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Eyes of the Storm: Can Fusion Centers Play a Crucial Role During the Response Phase of Natural Disasters Through Collaborative Relationships with Emergency Operations Centers?
From the Abstract: "Through the maturation of the national network of fusion centers, processes and capabilities originally designed to detect and thwart terrorist attacks are now applied to disaster responses. The fusion process, which involves the synthesis and analysis of streams of data, can create incident specific intelligence. The sharing of this information can enhance the operating picture that is critical to key decision makers and the discipline of emergency management. This thesis examined three case studies of fusion center disaster responses through a collaborative-based analytical framework. The resulting analysis of the case studies identified the crucial role played by fusion centers in responding to disaster events in a collaborative effort with emergency operations centers. This thesis concludes that fusion centers offer the greatest impact through enabling information sharing throughout the response phase. The specific benefits of the sharing of information directly influence executive briefings and the deployment of resources. This thesis also modeled a collaborative response. The research determined that the depth and breadth of these relationships involving cooperative responses must be proportionate to the incident and include a level of redundancy. Through a system design model, overconnectivity through efficiency was shown to increase the likelihood of fracturing cooperative relationships."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Coyle, Timothy P.
2014-09
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21st Century Strategies for Policing Protest: What Major Cities' Responses to the Occupy Movement Tell Us About the Future of Police Response to Public Protest
From the thesis abstract: "The study of a law enforcement response to a national movement is a homeland security issue. How America polices its population establishes the benchmark for how it treats the world and is worthy of exploration. What can the experiences of four major U.S. cities, in their response to the Occupy Movement, tell us about using emergent strategies for policing protest in the twenty-first century? In the fall of 2011, the Occupy Movement protests swept across the United States in a matter of weeks. Activists demonstrated against income inequality and the state of the economy, and they established camps in major urban areas, occupying public spaces. I conducted case studies of New York City; Oakland, California; Portland, Oregon; and Dallas, Texas, and analyzed the results. That analysis revealed common themes, including a lack of negotiated management, restricting access to traditionally open public spaces by the police and the use of emergent practice in the complex adaptive environment of demonstrations. From this analysis, I am able to provide strategic recommendations for city and police leaders in dealing with protests in the twenty-first century utilizing a sense-making framework that will assist leaders in strategic planning for protests for large and small cities alike." A 10 minute, 35 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=752924]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Geron, Stephen Max
2014-03
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Fighting Tomorrow's Fire Today: Leveraging Intelligence for Scenario-Based Exercise Design
From the thesis abstract: "There is a great opportunity for collaborative learning when agencies conduct emergency preparedness exercises together. If different members of the community contribute to the development of these exercises, then this learning benefits the entire population. As it stands, preparedness exercises are being conducted with minimal regard to recommendations from previous exercises and real-world events. Along with the incorporation of intelligence into these exercises, the objectives should promote a more inclusive design process based on focused relevance, encouraging agencies to view themselves more as members of the greater community rather than individual entities. Terrorist organizations learn from past failures as well as successes, and emergency responders should strive to parallel this learning in order to develop tactical improvements. Emergency responders need to promote the idea of intelligence-driven exercise design in order to support community resilience through collaborative training. Municipalities should spearhead this effort, supported financially by the private sector. With this fusion of intelligence and collaborative exercise design, we can learn from the fires of yesterday and prepare for the emergencies of tomorrow." A 6-min, 9-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=752925]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Healy, Thomas F.
2014-03
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Substance Testing in the Fire Service: Making Public Safety a Matter of National Policy
From the thesis abstract: "The state of fire service substance-testing policy nationwide, and what it should be, is the subject of this project. This thesis analyzed 12 substance-testing policies from fire departments across the country. The project looked at the language fire departments were using to convey the intent, process, and consequences of their policy. Common themes emerged as each policy was examined. However, upon closer examination, more inconsistency was found than uniformity. Differences ranged from policy purposes to prevailing guidance to types of substances tested for, threshold levels, and employee treatment, with the greatest difference found in the terminology. As a result of the analysis, this thesis identifies best practices and required components of a standardized national substance-testing policy, and asserts that such a national model should be implemented." A 6-min, 37-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=752919]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Penn, Chérie A.
