September 30, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 750 state and local police officers who have written books. Duff Lueder, a retired law enforcement canine handler, has published his third book on training dogs.
Recruited from the Central Intelligence Agency, Duff Lueder began his law enforcement career with the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC) in 1972. Later, he joined the Wexford County Sheriff’s Office (Michigan). In 1982, he became a certified police K-9 handler and six months later became a certified Handler/Trainer; and, opened his new Dog Obedience Training Center. He is a graduate and certified Handler/Trainer from Rudy Drexler’s School for Dogs (Elkhart, Indiana). Duff Lueder’s certification as a Handler/Trainer includes: K-9 Obedience, Man-Tracking, Narcotics Detection, Image training, Building Search, Crowd Control and Explosives Detection.
Since his retirement in 1992, Duff Lueder has continued to train dogs for people of all walks of life and further develop the Kinepal Training and Behavior Modification Program. He has a BA in Sociology and an MS in Animal Sciences. Duff Lueder is the author of Canine Reflections: Memoirs of a Police K-9 Handler/Behaviorist Trainer and co-authored two canine related books with wife Jane Lueder; Dusty, Here and most recently (September 2007) published Your Personal Guide to “Dog Whispering”: & “Helping Dogs with People Problems.”
According to the book description of Your Personal Guide to “Dog Whispering”: & “Helping Dogs with People Problems,” “If you have ever wanted to learn more about the concepts and training principles of the "Dog Whispering" world, this "guide" will take you there. Complete with photo illustrations and specific instructions, you'll learn that "obedience techniques" are not just tricks to have a well-mannered dog, but are actually a "communication process" by which you and your dog can avoid misunderstandings.
You will enjoy a unique and eye-opening opportunity, maybe for the first time, in understanding what obedience techniques actually mean to the dog. You'll be enlightened about the myths and misconceptions in dog training so you can recognize which training processes can work the best for you and your dog together. You will learn step by step how to be your dog's calm, benevolent leader and how to demonstrate "alpha leader controls" that your dog can naturally relate to. You will learn why and how you will never have to say "no" to your dog again. Plus, you'll learn to recognize different forms of aggression, what they mean and how they can develop and that "Leadership Controls" along with specific "Obedience-Communication" techniques deal with these aggressions, other behavior issues and much more.
Through this personal guide, you will discover a less stressful way to train your special four-legged friend and enjoy him more than you ever imagined. It will open your mind and provide common sense insight into the wonderful world of communicating with your dog, just like you have always wanted. You will also recognize that whatever training methodology you choose to employ, that the principles you learn here can be used to enhance the proficiency of any process. If you are seeking that positive and fulfilling relationship with your dog without the confusion, frustration and guesswork, then it already began the moment you picked this book up.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 756 police officers (representing 347 police departments) and their 1624 law enforcement books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Sunday, September 30, 2007
Saturday, September 29, 2007
3 Deputy Sheriffs
September 28, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists over 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three former deputy sheriffs from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
In 1962 Stephen Beeler joined the United States Army, serving in Germany. After his discharge in 1965 he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. During his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department he served in patrol, administration, court services, community relations, press liaison and hostage negotiations. In 1986, he retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department because of a duty-related injury. From 1987 to 1995, he was the business manager for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Winslow. Stephen Beeler is the author of The Firestone Syndrome.
According to the book description of The Firestone Syndrome, it is “a story based on actual events about an ambitious Los Angeles County Sheriff's lieutenant, Steve Butler, during the late 1970's who is manipulated by his superiors to return to the notorious Firestone Sheriff's Station in south-central Los Angeles to build evidence on suspected Sheriff's deputies his superiors believe are systematically murdering local criminals. Steve Butler is hesitant to return to Firestone because of his tour there as a deputy when he faced the Firestone "Elitists'" scorn for his perceived inability to "pull the trigger" when necessary. His return to Firestone brings about intrigue, murder and an ironic twist with a surprise ending as Steve Butler is used as a pawn by the mysterious killers.”
Allen P. Bristow began his law enforcement career as a military policeman during the Korean War. After the war, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to become a professor of Police Administration at the California State University, Los Angeles. During his academic career, Allen P. Bristow authored a number of books about policing. Following his retirement from police education he has authored a number of fictional books about law enforcement in the “old west.” Allen P. Bristow is the author of the academic works: The Search for an Effective Police Handgun, Effective Police Manpower Utilization; Patrol Administration; Police Disaster Operations; Rural Law Enforcement; Field Interrogation; An Introduction to Modern Police Firearms, A Handbook in Criminal Procedure and the Administration of Justice; You and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics; Police Film Guide; and, Decision Making in Police Administration. He was the editor of Police Supervision Readings. He is the author of the fiction works The Pinkerton Eye and Playing God. And the author of the biographical look at a Western figure, Whispering Smith.
According to the book description of Whispering Smith, “The fictional adventures of the heroic railroad detective called Whispering Smith have entertained readers, motion picture enthusiasts and television viewers for many years. The colorful name of this character had such appeal that it has been adopted by musical bands, apparel manufacturers and emblazoned on the nose of World War Two bombers. But was there a real Whispering Smith? Was he the heroic champion of justice on the western plains as depicted by Hollywood or was he instead a sinister and tragic recluse? Traces of his confrontations with western outlaws are found throughout Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Yet in his search for justice did he become a centurion that confronted frontier lawlessness with a hangman's rope? Was the real Whispering Smith actually a cold-blooded killer, frustrated duelist, devious plotter and pugnacious braggart?”
In 1970, Terry E. Gingerich began his career in law enforcement when he joined the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC). In 1972, he became a deputy sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after 24 years as a sergeant having worked in custody, patrol, administration and detectives.
Terry E. Gingerich has a Doctorate from Washington State University, a Masters in Criminal Justice from Cal State, Los Angeles and a BS from the University of San Francisco. Currently, Terry E. Gingerich is an assistant professor at Western Oregon University. Terry E. Gingerich is the co-author of Law Enforcement in the United States.
According to the book description of Law Enforcement in the United States, it “presents a unique balance of theory, history, and practice of American law enforcement. It provides readers with updated, important information ranging from the evolution and theory of social control to the training, function, and strategies involved in modern policing. The authors also examine the gray areas of law enforcement, ethics, forces in society that impact policing, and the laws governing police behavior.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 753 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1616 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
In 1962 Stephen Beeler joined the United States Army, serving in Germany. After his discharge in 1965 he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. During his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department he served in patrol, administration, court services, community relations, press liaison and hostage negotiations. In 1986, he retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department because of a duty-related injury. From 1987 to 1995, he was the business manager for the Arizona Department of Corrections in Winslow. Stephen Beeler is the author of The Firestone Syndrome.
According to the book description of The Firestone Syndrome, it is “a story based on actual events about an ambitious Los Angeles County Sheriff's lieutenant, Steve Butler, during the late 1970's who is manipulated by his superiors to return to the notorious Firestone Sheriff's Station in south-central Los Angeles to build evidence on suspected Sheriff's deputies his superiors believe are systematically murdering local criminals. Steve Butler is hesitant to return to Firestone because of his tour there as a deputy when he faced the Firestone "Elitists'" scorn for his perceived inability to "pull the trigger" when necessary. His return to Firestone brings about intrigue, murder and an ironic twist with a surprise ending as Steve Butler is used as a pawn by the mysterious killers.”
Allen P. Bristow began his law enforcement career as a military policeman during the Korean War. After the war, he joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He left the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to become a professor of Police Administration at the California State University, Los Angeles. During his academic career, Allen P. Bristow authored a number of books about policing. Following his retirement from police education he has authored a number of fictional books about law enforcement in the “old west.” Allen P. Bristow is the author of the academic works: The Search for an Effective Police Handgun, Effective Police Manpower Utilization; Patrol Administration; Police Disaster Operations; Rural Law Enforcement; Field Interrogation; An Introduction to Modern Police Firearms, A Handbook in Criminal Procedure and the Administration of Justice; You and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics; Police Film Guide; and, Decision Making in Police Administration. He was the editor of Police Supervision Readings. He is the author of the fiction works The Pinkerton Eye and Playing God. And the author of the biographical look at a Western figure, Whispering Smith.
According to the book description of Whispering Smith, “The fictional adventures of the heroic railroad detective called Whispering Smith have entertained readers, motion picture enthusiasts and television viewers for many years. The colorful name of this character had such appeal that it has been adopted by musical bands, apparel manufacturers and emblazoned on the nose of World War Two bombers. But was there a real Whispering Smith? Was he the heroic champion of justice on the western plains as depicted by Hollywood or was he instead a sinister and tragic recluse? Traces of his confrontations with western outlaws are found throughout Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. Yet in his search for justice did he become a centurion that confronted frontier lawlessness with a hangman's rope? Was the real Whispering Smith actually a cold-blooded killer, frustrated duelist, devious plotter and pugnacious braggart?”
In 1970, Terry E. Gingerich began his career in law enforcement when he joined the Metropolitan Police Department (Washington, DC). In 1972, he became a deputy sheriff with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department after 24 years as a sergeant having worked in custody, patrol, administration and detectives.
Terry E. Gingerich has a Doctorate from Washington State University, a Masters in Criminal Justice from Cal State, Los Angeles and a BS from the University of San Francisco. Currently, Terry E. Gingerich is an assistant professor at Western Oregon University. Terry E. Gingerich is the co-author of Law Enforcement in the United States.
According to the book description of Law Enforcement in the United States, it “presents a unique balance of theory, history, and practice of American law enforcement. It provides readers with updated, important information ranging from the evolution and theory of social control to the training, function, and strategies involved in modern policing. The authors also examine the gray areas of law enforcement, ethics, forces in society that impact policing, and the laws governing police behavior.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 753 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1616 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Analysis of the Deaths of Nicole Brown and Ronald Goldman
As Ronald Goldman was fainting O.J. Simpson continued to swing the knife at him with his right hand and cut the left earlobe of Ronald Goldman as he fell to the ground. O.J. Simpson also cut a deep gash in the left thigh of Ronald Goldman as he was falling. After Ronald Goldman had impacted the ground O.J. Simpson then stepped toward him, bent down, and stabbed him deeply in the left upper abdomen and as he pulled out the knife was beginning to stand back up which caused a very long cutting wound.
READ ON
http://www.criminaljustice-online.com/forum21/905.html
READ ON
http://www.criminaljustice-online.com/forum21/905.html
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
750 Police Officers
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The 750th law enforcement official listed was Lieutenant Lee Ballenger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
In 1951 and at the Age of 17, Lee Ballenger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his first year in the Marine Corps he trained with the 3rd Tank Battalion. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Lee Ballenger was shipped out to Korea, arriving in January 1953. After a short stint “with the 1st Reconnaissance Company, he returned to tanks in time to participate in the Nevada Cities fighting at the end of March.” Lee Ballenger continued as a tank crewman until the end of fighting in Korea. He re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a military police officer until his discharge in 1957.
After his discharge Lee Ballenger began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Lieutenant. Lee Ballenger is the author of a two volume set on the Korean War: The Outpost War: U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, 1952 and The Final Crucible: U.S. Marines in Korea, 1953.
According to David Alperstein of Library Journal, “In his first book, Ballenger succeeds in presenting a lucid account of the 1st Marine Division in western Korea in 1952, a period of the war (June 1950-July 1953) he describes as a "stalemate" while also pointing out that 40 percent of all Marine casualties occurred after April 1952. Ballenger argues that this period is ignored by historians. This book is actually the first of a two-part set whose second volume will cover 1953 and the final bloody months of the war. The author uses the personal experiences and insights he gained while serving in the 1st Division Reconnaissance Company and the 1st Tank Battalion as well as his battalion command diaries and other sources to write a concise, readable study of what he calls the "Unknown War." The tactics and strategies used by the Marines, Chinese, and Korean (North and South) are described and analyzed. The appendixes provide a detailed list of the many hills, outposts, and military sites relevant to the 1st Division's story. The book is not meant to be a detailed historical study, but it is an intelligent look at one phase of the Korean War. Recommended for public and academic libraries, this will be of special interest to veterans and military history buffs.”
According to Roland Green, in Booklist, “In his second volume on marine operations during the Korean War's last years, Ballenger continues to be a military historian equally useful to the scholar and the casual buff. The fighting centered on outposts, as each side sought to obtain the best positions to influence the peace negotiations through numerous small operations, occasional larger ones, and many raids, patrols, and outbursts of harassing fire. Highlighted in this volume are one of the largest raids, of Ungok; the bloody ambush at Gray Rock; the long fight for a complex of outposts named after Nevada cities; and the worst battle of 1953, for Boulder City--the last marine engagement in Korea. Lee Ballenger continues to provide model accounts of small-unit actions, to enlighten readers on the value of tanks in infantry support (a high-velocity tank gun is good backup), and to be none too charitable toward what is described as the army's tendency to leave the marines holding the bag. Like its companion, The Outpost War (2000), this is a nearly indispensable Korean War history”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 750 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1599 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
In 1951 and at the Age of 17, Lee Ballenger enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his first year in the Marine Corps he trained with the 3rd Tank Battalion. Shortly after his 18th birthday, Lee Ballenger was shipped out to Korea, arriving in January 1953. After a short stint “with the 1st Reconnaissance Company, he returned to tanks in time to participate in the Nevada Cities fighting at the end of March.” Lee Ballenger continued as a tank crewman until the end of fighting in Korea. He re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a military police officer until his discharge in 1957.
