NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary

NLECTC
Thursday, March 15, 2007

"Device Tracks Infirm People"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (03/11/07) P. 2B; Lesson, Nicole T.

The Margate, Fla., Police Department has teamed up with the Alzheimer's Family Center for Project Lifesaver, which gives people with Alzheimer's disease, autism, or other disorders a battery-operated bracelet equipped with a transmitter to wear on their wrist or ankle. Law enforcement officials in Margate are hoping the bracelets, which emit an automatic tracking signal every second, will make it easier for them to find and identify a person who was wandered away from a home or care center. According to Project Lifesaver, the average amount of time it takes to recover someone wearing one of the bracelets is 30 minutes. In addition to Margate, the Alzheimer's Family Center works with the Broward County Sheriff's Office to offer Project Lifesaver in Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, and Pompano Beach.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news
/local/broward/sfl-cflmarlifesaver11
mar11,0,1255933.story

"Police Have New Weapon In Fight on Narcotics"
High Point Enterprise (03/10/07); Kimbrough, Pat

The police department in High Point, N.C., recently became the first law enforcement agency in the nation to buy a device known as the NTX 2000, which can test substances for the presence of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine in only a few minutes using 3D florescent technology. The NTX 2000 is made by Nar Test Technologies and costs about $30,000. High Point police evidence technician Jane Aswell said the device has received nothing but positive feedback from officers and the district attorney, and has definitely improved the time it takes to get drug test results back, which previously took an average of 14 months at the state lab. Currently the NTX 2000 is not recognized by the courts as an acceptable method to test for drugs, and High Point police submit samples tested on the machine to Nar Test's forensics lab to verify results in case the evidence is challenged by defendants in the future. Aswell said officials are waiting for a case involving the NTX 2000 to be challenged in court so a ruling can determine if it is admissible. So far all cases involving the device have ended in a plea or a dismissal, but all results indicate that the machine is accurate, according to Aswell.
http://www.hpe.com/eebrowser/f
rame/2_5t.dev/psfsrv/search_swi
she.php?pSetup=highpoint&date=&
search=High%20Point%20Police%
20drugs&mode=new&hres=572&o
perator=AND&categoria=&todate=
20070310&fromdate=20070310&e
dition=The%20High%20Point%20Enterprise#

"U.S. Halts Imaginary Cubans in Security Drill"
Reuters (03/08/07); Sutton, Jane

The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday kicked off "Operation Vigilant Sentry," a huge two-day mock exercise aimed at protecting the Southeast United States from a massive influx of illegal immigrants from the Caribbean, some of whom are carrying a mysterious virus. In particular, the exercise is aimed at preparing authorities for a likely mass migration of Cubans once Fidel Castro dies and his government collapses. "We do recognize that Cuba is certainly an area where we must be prepared," said Coast Guard Rear Adm. David Kunkel, director of the Homeland Security southeastern task force. "Since 9/11, it is essential that we work diligently to protect our borders." Some 325 agents from 85 law enforcement agencies participated in Wednesday's simulated exercise, which centered on intercepting 2,000 imaginary Cuban migrants who attempt to reach the shores of Florida. The simulation involved some 26 Coast Guard Cutters, but in reality only four helicopters and six boats participated, in order to reduce the costs of fuel and manpower. Information sharing was a key component to the exercise, involving coordination among the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Broward Sheriff's Office, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
http://www.reuters.com/article/dom
esticNews/idUSN3725175120070308

"Keeping Tabs: Tarrant County Uses Several Devices to Track Probationers"
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (03/08/07); Mcdonald, Melody

The Fort-Worth Star Telegram recently uncovered several of the more creative probation conditions mandated by Tarrant County, Texas, Community Supervision and Corrections Department judges. Judge Sharen Wilson, for instance, has required defendants to erect a sign in their house that states "a person on probation for a child sex offense lives here" and once forced a man to place a bumper sticker on his vehicle that states "a person on probation for a sex offense drives this vehicle." Meanwhile, state District Judge Wayne Salvant once instructed a man found guilty of drunk driving and killing a woman to carry a photo of her and her two children in his wallet and to repay her family for her funeral costs, and counseling for her two sons. Separately, the Secured Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) device is utilized on individuals who have been accused or found guilty of an alcohol-associated offense, such as drunk driving or intoxication manslaughter, and ordered to not drink. Attached to an ankle, the bracelet monitors for alcohol each hour, regardless of the location of the defendant. If there is proof of an alcohol violation or that the bracelet has been tampered with, case managers at the Alcohol Monitoring Systems inform the probation department.
http://www.star-telegram.com

