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Effective State, Local, and Tribal Police Intelligence: The New York City Police Department's Intelligence Enterprise- a Smart Practice
"State, local, and tribal law enforcement (SLTLE) agencies play a significant role in homeland security. Their intelligence function supports their hometown and the nation's homeland security. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) recognized that the same intelligence that secures the homeland is required to secure New York City. NYPD restructured its organizational structure and external business practices to acquire the requisite intelligence to secure NYC and in effect facilitated the nation's homeland security. This thesis identifies NYPD's intelligence practices as a smart practice that SLTLE agencies should adopt, scaled and tailored to their realities and needs, to secure their hometowns and to compound a national effort to secure the homeland."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Comiskey, John G.
2010-03
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Leveraging Rural America in the Fight against Terrorism in America through the Use of Conservation Districts
From the thesis abstract: "A vast, untapped resource is available to the federal government and the Department of Homeland Security in the war on terror. The citizens that comprise rural America have long been ignored by the efforts to wage the war on terror, and have been told, along with their urban counterparts, that the government would wage the war on terror, not citizens. […]The findings and recommendations of this research advocate the creation of a domestic intelligence-gathering network, which utilizes the nation's 2,946 local conservation districts to interact with rural citizens. Conservation districts, as a unit of local government, occupy a unique place in their local communities due to their nonregulatory nature. As a result, they have a high degree of trust in their local communities. Conservation districts would forge a partnership with rural Americans and state fusion centers for information gathering purposes. Intelligence analysts would analyze that information at the state fusion center and use it to support the war on terror. In this way, the Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. intelligence community could leverage rural America as a force multiplier."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Eller, William L.
2010-03
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Contribution of Police and Fire Consolidation to the Homeland Security Mission
"This thesis explores the idea of consolidating police and fire departments as a unique way to deliver public safety services to communities in an integrated fashion. It investigates how the uniqueness of this concept can fit into our plan to prevent, protect, respond, and mitigate interrelated challenges in a fully coordinated approach. The main claim of this study is that the consolidation of police and fire services enhances communication among disciplines, creates unified leadership and command, and aids in attaining a high level of comprehensive emergency response and planning--and that this improves the execution of the homeland security mission. Through a comparative case study, the research focuses on the history and organizational design of three consolidated departments; the perspective they have towards collaboration and homeland security; and the reported advantages and challenges attributed to these models. The thesis will use the homeland security mission as a backdrop in order to examine the concept of consolidation through comparative case studies. As our country continues to deal with multifaceted threats that force our disparate organizations to integrate in a unified effort; what are the contributions that the consolidation of police and fire services have on the homeland security mission?" An 8-minute, 23-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 20950]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mata, Vinicio R.
2010-03
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Community Preparedness: Creating a Model for Change
"Although the United States has made great strides in improving its capacity to respond to and mitigate large scale incidents resulting from acts of nature or deliberate acts of man, the development and improvement of community resiliency and preparedness has lagged behind. National surveys have shown that our nation's residents are not as prepared as they believe they are or know they should be, and reveal a national population that is largely unprepared and potentially vulnerable to a catastrophic event. Attempting to improve upon low preparedness levels, the Citizen Corps Personal Behavior Change Model for Disaster Preparedness (PDP) was introduced as a tool to assist in the design of outreach/social marketing preparedness programs. This thesis examines the underlying theoretical constructs of the PDP Model and identifies their limitations and gaps. The Community/Individual Integrated Model, which provides for an integration of individual and community-based behavior change models, is proposed and compared to the original PDP Model. It is suggested that, through the use of this model, a coordinated and matched approach between an individual and his/her community can develop a preparedness program that maximizes social relationships and moves the entire community, not just individuals, through the behavioral stages of change." A 6 minute, 29 second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=20949]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Campasano, Nicholas
2010-03
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Fusion 2.0: The Next Generation of Fusion in California: Aligning State and Regional Fusion Centers
From the Abstract: "A growing number of states have created multiple fusion centers, including California. In addition to having a state fusion center, California has four regional centers statewide. Each center is separately governed, but intended to work together as a unified, statewide system. Given their recognized autonomy, the relationship between California's fusion centers is voluntary and 'horizontal' versus 'hierarchical,' with no single entity in charge. Consequently, the attainment and sustainment of a robust and synchronized partnership between California's fusion centers is dependent upon each center's commitment to collaborate. Current research has focused largely on building collaboration within fusion centers, as opposed to between fusion centers. This research seeks to identify the appropriate role and mission of California's state fusion center as it relates to strengthening stakeholder relationships, collaboration, and sustainability, through the analysis of data captured from California's regional centers, sheriffs and police chiefs, and examining the roles and methods of other state fusion centers in states with multiple centers. From this research, this thesis recommends a series of collaborative initiatives intended to help strengthen intra-state fusion center collaboration, more properly align state and regional fusion center efforts, and enhance sustainability through maintained relevancy and added value to stakeholders and customers."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
MacGregor, David S.
