considerations for implementing SOA were briefly discussed."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chatterjee, Ash
2008-09
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EMS Response to Mass Casualty Incidents: The Critical Importance of Automatic Statewide Mutual Aid and MCI Training
"Incidence of natural and man-made disasters are increasing and expanding in scope. While these events may cause mass injuries, the pre-hospital emergency medical services (EMS) community is left out of the preparedness equation by virtue of being underrepresented on planning committees, not privy to disaster training, and not on the receiving end of preparedness funding. Additionally, for many states outside standard mutual aid agreements, a disaster declaration is required prior to other types of medical aid arriving on scene to render assistance, creating a gap in response. This thesis answers the following research question: Have -- or how have -- other states and jurisdictions incorporated their EMS communities in disaster planning and response, and what can be learned in order to create this process elsewhere? Two case studies are reviewed to ascertain lessons learned on how other states and communities have incorporated their EMS communities into the disaster planning and response framework. Adopting automatic statewide mutual aid, supported by EMS involvement in incident pre-planning, training and exercises, will allow responders to immediately deploy upon request and close the gap in response, resulting in positive outcomes for victims of the incident."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hill, Cheryl
2008-09
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Contingency-Focused Financial Management and Logistics for the U.S. Coast Guard
From the thesis abstract: "The Coast Guard has had significant success conducting response operations during major contingencies. And yet, mission execution has been buoyed and supported in an ad hoc fashion by the logistics and financial management structure of the organization. Should ad hoc efforts fail in the future, the Coast Guard may find itself unprepared for managing the logistical and financial challenges of widespread contingencies. Shortfalls in the existing approach to contingency preparedness include: a lack of contingency-based financial and logistics policies, unprepared contingency cost accounting mechanisms, a non-resilient financial management community, a lack of geographically focused logistics plans for a range of contingencies and, operational and logistical professionals are not adequately trained for contingency resource management. Qualitative research and reviews of after action reports indicate that there are solutions to these challenges. Recommendations include establishing policy on cost tracking, pre-contracting and rapid procurement, modifying the financial systems readiness to track costs, developing an information sharing and collaborative construct with other units and agencies using a Contingency Logistics Planning Group (CLPG), building resilience in contingency procurement through Advanced Readiness Contracting and meeting the 'human aspects' of business continuity planning and, reconfiguring the training for planners, logisticians and procurement personnel."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Berg, Benjamin D.
2008-12
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Terrorism 101- Knowledge About the 'What and Why' of Terrorism as a State and Local Law Enforcement Competency
From the thesis abstract: "In the wake of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, state and local police agencies were thrust into new homeland security related roles. One area specifically identified in national strategies and, then, supported by expert opinions for enhancing law enforcement's abilities to prevent terrorism is through enhanced knowledge and education regarding terrorism. Terrorism has been the subject of academic work even prior to the 9/11 attacks. Some of this work has looked at the underlying causes that compel people to threaten and use violence to achieve their individual or group objectives. This body of work is a resource for law enforcement to bridge gaps between national strategies and current practices. The primary focus of this research is to assess the current state of terrorism training for state and local law enforcement officials. It looks at whether the subject of terrorism is a core professional competency for law enforcement officials in every state and, specifically, if state and local police are being exposed to knowledge about the causes and motivations associated with terrorism in order to better understand, and ultimately, prevent it. Surveys and interviews of state officials are conducted in order to gather data about the current state of terrorism related training throughout the nation. A qualitative analysis is conducted in order to further assess the content of select course content and identify potential training and educational gaps."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Maples, LD M.
