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Optimize or Die: Dynamic and Innovative Deployment Models for Fire Departments
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis analyzes current fire department practices and explores how resource deployments can be modified by innovation and optimization to result in improved services to customers. Alternative response vehicles, mobile integrated healthcare, technology adoption, accreditation, and leveraging data for policy analysis are five opportunities examined in this thesis with data used from 10 fire departments, including Dayton Fire Department. The findings show that implementing alternative vehicles for responding to medical emergencies, leveraging technology, and using data for policy implementation to adopt a mobile integrated healthcare program may decrease the cost of providing services and improve response times to meet national standards. These findings may be beneficial to fire departments across the country that are experiencing budget reductions coupled with increased demand for services."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McCoy, Tyler B.
2019-12
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Biothreat Response: Local Emergency Response Efforts for Suspicious and Unknown Substances
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2001, the United States faced two attacks that ultimately changed how emergency responders mitigate and recover from terrorism events: the devastating attacks of 9/11 and a case known as Amerithrax, in which letters tainted with anthrax were mailed to media outlets and politicians. While the nation was initially unprepared to take on a biological weapon of mass destruction such as anthrax, government agencies and first responders collaborated to overcome this silent adversary, and the FBI closed its Amerithrax investigation in 2010. This thesis presents a historical analysis of Amerithrax to assess how the federal and state resources that were developed with this case have affected the nation's preparedness for future weapons-of-mass-destruction attacks with a biological nexus. The analysis shows that, as a result of Amerithrax, response agencies adopted laws and procedures to standardize equipment, training, investigative methods, and emergency preparedness and response efforts. Furthermore, the thesis analyzes policies of local law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical response teams, showing that local decision-makers have failed to take the same posture as their state and federal partners, which weakens their response capabilities. Finally, the thesis compares efforts in the United States to efforts of foreign governments and provides recommendations to help local agencies respond more successfully to cases involving suspicious and unknown substances."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Dowdell, Craig S.
2019-12
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Department of Defense Counterdrug Mission: Can the Effectiveness Be Measured?
From the Thesis Abstract: "For the last 30 years, the Department of Defense (DoD) has been asked in various ways to measure the effectiveness of the DoD counterdrug mission. In this thesis, I advance the idea of using the drug purity data as the best and only stand-alone metric to determine if drug interdiction efforts are reducing the amount of illicit drugs available in the United States. I also present a cost-benefit equation the DoD can utilize to determine the cost effectiveness of the counterdrug mission. The intangible benefits and unintended consequences of the DoD counterdrug mission are relayed and include developing partner nation relations and building partner capacity, positive and negative impacts on military readiness, and promoting the incorrect idea that the military can and should be used to solve any national problem. I conclude that the DoD cannot measure the outcomes of the counterdrug mission; however, it can combine counterdrug mission data already collected with key performance indicators inside of a pattern and trend methodology to better correlate the DoD counterdrug mission and supply-side outcome goals."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Berry, Brian F.
2019-12
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Assessing the Potential Value of Autonomous Vehicles in Emergency Medical Services Using the Knowledge Value Added Methodology
From the Thesis Abstract: "Directors and fire chiefs throughout the emergency services are facing staffing shortages as emergency medical technicians and paramedics migrate to higher-paying, less-hazardous jobs in the medical field or emergency management environment. These shortages are compounded by a continually increasing service demand. This research compares the current 'As Is' model in the multi-tiered, fire-based, advanced-life-support emergency medical system with the 'To Be' model, which incorporates autonomous vehicle technologies. The two models were assessed using a knowledge value added (KVA) methodology to determine whether autonomous technology would increase productivity and add value by decreasing unit workload and increasing system capacity. The 'As Is' model showed a return on knowledge (ROK) across all medical-based subprocesses but an inverse relationship between ROK and subprocess time, meaning that ROK drops when responders perform non-medical tasks and worsens the longer a subprocess takes. Moreover, driving is a poor use of the employee's overall knowledge as ROK for driver subprocesses was as low as 38 percent during long transport times. The 'To Be' model showed superior ROK across all variations of driver and most medical subprocesses, and all driver subprocesses showed exponential increases in ROK. This thesis finds that increased transport times and call volumes increase ROK in the 'To Be' model, indicating a quantifiable value-add from autonomous technology."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hillhouse, Joseph S.
