Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added three police officers who have written their memoirs as cops.
Bernard Loughran joined the Philadelphia Police Department in 1947. After riding with senior officers for four months (basic police training) he was assigned to walking beats. After three years of walking alone he was assigned a patrol car and again usually patrolled alone. He volunteered for motorcycle duty in 1954 but an accident in 1955 ended that assignment. He returned to patrolling in a patrol car. In 1960 he became a sergeant and supervised a patrol squad. In 1970 he was assigned to a support unit and in 1983 retired after 36 years of service.
According to the description of Brass Buttons: A Policeman’s Log, “Bernie Loughran never expected police work would be interesting. He expected long dreary hours confined in a patrol car or repetitive hours on monotonous walking beats. He thought his primary function would be issuing tickets for parking and moving violations but instead every day hummed with excitement. The highlights he wished to remember he noted in a personal diary. These experiences are his but every police officer has similar stories to tell. Brass Buttons revels the job is actually chock-full of excitement and all a person needs to be a good policeman is common sense and self-confidence”
Thomas Grubb, a thirty-year veteran of the Philadelphia Police Department, co-authored an autobiography with his nephew, Allan Cole. According to the book description, “Christmas, 1953: While the rest of Philadelphia sings "Jingle Bells," Tom Grubb gets his first taste of a cop's life. Before he cashes his first paycheck he encounters: A man gutted by a knife-wielding mugger; A fighting-mad mental case intent on destroying a hospital emergency room; The hushed-up shooting death of an undercover cop. That first week is nothing compared to what lies ahead during the next thirty years. A Cop's Life is the remarkable story of a truly remarkable man.”
Recruited from the Central Intelligence Agency, Duff Lueder began his law enforcement career with the Washington DC Police Department 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, he 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. He is the author of Canine Reflections: Memoirs of a Police K-9 Handler/Behaviorist Trainer and the co-author of Dusty, Here.
According to the book description of Canine Reflections, “this book is a personal, candid journey with the author that begins with a dog he briefly knew in his youth that belonged to an Uncle; to when he became a new Police K-9 Handler having never had a dog of his own before; through his evolution to becoming a Behaviorist Dog Trainer and “Dog Whisperer” that today helps dog owners learn.”
Police-writers.com also separately lists civilian police employees, as well as federal and international police officers who have authored books. The most recent civilian addition is Anthony J. Rzucidlo, an Eagle Scout and former member of the Dearborn Heights Police Explorer Post. After graduating high school, he worked for the Dearborn Heights Police Department as a clerk and dispatcher, for 13 months. Currently, he is employed by the Ford Motor Company as a supervisor in their corporate security/fire department. His book is Emergency Management - Mobile Command & Response Vehicles: A photographic review of emergency units.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 432 police officers (representing 190 police departments) and their 912 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, March 31, 2007
Friday, March 30, 2007
NIJ Funding Opportunities
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has recently issued the following solicitations. Please be aware that you must submit your application electronically using Grants.gov. Instructions for the Grants.gov registration process are available at: www.grants.gov/applicants/get_registered.jsp.
NIJ FY08 Enhanced Tools for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and Vehicle Borne IED Defeat
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: 2007-NIJ-1441
Deadline: April 30, 2007, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
NIJ is seeking applications for funding to enhance the ability of law enforcement personnel to deal with the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). NIJ is especially interested in proposals for the development and demonstration of new tools in the following areas of urgent concern:
Vehicle bomb confirmation.
Diagnostic tools for bomb disposal.
Enhanced reconnaissance capability for bomb squad robots.
Proposals addressing other areas of response to the suspected presence of explosive devices also will be considered.
Download entire solicitation: www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000758.pdf
NIJ FY08 Research and Development in Forensic Toxicology Grant
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: 2007-NIJ-1467
Deadline: April 30, 2007, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for research and development to enhance the analytical tools, technologies, and techniques used by crime laboratories to conduct forensic toxicological analyses. This solicitation focuses on:
Advancing research on alternative drug testing matrices and the pharmacokinetic relationship between these alternative matrices and controlled substances.
Improving the specificity and sensitivity of analytical tools and technologies used in forensic toxicological analyses.
Developing new analytical techniques.
Developing nondestructive techniques.
Download entire solicitation: www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000763.pdf
NIJ FY08 Institutional Corrections Technology
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: 2007-NIJ-1442
Deadline: April 30, 2007, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
NIJ is seeking applications for funding technology research, development, testing, and technical evaluation projects that address the technology needs of State and local corrections agencies and other criminal justice agencies that collaborate with them. Concepts may address new technologies that support the operations of a correctional facility. Additionally, NIJ may consider the application of new technologies not developed specifically for corrections but which have corrections application. Specific areas of interest include:
Contraband detection.
Data analysis, integration, and sharing.
Duress alarm systems.
Identification and tracking.
Surveillance and monitoring.
Multi-threat biohazard protective apparel for corrections officers.
Download entire solicitation: www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000772.pdf
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
NIJ FY08 Enhanced Tools for Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and Vehicle Borne IED Defeat
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: 2007-NIJ-1441
Deadline: April 30, 2007, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
NIJ is seeking applications for funding to enhance the ability of law enforcement personnel to deal with the threat of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs). NIJ is especially interested in proposals for the development and demonstration of new tools in the following areas of urgent concern:
Vehicle bomb confirmation.
Diagnostic tools for bomb disposal.
Enhanced reconnaissance capability for bomb squad robots.
Proposals addressing other areas of response to the suspected presence of explosive devices also will be considered.
Download entire solicitation: www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000758.pdf
NIJ FY08 Research and Development in Forensic Toxicology Grant
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: 2007-NIJ-1467
Deadline: April 30, 2007, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
With this solicitation, NIJ seeks proposals for research and development to enhance the analytical tools, technologies, and techniques used by crime laboratories to conduct forensic toxicological analyses. This solicitation focuses on:
Advancing research on alternative drug testing matrices and the pharmacokinetic relationship between these alternative matrices and controlled substances.
Improving the specificity and sensitivity of analytical tools and technologies used in forensic toxicological analyses.
Developing new analytical techniques.
Developing nondestructive techniques.
Download entire solicitation: www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000763.pdf
NIJ FY08 Institutional Corrections Technology
Grants.gov Funding Opportunity Number: 2007-NIJ-1442
Deadline: April 30, 2007, 11:59 p.m. eastern time.
NIJ is seeking applications for funding technology research, development, testing, and technical evaluation projects that address the technology needs of State and local corrections agencies and other criminal justice agencies that collaborate with them. Concepts may address new technologies that support the operations of a correctional facility. Additionally, NIJ may consider the application of new technologies not developed specifically for corrections but which have corrections application. Specific areas of interest include:
Contraband detection.
Data analysis, integration, and sharing.
Duress alarm systems.
Identification and tracking.
Surveillance and monitoring.
Multi-threat biohazard protective apparel for corrections officers.
Download entire solicitation: www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/sl000772.pdf
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, March 29, 2007
"Boston's Police Patrols Gaining Bird's-Eye View"
Boston Globe (03/23/07); McGrory, Brian
Boston police will start using a helicopter regularly to support police on patrol. The program, which will begin in April, will have a helicopter with state troopers fly several evenings a week, working side by side with police officers on the ground. Boston police are already working on a campaign to notify citizens about the helicopter patrols so they do not become concerned about the presence of the helicopter and will hopefully be understanding about the noise. Police officials cited studies in other cities that indicated there was a 30 percent drop in street crime in areas regularly monitored from aircraft. The helicopters will be tuned to the Boston police radio frequency to allow them to respond to crime, including the city's new acoustic gunshot detection technology. The State Police helicopters that will be used for the patrols are equipped with night vision technology and video downlink capabilities, and will be used for surveillance, pursuits, and scene illumination. The duration of the program was not specified, but Detective Lieutenant William Powers with the State Police said he expects it to continue through the summer.
http://www.boston.com/news
/local/massachusetts/articles/20
07/03/23/bostons_police_patrols_
gaining_birds_eye_view/
"Cost Hinders Jail Security Plan"
Oregonian (03/23/07) P. C3; Sulzberger, Arthur Gregg
Multnomah County, Ore., Sheriff Bernie Giusto is proposing equipping prisoners and guards at the downtown prison with special sensors that will monitor their movements and possibly lower the number of assaults. The county board, though, is reluctant to sign off on the $350,000 price tag. The Radio Frequency Identification System, which has been implemented in prisons in California, Florida, and Virginia, would upgrade surveillance. Security at county jails received criticism following a prisoner murder, a male prisoner infiltrating a female cell for sex, and the arrest of a pair of prison guards for inappropriate relationships with female prisoners. The technology would permit guards at the Multnomah County Detention Center to follow and record the movement of prisoners sporting the tamper-resistant electronic bracelets, allowing head counts and automatically initiating alarms when male and female prisoners or members of rival gangs encounter each other. The proposal also calls for having hundreds of guards wear sensors, following them during their shifts. The board of commissioners, however, says the system's $350,000 price is a lot for the county to bear, and points out that the county is already encountering significant budget reductions. The board voted on March 22 to wait to decide on whether to approve the grant application.
http://www.oregonlive.com/portlan
d/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/portlan
d_news/117461671135730.xml&coll=7
"New Public Safety Building Dedicated in Roanoke County"
Roanoke Times (VA) (03/23/07); Lowe, Cody
The new 83,000-square-foot public safety center in Roanoke County, Va., was officially dedicated on March 22, and praised for being "on time and on budget." The $27 million public safety building will be the headquarters for police, fire, and rescue services for the county, as well as hold a technology hub for the new state-of-the-art emergency 911 dispatch center, the county's information technology team, and the county's planned police academy. The new high-tech equipment center is well out of any flood plain and is part of a regional communication system that allows police, fire, and rescue personnel to communicate with one another at all times. The public safety center is the first non-education building in the state built under the Public-Private Educational Facilities and Infrastructure Act, which allows private developers to present proposals to government officials to fill needs in the community without having to wait to bid on a project initiated by the government.
http://www.roanoke.com/new
s/roanoke/wb/109916
"Police Record Calls Using Audio, Video"
State (SC) (03/25/07)
The Bluffton Police Department and Beaufort County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina have been using digital audio and video recording to capture on-the-scene evidence. Recording eyewitnesses and victim statements at the scene is one way to ensure stories do not change when a trial comes to court. Furthermore South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster notes that police do not have to inform suspects that they are being recorded. In some cases South Carolina police are using small microphones attached to their lapels or collars to record audio from on-the-scene interviews. Audio information can also be stored on a laptop's hard drive affixed in the patrol car, which means that audio recording devices will have copious room for recording. The Bluffton Police Department plans to spend about $18,000 on a central server to archive and track their audio recordings, according to Chief David McAllister. http://www.thestate.com
/mld/thestate/news/local/crime_courts/16968649.htm
"City Surveillance Cameras Will Also Transmit High-Speed Internet Access"
Buffalo News (03/22/07) P. B1; Meyer, Brian
The city of Buffalo plans to start a $4.4 million pilot project this spring involving five surveillance cameras placed in high-crime areas. The cameras will also be able to transmit broadband Internet connectivity at no cost citywide. Later in 2007, the initiative will broaden to 32 cameras installed near schools, in business districts, and near border crossings. Dorothy A. Johnson, executive director of the state control board, which endorsed the city's plan on March 22, is confident the surveillance effort will help the city dispatch its police officers more effectively. "This is a way that they can make the smartest use of their personnel," she said. The initiative is just one part of a $10 million bundle of projects advocated by Mayor Byron W. Brown and approved by the control board. Other approved projects include a 311 calling system for non-emergency problems and pay-and-display parking meters. Brown now hopes to secure $1 million in federal funds to enlarge the surveillance program to include up to 45 cameras.
http://www.buffalonews
.com/103/story/37802.html
"Running New Tests on Old Evidence Could Help Solve Woman's Murder"
Arizona Republic (03/23/07) P. 8; Ferraresi, Michael
Scottsdale, Ariz., police are opening some unsolved homicide cases from two decades ago in order to obtain DNA evidence and find suspected murderers. Scottsdale lead investigator of cold cases Lt. Craig Chrzanowski says the department is using new technology to harvest fingerprint and DNA evidence from a 1978 murder case. The case involves the stabbing death of Patty Kerger, then 30 years old. Police suspected it was a crime of passion, but never could solve it. http://www.azcentral.com
/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0323coldcase0323.html
"High-Tech Help in Tracking Predators"
San Gabriel Valley Tribune (CA) (03/22/07); Ortega, Fred
Municipal leaders in West Covina, Calif., may start monitoring convicted sexual predators living in the city by implementing global positioning system (GPS) technology. On March 20, the city council unanimously agreed to Mayor Mike Touhey's request to let staff members study the issue. "We don't want to be waiting on the state for funding while our people are at risk," said Touhey. "We don't want to be at the whim of the governor or the Legislature." Brian Brown of the state Legislative Analyst's Office notes that to fully deploy Jessica's Law--which was approved by voters last November--the state would need to obtain funds to finance the lifetime monitoring of tens of thousands of sex offenders after they are paroled. Brown said there are still unresolved questions about the law's retroactivity and whether state or local agencies should be responsible for adhering to the law. Pro Tech Monitoring CEO Steve Chapin says it costs roughly $4 to $8 per day to track a person, about $1,500 to $2,900 annually, based on the degree of oversight. Law enforcement agencies would be able to track offenders in real time using online maps, with danger zones such as children's facilities highlighted on the map. Alerts are delivered automatically to pagers, mobile phones, and email by the provider's computer system.
http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_5492607
"Chatham Jail Is Outdated and All But Outgrown"
Raleigh News & Observer (NC) (03/22/07) P. B1; Friedman, Leah
Chatham County, N.C.'s prison is outdated and overcrowded. The region's population is expected to increase from the about 60,000 now to 150,000 in 2035. The facility only has 51 beds, meaning that adult prisoners cannot be separated from juvenile prisoners, and those waiting for trial from those already convicted. As such, Sheriff Richard Webster informed the Chatham County Board of Commissioners recently that widening the facility needs to be considered. A study by Solutions 4 Local Government on the possibility of a regional prison with Chatham, Lee, and Moore counties determined it would be more cost-effective for Chatham to build a new one. Jail operations manager Capt. Michael Roberson pointed out that even when the prison is 85 percent full, overseeing the prisoners is challenging, as there are a larger number of fights, more food to get ready, and more prisoner medical problems. In addition, he said the facility's outdated technology means that cameras just monitor the hallway connected to the four cell blocks. If an officer goes into a cell block, the control room officer cannot view him in the monitor.
http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/556177.html
"Computers Sought for Patrol Cars"
Fort Collins Coloradoan (03/21/07); Duggan, Kevin
Although Colorado's Larimer County is the one of the largest in the state, their police department is also the only county without computers in sheriff patrol cars. Representatives from the Sheriff's Office are seeking to change this, but with a potential $239,000 to $500,000 bill, funding is uncertain. Sgt. Joe Shellhammer reports that 15 percent to 20 percent of deputy shifts are spent filling out paperwork, so installing computers in patrol cars would make this process more efficient by enabling reports to be completed in the field instead of expending time traveling back to the office. Also, previous suspect reports and photos would be readily accessible via portable computers. Last year's budget carried over $2 million, but additional requests from other departments total $4 million plus. Commissioner Karen Wagner said that although the department's proposition is understandable, covering costs of Larimer's law enforcement system is a mounting dilemma.
http://www.coloradoannews.co
m/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070321/NEWS01/703210325/1002/NEWS17
"Touting Cameras' Effectiveness"
Newsday (03/21/07) P. A14; Endo, Emi
A police video surveillance camera network that was recently installed in New York City has enabled police to locate suspects in a homicide and additional shooting incidents, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly stated on March 20. The police department has implemented 122 of the 505 cameras to be erected in public areas throughout New York City. Kelly said that on March 4 a private building security camera captured a photo of an individual mugging an elderly woman in Queens. Civil activists, though, have raised concerns about the cameras harming the right to privacy. The New York Civil Liberties Union has asked the city to offer public notice to inhabitants in neighborhoods where cameras will be put up and establish regulations on how the images will be stored and dispensed. Kelly explained that police want to look at video feeds from private corporate buildings in lower Manhattan. He stated the police would set up "license plate recognition readers" or scanners at bridge and tunnel entrances in that region, and in police cars and helicopters.
http://www.newsday.com/
news/local/newyork/ny-nyra
y215138779mar21,0,1974240.stor
y?coll=ny-nynews-print
"Police Going High-Tech"
Lowell Sun (MA) (03/21/07); Myers, Jennifer Amy
The Billerica, Mass., police department recently transferred to a live-scan fingerprinting system, produced by Identix, which enables officers to fingerprint a suspect just by putting his finger on a glass screen. In addition to doing away with the possibility of capturing fingerprints incorrectly, the system allows the instant electronic transfer of fingerprints to state and federal databases. Criminal records and identification can be sent back from the FBI in around 10 minutes, a procedure that "sometimes took months" with the former ink cards that had to be mailed to external law enforcement groups, noted Billerica Police Chief Dan Rosa. The new system cost $2,200 to buy and implement, and was paid for by grant money. Billerica's police department has made numerous other technological improvements. It is now able to digitally retain and gather photo evidence that can be given to the court on an evidence-grade CD. In addition, mobile technology implemented in the computer systems of police cruisers now permits safe access to in-house computer resources, email, and Intranet, and enables officers to directly access the Registry of Motor Vehicles from their cars.
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_5486965
"Taser Use Under Scrutiny"
Baltimore Sun (03/20/07) P. 1B; Shields, Nick; Mitchell, Josh
The safety of Taser stun guns has come into question in Baltimore County, Md., where a 40-year-old mentally ill man wielding a baseball bat died recently after police subdued him with a Taser. The incident has prompted Baltimore County Councilman Vincent Gardina (D) to ask that a review of the procedures governing the use of Tasers be held. Gardina, a former police officer, explains that he has several concerns, including that officers "may not be restraining themselves as necessary," that the number of Tasers are proliferating, and that the weapons are being used inappropriately. The ACLU has also weighed in, claiming that Tasers can be dangerous. The death of Ryan Lee Meyers is apparently the first in the Baltimore region in which a Taser and police are involved. Meyers' death came after police arrived at his family's home to investigate a domestic violence call; Meyers allegedly struck his father in the face with the bat, then refused police officers' order to drop the weapon, prompting the use of the Taser. Meyers' family members claim that police shocked Meyers more than once. http://www.baltimoresun.com/
news/local/bal-taser0319,0,1286400.story?track=rss
"Downtown Companies Join Security Plan"
El Paso Times (03/21/07); Kolenc, Vic
Private security firms and law enforcement and public safety agencies are collaborating on a new technology project that will allow businesses, school districts, and colleges in El Paso, Texas, to receive instant emergency alerts from the local police and fire departments. In addition, businesses will be able to use the new Internet-based system to share information about security issues. "It will give us the ability at a moment's notice to send out an emergency notice from the Police Department or Fire Department," explained Michael Breitinger, executive director of the Central Business Association and Downtown Management District. More than 70 businesses have signed up to participate thus far. Once fully implemented, the system will be used across the city, and participants will be able to receive alerts or share information via email, cell phones, fax, Blackberries, or any other text-enabled gadget. The applications for the system include alerting businesses and other recipients to nearby robberies, impending disasters, criminals on the loose, or finding lost children. The El Paso-based Law Enforcement and Private Security (LEAPS) group is helping to implement the system, and police officials say that police officers will be able to use the system to disseminate video, photos, and other data. http://www.elpasotimes.com/business/ci_5483183
"'Eye in Sky' Cameras See All, But Record Nothing"
Chattanooga Times Free Press (03/18/07) P. A1; Davis, Michael
The Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) new highway cameras are only intended to handle traffic congestion and do not record real-time images. The department erected 61 traffic cameras to watch local highways, and dispatchers get numerous calls each day from residents and attorneys who desire footage recordings. The cameras are set up over Interstates 24 and 75, state Highway 153, and U.S. Highway 27. TDOT Web sites show still images snapped from highways, which enable online users to look at traffic flow. In addition, streaming footage is broadcast inside TDOT facilities, permitting authorities to track traffic and take care of accidents. The public, however, is not allowed to access such images. "A lot of folks think Big Brother or local law enforcement agencies might be using [the cameras] to issues speeding tickets," noted TDOT's Lacy Word. "Our cameras are not for that." http://www.timesfreepress.com
"Justice Pursues Flexible Identity Management"
Government Computer News (03/19/07) Vol. 26, No. 6,; Jackson, Joab
The Justice Department is running a pilot program of the Law Enforcement Information Sharing Program, which is designed to allow federal agency employees, as well as state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, access to multiple applications being run across various federal agencies. Many of the programs require multiple forms of user identification, so credentialing each employee for every application is not a practical approach; instead, a central repository for identification will be established. When a user requests access to an application outside of their primary agency, the application will access the repository to verify credentials. Credentialing is a multi-step process that involves positive identification of the individual, a list of the systems that person is allowed access to, and the distribution of passwords, smart cards, or other identification keys. Boris Shur, the Justice Department's manager for the pilot program, said the DOJ is working with the FBI on new systems that could potentially be used by hundreds of thousands of state law enforcement workers, and federal identity management seems like the only solution.
http://www.gcn.com/print/26_06/43306-1.html
"Tracking Terrorists With Click of a Mouse"
Baltimore Sun (03/26/07) P. 1A; Gorman, Siobhan
The Defense Department's Cyber Crime Center in Linthicum, Md., has helped recover hidden digital evidence from criminals' computers for use in law enforcement investigations, including terrorism cases. The process of extracting this evidence is known as "digital forensics," an evolving science that will eventually have the same type of revolutionary impact on law enforcement investigations as DNA did, says Steven Shirley, executive director of the center. Terrorists are increasingly using technology devices like cell phones, laptops, and Palm Pilots, and the digital evidence that is left on these devices can provide investigators with a trove of useful information, including evidence of plots, intentions, and activities, says Shirley. Digital forensics featured prominently during Al Qaeda leader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's recent hearing in Guantanamo Bay, as much of the evidence that was produced during the hearing came from a computer hard drive in Mohammed's possession. This evidence included letters from Osama bin Laden, communications with a Sept. 11 hijacker, and records of the pilot license fees incurred by the lead operative of the Sept.11 attacks, Mohamed Atta. Similar evidence was obtained from the laptop of slain Al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leading to the capture of his top lieutenants. Digital forensics experts note that terrorists are more likely to use encryption than regular criminals, and there are also crack-resistant technologies available that can effectively lock a hard drive.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/new
s/nationworld/bal-te.forensic26m
ar26,0,620050.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines
"Can They Count on IP?"