2010-03
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Validation of Rational Deterrence Theory: Analysis of U.S. Government and Adversary Risk Propensity and Relative Emphasis on Gain or Loss
"This thesis develops a rational deterrence case study risk elicitation framework to assess the risk propensity and relative emphasis on loss/gain of the U.S. and various adversaries involved in historical and current deterrence games. This framework is used to elicit qualitative historical information that supports a notional Deterrence Efficacy Model. This qualitative approach is further supported by a basic game-theoretic approach predicting the efficacy of deterrence given certain actor risk profiles. Recommendations as to the efficacy of deterrence for current U.S. national security threats are offered using the proposed Deterrence Efficacy Model, quantitative framework, and supporting methodology."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Taquechel, Eric F.
2010-03
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New Role for Emergency Management: Fostering Trust to Enhance Collaboration in Complex Adaptive Emergency Response Systems
"In spite of publications such as the '9/11 Commission Report' and a revised incident command system, effective interagency collaboration at emergency incidents within New York City has not been fully achieved. This thesis explores how the development of these collaborative efforts may be dependent on social factors, such as interorganizational trust, and whether emergency management agencies are well positioned to assume a leadership role in fostering and implementing trust-building programs in the furtherance of collaborative agency partnerships. The methodology for this study involved data collection and thematic analysis derived from an interview process, which involved senior management of seven public safety agencies, in order to draw conclusions on the role of trust and provide recommended strategies for fostering inter-organizational trust. The conclusions drawn from the following research support the concept that trust, operates as a catalyst in the fostering of inter-organizational collaborative efforts, enhancing the components of effective interagency partnerships, such as communication, as well as providing for increased problem solving capacities. Additionally, that the 'leadership in building trust' concept is complex, primarily reliant on establishing a trust in the collaborative process itself, and embraces the need for a collective synthesis of various agency skills to effectively meet homeland security challenges." A 6-minute, 57-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 29434]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Currao, Thomas J.
2009-12
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Regional Security Assessments: A Strategic Approach to Securing Federal Facilities
"The 18 critical infrastructure sectors identified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security form a vast and complex network of interdependent assets that supports the functioning of nearly every aspect of business, government, and commerce. The disruption of even one critical infrastructure sector by a terrorist attack or natural or manmade disaster is likely to have cascading effects on other sectors. As the Sector-Specific Agency for the Government Facilities Sector, the Federal Protective Service conducts recurring facility security assessments for approximately 9000 federal facilities. These federal facilities are interconnected in varying degrees of complexity and form a network of multi- or bi-directional connections between assets, within or between many types of systems, and within or across critical infrastructure sectors. This thesis presents a Policy Options Analysis of a cross-sector approach for protecting federal facilities across the United States. These options seek to expand the security assessments conducted by the Federal Protective Service to include interdependency analysis at the operational and strategic levels. These options may also serve as a model for other cross-sector security assessment methodologies that may be adopted by other critical infrastructure sectors." A 5-minute, 57-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 29435]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Consolini, Todd
2009-12
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Anthrax Vaccine as a Component of the Strategic National Stockpile: A Dilemma for Homeland Security
From the Document: "The author explains how past problems with the Defense Department anthrax vaccine currently affect Department of Homeland Security and Department of Health and Human Service policy. The departments included the BioThrax anthrax vaccine in the Strategic National Stockpile following the 2001 anthrax letter attacks. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the vaccine's "failing" status possibly motivated the letter attacks to create demand for the vaccine. This thesis explores the Department of Defense's troubled experience with the vaccine through four methodologies. The multiprism methodological approach of 'quadrangulation' serves to 'box' in past safety, efficacy, regulatory, and legal problems. A literature review demonstrates an evolving shift in critiques of the vaccine that parallels policy pronouncements. A case study tool offers a chronological review of the anthrax vaccine to evaluate causal events precipitating the anthrax letter attacks in 2001. A program evaluation includes process tracing through quantitative, qualitative, summative, and formative reviews. Finally, a gap analysis aids in explaining continued reliance on the old vaccine technology. To conclude, the thesis recommendations encourage formulation of a Presidential Study and Policy Directive process to reassess the vaccine, while suggesting alternative Department of Homeland Security policy courses of action centered on antibiotics and new technologies." A 7-min, 53-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=29432]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Rempfer, Thomas L.