2019-12
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From Golden Handcuffs to Pig Iron: Projecting Pension Reform's Impact on the Homeland Security Enterprise
From the Thesis Abstract: "The chronic underfunding of numerous public pensions, along with historic capital-market setbacks, has created a public pension debt crisis throughout much of the nation. The depth of this crisis makes pension reform inevitable, and that reform will transform the nature of public-servant compensation in the coming decades. This thesis explores the impact pension reform will have on the effectiveness of public-sector organizations with homeland security missions. To approach this issue, this thesis draws on existing academic literature from a wide range of disciplines, including economics, public administration, organizational behavior, sociology, and social psychology. Emerging from the research is a clear recognition that pension reform will change employee behavior, organizational culture, and the market for human capital through second- and third-order effects. Exactly how such change will play out is not so clear. The thesis turns to scenario-planning techniques to synthesize the diverse literature and provide plausible responses to the question of what pension reform's impact will be within the homeland security domain. The thesis offers three different potential outcomes and recommends more robust, collaborative scenario-planning initiatives for which the thesis itself provides a useful launching pad."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Waldman, Jeffrey H.
2019-12
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Regulating Hawala: Thwarting Terrorism or Jeopardizing Stability?
From the Thesis Abstract: "This thesis uses the case study method to investigate the unintended consequences that have resulted from the United States' efforts to deter criminal abuses of hawala. It explores the illegitimate and legitimate uses of hawala in Africa and the Middle East in the post-9/11 era. Despite extensive regulatory blocks, hawala has been a key financial node for the Taliban, Islamic State, and al-Shabaab. On the other hand, hawala serves as a lifeline for victims of terrorism in Africa and the Middle East. Any disruption in service jeopardizes their survival and protection. This study identifies how regulatory action has caused financial exclusion and is counterproductive to the United States' anti-money laundering efforts and campaigns against terrorism financing. Practices like de-risking encourage the growth of alternative money transfer systems. This assessment concludes with a recommendation to use mobile money platforms to reinvigorate the formal financial sector and promote financial inclusion. Mobile hawalas are already leveraging digital delivery channels and have gained rapid momentum. In lieu of further regulatory action, Western institutions can employ these emerging technologies to transform into more adaptive and advantageous competitors of hawala and avoid compromising the essential service it provides."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Mali, Monika
2019-12
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Reforming U.S. Immigration Policy: A Case for Merit-Based Immigration?
From the Thesis Abstract: "The thesis investigates how U.S. national interests have been defined in the country's immigration policy, and whether the current policy, which prioritizes family-based immigration, supports those interests. The Donald J. Trump administration has looked to Canada's points-based system, which has brought highly skilled and educated immigrants into the country. Through a comparative analysis of Canada's and the United States' immigration policies, this research provides perspective on whether screening immigrants is an effective way to meet a country's national interests, particularly economic interests, and whether other factors must be considered for immigration policies. Ultimately, this thesis found that current U.S. immigration policies do not best serve national interests. This is not because the U.S. prioritizes family-based immigration but rather because the stagnant immigration policy does not respond to the changing needs of the country. Common-sense immigration reform requires more than looking to foreign partners for solutions; it requires us to review current practices and identify ways to enhance existing policies."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Garza, Daisy
2019-12
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Plan Bee--Understanding Threats to the Honey Bee Population and Examining Strategies to Promote and Protect Pollinators
From the Thesis Abstract: "In the early 2000s, a series of pollinator colonies, including honey bee colonies, collapsed--an early warning of a serious threat to our nation's environmental, economic, and food security. Two national initiatives (the creation of the White House Pollinator Health Task Force in 2014 and the subsequent implementation of a national strategy to promote pollinator health in 2015) demonstrate that the government is serious about improving pollinator health. This thesis seeks to determine if pollinator health is a homeland security issue, and reviews policies in the United States and the European Union that protect the health of pollinators. These topics are explored through a comparative policy analysis centered on four considerations: a holistic focus on all pollinators, pesticide regulation, the inclusion of regional plans in national policy, and climate change. Research indicates that decisive governance in the quest for pollinator health is essential for national security. This thesis offers a limited scope that must be enhanced to attain a more robust and resilient national pollinator plan and to improve environmental, economic, and food security in the United States."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pfrogner, Mildred G.