2014-03
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Enemies List: The Foreign Terrorist Organization List and Its Role in Defining Terrorism
From the thesis abstract: "The United States defines terrorism through the lists it maintains identifying those who are engaged in, support, and/or facilitate terrorism. One such list is the Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) list. Because the FTO designation process occurs without the organization's knowledge or ability to challenge the evidence, uses classified information to make the determination, and has limited judicial oversight, concerns have been expressed that the Executive Branch has too much discretion in this process. The concerns are exacerbated by the perception that political motivations dominate the decision-making process. Using content analysis, the FTO list is analyzed using a quantitative and qualitative approach. First, the terrorist designation processes used in allied countries is examined, and the list is analyzed by reviewing FTO decisions made before and after 9/11. Through an analysis of the annual State Department country reports describing the FTOs, the nonstatutory factors that influence FTO decisions emerge, and include whether a group attacked Israel or other allied nation of strategic interest to the United States, attacked the United States or its citizens, or is affiliated with al Qaeda. These nonstatutory factors and their application to U.S. counterterrorism strategy, is how the United States defines terrorism at any point in time." An 8-min, 47-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=752920]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Decker, Eileen M.
2014-03
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Da Vinci's Children Take Flight: Unmanned Aircraft Systems in the Homeland
From the thesis abstract: "In 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration will open national airspace to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Nonmilitary uses for UAS range from agriculture services to entertainment purposes, and include tasks as mundane as inspecting gutters and as consequential as fighting fires. Outside of the safety issues that accompany many breakthrough technologies, the effort to integrate UAS into national airspace is enmeshed in political, legal and economic policies that require careful navigation. Factors like cybersecurity and technological advancements will continue to influence the way UAS can be used. This thesis provides an orientation to the key considerations in UAS integration. Policy recommendations include early stakeholder engagement; a national data protection law; no-fly zones around private residences; clearly identifying UAS operators and owners; nonlethal payloads in national airspace; adapting current surveillance laws to UAS; a single, national privacy law to facilitate the free flow of commerce and coordination across state lines; a federal office in charge of monitoring data privacy; accountability of data collectors; limited exemptions for activities conducted in the interest of national security or to protect life and property; and managing cybersecurity risks." A 9-min, 10-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=752922]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Moore, Jeanie
2014-03
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Role of Isolation in Radicalization - How Important Is It?
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis will provide readers an in-depth analysis of three well-known terrorists in order to highlight the role isolation played in their radicalization process. This thesis researched Timothy McVeigh, responsible for the 1995 Oklahoma City bombings; Anders Behring Breivik, responsible for the 2011 massacres in Oslo and Utøya, Norway; and Omar Hammami, an American-born individual believed to have been involved in numerous terrorist attacks throughout Somalia on behalf of al-Shabaab. The research evaluated both international and domestic terrorists with differing ideologies, and these individuals were found to represent a broad spectrum. The thesis specifically evaluated whether or not each individual experienced social, emotional, or perceived isolation at any point throughout his radicalization process. It was determined that isolation does play a very multifaceted role in both the initial involvement and initial engagement phases of radicalization. By better understanding the contributing factors of radicalization, homeland security officials may be better positioned to effectively intervene, prevent, or deter radicalization." A 6-min, 17 second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=750839]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hug, Erin C.