2009-12
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Tell Me What I Need To Know: What Mayors and Governors Want from Their Fusion Center
"Mayors and governors who represent high threat, high population density urban areas need strategic, decision-making advantages and, as such, should be significant users of fusion centers. These chief executives desire to understand the operating environment for their jurisdictions where daily risks and threats emerge from the complexities of an integrated world. Paradoxically, as will be outlined through this thesis, there is a lack of robust engagement between fusion centers and mayors and governors. While this thesis does not suggest executives know nothing about their fusion centers, the lack of direct and regular engagement is problematic given that top elected officials are responsible for leadership and funding decisions that prevent, mitigate, and respond to threats to their jurisdictions. Without engagement, fusion centers struggle to meet executive expectations, and mayors and governors miss critical opportunities to leverage their fusion centers. By addressing this engagement and expectations gap, fusion centers will be better situated to help these busy chief executives develop adaptive long-term strategic approaches for preventing, preparing, responding to and mitigating threats and all hazards in their jurisdictions, where they ultimately are held accountable by their constituency." A 7-minute, 55-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 31118]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chen, Yi-Ru
2009-09
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No Dark Corners: Defending Against Insider Threats to Critical Infrastructure
From the thesis abstract: "An adversary who makes a frontal attack can be anticipated or repulsed. An adversary who attacks from within, however, cannot be so readily countered. This study intends to identify defenses against trust betrayers targeting critical infrastructure. Using a Delphi method, the study develops insights of experts from more mature arenas of defense against insider threats, such as workplace violence and counter-espionage, in order to assist infrastructure stewards with defending against the insider threat to critical infrastructure. The findings uncover flaws in institutional defenses that adversaries can exploit, with infiltrators posing a greater threat than disgruntled insiders. Resulting recommendations run counter to accepted wisdom. These recommendations shape the contours of a No Dark Corners approach that applies and extends seminal theories of Newman's Defensible Space and Kelling's Fixing Broken Windows. No Dark Corners replaces a laser for a flashlight. The laser is a narrow beam of workplace monitoring only by corporate sentinels, or security specialists. The flashlight is a broader beam of employee engagement and monitoring on the front lines at the team level. There are no easy answers. No Dark Corners shows promise in filling the gaps in traditional insider defenses to deliver the victory of ownership over surprise." A 13-minute, 51-second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=31117]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Catrantzos, Nicholas
2009-09
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Managing the Reputation of DHS and Its Components
"The Department of Homeland Security and some of its components have gained less than favorable reputations since DHS was stood up in 2003. Based upon the available literature on reputation and upon data collected from a Delphi survey of public affairs officers within DHS and its components, this thesis addresses the value, measurement, and management of reputation for DHS and its components. It also looks at the relationship between the reputation of DHS and that of its components. This thesis shows that reputation has a strong impact on such areas as public trust, Congressional funding, and employee morale. It offers several recommendations for how DHS and its components can manage their reputations more effectively. These recommendations include understanding the value of reputation, identifying key stakeholders, measuring stakeholders' perceptions, and addressing 'reputation spillover.' It also adds to the available literature on reputation, which comes primarily from the private sector."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Johnson, Bobbie L.