2019-12
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Reforming the Bank Secrecy Act to Address Emerging Technology and Prevent Illicit Financing
From the Thesis Abstract: "The Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) was enacted by Congress to prevent criminals from hiding or laundering their illicit gains through the U.S. banking system. Over the years, criminals continue to exploit the financial system by moving illegal money using new technology. Lawmakers should amend the age-old BSA to address monetary thresholds of currency transaction reports and suspicious activity reports, along with addressing emerging financial technology (Fintech). In dealing with these issues, a delicate balance exists between increasing regulation to prevent crime and hindering the growth of innovation and customer convenience, along with privacy concerns. This thesis provides policy analysis and proposals for legislative and technological improvements to financial fraud detection. Furthermore, policy leaders will have a comprehensive understanding of the benefits and consequences of specific policy actions. This thesis concludes with policy recommendations of the BSA to include increasing the currency transaction report from $10,000 to $60,000 along with incorporating the controversial beneficial ownership provision. Last, add a minimum standard for a client opening financial accounts, increase know-your-customer requirements, and regulate peer-to-peer devices. As criminal organizations continue to move money throughout the U.S. financial services sector, legislators should amend the BSA to address these areas of concern to ensure financial stability and integrity."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Bradstreet, Shawn M.
2019-12
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Rise of the Liberation Tigers: Conventional Operations in the Sri Lankan Civil War, 1990-2001
From the Thesis Abstract: "The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which fought to establish a separate state for the Tamil minority of Sri Lanka until its annihilation in May 2009, developed impressive combat capabilities within a short time mostly without state sponsorship or the mass mobilization of the Tamil civilian population. The LTTE built its force structure with child fighters and crafted a secular cult of martyrdom that enabled it to raise a suicide bomber corps. In the early 1990s, the LTTE began to upgrade from a guerrilla force into an infantry force and formulated doctrine to destroy the bases of the Sri Lankan security forces. It later integrated its growing firepower to create a nascent combined-arms capability. The Tigers measured their success in tenns of their ability to fight the security forces, not in territory or control over people. By the end of the decade, they reached their high watermark after defeating a Sri Lanka Army division. The example of the LTTE challenges orthodox understanding of how nonstate armed groups generate combat power. Although the LTTE no longer exists, its example suggests that similar armed groups could emerge elsewhere, under the right conditions, to threaten the stability of other governments in the developing world."
U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies
Rodrigo, Nisala A.
2019-11-04
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Evolving the Joint Qualification System for DSCA: From Whole of DOD to Whole of Government
From the Thesis Abstract: "In 2013, a Government Accountability Report gap analysis on the state of joint professional military education (JPME) identified deficiencies in many areas that are critical to success in the defense support to civil authorities (DSCA) mission. This thesis utilized a case study methodology to discover the leadership qualities required of DSCA officers and ways that the Joint Qualification System could be modified to develop DSCA leaders. Cases of the downrange mission and the homeland mission were examined. This thesis found that the downrange mission has evolved significantly since World War II's industrial age under MacArthur, past Operation Eagle Claw and the resulting Goldwater-Nichols Act, into Desert Storm, and finally to Operation Iraqi Freedom's information age under McChrystal. The homeland mission has evolved on a path that parallels the downrange mission by failing during Hurricane Katrina, enacting the dual-status commander concept, and succeeding at Superstorm Sandy. However, the homeland mission has yet to evolve toward the kind of shared leadership and adaptability required in the complex information age. Recommendations include evolving the JQS to include DSCA specific paths, leveraging the National Guard as well as the best and brightest universities and academia throughout the nation, and modifying the Center for Homeland Defense and Security's graduate program to qualify as JPME II credit."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Van Beek, Scott D.