2013-12
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High-Tech, Low-Tech, No-Tech: Communications Strategies During Blackouts
From the thesis abstract: "How do emergency managers communicate vital life-safety information when disaster strikes and the power goes out, sometimes for extended periods? Time and again, our power grid, aging and stretched beyond its intended capacity, has experienced failures. Power outages can quickly shift from being annoying to deadly--especially when temperatures are extreme--particularly for elderly and other vulnerable populations. Emergency managers will be able to use the findings of this research to communicate critical information to the community, even in the direst circumstances, without relying on a 'techno-fix.' A structured focused comparison of three disasters revealed that a 'high-tech, low-tech, no-tech' framework can be implemented successfully and inexpensively. Throughout the three disasters studied, communications methods in the high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech areas were successful in communicating with the public. The thesis recommends that every community be prepared with this three-pronged approach. To go a step further, the study recommends that FEMA consider incorporating the 'high-low-no-tech' approach into its COOP (Continuity of Operations Plan) template, which currently assumes that communications systems-- phones, Internet, email, two-way radios--will be operational within 12 hours of activation, an optimistic assumption. A sample implementation plan with cost estimates is included." A 7-minute, 55-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=750845]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Solymossy, Diana Sun
2013-12
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Future of Responder Family Preparedness: The New Normal
From the thesis abstract: "The U.S. government has recently contended that communities cannot be 'prepared' without first ensuring the safety of responders and their families. Organizations have generally done little to nothing to ensure that the families of their responders are adequately prepared to survive and function on their own in the absence of the responder. Consequently, there exists a widespread policy gap concerning family preparedness in the first-responder community. Research indicates that much of the U.S. population has ignored the U.S. government's preparedness message and opted not to prepare. This thesis used a selection research method to explore whether the development and execution of a family preparedness program would assist the Delaware State Police (DSP) in maintaining its capability during a major crisis. Good ideas and precedent for creating such policy were captured from existing literature, leading to the conclusion that the DSP should mandate a comprehensive family preparedness program that includes emergency records management, the development of family liaison troopers, and go-kits for families as issued equipment. The thesis further concludes that responder family preparedness is different from general citizen preparedness and that leaving it in the 'optional' category is insufficient." A 6 minute interview on this thesis is also available at the following link:[https://www.hsdl.org/?mdt:manage&did=750843]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Hulings, James T.
2013-12
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Impact of Obesity on National and Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Through a series of policy decisions, innovations, and a growing complex food system, the United States moved from a nation of people considered to be undernourished at one point to a nation with 100 million obese citizens. This radical change in our collective condition took place in less than one generation. This body composition change is impacting military readiness, military recruiting, first-responder readiness, and first-responder recruiting. Further, the impacts of obesity have an annual cost that is estimated to be nearly half a trillion dollars. In our mission to meet both acute and chronic homeland security needs, it is crystal clear that the human and economic burdens of obesity are substantial. Therefore, obesity is a homeland security issue." A 12 minute, 51 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=747924].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
O'Connor, Daniel W.
2013-09
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Twituational Awareness: Gaining Situational Awareness Via Crowdsourced #Disaster Epidemiology
From the thesis abstract: "Public health and other agencies need situational awareness to respond effectively to disasters or other incidents. Traditional means of obtaining this information require significant time and personnel. Social media is becoming increasingly popular among American citizens, and research is demonstrating that it may be a useful tool for bolstering information about unfolding events. This research analyzed the potential of the microblogging service Twitter in providing situational awareness. Tweets from a major snowstorm affecting the state of Massachusetts were collected, coded for content, and compared to traditional public health methods. The results indicate that Twitter can provide a rich source of data for responding agencies. Still, the immense volume of conversations makes extracting useful information in a timely manner a significant challenge. Practical approaches uncovered during this research can help agencies with nascent social media surveillance programs begin to unearth the valuable information that Twitter contains. Collaboration with information technology experts could allow public health and other responding agencies to create even greater value from social meechdia platforms." A 6 minute, 48 second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=747925].
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Cain, Daniel T.
2013-09
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Practitioner's Guide to Trust and Legitimacy
From the thesis abstract: "The policing profession has evolved since the formalization of police forces in the late 1820s. Much of the change revolves around the community taking an interest in how the police conduct themselves and how they interact with the public. As the public demands more from the police, the police need to strive to gain trust and remain legitimate. This is easier said than done. Due to the breakdown in the social safety net, more and more police officers are called upon to assist those who are suffering from a mental illness. This intersection often tragically results in officers using force, or deadly force on these individuals. When this happens, many in the community lose faith in the police and trust is weakened or lost. In this paper, trust and legitimacy between the community and the police is examined. The argument is made that the police need to have trust and legitimacy with the public they serve in order to be effective in fighting crime as well as terrorism. Three aspects are examined that have the potential to build trust: The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) civil rights investigation of law enforcement, the strategic production of press releases and the creation and use of a mobile smart phone application as a means of connecting to the community. By abiding with the DOJ recommendations, thinking strategically about the production of press releases, and leveraging technology to build relationships, it is argued that law enforcement can build trust and legitimacy. With trust and legitimacy the public will assist, cooperate and obey the police. This relationship and collaboration is vital if law enforcement is to be successful in maintaining public safety and prevent terrorism." A 10-minute, 21-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=747922]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Walsh, Patrick A.