2009-06
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Measuring Preparedness: Assessing the Impact of the Homeland Security Grant Program
"Since the creation of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in 2003, DHS has awarded over 28.7 billion dollars in grant funds to states, locals, territories and tribal entities to enhance prevention, protection, response, and recovery efforts. Yet, the homeland security community continues to struggle with measuring the impact these investments have made toward improving preparedness. The 2009 Federal Preparedness Report highlighted that the nation lacks risk-based performance metrics, accurate data, and analytical tools to measure how these investments have improved preparedness. This thesis outlines the challenges of measuring preparedness across the numerous federal funding streams, assesses the prevalence of these factors, and proposes five recommendations for improving the capacity to answer how prepared we are; how prepared we need to be; and how we close the gap between the two."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Broughton, Pamela N.; Haverkos, Pam
2009-03
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Qualia: A Prescription for Developing a Quality Health Threat Assessment
From the thesis abstract: "The 9/11 Commission Report called for consolidation of intelligence assets in order to unify the knowledge base of the intelligence community agencies. This concept gave rise to the fusion center as a place for the fusion of multiple information sources from local, state, and federal levels of government. Although the need for inclusion of health and medical information in fusion centers has been documented, relatively few have done so, and a product designed specifically toward health and medical intelligence currently does not exist at the state and local level. The purpose of this paper is to document a methodology for development of a health threat assessment as a means for the intelligence community to maintain a decision advantage, particularly at the state and local level where the intelligence developed will provide the most benefit to first responders and the local community. This model demonstrates the need for the public health and medical community to improve collaboration across sectors to produce a more integrated product that enhances the understanding of the entire community, thus developing qualia. This can only be accomplished through trust, complete transparency, and clarification of expectations in order to establish the consummate information sharing community."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Pritchett, Beverly A.
2008-12
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Deciding Who Lives: Considered Risk Casualty Decisions in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Homeland security was changed by the events of September 11, 2001, including how we make life and death decisions. Terrorism, all hazards, and public health issues increase the number of decisions involving the expenditure of civilian lives. These Considered Risk Casualties are akin to the military concept of "acceptable losses." Homeland security professionals have little or no experience, let alone guidance, in decision making under circumstances that bring this condition to the civilian population. Other disciplines such as philosophy, theology, bioethics, and the military, etc. have examined principles that are involved in the concept of accepting loss of life and have identified theoretical circumstances under which acceptance is achieved. Homeland security has had little discussion of these matters and virtually no criteria to support such decision making. Examining the observations, and how those disciplines test the concept, can inform and assist homeland security practitioners when having to make these decisions. Examining homeland security events that addressed loss of life can expand the range of scenarios those disciplines use for their analysis. An educational process that draws on other sectors' experience can serve to improve decision-making capabilities. Future research opportunities exist within and external to homeland security and those disciplines."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mahoney, Robert T.