American City & County (02/07) Vol. 122, No. 2, P. 22; May, Paul
Increasingly, public safety communications are involving Internet Protocol (IP) packet-switched networks, which frees up space on conventional radio channels, broadens coverage and roaming capabilities, and provides encryption for messages; data transfer through IP-based systems is about equivalent to that of voice messages. Although IP networks can be complicated and require special know-how, upkeep for the technology can be comparatively inexpensive because the gear needed is similar to that used in LAN applications. In October 2006, the U.S. Army-National Capital Region launched a trunked voice and data communications network featuring an entirely IP-based backbone. The network encrypts communications for military installations across the region using nonproprietary open architecture that can be modified to accept newer technologies. Meanwhile, New York state recently signed a 20-year, multi-billion-dollar contract for an IP-based network intended to be used by all public safety and public service agencies statewide, in addition to up to 65,000 state and local government users. The state eventually plans to create a shared communications platform for public safety and public services agencies. The New York Office for Technology concluded that a digital radio network able to serve agencies statewide would be more cost effective than trying to maintain the older, weakening system. The updated network will cover 95 percent of New York, including 97 percent of the state's thoroughfares.
http://americancityandcounty.com
/technology/government_ip_voice_communication/
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
"Boston's Police Patrols Gaining Bird's-Eye View"
Boston Globe (03/23/07); McGrory, Brian
Boston police will start using a helicopter regularly to support police on patrol. The program, which will begin in April, will have a helicopter with state troopers fly several evenings a week, working side by side with police officers on the ground. Boston police are already working on a campaign to notify citizens about the helicopter patrols so they do not become concerned about the presence of the helicopter and will hopefully be understanding about the noise. Police officials cited studies in other cities that indicated there was a 30 percent drop in street crime in areas regularly monitored from aircraft. The helicopters will be tuned to the Boston police radio frequency to allow them to respond to crime, including the city's new acoustic gunshot detection technology. The State Police helicopters that will be used for the patrols are equipped with night vision technology and video downlink capabilities, and will be used for surveillance, pursuits, and scene illumination. The duration of the program was not specified, but Detective Lieutenant William Powers with the State Police said he expects it to continue through the summer.
http://www.boston.com/news
/local/massachusetts/articles/20
07/03/23/bostons_police_patrols_
gaining_birds_eye_view/
"Cost Hinders Jail Security Plan"
Oregonian (03/23/07) P. C3; Sulzberger, Arthur Gregg
Multnomah County, Ore., Sheriff Bernie Giusto is proposing equipping prisoners and guards at the downtown prison with special sensors that will monitor their movements and possibly lower the number of assaults. The county board, though, is reluctant to sign off on the $350,000 price tag. The Radio Frequency Identification System, which has been implemented in prisons in California, Florida, and Virginia, would upgrade surveillance. Security at county jails received criticism following a prisoner murder, a male prisoner infiltrating a female cell for sex, and the arrest of a pair of prison guards for inappropriate relationships with female prisoners. The technology would permit guards at the Multnomah County Detention Center to follow and record the movement of prisoners sporting the tamper-resistant electronic bracelets, allowing head counts and automatically initiating alarms when male and female prisoners or members of rival gangs encounter each other. The proposal also calls for having hundreds of guards wear sensors, following them during their shifts. The board of commissioners, however, says the system's $350,000 price is a lot for the county to bear, and points out that the county is already encountering significant budget reductions. The board voted on March 22 to wait to decide on whether to approve the grant application.
http://www.oregonlive.com/portlan
d/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/portlan
d_news/117461671135730.xml&coll=7
"New Public Safety Building Dedicated in Roanoke County"
Roanoke Times (VA) (03/23/07); Lowe, Cody
The new 83,000-square-foot public safety center in Roanoke County, Va., was officially dedicated on March 22, and praised for being "on time and on budget." The $27 million public safety building will be the headquarters for police, fire, and rescue services for the county, as well as hold a technology hub for the new state-of-the-art emergency 911 dispatch center, the county's information technology team, and the county's planned police academy. The new high-tech equipment center is well out of any flood plain and is part of a regional communication system that allows police, fire, and rescue personnel to communicate with one another at all times. The public safety center is the first non-education building in the state built under the Public-Private Educational Facilities and Infrastructure Act, which allows private developers to present proposals to government officials to fill needs in the community without having to wait to bid on a project initiated by the government.
http://www.roanoke.com/new
s/roanoke/wb/109916
"Police Record Calls Using Audio, Video"
State (SC) (03/25/07)
The Bluffton Police Department and Beaufort County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina have been using digital audio and video recording to capture on-the-scene evidence. Recording eyewitnesses and victim statements at the scene is one way to ensure stories do not change when a trial comes to court. Furthermore South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster notes that police do not have to inform suspects that they are being recorded. In some cases South Carolina police are using small microphones attached to their lapels or collars to record audio from on-the-scene interviews. Audio information can also be stored on a laptop's hard drive affixed in the patrol car, which means that audio recording devices will have copious room for recording. The Bluffton Police Department plans to spend about $18,000 on a central server to archive and track their audio recordings, according to Chief David McAllister. http://www.thestate.com
/mld/thestate/news/local/crime_courts/16968649.htm
"City Surveillance Cameras Will Also Transmit High-Speed Internet Access"
Buffalo News (03/22/07) P. B1; Meyer, Brian
The city of Buffalo plans to start a $4.4 million pilot project this spring involving five surveillance cameras placed in high-crime areas. The cameras will also be able to transmit broadband Internet connectivity at no cost citywide. Later in 2007, the initiative will broaden to 32 cameras installed near schools, in business districts, and near border crossings. Dorothy A. Johnson, executive director of the state control board, which endorsed the city's plan on March 22, is confident the surveillance effort will help the city dispatch its police officers more effectively. "This is a way that they can make the smartest use of their personnel," she said. The initiative is just one part of a $10 million bundle of projects advocated by Mayor Byron W. Brown and approved by the control board. Other approved projects include a 311 calling system for non-emergency problems and pay-and-display parking meters. Brown now hopes to secure $1 million in federal funds to enlarge the surveillance program to include up to 45 cameras.
http://www.buffalonews
.com/103/story/37802.html
"Running New Tests on Old Evidence Could Help Solve Woman's Murder"
Arizona Republic (03/23/07) P. 8; Ferraresi, Michael
Scottsdale, Ariz., police are opening some unsolved homicide cases from two decades ago in order to obtain DNA evidence and find suspected murderers. Scottsdale lead investigator of cold cases Lt. Craig Chrzanowski says the department is using new technology to harvest fingerprint and DNA evidence from a 1978 murder case. The case involves the stabbing death of Patty Kerger, then 30 years old. Police suspected it was a crime of passion, but never could solve it. http://www.azcentral.com
/arizonarepublic/local/articles/0323coldcase0323.html
"High-Tech Help in Tracking Predators"
San Gabriel Valley Tribune (CA) (03/22/07); Ortega, Fred
Municipal leaders in West Covina, Calif., may start monitoring convicted sexual predators living in the city by implementing global positioning system (GPS) technology. On March 20, the city council unanimously agreed to Mayor Mike Touhey's request to let staff members study the issue. "We don't want to be waiting on the state for funding while our people are at risk," said Touhey. "We don't want to be at the whim of the governor or the Legislature." Brian Brown of the state Legislative Analyst's Office notes that to fully deploy Jessica's Law--which was approved by voters last November--the state would need to obtain funds to finance the lifetime monitoring of tens of thousands of sex offenders after they are paroled. Brown said there are still unresolved questions about the law's retroactivity and whether state or local agencies should be responsible for adhering to the law. Pro Tech Monitoring CEO Steve Chapin says it costs roughly $4 to $8 per day to track a person, about $1,500 to $2,900 annually, based on the degree of oversight. Law enforcement agencies would be able to track offenders in real time using online maps, with danger zones such as children's facilities highlighted on the map. Alerts are delivered automatically to pagers, mobile phones, and email by the provider's computer system.
http://www.sgvtribune.com/news/ci_5492607
"Chatham Jail Is Outdated and All But Outgrown"
Raleigh News & Observer (NC) (03/22/07) P. B1; Friedman, Leah
Chatham County, N.C.'s prison is outdated and overcrowded. The region's population is expected to increase from the about 60,000 now to 150,000 in 2035. The facility only has 51 beds, meaning that adult prisoners cannot be separated from juvenile prisoners, and those waiting for trial from those already convicted. As such, Sheriff Richard Webster informed the Chatham County Board of Commissioners recently that widening the facility needs to be considered. A study by Solutions 4 Local Government on the possibility of a regional prison with Chatham, Lee, and Moore counties determined it would be more cost-effective for Chatham to build a new one. Jail operations manager Capt. Michael Roberson pointed out that even when the prison is 85 percent full, overseeing the prisoners is challenging, as there are a larger number of fights, more food to get ready, and more prisoner medical problems. In addition, he said the facility's outdated technology means that cameras just monitor the hallway connected to the four cell blocks. If an officer goes into a cell block, the control room officer cannot view him in the monitor.
http://www.newsobserver.com/102/story/556177.html
"Computers Sought for Patrol Cars"
Fort Collins Coloradoan (03/21/07); Duggan, Kevin
Although Colorado's Larimer County is the one of the largest in the state, their police department is also the only county without computers in sheriff patrol cars. Representatives from the Sheriff's Office are seeking to change this, but with a potential $239,000 to $500,000 bill, funding is uncertain. Sgt. Joe Shellhammer reports that 15 percent to 20 percent of deputy shifts are spent filling out paperwork, so installing computers in patrol cars would make this process more efficient by enabling reports to be completed in the field instead of expending time traveling back to the office. Also, previous suspect reports and photos would be readily accessible via portable computers. Last year's budget carried over $2 million, but additional requests from other departments total $4 million plus. Commissioner Karen Wagner said that although the department's proposition is understandable, covering costs of Larimer's law enforcement system is a mounting dilemma.
http://www.coloradoannews.co
m/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070321/NEWS01/703210325/1002/NEWS17
"Touting Cameras' Effectiveness"
Newsday (03/21/07) P. A14; Endo, Emi
A police video surveillance camera network that was recently installed in New York City has enabled police to locate suspects in a homicide and additional shooting incidents, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly stated on March 20. The police department has implemented 122 of the 505 cameras to be erected in public areas throughout New York City. Kelly said that on March 4 a private building security camera captured a photo of an individual mugging an elderly woman in Queens. Civil activists, though, have raised concerns about the cameras harming the right to privacy. The New York Civil Liberties Union has asked the city to offer public notice to inhabitants in neighborhoods where cameras will be put up and establish regulations on how the images will be stored and dispensed. Kelly explained that police want to look at video feeds from private corporate buildings in lower Manhattan. He stated the police would set up "license plate recognition readers" or scanners at bridge and tunnel entrances in that region, and in police cars and helicopters.
http://www.newsday.com/
news/local/newyork/ny-nyra
y215138779mar21,0,1974240.stor
y?coll=ny-nynews-print
"Police Going High-Tech"
Lowell Sun (MA) (03/21/07); Myers, Jennifer Amy
The Billerica, Mass., police department recently transferred to a live-scan fingerprinting system, produced by Identix, which enables officers to fingerprint a suspect just by putting his finger on a glass screen. In addition to doing away with the possibility of capturing fingerprints incorrectly, the system allows the instant electronic transfer of fingerprints to state and federal databases. Criminal records and identification can be sent back from the FBI in around 10 minutes, a procedure that "sometimes took months" with the former ink cards that had to be mailed to external law enforcement groups, noted Billerica Police Chief Dan Rosa. The new system cost $2,200 to buy and implement, and was paid for by grant money. Billerica's police department has made numerous other technological improvements. It is now able to digitally retain and gather photo evidence that can be given to the court on an evidence-grade CD. In addition, mobile technology implemented in the computer systems of police cruisers now permits safe access to in-house computer resources, email, and Intranet, and enables officers to directly access the Registry of Motor Vehicles from their cars.
http://www.lowellsun.com/local/ci_5486965
"Taser Use Under Scrutiny"
Baltimore Sun (03/20/07) P. 1B; Shields, Nick; Mitchell, Josh
The safety of Taser stun guns has come into question in Baltimore County, Md., where a 40-year-old mentally ill man wielding a baseball bat died recently after police subdued him with a Taser. The incident has prompted Baltimore County Councilman Vincent Gardina (D) to ask that a review of the procedures governing the use of Tasers be held. Gardina, a former police officer, explains that he has several concerns, including that officers "may not be restraining themselves as necessary," that the number of Tasers are proliferating, and that the weapons are being used inappropriately. The ACLU has also weighed in, claiming that Tasers can be dangerous. The death of Ryan Lee Meyers is apparently the first in the Baltimore region in which a Taser and police are involved. Meyers' death came after police arrived at his family's home to investigate a domestic violence call; Meyers allegedly struck his father in the face with the bat, then refused police officers' order to drop the weapon, prompting the use of the Taser. Meyers' family members claim that police shocked Meyers more than once. http://www.baltimoresun.com/
news/local/bal-taser0319,0,1286400.story?track=rss
"Downtown Companies Join Security Plan"
El Paso Times (03/21/07); Kolenc, Vic
Private security firms and law enforcement and public safety agencies are collaborating on a new technology project that will allow businesses, school districts, and colleges in El Paso, Texas, to receive instant emergency alerts from the local police and fire departments. In addition, businesses will be able to use the new Internet-based system to share information about security issues. "It will give us the ability at a moment's notice to send out an emergency notice from the Police Department or Fire Department," explained Michael Breitinger, executive director of the Central Business Association and Downtown Management District. More than 70 businesses have signed up to participate thus far. Once fully implemented, the system will be used across the city, and participants will be able to receive alerts or share information via email, cell phones, fax, Blackberries, or any other text-enabled gadget. The applications for the system include alerting businesses and other recipients to nearby robberies, impending disasters, criminals on the loose, or finding lost children. The El Paso-based Law Enforcement and Private Security (LEAPS) group is helping to implement the system, and police officials say that police officers will be able to use the system to disseminate video, photos, and other data. http://www.elpasotimes.com/business/ci_5483183
"'Eye in Sky' Cameras See All, But Record Nothing"
Chattanooga Times Free Press (03/18/07) P. A1; Davis, Michael
The Tennessee Department of Transportation's (TDOT) new highway cameras are only intended to handle traffic congestion and do not record real-time images. The department erected 61 traffic cameras to watch local highways, and dispatchers get numerous calls each day from residents and attorneys who desire footage recordings. The cameras are set up over Interstates 24 and 75, state Highway 153, and U.S. Highway 27. TDOT Web sites show still images snapped from highways, which enable online users to look at traffic flow. In addition, streaming footage is broadcast inside TDOT facilities, permitting authorities to track traffic and take care of accidents. The public, however, is not allowed to access such images. "A lot of folks think Big Brother or local law enforcement agencies might be using [the cameras] to issues speeding tickets," noted TDOT's Lacy Word. "Our cameras are not for that." http://www.timesfreepress.com
"Justice Pursues Flexible Identity Management"
Government Computer News (03/19/07) Vol. 26, No. 6,; Jackson, Joab
The Justice Department is running a pilot program of the Law Enforcement Information Sharing Program, which is designed to allow federal agency employees, as well as state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, access to multiple applications being run across various federal agencies. Many of the programs require multiple forms of user identification, so credentialing each employee for every application is not a practical approach; instead, a central repository for identification will be established. When a user requests access to an application outside of their primary agency, the application will access the repository to verify credentials. Credentialing is a multi-step process that involves positive identification of the individual, a list of the systems that person is allowed access to, and the distribution of passwords, smart cards, or other identification keys. Boris Shur, the Justice Department's manager for the pilot program, said the DOJ is working with the FBI on new systems that could potentially be used by hundreds of thousands of state law enforcement workers, and federal identity management seems like the only solution.
http://www.gcn.com/print/26_06/43306-1.html
"Tracking Terrorists With Click of a Mouse"
Baltimore Sun (03/26/07) P. 1A; Gorman, Siobhan
The Defense Department's Cyber Crime Center in Linthicum, Md., has helped recover hidden digital evidence from criminals' computers for use in law enforcement investigations, including terrorism cases. The process of extracting this evidence is known as "digital forensics," an evolving science that will eventually have the same type of revolutionary impact on law enforcement investigations as DNA did, says Steven Shirley, executive director of the center. Terrorists are increasingly using technology devices like cell phones, laptops, and Palm Pilots, and the digital evidence that is left on these devices can provide investigators with a trove of useful information, including evidence of plots, intentions, and activities, says Shirley. Digital forensics featured prominently during Al Qaeda leader Khalid Sheikh Mohammed's recent hearing in Guantanamo Bay, as much of the evidence that was produced during the hearing came from a computer hard drive in Mohammed's possession. This evidence included letters from Osama bin Laden, communications with a Sept. 11 hijacker, and records of the pilot license fees incurred by the lead operative of the Sept.11 attacks, Mohamed Atta. Similar evidence was obtained from the laptop of slain Al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, leading to the capture of his top lieutenants. Digital forensics experts note that terrorists are more likely to use encryption than regular criminals, and there are also crack-resistant technologies available that can effectively lock a hard drive.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/new
s/nationworld/bal-te.forensic26m
ar26,0,620050.story?coll=bal-nationworld-headlines
"Can They Count on IP?"
American City & County (02/07) Vol. 122, No. 2, P. 22; May, Paul
Increasingly, public safety communications are involving Internet Protocol (IP) packet-switched networks, which frees up space on conventional radio channels, broadens coverage and roaming capabilities, and provides encryption for messages; data transfer through IP-based systems is about equivalent to that of voice messages. Although IP networks can be complicated and require special know-how, upkeep for the technology can be comparatively inexpensive because the gear needed is similar to that used in LAN applications. In October 2006, the U.S. Army-National Capital Region launched a trunked voice and data communications network featuring an entirely IP-based backbone. The network encrypts communications for military installations across the region using nonproprietary open architecture that can be modified to accept newer technologies. Meanwhile, New York state recently signed a 20-year, multi-billion-dollar contract for an IP-based network intended to be used by all public safety and public service agencies statewide, in addition to up to 65,000 state and local government users. The state eventually plans to create a shared communications platform for public safety and public services agencies. The New York Office for Technology concluded that a digital radio network able to serve agencies statewide would be more cost effective than trying to maintain the older, weakening system. The updated network will cover 95 percent of New York, including 97 percent of the state's thoroughfares.
http://americancityandcounty.com
/technology/government_ip_voice_communication/
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership as well as police and military personnel who have authored books.
Long-Term Iraqi Stability Requires Rule of Law, Officials Say
By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service
March 28, 2007 – Security progress in Baghdad requires more than military success; it also requires advances in Iraq's institutions, including its criminal justice system, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said today. "We can and will win every battle, but we cannot win the peace alone," Navy Adm. Mark Fox said during a media roundtable in Baghdad. "Even-handed justice is an essential part of every democratic society."
After decades under Saddam Hussein's repressive regime, "the Iraqi government is creating an independent judicial system to ensure that the rule of law applies to everyone," he said.
James Santelle, Justice attache at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, joined Fox in sharing perceptions after a visit yesterday to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq and speaking about steps under way to continue advances being made.
"Rule of law is a critically important part of the united Iraqi-coalition force effort to preserve the peace and to ensure the safety and security for all Iraqis," Santelle said.
Rule of law requires confidence in the institutions of government, provincial and city governments, elected officials and police. That is a tall order, Santelle acknowledged, because Saddam's brutal police force left widespread, lingering fear and distrust.
As they look toward the future, the Iraqi government and coalition are focusing on what Santelle called the three touchstones of a good rule of law operation: courts, prisons and police.
He said his visit to the Central Criminal Court gave him optimism that it's possible to break beyond past wrongs.
"If there is any illustration of rule of law in operation here today in Iraq, it is just that," he said, citing the CCCI's operations and its combined staff of police, law enforcement agents and officers, judicial officers, and corrections officers. All are working together in Baghdad and other Iraqi providences to ensure rule of law is promoted, he said.
Santelle cited the facts that crimes are being investigated fairly and that courageous judges are hearing evidence of crimes as examples of positive strides.
"That is a reflection of a civilized society," he said. "That is a reflection of a rule-of-law operation that does, in fact, work."
Joint training programs are ensuring that the principles of rule of law go to all levels of the criminal justice system, and new courthouses and other facilities are being built or renovated to support this system, he said.
As these efforts take shape, Santelle said he's been impressed by the many courageous Iraqi leaders -- judges, prison officials, police officers, non-governmental organizations and entities among them --pursuing rule-of-law principles while operating in the midst of violence.
"That is a sign of tremendous promise and future for this country ... (that) speaks well, not only for the present generation, but also those to come," he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
American Forces Press Service
March 28, 2007 – Security progress in Baghdad requires more than military success; it also requires advances in Iraq's institutions, including its criminal justice system, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman said today. "We can and will win every battle, but we cannot win the peace alone," Navy Adm. Mark Fox said during a media roundtable in Baghdad. "Even-handed justice is an essential part of every democratic society."
After decades under Saddam Hussein's repressive regime, "the Iraqi government is creating an independent judicial system to ensure that the rule of law applies to everyone," he said.
James Santelle, Justice attache at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, joined Fox in sharing perceptions after a visit yesterday to the Central Criminal Court of Iraq and speaking about steps under way to continue advances being made.
"Rule of law is a critically important part of the united Iraqi-coalition force effort to preserve the peace and to ensure the safety and security for all Iraqis," Santelle said.
Rule of law requires confidence in the institutions of government, provincial and city governments, elected officials and police. That is a tall order, Santelle acknowledged, because Saddam's brutal police force left widespread, lingering fear and distrust.
As they look toward the future, the Iraqi government and coalition are focusing on what Santelle called the three touchstones of a good rule of law operation: courts, prisons and police.
He said his visit to the Central Criminal Court gave him optimism that it's possible to break beyond past wrongs.
"If there is any illustration of rule of law in operation here today in Iraq, it is just that," he said, citing the CCCI's operations and its combined staff of police, law enforcement agents and officers, judicial officers, and corrections officers. All are working together in Baghdad and other Iraqi providences to ensure rule of law is promoted, he said.
Santelle cited the facts that crimes are being investigated fairly and that courageous judges are hearing evidence of crimes as examples of positive strides.
"That is a reflection of a civilized society," he said. "That is a reflection of a rule-of-law operation that does, in fact, work."
Joint training programs are ensuring that the principles of rule of law go to all levels of the criminal justice system, and new courthouses and other facilities are being built or renovated to support this system, he said.
As these efforts take shape, Santelle said he's been impressed by the many courageous Iraqi leaders -- judges, prison officials, police officers, non-governmental organizations and entities among them --pursuing rule-of-law principles while operating in the midst of violence.
"That is a sign of tremendous promise and future for this country ... (that) speaks well, not only for the present generation, but also those to come," he said.
Article sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have written books.
Angles on Corrections
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added three writers who give different perspectives on the corrections system; one is a cop who is an expert in conducting investigations in prisons; one is a cop who went to prison; and, the third wrote a thriller were the offenders skip the prison experience.
William Bell comes from a family whose involvement with law enforcement dates back to the Civil War. His own education and career spans more than thirty years. Greatly influenced by his father, a retired Police Inspector, he began with the Dearborn Police Department (Michigan) where his responsibilities included work in road patrol, SWAT, undercover narcotics, and pattern crime. For nearly twenty years the author has been employed by the Colorado Department of Corrections, where he ultimately gained his expertise with the Criminal Investigation Division. He is noted for taking the investigation of prison crime into the streets. He reflects is practical as well as academic excellence in his book, Practical Criminal Investigations in Correctional Facilities.
Lines Crossed is the true story of Alex Richardson, a Lake County Sheriff’s Department (Indiana) a narcotics detective who was ultimately sentenced to federal prison for taking a bribe from a drug dealer. His book, Lines Crossed: the True Story of an Undercover Cop, describes the activities of the County drug task force; and, “he also reveals his gambling habit, and the corruption that takes place while working narcotics.”
Alex Richardson grew up in Gary, Indiana. He left at the age of 18, joining the Army where he was a military policeman. He graduated Airborne School becoming a paratrooper, then finished his enlistment by serving in a special operations unit at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. After his military duties he served as a patrolman on the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department before serving over two years as an undercover detective on the Lake County Drug Task Force.
Mark Osterman, a Detroit Police Department police officer wrote two crime thrillers: Happiness is a Green Light and Justifiable Homicide. According to the book description from Justifiable Homicide, “In this sad aftermath, Jack began his secret war on crime. He joined the Detroit Police Department and rose through the ranks to become a detective. However, Jack's after-hours activities included a different method for reducing crime statistics. This one-man crusade served as judge, jury and executioner.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 429 police officers (representing 189 police departments) and their 908 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.
William Bell comes from a family whose involvement with law enforcement dates back to the Civil War. His own education and career spans more than thirty years. Greatly influenced by his father, a retired Police Inspector, he began with the Dearborn Police Department (Michigan) where his responsibilities included work in road patrol, SWAT, undercover narcotics, and pattern crime. For nearly twenty years the author has been employed by the Colorado Department of Corrections, where he ultimately gained his expertise with the Criminal Investigation Division. He is noted for taking the investigation of prison crime into the streets. He reflects is practical as well as academic excellence in his book, Practical Criminal Investigations in Correctional Facilities.
Lines Crossed is the true story of Alex Richardson, a Lake County Sheriff’s Department (Indiana) a narcotics detective who was ultimately sentenced to federal prison for taking a bribe from a drug dealer. His book, Lines Crossed: the True Story of an Undercover Cop, describes the activities of the County drug task force; and, “he also reveals his gambling habit, and the corruption that takes place while working narcotics.”
Alex Richardson grew up in Gary, Indiana. He left at the age of 18, joining the Army where he was a military policeman. He graduated Airborne School becoming a paratrooper, then finished his enlistment by serving in a special operations unit at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina. After his military duties he served as a patrolman on the Lake County, Indiana, Sheriff’s Department before serving over two years as an undercover detective on the Lake County Drug Task Force.