2013-09
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Benefits of Collaborative Processes for Establishing All Hazard Incident Management Teams in Urban Area Security Initiative Regions
From the thesis abstract: "In 2008, consistent with past practice, the Phoenix Urban Area began a collaborative process to establish three All Hazards Incident Management Teams (AHIMT) with a three-year timeline for project completion. In 2013, one team is functional and the other two AHIMT are not yet deployable. This research constitutes a case study of the 2008 Phoenix AHIMT process, and seeks to identify challenges and obstacles to collaboration. The findings of this case study of collaboration in the Phoenix Urban Area found that participants in the process viewed positively the emphasis by leaders on collaboration, the frequency that collaboration took place, and the benefits that arose from mutual collaboration. There is minimal agreement among participants about how much collaboration has taken place in developing the AHIMT program. The benefits of collaboration are believed to include the sharing of resources, developing positive relationships with other agencies, reducing operational costs, and providing a common framework for identifying and solving problems. These findings support the following recommendations for using collaboration in regional initiatives: an overall program strategy document that addresses the need for and commitment to collaboration, governance, personnel, competency, remaining relevant, and an exercise schedule." A 6-minute, 34-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=747923]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Abbott, W. Thomas
2013-09
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Preventing School Shootings: A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence
From the thesis abstract: "Gun violence in America must be addressed at the highest levels of society. Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech were attacks on the very fabric of America. School shootings represent attacks on our nations' future. A public health approach to gun violence focuses on prevention. Public safety professionals, educators and community leaders are squandering opportunities to prevent horrific acts of extreme violence. Preparedness is derived by planning, which is critical to mobilizing resources when needed. Rational public policy can work. Sensible gun legislation, which is accessible through a public health approach to gun violence, neither marginalizes nor stigmatizes any one group. University administrators must fully engage the entire arsenal of resources available to confront this pernicious threat. The academic community can create powerful networks for research, collaboration and information sharing. These collective learning environments are investments in the knowledge economy. In order for the police to remain relevant, they must actively engage the community they serve by developing the operational art necessary to cultivate knowledge, relationships and expertise. Police departments must emphasize strategies that improve performance. Police officers must understand the mission and meaning of 'To Protect and Serve' and the consequences of public safety, which often comes at their personal peril. Gun violence in America is a public health epidemic and preventing it requires a collective responsibility." A 7-min, 6-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736902]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Welch, Edward J.
2013-03
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Defining the Role of Public Health in Disaster Recovery: An Evaluation of State Public Health Planning Efforts
From the thesis abstract: "There is very little to direct public health planning for long-term disaster recovery. This research surveyed plans from nine hurricane-prone states to determine the extent to which those plans comply with recently published standards from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2011. An abstraction form was devised to score each plan and to document novel or innovative components within each plan. Results indicate poor compliance with the CDC standards; 79 percent of the assessments of individual preparedness components resulted in a score of zero (on a scale of zero to four). Particularly notable was a lack of planning for continuity of operations and the insufficient plans for advising residents and partner agencies as to the plans and locations for providing services after a disaster. A complicating factor was the general lack of acceptance, by public health, of the fact that public health recovery should be focused on restoring community services instead of simply restoring operations of public health agencies. This research identifies smart practices that can be adopted by public health agencies in an attempt to ensure a robust level of recovery preparedness." An 8-min, 47-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736898]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Davidson, Nicholas E.
2013-03
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Does Homeland Security Constitute an Emerging Academic Discipline?