2019-09
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'English Disease' and Political Protest: How Social Identity Theory Can Enhance Public Safety at Crowd Events
From the Thesis Abstract: "The existing methodologies used by law enforcement to manage crowd events to ensure public safety do not adequately address current protester-on-protester violence. Outdated methodologies, based on classical crowd psychology, may increase the chances of violence between crowd groups. Case study analysis using soccer hooliganism as a proxy for intergroup protest violence demonstrates the relevance of modern crowd psychology in this new protest paradigm. This thesis finds that law enforcement could effectively use social identity theory to understand differing groups' needs and reduce protester-on-protester violence."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Barney, Christopher J.
2019-09
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Mole in Your Pocket: A Study of the Data Gathering Capabilities and Security Implications of Modern Smartphones
From the Thesis Abstract: "With the increasing prevalence of and dependency on smartphones, it is critical to understand how the sensor data collected from their users is used and shared. This thesis investigates the homeland security risks associated with smartphone-sensor data collection and sharing. Publicly available technical specifications, open-source documents, and published studies were used to evaluate how smartphone data could be used to threaten the security of the homeland. This analysis reveals that smartphone sensor data, especially when aggregated, threatens the security of individuals and organizations at a level that also threatens homeland security. This analysis recommends specific actions that should be taken by individuals, organizations, and the homeland security enterprise to mitigate these threats."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Maxson, Paula
2019-09
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Turning the Eagle's Head: Polish Nationhood and the Global War on Terror
From the Thesis Abstract: "This work explores the response to the global war on terror during the last decade in the nation of Poland. Specifically, it examines how visions of the country's nationhood have been used by the leaders of the country's dominant political party, Law and Justice (Prawo i Sprawiedliwość, or PiS), in conjunction with real or imagined terrorist events to gain power and further its political agenda. This effort is examined in the context of one particular element of Polish nationhood, Sarmatism, which formed in the 1600s and reemerged in the first decade of the 2000s as a potent cultural force. Basing its view of modern terrorism through a Sarmatian lens and responding with Sarmatian rhetoric has proved particularly useful to PiS; not only did it gain power during this decade, but it remains the dominant political force in the country. This ascendance of PiS has transformed both terrorist and non-terrorist events into perceived existential threats to the country, threats that the party has exploited for electoral success. But this success has also transformed Poland's position in its two most important international alliances, the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. As a result, any effective foreign policy responses directed at Poland must account for the Sarmatian values embedded in its nationhood and manipulated by PiS in the political arena."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Borden, Timothy G.
2019-09
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Preventing Violent Extremism in Children and Adolescents: An Elementary and Middle School Life-Safety Education Program
From the Thesis Abstract: "The threat that Islamic jihadists pose to U.S. security is often highlighted in political debates and media commentary; however, U.S. citizens who have no affiliation with foreign terrorist organizations commit the vast majority of violent attacks within the United States. Violent extremists are becoming more common, and researchers believe the ideology and mental health of lone violent individuals is different from that of group-organized political terrorists. To address this growing threat to homeland security, this thesis demonstrates how fire departments, specifically the Virginia Beach Fire Department, can address mental health in their life safety programs for elementary and middle schools to reduce the likelihood that students will become school shooters or violent extremists. This thesis surveys and incorporates best practices from national and foreign programs to outline a new safety curriculum for the city of Virginia Beach."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Hutcheson, David W.
