Date of Conferral
7-17-2026
Date of Award
July 2026
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Public Policy and Administration
Advisor
Tony Smith
Abstract
In this quantitative cross-sectional study, differences in perceived preparedness among state, local, and tribal law upon Kingdon’s multiple streams approach and Baumgartner and Jones’ punctuated equilibrium theory to explain administrative changes in law enforcement following the September 11, 2001, attacks. Data were collected from 53 full-time police officers across state, local and tribal agencies using a web-based survey instrument measuring enforcement officers in a northern border region were examined. Officers’ perceived preparedness to identify, prevent, and respond to future terrorist threats were evaluated. Whether perceived preparedness differed by agency type and whether officers with military experience or advanced homeland security training reported higher levels of preparedness than officers without such backgrounds ever explored. The theoretical framework drew officers’ perceived preparedness for a terrorist event. Data were analyzed with appropriate descriptive statistics, t tests, ANOVAs, and multiple regression analysis to examine differences and relationships related to preparedness. Results indicated a significant relationship between higher education and level of preparedness among law enforcement officers for terrorist events. Potential positive social change includes improving public safety by identifying preparedness gaps among law enforcement agencies responsible for homeland security functions. The results of this study may increase of preparedness gaps and highlight the need for additional or improved training for law enforcement officers.
Recommended Citation
Henderson, Herbert, "Perceived Level of Preparedness for a Terrorist Event Between State, Local and Tribal Law Enforcement Officers" (2026). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 20413.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/20413