2008-09
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Future Role of Fire Service in Homeland Security
"As action-oriented organizations, fire departments have traditionally played a reactive role in public safety, responding to emergencies in progress to protect the lives, and property of their citizens. The problem is that the world has changed. Increasing terrorist threats against our homeland and the potential for pandemic or other natural disasters are shifting the mission and placing new unconventional demands on the fire department. Meeting these challenges will require strategies to identify and address the future role of the fire service in homeland security. This thesis used the Delphi method to explore what this future role might be. Information, responses, and recommendations from three groups of SMEs were examined, analyzed, and synthesized to determine key issues the fire service will face. The future role of the fire service in homeland security will demand the need for progressive leadership, effective collaboration, intelligence engagement, and the adoption of a shifting mission that supports preparedness, prevention, response, and recovery of terrorist attacks. Emerging issues and areas of responsibility to meet new asymmetrical threats require a response paradigm. This response paradigm in the fire department should include the ability to adjust service delivery to meet all hazard and homeland security demands."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cloud, Rosemary
2008-09
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Tools of Prevention: Building Prevention and Deterrence into Exercise Programs
"This thesis will briefly explore the questions surrounding why prevention has typically not been incorporated into homeland security exercises and strives to document and demonstrate that prevention can be exercised. It will look at various prevention strategies, most notably, 'All-Crimes,' Information Sharing, Private Sector Security, Attack Trees, Red-Teaming, and Behavioral Analysis, to determine how these prevention-related tools can be integrated into exercise design and conduct. These tools can be used in exercises individually or in groups. They are, however, not the end-state, as other tools undoubtedly exist. Prevention as a science and a skill is still in its infancy; with additional research, analysis, and practice, maturity will come. This thesis also endeavors to provide a road map for agencies desiring to understand and exercise prevention activities. Understanding that prevention can be practiced and exercised through the use of certain tools is one significant step in having the guidance necessary to begin a prevention exercise, or better, a complete prevention exercise program. Agencies using these tools, working within the Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) Guidelines, and using technical expertise available from local, national, and federal subject-matter experts, should have that road map."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Meehan, Michael K.
2006-09
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Suggestions for Improving the Recruitment of Al-Qaeda Sources: Lessons Derived from Counter-Ideological Programs and the Targeting of Type B Terrorists
"How can the FBI improve the recruitment of sources within terrorist groups, specifically al-Qaeda? First, counter-ideological programs have application in source recruitment. Second, a framework for recruiting terrorist sources is found in the work of Paul Davis and Brian Jenkins. They suggest terrorists can be usefully categorized as internalists or externalists, or Types A and B. Type A terrorists have insatiable appetites and display emotional aggression. Type B terrorists have instrumental aggression and 'pragmatic world goals.' Significantly, research suggests terrorists displaying instrumental aggression, the Type B terrorist, should be more 'sensitive' to 'objective rewards and punishments.' Two case studies demonstrate how to determine if a potential terrorist source is either a Type A or Type B individual. This is accomplished by examining a potential source's background to determine if they have instrumental or emotional aggression, their levels of risk and ideological commitment, their part-time or full-time commitment to jihad, and if they have high or low Social Intensity Syndrome. The conclusion of this thesis is that the FBI should concentrate recruitments on the more pragmatic Type B terrorists."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Miranda, Robert
2009-03
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Terrorism Prevention and Firefighters: Where are the Information-Sharing Boundaries?
"The nation's one million firefighters are embedded in virtually every urban or rural area of the United States. Firefighters enter homes, businesses, vehicles, and other assets during emergency and non-emergency duties thousands of times each day in their efforts to prevent or respond to life and property loss. The unparalleled access that firefighters have to public and private locations puts them in a unique position to positively or negatively impact our nation's homeland defense and security information-sharing efforts. This thesis analyzes a number of information-sharing activities relating to terrorism and all-hazard strategies, policies, and programs in an attempt to identify whether U.S. fire personnel should participate in terrorism-related information sharing and--if they should participate--where the legal, political, and operational boundaries lie. The research identified a number of new strategic applications and tactical practices. The strategies and tactics are the result of comparing and contrasting legal compliance, political acceptability, target capabilities list linkage, operational impact, and cost factors of the current U.S. fire service information-sharing environment, the New York City Fire Department's Terrorism and Disaster Preparedness Strategy, the U.S. Fire Service's Intelligence Enterprise, and the United Kingdom's Civil Contingencies Act."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Heirston, Bryan
2009-03
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Optimizing Citizen Engagement during Emergencies through Use of Web 2.0 Technologies
"Emergencies and disasters create hardships for citizens. To speed up recovery, local governments need to engage with citizens in an interactive information sharing system to convey information while the incident is still developing and to help mitigate and recover from damages. Lack of effective communication can decrease public trust and engender stress and anxiety of the survivors. As service delivery becomes more complicated during an emergency, responders can also benefit from additional information from the public to increase situational awareness and better understand the challenges facing citizens. This thesis examines emergency information needs, emerging information sharing trends, and the potential homeland security application of Web 2.0 technologies such as wikis, blogs, mashups and text messaging. This thesis examines the use of Web 2.0 technologies during the Southern California wildfires as a case study and interviews top emergency managers throughout the country capturing their insights and opinions about the benefits and pitfalls of incorporating Web 2.0 technologies into existing emergency information sharing systems. Local government agencies, the impacted community, and those outside the immediate area seeking opportunities to assist may be interested in the benefits of context-powered knowledge when collaboration from multiple sources converges to facilitate knowledge used for decision making."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Van Leuven, Laurie J.