After his discharge Lee Ballenger began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He retired in 1989 at the rank of Lieutenant. Lee Ballenger is the author of a two volume set on the Korean War: The Outpost War: U.S. Marine Corps in Korea, 1952 and The Final Crucible: U.S. Marines in Korea, 1953.
According to David Alperstein of Library Journal, “In his first book, Ballenger succeeds in presenting a lucid account of the 1st Marine Division in western Korea in 1952, a period of the war (June 1950-July 1953) he describes as a "stalemate" while also pointing out that 40 percent of all Marine casualties occurred after April 1952. Ballenger argues that this period is ignored by historians. This book is actually the first of a two-part set whose second volume will cover 1953 and the final bloody months of the war. The author uses the personal experiences and insights he gained while serving in the 1st Division Reconnaissance Company and the 1st Tank Battalion as well as his battalion command diaries and other sources to write a concise, readable study of what he calls the "Unknown War." The tactics and strategies used by the Marines, Chinese, and Korean (North and South) are described and analyzed. The appendixes provide a detailed list of the many hills, outposts, and military sites relevant to the 1st Division's story. The book is not meant to be a detailed historical study, but it is an intelligent look at one phase of the Korean War. Recommended for public and academic libraries, this will be of special interest to veterans and military history buffs.”
According to Roland Green, in Booklist, “In his second volume on marine operations during the Korean War's last years, Ballenger continues to be a military historian equally useful to the scholar and the casual buff. The fighting centered on outposts, as each side sought to obtain the best positions to influence the peace negotiations through numerous small operations, occasional larger ones, and many raids, patrols, and outbursts of harassing fire. Highlighted in this volume are one of the largest raids, of Ungok; the bloody ambush at Gray Rock; the long fight for a complex of outposts named after Nevada cities; and the worst battle of 1953, for Boulder City--the last marine engagement in Korea. Lee Ballenger continues to provide model accounts of small-unit actions, to enlighten readers on the value of tanks in infantry support (a high-velocity tank gun is good backup), and to be none too charitable toward what is described as the army's tendency to leave the marines holding the bag. Like its companion, The Outpost War (2000), this is a nearly indispensable Korean War history”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 750 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1599 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Tactics, History and Christianity
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists nearly 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three Los Angeles police officers who have written on tactics, personal history and Christianity.
Jack H. Schonely’s began his 25 year law enforcement career with the Berks County Sheriff’s Office (Pennsylvania). In 1983, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department. He has been a patrol officer, Field Training Officer and undercover vice officer. After working Hollywood Vice, Jack Schonely transferred to the LAPD’s premier tactical unit, Metropolitan Division. In Metropolitan Division Jack Schonely worked a variety of details, including city-wide crime suppression, surveillance, VIP security and crowd control.
In 1992, Jack Schonely became a canine handler in Metropolitan Division where he conducted over “700 high risk searches.” A few years later in his career he became a “Tactical Flight Officer (observer) with LAPD’s Air Support Division coordinating tactical operations on a nightly basis. Many of these incidents involved foot pursuits and perimeter containments. He was the Chief Tactical Flight Officer for a short time before he switched seats in the helicopter and was selected as a Command Pilot at Air Support where he is still assigned. He is a Certified Flight Instructor in rotorcraft. Jack was the recipient of the 2004 Air Crew of the Year Award at LAPD Air Support.” Jack Schonley has a BS in Criminal Justice.
Jack Schonley is the author of Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment. According to Deputy Chief Mike Hillmann (who wrote the forward), “This book is one of the most comprehensive and to the point manuscripts that I have had the pleasure to review in my 38 years of law enforcement. Apprehending Fleeing Suspects is the how to, nuts and bolts of field enforcement tactics and is not only focused on suspect apprehension, but on officer safety. A must read for the professional police officer.”
William W. Wilhelm was a motorcycle officer for the Los Angeles Police Department in the 1950s and 1960s. His book, Code Two and a Half “offers a fascinating look at the career of an LAPD motor officer during the fifties and sixties, through boredom, tickets, riots and earthquakes. Take a trip down the highway with Bill Wilhelm - his nostalgic memoir shows there's not all that much difference between patrolling on a Harley in Los Angeles and patrolling on a subway train in New York City.” According to retired Chief of Police, Melvin W. Mouser, “Bill's short stories as a motor officer for the LAPD are an historical account of man against machine, odds and circumstances. To have ridden a million-plus miles...is a tribute to the grit and dedication of those road warriors of the era.”
Wesley Mountain is retired LAPD officer Michael A. Nichols pen name. According to Michael Nichols, his “career in law enforcement gave him an interest in solving crimes. His leadership experience as an elder in his local church has also increased his understanding of the need for knowing God and His Word - key factors in all his books. He manages a Christian stewardship ministry and is president of Man-West Enterprises, Inc.
Michael A. Nichols is the author of six books: Shouting Stones; Who Is In Control?; Amazing Ride; Our Heavenly Home; Heading Home To Heaven; Priceless Power of Prayer; and, Basic Bible Prophecy. According to the book description of Shouting Stones, “Enjoy the adventures of a young Christian man in the beautiful Hood River Valley, Oregon. Solve a murder mystery and discover Bible truths.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 749 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1597 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Jack H. Schonely’s began his 25 year law enforcement career with the Berks County Sheriff’s Office (Pennsylvania). In 1983, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department. He has been a patrol officer, Field Training Officer and undercover vice officer. After working Hollywood Vice, Jack Schonely transferred to the LAPD’s premier tactical unit, Metropolitan Division. In Metropolitan Division Jack Schonely worked a variety of details, including city-wide crime suppression, surveillance, VIP security and crowd control.
In 1992, Jack Schonely became a canine handler in Metropolitan Division where he conducted over “700 high risk searches.” A few years later in his career he became a “Tactical Flight Officer (observer) with LAPD’s Air Support Division coordinating tactical operations on a nightly basis. Many of these incidents involved foot pursuits and perimeter containments. He was the Chief Tactical Flight Officer for a short time before he switched seats in the helicopter and was selected as a Command Pilot at Air Support where he is still assigned. He is a Certified Flight Instructor in rotorcraft. Jack was the recipient of the 2004 Air Crew of the Year Award at LAPD Air Support.” Jack Schonley has a BS in Criminal Justice.
Jack Schonley is the author of Apprehending Fleeing Suspects; Suspect Tactics and Perimeter Containment. According to Deputy Chief Mike Hillmann (who wrote the forward), “This book is one of the most comprehensive and to the point manuscripts that I have had the pleasure to review in my 38 years of law enforcement. Apprehending Fleeing Suspects is the how to, nuts and bolts of field enforcement tactics and is not only focused on suspect apprehension, but on officer safety. A must read for the professional police officer.”
William W. Wilhelm was a motorcycle officer for the Los Angeles Police Department in the 1950s and 1960s. His book, Code Two and a Half “offers a fascinating look at the career of an LAPD motor officer during the fifties and sixties, through boredom, tickets, riots and earthquakes. Take a trip down the highway with Bill Wilhelm - his nostalgic memoir shows there's not all that much difference between patrolling on a Harley in Los Angeles and patrolling on a subway train in New York City.” According to retired Chief of Police, Melvin W. Mouser, “Bill's short stories as a motor officer for the LAPD are an historical account of man against machine, odds and circumstances. To have ridden a million-plus miles...is a tribute to the grit and dedication of those road warriors of the era.”
Wesley Mountain is retired LAPD officer Michael A. Nichols pen name. According to Michael Nichols, his “career in law enforcement gave him an interest in solving crimes. His leadership experience as an elder in his local church has also increased his understanding of the need for knowing God and His Word - key factors in all his books. He manages a Christian stewardship ministry and is president of Man-West Enterprises, Inc.
Michael A. Nichols is the author of six books: Shouting Stones; Who Is In Control?; Amazing Ride; Our Heavenly Home; Heading Home To Heaven; Priceless Power of Prayer; and, Basic Bible Prophecy. According to the book description of Shouting Stones, “Enjoy the adventures of a young Christian man in the beautiful Hood River Valley, Oregon. Solve a murder mystery and discover Bible truths.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 749 police officers (representing 346 police departments) and their 1597 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Monday, September 24, 2007
NarcoTerror
By Greg Ferency
Since September 11, 2001 the citizens of the United States have been introduced to a type of warfare that they are not very familiar with and not altogether comfortable being involved in. We are now facing groups of individuals who operate in a manner that is concealed, motivated and “group-serving”. They show themselves at will and either die in the carnage or slip back into our society. They have the capabilities to kill a small or large number of us and show little regard for human life in general. I am obviously talking about the terrorist and their actions.
Americans in general are not all that comfortable with the “War on Terror”. It seems to be an ideation that is new and puzzling to the average citizen. Here we have cells of individuals, not armies or governments, who seem to come out of nowhere and do us harm for reasons that we don’t not fully understand or accept, not armies threatening our borders or bombing our harbors from aircraft carriers. What the average citizen doesn’t recognize is that we have been fighting this type of “war” for many years now. Not on foreign lands but on our own streets. On paper the “War on Drugs” is very similar to the “War on Terrorism” but most people don’t seem to recognize that fact.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/ferency_narco_terror.html
Since September 11, 2001 the citizens of the United States have been introduced to a type of warfare that they are not very familiar with and not altogether comfortable being involved in. We are now facing groups of individuals who operate in a manner that is concealed, motivated and “group-serving”. They show themselves at will and either die in the carnage or slip back into our society. They have the capabilities to kill a small or large number of us and show little regard for human life in general. I am obviously talking about the terrorist and their actions.
Americans in general are not all that comfortable with the “War on Terror”. It seems to be an ideation that is new and puzzling to the average citizen. Here we have cells of individuals, not armies or governments, who seem to come out of nowhere and do us harm for reasons that we don’t not fully understand or accept, not armies threatening our borders or bombing our harbors from aircraft carriers. What the average citizen doesn’t recognize is that we have been fighting this type of “war” for many years now. Not on foreign lands but on our own streets. On paper the “War on Drugs” is very similar to the “War on Terrorism” but most people don’t seem to recognize that fact.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/ferency_narco_terror.html
The Death Penalty: Cruel Vengeance or Justice Served?
By James H. Lilley
Is the death penalty for a savage, cold-blooded act of murder cruel vengeance or justice served? The debate over Capital Punishment has been argued on local, state, and federal levels and still rages on almost daily. Our nation has served up the death penalty in many forms from hanging, to electric chair, to gas chamber, and even firing squad. Over the years each of these methods was damned as cruel and inhumane treatment of the person who had committed a crime of violence. So, along came lethal injection as an alternative to these “cruel” methods of carrying out a death sentence. Suddenly there was an outcry over the way the needles were inserted into the arm of the condemned, because surely they were experiencing pain.
Is the discomfort of lethal injection any more painful than a flu shot, or giving blood? All require insertion of a needle into the arm, or vein. Does the act of voluntarily taking a flu shot, or donating blood make the pin prick less painful than death by lethal injection? Or, does death ordered by the court for a violent crime somehow increase the level of pain for the condemned? Then came the argument over the dosage, the drugs employed, and were they acting quickly enough to ensure the condemned didn’t suffer. Excuse me, but what horrible pain was being inflicted upon this person who’d been sentenced to death for violently taking the life of another?
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/lilley_death_penalty.html
Is the death penalty for a savage, cold-blooded act of murder cruel vengeance or justice served? The debate over Capital Punishment has been argued on local, state, and federal levels and still rages on almost daily. Our nation has served up the death penalty in many forms from hanging, to electric chair, to gas chamber, and even firing squad. Over the years each of these methods was damned as cruel and inhumane treatment of the person who had committed a crime of violence. So, along came lethal injection as an alternative to these “cruel” methods of carrying out a death sentence. Suddenly there was an outcry over the way the needles were inserted into the arm of the condemned, because surely they were experiencing pain.
Is the discomfort of lethal injection any more painful than a flu shot, or giving blood? All require insertion of a needle into the arm, or vein. Does the act of voluntarily taking a flu shot, or donating blood make the pin prick less painful than death by lethal injection? Or, does death ordered by the court for a violent crime somehow increase the level of pain for the condemned? Then came the argument over the dosage, the drugs employed, and were they acting quickly enough to ensure the condemned didn’t suffer. Excuse me, but what horrible pain was being inflicted upon this person who’d been sentenced to death for violently taking the life of another?
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/lilley_death_penalty.html
Disguised Weapons
The mission of the California Department of Justice, Division of Law Enforcement, is to provide its customers and clients extraordinary service in forensic services, forensic education, narcotic investigations, criminal investigations, intelligence, and training. In support of this mission, the Division’s Criminal Intelligence Bureau’s (CIB) Organized Crime Analysis Unit conducted an in-depth intelligence-gathering and examination effort into law enforcement safety handbook.
The Disguised Weapons Handbook is a quarterly report to inform law enforcement officers of what new items are available to suspects. In addition, the purpose is to inform law enforcement of the creativity some suspects have when converting everyday items into homemade weapons. The information contained in this report was obtained from various law enforcement sources and databases. Many of the weapons shown in this publication have websites listed where items can be viewed in greater detail.
DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK HERE
http://www.police-writers.com/disguised_weapons.html
The Disguised Weapons Handbook is a quarterly report to inform law enforcement officers of what new items are available to suspects. In addition, the purpose is to inform law enforcement of the creativity some suspects have when converting everyday items into homemade weapons. The information contained in this report was obtained from various law enforcement sources and databases. Many of the weapons shown in this publication have websites listed where items can be viewed in greater detail.