2008-12
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Preventive Detention in the War on Terror: A Plan for a More Moderate and Sustainable Solution
"After September 11, 2001, the Bush Administration decided to detain certain individuals suspected of being members or agents of al Qaeda or the Taliban as enemy combatants and hold them indefinitely and incommunicado for the duration of the war on terror. The rationale behind this system of preventive detention is to incapacitate suspected terrorists, facilitate interrogation, and hold them when traditional criminal charges are not feasible for a variety of reasons. While the rationale for preventive detention is legitimate and the need for preventive detention real, the current Administration's approach has been reactionary, illogical, and probably unconstitutional. This thesis explores the underlying rationales for preventive detention as a tool in this war on terror; analyzes the legal obstacles to creating a preventive-detention regime; discusses how Israel and Britain have dealt with incapacitation and interrogation of terrorists; and compares several alternative ideas to the Administration's enemy-combatant policy under a nonpartisan methodology that looks at questions of lawfulness, the balance between liberty and security, and institutional efficiency. In the end, this thesis recommends using the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court to monitor a narrow regime of preventive detention only to be used under certain prescribed circumstances where interrogation and/or incapacitation are the justifications. Note: This thesis was published as a book by Cambria Press in November 2008. The book is entitled 'The Necessary Evil of Preventive Detention in the War on Terror: a Plan for a More Moderate and Sustainable Solution.' An excerpt of the thesis based on Chapter V was published by 'Homeland Security Affairs' in October 2008 [http://www.hsaj.org/?article=4.3.1]. An excerpt based on Chapters III and IV, entitled 'The Why and How of Preventive Detention in the War on Terror,' will be published by The Thomas M. Cooley Law Review in the Spring of 2009."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Blum, Stephanie
2008-12
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Regional Mass Fatality Management in Pandemic Surge
"National and state planning documents designate public health as the lead for mass fatality management (MFM). MFM planning, however, demands multiagency participation and full public-business-government leverage. This thesis explores pathways to reach operational regional MFM capability in Ohio, but also has implications for MFM planning across the nation. Survey research was conducted with three key MFM stakeholder groups: county coroners, emergency management directors, and health commissioners. The survey addressed realistic and actionable MFM planning by: 1) identifying state guidance gaps; 2) identifying local/regional operational gaps; 3) assessing regional resource capabilities; 4) categorizing proposed solutions to address identified gaps; and 5) listing legal, financial, and organizational barriers to the solutions. Findings show that the key stakeholder communities are confused, with a willingness to build MFM capacity that is accompanied by worries about who should lead and how to coordinate efforts. Research recommendations include a three-sector collaboration (government-business-citizens) operating at the regional level and public engagement. Another recommendation calls for alignment of state guidance and regional operations with The Joint Task Force Civil Support Working Group MFM areas: command and control; body identification; medico-legal investigation; morgue operations; funeral services; final disposition; and family assistance and behavioral health services."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stanley, Sharon A. R.
2008-12
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Public-Private Sector Passenger Rail Intelligence and Terrorism Information Sharing
What is an effective methodology for intelligence and terrorism information sharing within a private passenger rail organization and with their external public partners? This thesis uses three distinct research methodologies that collectively lead to an effective strategy for intelligence and terrorism information sharing within a private passenger railroad, and with its external public partners. First, key Amtrak personnel were interviewed to establish and confirm how intelligence information currently flows within Amtrak and with its external intelligence community and law enforcement partners. Second, a survey of key Amtrak operations personnel was conducted to establish Amtrak's intelligence priorities and requirements. Finally, this study examined two case studies on potential models for intelligence and terrorism information sharing. The two main outcomes of this research were that by leveraging the power of informal networks in the context of the abstract megacommunity framework, an effective strategy for intelligence and terrorism information sharing was developed. Also, based on the needs of front line railroad operating personnel, an intelligence product that helps to protect the public and the nation's critical railroad infrastructure was developed.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Crosbie, William L.
2008-09
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21st Century National Public Health System
This thesis from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security discusses the role that public health systems can play in the even of a national health emergency, using the Canadian cases of SARS as a case study. "The attention that SARS created in 2003 has influenced public and political perceptions about the risks associated with infectious diseases and the role the public health system should play in national security. This comparative case study was conducted to examine the Canadian public health's system response to SARS in order to formulate recommendations for the U.S. public health system. This analysis demonstrated that the governmental organizational structure of the U.S. public health system does not support its current mission or its new responsibilities for public health security. A national public health system is needed to support dual missions: the traditional mission of tailoring public health programs specific to the social and demographic needs of the citizens; and the new mission of public health security. In order to transform the current U.S. public health system into a national public health system two critical components must be addressed at the federal, state, and local level: 1) organizational capacity and 2) service delivery. Recommendations are provided regarding the way forward at the federal level and work needing to be done at the state and local level towards building a national system capable of meeting the public health threats of the 21st century."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jones, Mary J.