Mark Osterman, a Detroit Police Department police officer wrote two crime thrillers: Happiness is a Green Light and Justifiable Homicide. According to the book description from Justifiable Homicide, “In this sad aftermath, Jack began his secret war on crime. He joined the Detroit Police Department and rose through the ranks to become a detective. However, Jack's after-hours activities included a different method for reducing crime statistics. This one-man crusade served as judge, jury and executioner.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 429 police officers (representing 189 police departments) and their 908 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, March 29, 2007
Midwest Crime, Drugs and Fiction
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added three cop writers from the Midwest: Baird Davis, Greg Ferency and Mel McNairy.
Baird Davis retired from the Muncie Police Department (Indiana) at the rank of Captain. His book, The Middletown Myth: Based on True Events, is tale of corruption and conspiracy in Muncie, Indiana. According to one reader/reviewer, “The story involves Davis' search to discover who planted the bomb that nearly killed his police officer father. His quest takes him on a journey through a small-time world of corrupt politicians, corrupt labor unions, bad cops and greedy businessmen. Add an assortment of prostitutes, hit men and petty thieves and you'll see why Muncie has been nicknamed "Little Chicago."
Greg Ferency has been a police officer for the Terre Haute Police Department (Indiana). His assignments have included a county-wide Drug Task Force. He has extensive experience in drug related crimes as both an investigator and undercover officer. Greg Ferency has specialized police training and experience in methamphetamine related investigations. He has certifications from the DEA Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team in the area of Basic, Site Safety and Tactical Operations. Greg has been at the scene of over 550 methamphetamine lab scenes as both lead investigator and site safety officer since 1999. He is a court certified expert in methamphetamine and its associated clandestine labs. Greg has trained law enforcement, civilian groups, educational system employees, medical staff and correctional personnel in methamphetamine and other drug related topics. Greg Ferency is the author of Narc Ops: A Look Inside Drug Enforcement.
Mel McNairy joined the Indianapolis Police Department 1980. In addition to being a field training officer for the Indianapolis Police Department, he has been a air traffic control in the military, martial arts instructor and a student of creative writing, commercial art and Japanese. His book, Art of Vengeance, is billed as a “fast-paced novel crafted by an 18 year veteran of the Indianapolis Police Department.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 426 police officers (representing 187 police departments) and their 904 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.
Baird Davis retired from the Muncie Police Department (Indiana) at the rank of Captain. His book, The Middletown Myth: Based on True Events, is tale of corruption and conspiracy in Muncie, Indiana. According to one reader/reviewer, “The story involves Davis' search to discover who planted the bomb that nearly killed his police officer father. His quest takes him on a journey through a small-time world of corrupt politicians, corrupt labor unions, bad cops and greedy businessmen. Add an assortment of prostitutes, hit men and petty thieves and you'll see why Muncie has been nicknamed "Little Chicago."
Greg Ferency has been a police officer for the Terre Haute Police Department (Indiana). His assignments have included a county-wide Drug Task Force. He has extensive experience in drug related crimes as both an investigator and undercover officer. Greg Ferency has specialized police training and experience in methamphetamine related investigations. He has certifications from the DEA Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement Team in the area of Basic, Site Safety and Tactical Operations. Greg has been at the scene of over 550 methamphetamine lab scenes as both lead investigator and site safety officer since 1999. He is a court certified expert in methamphetamine and its associated clandestine labs. Greg has trained law enforcement, civilian groups, educational system employees, medical staff and correctional personnel in methamphetamine and other drug related topics. Greg Ferency is the author of Narc Ops: A Look Inside Drug Enforcement.
Mel McNairy joined the Indianapolis Police Department 1980. In addition to being a field training officer for the Indianapolis Police Department, he has been a air traffic control in the military, martial arts instructor and a student of creative writing, commercial art and Japanese. His book, Art of Vengeance, is billed as a “fast-paced novel crafted by an 18 year veteran of the Indianapolis Police Department.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 426 police officers (representing 187 police departments) and their 904 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.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Over 900 Cop Books
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, surpassed a listing of 900 books written by police officers. According to the website’s editor, Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA, “It’s quite a milestone, but there are over 250 police officers whose works are yet to be included!”
The 901st listed book was written by Robert R. Surgenor, a retired detective from the Berea Police Department (Ohio). In 1987, he was one of the first police officers to mount a video camera in his police vehicle; and, in 1988 that camera captured one of the world’s first police chases. In 1995, Robert Surgenor was assigned to the detective bureau and was placed in charge of the juvenile crime unit. His extensive studies on juvenile crime, gangs, parental authority and discipline led to the writing of his book No Fear: A Police Officer’s Perspective.
He has made numerous television appearances supporting his position that “spanking is a necessary part of child rearing.” As an example, he has appeared on MS-NBC, Fox News and other talk shows. According to his website, “he continues to educate parents, police officers, prosecutors, and judges, about Ohio's Child Abuse laws and parental rights in raising children.”
Ovid John McLaughlin, known as O.J., is a 34 year veteran of the Toledo Police Department (Ohio). O.J. attended the now closed DeVilbiss High School in Toledo where he was All-City in both Football and Wrestling.
He attended the University of Toledo, where he played football for one year before playing two years of semi-professional football in Toledo. He joined the Toledo Police Department and during his career has worked in Communications, Traffic Section, Records Section and Street Patrol; and, had a number of commendations during his career
His book, Tales from the Bat Cave, is a look at policing during the 1960s and 1970s. According to the book description, “The “kick ass and take names” days are gone. Police work nowadays is more the “touchy-feely” way. During this era of police work the Officers carried .38 revolvers, did not have portable radios, copy machines, computers and bulletproof vests were the exception rather than the norm. The vests that were worn by officers in this era were the old-fashioned flak vests that weighed about thirty-five pounds.”
Joseph Niehaus is a lieutenant with the Kettering Police Department (Ohio). He has authored five books. Two of Lieutenant Joseph Niehaus’ books concern hypnosis; and, one, Investigative Forensic Hypnosis, looks at the use of hypnosis in law enforcement. He is also the author two novels, Beware the Whale’s Wake and Fade Out.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 423 police officers (representing 185 police departments) and their 901 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.
The 901st listed book was written by Robert R. Surgenor, a retired detective from the Berea Police Department (Ohio). In 1987, he was one of the first police officers to mount a video camera in his police vehicle; and, in 1988 that camera captured one of the world’s first police chases. In 1995, Robert Surgenor was assigned to the detective bureau and was placed in charge of the juvenile crime unit. His extensive studies on juvenile crime, gangs, parental authority and discipline led to the writing of his book No Fear: A Police Officer’s Perspective.
He has made numerous television appearances supporting his position that “spanking is a necessary part of child rearing.” As an example, he has appeared on MS-NBC, Fox News and other talk shows. According to his website, “he continues to educate parents, police officers, prosecutors, and judges, about Ohio's Child Abuse laws and parental rights in raising children.”
Ovid John McLaughlin, known as O.J., is a 34 year veteran of the Toledo Police Department (Ohio). O.J. attended the now closed DeVilbiss High School in Toledo where he was All-City in both Football and Wrestling.
He attended the University of Toledo, where he played football for one year before playing two years of semi-professional football in Toledo. He joined the Toledo Police Department and during his career has worked in Communications, Traffic Section, Records Section and Street Patrol; and, had a number of commendations during his career
His book, Tales from the Bat Cave, is a look at policing during the 1960s and 1970s. According to the book description, “The “kick ass and take names” days are gone. Police work nowadays is more the “touchy-feely” way. During this era of police work the Officers carried .38 revolvers, did not have portable radios, copy machines, computers and bulletproof vests were the exception rather than the norm. The vests that were worn by officers in this era were the old-fashioned flak vests that weighed about thirty-five pounds.”
Joseph Niehaus is a lieutenant with the Kettering Police Department (Ohio). He has authored five books. Two of Lieutenant Joseph Niehaus’ books concern hypnosis; and, one, Investigative Forensic Hypnosis, looks at the use of hypnosis in law enforcement. He is also the author two novels, Beware the Whale’s Wake and Fade Out.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 423 police officers (representing 185 police departments) and their 901 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, March 27, 2007
Ohio Police Writers
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added three police writers from departments in the state of Ohio.
Drafted into the United States Army at age 19, and the height of the 1968 Tet offensive in Vietnam, Joseph Reass found himself suddenly transformed from a naïve teenager into a rifleman in the 25th Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Regiment. Arriving in Vietnam as a Private First Class, he survived a year of combat with the famed “Manchu” Regiment and returned to the United States with the rank of Sergeant. Back at home, he readjusted to civilian life by continuing his education. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Capital University and a master’s degree from Ohio University in Political Science, Joe put the war behind him and reentered the world.
After a 25 year career with Columbus Police Department (Ohio), including 13 years as a criminal investigator, he retired in 1997. Returning to Ohio University as a member of the faculty, he currently teaches in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice Program and is the director of the Southern Ohio Police Training Institute.
Joseph Reass’ first novel is Dragon Men. According to the book description, “In it he depicts real events pulled from long clouded memories of his combat experiences in Vietnam. Pieced together and told by a fictitious protagonist, David Reno, the story brings into perspective, true events, honest, tragic and even humorous that young men of Charlie Company, 4th Brigade, 9th Regiment, faced in the unconventional combat of the Vietnam War.
Along with graphic descriptions of combat and death, there are insights into men who served and how they coped with difficult situations of surviving not only the fighting, but the arduous life in the boonies. Live with young soldiers who deal with extreme situations of war, weather and military life.
It is an honest story that will interest anyone who served in combat, who want an unglorified glimpse of combat life or anyone who likes personal adventures told by real characters.”
David Swords is a retired Police Lieutenant, having served thirty years with the Springfield Police Department (Ohio). Nearly half of his police career was spent as an investigator, working on cases ranging from simple vandalisms to armed robberies and murders. His varied experience has given him a unique understanding of human nature; an understanding that brings the characters of “Shadows on the Soul” to life in the mind of the reader.
In David Swords’ book his proposes the questions what would have happened in the Nazis had won and the United States was occupied territory. According to his book description, “the story takes you with John as he tries his best to live a normal life as a government official in the 1960’s America that might have been - Nazi occupied America. John’s normal life is disrupted as he reluctantly helps a prisoner who has escaped from a labor camp; a man imprisoned for no crime, except the color of his skin.”
Edward A. Stein, Sr., a 35 year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department published an autobiography entitled My Badge is My Intergity.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 420 police officers (representing 183 police departments) and their 894 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.
Drafted into the United States Army at age 19, and the height of the 1968 Tet offensive in Vietnam, Joseph Reass found himself suddenly transformed from a naïve teenager into a rifleman in the 25th Infantry Division, 9th Infantry Regiment. Arriving in Vietnam as a Private First Class, he survived a year of combat with the famed “Manchu” Regiment and returned to the United States with the rank of Sergeant. Back at home, he readjusted to civilian life by continuing his education. Earning a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Capital University and a master’s degree from Ohio University in Political Science, Joe put the war behind him and reentered the world.
After a 25 year career with Columbus Police Department (Ohio), including 13 years as a criminal investigator, he retired in 1997. Returning to Ohio University as a member of the faculty, he currently teaches in the Bachelor of Criminal Justice Program and is the director of the Southern Ohio Police Training Institute.
Joseph Reass’ first novel is Dragon Men. According to the book description, “In it he depicts real events pulled from long clouded memories of his combat experiences in Vietnam. Pieced together and told by a fictitious protagonist, David Reno, the story brings into perspective, true events, honest, tragic and even humorous that young men of Charlie Company, 4th Brigade, 9th Regiment, faced in the unconventional combat of the Vietnam War.
Along with graphic descriptions of combat and death, there are insights into men who served and how they coped with difficult situations of surviving not only the fighting, but the arduous life in the boonies. Live with young soldiers who deal with extreme situations of war, weather and military life.
It is an honest story that will interest anyone who served in combat, who want an unglorified glimpse of combat life or anyone who likes personal adventures told by real characters.”
David Swords is a retired Police Lieutenant, having served thirty years with the Springfield Police Department (Ohio). Nearly half of his police career was spent as an investigator, working on cases ranging from simple vandalisms to armed robberies and murders. His varied experience has given him a unique understanding of human nature; an understanding that brings the characters of “Shadows on the Soul” to life in the mind of the reader.
In David Swords’ book his proposes the questions what would have happened in the Nazis had won and the United States was occupied territory. According to his book description, “the story takes you with John as he tries his best to live a normal life as a government official in the 1960’s America that might have been - Nazi occupied America. John’s normal life is disrupted as he reluctantly helps a prisoner who has escaped from a labor camp; a man imprisoned for no crime, except the color of his skin.”
Edward A. Stein, Sr., a 35 year veteran of the Cleveland Police Department published an autobiography entitled My Badge is My Intergity.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 420 police officers (representing 183 police departments) and their 894 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.
Law Enforcement Jobs
So, you’re seriously considering a job in law enforcement. But, you have questions – What’s the job really like? How do I apply? Where can I find openings? What is the process like? How can I score the highest possible?
These are important questions. Indeed, anyone who has gone through the application process for a law enforcement job knows it is critical to score as high as possible. It’s your score that gets you in the door. Remember – the highest scores are passed on to the next phase of the application process for a law enforcement job and they are the ones who ultimately become the cop on the beat, the homicide detective, SWAT or tactical officer; or, even a future chief of police.
But, those dreams never happen if you don’t score as well as possible. Every cop gets asked these questions and two of them have taken the time to write down the answers. First, the Police Officer Exam, 3rd Edition, was edited by Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA. Many of the questions were updated to reflect current testing. More importantly, entire passages were re-written or developed to give you practical, down-to-earth advice on the process. Detective Lieutenant Barry Baker, Baltimore Police Department (ret.), has written “Becoming a Police Officer: An Insider’s Guide to a Career in Law Enforcement.” Lieutenant Baker’s book not only helps you with the process, but helps to visualize your career and to make that career happen.
Lieutenants Foster and Baker give you a coast-to-coast perspective on a career in law enforcement and the one-two punch you need to score high, get the job and begin your career. You need both books to be successful. Order both books today!
Click here for more information on the books
Police-Writers.com now hosts 420 police officers (representing 183 police departments) and their 894 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.
These are important questions. Indeed, anyone who has gone through the application process for a law enforcement job knows it is critical to score as high as possible. It’s your score that gets you in the door. Remember – the highest scores are passed on to the next phase of the application process for a law enforcement job and they are the ones who ultimately become the cop on the beat, the homicide detective, SWAT or tactical officer; or, even a future chief of police.
But, those dreams never happen if you don’t score as well as possible. Every cop gets asked these questions and two of them have taken the time to write down the answers. First, the Police Officer Exam, 3rd Edition, was edited by Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA. Many of the questions were updated to reflect current testing. More importantly, entire passages were re-written or developed to give you practical, down-to-earth advice on the process. Detective Lieutenant Barry Baker, Baltimore Police Department (ret.), has written “Becoming a Police Officer: An Insider’s Guide to a Career in Law Enforcement.” Lieutenant Baker’s book not only helps you with the process, but helps to visualize your career and to make that career happen.
Lieutenants Foster and Baker give you a coast-to-coast perspective on a career in law enforcement and the one-two punch you need to score high, get the job and begin your career. You need both books to be successful. Order both books today!
Click here for more information on the books
Police-Writers.com now hosts 420 police officers (representing 183 police departments) and their 894 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.
Crime fiction and other police procedurals
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added three writers of crime fiction.
Robert Ruble quit high school to join the United States Marine Corps (USMC), where he was hoping for Korea, but instead was selected to be a Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego. Later he changed his specialty to Tank Crewman. He left the Marine Corps and joined the Tampa Police Department. After a few years as a police officer he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served a 20 year career, including two tours in Vietnam.
After retirement from the USMC, he worked for a variety of law enforcement agencies culminating his law enforcement career as the Chief of Police of the Kennesaw Police Department (Georgia). He was their chief from 1980 through 1986. He has written two thrillers - Have No Mercy and Black Rosebud: Have No Mercy II
George Galjan was born in 1942 in Berlin, Germany. In 1956, he immigrated to the United States with his family. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy. He served two tours in Vietnam and later transferred to the Navy Reserves. He retired from the Reserves with the rank of senior chief. In 1969, George Galjan joined the Cleveland Police Department. He retired in 1998, at the rank of lieutenant.
George Galjan’s book, Cops, Donuts and Murder, is a mystery set in the City of Cleveland. As one reviewer/reader remarked, “This is the best mystery book I've read for quite sometime. It is filled with twists and interesting characters. The ending was a total surprise. The book is written using dialog and it is so true-to-life that I couldn't put it down.”
Earl Kratzer is a retired Detective Sergeant from the Cleveland Police Department. During his career he worked on a number of interesting cases and is the recipient of the Rotary Valor Award for Heroism Beyond the Call of Duty. His book, My Baby, My Baby, is a classic police procedural that follows “a fictional account of a child abduction that is set in Cleveland, Ohio. The twists and turns that develop while the detectives are investigating this case, show the reader what actually occurs while following leads a criminal investigation.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 417 police officers (representing 182 police departments) and their 891 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.
Robert Ruble quit high school to join the United States Marine Corps (USMC), where he was hoping for Korea, but instead was selected to be a Drill Instructor at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD), San Diego. Later he changed his specialty to Tank Crewman. He left the Marine Corps and joined the Tampa Police Department. After a few years as a police officer he re-enlisted in the Marine Corps and served a 20 year career, including two tours in Vietnam.
After retirement from the USMC, he worked for a variety of law enforcement agencies culminating his law enforcement career as the Chief of Police of the Kennesaw Police Department (Georgia). He was their chief from 1980 through 1986. He has written two thrillers - Have No Mercy and Black Rosebud: Have No Mercy II
George Galjan was born in 1942 in Berlin, Germany. In 1956, he immigrated to the United States with his family. After high school, he enlisted in the Navy. He served two tours in Vietnam and later transferred to the Navy Reserves. He retired from the Reserves with the rank of senior chief. In 1969, George Galjan joined the Cleveland Police Department. He retired in 1998, at the rank of lieutenant.
George Galjan’s book, Cops, Donuts and Murder, is a mystery set in the City of Cleveland. As one reviewer/reader remarked, “This is the best mystery book I've read for quite sometime. It is filled with twists and interesting characters. The ending was a total surprise. The book is written using dialog and it is so true-to-life that I couldn't put it down.”
Earl Kratzer is a retired Detective Sergeant from the Cleveland Police Department. During his career he worked on a number of interesting cases and is the recipient of the Rotary Valor Award for Heroism Beyond the Call of Duty. His book, My Baby, My Baby, is a classic police procedural that follows “a fictional account of a child abduction that is set in Cleveland, Ohio. The twists and turns that develop while the detectives are investigating this case, show the reader what actually occurs while following leads a criminal investigation.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 417 police officers (representing 182 police departments) and their 891 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, March 26, 2007
A Look at Women Police Writers
March is Women’s History Month. Nearly 600 state and local police officers in the Untied States have written books. And, twenty-one of those police officers are women. Like their male counterparts, they have written fiction, autobiographies, academic texts and even poetry. Interestingly enough, the most successful writer of romantic fiction is a retired male motorcop. Put the motorcop aside for the moment and let’s take a brief tour of the history of women police officers as writers.
Women in Policing
There is some disagreement about who should be thought of as the first women police officer in the United States. In 1910, Alice Stebbin Wells joined the Los Angeles Police Department and was the first woman to be called a “Policewoman.” However, in 1905, Lola Baldwin was hired by Portland Police Department (Oregon), given somewhat limited police powers and put in charge of group of social workers.
It has been said that Baldwin was the first woman to have sworn authority. Still earlier, in 1893, Mary Owens was given the rank of Policeman in the Chicago Police Department. While Owens worked in the department 30 years, she had been given this title and job as the widow of a slain officer. At that time in our history, lacking today’s survivor benefits, some organizations took care of the police family by providing widows with jobs within the department.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/look_women_police_writers.html
Women in Policing
There is some disagreement about who should be thought of as the first women police officer in the United States. In 1910, Alice Stebbin Wells joined the Los Angeles Police Department and was the first woman to be called a “Policewoman.” However, in 1905, Lola Baldwin was hired by Portland Police Department (Oregon), given somewhat limited police powers and put in charge of group of social workers.
It has been said that Baldwin was the first woman to have sworn authority. Still earlier, in 1893, Mary Owens was given the rank of Policeman in the Chicago Police Department. While Owens worked in the department 30 years, she had been given this title and job as the widow of a slain officer. At that time in our history, lacking today’s survivor benefits, some organizations took care of the police family by providing widows with jobs within the department.
READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/look_women_police_writers.html
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Law Enforcement/Corrections Technology News Summary
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, March 22, 2007
"A.J. Police Going More High-Tech"
East Valley Tribune (AZ) (03/18/07); Redhage, Jill
A pair of new devices became operational on March 2 that will enable Apache Junction, Ariz., patrol officers to perform their jobs better. LiveScan allows electronic finger- and handprinting to be done, while Mug Shot Interface permits police to obtain, retain, and get mug shots, fingerprints, pictures of scars and tattoos, and additional information. The databases' information can be accessed by police officers and the court system. Police representative Jay Swart lauded Chief Glenn Walp's "great leadership" and technology focus in obtaining the new devices; in addition, Swart stated that Walp is responsible for the department's employment of CompStat, a computer information program installed a couple of months ago that handles statistics so police can locate trends and figure out crimes. The acquisition of LiveScan and Mug Shot Interface was paid for by a grant to Apache Junction from the Gild River Indian Community State-Shared Revenue Program. The technologies will assist police in keeping the correct suspects in custody, while the central databases will help police connect suspects to other crimes they have done. Since the technologies heighten accuracy in finding suspects, fewer innocent individuals will be kept in custody or sent to prison. Police added that the new technologies will reduce paperwork, meaning officers will have additional time to patrol the streets.
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/86059
"Cameras Help Keep an Eye on Watts Complex"
Los Angeles Times (03/17/07) P. B4; Helfand, Duke
On March 16, city leaders in Los Angeles praised the implementation of seven surveillance cameras at the Jordan Downs housing project, noting the state-of-the-art equipment had already played a part in making the Watts complex more secure. The cameras, erected on utility polls, send images to three police stations in the region, permitting officers to keep continuous tabs on activity and respond more rapidly to events, according to police. Numerous other cameras will be set up on adjacent 103rd Street. Police stated the cameras were partly the reason for a decline in crime since the start of the year, although community leaders credited the drop to additional arrests and the creation of a citizens gang task force that has adopted a strong position against crime. The cameras have received varied reactions since they started appearing during the past year, with certain activists claiming the equipment breaches their privacy and others wondering whether the cameras prevent outsiders from carrying out crimes. Financing for the Jordan Downs crime-combating initiative comes from several sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Motorola.
http://www.latimes.com/news
/printedition/california/la-me-l
ights17mar17,1,955805.story?co
ll=la-headlines-pe-california
"Ohio Hoping to Link All Courts on One Web Site"
Cleveland Plain Dealer (03/18/07); Fields, Reginald
Supporters of the Ohio Courts Network project hope to create a Web site that would contain documents from all 385 courts in the state, including city courts. This would let judges and attorneys know about the offenses of every criminal in the state regardless of whether the criminal moves to another county, says Chris Davey, representative for Chief Justice Thomas Moyer. The Ohio Supreme Court hopes to launch such a site within two years, but many issues would need to be resolved, such as the financial cost to communities, privacy, and what data must be supplied to the network. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has allocated $10.5 million for the project in his proposed state budget, but that figure might change in the wake of future legislative decisions. The network would ideally allow courts to find information effortlessly on every criminal and civil case from all 88 counties in Ohio, and the public might have limited access as well. Robert Stuart, the Ohio Supreme Court's director of information technology, says the Supreme Court would use its funds to appoint a vendor that would assist it in establishing the Web site within three months. After that, pilot projects would be deployed involving approximately 15 to 20 courts from across Ohio as well as other agencies such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "I think it makes perfect sense to do it, but I think there will be a lot of issues to figure out because every one of us has a different case management system," says chief deputy of the Cuyahoga County clerk of courts Keith Hurley.
http://www.cleveland.com/news
/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/
1174208271212470.xml&coll=2
"Nothing But Net"
Monterey County Herald (03/16/07); Katsnelson, Alla
The police department in Greenfield, Calif., recently acquired two Super Talon NetGuns. The Talons shoot a 16-foot nylon net over 25 to 30 feet to entangle and immobilize a person. The net guns cost $678 each and require little training, according to police Chief Joe Grebmeier. Grebmeier said the Talons will not replace Tasers, which are carried by all Greenfield police, or other "less-lethal" weapons, but are part of an effort to adapt new technology to make officers safer and more productive. Grebmeier said the net guns will be carried by Greenfield's two sergeants in their cars, and will most likely be used when a perpetrator is running away.
http://www.montereyherald.com
/mld/montereyherald/living/com
munity/16918876.htm
"Pretty Soon, Prison Web Site Will Help You Locate Prisoners"
Charleston Daily Mail (WV) (03/16/07) P. 1A; Anderson, Justin D.
