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Resource Type or Special Collection is Theses & Research Reports
Publisher is Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
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Administrative Trinity: A Value Based Solution to Police Reform in the United States
From the Thesis Abstract: "Current calls for police reform consistently focus on three areas: a lack of effective policy, over-inflated budgets, and incomplete data. As such, this thesis asks which role the administrative trinity--the functions of policy, budget, and technology--plays in police professionalization and reform. This thesis explores literature related to professionalization and the administrative functions in the armed forces and civil-military reform. Additionally, nine executive leaders from Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona, were interviewed to better understand the role that these three administrative functions have on their police departments and the perceptions of professionalism. The research identified a relationship between the values of the community, the process in which the administrative trinity is applied, and the professional legitimacy that is perceived by the community. In this context, this thesis recommends that to support reform efforts, police departments should ensure alignment of their values to how they adopt policy, implement budgets, and evaluate through technology."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Johnson, Cassandra M.
2021-09
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Fire When Ready: A Needs-Based Analysis of Firearms in the U.S. Fire Sector
From the thesis Abstract: "Recent active shooter incidents and other on-the-job violent encounters have caused U.S. fire departments to consider arming their personnel. Since governmental bodies and safety agencies have failed to establish firearms-use guidelines within the fire sector, many fire service decision-makers have arbitrarily adopted gun carry policies. This thesis investigates the most relevant factors such as firearms program costs, gun training concerns, and safety agency positions on firearms for the U.S. fire sector to consider when establishing firearms programs and employs a comparative options analysis methodology. Issues surrounding proper training in gun use and gun storage, the lack of safety agency guidance, and conflicting gun policy attitudes are some of the crucial elements addressed. This work evaluates the Department of Public Safety (DPS), Tactical Fire Team (TFT), and conceal carry programs, which can be leveraged by fire stakeholders to make informed decisions as they consider including firearms in their operational models. Finally, this study concludes that departments should fashion firearms programs in the image of established armed teacher programs, which have yielded the most robust safety records and that the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) should be assigned to set standards for a full suite of safe gun practices. Moreover, if properly motivated, the federal government can enact one national firearms policy for fire service members."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Zam, Christopher E.
2021-03
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In Bad Faith: The Link Between Religious Conversion and Violent Extremism
From the thesis abstract: "Recent studies found a disproportionate number of converts to Islam taking part in radical activities as opposed to those born into the faith. While research linking conversion to radicalization is available, a gap exists in research examining what in the conversion process is causing this phenomenon. This thesis asks, what is the relationship between religious conversion and violent extremism? This study explores 38 individuals who converted to Islam and subsequently committed a radical act. The thesis investigates four hypotheses concerning sociological and psychological factors driving religious conversion. These driving factors are a lack of secure attachments, interpersonal connections, significant personal problems, and individuals with perceived grievances being targeted by recruiters. The most significant driving factor in radicalization was individuals who had significant personal problems in their lives leading up to conversion, especially if a previous connection to a radical milieu existed. Recruiters seeking targets of opportunity among aggrieved individuals to convert was not a significant driving factor. Religious conversion by itself should not raise red flags, but conversion with other underlying factors indicates a greater risk for radicalization. The underlying factors are the drivers of radicalization, and the conversion gives individuals a reason to manifest their radical tendencies."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Gibson, Brian J.
2018-03
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Evaluation of Post-Exposure Prophylaxis Models for Use in the Event of an Aerosolized Anthrax Attack
From the thesis abstract: "The Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) can deliver large quantities of medications and medical supplies to anywhere in the United States and its territories within 12 hours of the federal decision to deploy. As an additional preparedness measure, many states and regions have elected to purchase and maintain similar medical countermeasure stockpiles locally. Theses stockpiles are a means of rapid access to critical medications necessary for use as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) before the arrival of SNS assets. To assist state and local communities in determining the most efficient and cost-effective PEP model for use in the event of an anthrax attack, this thesis analyzes four potential models. This analysis provides a framework by which state and local jurisdictions can evaluate the suitability of models for the provision of PEP in the event of a large-scale anthrax attack. Readers may employ these findings in evaluating the efficacy of their own local programs, and in determining the most appropriate PEP model based upon local priorities given variations in perceived needs and resource availability among communities."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chervon, Lisa M.