2008-09
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Dynamic Personal Identity and the Dynamic Identity Grid: How Theory and Concept Can Transform Information into Knowledge and Secure the American Homeland
From the thesis abstract: "Personal identification systems and processes; including those used for transliteration, travel visas and driver licenses; have failed to adequately adapt to the nation's new asymmetric threat. After September 11th, personal identification information about the attackers began to emerge and it became clear that it could have been used to identify the attackers prior to their terrorist acts. This study used qualitative research methods to construct meaning from previously uncorrelated issues and employed a three-stage analytical approach that grounded the research. The tertiary stage identified themes that had theoretical relevance and, in turn, a direct impact on the proposed solutions. The study borrowed concepts from a handful of formal qualitative methods; including grounded theory, content/document analysis, interviewing, triangulation and conceptual modeling. It found that ambiguity and ethnocentricity is inherent in American name-based identity collection practices, systems and processes; that consistently collecting specific name-based characteristics could be highly beneficial to combating terrorism; and that by leveraging the knowledge created by consistent collection practices, systems and processes we can transform name-based identity into a dynamic and leveragable commodity. To effectively do so, this project presents a substantive theory, Dynamic Personal Identity, and a conceptual technological system, the Dynamic Identity Grid, as potential solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burchnell, Ryan
2008-09
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Closing the Gap: Measuring the Social Identity of Terrorists
"Studies of terrorism today focus on psychological and behavioral aspects of individuals. Most research shows that using a single model in an attempt to profile terrorists psychologically is problematic, if not impossible. However, using two well-established theories from social psychology, Social Identity Theory and Social Distance Theory, allows the development of a practical model to develop a social profile of a terrorist group. From that, it is further possible to use the resulting social profile to compare terrorist groups against each other in order to develop predictive models as to the propensity of violence of a particular group. To test this, the research within this thesis uses open source interviews of the terrorist group HAMAS and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), taken from on-line magazines, on-line journals, on-line newspapers, and official web sites, to serve as respondents to a survey instrument developed from other social identity studies. The results of this research shows that a social profile of a terrorist group can be developed from standard social identity measurement survey instruments, and it is possible to develop practical methods for comparing groups, based on their social identities, to predict their propensity to violence."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Ludwick, Keith W.
2008-09
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Introducing the Future Now: Using Memetics and Popular Culture to Identify the Post 9/11 Homeland Security Zeitgeist
"What effect did the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 have on American culture? One outcome was the emergence of 'homeland security' as a new institution, concept, and method. But what does this mean as part of a broader historical narrative of cultural change following 9/11? This thesis uses a combination of both classic and contemporary theories to gain perspective on how the public perceives homeland security--Zeitgeist theory and memetics. By examining small clues found within American popular culture, called memes, the reader is able to see how ideas related to homeland security have been transmitted, varied, or faded away. What may appear to be random events found in American popular culture can be considered part of a larger dynamic at work called the 'Zeitgeist' and may provide the first glimpse into a future that 'currently exists, but is just not widely distributed yet.' The themes found within the homeland security Zeitgeist--patriotism, victimization, fear, and absurdity--provide insight into how Americans perceive homeland security and awareness of emerging cultural patterns that affect their lives. Opportunities for further research are suggested related to cultural evolution, memetics, popular culture analysis, strategic communications, and homeland security." A 7- minute, 33-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36642]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Boyd, Judith K.
2008-03
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'Someone to Watch over Me?' Privacy and Governance Strategies for CCTV and Emerging Surveillance Technologies
From the thesis abstract: "Responding to concerns of terror around the world, law enforcement agencies are rapidly moving to utilize a range of surveillance technologies to address the threat. While the lead technology in this area is closed circuit television (CCTV), other technologies like radio frequency identification (RFID), global positioning satellite (GPS) technology and biometrics are also being expanded for use in monitoring human activity. These systems share common features and can be interrelated and controlled with developing computer technologies. They can also be used by government for a range of other purposes. However, use of these technologies has implications for individual privacy. This research examines the nature of privacy and existing legal protections. It also investigates a range of approaches to govern the use of these developing technologies. It is a critical governmental function to administer the use of that technology to ensure that it is related to appropriate government purposes and that individual civil rights are protected. To be successful, that governance scheme will have to address key privacy concerns while remaining flexible enough to adapt to changing technology. Informed by this research policymakers will be better able to develop effective governance strategies." A 7-minute, 43-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36620]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Zoufal, Donald R.
