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Role of Schools and Their Capabilities to Ensure Safe Sheltering During a Storm
From the thesis abstract: "Across the country, public schools are more than just learning environments for students; they are designated emergency shelters in times of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and tornadoes. This thesis examines the use of public schools as emergency shelters as an integral part of homeland security. It specifically addresses the experiences in the State of Hawaii and examines the practices and policies of Florida, Texas, and Japan. Through a case study of these locations, recommendations are made for the State of Hawaii regarding the practice of maintaining schools as shelters, strengthening security and safety, and clarifying its role."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dela Cruz, Donalyn A.
2017-03
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Removal of Maher Arar and Lessons Learned for Future Engagement Between the United States and Canada
From the thesis abstract: "Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the United States and Canada have engaged at the highest levels of government to integrate immigration and law enforcement policies and achieve common homeland security benefits. This engagement demonstrates agreement across political parties in both countries on those areas and objectives critical to increasing North American security. Over the same period of time, the removal by the United States of Canadian citizen Maher Arar--based in part on derogatory information provided by Canadian law enforcement--illustrates vividly the complexity, sensitivity and necessity of informal collaboration between agencies in both countries. This thesis presents a case study of the removal of Mr. Arar in order to suggest strategies that policymakers in both countries may adopt in order to achieve greater progress toward the objectives identified during bilateral engagement over the past decade. This thesis relies on the unclassified results of official inquiries in the United States and Canada as well as the record developed by related litigation in both countries, and concludes that this incident itself continues to prevent further integration between the United States and Canada and should be addressed squarely to achieve greater progress toward bilateral security objectives."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Gonzalez, Jorge
2012-09
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Validating a Method for Enhanced Communications and Situational Awareness at the Incident Command Level
From the thesis abstract: "The availability and interoperability of communications at an incident scene have long been recognized as high-priority problems that need to be addressed to improve our nation's Homeland Security and preparedness. This thesis describes a proposed methodology to address these issues at the Incident Command level while enhancing situational awareness and information sharing. The thesis analyzes the results of a research project funded by the Department of Homeland Security at the University of Louisville's IT [information technology] Research Center for Homeland Security. The problem being addressed is that the decision-maker with the boots on the ground, the Incident Commander, needs relevant information in the early stages of the emergency at the incident scene and an efficient way to communicate with other resources. The research project fielded a prototype solution based on readily available commercial off-the-shelf components integrated in a man-portable configuration to provide maximum flexibility, lower costs, and ease of operations. A proposed concept of operations in various prevention and response environments was also recommended in the thesis after analyzing the results of several field exercises and interviews with users."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Graham, James H. Jr
2006-03
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Maritime Terrorism and the Small Boat Threat to the United States: A Proposed Response
"This thesis examines the history and current trends of international maritime terrorism to show that terrorists may soon determine that small boat attacks may be the most cost-effective and successful terrorism strategy. This review determined that increasingly successful worldwide piracy attacks and the effective use of detection-evading drug vessels, may increase the risk of a terrorist attack in United States' waters. These reviews and lessons learned from other nations' successful responses to the maritime threat, in coordination with the goals outlined in the DHS Small Vessel Security Strategy, led to this author's recommendations that the local U.S. maritime community members must be better encouraged by Coast Guard members to become involved in observing and reporting suspicious activities, the Coast Guard and other local law enforcement agencies must investigate and prioritize those areas that might be used as a staging area for a small boat attack and increase their presence activities in those locations, the use of up-to-date technology must be a part of any small boat terrorist deterrence plan, and the U.S. must be prepared with a plan to respond to a successful small boat attack, including possible increased regulations and restrictions on the maritime community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hill, Brian Patrick
2009-03
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Succession Planning in Homeland Security- How Can We Ensure the Effective Transfer of Knowledge to a New Generation of Employees?
From the thesis abstract: "In the past five years, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) has seen the mass retirements of tenured, experienced personnel and the hiring of new generations. Because a large percentage of the department is currently eligible for retirement, this trend will continue over the next five to seven years. The drain of experience and knowledge will directly affect the operational capabilities of the department, as well as our nation's homeland security. Through the use of case studies, the research will examine how the LAFD can maximize institutional memory, and transfer this knowledge to a new generation of employees. The practical significance of this project is to 1) identify the challenges of current succession planning of the LAFD; 2) identify solutions to these challenges through evaluating precedent cases; and 3) develop a conceptual and tailored succession planning guide based on identified solutions. In today's world, the workforce is an organization's most important asset, often differentiating highly successful agencies from those that struggle. By developing a succession planning guide that focuses on assessment, development, identification and selection, organizations can align its goals with its human capital needs and ensure it can keep pace with the complexities in homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Butler, Patrick I.
2010-03
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Shifting the Paradigm of Trauma Medicine to Positively Influence Critical Mortality Rates Following a Mass Casualty Event
"Medical providers, patients, and their families have always been able to enjoy the abundance of U.S. society. When medical resources exceed the demand for care, all necessary medical resources are used to improve the health or save the life of each individual. However, the health care system in the U.S. is severely under-prepared to care for hundreds to thousands of victims simultaneously from a mass casualty event (MCE). The influx of patients would severely overwhelm emergency rooms. Although global events indicate the U.S. must prepare, the medical community has historically been uncomfortable openly discussing standards of care during a mass casualty event because it is equated with the 'rationing' of care. This thesis demonstrates through four case studies that critical mortality was reduced and a greater number of critically injured survived due to improved triage accuracy, rapid movement to definitive care, implementation of damage control procedures, and coordinated and collaborative regional preparedness. The medical community must appreciate that altering standards of care during a MCE does not reduce overall care rendered; rather care is strategically directed, so critical mortality is lowered."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hall, Dana L.