2019-09
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Sufficiency of Navy Handgun Training for Force Protection Watchstanders
From the Thesis Abstract: "Military training recently has come under review in the face of numerous service member non-combat deaths. Many of these incidents have catalyzed major changes in procedure and training, but in response to the lesser known USS Mahan shooting incident, the naval small arms training program was not scrutinized. Therefore, this thesis will investigate the following research question: Does Navy handgun training bestow the acquisition, retention, and proficiency of small arms skills necessary to counter real-world threats? This thesis analyzes the sufficiency of the naval small arms training program as written in OPNAVINST 3591.1F. Sufficient conditions for small arms training are developed through a review of quantitative research findings conducted on motor skill acquisition, retention, and proficiency. Based on these sufficient conditions, the naval small arms training program is insufficient to produce watchstanders able to counter real-world threats. In particular, it does not contain a formalized standard operating procedure for instruction, a training timeline, mandatory practice during skill acquisition, or mandatory practice during the one-year training cycle. Most importantly, the training lacks the verisimilitude necessary to prepare force protection watchstanders for the real-world shooting environment, to include the psychological stress of an actual engagement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Tate, David A.
2019-09
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Relationship Policing: Implementing a New Model of Thinking for Law Enforcement to Build Formal Community Partnerships
From the Thesis Abstract: "Law enforcement leaders protect and serve citizens using various enforcement models, such as community policing and evidence-based policing. Another method is the formation of formal partnerships among chiefs and key community stakeholders with the purpose of building public trust and reducing crime. This study aims to answer the question: 'How do local law enforcement agencies structure successful partnerships that earn public trust and contribute to crime reduction?' Using six police partnership cases from the extant literature, success factors and barriers were identified that contributed to successful or less than successful police partnerships. Successful partnerships included factors of purpose and strategy, structure, lateral mechanisms, incentives, people practices, strong leadership, and culture. This study determined effective communication, competent personnel, and a clear purpose were leading factors to a successful partnership."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Poland, Mark J.
2019-09
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When Green and Blue Collide: The Relative Superiority Theory and Law Enforcement Incidents
From the Thesis Abstract: "The past three decades have seen a significant increase in suspects using weapons, which had not been readily available to the public, and which are more lethal. When suspects are better armed and more skilled with their weapons and tactics than officers, law enforcement's disparity of superiority leads to death and injury. For example, on October 1, 2017, the Las Vegas Massacre resulted in 58 people killed and more than 850 people injured. The entire incident lasted 10 minutes with the suspect firing more than 1,200 rounds before committing suicide. Retired Admiral William McRaven developed the relative superiority theory and the six principles of special operations. The theory's basis is the need for operators to achieve superiority at a specific place and time by virtue of surprise, speed, and violence of action. This thesis analyzed case studies from the North Hollywood Shootout and the 2009 Pittsburgh officer-involved shooting. The relative superiority theory was applied to each case study and identified successes and failures of law enforcement's response to the incident. The analysis and conclusions support the application of relative superiority theory to future critical law enforcement incidents during which officers may be outgunned or are already in an inferior position."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lenart, Harley J.
2019-09
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Benefits of Utilizing Procedural Justice Principles in Hiring and Training Officers
From the Thesis Abstract: "Policing is at a critical point in its history, with ever-increasing expectations on law enforcement and evidence of mistrust among the communities they serve, particularly in communities of color. Negative encounters between police and community members are symptoms of mistrust, sometimes manifesting in acts of violence both by and against police. Trust and willingness to comply with police are linked to the community's perception of legitimacy in the institution, which is reduced when interactions between the police and public go badly. The purpose of this thesis is to analyze how incorporating procedural justice principles in hiring and training will encourage active community engagement and increased minority representation in law enforcement, resulting in increased legitimacy and decreased negative encounters with citizens. This thesis looks at several real-world examples of procedural justice in action, demonstrating the ability of the key principles--voice, transparency, fairness, and impartiality--to increase trust and reduce the frequency of negative encounters between the community and law enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Boe, Theodore A.