DOWNLOAD THE HANDBOOK HERE
http://www.police-writers.com/disguised_weapons.html
Terrorism Organizational and Communication Strategies
Intelligence gathering is the first line of defense against terrorism. Through use of intelligence, law enforcement and military operations can be designed to disrupt terrorist organizations and preempt their operations. Prior to September 11, 2001, most state and local law enforcement agencies viewed intelligence gathering on global terrorist groups as the purview of the federal government. Except for large cities like Los Angeles and New York, if state or local agencies gathered intelligence it tended to be on domestic subversive groups. We have since realized that some terrorist organizations have a global reach, and that state and local law enforcement officials must broaden their view.
READ ON
READ ON
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Italian Carabinieri to Begin Training Iraqi National Police Forces
By Jamie Findlater
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 21, 2007 - The NATO Training Mission in Iraq is developing a new Gendarmerie-type police training program focusing on key leadership skills taught by an Italian Carabinieri training unit. The French Gendarmerie and Italian Carabinieri are military bodies charged with police duties among civilian populations. Officials believe this approach is ideally suited to security conditions in Iraq.
Italian Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegnani, deputy commander of the NATO Training Mission, said he is confident that new efforts to expand police training under guidance of the Italian police force will be highly successful in allowing Iraqi security leadership to develop "the right mentality."
"The conditions of the streets of Iraqi towns and cities are quite different than many of the streets in Europe," Pompegnani said yesterday in a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers."
However, he said he is confident that the tactics of the Carabinieri police training that has "proven effective in over 100 countries (is) certainly applicable to the Iraqi forces."
Pompegnani outlined the progress of operations and explained plans for specialized program in the region, projected to begin in October. The specialized law enforcement training program, employing the careful guidance and mentoring support of about 40 Carabinieri soldiers, will equip 75 percent of Iraqi security leaders in country, he explained.
The two-year program will train a core of eight battalions of national police at Camp Dublin, near Bagdad International Airport. Each course will include two months of intensive training focusing on counterinsurgency, modern forensic techniques, and riot and crowd control, he said.
The work is focused on training, advising and mentoring Iraqi mid- to senior-level leaders. This will give the Iraqis "a unique opportunity to modernize and streamline their leadership standards," Pompegnani said.
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Iraqi national police authorities have approved the new training structure, and Camp Dublin is being refurbished to accommodate the law enforcement training. Officials also are working to procure equipment for the program, the general explained.
The NATO Training Mission in Iraq was established in 2004 to assist the Iraqis in building their security forces. Seventeen countries involved in this effort on the ground, and nine other countries provide equipment, material and strategic support.
(Jamie Findlater is assigned to the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 21, 2007 - The NATO Training Mission in Iraq is developing a new Gendarmerie-type police training program focusing on key leadership skills taught by an Italian Carabinieri training unit. The French Gendarmerie and Italian Carabinieri are military bodies charged with police duties among civilian populations. Officials believe this approach is ideally suited to security conditions in Iraq.
Italian Maj. Gen. Alessandro Pompegnani, deputy commander of the NATO Training Mission, said he is confident that new efforts to expand police training under guidance of the Italian police force will be highly successful in allowing Iraqi security leadership to develop "the right mentality."
"The conditions of the streets of Iraqi towns and cities are quite different than many of the streets in Europe," Pompegnani said yesterday in a conference call with online journalists and "bloggers."
However, he said he is confident that the tactics of the Carabinieri police training that has "proven effective in over 100 countries (is) certainly applicable to the Iraqi forces."
Pompegnani outlined the progress of operations and explained plans for specialized program in the region, projected to begin in October. The specialized law enforcement training program, employing the careful guidance and mentoring support of about 40 Carabinieri soldiers, will equip 75 percent of Iraqi security leaders in country, he explained.
The two-year program will train a core of eight battalions of national police at Camp Dublin, near Bagdad International Airport. Each course will include two months of intensive training focusing on counterinsurgency, modern forensic techniques, and riot and crowd control, he said.
The work is focused on training, advising and mentoring Iraqi mid- to senior-level leaders. This will give the Iraqis "a unique opportunity to modernize and streamline their leadership standards," Pompegnani said.
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior and Iraqi national police authorities have approved the new training structure, and Camp Dublin is being refurbished to accommodate the law enforcement training. Officials also are working to procure equipment for the program, the general explained.
The NATO Training Mission in Iraq was established in 2004 to assist the Iraqis in building their security forces. Seventeen countries involved in this effort on the ground, and nine other countries provide equipment, material and strategic support.
(Jamie Findlater is assigned to the New Media branch of American Forces Information Service.)
Friday, September 21, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 20, 2007"Crime Lab Gets a Shot in the Arm"
New York Times (09/16/07) P. 7; Kelly, Caitlin
Westchester County's Department of Laboratories and Research is undergoing a $9 million renovation for its nearly two-decade-old DNA lab. DNA testing assisted prosecutors in their pursuit for repeated Subway sandwich chain burglars in the county last year, when law enforcement matched a lost strand of hair from one of the perpetrators to his DNA in a federal database of criminals. County director of forensic sciences Frederick Drummond says there has been a high demand for the technology, while the lab will also serve law enforcement from the State University of New York system and Metro-North. Drummond adds that cases will be prioritized, whereas rape and murder cases --roughly half of all lab cases-- will have a higher priority than burglaries. The lab is three times larger than its predecessor, allowing vehicles bearing evidence to be brought in, if needed. New technology will enable lab researchers to analyze mitochondrial DNA, allowing what Drummond says will be "1,000 times more chances" to obtain a viable sample, and samples will be placed under a high-powered light containing multiple wavelengths. County medical examiner Dr. Millard Hyland says DNA testing is the definitive factor that enables perpetrators to be put in jail. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/16mainwe.html
"Miramar Buys Helmets With Microphones"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (09/16/07) P. 1; East, Georgia
Motorcycle police officers in Miramar, Fla., will soon have wireless microphones connected to their helmets, replacing the typical shoulder-based microphones that are used for speaking on police radios. Earlier in 2007, Miramar commissioners sanctioned utilizing $16,180 in state law enforcement forfeiture money to buy a dozen helmets with connected microphones. They could start being used before 2007 is over. Police Chief Mel Stanley stated shoulder microphones create a great deal of wind and road noise when a officer is driving. In addition, he said, the traditional radios create a distraction and possible safety risk to officers because they have are forced to only drive with one hand in order to operate the microphones with the other. The wireless helmet kits will be bought from Setcom Communications. Stanley explained the equipment will work in conjunction with the Miramar Police Department's Motorola radios. Separately, Miramar sanctioned spending $175,000 to lease vehicles for the police department to employ in undercover operations during the coming two years.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-
flbpolice0916swsep16,0,273952.story?track=rss
"Simulator Tool to Help Police"
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Presser, Matt
Portable firearms simulators are the latest addition to the law enforcement technology repertoire, allowing officers to react to real-life situations using digital videos. Officers can use simulated scenarios that come with the system, or they can create their own. The $146,475 tool is worth the hefty price tag, says Delray Beach training officer Eric Aronowitz. The simulators allow control over variables such as weather and time of day, including the option to program equipment malfunctions so officers would need to respond accordingly. Though the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office purchased a firearms simulator about a decade ago, Lt. Jeff Swank says it is outdated but smaller agencies have more difficulty funding such expensive technology. Aronowitz says the simulator is a beneficial long-term investment, noting, "It's about as realistic as you could get." Delray Beach officers will be trained using the simulator, along with those in nearby municipalities and citizens in the police academies.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/
sfl-flsimulator0916pcsep16,0,4230307.story
"Charleston Police Will Hone Driving Skills"
Charleston Daily Mail (WV) (09/18/07); Thompson, Matthew
In Charleston, S.C., the police department authorized the purchase of a $125,000 computerized driving simulator to improve its police officer driving courses, which currently encompass classroom and outdoor training. The simulator, which will partially be funded by $40,000 in insurance funds, could prevent police-involved accidents during pursuits and other emergency situations. In 2005, one officer raced to help another officer at a domestic violence call, but failed to put on his sirens and lights, resulting in a crash with a civilian vehicle. Department officials stated the idea to bring in the simulator surfaced before the 2005 crash. "We always discussed looking for a better way to train our officers," one officer said. The simulator has three plasma monitors, a console resembling the one in the Ford Crown Victoria, and a program to insert rain, wind, sleet, snow, and other weather conditions, as well as multiple vehicles and pedestrians. The simulator is expected to improve police and emergency response personnel's driving skills and reaction times. http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/+/2007091846/
Charleston+police+will+hone+driving+skills/
"Bay Area Agencies Unveil Communications System"
Contra Costa Times (CA) (09/15/07); Gokhman, Roman
California's East Bay Regional Communications Joint Powers Authority, which was recently created by Alameda and Contra Costa counties and 30 East Bay cities, will construct a single emergency communications system intended to overcome problems caused by radio technologies that do not work together. The Alameda-Contra Costa system is part of a bigger network of law-enforcement groups in the Bay Area announced on Sept. 11 by the mayors of Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose--the Bay Area Public Safety Interoperable Communications Initiative. The total project will cost $200 million, with the East Bay percentage coming to $60 million. The majority of the funding will be provided by grants. When done, the whole system will encompass Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. In addition, it will link to Sacramento to assist with California's disaster-relief coordination. The communications system functions more like a series of email lists instead of typical radio frequencies. Emergency responders and dispatchers can enter in which "talk group" to notify and then broadcast a statement.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_6904014
"South Dallas Hopes Cameras Will Help Deter Crime"
Houston Chronicle (09/13/07) P. B1; Korosec, Thomas
On Sept. 13, Dallas authorities launched the first of 14 remote-controlled cameras that are being erected on top of poles in a neighborhood in the southern part of the city known as Jubilee Park to stop crime and capture violators. The cameras, which have been employed for many years in cities such as San Francisco and Chicago, are the initial ones to be put in a residential neighborhood in Texas. Two-thirds of the cameras' $250,000 price tag are being financed by a church in North Dallas, while the city is paying for the rest. Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle noted that implementation of cameras in downtown Dallas resulted in a 30 percent decline in crime, although they have not resulted in as many arrests as he had hoped. Kunkle stated that panhandling and vehicle burglaries conducted by the homeless comprise the majority of downtown Dallas' crime troubles. Jubilee Park has witnessed a murder, a pair of rapes, and 13 aggravated assaults during the last year. Certain studies have contested the effectiveness of remote-controlled cameras, claiming they simply move crime to back streets and do not result in crime reduction over the long haul. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5133957.html
"Simulating Trouble"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Seibel, Jacqueline
Ann Arbor-based IES Interactive has provided interactive-simulation technology for officers at Waukesha County Technical College. "This is as close as you are going to get without being in a real-life situation," said Muskego Police Chief Paul Geiszler. WCTC trainees will be able to take advantage of the $100,000 system that aims to provide officers with virtual situations to improve their responding and reaction-time in real situations. The simulation tool mimics situations ranging from robberies to domestic disputes, involving to the extent that their adrenaline is involved; in general training, variables are controlled so the stress levels are not as intense. Trainees are placed in a padded room with a screen projecting the scenario. Loudspeakers with surround sound are used to pump sounds such as screams or glass breaking into the room, a factor that Oconomowoc Police Chief James Wallis says will improve officers' awareness of their total surroundings, versus simply being aware of what is in just in their immediate field of vision. The light can be adjusted according to the degree of vision an officer would have in the designated situation, while props can be added for simulating the dexterity to maneuver in a given situation. Trainees must also choose to respond by using pepper spray, a baton, a Taser, or a gun, according to the nature of the situation. The training is videotaped so that officers can review the trainee's performance, and allow the trainee to evaluate his own response. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=661605
"Police May Get Mobile Computer Terminals"
Birmingham News (AL) (09/13/07) Vol. 120, No. 184, P. 3C; Gray, Jeremy
Police officers in Pelham, Ala., may receive mobile data terminals if a measure included in the 2007 proposed budget is approved Sept. 17. Chief Allan Wade has asked for $600,000 for the terminals--$90,000 in the suggested budget, the remainder payable over a five-year period. The computers, which would be incorporated in city police cruisers, could be taken out and utilized by police in the field. The computers would enable officers to retrieve mug shots or driver's license pictures to make certain the individuals they interrogate are who they claim to be. In addition, the computers would permit officers to obtain data from the state Criminal Justice Information Center, the National Crime Information Center, and municipal court records. The computers would show all the data dispatchers enter into their computers, establishing a voice dispatch. Wade added that the mobile data terminals would permit officers to type their incident statements from their cruisers instead of having to do them at police headquarters.