2009-06
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Hunting of the Snark: Organizing and Synchronizing of Informational Elements for Homeland Defense and Civil Support
From the thesis abstract: "The tension between Public Affairs (PA) and Information Operations (IO) illustrates the struggle to organize and synchronize informational elements in support of homeland defense and civil support. Public Affairs focuses on credibility by providing factual information in a responsive manner to present a positive image of the organization. Information Operations focuses on proactive operations that use influence to shape the information environment. Public Affairs and IO's purpose is to communicate the command mission and operations. The current informational landscape does not support a cohesive informational strategy. Current doctrine creates a tension between these two elements that centers on credibility. This tension prevents cohesive informational efforts. The principles of war and the nature of the information environment compel a need for an organizing construct and synchronizing force for effectiveness. This study examines policy and doctrine to understand the nature of the information environment, PA, IO and Strategic Communication (SC). The study examines an optimal organizational strategy using the Star Model that provides the organizing construct and the required synchronizing force. The outcome of this research is a set of policy and doctrine recommendations that will support optimal organization and synchronization of information elements to communicate effectively for the homeland."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Wilson, John M.
2009-06
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Improving the Coast Guard Ports, Waterways and Coast Security Outcome Measure
"This thesis examines the Coast Guard Ports, Waterways and Coastal Security (PWCS) Outcome Measure. The first goal was to determine if the current measure accurately reflects Coast Guard mission effectiveness in achieving homeland security. The PWCS Outcome Measure provides information on risk reduction due to threat, vulnerability and consequence management by the Coast Guard with respect to 15 maritime terrorism scenarios. While the current measure provides a good sense of Coast Guard effectiveness in reducing the risk of maritime terrorism, there are a number of areas for potential improvements. This finding led to the second goal of the research, which was to provide recommendations to more accurately assess Coast Guard homeland security mission effectiveness. As a formative evaluation of the PWCS Outcome Measure, the research provides insight into recommendations for improving this measure from several experts both inside and outside the Coast Guard. In addition, it outlines considerations to implement these recommendations. It is critical to optimize the application of limited resources to the issue of maritime terrorism, and this can only occur through accurate measurement of mission effectiveness in preventing terrorism. This study is applicable to the improved assessment of terrorism risk reduction efforts, especially in the maritime environment."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cutts, Matthew E.
2009-06
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How to Fund Homeland Security Without Federal Dollars: State and Local Funding of Homeland Security Initiatives in Light of Decreased Support by the Federal Government
This CHDS thesis proposes methods to make up for Federal funding shortfalls with relation to state Homeland Security Departments. "States cannot depend upon the federal government to fund homeland security initiatives at the state and local level. This thesis, therefore, examined alternatives states and local units of government might use to fund homeland security initiatives, ranging from conventional alternatives such as, asset forfeiture, sales taxes, congestion fees and multi-year budgeting with the addition of a 'rainy day' fund, to less conventional options like public/private partnerships and innovative investment strategies, mirroring the Kansas Economic Growth Act for biosciences. The policy options analysis revealed that while most of these options have some merit or suitability for some jurisdictions, none appears to be conclusively appropriate. The final recommendation of this thesis is, therefore, that homeland security professionals and emergency management directors take the initiative and determine in their jurisdiction which programs are the most critical. They then should approach the state executive budget office and request budget consideration for those priorities. The options discussed in this thesis should provide legislators and homeland security and emergency management professionals with innovative ideas and methods to develop innovative solutions to sustainability funding for state and local homeland security initiatives."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Emler, Jay Scott
2008-09
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Building School Resilience in an Era of Multiple Threats
From the thesis abstract: "There is a lack of attention towards the process of recovery in U.S. schools despite their vulnerability to natural and intentional threats with the potential of creating mass casualties. By promoting resilience as a component of recovery as similarly modeled in Israel and the UK, the U.S. can empower children and the at-large community, enabling a quicker recovery. Case studies from past mass casualty incidents from a variety of threat mechanisms involving schools were analyzed to assess (1) time criticality, (2) lack of information sharing, (3) family reunification, (4) lockdown considerations, and (5) first responder considerations. Regardless of threat mechanism, most variables will factor in a school's ability to recover, including the reality that the longer the exposure to the trauma, the greater the psychosocial impact and greater difficulty in recovery. School administrators and first responders, primarily from public health and law enforcement, should collaborate on efforts in the pre-event phase to mitigate both physical and psychological impacts from trauma. The success of fire prevention education has promoted resilience for decades. Similar strategies should focus on all hazards and the term "resilience" should become a natural term in the American lexicon."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Van Sparrentak, Kenneth J.
2008-09
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Building a New Storyline for Florida's Domestic Security to Provide Future Resiliency for the State
"Quickly after the 9/11 event, the state of Florida drafted one of the Nation's first comprehensive counterterrorism strategies to aid in the protection of the state's visitors and citizens. This strategy was drafted early in the new paradigm of Homeland Security. The strategy had several modifications over the years but has not had a comprehensive review since its inception. Many things have changed in the arena of Homeland Security since that first step after the 9/11 event. The analysis of interviews from Florida Homeland Security Leaders, and other states' homeland security strategies in combination with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) six desirable characteristics demonstrates the need for Florida to develop the next iteration of its domestic security strategy. This thesis recommends using the strengths of Florida's Regional Domestic Security Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security Target Capability List, and the GAO desirable characteristics combined with traditional elements of strategic planning to be the pillars of this new iteration of the strategy. A new vision and mission statement based on a traditional strategic planning tool will be the first step in building a new storyline for Florida's Domestic Security Strategy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Pape, Dominick D.
2008-09
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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