The West Virginia Division of Corrections has given the Dream Catcher computer company, based in Charleston, W.Va., a contract to overhaul the Web sites for the state's prisons. The new Web sites will look better and be easier to use, as well as allow users to access information on inmates, including mug shots, times and statuses of incarcerations, where the inmate is held, and the nature of the criminal charges. Commissioner Jim Rubenstein said he believes the state should post more information than inmate location and crime, and that officials are also asking various corrections departments what they would like to see improve on the site. Rubenstein said the project will cost between $50,000 and $75,000, but for what he wants to see on the site the final bill will probably be closer to $75,000. Dream Catcher will charge the state $75 an hour to work on the Web site, which should be completed by May 31.
http://www.dailymail.com
/story/News/+/2007031644/Prison
+Web+site+to+add+inmate+locator,+increase+usability
"State Attorney General Touts Online Sex Offender Updates"
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (03/16/07) P. C1; Slutsky, Abby
Allen County, Ind., currently has 520 sex offenders, and many citizens know they can go online to check offenders' residences. But citizens can also get email updates sent to them to inform them if a sex offender has moved nearby. The state's attorney general's office launched the Criminal Alert Network nearly a year ago, and since then, the Web site has sent out more than more than 100,000 email notifications to more than 5,000 subscribers, according to Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter. The network can also alert residents to whether a sex offender is employed nearby, he said recently at the City-County Building in Fort Wayne. To get the email notifications, a person needs to register their data at http://www.insor.org, said Carter. The state pays $12,000 annually to run the Web site, which Carter said is money well spent if even one crime is prevented by the site. Users of the system can also view a map of a particular area, including markers that indicate the residence or workplace of an offender. By placing a mouse pointer on the indicators, users can see a list of offenders at a particular address. The alerts are important because offenders' addresses change on a daily basis, said Cpl. Jeff Shimkus at the Allen County Sheriff's Department.
http://www.fortwayne.com
/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16916845.htm
"Paterson Will Add 30 Street Cameras"
Herald News (Passaic County, NJ) (03/15/07) P. C12; Feeney, Michael J.
An $875,110 request for surveillance cameras by Paterson, N.J.'s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Authority has been approved by the state. The money will be spent on buying and setting up the cameras, which "are going to be strategically placed within the Urban Enterprise Zone boundaries," UEZ director Jay Northrop said. Currently, 32 percent of the city has been identified as a zone, which indicates an area or business district that is under economic distress. Paterson already has 12 wireless outdoor cameras in areas with high crime that are within a mile of police headquarters. Law enforcement leaders forecast the cameras will help reduce crime as well as wrongful dumping. "We have dumping problems, and now we're going to have the evidence," says Lt. Anthony Traina with the Paterson Police Department. Officials expect the cameras will be functioning as early as Memorial Day weekend.
http://www.northjersey.com
/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnF
lZUVFeXk1NiZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5
NzA5MzUzMCZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlR
UV5eTM=
"A View of Ripon Surveillance"
Merced Sun-Star (CA) (03/14/07) P. 1; Jason, Scott
Livingston, Calif., Police Chief Bill Eldridge, along with the city's mayor, Gurpal Samra and Councilman Rodrigo Espinoza, visited nearby Ripon, Calif., on March 9 to learn about that city's wireless surveillance system. The system includes egg-size digital cameras and microphones mounted on Ripon's library, on street corners, above Highway 99, and in businesses that purchase the technology and connect with the police department. Ripon Police Department Chief Richard Bull has partially credited the system to holding crime steady in the 11,000-person city. Eldridge is hoping that a similar system will do the same in Livingston. Officials in Livingston are waiting on a proposal to install the system, which will likely be brought before the City Council for a vote within the next two months. If the Livingston City Council approves the installation of the wireless surveillance system, it will likely draw the criticism of the ACLU, which has said the cameras are an invasion of privacy and ineffective in reducing crime. http://www.mercedsunstar.com
/local/story/13370230p-13991310c.html
"Geospatial Data Sharing Comes of Age on Web"
Government Computer News (03/05/07); Wait, Patience
Geospatial data sets need baseline standards to guarantee interoperability, and such standards were publicly issued by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in February. Director of the NGA's National Center for Geospatial Intelligence Standards (NCGIS) Mark DeMulder explained that standards for the entry, processing, and transmission of data, along with management of architectural issues, are necessitated by the many diverse interests embodied in the geospatial community, whose members include state and county government agencies that aggregate geospatial information, the 16 federal intelligence agencies, and law enforcement entities. NCGIS' role in developing the new standards is supplemented by compliance testing to ensure the reality of interoperability. The release of the standards was an affirmation of society's establishment of order on the physical world in terms of data via the formal intersection of global positioning systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing devices, and the Internet. The majority of the new standards address Web-enabled data, although DeMulder noted that they have yet to define the geospatial information domain. "The baseline connotation [means] this is the minimum we need for our service-oriented architecture," he explained. "There is one in the wings, a family of standards related to the portrayal of symbology, map symbols ... We're standardizing on graphic representations so that someone from DHS and someone from NGA and a state emergency response person, if they're looking at the same information, they can instantly recognize it."
http://www.gcn.com
/print/26_05/43219-1.html
"With Police Camera, It's Smile and Say 'Fees'"
Cleveland Plain Dealer (03/13/07) P. B1; Albrecht, Brian
In an effort to recover more parking-ticket fines and penalties, the Cleveland Police Department has begun using a system that scans license plates and checks them against a database of unpaid parking tickets. The system, called AutoVu Mobile, is being used to target drivers who owe more than $250 in unpaid fines and penalties and who had been notified twice about the debt. The use of the system has resulted in 57 cars being towed and $29,000 in penalties collected from October through February, according to George Yarborough of Cleveland Municipal Court. Other cities have also been using AutoVu to increase collection of parking fines. Sacramento, Calif.'s collection rate of parking tickets went from between 77 percent and 78 percent before AutoVu was used to "well over 80 percent" now, said Howard Chan, the city's parking services manager. In addition, the system has aided in the recovery of 50 stolen vehicles, he said. http://www.cleveland.com
/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf
?/base/cuyahoga/117377508
8225460.xml&coll=2
"Cameras Monitor Streets for Paterson Police"
Herald News (Passaic County, NJ) (03/13/07) P. B03; Feeney, Michael J.
Police Director Michael Walker said Paterson, N.J., may soon be adding more surveillance cameras to supplement the 12 wireless outdoor cameras that already operate in high-crime areas within a mile of the Police Department. Police officials recently met with the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority, which works to revitalize urban areas, and officials are expecting to receive nearly $1 million to install 30 new cameras to expand the surveillance program. The original 12 cameras were installed in June 2006 and January 2007, and have already helped in several investigations, including a homicide arrest. The cameras can easily be moved to different locations, and are watched around the clock by an officer. Each camera pans on a timed sequence, produces high-quality video, and allows police to zoom in on a street fight or a license plate. Walker likens the system to having one officer walking 12 beats. The cameras can view several blocks, and can be moved to a new location within two hours.
http://www.northjersey.com
/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnF
lZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MDkyODEw
"Last Seen"
Saint Paul Pioneer Press (03/13/07) P. 1A; Rosario, Ruben
There are at least 100,000 sex offenders in the United States who are required to notify law enforcement when they change their address but have failed to do so. Until recently, it has been difficult for law enforcement agencies--many of which have 10 or fewer officers--to find these sex offenders, due to the fact that conducting manhunts drains their resources and manpower. But thanks to a law passed by Congress last year, there is now a federal agency comprised of data mining analysts that tracks fugitive sex offenders at the national level. The sex offenders tracking unit has access to a number of resources that many small law enforcement agencies do not have, such as analysts who sophisticatedly surf the Internet, public database searches, and other techniques that may be used while criminal investigators simultaneously track credit card use, utility bill payments, or driver's license registrations. Those tools have proven to be successful in tracking down missing sex offenders. Within days of asking for help from the federal sex offenders tracking unit, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's Predatory Offender Registration and Tracking Program received packets containing information that led to the location and the arrests of Michael Hiltwein and Zachery Hielscher, two sex offenders who had been missing for at least two years.
http://www.twincities.com
/mld/twincities/news/local/16890835.htm
"Coming Soon to Video: Suspects in Northampton; County Tests System Enabling Judges to Arraign People From Home"
Allentown Morning Call (03/10/07) P. B1; Suarez, Kelly-Anne
District judges in Northampton County, Pa., gathered on March 9, to test a new webcam system that will be placed into the homes and offices of 15 judges. The webcams are part of a $140,000 initiative to make the county more technologically savvy, and will allow the judges to conduct late night court business from home, rather than having to drive in as they currently do. In Monroe County, Pa., four district judges have had their homes outfitted with videoconferencing systems, and Lehigh County officials are in the process of setting up videoconferencing for arraignments and a central booking station, that should be ready by late spring or early summer. Being able to conduct necessary, off-hours court business not only saves judges the hassle of having to drive in late at night, sometimes as many as 10 times an evening, but it also settles safety concerns for judges who live significant distances from work. http://www.mcall.com/
"Police May Get New Computer System"
Hartford Courant (03/01/07) P. B5; Kovner, Josh
The Hartford, Conn., police department today manually files police reports using typewriters, pens, paper forms, and an archaic computer system, but the local government is expected to approve a purchase of a new computer system in March 2007. The city plans to purchase a new system from Hunt Computer Design for $400,000, and the city most likely will sell bonds in March 2008 to cover the cost. Police Chief Lynn Baldoni and others have championed this change for a few years, and Baldoni hopes installation will begin this summer. The new system will enable police officers to file reports from computers in their vehicles, rather than go to booking with each suspect and fill out paperwork manually. The new system will fill out duplicate information across forms automatically, and enable police dispatchers to transmit information to squad car computers at the same time as they announce a dispatch call. Baldoni describes her department's current system as "basically pathetic."
http://www.courant.com
/news/local/mr/middletow
n/hc-midtech301.artmar01,0,7394372.story
"Pin the Tail on the Speeder"
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (02/23/07); Kravitz, Derek
Missouri state legislators propose bills that would make new "tack-and-track" technology less expensive for police departments. The technology aims to corral fleeing suspects without putting nearby drivers in danger by using a GPS-tracked projectile dart to attach to and then keep tabs on the criminal's car. In Missouri, 32 of the 54 people who died in criminal-pursuit-related crashes between 2000 and 2005 were unconnected with the chase. Critics of the legislation, which now proceeds to public committee hearings, argue that the device is expensive and ineffective. With a price tag of over $1,200 per police vehicle, the St. Louis police force would pay $360,000 to outfit their fleet; Kansas city, $421,000. Eric Winebrenner, a Kansas City police captain, doubts the department pursues enough criminals for the technology to be "of good use," and other officers wonder how helpful the device becomes if a suspect leaves the car behind. Dr. Geoff Alpert, a University of South Carolina criminologist, believes the device is best suited for chases in high-density areas or highways. Recent departmental changes to policy pursuit policy include restrictions prohibiting chases unless there is little risk, or unless the crime in question is a felony; spike strips are also used to puncture car tires. http://www.stltoday.com
/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/
story/E6363CF2006E76358
625728B0007D6B0?OpenDocument
"Legal Implications for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Offenders in Corrections: Risks and Opportunities"
Sheriff (02/07) Vol. 59, No. 1, P. 11; Baker, Eileen D.
Communicating with a deaf or hard-of-hearing offender can be difficult for security officers and law enforcement officials, but current litigation establishes some best practices to ensure effective communication. A qualified interpreter, closed captioning for television and videos, inmate orientation videos with sign language, and captioning and TTY/TTD devices must be readily available. Equal access to TTY/TTD use for the offender and deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors must be provided, and extended visitation and call time must be provided for the Relay System, a national toll free service which helps people with hearing or speech difficulties place and receive calls. For offender requests to access programs, services, activities, and in case of medical emergencies a list of interpreter referral agencies should be available, along with an understanding of agency policies and fees. Housing, custody staff, and the court needs to be notified of the communication style used by the deaf or hard-of-hearing offender. Staff should be trained on the topic of deaf and hard-of-hearing Offenders in Corrections, with all staff focusing on sensitivity to the disability, developing policies and procedures, and telecommunication devices (TTY/TTD) as mandated by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, an ADA coordinator may be appointed to handle all inmate concerns specific to compliance. http://www.sheriffs.org
"What's New in Specialty Police Vehicles?"
Police and Security News (02/07) Vol. 23, No. 1, P. 23; Siuru, Bill
There are a number of new specialized vehicles available to law enforcement for use in "non-traditional applications" such as community policing or patrolling remote and rugged areas. One of those new vehicles is the Segway Personal Transporter i2 and x2 series. Both feature a technology called LeanSteer, which allows the rider to turn the vehicle by pivoting the whole assembly or "frame" in the direction they want to turn. The LeanSteer frame and handlebar tilt left and right as the body leans in the direction of desired travel. Although both series share common features such as LeanSteer, there are some differences. For instance, the i2 Police vehicle is designed specifically for the needs of police officers and security personnel, with features such as an accessory bar for mounting lights, sirens, a GPS unit, and other accessories. The x2 Police offers those features as well as low pressure tires which cushion the ride on bumpy surfaces and a continuous center rib to provide a smooth ride on paved surfaces. Another new vehicle is the T3 series, which is particularly well-suited for patrolling campuses, parking lots, airports, malls, parks, beaches, city streets, and historical sites. The vehicle features an integrated LED lighting system for the headlights, brake lights, and running lights; sirens; a lockable glove box for storage; and an optional GPS tracking system. Finally, Rhino Off-Road Industries has begun offering the "Search and Rescue" RTV for law enforcement agencies who need a vehicle for use in very rugged, off-road environments. Accessories such as equipment racks, work trailers, winches, GPS systems, emergency lights, radios, and canvas tops can be added to the vehicle for police and search work.
http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
"Autonomous Robotics for Law Enforcement"
Law Enforcement Technology (02/07) Vol. 34, No. 2, P. 66; Weiss, Joseph
Aside from potentially armed criminals, meth labs can present officers with a multitude of dangerous situations, particularly if the lab is in a dangerous cooking mode with cyanide gas present. Automated robots, that can be given and execute and assigned task without needed to be directly controlled by an officer, may soon provide an excellent, safe way for officers to enter a suspected meth lab. Using sensors robots would be able to detect if there are any people in the lab and if they are armed or agitated, as well as test the air in the lab for the presence of hazardous materials, all autonomously, allowing the officers to maintain situational awareness. Automated robots could also be used to continuously monitor a site or even potentially protect a injured officer. A number of questions remain as to how the robot will distinguish between friendly civilians and hostile suspects, or if the robot should be equipped with any type of weaponry. Some suggest that automated robots would be used in a similar manner as a K-9, acting as an assistant to the officer but more than a remote controlled tool.
http://www.officer.com/magazines/let/
Thursday, March 22, 2007
"A.J. Police Going More High-Tech"
East Valley Tribune (AZ) (03/18/07); Redhage, Jill
A pair of new devices became operational on March 2 that will enable Apache Junction, Ariz., patrol officers to perform their jobs better. LiveScan allows electronic finger- and handprinting to be done, while Mug Shot Interface permits police to obtain, retain, and get mug shots, fingerprints, pictures of scars and tattoos, and additional information. The databases' information can be accessed by police officers and the court system. Police representative Jay Swart lauded Chief Glenn Walp's "great leadership" and technology focus in obtaining the new devices; in addition, Swart stated that Walp is responsible for the department's employment of CompStat, a computer information program installed a couple of months ago that handles statistics so police can locate trends and figure out crimes. The acquisition of LiveScan and Mug Shot Interface was paid for by a grant to Apache Junction from the Gild River Indian Community State-Shared Revenue Program. The technologies will assist police in keeping the correct suspects in custody, while the central databases will help police connect suspects to other crimes they have done. Since the technologies heighten accuracy in finding suspects, fewer innocent individuals will be kept in custody or sent to prison. Police added that the new technologies will reduce paperwork, meaning officers will have additional time to patrol the streets.
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/86059
"Cameras Help Keep an Eye on Watts Complex"
Los Angeles Times (03/17/07) P. B4; Helfand, Duke
On March 16, city leaders in Los Angeles praised the implementation of seven surveillance cameras at the Jordan Downs housing project, noting the state-of-the-art equipment had already played a part in making the Watts complex more secure. The cameras, erected on utility polls, send images to three police stations in the region, permitting officers to keep continuous tabs on activity and respond more rapidly to events, according to police. Numerous other cameras will be set up on adjacent 103rd Street. Police stated the cameras were partly the reason for a decline in crime since the start of the year, although community leaders credited the drop to additional arrests and the creation of a citizens gang task force that has adopted a strong position against crime. The cameras have received varied reactions since they started appearing during the past year, with certain activists claiming the equipment breaches their privacy and others wondering whether the cameras prevent outsiders from carrying out crimes. Financing for the Jordan Downs crime-combating initiative comes from several sources, including the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and Motorola.
http://www.latimes.com/news
/printedition/california/la-me-l
ights17mar17,1,955805.story?co
ll=la-headlines-pe-california
"Ohio Hoping to Link All Courts on One Web Site"
Cleveland Plain Dealer (03/18/07); Fields, Reginald
Supporters of the Ohio Courts Network project hope to create a Web site that would contain documents from all 385 courts in the state, including city courts. This would let judges and attorneys know about the offenses of every criminal in the state regardless of whether the criminal moves to another county, says Chris Davey, representative for Chief Justice Thomas Moyer. The Ohio Supreme Court hopes to launch such a site within two years, but many issues would need to be resolved, such as the financial cost to communities, privacy, and what data must be supplied to the network. Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland has allocated $10.5 million for the project in his proposed state budget, but that figure might change in the wake of future legislative decisions. The network would ideally allow courts to find information effortlessly on every criminal and civil case from all 88 counties in Ohio, and the public might have limited access as well. Robert Stuart, the Ohio Supreme Court's director of information technology, says the Supreme Court would use its funds to appoint a vendor that would assist it in establishing the Web site within three months. After that, pilot projects would be deployed involving approximately 15 to 20 courts from across Ohio as well as other agencies such as the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "I think it makes perfect sense to do it, but I think there will be a lot of issues to figure out because every one of us has a different case management system," says chief deputy of the Cuyahoga County clerk of courts Keith Hurley.
http://www.cleveland.com/news
/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/
1174208271212470.xml&coll=2
"Nothing But Net"
Monterey County Herald (03/16/07); Katsnelson, Alla
The police department in Greenfield, Calif., recently acquired two Super Talon NetGuns. The Talons shoot a 16-foot nylon net over 25 to 30 feet to entangle and immobilize a person. The net guns cost $678 each and require little training, according to police Chief Joe Grebmeier. Grebmeier said the Talons will not replace Tasers, which are carried by all Greenfield police, or other "less-lethal" weapons, but are part of an effort to adapt new technology to make officers safer and more productive. Grebmeier said the net guns will be carried by Greenfield's two sergeants in their cars, and will most likely be used when a perpetrator is running away.
http://www.montereyherald.com
/mld/montereyherald/living/com
munity/16918876.htm
"Pretty Soon, Prison Web Site Will Help You Locate Prisoners"
Charleston Daily Mail (WV) (03/16/07) P. 1A; Anderson, Justin D.
The West Virginia Division of Corrections has given the Dream Catcher computer company, based in Charleston, W.Va., a contract to overhaul the Web sites for the state's prisons. The new Web sites will look better and be easier to use, as well as allow users to access information on inmates, including mug shots, times and statuses of incarcerations, where the inmate is held, and the nature of the criminal charges. Commissioner Jim Rubenstein said he believes the state should post more information than inmate location and crime, and that officials are also asking various corrections departments what they would like to see improve on the site. Rubenstein said the project will cost between $50,000 and $75,000, but for what he wants to see on the site the final bill will probably be closer to $75,000. Dream Catcher will charge the state $75 an hour to work on the Web site, which should be completed by May 31.
http://www.dailymail.com
/story/News/+/2007031644/Prison
+Web+site+to+add+inmate+locator,+increase+usability
"State Attorney General Touts Online Sex Offender Updates"
Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (03/16/07) P. C1; Slutsky, Abby
Allen County, Ind., currently has 520 sex offenders, and many citizens know they can go online to check offenders' residences. But citizens can also get email updates sent to them to inform them if a sex offender has moved nearby. The state's attorney general's office launched the Criminal Alert Network nearly a year ago, and since then, the Web site has sent out more than more than 100,000 email notifications to more than 5,000 subscribers, according to Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter. The network can also alert residents to whether a sex offender is employed nearby, he said recently at the City-County Building in Fort Wayne. To get the email notifications, a person needs to register their data at http://www.insor.org, said Carter. The state pays $12,000 annually to run the Web site, which Carter said is money well spent if even one crime is prevented by the site. Users of the system can also view a map of a particular area, including markers that indicate the residence or workplace of an offender. By placing a mouse pointer on the indicators, users can see a list of offenders at a particular address. The alerts are important because offenders' addresses change on a daily basis, said Cpl. Jeff Shimkus at the Allen County Sheriff's Department.
http://www.fortwayne.com
/mld/fortwayne/news/local/16916845.htm
"Paterson Will Add 30 Street Cameras"
Herald News (Passaic County, NJ) (03/15/07) P. C12; Feeney, Michael J.
An $875,110 request for surveillance cameras by Paterson, N.J.'s Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) Authority has been approved by the state. The money will be spent on buying and setting up the cameras, which "are going to be strategically placed within the Urban Enterprise Zone boundaries," UEZ director Jay Northrop said. Currently, 32 percent of the city has been identified as a zone, which indicates an area or business district that is under economic distress. Paterson already has 12 wireless outdoor cameras in areas with high crime that are within a mile of police headquarters. Law enforcement leaders forecast the cameras will help reduce crime as well as wrongful dumping. "We have dumping problems, and now we're going to have the evidence," says Lt. Anthony Traina with the Paterson Police Department. Officials expect the cameras will be functioning as early as Memorial Day weekend.
http://www.northjersey.com
/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnF
lZUVFeXk1NiZmZ2JlbDdmN3ZxZWVFRXl5
NzA5MzUzMCZ5cmlyeTdmNzE3Zjd2cWVlR
UV5eTM=
"A View of Ripon Surveillance"
Merced Sun-Star (CA) (03/14/07) P. 1; Jason, Scott
Livingston, Calif., Police Chief Bill Eldridge, along with the city's mayor, Gurpal Samra and Councilman Rodrigo Espinoza, visited nearby Ripon, Calif., on March 9 to learn about that city's wireless surveillance system. The system includes egg-size digital cameras and microphones mounted on Ripon's library, on street corners, above Highway 99, and in businesses that purchase the technology and connect with the police department. Ripon Police Department Chief Richard Bull has partially credited the system to holding crime steady in the 11,000-person city. Eldridge is hoping that a similar system will do the same in Livingston. Officials in Livingston are waiting on a proposal to install the system, which will likely be brought before the City Council for a vote within the next two months. If the Livingston City Council approves the installation of the wireless surveillance system, it will likely draw the criticism of the ACLU, which has said the cameras are an invasion of privacy and ineffective in reducing crime. http://www.mercedsunstar.com
/local/story/13370230p-13991310c.html
"Geospatial Data Sharing Comes of Age on Web"
Government Computer News (03/05/07); Wait, Patience
Geospatial data sets need baseline standards to guarantee interoperability, and such standards were publicly issued by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in February. Director of the NGA's National Center for Geospatial Intelligence Standards (NCGIS) Mark DeMulder explained that standards for the entry, processing, and transmission of data, along with management of architectural issues, are necessitated by the many diverse interests embodied in the geospatial community, whose members include state and county government agencies that aggregate geospatial information, the 16 federal intelligence agencies, and law enforcement entities. NCGIS' role in developing the new standards is supplemented by compliance testing to ensure the reality of interoperability. The release of the standards was an affirmation of society's establishment of order on the physical world in terms of data via the formal intersection of global positioning systems, geographic information systems, remote sensing devices, and the Internet. The majority of the new standards address Web-enabled data, although DeMulder noted that they have yet to define the geospatial information domain. "The baseline connotation [means] this is the minimum we need for our service-oriented architecture," he explained. "There is one in the wings, a family of standards related to the portrayal of symbology, map symbols ... We're standardizing on graphic representations so that someone from DHS and someone from NGA and a state emergency response person, if they're looking at the same information, they can instantly recognize it."
http://www.gcn.com
/print/26_05/43219-1.html
"With Police Camera, It's Smile and Say 'Fees'"
Cleveland Plain Dealer (03/13/07) P. B1; Albrecht, Brian
In an effort to recover more parking-ticket fines and penalties, the Cleveland Police Department has begun using a system that scans license plates and checks them against a database of unpaid parking tickets. The system, called AutoVu Mobile, is being used to target drivers who owe more than $250 in unpaid fines and penalties and who had been notified twice about the debt. The use of the system has resulted in 57 cars being towed and $29,000 in penalties collected from October through February, according to George Yarborough of Cleveland Municipal Court. Other cities have also been using AutoVu to increase collection of parking fines. Sacramento, Calif.'s collection rate of parking tickets went from between 77 percent and 78 percent before AutoVu was used to "well over 80 percent" now, said Howard Chan, the city's parking services manager. In addition, the system has aided in the recovery of 50 stolen vehicles, he said. http://www.cleveland.com
/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf
?/base/cuyahoga/117377508
8225460.xml&coll=2
"Cameras Monitor Streets for Paterson Police"
Herald News (Passaic County, NJ) (03/13/07) P. B03; Feeney, Michael J.