2009-03
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Exploring the Plausibility of a National Multi-Agency Communications System for the Homeland Security Community: A Southeast Ohio Half-Duplex Voice Over IP Case Study
"Since 9-11, it has become apparent that the Homeland Security Community is comprised of more than first responders, and is, in essence, a Megacommunity, composed of three components: government, business and non-profits. However, this has not translated into our communications strategies, which presently focus on radios for first responders in an emergency. Many reasons exist for not addressing this gap, including the myths that it is impossible or would be too expensive. Computer gamers, however, have been utilizing low-tech versions of half-duplex VoIP since the 1990s to connect millions worldwide. A Southeast Ohio VoIP system, consisting of health departments, hospitals, emergency management agencies, and their partners, has been testing a similar system since 2003. This thesis offers a definition of the Homeland Security Community, and provides criteria that were then used to evaluate six communications systems for use as integrated national systems, and to judge the plausibility of the Ohio system as a model. This thesis also proposes the concept of a 'Universal Communicator' software system that would address the shortcomings of the Ohio system, and provide an inexpensive solution that would ideally address the nation's need for a national Homeland Security Community Real-Time Voice Communications system."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Smith, Christopher S.
2009-03
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Judicial Review: State Supreme Judicial Views on Balancing Civil Liberties and Public Safety/Security Measures During the Global War on Terror
"Political responses to terrorism in the United States and the international community have been to place limitations upon and/or to suspend civil liberties. Since constraining civil liberties may lead to the spread of terror, balancing the competing interests of individual civil liberties and public safety/security measures imposed by government in times of national emergency is essential to reducing terrorism and to the pursuit of peace. Constitutional courts both federal and state through the mechanism of judicial review serve to guard civil liberties against government encroachment. Yet, some scholars decry judicial review as counter-majoritarian, an illegitimate and undemocratic exercise in a representative democracy, while others laud judicial review as an essential function to advance peace, public participation in governing and legitimating democracy's quest to reduce terrorism. This thesis seeks to transcend the debate over judicial review by exploring the views of State Supreme Court Justices on what factors they consider essential to consider when balancing the competing interests. It invites the reader to engage a global discourse. To participate in the political spaces, judges operate to accept that because judicial review offers an alternative to the sword, it is material and relevant to reducing terrorism and that by focusing on the signals the justices send, the public might respond adequately to preserve human dignity during the global war on terror and beyond."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fairweather, Patty Allison
2009-03
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Use of State and Local Law Enforcement for Immigration Enforcement under Federal Authority 287(G): A Case Study Analysis
"The issue of 12-20 million illegally-present foreign nationals within the United States brings with it a number of homeland security questions and concerns. The threat of terror organizations utilizing our porous borders or lack of enforcement against us is highly probable. However, in order to deal with the issue of illegal immigration and the homeland security threat that is attached to this problem, the country must develop a strategy that is efficient and effective for all. One possible strategy for combating illegal immigration is the utilization of section 287(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which grants, under limited conditions, law enforcement agencies the authority to use immigration-related information to advance local policing efforts. However, the issue of state and local enforcement of immigration-related matters has become highly contentious. Much has been written about it, but little data has been collected on what these enforcement programs actually do, rather than what supporters and opponents hope or fear they will do. The purpose of this thesis was to examine several situations in which state and local agencies have implemented the 287(g) program. While it is true the use of this authority as a strategy has many factors and elements that must be reviewed prior to further implementation, it is in reality a necessary partnership and prudent measure to keep our nation and our communities safe. The 287(g) program should be strongly considered a national strategy for combating illegal immigration."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bloom, James S.