From the thesis abstract: "In the wake of 9/11, the enterprise now called homeland security rocketed into the limelight leaving an educational gap that many academic institutions rushed in to fill. Educators and scholars alike from various disciplines rallied together to form a useful curriculum, and in doing so, they established a new community that shares a common intellectual commitment to making insightful, valuable, and practical contributions to the sphere of human knowledge focused on societal resilience and prosperity. Once the dust settled, a debate began to unfold. Is homeland security an emerging academic discipline? This paper seeks to answer the question by defining a common analytical framework for what constitutes an academic discipline including the concept of legitimacy and the interrelationships or 'coevolution' between academia, industry, and government. It then compares through qualitative research and weighted scoring several widely accepted disciplines to see how they fit within this model. Finally, given the persistent threat of natural and manmade disasters, steady funding and continuous career prospects, ongoing rapid advances in technology, and systematic widespread integration into university curricula, this research concludes that homeland security has begun its emergence as a formal academic discipline especially given the interdisciplinary nature of its dynamic and complex domain." A 6-min, 1-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736899]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Falkow, Michael D.
2013-03
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Road Less Traveled: Exploring the Experiences and Successes of Women Leaders in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Today, women constitute over 50% of the United States' population. Yet, women are still a minority in many workforce fields, including homeland security. A woman currently leads the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and women have achieved high levels of leadership within the federal homeland security apparatus. While great strides are being made, women are still clearly the minority and hold an average of 20% of leadership positions in homeland security related professions, such as law enforcement, fire, and emergency management. These numbers do not reflect the success that women who achieve leadership positions in the homeland security profession experience. Qualitative research was conducted through personal interviews with 14 women who currently hold, or have previously held, top leadership positions in federal, state or local agencies with homeland security responsibilities. Data gathered from these interviews shows that women are succeeding in homeland security leadership positions due to various factors including experience, education, the influence of strong mentors and role models, personality traits like tenacity and confidence, having vision, and their ability to overcome obstacles and barriers and take advantage of opportunities available to them." A 6-min, 55-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 736903]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
West, Jonna
2013-03
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Why Some People Live and Some People Die in the Same Emergencies and Disasters: Can the General Public Be Taught to Save Themselves?
From the thesis abstract: "Each year the United States suffers approximately 3,000 fire-related deaths and approximately 4,700 work-related deaths. Hundreds of additional fatalities occur annually due to severe weather, as well as manmade and natural disasters. The specific research question addressed by these sobering statistics is: Can the general public be taught to save themselves during emergencies and disasters? To that end, the research answered the following questions: 1. What research has been previously performed to examine civilian survivability? 2. What are the cognitive functions that allow or prohibit people in making correct life-saving decisions? 3. Are there patterns to the way that people process information and perceive danger? 4. What are the critical elements that allow some people to survive and others to perish? 5. What can be done to increase the chances that civilians will make the correct choice of action during emergencies and disasters? Through descriptive research, the purpose was to examine and reveal the importance of human behavior and to produce recommendations that may help reduce fatalities. The literature review found an abundance of material available to address the topic. As heuristics (science of trial and error), utility theory (methodical evaluation of alternative choices), human reactions, such as fear, intuition, emotion, and past experience, and group versus individual dynamics each impact the decision-making process, the research concluded that the general public can be taught how to perform and react appropriately during emergencies. The recommendations included legislating mandatory training on emergency action plans in the workplace, enhance the efforts of emergency responders in public education, and develop public/private partnerships to provide realistic information and scenario-based drills that the public can comprehend and participate in."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Marsar, Stephen
2013-03
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Suicide Terrorism in America?: The Complex Social Conditions of This Phenomenon and the Implications for Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "This research applies social identity and intergroup relations theory to the phenomenon of suicide terrorism and develops a framework that can be used to better understand the threat of suicide terrorism and the implications for United States homeland security. Suicide terrorism is growing worldwide and is becoming more geographically diverse. Traditional studies of suicide terrorism tend to seek causal explanations of the phenomenon. This research uses a grounded theory approach to study the phenomenon that seeks to offer insight, enhance understanding, and provide a meaningful framework for understanding. The findings of this research recommend an alternate framework for understanding suicide terrorism based on the application of social identity theory and intergroup relations theory. Through the identification of alternative normative accounts in the choices that individuals make, this research is able to identify the complex social conditions of suicide terrorism and argues that the phenomenon is driven by powerful socio-cultural systems that prey on an individual's basic identity needs." A 9-min, 44-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did= 730385]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Fleece, Richard J.