http://www.bhamnews.com
"Harris System Can Detect Illegal Border Crossings"
Florida Today (09/12/07) P. 1A; Blake, Scott
On Sept. 11, Harris Corp. introduced its new Harris Border Security Shelter system. The shelter locates illegal border crossings and additional threats to U.S. security, the Melbourne, Fla., firm stated. Harris intends to promote the shelter to border patrol groups in this country and other nations. The Border Security Shelter is specially devised to heighten the "flow of information and speed response times to potential threats," Harris explained. From the shelter, border staff are able to watch border regions utilizing ground radar, unmanned sensors, or video cameras; talk to the field and their superiors employing tactical, microwave, and satellite radio; and transmit and obtain email and additional forms of media, Harris noted. In addition, the shelters have "remote networked management and advanced Harris visualization/data fusion software known as Harris SafeGuard." Harris added that the shelters can be permanently implemented at particular locations or quickly deployed to certain areas of operation. Numerous shelters can be deployed and connected to create protective networks.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070912/BUSINESS/709120331/1003
"Online Crime Reporting System Now Available to City Residents"
Los Banos Enterprise (CA) (09/11/07)
As part of its technology upgrade the Los Banos Police Department will enable city residents to report incidents online through the police Web site. "This is a wonderful tool that allows us to provide more effective service to the community," Police Chief Chris Gallagher said. The system can be accessed by logging on to the city's Web page, www.losbanos.org, and clicking on the "Citizens OnLine Reporting System" link found on the left column. There will be a selection as to what type of incident the user would like to report. "We are not going to restrict people from talking to an officer," Gallagher explained. "This is just a way for people who are comfortable with their computer to file a report instead of coming down here." Once a report is submitted the police department will e-mail the reporting party a temporary case number. Once the report is reviewed and approved by a supervisor a second e-mail will be sent out with an official case number. The report can be rejected based on inadequate information or other errors but it will be explained in an e-mail. http://www.losbanosenterprise.com/
"New Law Enforcement Tool From LeadsOnline Fights Metal Theft Epidemic"
Business Wire (09/17/07)
State-of-the-art technology now allows police to easily search scrap metal recycling center records for stolen metal. LeadsOnline has made it easy for law enforcement to search and locate stolen metal, as well as link the property to the thieves who stole it. By nature, scrap metal is difficult to track and identify once stolen, but now there is a way for law enforcement to track these thieves. LeadsOnline introduced a new investigative system specifically designed to fight metal theft on a national basis. Now, instead of keeping track of information on paper tickets, metal recyclers around the country send LeadsOnline their transaction information via a secure internet connection. Law enforcement investigators simply log in and enter the information about their case into the system, including type of metal, date of the theft, location, and other parameters to see if the stolen items were sold for scrap. Investigators are instantly provided with descriptions and even pictures of the property, suspect, and suspect vehicles matching their description. In the days following the launch of the LeadsOnline metal theft investigations system, Detective Courtney of the Shreveport Louisiana Police Department used LeadsOnline to identify an employee at a local oil company who was stealing equipment and selling it to a local scrap yard. Some of the stolen metal, valued at more than $76,000 was recovered.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.
jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070917005808&newsLang=en
"State Plans to Complete Communications System"
Omaha World-Herald (NE) (09/13/07) P. 1B; Stoddard, Martha
Nebraska will utilize almost 50 percent of 2007's $7.2 million in federal homeland security money to erect the final links of a statewide communications system, Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy announced on Sept. 12. He stated that over $2.4 million of the money will be split up between seven areas that are creating communication networks. The networks will permit state and local law-enforcement officials and others to speak with each other. A good number of the areas have finished the job of linking all first responders in their counties, Sheehy explained. Nebraska is currently almost ready to connect the regional network onto one statewide system. The state has employed a significant percentage of its homeland security money in the last few years to establish the network. In addition to the regional grants, Nebraska will spend another $1.1 million of the 2007 homeland security funding on licensing technology for the communications network and offering network support. Nebraska will also utilize part of the $8.5 million of a different federal communications grant initiative to complete the network plan.
http://www.omaha.com
"Tracking People With Imbedded Radio Chips Is No Longer Sci-Fi"
Royal Gazette (Bermuda) (09/05/07)
About 2,000 U.S. workers already have radio frequency identification (RFID) chips embedded under their skin or carry them around in various devices so managers can keep track of their locations, prevent workers from entering certain sensitive areas of the firm, and gauge workers efficiency. However, union leaders, legislators, and others contend the use of RFID to track workers is an invasion of privacy and violates human rights. Generally, RFID is used to track products throughout the supply chain, and the tags contain information on its shipment origin, its make-up, date produced, and other data. In California, state legislators are prepping a bill that would ban the coerced or forced use of RFID in humans, and other states are following suit. However, voluntary use of the chips would be permitted under legislative measures pending before state legislatures, opening the door for employers to use the technology.
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/
Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d792af30030012§ionId=65
"License Plate Scanners Give Police New Edge"
Times & Transcript (Canada) (09/10/07) P. D4
A $20,000 device that employs small infrared cameras outfitted on police cruisers automatically reads license plates and compares the numbers against databases of stolen cars and individuals wanted for crimes. Around 400 of the United States' 18,000 police agencies possess a minimum of one license-plate scanner, and authorities predict the scanners will become more popular in the future as the cost of the devices drops. The scanners allow police to read around 75 times more plates during an eight-hour period than they would if they wrote down numbers and gave them to a dispatcher. Although scanner-outfitted vehicles only comprise a small percentage of a police department's fleet, the units are enabling authorities to recover stolen vehicles, locate individuals wanted on criminal warrants, and respond to emergency situations, such as thieves on the run. Civil-right activists contend that scanners bring up the controversial issue of whether the government will widen its utilization of the technology to monitor Americans' private lives. Police note, though, that anybody can write down a license-plate number on the street, which is what scanners do, just more efficiently. Though no studies have proven the effectiveness of scanners on a sizeable scale, certain police agencies stress that scanners have increased their vehicle recovery and arrest figures. http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/search/article/69339
"A Closer Look: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit"
Police Magazine (08/07) Vol. 31, No. 8, P. 74; Kyrik, Kelly
In 1984, Terry Thomas, then a special agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, started the Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit to help the state address the growing problem of missing and abducted children. The unit features an ordinary-looking Fleetwood sleeper trailer that is used as a mobile interview room. Although many people said that the trailer would be traumatic for children because it was unfamiliar territory for them, it has actually become a hit with kids. Before their interview begins, kids are allowed to explore the trailer, which helps them to feel more at ease. In addition, the main room of the trailer features child-sized bean bag chairs, as well as teddy bears and other toys. The trailer is also equipped with strategically-placed hidden cameras and microphones, which allow agents in the front and back of the trailer to monitor the interview. The use of the mobile unit helps the Florida Department of Law Enforcement achieve a number of things in situations where it has to interview children. For example, the mobile unit helps to ease the fear that many victims feel when faced with repeated questioning. In addition, the mobile unit is perfect for cases that would overwhelm a brick-and-mortar CAC unit, such as cases where there are a number of victims or offenders, as well as in cases where law enforcement officials do not want the media and others to know that they are interviewing victims or offenders.
http://www.policemag.com/Articles/2007/08/Florida-Department-
of-Law-Enforcement-Crimes-Against-children-mobile-Unit.aspx
"Communications Interoperability: Chasing the Dream"
Police and Security News (08/07) Vol. 23, No. 4, P. 30; Kanable, Rebecca
Emergency communications lacking interoperability has remained a hurdle to both efficient security and safety. Yet technological developments will now enable law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS to all communicate through integrated radio frequencies. Researchers have developed "smart radio" technology that allows frequency range, modulation type, and output power controls to be manipulated with cognitive radio technology. The cognitive radio can automatically program itself to communicate with several radios, as Dr. Charles Bostian of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University says the device "acts like a trained intelligent human operator." Software-defined radios can handle voice bandwidths in 25 KHz, 12.5 KHz, or 6.25 KHz ranges. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology is being speculated for use with software-defined radio technology to increase the available capacity for sending data and accommodating higher bandwidths. Implementing cognitive radios would also allow law enforcement to carry less equipment. The necessity for specific public safety technology is crucial in the case of an emergency, so law enforcement and other first-responders must rely on their own kind of enhanced communications systems, rather than using cellular providers or simply a 2.4 MHz frequency. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
Thursday, September 20, 2007"Crime Lab Gets a Shot in the Arm"
New York Times (09/16/07) P. 7; Kelly, Caitlin
Westchester County's Department of Laboratories and Research is undergoing a $9 million renovation for its nearly two-decade-old DNA lab. DNA testing assisted prosecutors in their pursuit for repeated Subway sandwich chain burglars in the county last year, when law enforcement matched a lost strand of hair from one of the perpetrators to his DNA in a federal database of criminals. County director of forensic sciences Frederick Drummond says there has been a high demand for the technology, while the lab will also serve law enforcement from the State University of New York system and Metro-North. Drummond adds that cases will be prioritized, whereas rape and murder cases --roughly half of all lab cases-- will have a higher priority than burglaries. The lab is three times larger than its predecessor, allowing vehicles bearing evidence to be brought in, if needed. New technology will enable lab researchers to analyze mitochondrial DNA, allowing what Drummond says will be "1,000 times more chances" to obtain a viable sample, and samples will be placed under a high-powered light containing multiple wavelengths. County medical examiner Dr. Millard Hyland says DNA testing is the definitive factor that enables perpetrators to be put in jail. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/16mainwe.html
"Miramar Buys Helmets With Microphones"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (09/16/07) P. 1; East, Georgia
Motorcycle police officers in Miramar, Fla., will soon have wireless microphones connected to their helmets, replacing the typical shoulder-based microphones that are used for speaking on police radios. Earlier in 2007, Miramar commissioners sanctioned utilizing $16,180 in state law enforcement forfeiture money to buy a dozen helmets with connected microphones. They could start being used before 2007 is over. Police Chief Mel Stanley stated shoulder microphones create a great deal of wind and road noise when a officer is driving. In addition, he said, the traditional radios create a distraction and possible safety risk to officers because they have are forced to only drive with one hand in order to operate the microphones with the other. The wireless helmet kits will be bought from Setcom Communications. Stanley explained the equipment will work in conjunction with the Miramar Police Department's Motorola radios. Separately, Miramar sanctioned spending $175,000 to lease vehicles for the police department to employ in undercover operations during the coming two years.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-
flbpolice0916swsep16,0,273952.story?track=rss
"Simulator Tool to Help Police"
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Presser, Matt
Portable firearms simulators are the latest addition to the law enforcement technology repertoire, allowing officers to react to real-life situations using digital videos. Officers can use simulated scenarios that come with the system, or they can create their own. The $146,475 tool is worth the hefty price tag, says Delray Beach training officer Eric Aronowitz. The simulators allow control over variables such as weather and time of day, including the option to program equipment malfunctions so officers would need to respond accordingly. Though the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office purchased a firearms simulator about a decade ago, Lt. Jeff Swank says it is outdated but smaller agencies have more difficulty funding such expensive technology. Aronowitz says the simulator is a beneficial long-term investment, noting, "It's about as realistic as you could get." Delray Beach officers will be trained using the simulator, along with those in nearby municipalities and citizens in the police academies.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/
sfl-flsimulator0916pcsep16,0,4230307.story
"Charleston Police Will Hone Driving Skills"
Charleston Daily Mail (WV) (09/18/07); Thompson, Matthew
In Charleston, S.C., the police department authorized the purchase of a $125,000 computerized driving simulator to improve its police officer driving courses, which currently encompass classroom and outdoor training. The simulator, which will partially be funded by $40,000 in insurance funds, could prevent police-involved accidents during pursuits and other emergency situations. In 2005, one officer raced to help another officer at a domestic violence call, but failed to put on his sirens and lights, resulting in a crash with a civilian vehicle. Department officials stated the idea to bring in the simulator surfaced before the 2005 crash. "We always discussed looking for a better way to train our officers," one officer said. The simulator has three plasma monitors, a console resembling the one in the Ford Crown Victoria, and a program to insert rain, wind, sleet, snow, and other weather conditions, as well as multiple vehicles and pedestrians. The simulator is expected to improve police and emergency response personnel's driving skills and reaction times. http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/+/2007091846/
Charleston+police+will+hone+driving+skills/
"Bay Area Agencies Unveil Communications System"
Contra Costa Times (CA) (09/15/07); Gokhman, Roman
California's East Bay Regional Communications Joint Powers Authority, which was recently created by Alameda and Contra Costa counties and 30 East Bay cities, will construct a single emergency communications system intended to overcome problems caused by radio technologies that do not work together. The Alameda-Contra Costa system is part of a bigger network of law-enforcement groups in the Bay Area announced on Sept. 11 by the mayors of Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose--the Bay Area Public Safety Interoperable Communications Initiative. The total project will cost $200 million, with the East Bay percentage coming to $60 million. The majority of the funding will be provided by grants. When done, the whole system will encompass Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. In addition, it will link to Sacramento to assist with California's disaster-relief coordination. The communications system functions more like a series of email lists instead of typical radio frequencies. Emergency responders and dispatchers can enter in which "talk group" to notify and then broadcast a statement.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_6904014
"South Dallas Hopes Cameras Will Help Deter Crime"
Houston Chronicle (09/13/07) P. B1; Korosec, Thomas
On Sept. 13, Dallas authorities launched the first of 14 remote-controlled cameras that are being erected on top of poles in a neighborhood in the southern part of the city known as Jubilee Park to stop crime and capture violators. The cameras, which have been employed for many years in cities such as San Francisco and Chicago, are the initial ones to be put in a residential neighborhood in Texas. Two-thirds of the cameras' $250,000 price tag are being financed by a church in North Dallas, while the city is paying for the rest. Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle noted that implementation of cameras in downtown Dallas resulted in a 30 percent decline in crime, although they have not resulted in as many arrests as he had hoped. Kunkle stated that panhandling and vehicle burglaries conducted by the homeless comprise the majority of downtown Dallas' crime troubles. Jubilee Park has witnessed a murder, a pair of rapes, and 13 aggravated assaults during the last year. Certain studies have contested the effectiveness of remote-controlled cameras, claiming they simply move crime to back streets and do not result in crime reduction over the long haul. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5133957.html
"Simulating Trouble"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Seibel, Jacqueline
Ann Arbor-based IES Interactive has provided interactive-simulation technology for officers at Waukesha County Technical College. "This is as close as you are going to get without being in a real-life situation," said Muskego Police Chief Paul Geiszler. WCTC trainees will be able to take advantage of the $100,000 system that aims to provide officers with virtual situations to improve their responding and reaction-time in real situations. The simulation tool mimics situations ranging from robberies to domestic disputes, involving to the extent that their adrenaline is involved; in general training, variables are controlled so the stress levels are not as intense. Trainees are placed in a padded room with a screen projecting the scenario. Loudspeakers with surround sound are used to pump sounds such as screams or glass breaking into the room, a factor that Oconomowoc Police Chief James Wallis says will improve officers' awareness of their total surroundings, versus simply being aware of what is in just in their immediate field of vision. The light can be adjusted according to the degree of vision an officer would have in the designated situation, while props can be added for simulating the dexterity to maneuver in a given situation. Trainees must also choose to respond by using pepper spray, a baton, a Taser, or a gun, according to the nature of the situation. The training is videotaped so that officers can review the trainee's performance, and allow the trainee to evaluate his own response. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=661605
"Police May Get Mobile Computer Terminals"
Birmingham News (AL) (09/13/07) Vol. 120, No. 184, P. 3C; Gray, Jeremy
Police officers in Pelham, Ala., may receive mobile data terminals if a measure included in the 2007 proposed budget is approved Sept. 17. Chief Allan Wade has asked for $600,000 for the terminals--$90,000 in the suggested budget, the remainder payable over a five-year period. The computers, which would be incorporated in city police cruisers, could be taken out and utilized by police in the field. The computers would enable officers to retrieve mug shots or driver's license pictures to make certain the individuals they interrogate are who they claim to be. In addition, the computers would permit officers to obtain data from the state Criminal Justice Information Center, the National Crime Information Center, and municipal court records. The computers would show all the data dispatchers enter into their computers, establishing a voice dispatch. Wade added that the mobile data terminals would permit officers to type their incident statements from their cruisers instead of having to do them at police headquarters.