2009-03
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Components Necessary for Successful Information Sharing
"The need for information sharing is a growing concern for many agencies in the homeland security field. As communities struggle to prepare for and respond to major incidents, information sharing between agencies is vital. Fusion centers developed around the law enforcement community, which has led to an information-sharing network that is exclusive. Non-law enforcement agencies such as Fire, EMS and Public Health that are charged with preparing for and responding to major incidents need the exchange of information as well. This thesis identifies several components that affect knowledge transfer. The human elements of Relationships, Trust, Megacommunities, Governance, and Leadership form the basis for successful information sharing networks. On this base, the technical components of the information-sharing network such as Standard Operating Procedures, Technology Standards, and Interoperability can be built."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Dulin, Jeffrey M.
2009-03
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Pandemic Pendulum: A Critical Analysis of Federal and State Preparedness for a Pandemic Event
From the thesis abstract: "This paper explores pandemic planning efforts across federal and state jurisdictions and how the absence of collaboration could have major consequences upon the population of the United States. How adequate are state and federal pandemic plans, and what must be done nationally to address common shortfalls? The methodology used a hybrid approach by combining a secondary analysis of available data with a modified case study approach. Analyzing the individual state plans and HHS' Pandemic Influenza Plan revealed common deficiencies, and disclosed distinct functional areas where stringent collaboration across multiple jurisdictions and functional areas would mitigate the deficiencies and provide a blueprint for potential development into an all-hazards national catastrophe plan. This resultant comprehensive plan would provide a solid template for all stakeholders to use in further development of their individual plans, and additionally provide a mechanism to propagate proactive planning efforts among international disaster preparedness partners."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Foley, John R.
2009-03
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Transformation of the FBI to Meet the Domestic Intelligence Needs of the United States
"In this thesis, the author presents an analysis of the challenges which confronted the United States government and the intelligence community after September 11, 2001 and examines some of the criticisms of government agency action, specifically the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the years prior to the terrorist attacks on the homeland. The author provides a historical overview of the FBI prior to September 11, 2001 and then discusses both the transformational challenges and successes encountered by the FBI post 9/11 in an effort to create a predictive intelligence capability within the agency while maintaining its current statutory responsibilities as the nation's primary federal investigative and law enforcement agency. The thesis examines both military transformational processes, as well as the British Model of Domestic Intelligence, and provides recommendations relevant to the ongoing and strategic transformational efforts by the FBI."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Smith, Eric B.
2009-03
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Transforming the U.S. Immigration System after 9/11: The Impact of Organizational Change and Collaboration in the Context of Homeland Security
"The terrorist attacks on 9/11 led to a fundamental reorganization of the U.S. immigration structure. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was abolished in 2003 and its missions were transferred into three distinct components within DHS: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This thesis focuses on the perceptions of USCIS employees on organizational change and collaboration in the DHS immigration structure that was established in 2003. Effective organizational change is essential for an agency to carry out policies and execute its missions. Collaboration is also vital to USCIS since it works closely with ICE in combating immigration benefit fraud to strengthen the security of the legal immigration system. This thesis identifies areas for USCIS regarding future organizational change and enhancements to collaboration with a homeland security partner such as ICE. It further identifies areas such as collaborative competencies, trust and networks to improve collaboration between USCIS and ICE in targeting immigration benefit fraud."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Wolfe, David
2008-12
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Virtual Communities in the Law Enforcement Environment: Do These Systems Lead to Enhanced Organizational Memory
"There is a large body of research on the topic of knowledge management and organizational memory, as well as on the topic of communities of practice and virtual communities of practice. This research looked at three law enforcement and intelligence related case studies and how the use of Virtual Communities of Practice (VCoP) in these law enforcement environments can mitigate the loss of organizational memory. This research looked at these VCoPs in an attempt to determine if explicit and tacit knowledge shared in these VCoP environments can be codified and ultimately reduce the loss of organizational memory. The research methodology used in this thesis project is the case study approach. A qualitative analysis of messages, postings, and conversations contained within the VCoP was used to identify the transfer of both explicit and tacit knowledge. Data collection and analysis was conducted based on three VCoP sites. The research conducted for this thesis suggested that a VCoP can mitigate the loss of organizational memory. Interview data, along with case site reviews, support the use of VCoP to mitigate the loss of organizational memory while providing a means for the transfer of explicit knowledge by those participating in the VCoP."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Yavneh, Jonathan S.