2012-12
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Enhancing Decision Making During Initial Operations at Surge Events
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis utilized a Delphi survey method to obtain the perspective of seasoned Incident Commanders (ICs), as they reflected on their experience responding to surge incidents. Surge events are defined as complex and chaotic emergencies that require resources well beyond normal operating capacity. These surge events are rare and of such a magnitude that the Incident Commander is confronted with a unique situation that often exceeds his/her experience and ability to improvise and adapt to changing conditions. This thesis combines the pertinent literature on decision making, situational awareness, collaboration and geospatial technology with the lens of experience provided by the Delphi panel. First, this research identifies and prioritizes 18 signals that an incident is becoming nonroutine, unfamiliar and chaotic. Second, it provides an inventory of strategic options that an Incident Commander can consider when faced with the chaos that often accompanies a surge event. Finally, this material was synthesized into a quick action guide as a reference source that can inform Incident Commanders, as they face the dynamic and unpredictable environment of surge events. The knowledge obtained through this research is offered with the desire to enhance the ability of Incident Commanders to make effective decisions when lives are most at risk." A 12-minute, 28-second interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?mdt:manage&did=730384]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Brian P.
2012-12
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Future Mission Tasking and Resourcing of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis studies the historic activity and present operational return on investment of the U.S. Coast Guard's all-volunteer citizen supported Auxiliary organization; it recommends harvesting approximately $2.7M by eliminating the Auxiliary aviation program. The existing funds could be efficiently reprogrammed to both replace that volunteer support niche through an agreement with the U.S. Air Force and to better support other more cost effective volunteer sub-programs. This effort departs from previous similar studies because it identifies long-term trends in volunteer activity and measures the return on investment in terms of organizational outcomes, not volunteer effort or opinion questionnaire. The literature review presents examples of similar affiliated or formal volunteer organizations found in the U.S. and abroad, several of which were originally modeled after the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The volunteer demographics and participation for the six major operational Auxiliary activities are then represented to identify trends. The Coast Guard's resourcing in the form of full-time employee support and direct funding are also presented. The focus of this study is how to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the volunteer organization to the Nation; the premise is that properly tasked and managed volunteers, with a healthy organizational culture, will multiply."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Barner, Mike
2012-09
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Utilizing Social Media to Further the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative
From the thesis abstract: "The NSI [Nationwide Suspicious Activity Report (SAR) Initiative] process delineates that frontline personnel can solicit relevant behaviors observed by the public through in-person or telephonic interviews or online e-tips forms. It does not, in its current form, include the use of less formal social media tools such as text messaging, mobile-phone apps and social-networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, although some agencies are doing so. The literature demonstrates that the majority of people use social media and social networking sites to communicate every day, and more than three-quarters use it to participate in at least one community-focused group. Including social media technologies as an option for communicating a tip provides another means by which interested individuals can provide information about their observations. Several case studies demonstrate that citizens motivated by the unselfish desire to contribute will do just that, whether or not solicited. Law enforcement agencies can leverage that enthusiasm by incorporating social media into efforts to develop SARs. The strategy requires that an agency devote resources sufficient to develop policies and to provide training to guide personnel and citizens. It also requires that agencies respond to received transmissions, recognize useful contributions, and make efforts to encourage further participation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Peters, Lynda A.
2012-09
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Community Engagement for Collective Resilience: The Rising System
From the thesis abstract: "Since the inception of the United States Department of Homeland Security, the American public has been told that it has a prominent role to play in the 'War on Terror.' However, this role has not been clearly defined. This thesis explores the viability of community engagement as a tool to promote public safety and homeland security. Research was primarily conducted through a literature review (to understand how engagement impacts safety), and a comparison of four case studies of safety-centric engagement programs in the U.S. and United Kingdom. While several of the programs in the case studies have proven to be effective at developing trust and improving security, the U.S. federal government has not effectively worked with these resources to improve its understanding of the domestic security landscape. This thesis contends that a new system is necessary to connect the federal government to local engagement programs. This may be accomplished with a domestic coordination and engagement system, referred to as the 'Rising System' for the purposes of this thesis. The goal of the Rising System would be threefold: To link federal, state, and local governments; to build on existing community policing and outreach efforts to help at-risk communities identify their greatest challenges; and to provide a forum where community members can safely work with their government to develop solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Farrell, John L.