"Camera to Record Domestic Violence"
The State (SC) (03/08/07) P. A1; Jackson, Shalama C.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Violence Against Women Project has given the West Columbia Police Department a grant to purchase a camera that an officer will wear to record evidence when investigating domestic violence cases. The camera, which has a lens the size of a button, records everything the officer hears and sees, including approaching the scene, talking to victims, suspects, and witnesses, and transporting a suspect to jail. Police officials hope the camera will reduce the number of repeat incidences of domestic violence. However, civil rights advocates such as the ACLU are concerned about the use of the camera. "It will be a documented resource of what has occurred, but what happens to the video after each incident, who has access to it and its storage are concerns," said ACLU's Joyce Cheeks. The West Columbia Police Department currently has no policies for how the cameras and video will be used, though officials are currently in the process of considering rules for use and storage. http://www.thestate.com/mld
/thestate/news/16859699.htm

"High-Tech Touches Help to Transform Slidell Jail"
Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (03/07/07) P. 1; Rioux, Paul

On March 6, Slidell, La., Police Chief Freddy Drennan introduced a revamped, high-tech police station that now offers an electronic fingerprinting machine that inventories mouth swabs employed for DNA testing. Digital surveillance cameras watch every section of the redesigned Slidell City Jail, providing live footage to 12 flat-panel monitors erected in a row over the holding cells. In addition, video cameras have been installed to take care of misdemeanor arraignments without having to move prisoners down the street to Slidell City Court. The police station's secure areas have electronic door locks that document the movements of workers, who have to swipe their identification badges to access doors. The restructuring expanded the floor plan to provide staff with additional workspace and to make the station easier to access by the public. A glass wall has been erected at the records department entrance, where individuals file police reports. The renovation was funded by a $1.37 million grant from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance that will also finance a two-story facility for offices and an evidence room to be constructed next to the station later this year.
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p
/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-
20/1173250008246120.xml&coll=1

"Commissioners Consider Electronic Monitoring"
High Point Enterprise (03/10/07); Nivens, David

Guilford County, N.C., Commissioners may implement an electronic house arrest program for nonviolent offenders. Democratic Commissioner Skip Alston noted that the program could cost as low as $13 per day for those awaiting trial. Alston is serving on a committee that is considering approaches for reducing the inmate population at the Greensboro Jail. Participants in the program would wear an electronic device that allows police officers to monitor their whereabouts. Alston said the program could provide the county in excess of $40 per day in savings for each inmate.
http://www.hpe.com

"Sheriff's Office Introduces Home Monitoring"
Roanoke Times (VA) (03/06/07); Raboteau, Albert

Instead of serving time at the Montgomery County Jail in Christiansburg, Va., certain nonviolent offenders will now have the choice of being tracked through ankle bracelets that are GPS-equipped. An objective of the program is to assist with overcrowding at the facility, which is constructed for 118 inmates but had around 180 in 2006. Prison authorities are currently examining their inmate rolls to determine who might be eligible for the program. In addition, the bracelets provide county judges a new alternative in sentencing individuals. To date, the sheriff's office is tracking three individuals with the bracelets, two of whom had been imprisoned for not make child-support payments. With this program, "we require them to work as a condition of [staying out of prison] and make sure that they are paying their child support. That way it's a win-win for everyone," notes Capt. Robert Hall, who oversees the prison. Deputy Derrick Stamper is the sole deputy assigned to the program on a full-time basis, which restricts the number of individuals that can be monitored to around 25.
http://www.roanoke.com
/news/nrv/wb/107422

"Sentry in the Sky"
Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (03/06/07) P. M1; Harvey, Christine