Police Director Michael Walker said Paterson, N.J., may soon be adding more surveillance cameras to supplement the 12 wireless outdoor cameras that already operate in high-crime areas within a mile of the Police Department. Police officials recently met with the Urban Enterprise Zone Authority, which works to revitalize urban areas, and officials are expecting to receive nearly $1 million to install 30 new cameras to expand the surveillance program. The original 12 cameras were installed in June 2006 and January 2007, and have already helped in several investigations, including a homicide arrest. The cameras can easily be moved to different locations, and are watched around the clock by an officer. Each camera pans on a timed sequence, produces high-quality video, and allows police to zoom in on a street fight or a license plate. Walker likens the system to having one officer walking 12 beats. The cameras can view several blocks, and can be moved to a new location within two hours.
http://www.northjersey.com
/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnF
lZUVFeXkzJmZnYmVsN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk3MDkyODEw
"Last Seen"
Saint Paul Pioneer Press (03/13/07) P. 1A; Rosario, Ruben
There are at least 100,000 sex offenders in the United States who are required to notify law enforcement when they change their address but have failed to do so. Until recently, it has been difficult for law enforcement agencies--many of which have 10 or fewer officers--to find these sex offenders, due to the fact that conducting manhunts drains their resources and manpower. But thanks to a law passed by Congress last year, there is now a federal agency comprised of data mining analysts that tracks fugitive sex offenders at the national level. The sex offenders tracking unit has access to a number of resources that many small law enforcement agencies do not have, such as analysts who sophisticatedly surf the Internet, public database searches, and other techniques that may be used while criminal investigators simultaneously track credit card use, utility bill payments, or driver's license registrations. Those tools have proven to be successful in tracking down missing sex offenders. Within days of asking for help from the federal sex offenders tracking unit, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's Predatory Offender Registration and Tracking Program received packets containing information that led to the location and the arrests of Michael Hiltwein and Zachery Hielscher, two sex offenders who had been missing for at least two years.
http://www.twincities.com
/mld/twincities/news/local/16890835.htm
"Coming Soon to Video: Suspects in Northampton; County Tests System Enabling Judges to Arraign People From Home"
Allentown Morning Call (03/10/07) P. B1; Suarez, Kelly-Anne
District judges in Northampton County, Pa., gathered on March 9, to test a new webcam system that will be placed into the homes and offices of 15 judges. The webcams are part of a $140,000 initiative to make the county more technologically savvy, and will allow the judges to conduct late night court business from home, rather than having to drive in as they currently do. In Monroe County, Pa., four district judges have had their homes outfitted with videoconferencing systems, and Lehigh County officials are in the process of setting up videoconferencing for arraignments and a central booking station, that should be ready by late spring or early summer. Being able to conduct necessary, off-hours court business not only saves judges the hassle of having to drive in late at night, sometimes as many as 10 times an evening, but it also settles safety concerns for judges who live significant distances from work. http://www.mcall.com/
"Police May Get New Computer System"
Hartford Courant (03/01/07) P. B5; Kovner, Josh
The Hartford, Conn., police department today manually files police reports using typewriters, pens, paper forms, and an archaic computer system, but the local government is expected to approve a purchase of a new computer system in March 2007. The city plans to purchase a new system from Hunt Computer Design for $400,000, and the city most likely will sell bonds in March 2008 to cover the cost. Police Chief Lynn Baldoni and others have championed this change for a few years, and Baldoni hopes installation will begin this summer. The new system will enable police officers to file reports from computers in their vehicles, rather than go to booking with each suspect and fill out paperwork manually. The new system will fill out duplicate information across forms automatically, and enable police dispatchers to transmit information to squad car computers at the same time as they announce a dispatch call. Baldoni describes her department's current system as "basically pathetic."
http://www.courant.com
/news/local/mr/middletow
n/hc-midtech301.artmar01,0,7394372.story
"Pin the Tail on the Speeder"
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (02/23/07); Kravitz, Derek
Missouri state legislators propose bills that would make new "tack-and-track" technology less expensive for police departments. The technology aims to corral fleeing suspects without putting nearby drivers in danger by using a GPS-tracked projectile dart to attach to and then keep tabs on the criminal's car. In Missouri, 32 of the 54 people who died in criminal-pursuit-related crashes between 2000 and 2005 were unconnected with the chase. Critics of the legislation, which now proceeds to public committee hearings, argue that the device is expensive and ineffective. With a price tag of over $1,200 per police vehicle, the St. Louis police force would pay $360,000 to outfit their fleet; Kansas city, $421,000. Eric Winebrenner, a Kansas City police captain, doubts the department pursues enough criminals for the technology to be "of good use," and other officers wonder how helpful the device becomes if a suspect leaves the car behind. Dr. Geoff Alpert, a University of South Carolina criminologist, believes the device is best suited for chases in high-density areas or highways. Recent departmental changes to policy pursuit policy include restrictions prohibiting chases unless there is little risk, or unless the crime in question is a felony; spike strips are also used to puncture car tires. http://www.stltoday.com
/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/
story/E6363CF2006E76358
625728B0007D6B0?OpenDocument
"Legal Implications for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Offenders in Corrections: Risks and Opportunities"
Sheriff (02/07) Vol. 59, No. 1, P. 11; Baker, Eileen D.
Communicating with a deaf or hard-of-hearing offender can be difficult for security officers and law enforcement officials, but current litigation establishes some best practices to ensure effective communication. A qualified interpreter, closed captioning for television and videos, inmate orientation videos with sign language, and captioning and TTY/TTD devices must be readily available. Equal access to TTY/TTD use for the offender and deaf and hard-of-hearing visitors must be provided, and extended visitation and call time must be provided for the Relay System, a national toll free service which helps people with hearing or speech difficulties place and receive calls. For offender requests to access programs, services, activities, and in case of medical emergencies a list of interpreter referral agencies should be available, along with an understanding of agency policies and fees. Housing, custody staff, and the court needs to be notified of the communication style used by the deaf or hard-of-hearing offender. Staff should be trained on the topic of deaf and hard-of-hearing Offenders in Corrections, with all staff focusing on sensitivity to the disability, developing policies and procedures, and telecommunication devices (TTY/TTD) as mandated by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Additionally, an ADA coordinator may be appointed to handle all inmate concerns specific to compliance. http://www.sheriffs.org
"What's New in Specialty Police Vehicles?"
Police and Security News (02/07) Vol. 23, No. 1, P. 23; Siuru, Bill
There are a number of new specialized vehicles available to law enforcement for use in "non-traditional applications" such as community policing or patrolling remote and rugged areas. One of those new vehicles is the Segway Personal Transporter i2 and x2 series. Both feature a technology called LeanSteer, which allows the rider to turn the vehicle by pivoting the whole assembly or "frame" in the direction they want to turn. The LeanSteer frame and handlebar tilt left and right as the body leans in the direction of desired travel. Although both series share common features such as LeanSteer, there are some differences. For instance, the i2 Police vehicle is designed specifically for the needs of police officers and security personnel, with features such as an accessory bar for mounting lights, sirens, a GPS unit, and other accessories. The x2 Police offers those features as well as low pressure tires which cushion the ride on bumpy surfaces and a continuous center rib to provide a smooth ride on paved surfaces. Another new vehicle is the T3 series, which is particularly well-suited for patrolling campuses, parking lots, airports, malls, parks, beaches, city streets, and historical sites. The vehicle features an integrated LED lighting system for the headlights, brake lights, and running lights; sirens; a lockable glove box for storage; and an optional GPS tracking system. Finally, Rhino Off-Road Industries has begun offering the "Search and Rescue" RTV for law enforcement agencies who need a vehicle for use in very rugged, off-road environments. Accessories such as equipment racks, work trailers, winches, GPS systems, emergency lights, radios, and canvas tops can be added to the vehicle for police and search work.
http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
"Autonomous Robotics for Law Enforcement"
Law Enforcement Technology (02/07) Vol. 34, No. 2, P. 66; Weiss, Joseph
Aside from potentially armed criminals, meth labs can present officers with a multitude of dangerous situations, particularly if the lab is in a dangerous cooking mode with cyanide gas present. Automated robots, that can be given and execute and assigned task without needed to be directly controlled by an officer, may soon provide an excellent, safe way for officers to enter a suspected meth lab. Using sensors robots would be able to detect if there are any people in the lab and if they are armed or agitated, as well as test the air in the lab for the presence of hazardous materials, all autonomously, allowing the officers to maintain situational awareness. Automated robots could also be used to continuously monitor a site or even potentially protect a injured officer. A number of questions remain as to how the robot will distinguish between friendly civilians and hostile suspects, or if the robot should be equipped with any type of weaponry. Some suggest that automated robots would be used in a similar manner as a K-9, acting as an assistant to the officer but more than a remote controlled tool.
http://www.officer.com/magazines/let/
Saturday, March 17, 2007
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
NLECTC
Thursday, March 15, 2007
"Device Tracks Infirm People"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (03/11/07) P. 2B; Lesson, Nicole T.
The Margate, Fla., Police Department has teamed up with the Alzheimer's Family Center for Project Lifesaver, which gives people with Alzheimer's disease, autism, or other disorders a battery-operated bracelet equipped with a transmitter to wear on their wrist or ankle. Law enforcement officials in Margate are hoping the bracelets, which emit an automatic tracking signal every second, will make it easier for them to find and identify a person who was wandered away from a home or care center. According to Project Lifesaver, the average amount of time it takes to recover someone wearing one of the bracelets is 30 minutes. In addition to Margate, the Alzheimer's Family Center works with the Broward County Sheriff's Office to offer Project Lifesaver in Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, and Pompano Beach.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news
/local/broward/sfl-cflmarlifesaver11
mar11,0,1255933.story
"Police Have New Weapon In Fight on Narcotics"
High Point Enterprise (03/10/07); Kimbrough, Pat
The police department in High Point, N.C., recently became the first law enforcement agency in the nation to buy a device known as the NTX 2000, which can test substances for the presence of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine in only a few minutes using 3D florescent technology. The NTX 2000 is made by Nar Test Technologies and costs about $30,000. High Point police evidence technician Jane Aswell said the device has received nothing but positive feedback from officers and the district attorney, and has definitely improved the time it takes to get drug test results back, which previously took an average of 14 months at the state lab. Currently the NTX 2000 is not recognized by the courts as an acceptable method to test for drugs, and High Point police submit samples tested on the machine to Nar Test's forensics lab to verify results in case the evidence is challenged by defendants in the future. Aswell said officials are waiting for a case involving the NTX 2000 to be challenged in court so a ruling can determine if it is admissible. So far all cases involving the device have ended in a plea or a dismissal, but all results indicate that the machine is accurate, according to Aswell.
http://www.hpe.com/eebrowser/f
rame/2_5t.dev/psfsrv/search_swi
she.php?pSetup=highpoint&date=&
search=High%20Point%20Police%
20drugs&mode=new&hres=572&o
perator=AND&categoria=&todate=
20070310&fromdate=20070310&e
dition=The%20High%20Point%20Enterprise#
"U.S. Halts Imaginary Cubans in Security Drill"
Reuters (03/08/07); Sutton, Jane
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday kicked off "Operation Vigilant Sentry," a huge two-day mock exercise aimed at protecting the Southeast United States from a massive influx of illegal immigrants from the Caribbean, some of whom are carrying a mysterious virus. In particular, the exercise is aimed at preparing authorities for a likely mass migration of Cubans once Fidel Castro dies and his government collapses. "We do recognize that Cuba is certainly an area where we must be prepared," said Coast Guard Rear Adm. David Kunkel, director of the Homeland Security southeastern task force. "Since 9/11, it is essential that we work diligently to protect our borders." Some 325 agents from 85 law enforcement agencies participated in Wednesday's simulated exercise, which centered on intercepting 2,000 imaginary Cuban migrants who attempt to reach the shores of Florida. The simulation involved some 26 Coast Guard Cutters, but in reality only four helicopters and six boats participated, in order to reduce the costs of fuel and manpower. Information sharing was a key component to the exercise, involving coordination among the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Broward Sheriff's Office, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
http://www.reuters.com/article/dom
esticNews/idUSN3725175120070308
"Keeping Tabs: Tarrant County Uses Several Devices to Track Probationers"
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (03/08/07); Mcdonald, Melody
The Fort-Worth Star Telegram recently uncovered several of the more creative probation conditions mandated by Tarrant County, Texas, Community Supervision and Corrections Department judges. Judge Sharen Wilson, for instance, has required defendants to erect a sign in their house that states "a person on probation for a child sex offense lives here" and once forced a man to place a bumper sticker on his vehicle that states "a person on probation for a sex offense drives this vehicle." Meanwhile, state District Judge Wayne Salvant once instructed a man found guilty of drunk driving and killing a woman to carry a photo of her and her two children in his wallet and to repay her family for her funeral costs, and counseling for her two sons. Separately, the Secured Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) device is utilized on individuals who have been accused or found guilty of an alcohol-associated offense, such as drunk driving or intoxication manslaughter, and ordered to not drink. Attached to an ankle, the bracelet monitors for alcohol each hour, regardless of the location of the defendant. If there is proof of an alcohol violation or that the bracelet has been tampered with, case managers at the Alcohol Monitoring Systems inform the probation department.
http://www.star-telegram.com
"Camera to Record Domestic Violence"
The State (SC) (03/08/07) P. A1; Jackson, Shalama C.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Violence Against Women Project has given the West Columbia Police Department a grant to purchase a camera that an officer will wear to record evidence when investigating domestic violence cases. The camera, which has a lens the size of a button, records everything the officer hears and sees, including approaching the scene, talking to victims, suspects, and witnesses, and transporting a suspect to jail. Police officials hope the camera will reduce the number of repeat incidences of domestic violence. However, civil rights advocates such as the ACLU are concerned about the use of the camera. "It will be a documented resource of what has occurred, but what happens to the video after each incident, who has access to it and its storage are concerns," said ACLU's Joyce Cheeks. The West Columbia Police Department currently has no policies for how the cameras and video will be used, though officials are currently in the process of considering rules for use and storage. http://www.thestate.com/mld
/thestate/news/16859699.htm
"High-Tech Touches Help to Transform Slidell Jail"
Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (03/07/07) P. 1; Rioux, Paul
On March 6, Slidell, La., Police Chief Freddy Drennan introduced a revamped, high-tech police station that now offers an electronic fingerprinting machine that inventories mouth swabs employed for DNA testing. Digital surveillance cameras watch every section of the redesigned Slidell City Jail, providing live footage to 12 flat-panel monitors erected in a row over the holding cells. In addition, video cameras have been installed to take care of misdemeanor arraignments without having to move prisoners down the street to Slidell City Court. The police station's secure areas have electronic door locks that document the movements of workers, who have to swipe their identification badges to access doors. The restructuring expanded the floor plan to provide staff with additional workspace and to make the station easier to access by the public. A glass wall has been erected at the records department entrance, where individuals file police reports. The renovation was funded by a $1.37 million grant from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance that will also finance a two-story facility for offices and an evidence room to be constructed next to the station later this year.
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p
/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-
20/1173250008246120.xml&coll=1
"Commissioners Consider Electronic Monitoring"
High Point Enterprise (03/10/07); Nivens, David
Guilford County, N.C., Commissioners may implement an electronic house arrest program for nonviolent offenders. Democratic Commissioner Skip Alston noted that the program could cost as low as $13 per day for those awaiting trial. Alston is serving on a committee that is considering approaches for reducing the inmate population at the Greensboro Jail. Participants in the program would wear an electronic device that allows police officers to monitor their whereabouts. Alston said the program could provide the county in excess of $40 per day in savings for each inmate.
http://www.hpe.com
"Sheriff's Office Introduces Home Monitoring"
Roanoke Times (VA) (03/06/07); Raboteau, Albert
Instead of serving time at the Montgomery County Jail in Christiansburg, Va., certain nonviolent offenders will now have the choice of being tracked through ankle bracelets that are GPS-equipped. An objective of the program is to assist with overcrowding at the facility, which is constructed for 118 inmates but had around 180 in 2006. Prison authorities are currently examining their inmate rolls to determine who might be eligible for the program. In addition, the bracelets provide county judges a new alternative in sentencing individuals. To date, the sheriff's office is tracking three individuals with the bracelets, two of whom had been imprisoned for not make child-support payments. With this program, "we require them to work as a condition of [staying out of prison] and make sure that they are paying their child support. That way it's a win-win for everyone," notes Capt. Robert Hall, who oversees the prison. Deputy Derrick Stamper is the sole deputy assigned to the program on a full-time basis, which restricts the number of individuals that can be monitored to around 25.
http://www.roanoke.com
/news/nrv/wb/107422
"Sentry in the Sky"
Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (03/06/07) P. M1; Harvey, Christine
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway near New Orleans, La., has just completed installation of 29 cameras along its 24-mile toll bridge and toll plaza. Some cameras have even been installed under the bridge spans as part of a $1.3 million technology overhaul project. The camera system will help bridge operators respond better to traffic incidents, stranded cars, and loose debris, and to look for suspects driving cars on the run, says Lake Pontchartrain Causeway general manager Robert Lambert. The Causeway designates two employees to monitor camera feeds during morning and evening rush hours using two flat screen televisions, while also monitoring the police radio. Causeway operations director Debbie Lopreore has two screens in her office for 24-hour access to 360-degree video monitoring. Each camera has 1.5 miles of range and can zoom to see an object as small as a call-box number.
http://www.nola.com
/news/t-p/metro/inde
x.ssf?/base/news-20/117
3163751150860.xml&coll=1
"Rights Group Worried Over Taser Use"
Monterey County Herald (CA) (03/06/07); Briscoe, Andre
The Civil Rights Coalition of Monterey County, Calif., wants the Monterey County grand jury to issue stronger regulations on the use of Taser stun guns by law enforcement officials, including better officer training and requiring a social worker to be present during situations involving mentally ill suspects. Coalition representatives said they are concerned about the city's "blanket" endorsement of the grand jury's support of the use of stun guns, particularly the panel's finding that it is appropriate to use a stun gun to subdue suspects who are on illicit drugs, alcohol, or are mentally ill. The civil rights group did support the recommendation that all law enforcement agencies use a new video device, called Taser Cam, to record audio and video before, during, and after the use of a stun gun. Few of the 12 law enforcement agencies in the county have Taser Cams, but more are considering acquiring them. The Marina City Council was asked to purchase 33 new Tasers and Taser Cams for its police officers.
http://www.montereyhe
rald.com/mld/montereyh
erald/news/16842903.htm
"Police Endorse Microscopic Anti-Theft System"
Pasadena Star-News (CA) (03/06/07); Gurton, Mary Frances
The Sierra Madre, Calif., police department has endorsed the use of high-tech, nearly invisible tracking dots that can be placed on objects to reveal an ownership code when magnified. Police Chief Marilyn Diaz says she is promoting of use of adhesive tracking dots at local Neighborhood Watch meetings and local Chambers of Commerce. The DataDot authentication system offers a worldwide database of dot codes and their rightful owners, and a package of 500 dots costs only $24.95. Though data dots are too small to be noticed, they are clearly visible under blacklight, and could help officers identity stolen property, for instance, during a routine traffic stop. DataDot Technologies USA development director Scott McKeever says the use of data dots in Australia in BMW and Audi vehicles steered criminals away from these cars to easier targets. Diaz first read about data dots in a February 2007 issue of Popular Science and has since embraced them.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com
/news/ci_5370033
"Police Departments Turning to YouTube to Catch Suspects"
Associated Press (03/05/07); Tucker, Eric
The Franklin Police Department in Massachusetts used YouTube.com to identify two men involved in credit card fraud. Police had surveillance video showing the young men making purchases with the stolen credit cards, which prompted officer Brian Johnson to email the image to YouTube.com. A number of police departments have also displayed videos on YouTube.com to help identify suspects. The video provided to YouTube.com by the Franklin Police Department was accessed thousands of times, though Johnson notes the case was solved using traditional investigative methods. However, other police departments have successfully used the Web site to generate leads. Police observers say the display of surveillance footage on the Internet in hopes of solving criminal cases is a natural progression of investigative techniques.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
/html/businesstechnology/2003
601118_btcrimeyoutube05.html?
syndication=rss
"Police Could Wear CCTV Cameras in Their Hats"
Norwich Evening News (03/05/07); Walsh, Peter
Miniature CCTV cameras could be planted on the headgear of police walking the streets of Norwich, England, under terms of a proposal to cut down on vandalism and other anti-social behaviors. Areas like Sunderland, Cleveland, Plymouth, and Nottingham have already tested the idea, resulting in lower incidents of violence and minor crimes. "It means people can walk around recording what's going on and gathering evidence," says Steve Morphew, head of the Norwich City Council. "It's being used in Nottingham and is an incredibly powerful tool because youngsters don't misbehave when they are being recorded." The camera tests have helped convict at least a dozen offenders in various parts of the country for crimes, including assaults and break-ins.
http://www.eveningnews24
.co.uk/content/News/story.a
spx?brand=ENOnline&category=N
ews&tBrand=enonline&tCate
gory=news&itemid=NOED05%
20Mar%202007%2009%3A48%3A41%3A110
"How to Lift Fingerprints"
Police (02/07) Vol. 31, No. 2, P. 24; Spraggs, David
Boulder Police Department Investigator David Spraggs is an expert in crime scene investigation, and he lists his recommendations for identifying, collecting, and processing fingerprints. Ambient temperature, surface conditions, and humidity can impact the ability to lift prints. Officers should be equipped with a fingerprint kit that contains a fingerprint brush, lifting tape, fingerprint cards, and black and bi-chromatic powder. Spraggs uses a fiberglass brush because its characteristics are good for even powder distribution and using the spinning technique. He also prefers basic black fingerprint powder for obtaining prints from most surfaces, such as glass and the majority of metal. Polyethylene tape is better for circular surfaces. Investigators can often obtain excellent results by using less powder rather than more. Spraggs says his best advice when applying tape to circular surfaces is to press down on the tape using a credit card controlled in a smooth constant motion. He uses the same technique when applying the tape onto the glossy side of the fingerprint backing card.
http://www.policemag.com
"Law Enforcement Online Announces Creation of National Dental Image Repository"
Sheriff (02/07) Vol. 59, No. 1, P. 12; Koestner, Lesley G.
