Center for Homeland Defense and Security

10/24/2026

Have you tuned in yet? The first two episodes of Signals: A CHDS Podcast are now live.

🎙️ “Terrorism: Then, Now, and Next”
Dr. Bruce Hoffman and CHDS faculty member Dr. David Brannan explore how terrorism has evolved, lessons from the last half-century, and emerging trends shaping homeland security.

⚽ “Securing the World Cup”
G.B. Jones takes listeners inside security planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, exploring crowd management, counterterrorism, intelligence, and international coordination.

Two conversations bringing homeland security challenges into focus. Listen now and share with a colleague!

CHDS Website: https://www.chds.us/c/category/all-posts/signals/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6KD7t9dUX40SyIDS70GOqW?si=2EKl5UNRQDuq9usrjSJcvQ&nd=1&dlsi=0defc5731263400e
Castos: https://signals-a-chds-podcast.castos.com/?_gl=1*tyw63w*_gcl_au*MjE2NDcwMjMzLjE3ODk0MDg2MzkuMTQ0MjIyOTEyMS4xNzkxNDAzMDMwLjE3OTE0MDMwMzkuMzUyMTAxMDQzLjE3OTE0MDMwMzAuMTc5MTQwMzAzOQ

10/23/2026

Stronger communities start with people who learn together.

Since 2002, the Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS) at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, has helped homeland security professionals build knowledge, share ideas, and strengthen collaboration.

Through graduate education, executive programs, research, and learning resources, CHDS connects professionals across disciplines and across the country. Our community brings together people dedicated to protecting others—and gives them opportunities to learn from one another’s experience.

More than two decades of education. A nationwide community. A shared commitment to public service.

Get to know CHDS: https://www.chds.us/c/about-chds/

10/22/2026

Congratulations to NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security master’s alumnus Todd McClusky on his promotion to Assistant Chief of Police, Office of Professional Standards, with the Bloomington Police Department, IL.

Please join us in celebrating Todd’s achievement and wishing him success in his new role.

10/22/2026

Stronger homeland security starts with shared knowledge.

The CHDS University and Agency Partnership Program (UAPP) connects academic institutions and government agencies nationwide to advance homeland security education.

Through collaboration, educational resources, and its annual Homeland Defense and Security Education Summit, UAPP helps educators strengthen academic programs, exchange ideas, and prepare future leaders to address evolving security challenges.

Educators and practitioners: Discover how UAPP can help you connect, collaborate, and expand the reach of homeland security education.

Learn more: https://www.chds.us/uapp/

KeynoteUniversity & Agency Partnership Program (UAPP) Accelerating the establishment of high-quality academic programs in homeland security About UAPP UAPP brings together institutions nationwide dedicated to advancing homeland security education. This effort seeks to increase the number of students...

10/21/2026

How can thesis research help cities prepare for challenges on the world stage?

NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security Master’s Program alumnus from LAPD, Elijah Lim examines homelessness in preparation for the 2028 Summer LA Olympics. Drawing on his background in social work and law, his thesis proposes a balanced, collaborative approach that uses existing resources to address immediate needs and support long-term progress—with potential lessons for cities worldwide.

His work highlights how the CHDS Master’s Program connects professional experience with research to help homeland security practitioners address complex challenges facing their communities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwOdwY0j2As

Has your CHDS thesis, coursework, or research influenced a policy, program, or operational decision? Tell us how you put your learning into practice!

Elijah Lim, a police sergeant with the LAPD, addresses the issue of...

10/20/2026

One idea. The persistence to pursue it. The potential to change an agency.

California Highway Patrol Sergeant Charlie Riley (Emergence 2002) saw gaps in his agency’s response to human trafficking—and made addressing them his NPS Center for Homeland Defense and Security Emergence change initiative.

His proposal focused on increasing staffing, modernizing training, and developing field-ready resources. With tools, mentorship, and perspectives gained through Emergence, Riley built a plan that helped shape CHP’s approach to these complex crimes and his work leading its new Major Crimes Unit.

Read how Riley turned a challenge into an opportunity for change: https://www.chds.us/c/charlie-riley-chp-human-trafficking/

Future Emergence applicants: What needs to change in your organization?

Bring your ideas, your experience, and your commitment to making a difference—and take the next step toward turning them into action. Application deadline: December 1st.

For more information on Emergence, check out our website or send us a direct message. https://www.chds.us/c/academic-programs/emergence/

CHP Sergeant Charlie Riley’s CHDS Emergence change initiative is driving statewide change in how the California Highway Patrol responds to human trafficking.

10/17/2026

IN CASE YOU MISSED THE HEAT, BUT LOVED YESTERDAY'S HIGHLIGHTS, WE GOT YOU COVERED! 🔥🌶️

The Hot Seats is back for Episode 2. Join CHDS Director Dr. Gregory Bernard as he sits down with Dr. Caleb Cage, PhD Cage, CHDS's new Master's Program Lead, for a candid conversation on leadership, education, public service, and the future of homeland security.

🍗 The catch? Every question comes with an increasingly spicy hot wing!
Watch as the conversation deepens, the heat rises, and Dr. Cage shares insights from a career spanning emergency management, national security, and higher education.

👀🔥 Will Dr. Cage make it through the heat? Watch to find out!

🎥 Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OydK1C__kzs

10/16/2026

Congratulations to Chris Vetromile on his new role as Director of Wildfire Mitigation and Response at American Electric Power (AEP)!

Wishing Christopher continued success as he takes on this important leadership role, supporting wildfire risk reduction, preparedness, and response efforts.

10/16/2026

HOT SEAT OUTTAKES

🔥😂 Think The Hot Seat was entertaining? Wait until you see what didn't make the cut!

From unexpected laughs to hilarious bloopers, we're taking you behind the scenes for all the moments that didn't make it into the episode! 🎬👀

🎥 Watch the bloopers now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXg3tlGQpsU

Not every answer made the final cut, and neither did every reaction...

10/15/2026

Turning Ideas into Action, One Family at a Time!

When a vulnerable individual goes missing, every second counts.

👏Center for Homeland Defense and Security Emergence alumna Christina Gering is making a difference in Seminole County, Florida, by transforming the CARES Program into a more accessible, proactive safety resource for families of individuals with autism, dementia, and other cognitive conditions.

Through her Emergence Change Initiative, Gering helped simplify enrollment, improve real-time tools for deputies, and strengthen community outreach—all to help reunite families faster when every moment matters.

💡 See how Gering turned classroom learning into real-world impact!

🔗 Read her story: https://www.chds.us/c/emergence-grad-cares/

In Seminole County, Florida, a program is there to help: CARES (County Autism Response and Enhanced Services). CARES was designed to identify at-risk individuals who elope so as to reunite them with their family when necessary