2014-09
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Preparing Minority Populations for Emergencies: Connecting to Build a More Resilient Community
From the thesis abstract: "Disagreement continues over events that resulted from the country's largest and most controversial natural disaster, Hurricane Katrina. Casualties due to poor evacuation procedures and inconsistent responses in search and rescue have been examined in the media and academia. Finger pointing trumps constructive discussion. Government officials sought to place responsibility at the feet of many including the victims. Likewise, others place blame on an ineffective government process that excludes people of color. Are government authorities really reaching out to minorities to bridge the gap, or are lapses in communication efforts systemic of a larger problem? Shared experiences resulting from long-standing discrimination toward minority populations, particularly those of African descent, have historically affected their perception of government and its concern for their well-being. To quell this perception and add value to the emergency preparedness doctrine, a community-based approach emphasizing personal responsibility is most effective in bridging the trust gap and building resiliency, which will necessitate change in narratives that create the story lines of minority communities to promote social force change. The use of 'positioning theory' variables will enable this change in both individual behavior and actions, and positively impact the next generation's ability to be prepared for disaster."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Miller, Paul L.
2012-12
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Introducing the Future Now: Using Memetics and Popular Culture to Identify the Post 9/11 Homeland Security Zeitgeist
"What effect did the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 have on American culture? One outcome was the emergence of 'homeland security' as a new institution, concept, and method. But what does this mean as part of a broader historical narrative of cultural change following 9/11? This thesis uses a combination of both classic and contemporary theories to gain perspective on how the public perceives homeland security--Zeitgeist theory and memetics. By examining small clues found within American popular culture, called memes, the reader is able to see how ideas related to homeland security have been transmitted, varied, or faded away. What may appear to be random events found in American popular culture can be considered part of a larger dynamic at work called the 'Zeitgeist' and may provide the first glimpse into a future that 'currently exists, but is just not widely distributed yet.' The themes found within the homeland security Zeitgeist--patriotism, victimization, fear, and absurdity--provide insight into how Americans perceive homeland security and awareness of emerging cultural patterns that affect their lives. Opportunities for further research are suggested related to cultural evolution, memetics, popular culture analysis, strategic communications, and homeland security." A 7- minute, 33-second video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36642]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Boyd, Judith K.
2008-03
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Systematic Approach to Law Enforcement Safety
From the thesis abstract: "The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) requires that employers provide a safe work environment for their employees. Many states have their own plans that follow federal guidelines and that are inclusive of law enforcement officers. Despite this, there are no federal--and few state--regulations that specifically apply to law enforcement. Although they are commonly found in other high-risk professions, expected practices for OSHA-consistent hazard analysis and mitigation do not exist in law enforcement. This thesis highlights the information that is necessary for policy administrators in this field to establish a systematic approach to safety. After reviewing how police departments can improve officer safety by applying OSHA standards, the thesis examines the fire service and the aviation and medical professions. Specifically, the thesis reviews how these professions have applied Dr. James Reason's principles to create advanced safety systems in high-risk environments. Using OSHA guidelines and standards from other high-risk professions, the thesis constructs a roadmap that, if followed, produces a systematic approach that can create a culture of safety in law enforcement."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Finch, Joseph W.
2018-09
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Finding the Path of Least Antibiotic Resistance: An Examination of Agricultural Policies
From the Thesis Abstract: "Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections will remain an extremely serious health-security and economic threat for the United States--and the world--unless steps are taken to curb them. This thesis focuses on antibiotic use in agriculture and potential methods to slow resistance. By examining existing U.S. policies at the national and state level as well as policies in Denmark and the Netherlands, this research finds that the European countries have reduced antibiotic use and decreased resistant organisms present in food animals. This thesis recommends implementing a multifaceted policy package beginning with the creation of an enhanced, more integrated surveillance system, then enacting antibiotic-use reduction targets, prohibiting the use of antibiotics in healthy animals and requiring veterinarians to examine animals before prescribing them antibiotics for disease prevention. The United States must implement more policies that respond to this global threat to preserve medically important antibiotics that protect the health and safety of people and animals. The homeland security enterprise should prioritize antibiotic resistance as a threat and work collaboratively to implement strategies to mitigate it."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security
Smiley, Stephanie L.
2019-03
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