2012-09
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Incomplete Intelligence: Is the Information Sharing Environment an Effective Platform?
From the thesis abstract: "Gathering and analyzing suspicious activity is a core element in the prevention of crime and terrorism. The Information Sharing Environment (ISE) and the Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) program is an attempt to address this issue, but it creates human and systemic barriers to information access--the same barriers that existed prior to 9/11. The SAR program, through its process-related policies, limits critical information from entering the shared space for analysis. These limitations are two-fold: Information must be specifically prepared for submission by a human being who recognizes that a potential nexus to terrorism might exist and decides to act upon this recognition; and, once submitted, each data element must be individually vetted and approved by more human analysts. Removing the dual limitations of lack of complete operating picture (based upon the limited information made available for vetting) and dependence on human frailty will provide a more effective platform for the identification and mitigation of possible preterrorist incident indicators. This thesis provides an overview of the SAR program and compares and contrasts it with more mature platforms that better meet their objectives, and provides recommendations on how the ISE/SAR enterprise can be improved."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lewin, Jonathan H.
2012-09
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Best Approach to Crisis Intervention
From the thesis abstract: "First responders 'protect and serve.' They maintain order, prevent chaos, and keep this country safe and secure. Many of the freedoms enjoyed today are the result of U.S. first responders protecting and caring for U.S. citizens. Whether it is a terrorists attack, a criminal victimizing a citizen, or a natural disaster, first responders will be among the first on the scene to deal with the crisis. For this reason, their role in homeland security is so critical. Traumatic stress experienced by first responders may impact their ability to function and handle the next critical incident, as well as obstruct public safety agencies in maintaining a robust and resilient workforce. As a result, leaders of first responder organizations need methods to recognize the different levels of stress their employees are experiencing and identify ways they can support their officers and minimize long-term effects of stress, including absenteeism, early resignation/retirement, depression, post-traumatic stress, substance abuse, and suicide. Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) is the standard clinical practice most widely utilized by public safety agencies in crisis interventions. CISM is designed to mitigate stress and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Another technique to help the traumatized, now emerging as a preferred response in crisis interventions, is Psychological First Aid (PFA). The empirical evidence is examined comparing CISM and PFA in an attempt to determine the best care for first responders. Another valuable tool examined, and sometimes overlooked as a crisis intervention tool, is the role of trained chaplains in disaster care. The author has responded to numerous traumatic incidents and witnessed firsthand the effects trauma has on first responders. As a result of witnessing the lack of care CISM provides, he was inspired to research and find the best approach to crisis interventions. PFA and trained chaplains may be the answer; however, the author also desires that this paper inspire and challenge other agencies to invest, conduct further research, and ultimately, find the best approach to crisis interventions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chumley, Steven L.
2012-09
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Shaping the National Guard in a Post-War Environment
From the thesis abstract: "The National Guard of the United States is the nation's oldest military service, tracing its roots to the Massachusetts Bay Colony of 1636. Since its inception, the Guard has enjoyed a unique dual-role responsibility of supporting state and federal missions, and while serving in every war since the American Revolution, Guardsmen and women have also supported domestic operations from the southwest border to Hurricane Katrina. Today, the Guard is a fully operational reserve, and a critical part of the national security framework. While fully engaged in the Global War On Terror, the Guard has also made great strides toward becoming the lead military agency in domestic missions, which has always been a key mission of the Guard, and which sets it apart from its Title X counterparts. Recently, the Guard has achieved increased relevance and political victories highlighted by the recent National Guard Empowerment Act that gave the Chief of National Guard Bureau membership on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As defense spending and the size of the active force is cut in a post-war environment, this thesis reviews the best future use of the Army National Guard, and offers alternative solutions for increased effectiveness, particularly in a domestic capacity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Crofts, Shane C.