2008-12
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Connecting Our Nation's Crisis Information Management Systems
From the thesis abstract: "Many states and localities have implemented Crisis Information Management Systems (CIMS) to integrate situational awareness, notification and disaster assessment tools utilized in Emergency Operation Centers (EOC)s and to eliminate separate stovepipe communications. In February 2004, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the deployment of the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) as the primary means for all jurisdictions and levels of government to share information. The system is redundant with state and local CIMS, which have and are being developed. Implementing both the integration and interoperability of EOCs requires that the systems used every day be connected; this cannot be achieved through the development of a new system. To implement this solution will require four steps: 1) Jurisdictions utilizing CIMS should do more to leverage built in capabilities and jurisdictions without CIMS systems to consider purchasing, 2) Jurisdictions should integrate the individual information systems currently in use with the jurisdiction's CIMS, 3) Jurisdictions should improve their systems' abilities to collect and store information, and 4) Jurisdictions should create a portal to allow specific information to be shared across larger regional areas at their discretion and with greater control over who receives the information."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Voss, Christopher
2008-12
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Instruments of National Power: Achieving the Strategic Advantage in a Changing World
"This thesis employs the historical method to illustrate that the central aim of U.S. basic national security policy and strategy is and has been to achieve and maintain the core national interests -- ensure the physical security of the nation, the nation's values, and the nation's economic prosperity -- and core desired end state -- provide for the enduring security for the American people -- by exerting the full spectrum and reach of its instruments of national power in peace and in war. To accomplish this, U.S. national security policy and strategy must dispose of the artificial walls currently separating its foundations and realign and resynchronize the capabilities resident in its instruments of national power. Doing so will enable the U.S. to achieve the strategic advantage. In sum, this thesis illustrates that national security encompasses homeland defense and security and that the current architecture is counterproductive because destabilizes and retards the capabilities, including the "reach," of the instruments of national by creating unnecessary friction and competition for resources between them and their proponents and denigrating their capabilities to achieve the strategic advantage. Absent a secure homeland, there is no national security and no strategic advantage."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mastapeter, Craig W.
2008-12
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287(G): Cross-Delegating State and Local Law Enforcement Officers with Federal Immigration Authority -- Homeland Security Remedy or Rue?
"As a result of the federal government's shortcomings in thwarting illegal immigration, state and local law enforcement agencies are now largely shouldering the problem of criminal activity associated with illegal immigration. Section 287(g) of the INA allows state and local police to actively participate in immigration enforcement, but has raised concerns about how to balance public safety with concerns of a 'chilling effect' on the immigrant community. This thesis surveyed current and prospective 287(g) participants in order to develop a model for voluntary local, state and federal immigration enforcement collaboration. The proposed model confines immigration enforcement to a small group of select officers representing agencies that volunteer based on the needs of their communities; ICE agents would be active participants. The enforcement would target serious crimes that support illegal immigration such as alien smuggling, fraudulent documents, transnational gang activity and drug trafficking. Enforcement efforts would be supplemented by community outreach and efforts to mitigate the chilling effect that deters many state and local police from engaging in immigration enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lines, Johnathan L.