2019-09
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After the Exercise: Using Change Management Theory to Improve After-Action Event Outcomes
From the Thesis Abstract: "Preparedness agencies fail to act on gaps identified by exercises; instead, they repeat exercises and never move to resolve issues. After-action reports document exercise findings, but are not shared with forward-facing staff who do the work. Agencies spend federal money exercising capabilities, but fail to implement changes recommended by exercise evaluations. Yet some agencies are able to report successful after-action events and document improved capability performance. This thesis interviewed exercise professionals to identify common success factors and innovative solutions to after-action process challenges. It also surveyed preparedness employees to determine if after-action experiences differ by authority level. The thesis reviewed corporate change management literature looking for common steps to manage change and improve capabilities for emergency management agencies. The survey results show exercise participants experience after-action events differently based partly on their authority level. In particular, employees at an agency's forefront are less likely to see policy changes or be given an opportunity to read after-action documents and improvement plans. The literature review indicates specific interventions that can alleviate this, and the interviews illustrate instances where changes have been successfully applied. The thesis finally recommends specific strategies to increase the success of improvement plans."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Holmes, Cynthia
2019-09
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Blockchain Technology Implementation in the U.S. Customs Environment
From the Thesis Abstract: "Blockchain technology promises to revolutionize supply chain management and may improve the international trade environment as well as compliance and enforcement capabilities. Because blockchain technology is still developing, the government has an opportunity to collaborate with the trade industry and to explore the technology's capabilities. This thesis examines the first proof of concept (POC) blockchain implementation by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and provides recommendations for future government involvement in the implementation of blockchain technology in the U.S. customs environment. The POC proved that blockchain technology can be implemented in the U.S. customs environment and that the technology can improve the processing and tracking of trade documents, facilitate interaction with multiple entities, enable better auditability, and expedite processing. The POC revealed that utilization of emerging interoperability specifications and standards is key for successful implementation. This research concludes that if government entities join the blockchain revolution early on, they have an opportunity to drive the change, rather than to react and adapt to systems established by others. This thesis recommends that CBP expand blockchain implementation by joining efforts with other government agencies and the trade industry. CBP can facilitate future coordination, implementation, and creation of global blockchain standards necessary in international trade."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Angert, Svetlana
2019-09
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Building the Case for a Prison Mass-Casualty Planning Framework
From the Thesis Abstract: "The corrections enterprise is wholly unprepared for mass casualty incidents (MCI). Prisons regularly experience incidents involving inmate violence; these events can quickly escalate into an MCI that overwhelms the prison's ability to respond and overload local medical systems. Despite numerous prison-related disasters, the corrections enterprise remains disengaged from national emergency preparedness efforts. Further complicating the issue is the lack of corrections-specific emergency management doctrine to guide prison emergency planners toward achieving national preparedness goals. This thesis asks, 'How can a framework be developed that will improve prison mass-casualty planning and response?' The first part of the research involves a gap analysis comparing the prescribed performance outcomes found in emergency management doctrine and MCI planning guides to the actual performance outcomes from several MCI events. In the second part, a panel of correctional and emergency management experts participated in a modified Delphi process to validate the results of the gap analysis using a discussion-based wargaming exercise. The research found that it is possible to create an accurate depiction of the problem space by reframing gap analysis data in the context of the prison operational environment. The resulting MCI framework recommends a series of corrections-specific planning actions, backed by doctrine, which is scalable and applicable to any prison or correctional facility."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Day, Michael D.
2019-09
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Building Community Capacity and Resilience Through Improvements in Economic Recovery
From the Thesis Abstract: "This research answers the following question: How does the United States improve economic recovery to mitigate the impacts a disaster has on a community? The thesis examines existing literature and insight from subject-matter experts to determine how the nation can improve economic recovery after a disaster to mitigate the overall impact on communities. Using the Delphi methodology, subject-matter experts from different levels of government, as well as the business sector, answered questions about the present status of knowledge, capabilities, and capacity of economic recovery. The Delphi information became the basis for a net assessment, which helped to create a shared understanding of U.S. capabilities and how they can counter or mitigate the overall impact of a nebulous and challenging problem. This assessment analyzed economic recovery using three broad categories: the National Disaster Recovery Framework, the operational environment, and governance. The research identified three problems hindering existing capabilities: limited unity of effort, unrealistic objectives, and a lack of emphasis on economic recovery. Addressing these areas would allow the nation to improve its preparedness capability and, more importantly, provide practitioners and stakeholders the tools to support the citizens they serve."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
McMahan, Kevin D.