2012-09
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Network Vulnerability Assessment of the U.S. Crude Pipeline Infrastructure
From the thesis abstract: "The potential for cascade failure of the U.S. crude oil pipeline infrastructure is analyzed using Model Based Risk Assessment software. The pipeline system that distributes crude oil to refineries across the United States has gained much media attention with President Obama's denial of a permit to complete a key portion the Keystone-XL pipeline that will carry oil from Alberta, Canada to the Cushing Oil Trading Hub (COTH) in Cushing, OK. The analysis identified the COTH as the primary critical hub. The COTH is one of the world's major oil terminals. A disruption of the COTH, Midwest/West Coast oil distribution networks, or critical hubs would have far-reaching negative consequences affecting global trade. The analysis also identified regional differences in network resiliency and susceptibility to cascade failure. Protecting all 55,000 miles of the U.S. crude oil pipeline infrastructure from catastrophic failure is an unachievable goal, but protection of the network from cascade failure and a Black Swan event can be achieved by protecting network hubs. The results of this analysis should be used as a starting point to increase network resiliency and prioritize the use of resources to secure the crude oil pipeline network against cascade failure."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Larrañaga, Michael D.
2012-09
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Federated Search Tools in Fusion Centers: Bridging Databases in the Information Sharing Environment
From the Abstract: "This research utilized a semi-structured survey instrument delivered to subject matter experts within the national network of fusion centers and employed a constant comparison method to analyze the survey results. This 'smart practice' exploration informed through an appreciative inquiry lens found considerable variation in how fusion centers plan for, gather requirements, select and acquire federated search tools to bridge disparate databases. These findings confirmed the initial hypothesis that fusion centers have received very little guidance on how to bridge disconnected databases to enhance the analytical process. This research should contribute to the literature by offering a greater understanding of the challenges faced by fusion centers, when considering integrating federated search tools; by evaluating the importance of the planning, requirements gathering, selection and acquisition processes for integrating federated search tools; by acknowledging the challenges faced by some fusion centers during these integration processes; and identifying possible solutions to mitigate those challenges. As a result, the research will be useful to individual fusion centers and more broadly, the National Fusion Center Association, which provides leadership to the national network of fusion centers by sharing lessons learned, smart practices, and other policy guidance."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Wormet, Jody R.
2012-09
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Whistleblowing in a Wikileaks World: A Model for Responsible Disclosure in Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Whistleblowing serves as a check/balance system to the government bureaucracy, helping to bypass administrative roadblocks and to provide a mechanism through which homeland security can monitor and increase efficiency in its operations. However, homeland security also deals with information that can be of a sensitive or secret nature, the unauthorized disclosure of which can cause damage to both homeland security efforts and national security. The current process for the authorized submission of whistleblowing information fails to provide whistleblowers the protections they require, instead encouraging whistleblowers to disclose information to the media or through stateless news organizations like Wikileaks to prevent reprisals. The technological capability to provide whistleblowers protections through anonymity currently exists, and has been demonstrated to be effective. By leveraging those technologies and setting up an authorized process for responsible disclosure, through which homeland security employees can submit whistleblowing information without fear of reprisals, it may increase the likelihood of whistleblowers reporting issues in the first place, and reduce the number of leaks to unauthorized recipients (media/stateless news organizations)." An 11-min, 12-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=722104]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Bernard, Gregory M.
2012-03
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Use of an Enhanced Polygraph Scoring Technique in Homeland Security: The Empirical Scoring System -- Making a Difference
From the thesis abstract: "This thesis studies the polygraph Empirical Scoring System (ESS) to determine its potential use in homeland security and the war on terror. The research based its analysis on raw data previously collected by other researchers, who removed identifications from the data and subsequently provided it for study here. The results are described in regards to criterion accuracy; diagnostic capability; proportions of correct, errors, and inconclusive results; and the difference in scoring accuracy based upon participant employment and experience. Twelve scorers in three cohorts scored 22 You-Phase examinations taken from the Department of Defense--confirmed archives. One cohort used the three-position test data analysis (TDA) system, another cohort used the seven-position TDA system, and the final cohort used the ESS TDA system. All TDA systems proved equally capable of diagnostic ability. ANOVAs [Analysis of Variance] showed no significant differences between the distributions of ESS and transformed scores. No significant differences were found in decision accuracy with correct, inconclusives, errors rates for ESS scores, and those from the other two TDA systems. That ESS can complement other current hand-score TDA systems is suggested. However, that it could supplant other TDA systems is not confirmable by this study. Further study is recommended." A 6-min, 54-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=722102]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Robertson, Bruce P.
2012-03