2008-12
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Empowering Children to Lead Change: Incorporating Preparedness Curricula in the K-12 Educational System
"A combination of both man-made and natural disasters in recent years has revitalized the concept of civil preparedness and defense in the United States. During the State of the Union Address in 2002, President George W. Bush announced the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Citizen Corps, a component of the USA Freedom Corps initiative developed shortly after 9/11. Additionally, FEMA launched the 'Are You Ready?' campaign to provide individuals, families and communities in-depth preparedness information and training, and the American Red Cross developed its own educational disaster preparedness program designed to coincide with the daily threat level. While the various programs include several common themes including special emphasis on disaster preparedness for children, they lack promotion, visibility, standardization and coordination. Empowering children to lead change by teaching families and other citizens is one possible methodology to enhance visibility and inspire participation in such programs. This thesis explores pros and cons of historical and current citizen preparedness campaigns and K-12 preparedness curriculums [sic], other country approaches to citizen preparedness, elements of successful preparedness programs, Homeland Security stakeholder benefits, potential arguments against implementation, and provides criteria for successful K-12 curricula."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gustafson, Teresa S.
2009-03
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Transforming Counterterrorism Training in the FBI: Preserving Institutional Memory and Enhancing Knowledge Management
From the thesis abstract: "The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) remains committed to working seamlessly with its international, federal, state and local partners to counter terrorism, the number one priority of the FBI. In order to more effectively equip personnel to meet and counter the ever-evolving threat, it is critical that inefficient practices that cause counterterrorism practitioners to 'recreate the wheel' are quickly transformed to promote the most efficient counterterrorism knowledge management, knowledge transfer, and training practices available. Lessons learned through both formalized training and on-the-job experience must be quickly leveraged to aid broader sectors of the FBI and partner communities in order to promote streamlined operations in combating terrorism while countering inefficient knowledge management. This research identifies and analyzes the knowledge management deficit in counterterrorism training, while examining the core influences of organizational mindset and individual mindsets, the importance of trust, and the misnomer of 'best practices' that must be acknowledged and overcome. Focused on the establishment of Counterterrorism Mobile Education Teams to drive the enhanced infusion of tacit counterterrorism knowledge, this research culminates in the delineation of a multi-faceted strategy comprised of recommendations to target remaining counterterrorism training gaps, to strengthen homeland security collaboration, and to combat terrorism."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Paulling, Kristen Cederholm
2009-03
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Strengthening Hospital Surge Capacity in the Event of Explosive or Chemical Terrorist Attacks
"Medical Care is a Public Trust. Americans expect that hospitals and healthcare providers will be available and prepared to care for their every medical need. Yet the medical community is severely challenged daily to care for the influx of patients to its Emergency Departments with current resources. Healthcare is ill-prepared to meet community needs in the event of a mass casualty event from a terrorist attack using weapons of mass destruction. This research explores the premise that clinicians have skills either current or remote that can be renewed and enhanced to provide an immediate life-saving response team in the event of explosive or chemical events. The research identified that the medical community has the building blocks available awaiting the guidance, organization and direction to orient them into a disaster medical capability that will improve preparedness and response. This thesis proposes a strategy to leverage the clinician personnel assets already in place to improve preparedness. A transformational approach is necessary to insure healthcare preparedness. Government planners must understand the challenges and current limitations of emergency medical response and partner with the healthcare to enhance preparedness. The United States medical community must understand the realities of terrorism and war at home."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
McInerney, Joan
2009-03
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Increasing Information Sharing among Independent Police Departments
"The events of September 11, 2001, clearly demonstrated the need for law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels to increase their capacity to share information with one another. The 9/11 Commission asserted that the World Trade Center attacks occurred in part because law enforcement was unable to connect the dots, which may have provided the opportunity to disrupt the terrorists' mission. However, upon reflection and further investigation it seems probable that prior to the attacks there simply was not enough information [dots] to raise concern or suspicion about that fateful day. One can argue that the need for accurate information shared in a timely manner is the lifeblood of any agency responsible for defending the home front. This dynamic is further enhanced when municipal law enforcement agencies exist within a large urban area such as Los Angeles County (CA), which is a target rich environment. Using a quantitative analysis this thesis examines information and intelligence sharing networks, data collection methodologies, common technical platforms (voice and data), and financial considerations toward increasing information sharing among independent police departments and suggests methods to improve information sharing capabilities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sanchez, Phillip L.