Law Enforcement Online has announced the creation of the National Dental Image Repository (NDIR) site. The site will be an image repository for dental images related to Missing, Unidentified, and Wanted persons' records housed in the National Crime Information Center. Law enforcement agencies can submit encoded information from the dental records of Missing, Unidentified, and Wanted persons to NDIR, which will compare the submitted information to the current records and generate a list of potential matches. The new site is a much faster way of comparing dental records, which was quite time-consuming because the inquiring agency had to contact the agency with the potential matching record to obtain information, and retrieve and review physical copies of dental records. NDIR provides direct access to digital images of dental records and allows law enforcement agencies to upload supplemental dental images, eliminating the need to contact the original agency and retrieve physical records.
http://www.sheriffs.org
"LISA Augments Amber Alerts in Ohio"
Police and Security News (02/07) Vol. 23, No. 1, P. 9
Police in Lorain County, Ohio, have begun using a new public safety tool called LISA, or Lorain Information Sharing Agreement, to supplement the Amber Alert system. LISA, which is the first system of its kind in Ohio, distributes electronic pictures, video surveillance images, audio, and other information to police within a matter of minutes. With the Amber Alert system, it often takes time for alerts and news bulletins to be issued for missing children and wanted subjects in other crimes. LISA also sends the same information it sends to law enforcement to the public via computer, cell phone, or PDA. Citizens can also use LISA to anonymously post crime information. Since its launch, roughly 2,000 people per day connect to the LISA site, and 50 have registered for alerts. In LISA's first week, it sent 130 alerts to police in the county. Thirty-five of those alerts were also sent out to the public. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
"Officer Gadget"
Popular Science (02/07) Vol. 270, No. 2, P. 38; Kargl, Reinhard
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD), the largest sheriff's department in the country, is considered trailblazing in its work with sophisticated, futuristic law enforcement weapons. The research done LASD's technology unit has become especially important as terrorism and changing times introduce new threats and challenges that are altering the role played by the law enforcement officers. The LASD's Technology Exploration Unit was established in 1996 by Commander Sid Heal, who previously worked as gear procurer in Somalia as a reservist in the U.S. Marine Corps, but the unit is often plagued by staffing and funding shortages. Instead of purchasing futuristic weapons, Heal serves as a consultant to contractors, government officials, and private inventors by testing out the weapons while they are still in development. The LASD ends up adopting less than 2 percent of the weapons it investigates because the weapons must be safe, reliable, practical, easy to use, and reasonably priced. Some weapons being investigated by the LASD include bulletproof S.W.A.T. trucks; strobe lamps that cause temporary blindness; GPS tags that affix to vehicles after being launched; flashlights capable of ejecting pepper spray; nonlethal machine guns; extra-loud bullhorns; radar systems that can see through walls; spy balls equipped with cameras that transmit video images to officers; sensors able to detect the origin of a gun blast; and lightweight airborne surveillance craft.
http://www.popsci.com/popsci
/technology/d215da2834b2011
0vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
"Device Tracks Infirm People"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (03/11/07) P. 2B; Lesson, Nicole T.
The Margate, Fla., Police Department has teamed up with the Alzheimer's Family Center for Project Lifesaver, which gives people with Alzheimer's disease, autism, or other disorders a battery-operated bracelet equipped with a transmitter to wear on their wrist or ankle. Law enforcement officials in Margate are hoping the bracelets, which emit an automatic tracking signal every second, will make it easier for them to find and identify a person who was wandered away from a home or care center. According to Project Lifesaver, the average amount of time it takes to recover someone wearing one of the bracelets is 30 minutes. In addition to Margate, the Alzheimer's Family Center works with the Broward County Sheriff's Office to offer Project Lifesaver in Tamarac, Lauderdale Lakes, and Pompano Beach.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news
/local/broward/sfl-cflmarlifesaver11
mar11,0,1255933.story
"Police Have New Weapon In Fight on Narcotics"
High Point Enterprise (03/10/07); Kimbrough, Pat
The police department in High Point, N.C., recently became the first law enforcement agency in the nation to buy a device known as the NTX 2000, which can test substances for the presence of cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and methamphetamine in only a few minutes using 3D florescent technology. The NTX 2000 is made by Nar Test Technologies and costs about $30,000. High Point police evidence technician Jane Aswell said the device has received nothing but positive feedback from officers and the district attorney, and has definitely improved the time it takes to get drug test results back, which previously took an average of 14 months at the state lab. Currently the NTX 2000 is not recognized by the courts as an acceptable method to test for drugs, and High Point police submit samples tested on the machine to Nar Test's forensics lab to verify results in case the evidence is challenged by defendants in the future. Aswell said officials are waiting for a case involving the NTX 2000 to be challenged in court so a ruling can determine if it is admissible. So far all cases involving the device have ended in a plea or a dismissal, but all results indicate that the machine is accurate, according to Aswell.
http://www.hpe.com/eebrowser/f
rame/2_5t.dev/psfsrv/search_swi
she.php?pSetup=highpoint&date=&
search=High%20Point%20Police%
20drugs&mode=new&hres=572&o
perator=AND&categoria=&todate=
20070310&fromdate=20070310&e
dition=The%20High%20Point%20Enterprise#
"U.S. Halts Imaginary Cubans in Security Drill"
Reuters (03/08/07); Sutton, Jane
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday kicked off "Operation Vigilant Sentry," a huge two-day mock exercise aimed at protecting the Southeast United States from a massive influx of illegal immigrants from the Caribbean, some of whom are carrying a mysterious virus. In particular, the exercise is aimed at preparing authorities for a likely mass migration of Cubans once Fidel Castro dies and his government collapses. "We do recognize that Cuba is certainly an area where we must be prepared," said Coast Guard Rear Adm. David Kunkel, director of the Homeland Security southeastern task force. "Since 9/11, it is essential that we work diligently to protect our borders." Some 325 agents from 85 law enforcement agencies participated in Wednesday's simulated exercise, which centered on intercepting 2,000 imaginary Cuban migrants who attempt to reach the shores of Florida. The simulation involved some 26 Coast Guard Cutters, but in reality only four helicopters and six boats participated, in order to reduce the costs of fuel and manpower. Information sharing was a key component to the exercise, involving coordination among the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Broward Sheriff's Office, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
http://www.reuters.com/article/dom
esticNews/idUSN3725175120070308
"Keeping Tabs: Tarrant County Uses Several Devices to Track Probationers"
Fort Worth Star-Telegram (03/08/07); Mcdonald, Melody
The Fort-Worth Star Telegram recently uncovered several of the more creative probation conditions mandated by Tarrant County, Texas, Community Supervision and Corrections Department judges. Judge Sharen Wilson, for instance, has required defendants to erect a sign in their house that states "a person on probation for a child sex offense lives here" and once forced a man to place a bumper sticker on his vehicle that states "a person on probation for a sex offense drives this vehicle." Meanwhile, state District Judge Wayne Salvant once instructed a man found guilty of drunk driving and killing a woman to carry a photo of her and her two children in his wallet and to repay her family for her funeral costs, and counseling for her two sons. Separately, the Secured Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring (SCRAM) device is utilized on individuals who have been accused or found guilty of an alcohol-associated offense, such as drunk driving or intoxication manslaughter, and ordered to not drink. Attached to an ankle, the bracelet monitors for alcohol each hour, regardless of the location of the defendant. If there is proof of an alcohol violation or that the bracelet has been tampered with, case managers at the Alcohol Monitoring Systems inform the probation department.
http://www.star-telegram.com
"Camera to Record Domestic Violence"
The State (SC) (03/08/07) P. A1; Jackson, Shalama C.
The South Carolina Department of Public Safety's Violence Against Women Project has given the West Columbia Police Department a grant to purchase a camera that an officer will wear to record evidence when investigating domestic violence cases. The camera, which has a lens the size of a button, records everything the officer hears and sees, including approaching the scene, talking to victims, suspects, and witnesses, and transporting a suspect to jail. Police officials hope the camera will reduce the number of repeat incidences of domestic violence. However, civil rights advocates such as the ACLU are concerned about the use of the camera. "It will be a documented resource of what has occurred, but what happens to the video after each incident, who has access to it and its storage are concerns," said ACLU's Joyce Cheeks. The West Columbia Police Department currently has no policies for how the cameras and video will be used, though officials are currently in the process of considering rules for use and storage. http://www.thestate.com/mld
/thestate/news/16859699.htm
"High-Tech Touches Help to Transform Slidell Jail"
Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (03/07/07) P. 1; Rioux, Paul
On March 6, Slidell, La., Police Chief Freddy Drennan introduced a revamped, high-tech police station that now offers an electronic fingerprinting machine that inventories mouth swabs employed for DNA testing. Digital surveillance cameras watch every section of the redesigned Slidell City Jail, providing live footage to 12 flat-panel monitors erected in a row over the holding cells. In addition, video cameras have been installed to take care of misdemeanor arraignments without having to move prisoners down the street to Slidell City Court. The police station's secure areas have electronic door locks that document the movements of workers, who have to swipe their identification badges to access doors. The restructuring expanded the floor plan to provide staff with additional workspace and to make the station easier to access by the public. A glass wall has been erected at the records department entrance, where individuals file police reports. The renovation was funded by a $1.37 million grant from the federal Bureau of Justice Assistance that will also finance a two-story facility for offices and an evidence room to be constructed next to the station later this year.
http://www.nola.com/news/t-p
/metro/index.ssf?/base/news-
20/1173250008246120.xml&coll=1
"Commissioners Consider Electronic Monitoring"
High Point Enterprise (03/10/07); Nivens, David
Guilford County, N.C., Commissioners may implement an electronic house arrest program for nonviolent offenders. Democratic Commissioner Skip Alston noted that the program could cost as low as $13 per day for those awaiting trial. Alston is serving on a committee that is considering approaches for reducing the inmate population at the Greensboro Jail. Participants in the program would wear an electronic device that allows police officers to monitor their whereabouts. Alston said the program could provide the county in excess of $40 per day in savings for each inmate.
http://www.hpe.com
"Sheriff's Office Introduces Home Monitoring"
Roanoke Times (VA) (03/06/07); Raboteau, Albert
Instead of serving time at the Montgomery County Jail in Christiansburg, Va., certain nonviolent offenders will now have the choice of being tracked through ankle bracelets that are GPS-equipped. An objective of the program is to assist with overcrowding at the facility, which is constructed for 118 inmates but had around 180 in 2006. Prison authorities are currently examining their inmate rolls to determine who might be eligible for the program. In addition, the bracelets provide county judges a new alternative in sentencing individuals. To date, the sheriff's office is tracking three individuals with the bracelets, two of whom had been imprisoned for not make child-support payments. With this program, "we require them to work as a condition of [staying out of prison] and make sure that they are paying their child support. That way it's a win-win for everyone," notes Capt. Robert Hall, who oversees the prison. Deputy Derrick Stamper is the sole deputy assigned to the program on a full-time basis, which restricts the number of individuals that can be monitored to around 25.
http://www.roanoke.com
/news/nrv/wb/107422
"Sentry in the Sky"
Times-Picayune (New Orleans) (03/06/07) P. M1; Harvey, Christine
The Lake Pontchartrain Causeway near New Orleans, La., has just completed installation of 29 cameras along its 24-mile toll bridge and toll plaza. Some cameras have even been installed under the bridge spans as part of a $1.3 million technology overhaul project. The camera system will help bridge operators respond better to traffic incidents, stranded cars, and loose debris, and to look for suspects driving cars on the run, says Lake Pontchartrain Causeway general manager Robert Lambert. The Causeway designates two employees to monitor camera feeds during morning and evening rush hours using two flat screen televisions, while also monitoring the police radio. Causeway operations director Debbie Lopreore has two screens in her office for 24-hour access to 360-degree video monitoring. Each camera has 1.5 miles of range and can zoom to see an object as small as a call-box number.
http://www.nola.com
/news/t-p/metro/inde
x.ssf?/base/news-20/117
3163751150860.xml&coll=1
"Rights Group Worried Over Taser Use"
Monterey County Herald (CA) (03/06/07); Briscoe, Andre
The Civil Rights Coalition of Monterey County, Calif., wants the Monterey County grand jury to issue stronger regulations on the use of Taser stun guns by law enforcement officials, including better officer training and requiring a social worker to be present during situations involving mentally ill suspects. Coalition representatives said they are concerned about the city's "blanket" endorsement of the grand jury's support of the use of stun guns, particularly the panel's finding that it is appropriate to use a stun gun to subdue suspects who are on illicit drugs, alcohol, or are mentally ill. The civil rights group did support the recommendation that all law enforcement agencies use a new video device, called Taser Cam, to record audio and video before, during, and after the use of a stun gun. Few of the 12 law enforcement agencies in the county have Taser Cams, but more are considering acquiring them. The Marina City Council was asked to purchase 33 new Tasers and Taser Cams for its police officers.
http://www.montereyhe
rald.com/mld/montereyh
erald/news/16842903.htm
"Police Endorse Microscopic Anti-Theft System"
Pasadena Star-News (CA) (03/06/07); Gurton, Mary Frances
The Sierra Madre, Calif., police department has endorsed the use of high-tech, nearly invisible tracking dots that can be placed on objects to reveal an ownership code when magnified. Police Chief Marilyn Diaz says she is promoting of use of adhesive tracking dots at local Neighborhood Watch meetings and local Chambers of Commerce. The DataDot authentication system offers a worldwide database of dot codes and their rightful owners, and a package of 500 dots costs only $24.95. Though data dots are too small to be noticed, they are clearly visible under blacklight, and could help officers identity stolen property, for instance, during a routine traffic stop. DataDot Technologies USA development director Scott McKeever says the use of data dots in Australia in BMW and Audi vehicles steered criminals away from these cars to easier targets. Diaz first read about data dots in a February 2007 issue of Popular Science and has since embraced them.
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com
/news/ci_5370033
"Police Departments Turning to YouTube to Catch Suspects"
Associated Press (03/05/07); Tucker, Eric
The Franklin Police Department in Massachusetts used YouTube.com to identify two men involved in credit card fraud. Police had surveillance video showing the young men making purchases with the stolen credit cards, which prompted officer Brian Johnson to email the image to YouTube.com. A number of police departments have also displayed videos on YouTube.com to help identify suspects. The video provided to YouTube.com by the Franklin Police Department was accessed thousands of times, though Johnson notes the case was solved using traditional investigative methods. However, other police departments have successfully used the Web site to generate leads. Police observers say the display of surveillance footage on the Internet in hopes of solving criminal cases is a natural progression of investigative techniques.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com
/html/businesstechnology/2003
601118_btcrimeyoutube05.html?
syndication=rss
"Police Could Wear CCTV Cameras in Their Hats"
Norwich Evening News (03/05/07); Walsh, Peter
Miniature CCTV cameras could be planted on the headgear of police walking the streets of Norwich, England, under terms of a proposal to cut down on vandalism and other anti-social behaviors. Areas like Sunderland, Cleveland, Plymouth, and Nottingham have already tested the idea, resulting in lower incidents of violence and minor crimes. "It means people can walk around recording what's going on and gathering evidence," says Steve Morphew, head of the Norwich City Council. "It's being used in Nottingham and is an incredibly powerful tool because youngsters don't misbehave when they are being recorded." The camera tests have helped convict at least a dozen offenders in various parts of the country for crimes, including assaults and break-ins.
http://www.eveningnews24
.co.uk/content/News/story.a
spx?brand=ENOnline&category=N
ews&tBrand=enonline&tCate
gory=news&itemid=NOED05%
20Mar%202007%2009%3A48%3A41%3A110
"How to Lift Fingerprints"
Police (02/07) Vol. 31, No. 2, P. 24; Spraggs, David
Boulder Police Department Investigator David Spraggs is an expert in crime scene investigation, and he lists his recommendations for identifying, collecting, and processing fingerprints. Ambient temperature, surface conditions, and humidity can impact the ability to lift prints. Officers should be equipped with a fingerprint kit that contains a fingerprint brush, lifting tape, fingerprint cards, and black and bi-chromatic powder. Spraggs uses a fiberglass brush because its characteristics are good for even powder distribution and using the spinning technique. He also prefers basic black fingerprint powder for obtaining prints from most surfaces, such as glass and the majority of metal. Polyethylene tape is better for circular surfaces. Investigators can often obtain excellent results by using less powder rather than more. Spraggs says his best advice when applying tape to circular surfaces is to press down on the tape using a credit card controlled in a smooth constant motion. He uses the same technique when applying the tape onto the glossy side of the fingerprint backing card.
http://www.policemag.com
"Law Enforcement Online Announces Creation of National Dental Image Repository"
Sheriff (02/07) Vol. 59, No. 1, P. 12; Koestner, Lesley G.
Law Enforcement Online has announced the creation of the National Dental Image Repository (NDIR) site. The site will be an image repository for dental images related to Missing, Unidentified, and Wanted persons' records housed in the National Crime Information Center. Law enforcement agencies can submit encoded information from the dental records of Missing, Unidentified, and Wanted persons to NDIR, which will compare the submitted information to the current records and generate a list of potential matches. The new site is a much faster way of comparing dental records, which was quite time-consuming because the inquiring agency had to contact the agency with the potential matching record to obtain information, and retrieve and review physical copies of dental records. NDIR provides direct access to digital images of dental records and allows law enforcement agencies to upload supplemental dental images, eliminating the need to contact the original agency and retrieve physical records.
http://www.sheriffs.org
"LISA Augments Amber Alerts in Ohio"
Police and Security News (02/07) Vol. 23, No. 1, P. 9
Police in Lorain County, Ohio, have begun using a new public safety tool called LISA, or Lorain Information Sharing Agreement, to supplement the Amber Alert system. LISA, which is the first system of its kind in Ohio, distributes electronic pictures, video surveillance images, audio, and other information to police within a matter of minutes. With the Amber Alert system, it often takes time for alerts and news bulletins to be issued for missing children and wanted subjects in other crimes. LISA also sends the same information it sends to law enforcement to the public via computer, cell phone, or PDA. Citizens can also use LISA to anonymously post crime information. Since its launch, roughly 2,000 people per day connect to the LISA site, and 50 have registered for alerts. In LISA's first week, it sent 130 alerts to police in the county. Thirty-five of those alerts were also sent out to the public. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
"Officer Gadget"
Popular Science (02/07) Vol. 270, No. 2, P. 38; Kargl, Reinhard
The Los Angeles Sheriff's Department (LASD), the largest sheriff's department in the country, is considered trailblazing in its work with sophisticated, futuristic law enforcement weapons. The research done LASD's technology unit has become especially important as terrorism and changing times introduce new threats and challenges that are altering the role played by the law enforcement officers. The LASD's Technology Exploration Unit was established in 1996 by Commander Sid Heal, who previously worked as gear procurer in Somalia as a reservist in the U.S. Marine Corps, but the unit is often plagued by staffing and funding shortages. Instead of purchasing futuristic weapons, Heal serves as a consultant to contractors, government officials, and private inventors by testing out the weapons while they are still in development. The LASD ends up adopting less than 2 percent of the weapons it investigates because the weapons must be safe, reliable, practical, easy to use, and reasonably priced. Some weapons being investigated by the LASD include bulletproof S.W.A.T. trucks; strobe lamps that cause temporary blindness; GPS tags that affix to vehicles after being launched; flashlights capable of ejecting pepper spray; nonlethal machine guns; extra-loud bullhorns; radar systems that can see through walls; spy balls equipped with cameras that transmit video images to officers; sensors able to detect the origin of a gun blast; and lightweight airborne surveillance craft.
http://www.popsci.com/popsci
/technology/d215da2834b2011
0vgnvcm1000004eecbccdrcrd.html
This article was sponsored by criminal justice online; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
My Daddy is Gone
This story actually begins on December 13, 2000, in a south Texas prison 50 miles southeast of San Antonio. Where seven violent inmates, two of them convicted murderers would soon overpower a guard tower, confiscate an arsenal of weapons with ammo and make a daring escape in a white prison vehicle. A couple of days later near Houston, Texas, two of the escapees would rob a radio shack store for police scanners. For eleven days, they would evade detection by any law enforcement officer.
READ ON
READ ON
The Last Watch
It's now dark outside as you take your unit out on patrol to guard your beat. The night is starting off quiet when 1/2 way thru your shift, the radio blares SHOTS FIRED. You hear the radio number it's your friend, your heart grows icy cold with fear. I can not stop the pain and the anger - it is blinding my eyes, but I have to keep my cool. There is a criminal on the loose who needs to be caught.
READ ON
READ ON
We Take an Oath, to Protect & Serve
When you threaten or take someone's life in your hands, it becomes our job to make peace or make an arrest. In a split second, the police officer on the scene can become a victim while attempting to contain and control a violent domestic situation or a hostile criminal who refuses to be arrested. In any situation we must always be alert, perceptive and ready to act. We know if we don't, we could lose our life in a split second - all in the line of duty. And what happens to our immediate family left behind?
READ ON
READ ON
Why We are Not Mourned
On the other hand, why don't people line the streets to say goodbye to emergency responders, is it not our brothers and sisters who put there innocent lives on the line day in and day out? Sure we work a dangerous profession. For many public safety families, to serve and protect is a family tradition, like it was for my family.
READ ON
READ ON
The Hazards of Directing Traffic
Directing traffic may be the least understood or ignored risk/hazard facing emergency services professionals? Consider the threat posed by today's distracted driver, and the aggressive tendencies of immature drivers. All too often, these kinds of drivers are responsible for a majority of traffic collisions. Today's public safety officer while directing traffic must be at their best, keenly focused and aware of what is around them, and never turning their back on close by traffic. When you least expect a problem, along comes the out-of-control DUI or a speeding, reckless driver and you're life could be over. Since 1998, 31 law enforcement officers in America alone have been hit and killed by motor vehicles. Do you believe we may have a safety problem for our personnel during traffic control?
READ ON
READ ON
Friday, March 16, 2007
Lone Grey Wolf's Thunder
My eyes have grown cold, cold as the ice of winter. Dark as the darkness of night, how can I forgive, how can I forget? Can I ever be free from the bitterness of that fateful October 22nd night. I was 32 years old, when a man with eyes black as ink, decided my wishes were not to be obeyed. Why was it me, why was my joy of life, and my badge taken in the prime of my life?
READ ON
READ ON
An Open Letter to my Daddy:
I can write in my police story draft for hours on end, but when it comes time to write something about you daddy. Words are difficult to express my life long feelings of love for you. Well, here goes anyway, I can’t wait any longer, as your stay with us may be limited because of your life threatening illness.
READ ON
READ ON
Good Bye my Partner...my Friend
The first time I pulled up as your backup, I saw that little girl holding your hand looking so glad that a bear like you is bringing her to safety. That was the first time I saw your hidden gentle side, being a brute of a man who always commanded respect on his beat.
READ ON
READ ON
Losing your identity
Is being retired stress or stress free?
I do not know how others feel I just know how I feel. Being retired is not a fun life. I miss the job, the adrenalin rush from call to call, and the lull when all was quiet. To me working the night shift was best. It is when all the good stuff happened.
READ ON
I do not know how others feel I just know how I feel. Being retired is not a fun life. I miss the job, the adrenalin rush from call to call, and the lull when all was quiet. To me working the night shift was best. It is when all the good stuff happened.
READ ON
Trooperdom and other stories
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added police officers from Massachusetts and Georgia.
David W. Moran was a trooper for the Massachusetts State Police Department for over twenty years. A former college athlete, he holds graduate degrees from the Rockefeller School, the State University of New York and the Blake Law Center at Western New England College. Now an attorney, David W. Moran is now a member of the state and federal bar and practices law in Somerville, Massachusetts. His book is entitled Trooper. According to one Amazon reader/review, “This book is a great lazy afternoon read. If you have an interest in Law Enforcement, the author does a wonderful job of describing "anything could happen" events in the world of Trooperdom. An easy-to-follow, straight from the heart book.”
Dillard H. Hughes started his career in law enforcement with the University of Georgia Campus Police in 1983. He went on to serve as a patrolman for the former City of Athens police Department. In 1987, Dillard joined the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department in Lawrenceville, Georgia where he has served for the last 14 years. He is currently a Lieutenant and former Watch Commander. Most recently, he has been assigned as an operations supervisor in the Detention Division on the evening watch. Dillard Hughes attended the University of Georgia and majored in English/Education. His career began as a way to pay for his education as a teacher but turned into a full time job that has now spanned over eighteen years.
Dillard H. Hughes’ novel, The Nash Chronicles, is about “A seventeen-year veteran with the Athens Police Department is brutally murdered while investigating an open door at a closed business. Lieutenant Alton Nash investigates and uncovers corrupt officers, a nasty drug lord, and does battle with a Mafia assassin.”