http://www.bhamnews.com
"Harris System Can Detect Illegal Border Crossings"
Florida Today (09/12/07) P. 1A; Blake, Scott
On Sept. 11, Harris Corp. introduced its new Harris Border Security Shelter system. The shelter locates illegal border crossings and additional threats to U.S. security, the Melbourne, Fla., firm stated. Harris intends to promote the shelter to border patrol groups in this country and other nations. The Border Security Shelter is specially devised to heighten the "flow of information and speed response times to potential threats," Harris explained. From the shelter, border staff are able to watch border regions utilizing ground radar, unmanned sensors, or video cameras; talk to the field and their superiors employing tactical, microwave, and satellite radio; and transmit and obtain email and additional forms of media, Harris noted. In addition, the shelters have "remote networked management and advanced Harris visualization/data fusion software known as Harris SafeGuard." Harris added that the shelters can be permanently implemented at particular locations or quickly deployed to certain areas of operation. Numerous shelters can be deployed and connected to create protective networks.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070912/BUSINESS/709120331/1003
"Online Crime Reporting System Now Available to City Residents"
Los Banos Enterprise (CA) (09/11/07)
As part of its technology upgrade the Los Banos Police Department will enable city residents to report incidents online through the police Web site. "This is a wonderful tool that allows us to provide more effective service to the community," Police Chief Chris Gallagher said. The system can be accessed by logging on to the city's Web page, www.losbanos.org, and clicking on the "Citizens OnLine Reporting System" link found on the left column. There will be a selection as to what type of incident the user would like to report. "We are not going to restrict people from talking to an officer," Gallagher explained. "This is just a way for people who are comfortable with their computer to file a report instead of coming down here." Once a report is submitted the police department will e-mail the reporting party a temporary case number. Once the report is reviewed and approved by a supervisor a second e-mail will be sent out with an official case number. The report can be rejected based on inadequate information or other errors but it will be explained in an e-mail. http://www.losbanosenterprise.com/
"New Law Enforcement Tool From LeadsOnline Fights Metal Theft Epidemic"
Business Wire (09/17/07)
State-of-the-art technology now allows police to easily search scrap metal recycling center records for stolen metal. LeadsOnline has made it easy for law enforcement to search and locate stolen metal, as well as link the property to the thieves who stole it. By nature, scrap metal is difficult to track and identify once stolen, but now there is a way for law enforcement to track these thieves. LeadsOnline introduced a new investigative system specifically designed to fight metal theft on a national basis. Now, instead of keeping track of information on paper tickets, metal recyclers around the country send LeadsOnline their transaction information via a secure internet connection. Law enforcement investigators simply log in and enter the information about their case into the system, including type of metal, date of the theft, location, and other parameters to see if the stolen items were sold for scrap. Investigators are instantly provided with descriptions and even pictures of the property, suspect, and suspect vehicles matching their description. In the days following the launch of the LeadsOnline metal theft investigations system, Detective Courtney of the Shreveport Louisiana Police Department used LeadsOnline to identify an employee at a local oil company who was stealing equipment and selling it to a local scrap yard. Some of the stolen metal, valued at more than $76,000 was recovered.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.
jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070917005808&newsLang=en
"State Plans to Complete Communications System"
Omaha World-Herald (NE) (09/13/07) P. 1B; Stoddard, Martha
Nebraska will utilize almost 50 percent of 2007's $7.2 million in federal homeland security money to erect the final links of a statewide communications system, Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy announced on Sept. 12. He stated that over $2.4 million of the money will be split up between seven areas that are creating communication networks. The networks will permit state and local law-enforcement officials and others to speak with each other. A good number of the areas have finished the job of linking all first responders in their counties, Sheehy explained. Nebraska is currently almost ready to connect the regional network onto one statewide system. The state has employed a significant percentage of its homeland security money in the last few years to establish the network. In addition to the regional grants, Nebraska will spend another $1.1 million of the 2007 homeland security funding on licensing technology for the communications network and offering network support. Nebraska will also utilize part of the $8.5 million of a different federal communications grant initiative to complete the network plan.
http://www.omaha.com
"Tracking People With Imbedded Radio Chips Is No Longer Sci-Fi"
Royal Gazette (Bermuda) (09/05/07)
About 2,000 U.S. workers already have radio frequency identification (RFID) chips embedded under their skin or carry them around in various devices so managers can keep track of their locations, prevent workers from entering certain sensitive areas of the firm, and gauge workers efficiency. However, union leaders, legislators, and others contend the use of RFID to track workers is an invasion of privacy and violates human rights. Generally, RFID is used to track products throughout the supply chain, and the tags contain information on its shipment origin, its make-up, date produced, and other data. In California, state legislators are prepping a bill that would ban the coerced or forced use of RFID in humans, and other states are following suit. However, voluntary use of the chips would be permitted under legislative measures pending before state legislatures, opening the door for employers to use the technology.
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/
Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d792af30030012§ionId=65
"License Plate Scanners Give Police New Edge"
Times & Transcript (Canada) (09/10/07) P. D4
A $20,000 device that employs small infrared cameras outfitted on police cruisers automatically reads license plates and compares the numbers against databases of stolen cars and individuals wanted for crimes. Around 400 of the United States' 18,000 police agencies possess a minimum of one license-plate scanner, and authorities predict the scanners will become more popular in the future as the cost of the devices drops. The scanners allow police to read around 75 times more plates during an eight-hour period than they would if they wrote down numbers and gave them to a dispatcher. Although scanner-outfitted vehicles only comprise a small percentage of a police department's fleet, the units are enabling authorities to recover stolen vehicles, locate individuals wanted on criminal warrants, and respond to emergency situations, such as thieves on the run. Civil-right activists contend that scanners bring up the controversial issue of whether the government will widen its utilization of the technology to monitor Americans' private lives. Police note, though, that anybody can write down a license-plate number on the street, which is what scanners do, just more efficiently. Though no studies have proven the effectiveness of scanners on a sizeable scale, certain police agencies stress that scanners have increased their vehicle recovery and arrest figures. http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/search/article/69339
"A Closer Look: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit"
Police Magazine (08/07) Vol. 31, No. 8, P. 74; Kyrik, Kelly
In 1984, Terry Thomas, then a special agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, started the Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit to help the state address the growing problem of missing and abducted children. The unit features an ordinary-looking Fleetwood sleeper trailer that is used as a mobile interview room. Although many people said that the trailer would be traumatic for children because it was unfamiliar territory for them, it has actually become a hit with kids. Before their interview begins, kids are allowed to explore the trailer, which helps them to feel more at ease. In addition, the main room of the trailer features child-sized bean bag chairs, as well as teddy bears and other toys. The trailer is also equipped with strategically-placed hidden cameras and microphones, which allow agents in the front and back of the trailer to monitor the interview. The use of the mobile unit helps the Florida Department of Law Enforcement achieve a number of things in situations where it has to interview children. For example, the mobile unit helps to ease the fear that many victims feel when faced with repeated questioning. In addition, the mobile unit is perfect for cases that would overwhelm a brick-and-mortar CAC unit, such as cases where there are a number of victims or offenders, as well as in cases where law enforcement officials do not want the media and others to know that they are interviewing victims or offenders.
http://www.policemag.com/Articles/2007/08/Florida-Department-
of-Law-Enforcement-Crimes-Against-children-mobile-Unit.aspx
"Communications Interoperability: Chasing the Dream"
Police and Security News (08/07) Vol. 23, No. 4, P. 30; Kanable, Rebecca
Emergency communications lacking interoperability has remained a hurdle to both efficient security and safety. Yet technological developments will now enable law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS to all communicate through integrated radio frequencies. Researchers have developed "smart radio" technology that allows frequency range, modulation type, and output power controls to be manipulated with cognitive radio technology. The cognitive radio can automatically program itself to communicate with several radios, as Dr. Charles Bostian of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University says the device "acts like a trained intelligent human operator." Software-defined radios can handle voice bandwidths in 25 KHz, 12.5 KHz, or 6.25 KHz ranges. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology is being speculated for use with software-defined radio technology to increase the available capacity for sending data and accommodating higher bandwidths. Implementing cognitive radios would also allow law enforcement to carry less equipment. The necessity for specific public safety technology is crucial in the case of an emergency, so law enforcement and other first-responders must rely on their own kind of enhanced communications systems, rather than using cellular providers or simply a 2.4 MHz frequency. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Archivist Calls U.S. Constitution Remarkable, Visionary Document
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - The U.S. Constitution is a remarkable, visionary document that has guided the American republic through times of peace and turmoil for 220 years, officials said at a Pentagon-hosted commemoration today. All department civilians affirm their support of the Constitution when they take their oath of service, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu said at the Defense Department's third annual commemoration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
All federal agencies are providing educational programs about the Constitution in support of President Bush's directive proclaiming today as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Chu introduced keynote speaker Allen Weinstein, the archivist of the United States, who discussed the Constitution's role and impact on American life.
Created "to form a more perfect union" of American states following the end of the Revolutionary War, the Constitution was signed in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787, Weinstein said.
Americans should be aware of the founding fathers' "skill and tenacity" when they drafted the Constitution, Weinstein said. The Constitutional Convention, he noted, was an arduous process that featured much bickering among participants.
America exists today only because the acrimonious power brokers attending the convention "gave way to a more urgent need for agreement and unity," Weinstein observed.
Representatives from just 12 of the 13 states attended the convention, Weinstein pointed out, noting that Rhode Island opted out, feeling there was nothing for it to gain from the proceedings.
The key issue facing the Constitution's framers, Weinstein said, was to create a strong national government that wouldn't infringe on the individual rights of citizens. Accordingly, the Constitution spells out numerous legal rights, such as freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, the right to a speedy trial by jury, and more.
The Constitution's provisions for a peaceful exchange of political power during election cycles have served as the bedrock for America's democratic government, Weinstein pointed out. Many countries lacking a visionary instrument like America's Constitution have suffered destructive, disabling revolutions, he observed.
Weinstein cited the cordial exchange between President-elect Thomas Jefferson and departing chief executive John Adams, who lost the election of 1800 to Jefferson. This was an extremely turbulent period in American politics, Weinstein said. Aaron Burr tied Jefferson in the Electoral College, but Alexander Hamilton had convinced the House of Representatives to choose Jefferson over Burr. Hamilton later died during a duel with the outraged Burr.
Weinstein cited the Constitution's wisdom in allowing for amendments. The first amendment, the famous Bill of Rights, was ratified Dec. 15, 1791.
However, the Constitution loses points, Weinstein said, for passing over the issues of slavery and women's voting rights, which were later resolved via Constitutional amendments.
A videotape of Weinstein's presentation at the Pentagon will be posted to the department's Constitution Day Web site.
American Forces Press Service
Sept. 17, 2007 - The U.S. Constitution is a remarkable, visionary document that has guided the American republic through times of peace and turmoil for 220 years, officials said at a Pentagon-hosted commemoration today. All department civilians affirm their support of the Constitution when they take their oath of service, Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness David S.C. Chu said at the Defense Department's third annual commemoration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
All federal agencies are providing educational programs about the Constitution in support of President Bush's directive proclaiming today as Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.
Chu introduced keynote speaker Allen Weinstein, the archivist of the United States, who discussed the Constitution's role and impact on American life.