The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway near New Orleans, La., has just completed installation of 29 cameras along its 24-mile toll bridge and toll plaza. Some cameras have even been installed under the bridge spans as part of a $1.3 million technology overhaul project. The camera system will help bridge operators respond better to traffic incidents, stranded cars, and loose debris, and to look for suspects driving cars on the run, says Lake Pontchartrain Causeway general manager Robert Lambert. The Causeway designates two employees to monitor camera feeds during morning and evening rush hours using two flat screen televisions, while also monitoring the police radio. Causeway operations director Debbie Lopreore has two screens in her office for 24-hour access to 360-degree video monitoring. Each camera has 1.5 miles of range and can zoom to see an object as small as a call-box number.
http://www.nola.com
/news/t-p/metro/inde
x.ssf?/base/news-20/117
3163751150860.xml&coll=1

"Rights Group Worried Over Taser Use"
Monterey County Herald (CA) (03/06/07); Briscoe, Andre

The Civil Rights Coalition of Monterey County, Calif., wants the Monterey County grand jury to issue stronger regulations on the use of Taser stun guns by law enforcement officials, including better officer training and requiring a social worker to be present during situations involving mentally ill suspects. Coalition representatives said they are concerned about the city's "blanket" endorsement of the grand jury's support of the use of stun guns, particularly the panel's finding that it is appropriate to use a stun gun to subdue suspects who are on illicit drugs, alcohol, or are mentally ill. The civil rights group did support the recommendation that all law enforcement agencies use a new video device, called Taser Cam, to record audio and video before, during, and after the use of a stun gun. Few of the 12 law enforcement agencies in the county have Taser Cams, but more are considering acquiring them. The Marina City Council was asked to purchase 33 new Tasers and Taser Cams for its police officers.
http://www.montereyhe
rald.com/mld/montereyh
erald/news/16842903.htm

"Police Endorse Microscopic Anti-Theft System"
Pasadena Star-News (CA) (03/06/07); Gurton, Mary Frances

The Sierra Madre, Calif., police department has endorsed the use of high-tech, nearly invisible tracking dots that can be placed on objects to reveal an ownership code when magnified. Police Chief Marilyn Diaz says she is promoting of use of adhesive tracking dots at local Neighborhood Watch meetings and local Chambers of Commerce. The DataDot authentication system offers a worldwide database of dot codes and their rightful owners, and a package of 500 dots costs only $24.95. Though data dots are too small to be noticed, they are clearly visible under blacklight, and could help officers identity stolen property, for instance, during a routine traffic stop. DataDot Technologies USA development director Scott McKeever says the use of data dots in Australia in BMW and Audi vehicles steered criminals away from these cars to easier targets. Diaz first read about data dots in a February 2007 issue of Popular Science and has since embraced them.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com
/news/ci_5370033

"Police Departments Turning to YouTube to Catch Suspects"
Associated Press (03/05/07); Tucker, Eric

The Franklin Police Department in Massachusetts used YouTube.com to identify two men involved in credit card fraud. Police had surveillance video showing the young men making purchases with the stolen credit cards, which prompted officer Brian Johnson to email the image to YouTube.com. A number of police departments have also displayed videos on YouTube.com to help identify suspects. The video provided to YouTube.com by the Franklin Police Department was accessed thousands of times, though Johnson notes the case was solved using traditional investigative methods. However, other police departments have successfully used the Web site to generate leads. Police observers say the display of surveillance footage on the Internet in hopes of solving criminal cases is a natural progression of investigative techniques.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
/html/businesstechnology/2003
601118_btcrimeyoutube05.html?
syndication=rss

"Police Could Wear CCTV Cameras in Their Hats"
Norwich Evening News (03/05/07); Walsh, Peter

Miniature CCTV cameras could be planted on the headgear of police walking the streets of Norwich, England, under terms of a proposal to cut down on vandalism and other anti-social behaviors. Areas like Sunderland, Cleveland, Plymouth, and Nottingham have already tested the idea, resulting in lower incidents of violence and minor crimes. "It means people can walk around recording what's going on and gathering evidence," says Steve Morphew, head of the Norwich City Council. "It's being used in Nottingham and is an incredibly powerful tool because youngsters don't misbehave when they are being recorded." The camera tests have helped convict at least a dozen offenders in various parts of the country for crimes, including assaults and break-ins.
http://www.eveningnews24
.co.uk/content/News/story.a
spx?brand=ENOnline&category=N
ews&tBrand=enonline&tCate
gory=news&itemid=NOED05%
20Mar%202007%2009%3A48%3A41%3A110