2019-09
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Guided Search: Exploring Technological Solutions for Interior Navigation in the Structural Fire Environment
From the Thesis Abstract: "The structural fire environment is hazardous and challenging to firefighters who are operating in unknown locations with zero visibility. Many firefighters lose spatial awareness and get lost, leading to inefficient operations as well as deaths and injuries. This research was designed to reveal which technology has the highest potential to provide interior navigation for firefighters in such an environment. This thesis used the exploratory research method to identify and appraise existing indoor navigation technology. The mission model canvas was applied to determine the business potential of each alternative and identified one potential solution to the problem that is a good market fit and has a high chance of adoption. Spectral image fusion technology augments spatial awareness and will help firefighters perform more efficiently. However, this technology will not provide navigation, so it is an incremental enhancement to the existing thermal image capability. Terrestrial transmitters are likely to have high adoption rates, appear able to achieve the mission, and are a viable solution. This thesis recommends that the fire service continue to push for more evaluation and testing of terrestrial transmitters. Fire service leaders should work with and encourage vendors to set up trials to develop additional interior navigation solutions that can be implemented."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Pravetz, Kenneth A.
2019-09
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Dimensions of Public Engagement for Inclusive Emergency Planning
From the Thesis Abstract: "Vulnerable populations suffer disproportionate impacts in disasters. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)'s whole-community approach addresses this disparity in the emergency planning process. An inclusive planning process is needed to operationalize FEMA's whole-of-community concept. This thesis focuses on public engagement as foundational to inclusive planning. This research first analyzed whether prior research translated into useful whole-community planning processes in large urban areas with different hazard profiles. Then, a structured, systematic case examination of four projects--in Hertford, North Carolina; the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Los Angeles County, California; and San Antonio, Texas--confirmed the efficacy of the five dimensions of public engagement identified in prior research. In addition to these dimensions, this thesis offers eight new findings. One set identifies factors that affect public engagement: jurisdictional size, poverty and disability, a community's ethnic make-up, and a history of disasters. The other set adds three key dimensions of public engagement: trust among partners, addressing language barriers, and community-specific strategies. The thesis concludes with recommendations for emergency planners, and future research. This thesis supports emergency planners in implementing FEMA's whole-community planning within their varied jurisdictions and contributes to a definition for an inclusive emergency planning process."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Witmer, Deborah L.
2019-09
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China's Emerging Soft/Sharp Power Strategy in Hollywood
From the Thesis Abstract: "China is currently the second-largest film audience market in the world and is set to surpass the U.S. market by 2020. China's lucrative market is controlled by Beijing's state, which permits only the release of films that place China in a positive light. Meanwhile, China has nefariously sought U.S. technology through spying, specifically targeting the space industry where China has emerged as the strongest competitor to the United States. This thesis examines China's intentions of controlling narratives and stealing or co-opting media tradecraft and capabilities through the use of its markets and investment. Six Hollywood films are examined to understand the nature of China's expanding sharp power into United States through Hollywood. This thesis concludes that by controlling Hollywood, China may be positioned to shape perceptions of the U.S. society, which is susceptible to propaganda particularly coming from American sources. This research concludes with three recommendations to help control or mitigate the Chinese threat."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Larson, Douglas F.
2019-09
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Hitting the Accelerator: Will Tesla Crash the Los Angeles Grid?