Created "to form a more perfect union" of American states following the end of the Revolutionary War, the Constitution was signed in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787, Weinstein said.
Americans should be aware of the founding fathers' "skill and tenacity" when they drafted the Constitution, Weinstein said. The Constitutional Convention, he noted, was an arduous process that featured much bickering among participants.
America exists today only because the acrimonious power brokers attending the convention "gave way to a more urgent need for agreement and unity," Weinstein observed.
Representatives from just 12 of the 13 states attended the convention, Weinstein pointed out, noting that Rhode Island opted out, feeling there was nothing for it to gain from the proceedings.
The key issue facing the Constitution's framers, Weinstein said, was to create a strong national government that wouldn't infringe on the individual rights of citizens. Accordingly, the Constitution spells out numerous legal rights, such as freedom of religion, the right to bear arms, the right to a speedy trial by jury, and more.
The Constitution's provisions for a peaceful exchange of political power during election cycles have served as the bedrock for America's democratic government, Weinstein pointed out. Many countries lacking a visionary instrument like America's Constitution have suffered destructive, disabling revolutions, he observed.
Weinstein cited the cordial exchange between President-elect Thomas Jefferson and departing chief executive John Adams, who lost the election of 1800 to Jefferson. This was an extremely turbulent period in American politics, Weinstein said. Aaron Burr tied Jefferson in the Electoral College, but Alexander Hamilton had convinced the House of Representatives to choose Jefferson over Burr. Hamilton later died during a duel with the outraged Burr.
Weinstein cited the Constitution's wisdom in allowing for amendments. The first amendment, the famous Bill of Rights, was ratified Dec. 15, 1791.
However, the Constitution loses points, Weinstein said, for passing over the issues of slavery and women's voting rights, which were later resolved via Constitutional amendments.
A videotape of Weinstein's presentation at the Pentagon will be posted to the department's Constitution Day Web site.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Police Books from Southern California
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists nearly 750 state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police authors from Southern California.
Jeff Cope retired from the Huntington Beach Police Department after 29 years as a Lieutenant in charge of the Investigation Bureau. He is a POST Master Instructor and is Program Manager for the POST Institute of Criminal Investigation Instructor Development Program and is a consultant and expert witness specializing in Force Issues, Police Practices and related topics. He has taught at the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College for 22 years and also teaches in the ICI Instructor Update Workshop Jeff Cope is the author of Weaponless Control: For Law Enforcement and Security Personnel.
Currently an investigator with the California Department of Insurance, Fraud Bureau, Tony Alvarez’s law enforcement career began with the Los Angeles Police Department and spanned more than twenty-six years. For twenty-one of his twenty-six years with LAPD, he was a detective assigned to Narcotics Division. As a Detective supervisor assigned to the Major Violator Section of the Narcotics Group (LAPD), Detective Tony Alvarez gained extensive experience in the field of undercover operations, surveillance and informant control, development and management.
Tony Alvarez has been a contributing writer for the California Narcotic Officer's Association quarterly magazine. He is an instructor for the California Narcotic Officer's Association on Narcotic Officer Survival and has made his training presentations at the FBI Academy in Quantico (Virginia); and, has also instructed local, state and federal officers nationwide. In 1995, Detective Tony Alvarez was awarded the DEA Award of Valor, the INEOA Medal of Valor and the Al Steward Memorial Award (California Narcotic Officer of the Year). In 1996, he was awarded the LAPD Medal of Valor. He is the author of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations.
According to the book description of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations, “undercover work is one of the most dangerous yet challenging types of police investigation, requiring extensive tactical preparedness and close continuing assessment throughout the operation. If proper planning is lacking, explosive conflict can occur without warning. The author presents the wide range of considerations necessary to execute safe undercover teamwork, eliminating complacency, demonstrating how to seize contraband, obtain evidence and arrest violators. Conducted properly and safely, investigations provide immediate gratification to all involved. Furthermore, the techniques and procedures outline in this book can be easily adapted to any undercover operation.”
Ralph Askew was born in 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent a total of 10 years in the Ohio National Guard, the California National Guard and the United States Marine Corps where he developed an interest in military history. After graduating from UCLA, he joined the LAPD where he spent most of his patrol time at the Newton Street Patrol Division as a training officer. He retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 21 years. He is the author of Battleslave.
According to the book description of Battleslave, “Chrisinda Balderack, a battledroid, was artificially produced in a laboratory solely for the purpose of fighting wars for the Galaxy. The production of battledroids meant that planets associated with the Galaxy did not have to provide the Galaxy with their own men to be killed in a far off war. Very few battleroids ever returned home. Many of the missions the battledroids were sent on were without support. They were trained to kill their wounded to prevent them from falling into enemy hand, and revealing the objective of the mission or slowing down its completion. Battledroids were trained to have no feelings. After meeting a young girl her own age, Chrisinda develops emotions and feeling for her own fellow battledroids and finds that she cannot bring herself to kill her fellow wounded.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 741 police officers (representing 344 police departments) and their 1581 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Jeff Cope retired from the Huntington Beach Police Department after 29 years as a Lieutenant in charge of the Investigation Bureau. He is a POST Master Instructor and is Program Manager for the POST Institute of Criminal Investigation Instructor Development Program and is a consultant and expert witness specializing in Force Issues, Police Practices and related topics. He has taught at the Criminal Justice Training Center at Golden West College for 22 years and also teaches in the ICI Instructor Update Workshop Jeff Cope is the author of Weaponless Control: For Law Enforcement and Security Personnel.
Currently an investigator with the California Department of Insurance, Fraud Bureau, Tony Alvarez’s law enforcement career began with the Los Angeles Police Department and spanned more than twenty-six years. For twenty-one of his twenty-six years with LAPD, he was a detective assigned to Narcotics Division. As a Detective supervisor assigned to the Major Violator Section of the Narcotics Group (LAPD), Detective Tony Alvarez gained extensive experience in the field of undercover operations, surveillance and informant control, development and management.
Tony Alvarez has been a contributing writer for the California Narcotic Officer's Association quarterly magazine. He is an instructor for the California Narcotic Officer's Association on Narcotic Officer Survival and has made his training presentations at the FBI Academy in Quantico (Virginia); and, has also instructed local, state and federal officers nationwide. In 1995, Detective Tony Alvarez was awarded the DEA Award of Valor, the INEOA Medal of Valor and the Al Steward Memorial Award (California Narcotic Officer of the Year). In 1996, he was awarded the LAPD Medal of Valor. He is the author of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations.
According to the book description of Undercover Operations Survival in Narcotics Investigations, “undercover work is one of the most dangerous yet challenging types of police investigation, requiring extensive tactical preparedness and close continuing assessment throughout the operation. If proper planning is lacking, explosive conflict can occur without warning. The author presents the wide range of considerations necessary to execute safe undercover teamwork, eliminating complacency, demonstrating how to seize contraband, obtain evidence and arrest violators. Conducted properly and safely, investigations provide immediate gratification to all involved. Furthermore, the techniques and procedures outline in this book can be easily adapted to any undercover operation.”
Ralph Askew was born in 1937 in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent a total of 10 years in the Ohio National Guard, the California National Guard and the United States Marine Corps where he developed an interest in military history. After graduating from UCLA, he joined the LAPD where he spent most of his patrol time at the Newton Street Patrol Division as a training officer. He retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 21 years. He is the author of Battleslave.
According to the book description of Battleslave, “Chrisinda Balderack, a battledroid, was artificially produced in a laboratory solely for the purpose of fighting wars for the Galaxy. The production of battledroids meant that planets associated with the Galaxy did not have to provide the Galaxy with their own men to be killed in a far off war. Very few battleroids ever returned home. Many of the missions the battledroids were sent on were without support. They were trained to kill their wounded to prevent them from falling into enemy hand, and revealing the objective of the mission or slowing down its completion. Battledroids were trained to have no feelings. After meeting a young girl her own age, Chrisinda develops emotions and feeling for her own fellow battledroids and finds that she cannot bring herself to kill her fellow wounded.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 741 police officers (representing 344 police departments) and their 1581 police books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
2007 Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition
Presented by:
The U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS) and Defense (DoD)
Hosted by:
DOJ's Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, and DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs.
This 9TH annual conference provides DOJ, DHS and DoD the opportunity to highlight the technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community and to elicit responder technology requirements. This conference will provide a forum for responders to discuss best practices and exchange information. Expected to draw 1,500 attendees and 150 exhibits, this three-day conference will bring together leadership and decision makers--offering responders, business and industry, academia, and Federal, State, tribal and local stakeholders a unique forum to network, exchange ideas, and collaboratively address critical incident technology and preparedness needs, protocols, and solutions.
Supported by:
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA)
InterAgency Board for InterOperability and Standardization (IAB)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
Public Safety and Security Institute for Technology (PSITEC)
Technical Support Working Group (TSWG)
US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Dates/Location:
November 6-8, 2007,
San Francisco, CA
Venue:
San Francisco Marriott
55 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3199
P: 415.896.1600
Hotel reservations are available through the conference website.
(gov’t per diem of $168 for ALL attendees while rooms last!)
Attendees:
Attendee registration is FREE for the 9th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition. Attendance is limited to 1,500. Registration is now open - but, filling up quickly - at the conference website.
Exhibitors:
Exhibit space is SOLD OUT!
SESSION TOPICS:(subject to change)
GENERAL SESSIONS:
- The National Bombing Prevention Program
- Lessons Learned in Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters
- Transportation Security
- Infrastructure Protection
BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
- Food Chain/Water Supply Protection and Defense
- Information Sharing
- Weapons of Mass Destruction: C/B & R/N
- Response and Recovery
- Federal Resources for State and Local Emergency Responders 1: DOJ & DoD
- Federal Resources for State and Local Emergency Responders 2: DHS
- Cyber Forensics: Tools and Resources
- Incident Commander Software Training Demonstration (group instruction!)
- Personal Protective Equipment 1 & 2
- NIMS: The 2008 Forecast
- Fusion Centers
- Communications Interoperability 1 & 2
- Disaster Management (DM) Demonstration
- The SAFETY Act (special session for vendors!)
- Integrating Private Security
- Simulation and Training
- School Safety and Security
- The Advanced Use of Force Training System (hands-on trials!)
For more info.: mcook@ctc.org
The U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS) and Defense (DoD)
Hosted by:
DOJ's Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, and DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs.
This 9TH annual conference provides DOJ, DHS and DoD the opportunity to highlight the technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community and to elicit responder technology requirements. This conference will provide a forum for responders to discuss best practices and exchange information. Expected to draw 1,500 attendees and 150 exhibits, this three-day conference will bring together leadership and decision makers--offering responders, business and industry, academia, and Federal, State, tribal and local stakeholders a unique forum to network, exchange ideas, and collaboratively address critical incident technology and preparedness needs, protocols, and solutions.
Supported by:
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA)
InterAgency Board for InterOperability and Standardization (IAB)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
Public Safety and Security Institute for Technology (PSITEC)
Technical Support Working Group (TSWG)
US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Dates/Location:
November 6-8, 2007,
San Francisco, CA
Venue:
San Francisco Marriott
55 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3199
P: 415.896.1600
Hotel reservations are available through the conference website.
(gov’t per diem of $168 for ALL attendees while rooms last!)
Attendees:
Attendee registration is FREE for the 9th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition. Attendance is limited to 1,500. Registration is now open - but, filling up quickly - at the conference website.
Exhibitors:
Exhibit space is SOLD OUT!
SESSION TOPICS:(subject to change)
GENERAL SESSIONS:
- The National Bombing Prevention Program
- Lessons Learned in Preparedness and Response to Natural Disasters
- Transportation Security
- Infrastructure Protection
BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
- Food Chain/Water Supply Protection and Defense
- Information Sharing
- Weapons of Mass Destruction: C/B & R/N
- Response and Recovery
- Federal Resources for State and Local Emergency Responders 1: DOJ & DoD
- Federal Resources for State and Local Emergency Responders 2: DHS
- Cyber Forensics: Tools and Resources
- Incident Commander Software Training Demonstration (group instruction!)
- Personal Protective Equipment 1 & 2
- NIMS: The 2008 Forecast
- Fusion Centers
- Communications Interoperability 1 & 2
- Disaster Management (DM) Demonstration
- The SAFETY Act (special session for vendors!)
- Integrating Private Security
- Simulation and Training
- School Safety and Security
- The Advanced Use of Force Training System (hands-on trials!)