2009-03
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Do Good Fences Still Make Good Neighbors?-Integrating Force Protection with Homeland Security on Army Installations
"Army installations have been uniquely affected by the Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and homeland security initiatives as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001. Unfortunately, most have not done enough in coordinating and integrating their antiterrorism plans with the crisis response and consequence management plans of their adjacent civilian municipalities. This thesis argues that fences and guards are not enough to protect Army installations against terrorist attack, or against any other natural or man-made disaster, nor do installations have the wherewithal to respond effectively on their own should disaster strike. Doctrine is clear, and regulations and policy have been published guiding the Army (and other military services) in providing Civil Support to state and local authorities during times of crisis; but what is less clear, or more precisely, non-existent, is the doctrine regarding how Army installations would receive and integrate support from local and state officials in response to disasters occurring on the installation. Now more than ever, Army installations require municipal support to effectively respond to terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and accidents. Indeed, Army installations must reach across their perimeter fences and embrace municipal partners in integrating force protection with homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burdick, David S.
2009-03
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Burning Need to Know: The Use of Open Source Intelligence in the Fire Service
"In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, the fire service found itself on the forefront of the war on terror. The people within the fire service began to realize they needed to share intelligence information with other government agencies in order to protect firefighters, and their community. At the federal level, the National Information Sharing Strategy recognized that first responders are critical to the prevention of terrorism and that an effective flow of intelligence information must be established between federal, state, local agencies. Yet, the fire service has little experience in the field of intelligence and much of the intelligence available may not be specific or useful to the fire service. The local fire department is faced with the task of analyzing what a particular piece of information means to that department. Only the local department knows its procedures and locale well enough to accomplish this critical task. This thesis seeks to assist local fire departments in building systems and training personnel to exploit open source intelligence for their unique needs. Using information gleaned from interviews with experienced intelligence people, the intelligence cycle is discussed including requirements, collection, analysis, and dissemination in light of the needs of the fire service."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Robson, Thomas A.
2009-03
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Critical Accountability: Preventing and Interdicting Terrorist Activity in the U.S. by Effectively Utilizing State and Local Law Enforcement
"The events of 9-11 illustrated to U.S. government and law enforcement agencies the critical need for definitive, cooperative and accountable gathering and sharing of intelligence for terrorist interdiction/prevention. Despite billions spent annually for this endeavor, huge gaps in communication sharing and accountability remain. This thesis illustrates the realities of these current issues facing homeland security, and proposes a conceptual model: Homeland Security Regional Cooperation Areas (HSRCAs), based on proven, cooperative, drug-interdiction model programs that effectively utilize resources, training, and establish inter-agency cooperation and accountability. Soft Systems Methodology was used to study current realities and generate solutions for human factors, which have previously created the challenges in agency and program integration. The HSRCA model proposes specific performance management processes, as well as governance by administrative members (responsible for daily state and local law enforcement operations throughout the country). Such administrators placed in a collaborative environment are able to implement effective programs while satisfying federal objectives, within budget. HSRCAs will utilize state resources and existing fusion centers for shared regional communication, critical infrastructure protection and widespread training. These activities--easily incorporated into daily activities of law enforcement officers--empowers them with critical tools and information to interdict and defeat terrorist activities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Squires, Keith D.
2009-03
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Increasing Capacity & Changing the Culture: Volunteer Management in Law Enforcement
"In the post--September 11 world, law enforcement agencies are struggling to protect their communities from the threat of global terrorism, and also preparing for and responding to natural and manmade disasters. The demands on municipal law enforcement agencies have never been greater. Today, more than ever, it is clear that volunteers can play a fundamental role in augmenting a department's homeland security efforts. Are there best practices when incorporating volunteers into a law enforcement agency and how does law enforcement maximize its volunteer effort? This thesis set out to answer the question: How does a designated Volunteer Coordinator impact mission performance in a law enforcement agency's volunteer program? Furthermore, the research will address the role of volunteers in law enforcement, including how volunteers can augment an agency's homeland security strategic plan. Research included a survey, literature review, and case study. Although the research and survey data do not provide incontrovertible proof that a Volunteer Coordinator is a necessity to a volunteer program, there is sufficient evidence to show that a volunteer program is more effective when properly managed and led."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cayson, Donna M.
2009-03