Will Cordes is a retired captain from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) and a retired state agent with the Montana Department of Justice. He is a graduate of the 170th session of the FBI Academy and has written for The Single Shot Exchange, The Police Times and Tactical Shooting magazines. Will Cordes is the author of two novels, A Man Adrift and A Step to Far.
According to the book description of Will Cordes’ A Step to Far, “Matheson Draper ruled a global business empire. His shiny black trucks, planes, and ships traveled the far reaches of the world. A remorseless sexual deviate, he went to great lengths to promote and expand his corporate interests. But sometimes a man's power can corrupt more than just himself. Todd Milton, state agent for the Montana Criminal Investigation Bureau, was no stranger to murder investigations, but who would want to kill one of the world's richest men? Or maybe it might be easier to figure out who wouldn't.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 413 police officers (representing 179 police departments) and their 885 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.
David W. Moran was a trooper for the Massachusetts State Police Department for over twenty years. A former college athlete, he holds graduate degrees from the Rockefeller School, the State University of New York and the Blake Law Center at Western New England College. Now an attorney, David W. Moran is now a member of the state and federal bar and practices law in Somerville, Massachusetts. His book is entitled Trooper. According to one Amazon reader/review, “This book is a great lazy afternoon read. If you have an interest in Law Enforcement, the author does a wonderful job of describing "anything could happen" events in the world of Trooperdom. An easy-to-follow, straight from the heart book.”
Dillard H. Hughes started his career in law enforcement with the University of Georgia Campus Police in 1983. He went on to serve as a patrolman for the former City of Athens police Department. In 1987, Dillard joined the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Department in Lawrenceville, Georgia where he has served for the last 14 years. He is currently a Lieutenant and former Watch Commander. Most recently, he has been assigned as an operations supervisor in the Detention Division on the evening watch. Dillard Hughes attended the University of Georgia and majored in English/Education. His career began as a way to pay for his education as a teacher but turned into a full time job that has now spanned over eighteen years.
Dillard H. Hughes’ novel, The Nash Chronicles, is about “A seventeen-year veteran with the Athens Police Department is brutally murdered while investigating an open door at a closed business. Lieutenant Alton Nash investigates and uncovers corrupt officers, a nasty drug lord, and does battle with a Mafia assassin.”
Will Cordes is a retired captain from the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) and a retired state agent with the Montana Department of Justice. He is a graduate of the 170th session of the FBI Academy and has written for The Single Shot Exchange, The Police Times and Tactical Shooting magazines. Will Cordes is the author of two novels, A Man Adrift and A Step to Far.
According to the book description of Will Cordes’ A Step to Far, “Matheson Draper ruled a global business empire. His shiny black trucks, planes, and ships traveled the far reaches of the world. A remorseless sexual deviate, he went to great lengths to promote and expand his corporate interests. But sometimes a man's power can corrupt more than just himself. Todd Milton, state agent for the Montana Criminal Investigation Bureau, was no stranger to murder investigations, but who would want to kill one of the world's richest men? Or maybe it might be easier to figure out who wouldn't.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 413 police officers (representing 179 police departments) and their 885 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.
More Cop Fiction
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three cops who have written works of fiction, Harold Lloyd, Barry Mason and Gary Lovett.
Lieutenant Harold K. Lloyd, Philadelphia Police Department, is the commanding officer of the undercover narcotics operations in four Philadelphia Police Department districts. Lieutenant Harold Lloyd has overseen the takedown of five violent drug organizations and is a distinguished graduate of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s prestigious Drug Unit Commanders Academy. In May 2001 the Citizen’s Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley awarded Lieutenant Harold K. Lloyd’s group a Unit Citation for their efforts in dismantling a vicious heroin ring operating out of North Philadelphia.
With Crooked Timber, his first novel, Lloyd draws upon his vast experience to “deliver a hard boiled crime story where the line that separates good and evil is virtually nonexistent.”
Barry Mason is a detective with the Cobb County Police Department (Georgia). He has a BA in commercial art and psychology and has worked in law enforcement for over ten years; first as a crime scene technician, then a police officer, and finally a detective. He is the author of two books – Maroon and Killswitch. Maroon is “a story that follows a police recruit who tries to solve everything his complicated new job has to offer while a veteran homicide detective struggles on the edge of self destruction. Of course, there is the young and beautiful high school art teacher who begins a new life in a new town. They have nothing in common until the madman called The Machine pulls them into his world of carnage and delusional fantasy. You watch the story unfold through the eyes of the characters and through the killer's eyes as he labors to make the world into what he has envisioned for it.”
Barry Mason’s second book is Killswitch. According to the book description, “imagine routinely answering your telephone, turning on your T.V., radio or computer and something different happens this time. You hear a series of digital tones and your inhibitions are instantly gone. You are a law abiding and honest person - but now a human monster driven by self-indulgence, sexual depravity and unbridled violence. You've just experienced Killswitch.”
Gary C. Lovett is a retired homicide investigator for the Atlanta Police Department. He is the author of Season of Death. According to the book description, “The holiday season has just begun and, Detective Robert Sweet Owens a street smart Atlanta homicide investigator has become involved in the murder investigation of a popular member of Atlanta's clergy. The death is related to a series of other murders and members of the police department. When Sweet Owens' mother's life is threatened by the investigation, he has to scramble to solve the case and save her life.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 410 police officers (representing 176 police departments) and their 881 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.
Lieutenant Harold K. Lloyd, Philadelphia Police Department, is the commanding officer of the undercover narcotics operations in four Philadelphia Police Department districts. Lieutenant Harold Lloyd has overseen the takedown of five violent drug organizations and is a distinguished graduate of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s prestigious Drug Unit Commanders Academy. In May 2001 the Citizen’s Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley awarded Lieutenant Harold K. Lloyd’s group a Unit Citation for their efforts in dismantling a vicious heroin ring operating out of North Philadelphia.
With Crooked Timber, his first novel, Lloyd draws upon his vast experience to “deliver a hard boiled crime story where the line that separates good and evil is virtually nonexistent.”
Barry Mason is a detective with the Cobb County Police Department (Georgia). He has a BA in commercial art and psychology and has worked in law enforcement for over ten years; first as a crime scene technician, then a police officer, and finally a detective. He is the author of two books – Maroon and Killswitch. Maroon is “a story that follows a police recruit who tries to solve everything his complicated new job has to offer while a veteran homicide detective struggles on the edge of self destruction. Of course, there is the young and beautiful high school art teacher who begins a new life in a new town. They have nothing in common until the madman called The Machine pulls them into his world of carnage and delusional fantasy. You watch the story unfold through the eyes of the characters and through the killer's eyes as he labors to make the world into what he has envisioned for it.”
Barry Mason’s second book is Killswitch. According to the book description, “imagine routinely answering your telephone, turning on your T.V., radio or computer and something different happens this time. You hear a series of digital tones and your inhibitions are instantly gone. You are a law abiding and honest person - but now a human monster driven by self-indulgence, sexual depravity and unbridled violence. You've just experienced Killswitch.”
Gary C. Lovett is a retired homicide investigator for the Atlanta Police Department. He is the author of Season of Death. According to the book description, “The holiday season has just begun and, Detective Robert Sweet Owens a street smart Atlanta homicide investigator has become involved in the murder investigation of a popular member of Atlanta's clergy. The death is related to a series of other murders and members of the police department. When Sweet Owens' mother's life is threatened by the investigation, he has to scramble to solve the case and save her life.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 410 police officers (representing 176 police departments) and their 881 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, March 13, 2007
Hollywood Police and Others
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three writers; one from the Hollywood Police Department (Florida), the Clinton Township Police Department (New Jersey) and the Chicago Police Department.
Lieutenant Ryan Melsky, of the Clinton Township Police Department authored Common Sense Wisdom for the New Officer. According to the book description, “Ryan Melsky knows how helpful hard-earned life lessons from veteran cops can be for young officers, so he decided to share them. This treasure chest of arm-around-the-shoulder advice will help keep you safe and make your career shine!”
Ernie Dorling was a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and is now a supervisory Special Agent with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. He was also a police officer with the Hollywood Police Department (Florida). Ernie has worked as a federal agent since 1978 with assignments in Washington, DC and Germany where he earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration. Ernest Dorling has authored two true crime books, With Consciousness of Guilt and Murder: A Family Affair.
According to the book description of With Consciousness of Guilt, “The first time Sam Consiglio assaulted a woman, he was 13-years-old. He would grab women by the breasts and run. When caught, he promised the police and his father he would never do that again. It’s probably the one promise Sam made to anyone that he actually kept. For over 25 years, Sam preyed upon unsuspecting women from Michigan to Florida to California. Using his wit and charming personality, he gained their confidence and trust before turning violent whenever he needed to satisfy his sexual urges. With almost every arrest, Sam was able to beat the police and the prosecutors as they tried in vain, to have him incarcerated. And with each failure of the courts to keep him behind bars, Sam grew more confident that no one could ever keep him locked up.”
One Amazon reader/reviewer remarked of Murder: A Family Affair, “a must read! Mug Shots on Court TV and A&E's City Confidential did a disservice to the truth in this case. Ernie Dorling's accuracy and writing style brings the characters alive. Everyone that I spoke to, said once they started reading; they couldn't put it down. Two women reading the book at the same time called each other every night to talk about every event in the book. Each chapter is more unbelievable than the one before.”
Thomas J. Cline, a 30-year member of the Chicago Police Department authored a collection of short stories about life as a police officer in Cop Tales. According to the book description, “Cop Tales is a unique, empathic look into the harsh realities and aberrant adventures of a big city patrolman. Whether as a recruit training at the academy, a rookie going through his baptism of fire, or an officer with years under his belt, Thomas Cline paints a vivid picture of his encounters, thoughts, and opinions.” Bill Nolan, the President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 said of Cop Tales, “sometimes too revealing, nails what being a cop is really about including the laughs, triumph and tragedy.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 407 police officers (representing 174 police departments) and their 877 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.
Lieutenant Ryan Melsky, of the Clinton Township Police Department authored Common Sense Wisdom for the New Officer. According to the book description, “Ryan Melsky knows how helpful hard-earned life lessons from veteran cops can be for young officers, so he decided to share them. This treasure chest of arm-around-the-shoulder advice will help keep you safe and make your career shine!”
Ernie Dorling was a Special Agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, and is now a supervisory Special Agent with the Defense Criminal Investigative Service. He was also a police officer with the Hollywood Police Department (Florida). Ernie has worked as a federal agent since 1978 with assignments in Washington, DC and Germany where he earned his Masters Degree in Public Administration. Ernest Dorling has authored two true crime books, With Consciousness of Guilt and Murder: A Family Affair.
According to the book description of With Consciousness of Guilt, “The first time Sam Consiglio assaulted a woman, he was 13-years-old. He would grab women by the breasts and run. When caught, he promised the police and his father he would never do that again. It’s probably the one promise Sam made to anyone that he actually kept. For over 25 years, Sam preyed upon unsuspecting women from Michigan to Florida to California. Using his wit and charming personality, he gained their confidence and trust before turning violent whenever he needed to satisfy his sexual urges. With almost every arrest, Sam was able to beat the police and the prosecutors as they tried in vain, to have him incarcerated. And with each failure of the courts to keep him behind bars, Sam grew more confident that no one could ever keep him locked up.”
One Amazon reader/reviewer remarked of Murder: A Family Affair, “a must read! Mug Shots on Court TV and A&E's City Confidential did a disservice to the truth in this case. Ernie Dorling's accuracy and writing style brings the characters alive. Everyone that I spoke to, said once they started reading; they couldn't put it down. Two women reading the book at the same time called each other every night to talk about every event in the book. Each chapter is more unbelievable than the one before.”
Thomas J. Cline, a 30-year member of the Chicago Police Department authored a collection of short stories about life as a police officer in Cop Tales. According to the book description, “Cop Tales is a unique, empathic look into the harsh realities and aberrant adventures of a big city patrolman. Whether as a recruit training at the academy, a rookie going through his baptism of fire, or an officer with years under his belt, Thomas Cline paints a vivid picture of his encounters, thoughts, and opinions.” Bill Nolan, the President of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 7 said of Cop Tales, “sometimes too revealing, nails what being a cop is really about including the laughs, triumph and tragedy.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 407 police officers (representing 174 police departments) and their 877 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.
A Police and Military Writer
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added a writer who has served in both the military and domestic law enforcement.
Robert S. Stering served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972. He enlisted again, in the USAF(R) in 1982. He served as a Special Agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigation; and, was honorably discharged as an E-5 in 1985. In addition to his military service, Robert S. Stering was a police officer for the Waltham Police Department (Massachusetts) for 25 years.
Robert S. Stering has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice and is a certified criminal intelligence analyst. In addition to his writing, Rob Stering is an adjunct professor for several colleges teaching Profiling Serial Offenders, Crime Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Introduction to Terrorism and other courses. He is also a consultant to the Municipal Police Training Committee (Massachusetts) as the state coordinator for patrol procedures.
His first book, a Police Officer's Handbook “provides you with an understanding of the situations, problems, and conflicts that police officers face daily. This is an indispensable resource for law enforcement students and professionals. The Police Officer's Handbook is divided into two parts. Part One discusses what police officers do and how they accomplish their tasks. It also takes a closer look at the role of the police officer today. Part Two offers you an opportunity to put yourself into the role of the police officer. Through scenarios you will examine some of the day-to-day incidents that police officers face on the street. After reading this text, you will gain practical knowledge and understand how to resolve a variety of conflicts.”
Robert S. Stering’s second book, Imagen: A Serial Killer Leaves Puzzling Clues, is a fictional work that takes the reader inside the mind of both the killer and the victim. According to the book description, “A serial killer is stalking the community. He leaves subtle clues. Or are they? The murders are perfect, the clues and evidence left, break all traditional investigative formalities. The book is unique in the way you interpret the emotions. With a clever switching of tenses, the author allows you the reader to be the victim and the killer. You feel the pain, and emotions of the victim. You experience the excitement, the thoughts and the reasoning of the Killer. Both visions bring you to the point of death. With the author’s experiences and knowledge of the field, the book offers a close-up and front seat realistic view of the investigative process.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 401 police officers (representing 171 police departments) and their 864 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. Military-Writers.com now lists 20 active, retired and former military personnel who have authored 20 books.
Robert S. Stering served in the United States Air Force from 1968 to 1972. He enlisted again, in the USAF(R) in 1982. He served as a Special Agent for the Air Force Office of Special Investigation; and, was honorably discharged as an E-5 in 1985. In addition to his military service, Robert S. Stering was a police officer for the Waltham Police Department (Massachusetts) for 25 years.
Robert S. Stering has a Masters degree in Criminal Justice and is a certified criminal intelligence analyst. In addition to his writing, Rob Stering is an adjunct professor for several colleges teaching Profiling Serial Offenders, Crime Analysis, Intelligence Analysis, Introduction to Terrorism and other courses. He is also a consultant to the Municipal Police Training Committee (Massachusetts) as the state coordinator for patrol procedures.
His first book, a Police Officer's Handbook “provides you with an understanding of the situations, problems, and conflicts that police officers face daily. This is an indispensable resource for law enforcement students and professionals. The Police Officer's Handbook is divided into two parts. Part One discusses what police officers do and how they accomplish their tasks. It also takes a closer look at the role of the police officer today. Part Two offers you an opportunity to put yourself into the role of the police officer. Through scenarios you will examine some of the day-to-day incidents that police officers face on the street. After reading this text, you will gain practical knowledge and understand how to resolve a variety of conflicts.”
Robert S. Stering’s second book, Imagen: A Serial Killer Leaves Puzzling Clues, is a fictional work that takes the reader inside the mind of both the killer and the victim. According to the book description, “A serial killer is stalking the community. He leaves subtle clues. Or are they? The murders are perfect, the clues and evidence left, break all traditional investigative formalities. The book is unique in the way you interpret the emotions. With a clever switching of tenses, the author allows you the reader to be the victim and the killer. You feel the pain, and emotions of the victim. You experience the excitement, the thoughts and the reasoning of the Killer. Both visions bring you to the point of death. With the author’s experiences and knowledge of the field, the book offers a close-up and front seat realistic view of the investigative process.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 401 police officers (representing 171 police departments) and their 864 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. Military-Writers.com now lists 20 active, retired and former military personnel who have authored 20 books.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Voice-to-Voice Device Provides Successful Combat Language Translation Capability
Editor's Note: A version of the device is being tested and deployed for use by domestic law enforcement.
The Voice Response Translator (VRT) has provided important voice-to-voice language translation capabilities for US military personnel engaged in direct action combat operations, according to reports provided by military personnel. The 11-ounce VRT was developed over the past 12 years with National Institute of Justice and Defense Department funding and is the only eyes-free, hands-free voice-to-voice translator in existence. This unique capability enables users to maintain weapon readiness and situational awareness while providing instructions, information and asking short questions of foreign nationals in hostile and potentially hostile situations.
Voice Response Translators “contributed immeasurably to the success of more than twenty direct action raids in Iraq in support of national level objectives,” according an after-action report by a Ranger Captain. “In addition to sparing precious time on the objective, they reduced collateral damage by bridging a tremendous language barrier therein resulting in the detention of more than fifteen members of the local insurgent network. The VRT proved invaluable in multiple roles as not only a tactical questioning tool but also as a force protection multiplier used both on objectives and from blocking positions.”
Users speak short commands into the VRT, and translated instructions and questions are produced by it. The system has been deployed with US Army, Special Forces, Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy personnel. The current version translates limited spoken Iraqi responses into English as part of advanced research funded by the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
The VRT is highly miniaturized (it fits in a standard M4 single ammo pouch) and can be integrated fully with MICH tactical headsets without interfering with communications or fast roping operations.
The system is produced by IWT, Inc. and Laguna Industries, Inc. IWT, Inc., a Fremont, CA-based company, specializes in the development and production of miniaturized speech recognition devices that work in high noise environments. IWT was founded in 1992 by Silicon Valley pioneer John H. Hall, who developed the first successful electronic watch, the first computerized heart pacemaker, the first radiation-hardened computer and other civilian and defense electronics systems. For more information visit their website: http://www.i-w-t.com/
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
The Voice Response Translator (VRT) has provided important voice-to-voice language translation capabilities for US military personnel engaged in direct action combat operations, according to reports provided by military personnel. The 11-ounce VRT was developed over the past 12 years with National Institute of Justice and Defense Department funding and is the only eyes-free, hands-free voice-to-voice translator in existence. This unique capability enables users to maintain weapon readiness and situational awareness while providing instructions, information and asking short questions of foreign nationals in hostile and potentially hostile situations.
Voice Response Translators “contributed immeasurably to the success of more than twenty direct action raids in Iraq in support of national level objectives,” according an after-action report by a Ranger Captain. “In addition to sparing precious time on the objective, they reduced collateral damage by bridging a tremendous language barrier therein resulting in the detention of more than fifteen members of the local insurgent network. The VRT proved invaluable in multiple roles as not only a tactical questioning tool but also as a force protection multiplier used both on objectives and from blocking positions.”
Users speak short commands into the VRT, and translated instructions and questions are produced by it. The system has been deployed with US Army, Special Forces, Marines, Coast Guard, and Navy personnel. The current version translates limited spoken Iraqi responses into English as part of advanced research funded by the Defense Advance Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
The VRT is highly miniaturized (it fits in a standard M4 single ammo pouch) and can be integrated fully with MICH tactical headsets without interfering with communications or fast roping operations.
The system is produced by IWT, Inc. and Laguna Industries, Inc. IWT, Inc., a Fremont, CA-based company, specializes in the development and production of miniaturized speech recognition devices that work in high noise environments. IWT was founded in 1992 by Silicon Valley pioneer John H. Hall, who developed the first successful electronic watch, the first computerized heart pacemaker, the first radiation-hardened computer and other civilian and defense electronics systems. For more information visit their website: http://www.i-w-t.com/
This article was sponsored by police and military personnel who have written books as well as criminal justice online leadership.
400 Police Authors and Women’s History Month
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three women police officers. Coinciding with National Women’s History month, the 400th police writer is a women.
Volitta Fritsche is a detective sergeant with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to her 18 years with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department (Indiana), she has an additional 8 years experience in the criminal justice system having worked as a dispatcher, corrections officer and court reporter. She has written two books, Deadly Decisions which is the story of a mother’s search for her missing son; and, a children’s book, Genuine.
Donna Wudyka was hired by the Detroit Police Department in 1987. She retired on a duty-related disability in 1997. Donna Wudyka’s book is Shattered Badges, Broken Hearts: An Officer's Nightmare. The book is the true-life account of a January 1996 officer-involved-shooting that claimed the life of police officer Patrick Prohm. According to Donna Wudyka, her book, “describes the aftermath of the shooting, and the hell that the City of Detroit put my partner and I through: Injustice, discrimination, harassment, numerous violations of the union contract, embarrassment, and mental anguish. My partner and I thought the incident was traumatic enough. Wait until you see what came after it.”
In 1992, Maureen Tracy joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff. She is the 400th author to be added to the list of state and local police officers who have written books.
After the academy Maureen Tracy worked in a correctional facility and was ultimately transferred to a specialized unit. Her book, The Department, is an account of her experiences on the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Maureen Tracy stated about her book, “One fall morning I received the phone call that changed my life. In turn of personal traumatic events I made a mistake on the job. However, despite the mitigating circumstances discovered through the Internal Affairs investigation, I found myself on the chopping block and headed toward termination. Was my mistake immoral? Yes. Were the actions of many people on this Department immoral? Absolutely. This is a story about the "good" of my job and the love I had for it. It is about the "bad" in the harassment, animosity and jealousy I experienced. This is the "truth" as to why I left the Department.”
The March newsletter from Hi Tech Criminal Justice will feature an article about the 21 women police officers who are currently listed on Police-Writers.com
Police-Writers.com now hosts 400 police officers (representing 170 police departments) and their 862 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.
Volitta Fritsche is a detective sergeant with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department. In addition to her 18 years with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department (Indiana), she has an additional 8 years experience in the criminal justice system having worked as a dispatcher, corrections officer and court reporter. She has written two books, Deadly Decisions which is the story of a mother’s search for her missing son; and, a children’s book, Genuine.
Donna Wudyka was hired by the Detroit Police Department in 1987. She retired on a duty-related disability in 1997. Donna Wudyka’s book is Shattered Badges, Broken Hearts: An Officer's Nightmare. The book is the true-life account of a January 1996 officer-involved-shooting that claimed the life of police officer Patrick Prohm. According to Donna Wudyka, her book, “describes the aftermath of the shooting, and the hell that the City of Detroit put my partner and I through: Injustice, discrimination, harassment, numerous violations of the union contract, embarrassment, and mental anguish. My partner and I thought the incident was traumatic enough. Wait until you see what came after it.”
In 1992, Maureen Tracy joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Department as a deputy sheriff. She is the 400th author to be added to the list of state and local police officers who have written books.
After the academy Maureen Tracy worked in a correctional facility and was ultimately transferred to a specialized unit. Her book, The Department, is an account of her experiences on the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Maureen Tracy stated about her book, “One fall morning I received the phone call that changed my life. In turn of personal traumatic events I made a mistake on the job. However, despite the mitigating circumstances discovered through the Internal Affairs investigation, I found myself on the chopping block and headed toward termination. Was my mistake immoral? Yes. Were the actions of many people on this Department immoral? Absolutely. This is a story about the "good" of my job and the love I had for it. It is about the "bad" in the harassment, animosity and jealousy I experienced. This is the "truth" as to why I left the Department.”
The March newsletter from Hi Tech Criminal Justice will feature an article about the 21 women police officers who are currently listed on Police-Writers.com
Police-Writers.com now hosts 400 police officers (representing 170 police departments) and their 862 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.
Policing Paradise and other Non Sequiturs
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added four police officers whose work covers policing history to fiction based in policing.
Edward F. Connolly, former superintendent of the Boston Police Department. His biography, Cop’s Cop, includes “stories he never even told his wife.
Edward Anthony Gibbons was a Boston Police Department police officer for ten years. He has written two crime novels, Crime, Passion & Conscience and Betrayal and Revenge: Mysterium iniquitotis. According to one reviewer, “Gibbons last novel, Crime, Passion, and Conscience revealed a corrupt Boston Homicide cop and tainted politicians. With Betrayal and Revenge, Gibbons continues with his first hand knowledge to thrill the reader.”