For more info.: mcook@ctc.org
Friday, September 14, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
LECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 13, 2007
"Sketch Artists Use Software Program to Nab Bad Guys"
KVOA 4 (Tucson, AZ) (09/10/07)
Tucson police Detectives Mike Walker and Chris Brown use the software program Faces to produce computer-assisted sketches of the "bad guys" that have led to arrests in some recent high-profile crimes. The program, which hit the market in 1998, has been used by Tucson police for the past two years. "The computer does all the work," Walker said, thumbing through a Faces catalog of characteristics featuring 21 categories that include everything from eyebrows to glasses, jaw structure to noses, hair to tattoos. "There are 4,400 different features that can create 1 million different composites," Walker said. Once the features are selected by the person being interviewed, Walker or Brown inputs the data. They can fine tune the final composite, moving hairlines up or eyebrows down on the computer screen. While police don't keep statistics on the composite's success rate, Walker said it's "pretty good." In addition to composites of wanted criminals, the Faces program is also useful for age progression of missing persons or enhancing a blurry video image of someone.
http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=7048962
"LAPD Buys 'Dirty Bomb' Detectors"
Daily Breeze (09/10/07)
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton has bought seven devices that can detect the radioactive signature of "dirty" bombs. One of the devices has apparently been implemented in a helicopter and is able to locate an unexploded dirty bomb from 800 feet above the ground. Dirty bombs use traditional explosives to disperse radioactive substances into the adjacent atmosphere. Bratton says that Los Angeles is the U.S. city with the third largest risk of being impacted by a dirty bomb, due to the special attributes the city possesses--the airport, port, and "just the symbolism of so much of what [terrorists] hate." Bratton states the Los Angeles Police Department has been given $3 million in Homeland Security money and has utilized those funds to also purchase a bomb-response truck for $900,000 that has a robot that can be worked from one mile away. In addition, the department has bought a mobile response truck for police public information officers, to function as a portable center for communicating data through news media.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/9675947.html
"Police Take Up Tasers"
The Spectator (09/10/07); Halter, Nick
In light of the Virginia Tech tragedy, University of Wisconsin law enforcement will be equipped with Tasers this fall. As a measure to strengthen campus safety, officers also received training addressing how to prevent and respond during a university emergency. Vice chancellor of business and student services Andy Soll and University Police Chief David Sprick says implementing the Tasers has been under consideration for years, but the Virginia Tech incident was the impetus that finally led to their deployment. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Law Enforcement Standards board, Tasers are ranked as an equivalent to pepper spray in terms of a force gradient. The Tasers, $800 apiece, have a 25-foot range. Additionally, they can target individuals as opposed to accidentally injuring a group of people in the case of using pepper spray. Sprick says the Tasers will be used by one in four UW campuses and that the department would like to expand their equipment eventually for the inclusion of ballistic shields and Kevlar helmets.
http://media.www.spectatornews.com/media/storage/paper218/
news/2007/09/10/CampusNews/Police.Take.Up.Tasers-2957382.shtml
"Look Up: Seattle Cops May Soon Be Watching"
Seattle Times (09/07/07) P. A1; Sullivan, Jennifer
Police in Seattle may soon employ private security cameras in the downtown business area to help look out for assaults, drug deals, and additional crimes. Police and the Downtown Seattle Association are studying the establishment of a surveillance system that would permit officers to follow real-time video footage from security cameras on and near downtown buildings. The formation of such a plan, however, would likely draw criticism from the ACLU and other entities that worry such surveillance could result in a loss of privacy. In 2006, the Downtown Seattle Association acquired bids for a closed-circuit camera system on Pike and Pine streets between First and Fourth avenues. It has earmarked $50,000 and is still considering technology, the precise site of the cameras, and who will be selected to oversee the cameras. Even if law enforcement does not get involved, the association will track crimes via video surveillance. If Seattle does permit officers to watch live video surveillance, it will join Baltimore, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and numerous other U.S. cities that employ video footage to fortify their patrolling efforts. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003873006_cameras07m.html
"Suffolk Cops Test Out Radiation-Detection Services"
Newsday (09/07/07); Armario, Christine
Over 100 new detectors that can locate radioactive material have been dispensed to law-enforcement officials in Suffolk County, N.Y. Law enforcement claims the detectors are important because terrorists might store or move radioactive substances to the region due to its closeness to New York City. The detectors are small enough to attach to an officer's belt and strong enough to locate active material traveling by inside a car on the expressway. Police in Suffolk have already used 400 less innovative units during the last two years. The new detectors were recently bought by the New York Police Department. Uncovering radiation is simpler than detecting biological or chemical weapons, partly because of the technology and partly because a biological agent might not give anything off, notes Special Patrol Bureau commander and Deputy Inspector Stuart Cameron. The detectors bought by the New York Police Department were financed by the Securing the Cities grant, a measure by the U.S. Homeland Security Department.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/suffolk/
ny-lihome075362116sep07,0,4841718.story
"California Police Department Replaces PCs in Cruisers With Neoware Mobile Thin Client Laptop"
CNNMoney (09/05/07)
Neoware, Inc., a leading provider of thin client computing solutions, today announced that Marysville Police Department (MPD) has joined its growing customer base. Seeking a more cost-effective and efficient computing solution, MPD is using the mobility of the Neoware m100 by outfitting all officers with Neoware m100's to be used in patrol cars and other environments such as the station. "Standard laptops were no longer feasible due to the high price point and the liability of data being compromised from a lost or stolen laptop," said Lieutenant Mike Kostas of MPD. "We could not have implemented a more perfect solution with Neoware m100's. MPD has been able to reduce costs, lessen the need of tech support and reach our ultimate goal of issuing a laptop as standard equipment." In working with Neoware MPD sought to deploy a more robust mobile computing solution that could easily expand to accommodate the growing force and unique needs of a police department. Compared to standard laptops, the Neoware m100 uses a centralized server for hosting applications and processing data, storing no data on the local device -- an important benefit for government, healthcare and financial industries. http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/primenewswire/126110.htm
"Stone Jail to Be Upgraded"
Biloxi Sun Herald (MS) (09/05/07) P. A6; Bosarge, Nancy
The Stone County, Miss., Board of Supervisors voted at its Sept. 4 meeting to solicit bids on a digital surveillance system for its prison and for materials to construct a security tower at the Stone County Correctional Facility. The prison now has a VHS system. The board sanctioned a quote for $5,477.95 from Laurel Machine & Foundry for material to construct a security tower in the inmate section of the prison. Prison warden Dwaine Brewer stated he was creating four additional exercise yards for the prisoners. The tower will be capable of overseeing five yards, he noted. http://www.sunherald.com/201/story/134767.html
"Officials: We'll Pay for Inmate Tethers"
Detroit News (09/04/07) P. 1B; Feighan, Maureen
Faced with its eighth instance of overcrowded prisons in two years, Oakland County is considering paying for inmate tethers to avoid placing them in jail. Officials are evaluating plans for a $200,000 initiative that would fund ankle devices for inmates with bonds of $1,000 or less and for other inmates sentenced for nonviolent crimes. Compared with the cost of spending $96 for keeping inmates in jail, tethers only cost $8 to $16 a day. Features of the tether include a GPS device to track the offender and the ability to monitor blood alcohol content. In addition to tethering inmates, county community corrections department director Barb Hankey says the program sentences offenders to tethers upon fulfilling specific criteria, such as first-time DUI-offenders; crimes involving sexual misconduct or domestic violence would not be up for tether consideration. So far, the district courts of Novi and Waterford have also agreed to pilot the program with the circuit court.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070904/METRO/709040357
"Sniper-Sniffing Robot Created"
BBC News (09/05/07)
Portsmouth University teamed with Ant Scientific to develop the "locust," a flying robot that can be used to identify snipers and bombs in crowded areas. Next year, the prototype will compete in a British Ministry of Defence challenge against 16 other sniper-sniffing robots. The challenge will be held at Copehill Down, the British army's urban warfare training field, where the entries will be judged on their ability to find targets. The winning developer will be given military funding and have a good chance of putting their design into commercial production. Portsmouth's head of defense and homeland security research Charlie Baker-Wyatt said, "The challenge was to create devices that could be used in the fight against people who don't fight under established rules." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/6980271.stm
"Atlantic City Airport to Start Car-Bomb Screening"
Newsday (09/10/07)
Vehicles entering Atlantic City International Airport will be screened for explosives hidden on their underside. Airport officials say that the new system, the first of its kind to be used at a U.S. airport, is able to capture a video image as vehicles pass over a four-inch-high ramp. The images taken from the cameras on the ramp are monitored by security personal in a nearby vehicle. State officials spent $22,500 allotted to them by the Department of Homeland Security after authorities urged the state that they needed a more advanced inspection system. New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri said, "This equipment gives law enforcement officers another tool to use in the fight against terrorism and helps us to ensure a safe flying environment for the traveling public."
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj-
-airportbombscreen0910sep10,0,6942398.story
"CSI Could Benefit From Computer Sidekick"
New Scientist (08/31/07); Simonite, Tom
A team from Birmingham University in the United Kingdom has developed a new computerized sidekick that will enable crime scene investigators to produce faster and more detailed reports. The prototype system makes use of a thin computer about the size of a small book, GPS, a digital camera, and a RFID tag reader. The CSI wears the computer and uses a headset to provide voice commands to the system, such as to snap a picture or record a verbal description of evidence. The GPS is used to mark location, a RFID tag is used to label (time, location, and type) evidence, and images can also be annotated to focus on a particular feature. In tests, the system cut the amount of time in half that it takes to put together a standard CSI report. "Writing is both time-consuming and interruptive," says Chris Baber, a computer scientist at Birmingham. "We've attempted to remove the need to explicitly report what you are doing." The team is now working on a version that would make it easier for different teams of investigators at the scene of a crime to share data.
http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn12575-
csi-could-benefit-from-computer-sidekick.html
"Wi-fi Unites Wisconsin Cities"
PCWorld.com (09/02/07); Messmer, Ellen
Three small Wisconsin cities--Fitchburg, Middleton, and Sun Prairie--have joined together to implement an interlinked encryption-protected microwave system that offers a wireless connection to law-enforcement and safety systems. The cities chose to employ the same police-management application as a collective purchase a few years ago for police-dispatch facilities to replace legacy systems. In addition, the cities wanted direct network links to share law enforcement data that includes records and dispatch access. While the application began as a T-1 private line, the cities changed over in June to faster-speed point-to-point microwave links with a flexible encryption ability founded on the CipherOpticsEngine. The cities chose to utilize microwave radios and antennas from CommConnect, which at 100 Mbps were quicker and cheaper than the terrestrial T-1, states Fitchburg's information-technology manager for police systems, Matt Plough. He explains that the encryption choices included purchasing microwave radios with incorporated encryptors or installing individual gateway encryptions. The three cities decided to use a separate decryption/encryption gateway and acquired the CipherOptics Ethernet Security Gateway ESG100 and the CipherEngine Policy & Key Manager, which permits for Layer-2 encryption of law enforcement movement on a virtual LAN basis. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136684-pg,1/article.html
"Q&A: Hurry Up and Wait"
Washington Technology (08/20/07) Vol. 22, No. 15, P. 32; Lipowicz, Alice
The Real ID Act of 2005 requires states to phase out all existing driver's licenses and to replace them with new documentation that adheres to national standards and connects to a national system. Governors are seeking funding from Congress for the $11 billion mandate, but critics have voiced fears regarding identity theft and privacy issues. Richard Barth, assistant secretary of the Office of Policy Development, is the DHS' top official for generating the Real ID requirements. When asked about the Real ID card's machine-readable zone (MRZ), Barth explains that public safety officials endorse maintaining the current procedure of encoding the printed data on the license's front side in the MRZ. Privacy advocates, however, fear that data will be skimmed off the MRZ for commercial and other reasons. DHS is exploring solutions that would not hinder law enforcement functions but would supply improved security for personal data. Enhanced driver's licenses will implement technologies already employed at the land border for aiding travelers, such as vicinity radio frequency identification and a MRZ based on the International Civil Aviation Organization standard, says Barth. In terms of sharing Real ID information between states, DHS may use the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator's system for commercial driver's licenses, as that system has functioned for years without any reports of misuse or abuse. If DHS does build on the model, DHS will be sure to heighten the model's security and privacy protections for the national ID program. When asked why the Real ID card is not also a smart card, Barth explains that such a renovation is not warranted for the goal of establishing minimum standards for state driver's licenses, though states can opt to shift to more sophisticated technological solutions. http://www.washingtontechnology.com/print/22_15/31243-1.html
"Out-of-Range Communications Solutions"
Advanced Rescue Technology (07/07) Vol. 10, No. 3, P. 28; Careless, James
The New Mexico State Police have implemented mobile satellite information terminals manufactured by Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV). Patrol vehicles have been equipped with PDT-100 Satellite Packet Data Terminals that are mounted on the roof. An end of each terminal is connected to a Panasonic Toughbook laptop inside the vehicle, while the other wirelessly links to MSV's MSAT geostationary satellite. As a result, cars that are equipped with the satellite always have information connections to their headquarters. An MSAT G2 can run between $3,200 and $4,000 per unit, and costs between $69 and $129 per month for unrestricted PTT based on how big a region the user wishes to cover, and phone airtime is around $1.19 per minute. Satellite phones made by Globalstar or Iridium are a cheaper option, and both firms provide portable satellite phones which can facilitate voice and different speeds of information transmission. A basic Globalstar GSP-1600 portable satellite/cellular phone goes for about $645, while an Iridium 9505A handset is priced at $1,495, and yearly service fees cost between $450 and $6,600. Even cheaper alternatives include vehicular radio repeaters, for which Iridium plans begin at $129.99 for 75 minutes, and Walkie-Talkie handsets, which operate on the Nextel National Network and are offered as the Motorola Blend ic402 starting at $39.99. http://www.advancedrt.com
Thursday, September 13, 2007
"Sketch Artists Use Software Program to Nab Bad Guys"
KVOA 4 (Tucson, AZ) (09/10/07)
Tucson police Detectives Mike Walker and Chris Brown use the software program Faces to produce computer-assisted sketches of the "bad guys" that have led to arrests in some recent high-profile crimes. The program, which hit the market in 1998, has been used by Tucson police for the past two years. "The computer does all the work," Walker said, thumbing through a Faces catalog of characteristics featuring 21 categories that include everything from eyebrows to glasses, jaw structure to noses, hair to tattoos. "There are 4,400 different features that can create 1 million different composites," Walker said. Once the features are selected by the person being interviewed, Walker or Brown inputs the data. They can fine tune the final composite, moving hairlines up or eyebrows down on the computer screen. While police don't keep statistics on the composite's success rate, Walker said it's "pretty good." In addition to composites of wanted criminals, the Faces program is also useful for age progression of missing persons or enhancing a blurry video image of someone.