From the Thesis Abstract: "How many Teslas will it take to crash the Los Angeles, California, grid? This thesis conducts a thought experiment to explore whether rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Los Angeles will reduce the reliability of electric power in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) service territory. Federal and state regulations are encouraging the shift to electric transportation in support of policy priorities that include reducing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing dependence on foreign energy sources. However, high market penetration by EVs will change the patterns of electricity use, especially in urban areas. Under some scenarios, EVs could pose a risk to the reliability and resilience of the electric grid serving these areas. To explore this issue, I developed a model that projects the impact of EVs on the peak power load in Los Angeles in 2030 under different scenarios of EV market penetration and constraints on demand for vehicle charging (e.g., time-of-day pricing). I found that even with moderate EV penetration, if vehicle charging is unconstrained, the load placed on the LADWP grid will exceed the established reserve margin in 2030. Only by adopting some form of incentives for EV drivers to shift their power demands from the normal end-of-day charging routine will the LADWP be able to maintain the reliability and resilience of the power grid."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Orr, Marilee
2019-09
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Technological Solution for the Reduction of Police Pursuits: Implications for Increased Investment
From the Thesis Abstract: "The Department of Justice (DOJ) is the primary federal funding source for state, local, and tribal law enforcement departments throughout the United States. In recent years, there has been a call to address the risks associated with traditional vehicle pursuit methods. The adoption of pursuit management technology has been identified as an effective and beneficial alternative to established kinetic methods. The established methods are defined by contact with the pursued vehicle that does result in a greater risk for collateral damage. By acting in its role as a major funding source, the DOJ can provide the necessary framework for the acquisition of pursuit management technology by state, local, and tribal departments. This thesis evaluates the sources relating to pursuit management technology, DOJ funding activities, departmental pursuit policy, and DOJ policy reform efforts. Policy prescriptions are provided based on the information presented in the evaluation. It is recommended that the DOJ redirect more funds toward the acquisition of pursuit management technology to improve departmental efficiency and strategic efficacy."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Troxell, Ian
2019-09
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There Are No Monsters in the Closet: Why Fire Departments Are Not Implementing Best Concepts for Active Assailant Incidents
From the Thesis Abstract: "Despite literature that recommends fire departments in the United States implement best concepts to more rapidly access victims during active assailant incidents, the adoption of such concepts languishes. As the number of active assailant incidents in this country increases, fire fighters will be increasingly called to respond to incidents involving active shooters, vehicle ramming, and fire used as a weapon, regardless of policy implementation. For this thesis, representatives of seventeen fire departments across the country were asked to describe challenges and facilitators of success when developing or implementing recommended best concepts. When describing challenges, the representatives pointed to the tradition-bound culture of the fire service, lack of senior leadership support, lack of trust between fire and law enforcement agencies, and the logistics of training all personnel. Factors that facilitate best practices include the ability to secure funding for ballistic protection equipment and training, preexisting relationships between fire and law enforcement agencies, joint fire-police training exercises, and the availability of best concepts. Because the resources available for fire departments around the United States vary, a one-size-fits-all approach to best concepts is difficult to implement. However, the recommendations provided in this thesis can help all fire departments adapt best concepts for active assailant incidents to encourage implementation."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Sabat, David
2019-09
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Convergence, Guns, and the Public Safety Response
From the Thesis Abstract: "Natural and man-made disasters have altered the public safety paradigm by contributing to an increase in firearms sales, gun-carrying by the public, and a general relaxation of the rules of engagement in which citizens may employ deadly force. These conditions have made the landscape in which police, fire, and emergency services work potentially more dangerous. This thesis addresses how public safety agencies should evaluate and respond tactically, operationally, and strategically to the changing landscape caused by crisis events. It begins with an examination of two such crisis events, Hurricane Katrina and Sandy Hook, focusing on the gun-related outcomes of these events. The thesis then presents two hypothetical scenarios that incorporate these gun-related outcomes to contextualize them for public safety officers. The thesis then offers prescriptive recommendations for public safety agencies to manage disaster convergence of armed citizens, interact with schools where armed staff members are present, and build positive relationships with the gun-owning community. Finally, it concludes that interacting with armed citizens is a trend that will likely continue and that the best course of action is to plan for these challenges in advance of crisis events."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Lyon, Jason D.
2019-09