2008-03
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Wireless Robotic Communications in Urban Environments: Issues for the Fire Service
"Firefighters are tasked with conducting search and rescue operations at incidents ranging from minor smoke conditions to multi-agency disasters. In each instance, a rapid risk assessment must be conducted based on preliminary dispatch information. Small lightweight 'man portable' robots are a natural fit for gaining improved situational awareness, yet few have been employed for this application. The problems encountered in using wireless robots in urban environments are among the primary reasons. This thesis focuses on the wireless link between the robot and the firefighter employing it. The work presented is useful for policy makers in allocating public safety spectrum, firefighters in pre-planning responses, and engineers for designing relevant control systems. While the arguments rest on a technical footing of test data and models, the paper is written primarily for a non-technical audience. A technology acceptance model is developed for employing robots wirelessly. Test data is presented showing the debilitating effects of interference from employing multiple robots concurrently. Models are applied to predict signal loss in tunnels and urban environments, and results indicate an optimal frequency range exists between 500 MHz and 1 GHz. A case is presented to allocate spectrum in this range using a priority access protocol."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hough, George
2008-03
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Mitigating Information Overload: The Impact of 'Context-Based Approach' to the Design of Tools for Intelligence Analysts
"With the explosion of available data from a variety of sources, it has become increasingly difficult to keep pace with the amount of arriving data, extract actionable information, and integrate it with prior knowledge. Add to that the pressures of today's fusion center climate and it becomes clear that analysts, police officers, and executives' ability to make rapid, sound decisions is severely compromised. The combination of circular reporting and the complexity of data sources are contributing to information overload. Law enforcement agencies realize this cannot be resolved by continuing to hire more intelligence analysts. Instead, they must begin leveraging technology. The Illinois State Police is utilizing a technology artifact in its Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) which incorporates technology built from the context of these users. This thesis uses a survey instrument to evaluate the effectiveness of this technology on reducing circular reporting and the handling of complex data sources. The findings conclude that intelligence analysts within STIC perceive that information overload exists, and both the complexity of data sources as well as circular reporting minimizes their effectiveness and efficiency. Furthermore, this technology effectively improves these negative effects, and increases the STIC's ability to better serve communities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brueggemann, Charles E.
2008-03
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Unleashing Our Untapped Domestic Collection is the Key to Prevention
From the thesis abstract: "Human intelligence from informants, criminals, good-Samaritans and cooperative individuals is the key to neutralizing major terrorist plots. The need for domestic intelligence collection in the United States is supported by a review of the national strategies and data collected from statements of Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security officials. Unfortunately, scholarly articles and commentaries point to an inadequate human intelligence program five years after the events of September 11, 2001. This thesis presents a community based exploitation strategy for the expansion of domestic collection through the leveraging of state and local law enforcement, public and private collection. The strategy would take advantage of the significant untapped resources available to state and local law enforcement, public and private entities by encouraging sharing and discouraging hoarding. The technology would do the heavy lifting by sifting through the vast amounts of available information to find the key piece of data. Technology can assist analysts by allowing them to exploit the semantic process of the Global Justice Extensible Markup Language (XML), a computer language. Together, this exploitation strategy and technology will become part of new homeland security doctrine that could unleash the full potential of domestic collection and provide the missing pieces of the intelligence puzzle."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duarte, Nestor
2007-09
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Leveraging Citizens and Cultivating Vigilance for Force Multiplication in the Maritime Domain
