Optimization of Port-of-Entry Operation in the U.S.: An Anti-human Trafficking Focus

Author

Priscila De Azevedo Drummond, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

8-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Engineering Management

First Advisor

Dr. Hiram Moya

Second Advisor

Dr. Aziza Zemrari

Third Advisor

Dr. Douglas Timmer

Abstract

Although decisions at the U.S. port-of-entries take into consideration many factors and stakeholders like government, citizens, travelers, security is their main priority. Officer's decision relies on letting someone into the country or forbids their entrance if they present some threat. They are trained to detect criminals, but little focus is given to identify possible victims. This thesis presents a model that finds an optimal policy regarding how many travelers are going to be conducted to further screening to better detect human trafficking victims. A Bayesian Decision Model was developed and the estimation of costs for the different possible outcomes and scenarios were made and compared. Human trafficking costs and the POE operation were considered. Results showed that decisions were affected by the human trafficking and POE operation costs, as well as the expected number of victims at the border.

Comments

Copyright 2021 Priscila de Azevedo Drummond. All Rights Reserved.

https://go.openathens.net/redirector/utrgv.edu?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/optimization-port-entry-operation-u-s-anti-human/docview/2595490826/se-2?accountid=7119

Recommended Citation

De Azevedo Drummond, Priscila, "Optimization of Port-of-Entry Operation in the U.S.: An Anti-human Trafficking Focus" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 851.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/851