"How to Lift Fingerprints"
Police (02/07) Vol. 31, No. 2, P. 24; Spraggs, David

Boulder Police Department Investigator David Spraggs is an expert in crime scene investigation, and he lists his recommendations for identifying, collecting, and processing fingerprints. Ambient temperature, surface conditions, and humidity can impact the ability to lift prints. Officers should be equipped with a fingerprint kit that contains a fingerprint brush, lifting tape, fingerprint cards, and black and bi-chromatic powder. Spraggs uses a fiberglass brush because its characteristics are good for even powder distribution and using the spinning technique. He also prefers basic black fingerprint powder for obtaining prints from most surfaces, such as glass and the majority of metal. Polyethylene tape is better for circular surfaces. Investigators can often obtain excellent results by using less powder rather than more. Spraggs says his best advice when applying tape to circular surfaces is to press down on the tape using a credit card controlled in a smooth constant motion. He uses the same technique when applying the tape onto the glossy side of the fingerprint backing card.
http://www.policemag.com

"Law Enforcement Online Announces Creation of National Dental Image Repository"
Sheriff (02/07) Vol. 59, No. 1, P. 12; Koestner, Lesley G.

Law Enforcement Online has announced the creation of the National Dental Image Repository (NDIR) site. The site will be an image repository for dental images related to Missing, Unidentified, and Wanted persons' records housed in the National Crime Information Center. Law enforcement agencies can submit encoded information from the dental records of Missing, Unidentified, and Wanted persons to NDIR, which will compare the submitted information to the current records and generate a list of potential matches. The new site is a much faster way of comparing dental records, which was quite time-consuming because the inquiring agency had to contact the agency with the potential matching record to obtain information, and retrieve and review physical copies of dental records. NDIR provides direct access to digital images of dental records and allows law enforcement agencies to upload supplemental dental images, eliminating the need to contact the original agency and retrieve physical records.
http://www.sheriffs.org

"LISA Augments Amber Alerts in Ohio"
Police and Security News (02/07) Vol. 23, No. 1, P. 9

Police in Lorain County, Ohio, have begun using a new public safety tool called LISA, or Lorain Information Sharing Agreement, to supplement the Amber Alert system. LISA, which is the first system of its kind in Ohio, distributes electronic pictures, video surveillance images, audio, and other information to police within a matter of minutes. With the Amber Alert system, it often takes time for alerts and news bulletins to be issued for missing children and wanted subjects in other crimes. LISA also sends the same information it sends to law enforcement to the public via computer, cell phone, or PDA. Citizens can also use LISA to anonymously post crime information. Since its launch, roughly 2,000 people per day connect to the LISA site, and 50 have registered for alerts. In LISA's first week, it sent 130 alerts to police in the county. Thirty-five of those alerts were also sent out to the public. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com

"Officer Gadget"
Popular Science (02/07) Vol. 270, No. 2, P. 38; Kargl, Reinhard

The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD), the largest sheriff's department in the country, is considered trailblazing in its work with sophisticated, futuristic law enforcement weapons. The research done LASD's technology unit has become especially important as terrorism and changing times introduce new threats and challenges that are altering the role played by the law enforcement officers. The LASD's Technology Exploration Unit was established in 1996 by Commander Sid Heal, who previously worked as gear procurer in Somalia as a reservist in the U.S. Marine Corps, but the unit is often plagued by staffing and funding shortages. Instead of purchasing futuristic weapons, Heal serves as a consultant to contractors, government officials, and private inventors by testing out the weapons while they are still in development. The LASD ends up adopting less than 2 percent of the weapons it investigates because the weapons must be safe, reliable, practical, easy to use, and reasonably priced. Some weapons being investigated by the LASD include bulletproof S.W.A.T. trucks; strobe lamps that cause temporary blindness; GPS tags that affix to vehicles after being launched; flashlights capable of ejecting pepper spray; nonlethal machine guns; extra-loud bullhorns; radar systems that can see through walls; spy balls equipped with cameras that transmit video images to officers; sensors able to detect the origin of a gun blast; and lightweight airborne surveillance craft.
http://www.popsci.com/popsci
/technology/d215da2834b2011
0vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html

This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.