http://kvoa.com/Global/story.asp?S=7048962
"LAPD Buys 'Dirty Bomb' Detectors"
Daily Breeze (09/10/07)
Los Angeles Police Chief William Bratton has bought seven devices that can detect the radioactive signature of "dirty" bombs. One of the devices has apparently been implemented in a helicopter and is able to locate an unexploded dirty bomb from 800 feet above the ground. Dirty bombs use traditional explosives to disperse radioactive substances into the adjacent atmosphere. Bratton says that Los Angeles is the U.S. city with the third largest risk of being impacted by a dirty bomb, due to the special attributes the city possesses--the airport, port, and "just the symbolism of so much of what [terrorists] hate." Bratton states the Los Angeles Police Department has been given $3 million in Homeland Security money and has utilized those funds to also purchase a bomb-response truck for $900,000 that has a robot that can be worked from one mile away. In addition, the department has bought a mobile response truck for police public information officers, to function as a portable center for communicating data through news media.
http://www.dailybreeze.com/news/articles/9675947.html
"Police Take Up Tasers"
The Spectator (09/10/07); Halter, Nick
In light of the Virginia Tech tragedy, University of Wisconsin law enforcement will be equipped with Tasers this fall. As a measure to strengthen campus safety, officers also received training addressing how to prevent and respond during a university emergency. Vice chancellor of business and student services Andy Soll and University Police Chief David Sprick says implementing the Tasers has been under consideration for years, but the Virginia Tech incident was the impetus that finally led to their deployment. According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice's Law Enforcement Standards board, Tasers are ranked as an equivalent to pepper spray in terms of a force gradient. The Tasers, $800 apiece, have a 25-foot range. Additionally, they can target individuals as opposed to accidentally injuring a group of people in the case of using pepper spray. Sprick says the Tasers will be used by one in four UW campuses and that the department would like to expand their equipment eventually for the inclusion of ballistic shields and Kevlar helmets.
http://media.www.spectatornews.com/media/storage/paper218/
news/2007/09/10/CampusNews/Police.Take.Up.Tasers-2957382.shtml
"Look Up: Seattle Cops May Soon Be Watching"
Seattle Times (09/07/07) P. A1; Sullivan, Jennifer
Police in Seattle may soon employ private security cameras in the downtown business area to help look out for assaults, drug deals, and additional crimes. Police and the Downtown Seattle Association are studying the establishment of a surveillance system that would permit officers to follow real-time video footage from security cameras on and near downtown buildings. The formation of such a plan, however, would likely draw criticism from the ACLU and other entities that worry such surveillance could result in a loss of privacy. In 2006, the Downtown Seattle Association acquired bids for a closed-circuit camera system on Pike and Pine streets between First and Fourth avenues. It has earmarked $50,000 and is still considering technology, the precise site of the cameras, and who will be selected to oversee the cameras. Even if law enforcement does not get involved, the association will track crimes via video surveillance. If Seattle does permit officers to watch live video surveillance, it will join Baltimore, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and numerous other U.S. cities that employ video footage to fortify their patrolling efforts. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003873006_cameras07m.html
"Suffolk Cops Test Out Radiation-Detection Services"
Newsday (09/07/07); Armario, Christine
Over 100 new detectors that can locate radioactive material have been dispensed to law-enforcement officials in Suffolk County, N.Y. Law enforcement claims the detectors are important because terrorists might store or move radioactive substances to the region due to its closeness to New York City. The detectors are small enough to attach to an officer's belt and strong enough to locate active material traveling by inside a car on the expressway. Police in Suffolk have already used 400 less innovative units during the last two years. The new detectors were recently bought by the New York Police Department. Uncovering radiation is simpler than detecting biological or chemical weapons, partly because of the technology and partly because a biological agent might not give anything off, notes Special Patrol Bureau commander and Deputy Inspector Stuart Cameron. The detectors bought by the New York Police Department were financed by the Securing the Cities grant, a measure by the U.S. Homeland Security Department.
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/suffolk/
ny-lihome075362116sep07,0,4841718.story
"California Police Department Replaces PCs in Cruisers With Neoware Mobile Thin Client Laptop"
CNNMoney (09/05/07)
Neoware, Inc., a leading provider of thin client computing solutions, today announced that Marysville Police Department (MPD) has joined its growing customer base. Seeking a more cost-effective and efficient computing solution, MPD is using the mobility of the Neoware m100 by outfitting all officers with Neoware m100's to be used in patrol cars and other environments such as the station. "Standard laptops were no longer feasible due to the high price point and the liability of data being compromised from a lost or stolen laptop," said Lieutenant Mike Kostas of MPD. "We could not have implemented a more perfect solution with Neoware m100's. MPD has been able to reduce costs, lessen the need of tech support and reach our ultimate goal of issuing a laptop as standard equipment." In working with Neoware MPD sought to deploy a more robust mobile computing solution that could easily expand to accommodate the growing force and unique needs of a police department. Compared to standard laptops, the Neoware m100 uses a centralized server for hosting applications and processing data, storing no data on the local device -- an important benefit for government, healthcare and financial industries. http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/primenewswire/126110.htm
"Stone Jail to Be Upgraded"
Biloxi Sun Herald (MS) (09/05/07) P. A6; Bosarge, Nancy
The Stone County, Miss., Board of Supervisors voted at its Sept. 4 meeting to solicit bids on a digital surveillance system for its prison and for materials to construct a security tower at the Stone County Correctional Facility. The prison now has a VHS system. The board sanctioned a quote for $5,477.95 from Laurel Machine & Foundry for material to construct a security tower in the inmate section of the prison. Prison warden Dwaine Brewer stated he was creating four additional exercise yards for the prisoners. The tower will be capable of overseeing five yards, he noted. http://www.sunherald.com/201/story/134767.html
"Officials: We'll Pay for Inmate Tethers"
Detroit News (09/04/07) P. 1B; Feighan, Maureen
Faced with its eighth instance of overcrowded prisons in two years, Oakland County is considering paying for inmate tethers to avoid placing them in jail. Officials are evaluating plans for a $200,000 initiative that would fund ankle devices for inmates with bonds of $1,000 or less and for other inmates sentenced for nonviolent crimes. Compared with the cost of spending $96 for keeping inmates in jail, tethers only cost $8 to $16 a day. Features of the tether include a GPS device to track the offender and the ability to monitor blood alcohol content. In addition to tethering inmates, county community corrections department director Barb Hankey says the program sentences offenders to tethers upon fulfilling specific criteria, such as first-time DUI-offenders; crimes involving sexual misconduct or domestic violence would not be up for tether consideration. So far, the district courts of Novi and Waterford have also agreed to pilot the program with the circuit court.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070904/METRO/709040357
"Sniper-Sniffing Robot Created"
BBC News (09/05/07)
Portsmouth University teamed with Ant Scientific to develop the "locust," a flying robot that can be used to identify snipers and bombs in crowded areas. Next year, the prototype will compete in a British Ministry of Defence challenge against 16 other sniper-sniffing robots. The challenge will be held at Copehill Down, the British army's urban warfare training field, where the entries will be judged on their ability to find targets. The winning developer will be given military funding and have a good chance of putting their design into commercial production. Portsmouth's head of defense and homeland security research Charlie Baker-Wyatt said, "The challenge was to create devices that could be used in the fight against people who don't fight under established rules." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/hampshire/6980271.stm
"Atlantic City Airport to Start Car-Bomb Screening"
Newsday (09/10/07)
Vehicles entering Atlantic City International Airport will be screened for explosives hidden on their underside. Airport officials say that the new system, the first of its kind to be used at a U.S. airport, is able to capture a video image as vehicles pass over a four-inch-high ramp. The images taken from the cameras on the ramp are monitored by security personal in a nearby vehicle. State officials spent $22,500 allotted to them by the Department of Homeland Security after authorities urged the state that they needed a more advanced inspection system. New Jersey Transportation Commissioner Kris Kolluri said, "This equipment gives law enforcement officers another tool to use in the fight against terrorism and helps us to ensure a safe flying environment for the traveling public."
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newjersey/ny-bc-nj-
-airportbombscreen0910sep10,0,6942398.story
"CSI Could Benefit From Computer Sidekick"
New Scientist (08/31/07); Simonite, Tom
A team from Birmingham University in the United Kingdom has developed a new computerized sidekick that will enable crime scene investigators to produce faster and more detailed reports. The prototype system makes use of a thin computer about the size of a small book, GPS, a digital camera, and a RFID tag reader. The CSI wears the computer and uses a headset to provide voice commands to the system, such as to snap a picture or record a verbal description of evidence. The GPS is used to mark location, a RFID tag is used to label (time, location, and type) evidence, and images can also be annotated to focus on a particular feature. In tests, the system cut the amount of time in half that it takes to put together a standard CSI report. "Writing is both time-consuming and interruptive," says Chris Baber, a computer scientist at Birmingham. "We've attempted to remove the need to explicitly report what you are doing." The team is now working on a version that would make it easier for different teams of investigators at the scene of a crime to share data.
http://technology.newscientist.com/article/dn12575-
csi-could-benefit-from-computer-sidekick.html
"Wi-fi Unites Wisconsin Cities"
PCWorld.com (09/02/07); Messmer, Ellen
Three small Wisconsin cities--Fitchburg, Middleton, and Sun Prairie--have joined together to implement an interlinked encryption-protected microwave system that offers a wireless connection to law-enforcement and safety systems. The cities chose to employ the same police-management application as a collective purchase a few years ago for police-dispatch facilities to replace legacy systems. In addition, the cities wanted direct network links to share law enforcement data that includes records and dispatch access. While the application began as a T-1 private line, the cities changed over in June to faster-speed point-to-point microwave links with a flexible encryption ability founded on the CipherOpticsEngine. The cities chose to utilize microwave radios and antennas from CommConnect, which at 100 Mbps were quicker and cheaper than the terrestrial T-1, states Fitchburg's information-technology manager for police systems, Matt Plough. He explains that the encryption choices included purchasing microwave radios with incorporated encryptors or installing individual gateway encryptions. The three cities decided to use a separate decryption/encryption gateway and acquired the CipherOptics Ethernet Security Gateway ESG100 and the CipherEngine Policy & Key Manager, which permits for Layer-2 encryption of law enforcement movement on a virtual LAN basis. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136684-pg,1/article.html
"Q&A: Hurry Up and Wait"
Washington Technology (08/20/07) Vol. 22, No. 15, P. 32; Lipowicz, Alice
The Real ID Act of 2005 requires states to phase out all existing driver's licenses and to replace them with new documentation that adheres to national standards and connects to a national system. Governors are seeking funding from Congress for the $11 billion mandate, but critics have voiced fears regarding identity theft and privacy issues. Richard Barth, assistant secretary of the Office of Policy Development, is the DHS' top official for generating the Real ID requirements. When asked about the Real ID card's machine-readable zone (MRZ), Barth explains that public safety officials endorse maintaining the current procedure of encoding the printed data on the license's front side in the MRZ. Privacy advocates, however, fear that data will be skimmed off the MRZ for commercial and other reasons. DHS is exploring solutions that would not hinder law enforcement functions but would supply improved security for personal data. Enhanced driver's licenses will implement technologies already employed at the land border for aiding travelers, such as vicinity radio frequency identification and a MRZ based on the International Civil Aviation Organization standard, says Barth. In terms of sharing Real ID information between states, DHS may use the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrator's system for commercial driver's licenses, as that system has functioned for years without any reports of misuse or abuse. If DHS does build on the model, DHS will be sure to heighten the model's security and privacy protections for the national ID program. When asked why the Real ID card is not also a smart card, Barth explains that such a renovation is not warranted for the goal of establishing minimum standards for state driver's licenses, though states can opt to shift to more sophisticated technological solutions. http://www.washingtontechnology.com/print/22_15/31243-1.html
"Out-of-Range Communications Solutions"
Advanced Rescue Technology (07/07) Vol. 10, No. 3, P. 28; Careless, James
The New Mexico State Police have implemented mobile satellite information terminals manufactured by Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV). Patrol vehicles have been equipped with PDT-100 Satellite Packet Data Terminals that are mounted on the roof. An end of each terminal is connected to a Panasonic Toughbook laptop inside the vehicle, while the other wirelessly links to MSV's MSAT geostationary satellite. As a result, cars that are equipped with the satellite always have information connections to their headquarters. An MSAT G2 can run between $3,200 and $4,000 per unit, and costs between $69 and $129 per month for unrestricted PTT based on how big a region the user wishes to cover, and phone airtime is around $1.19 per minute. Satellite phones made by Globalstar or Iridium are a cheaper option, and both firms provide portable satellite phones which can facilitate voice and different speeds of information transmission. A basic Globalstar GSP-1600 portable satellite/cellular phone goes for about $645, while an Iridium 9505A handset is priced at $1,495, and yearly service fees cost between $450 and $6,600. Even cheaper alternatives include vehicular radio repeaters, for which Iridium plans begin at $129.99 for 75 minutes, and Walkie-Talkie handsets, which operate on the Nextel National Network and are offered as the Motorola Blend ic402 starting at $39.99. http://www.advancedrt.com
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