"This thesis examines a Coast Guard-led networked community (Citizen's Action Network -- CAN) by exploring the network's potential to augment the Coast Guard in managing its prodigious maritime domain risks. Through an expansive literature review, a survey and a set of semi-structured interviews, a proposed set of community-based structural components were identified and tested for strength and significant relationships using ANOVA, Regression and Student's T statistical testing methods. Findings suggest that component parts of CAN fit into a business-oriented networked management model called a Community of Practice (COP), with vigilance emerging as a sustainable, predictable and highly desirable post-9/11 networked community behavior. CAN's demographics were also examined to determine trends, such as above-average military veteran membership, which may support future targeted volunteer recruiting. Finally, various Coast Guard-initiated CAN communication methods were tested for significant impact; volunteers receiving phone calls correlated to higher levels of trust in the Coast Guard, while those receiving written communications maintained a heightened sense of access to the Coast Guard. These findings underscore the yet-untapped potential to groom grassroots vigilance, build trust in government and create a culture of prevention by sharing national challenges -- ultimately putting the 'home' back in homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Billeaudeaux, Michael Andre
2007-09
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Risk Management as Strategic Change in National Homeland Security Policy
From the thesis abstract: "Secretary Michael Chertoff has said that the core principle that animates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is risk management. Risk management is a process of choosing trade-offs between available resources and the cost of minimizing the risk of unwanted consequences through an ongoing cycle of objective setting, risk assessment, alternatives evaluation, and implementation, in a way that buys down risk over time. The statements of national leaders, federal legislation, and the Department of Homeland Security's own strategy documents have set risk management as homeland security policy. Nonetheless, DHS has been challenged to implement a coordinated and integrated risk management program to include compatible risk assessment methodologies among its component agencies. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), released in 2006, for the first time sets out a vision for a national risk management framework. That vision now extends the application of risk management to the nation's critical infrastructure owners and operators. This paper explores the challenges involved in implementing the risk management framework under the NIPP, examines how implementation has been managed as strategic change through the lens of change management theory, and offers recommendations for improvement. It is hoped this paper will motivate further study into homeland security strategic change."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Paczkowski, John P.
2007-09
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Integration of Virtual Public-Private Partnerships into Local Enforcement to Achieve Enhanced Intelligence-Led Policing
From the thesis Abstract: "In light of the recent emergence of fusion centers and centralized intelligence units, and the move to develop intelligence capacity within local law enforcement agencies in the United States, intelligence-led policing (ILP) is well-positioned to be on the nation's law enforcement agenda for the next decade. ILP relies on robust data collection from a wide range of sources to create intelligence products that can influence decision makers, and ultimately, impact the criminal environment. Virtual public-private partnerships (VP3s) offer local law enforcement agencies an effective and efficient way to leverage a vast and resourceful private sector for the purpose of enhancing ILP. A VP3 can exponentially enhance data collection capacity, facilitate the utilization of the private sector as a force multiplier, and provide the means by which local policing agencies can begin to instill a culture of preparedness in the citizens they serve. This thesis includes case studies of three VP3s -- Citizen Observer, NYPD Shield, and the Nassau County Security/Police Information Network (SPIN). In addition, virtual communities and social capital are examined with an eye towards the potential impact on crime, homeland security, and ILP. The findings of this thesis form the framework for a VP3-enhanced model of intelligence-led policing." A 7-minute, 33-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36618]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Simeone, Matthew J., Jr.
2007-09
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Multi Attribute Decision Analysis in Public Health - Analyzing Effectiveness of Alternate Modes of Dispensing
From the thesis Abstract: "Local emergency planners are creating mass prophylaxis plans to prophylax entire populations within forty eight hours in order to reduce mortality after a bioterrorist attack. The Points of Dispensing (PODs) used in prophylaxis are central to an area's mass prophylaxis plans, but they are insufficient because of their staffing and security constraints. Several alternate modes of dispensing that have similar attributes and are considered best practices are presently being implemented in local health departments (LHDs). The purpose of this thesis is to develop models to evaluate alternate modes of dispensing using multi-attribute value function (MAVF), an approach that supports multi-attribute decision-making by taking into account the trade-offs a decision-maker is willing to make between attributes. Two models are created for Los Angeles County (LAC). The models showed that in LAC, the door-to-door option, pharmacy option, civil service option and Kaiser Permanente option work best. The study finds that alternate modes of dispensing can be useful in filling the gaps in the POD-based approach by increasing critical resources or lowering the pressure on existing resources." A 6-minute, 10-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36619]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Khan, Sinan
2007-09