Peter Mars, a thirty year veteran of law enforcement, has an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and police science; masters degree in public administration; and, doctorate in sociology. He began his law enforcement career with the Yarmouth Police Department (Massachusetts). After 12 years with Yarmouth, he moved to Maine where he became the Chief of Administrative Services for the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office (Maine). He has authored six books: The Tunnel, A Taste for Money, The Key, The Best Suit in Town, The Chaplain and Alternative Measures.
According to the book description for Alternative Measures, it “opens the door into a world unknown to most civilians, a secret underworld with deep-rooted connections in Maine, where the seemingly most innocuous residents are responsible for some of the most potent activities for guaranteeing the security of this country. Written as a fictional account to protect his sources, you will wonder where the truth ends and the story begins.”
His fourth book, The Best Suit in Town, is the history of the police officers who worked for the Mansfield Police Department (Ohio) and was written with co-author Chief John Butler, Sanibel Island Police Department (ret.). As their book, “tells the story of a great generation of cops who policed a mid-sized, Midwestern industrial city after World War II through the time of the conflict in Vietnam. It was a time of change and turmoil that included the civil rights movement and society's general rebellion against authority.”
John Butler was the chief of police for the Mansfield Police Department (Ohio). After retiring from Mansfield, he started the Sanibel Island Police Department (Florida). Upon retiring from the Sanibel Island Police Department John Butler wrote a book about his experiences starting that department called Policing Paradise.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 397 police officers (representing 168 police departments) and their 858 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.
Edward F. Connolly, former superintendent of the Boston Police Department. His biography, Cop’s Cop, includes “stories he never even told his wife.
Edward Anthony Gibbons was a Boston Police Department police officer for ten years. He has written two crime novels, Crime, Passion & Conscience and Betrayal and Revenge: Mysterium iniquitotis. According to one reviewer, “Gibbons last novel, Crime, Passion, and Conscience revealed a corrupt Boston Homicide cop and tainted politicians. With Betrayal and Revenge, Gibbons continues with his first hand knowledge to thrill the reader.”
Peter Mars, a thirty year veteran of law enforcement, has an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and police science; masters degree in public administration; and, doctorate in sociology. He began his law enforcement career with the Yarmouth Police Department (Massachusetts). After 12 years with Yarmouth, he moved to Maine where he became the Chief of Administrative Services for the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office (Maine). He has authored six books: The Tunnel, A Taste for Money, The Key, The Best Suit in Town, The Chaplain and Alternative Measures.
According to the book description for Alternative Measures, it “opens the door into a world unknown to most civilians, a secret underworld with deep-rooted connections in Maine, where the seemingly most innocuous residents are responsible for some of the most potent activities for guaranteeing the security of this country. Written as a fictional account to protect his sources, you will wonder where the truth ends and the story begins.”
His fourth book, The Best Suit in Town, is the history of the police officers who worked for the Mansfield Police Department (Ohio) and was written with co-author Chief John Butler, Sanibel Island Police Department (ret.). As their book, “tells the story of a great generation of cops who policed a mid-sized, Midwestern industrial city after World War II through the time of the conflict in Vietnam. It was a time of change and turmoil that included the civil rights movement and society's general rebellion against authority.”
John Butler was the chief of police for the Mansfield Police Department (Ohio). After retiring from Mansfield, he started the Sanibel Island Police Department (Florida). Upon retiring from the Sanibel Island Police Department John Butler wrote a book about his experiences starting that department called Policing Paradise.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 397 police officers (representing 168 police departments) and their 858 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, March 11, 2007
Three Florida Cop Novels
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three Florida police officers who have written fictional novels.
Lieutenant Steven H. Richardson, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (ret.) (Florida) is the author of Crossing the Chalk Line. Although a work of fiction, it has been described as “closer to reality than fiction in describing what happens when police do the wrong thing for the right reasons.” According to the book description, “When Deputy Mark Jacobs finds his training officer lying dead in the panhandle mud, he must patiently wait for the criminal justice system to prosecute the murderer. Unable to place the murderer at the crime scene, the prosecutor is forced to release the murderer back into the Olustee communities.”
Derwin J. Bradley is a police officer for the Orlando Police Department Florida), a former military bodyguard and counter-terrorist specialist with extensive experience and travel in Africa and Europe. Derwin Bradley has trained hundreds of police officers in defensive tactics and has provided advanced tactical police training to U.S. Army Special Forces, British Army Special Forces, Police SWAT Teams, and military bodyguards during his 23 years in law enforcement. He has lectured at national conferences on juvenile crime and unconventional gang enforcement tactics, and has written several police training and program manuals.
Derwin Bradley is the author of two books, Black and Blue: Understanding Modern Law Enforcement in your American and The Operator Fear No Evil. Bradley’s book The Operator Fear No Evil is a novel of political intrigue. That includes, according to the book description, “hardball politics, advanced technology, unconventional tactics, and a secret state-of-the-art operations center.”
G.J. Herrey is a retired police officer from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (Florida). His novel is Sins, Stones and Glass Houses. According to the book description, “This novel begins in a city in Florida, where Zachary Naccarato, a decorated veteran, has just been awarded honors for catching a serial murderer. Shortly thereafter Sergeant Naccarato finds himself involved in a high stakes game of corruption, conspiracy, and murder. He is lured into the game of a madman, baited by his only true seduction: his quest for the truth. After a series of ritualistic murders are blamed on Naccarato, he is forced to resign from his career with the possibility of his arrest looming ever near. His life in disarray, Zach sets out to clear his name. Slowly, from the peripheral corners of each turned page, the killer emerges for an ultimate showdown. Conspiracy, betrayal, corruption, and the ultimate sin: homicide, are interwoven within the plot.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 393 police officers (representing 166 police departments) and their 848 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.
Lieutenant Steven H. Richardson, Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (ret.) (Florida) is the author of Crossing the Chalk Line. Although a work of fiction, it has been described as “closer to reality than fiction in describing what happens when police do the wrong thing for the right reasons.” According to the book description, “When Deputy Mark Jacobs finds his training officer lying dead in the panhandle mud, he must patiently wait for the criminal justice system to prosecute the murderer. Unable to place the murderer at the crime scene, the prosecutor is forced to release the murderer back into the Olustee communities.”
Derwin J. Bradley is a police officer for the Orlando Police Department Florida), a former military bodyguard and counter-terrorist specialist with extensive experience and travel in Africa and Europe. Derwin Bradley has trained hundreds of police officers in defensive tactics and has provided advanced tactical police training to U.S. Army Special Forces, British Army Special Forces, Police SWAT Teams, and military bodyguards during his 23 years in law enforcement. He has lectured at national conferences on juvenile crime and unconventional gang enforcement tactics, and has written several police training and program manuals.
Derwin Bradley is the author of two books, Black and Blue: Understanding Modern Law Enforcement in your American and The Operator Fear No Evil. Bradley’s book The Operator Fear No Evil is a novel of political intrigue. That includes, according to the book description, “hardball politics, advanced technology, unconventional tactics, and a secret state-of-the-art operations center.”
G.J. Herrey is a retired police officer from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office (Florida). His novel is Sins, Stones and Glass Houses. According to the book description, “This novel begins in a city in Florida, where Zachary Naccarato, a decorated veteran, has just been awarded honors for catching a serial murderer. Shortly thereafter Sergeant Naccarato finds himself involved in a high stakes game of corruption, conspiracy, and murder. He is lured into the game of a madman, baited by his only true seduction: his quest for the truth. After a series of ritualistic murders are blamed on Naccarato, he is forced to resign from his career with the possibility of his arrest looming ever near. His life in disarray, Zach sets out to clear his name. Slowly, from the peripheral corners of each turned page, the killer emerges for an ultimate showdown. Conspiracy, betrayal, corruption, and the ultimate sin: homicide, are interwoven within the plot.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 393 police officers (representing 166 police departments) and their 848 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.
Soldier, Cop and Author
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books and Military-Writers.com, a website dedicated to military personnel who have written books, added a prolific author who has served our country both as a soldier and police officer.
After completing military service in Viet Nam, Cherokee Paul McDonald joined the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1970. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he left the department in 1980, becoming a full-time writer. In addition to his fiction novels, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written two books about his life experiences. One reader comments on Paul’s In Blue Truth: Walking the Thin Blue Line-One Cop's Story of Life in the Streets, “I was about sixteen years old when I first read this book. Twelve years later, I am a cop myself, and have read and re-read this book at least twenty times since then. This book is the real deal...it doesn't glorify our job like other books have done...just the real and the raw. It gets to the bottom of what cops have to put up with every day.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald explores his military service in, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire. In 1968, he arrived in Vietnam a U.S. Army second lieutenant, assigned as an artillery forward observer. After a year service, he fell victim to malaria and was evacuated. According to the Library Journal, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire, “speaks volumes about the stress and terror of war while also reminding the reader of the touching humanity of the erstwhile civilians called upon for military service. In place of an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the war, McDonald introduces Vietnam through a series of vignettes on life in and out of the firing line. This is Vietnam as it has rarely been described, and each short narrative offers an eloquent testimonial to the conflict.”
In addition to his autobiographical accounts, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written one true crime novel, Under Contract: The True Account of a Cop Hired to Kill. This work is the tale of Al Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Police Department detective who posed as a hit man. According to Kirkus reviews, “What terrifies here is the repeated verification of the old saw about the banality of evil. In one memorable case, a sweet, petite, under-20 blond, answering an ad placed in the personals by a love-hungry bachelor, makes a request for the murder of her husband; short of cash, she wants to finance the crime on the installment plan.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald’s fictional works include Summer’s Reason, Gulf Stream and The Patch.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 390 police officers (representing 163 police departments) and their 844 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. Military-Writers.com lists 10 former, active or retired military personnel and their 18 books.
After completing military service in Viet Nam, Cherokee Paul McDonald joined the Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1970. Rising to the rank of sergeant, he left the department in 1980, becoming a full-time writer. In addition to his fiction novels, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written two books about his life experiences. One reader comments on Paul’s In Blue Truth: Walking the Thin Blue Line-One Cop's Story of Life in the Streets, “I was about sixteen years old when I first read this book. Twelve years later, I am a cop myself, and have read and re-read this book at least twenty times since then. This book is the real deal...it doesn't glorify our job like other books have done...just the real and the raw. It gets to the bottom of what cops have to put up with every day.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald explores his military service in, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire. In 1968, he arrived in Vietnam a U.S. Army second lieutenant, assigned as an artillery forward observer. After a year service, he fell victim to malaria and was evacuated. According to the Library Journal, Into the Green: A Reconnaissance by Fire, “speaks volumes about the stress and terror of war while also reminding the reader of the touching humanity of the erstwhile civilians called upon for military service. In place of an exhaustive, day-by-day account of the war, McDonald introduces Vietnam through a series of vignettes on life in and out of the firing line. This is Vietnam as it has rarely been described, and each short narrative offers an eloquent testimonial to the conflict.”
In addition to his autobiographical accounts, Cherokee Paul McDonald has written one true crime novel, Under Contract: The True Account of a Cop Hired to Kill. This work is the tale of Al Smith, a Fort Lauderdale Police Department detective who posed as a hit man. According to Kirkus reviews, “What terrifies here is the repeated verification of the old saw about the banality of evil. In one memorable case, a sweet, petite, under-20 blond, answering an ad placed in the personals by a love-hungry bachelor, makes a request for the murder of her husband; short of cash, she wants to finance the crime on the installment plan.”
Cherokee Paul McDonald’s fictional works include Summer’s Reason, Gulf Stream and The Patch.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 390 police officers (representing 163 police departments) and their 844 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. Military-Writers.com lists 10 former, active or retired military personnel and their 18 books.
Florida Cop Autobiographies
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers who have written books about their careers in Florida law enforcement.
Nick Navarro served as the sheriff of Broward County, Florida from 1984 through 1992. Navarro oversaw a period during which Broward County Sheriffs Office grew both in size and in prominence as a local institution. While Navarro was sheriff, the BSO's staff doubled to 3,000 and its budget eclipsed $200 million. As sheriff, Navarro courted public attention and often attracted controversy. The television show COPS was first filmed in his jurisdiction, with his approval and support. His autobiography is called Cuban Cop.
Dennis Wise is a 35 year veteran of law enforcement and the former Public Information Officer for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (Florida). As a police officer, he worked a variety of departments in Florida, including Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Parks. According to Dennis Wise, his book Honor Above All Else: Removing the Veil of Secrecy, is an “account of life in the crosshairs of the street thugs and drunk drivers.” He also remarks that, “Everyone who has ever been a cop soon learns that many times his worst enemy actually wears a badge, and so the joust begins. Not only does he have to watch his back from the public, he has his own kind to fear.”
Gary Jones was a Fort Lauderdale Police Department (Florida) police officer for over 26 years. In the mid-1970’s, as a member of his department’s new Tactical Impact Unit, he and his partner were twice named Police Officers of the Year. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Captain, and he also earned a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. Captain Jones retired from Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1993.
Gary Jones’ book is Badge 149 - “Shots Fire!” According to the book description, “The 1970’s was the deadliest decade in modern law enforcement history and more police officers died than during any other decade of the 20th Century. In Fort Lauderdale, the “Venice of America,” violent crime was almost out of control and to stem this vicious tide the Fort Lauderdale Police Department created the Tactical Impact Unit. Written with all the drama and excitement of a novel, Badge 149 – “Shots Fired!” tells the true story of this small group of men and of the daring exploits that made them so well-known and respected.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 389 police officers (representing 163 police departments) and their 839 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.
Nick Navarro served as the sheriff of Broward County, Florida from 1984 through 1992. Navarro oversaw a period during which Broward County Sheriffs Office grew both in size and in prominence as a local institution. While Navarro was sheriff, the BSO's staff doubled to 3,000 and its budget eclipsed $200 million. As sheriff, Navarro courted public attention and often attracted controversy. The television show COPS was first filmed in his jurisdiction, with his approval and support. His autobiography is called Cuban Cop.
Dennis Wise is a 35 year veteran of law enforcement and the former Public Information Officer for the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (Florida). As a police officer, he worked a variety of departments in Florida, including Lauderdale Lakes and Pembroke Parks. According to Dennis Wise, his book Honor Above All Else: Removing the Veil of Secrecy, is an “account of life in the crosshairs of the street thugs and drunk drivers.” He also remarks that, “Everyone who has ever been a cop soon learns that many times his worst enemy actually wears a badge, and so the joust begins. Not only does he have to watch his back from the public, he has his own kind to fear.”
Gary Jones was a Fort Lauderdale Police Department (Florida) police officer for over 26 years. In the mid-1970’s, as a member of his department’s new Tactical Impact Unit, he and his partner were twice named Police Officers of the Year. He rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a Captain, and he also earned a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice. Captain Jones retired from Fort Lauderdale Police Department in 1993.
Gary Jones’ book is Badge 149 - “Shots Fire!” According to the book description, “The 1970’s was the deadliest decade in modern law enforcement history and more police officers died than during any other decade of the 20th Century. In Fort Lauderdale, the “Venice of America,” violent crime was almost out of control and to stem this vicious tide the Fort Lauderdale Police Department created the Tactical Impact Unit. Written with all the drama and excitement of a novel, Badge 149 – “Shots Fired!” tells the true story of this small group of men and of the daring exploits that made them so well-known and respected.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 389 police officers (representing 163 police departments) and their 839 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, March 10, 2007
Virtual Justice and other works
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers who have written books.
Richard Calvert’s thirty-five years of big city police work has given him up-front and hands on experience with all segments of criminal activity. As a lieutenant on the Miami-Dade Police Department, he was involved in the investigation of hundreds of crimes, complicated by the ethnic diversity of Miami; and, taking him to all corners of the United States and Puerto Rico. Richard Calvert was motivated by his disenchantment with the criminal justice system and his compassion for the victims of homicide, armed robbery, narcotics, organized crime and sexual battery, he felt compelled to write his novel – Virtual Justice. Educated at Virginia Tech and Florida International University, he holds a B.S. degree in criminology.
According to one reader of Virtual Justice, “A fine work that gives the reader a classic look at scenarios facing the big city detective. Police work, politics, and the justice system combine to make "Virtual Justice" an exciting, informative thriller. Though a work of fiction the players in this book could very well be real. I was continuously looking forward to reading the next chapter.”
Dale C. Carson was a Deputy Sheriff from 1974 to 1976 with the Dade County Public Safety Department (which later became known as the Miami-Dade Police Department) he has been an FBI agent, private investigator and criminal defense attorney. Currently, as of March 2007, Dale C. Carson, is running for Sheriff of Duval County (Florida). Dale Carson’s book is Arrest Proof Yourself. According to the book description, “This essential “how not to” guide explains how to act and what to say in the presence of police to minimize the chances of being arrested and to avoid add-on charges—which can often lead to permanent disqualification from jobs, financing, and education. Citizens can learn how to avoid arrest both on the street and when pulled over in a vehicle and are alerted to basic tricks cops use to get people to incriminate themselves. Sprinkled with absurdity and humor, this urgent, eye-opening book is a guide to criminal justice for all Americans.”
A 30 year veteran of law enforcement, Alex J. McDonald, is a deputy sheriff with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (Florida). He has published extensively in law enforcement periodicals, as well as magazines about karate and skin diving. According to the book description of his first novel, Sawgrass, “A missing cop is found dead in his car in an orange grove. Suicide or murder? The evidence points to murder but the bureaucrats want it to be suicide. Det. Sgt. Daniel Quinn is in charge of the investigation and sets out to prove murder. A second murder occurs and Quinn finds the two are connected. Quinn becomes embroiled in a drug smuggling investigation and is forced to battle politics, a smuggling group and even the D.E.A. All of this leads to a surprise ending.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 386 police officers (representing 161 police departments) and their 836 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.
Richard Calvert’s thirty-five years of big city police work has given him up-front and hands on experience with all segments of criminal activity. As a lieutenant on the Miami-Dade Police Department, he was involved in the investigation of hundreds of crimes, complicated by the ethnic diversity of Miami; and, taking him to all corners of the United States and Puerto Rico. Richard Calvert was motivated by his disenchantment with the criminal justice system and his compassion for the victims of homicide, armed robbery, narcotics, organized crime and sexual battery, he felt compelled to write his novel – Virtual Justice. Educated at Virginia Tech and Florida International University, he holds a B.S. degree in criminology.
According to one reader of Virtual Justice, “A fine work that gives the reader a classic look at scenarios facing the big city detective. Police work, politics, and the justice system combine to make "Virtual Justice" an exciting, informative thriller. Though a work of fiction the players in this book could very well be real. I was continuously looking forward to reading the next chapter.”
Dale C. Carson was a Deputy Sheriff from 1974 to 1976 with the Dade County Public Safety Department (which later became known as the Miami-Dade Police Department) he has been an FBI agent, private investigator and criminal defense attorney. Currently, as of March 2007, Dale C. Carson, is running for Sheriff of Duval County (Florida). Dale Carson’s book is Arrest Proof Yourself. According to the book description, “This essential “how not to” guide explains how to act and what to say in the presence of police to minimize the chances of being arrested and to avoid add-on charges—which can often lead to permanent disqualification from jobs, financing, and education. Citizens can learn how to avoid arrest both on the street and when pulled over in a vehicle and are alerted to basic tricks cops use to get people to incriminate themselves. Sprinkled with absurdity and humor, this urgent, eye-opening book is a guide to criminal justice for all Americans.”
A 30 year veteran of law enforcement, Alex J. McDonald, is a deputy sheriff with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office (Florida). He has published extensively in law enforcement periodicals, as well as magazines about karate and skin diving. According to the book description of his first novel, Sawgrass, “A missing cop is found dead in his car in an orange grove. Suicide or murder? The evidence points to murder but the bureaucrats want it to be suicide. Det. Sgt. Daniel Quinn is in charge of the investigation and sets out to prove murder. A second murder occurs and Quinn finds the two are connected. Quinn becomes embroiled in a drug smuggling investigation and is forced to battle politics, a smuggling group and even the D.E.A. All of this leads to a surprise ending.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 386 police officers (representing 161 police departments) and their 836 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.
Corruption, murder and tragedy
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers who have written books about corruption, murder and tragedy in American policing.
Antonio Bustillo is a former Miami Police Department police officer. His first novel, Renegade Crew, is based on the 1980s Miami Police Department corruption scandal often referred to as the Miami River Cops. According to one reader of his novel, “Books about cops are usually the same old re-hashed, ponderous stuff. Renegade Crew is the exception. It is fast-paced, action-packed and humorous all in one. The author allows the reader to feel empathy for any or none of the river cops in question. Whether you agree with how they went about arresting criminals or not, the story is different from any other cop book that is out there. Giving it even more credibility is the author who is a former police officer. "Renegade Crew" deserves five-stars. I did not want to put it down and I will be re-reading it again tonight. I'd like to read the sequel to see what ever happened to these guys. I wonder if they are swimming with the fish, yet?”
Antonio Bustillo’s second book is a Steady Training, and is “recommended for any karate enthusiast who wonders how to adapt his training to real fighting encounters. Bustillo’s advice: train realistically, keep in shape, and keep it simple.”
Lieutenant Nelson Andreu (retired) dedicated nearly his entire police career with the Miami Police Department to homicide and death-investigation cases. During his nearly 23-year tenure with Miami Police Department, Lieutenant Nelson Andreu spent over 21 years in the Homicide Unit. He investigated thousands of death cases ranging from routine natural deaths, accidental deaths, industrial deaths, murders and suicides, to his working on five separate serial killer investigations. His murder investigations culminated in 2002 with the conviction of Francisco Del Junco, a Miami serial killer who bludgeoned to death and then set fire to four women in South Florida.
According to the book description of Nelson Andreu’s Dead Read, “Detective Peter Copeland wakes up on the beach one morning with a killer headache and no clue how he came to be there. Before long, he discovers that the exotic redheaded stranger he met at a party the night before is washed up on the beach, dead. What's this? Another detective mystery? But finally, here's one that departs from the mold. "Dead Red" is based on first-hand knowledge of solving mysterious deaths, thanks to author Nelson Andreu's twenty-two years in Miami's Homicide Unit. Readers who are curious about the workings behind crime investigations finally get what they want: insight on the inner workings of homicide(extracting answers from a reluctant witness, capturing an elusive fingerprint, distilling evidence from a mutilated victim) woven within an intriguing plot. Of course, Detective Copeland uncovers the answer--but that answer is what every cop dreads.”
According to the Library Journal, “On a summer day in 1986 Steven McDonald, a New York Police Department police officer, was patrolling his Central Park beat when a teenager whom he approached shot him, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. This book, with its alternating voices, recounts how Steven and Patti Ann have survived the incident and its aftermath.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 383 police officers (representing 160 police departments) and their 833 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.
Antonio Bustillo is a former Miami Police Department police officer. His first novel, Renegade Crew, is based on the 1980s Miami Police Department corruption scandal often referred to as the Miami River Cops. According to one reader of his novel, “Books about cops are usually the same old re-hashed, ponderous stuff. Renegade Crew is the exception. It is fast-paced, action-packed and humorous all in one. The author allows the reader to feel empathy for any or none of the river cops in question. Whether you agree with how they went about arresting criminals or not, the story is different from any other cop book that is out there. Giving it even more credibility is the author who is a former police officer. "Renegade Crew" deserves five-stars. I did not want to put it down and I will be re-reading it again tonight. I'd like to read the sequel to see what ever happened to these guys. I wonder if they are swimming with the fish, yet?”
Antonio Bustillo’s second book is a Steady Training, and is “recommended for any karate enthusiast who wonders how to adapt his training to real fighting encounters. Bustillo’s advice: train realistically, keep in shape, and keep it simple.”
Lieutenant Nelson Andreu (retired) dedicated nearly his entire police career with the Miami Police Department to homicide and death-investigation cases. During his nearly 23-year tenure with Miami Police Department, Lieutenant Nelson Andreu spent over 21 years in the Homicide Unit. He investigated thousands of death cases ranging from routine natural deaths, accidental deaths, industrial deaths, murders and suicides, to his working on five separate serial killer investigations. His murder investigations culminated in 2002 with the conviction of Francisco Del Junco, a Miami serial killer who bludgeoned to death and then set fire to four women in South Florida.
According to the book description of Nelson Andreu’s Dead Read, “Detective Peter Copeland wakes up on the beach one morning with a killer headache and no clue how he came to be there. Before long, he discovers that the exotic redheaded stranger he met at a party the night before is washed up on the beach, dead. What's this? Another detective mystery? But finally, here's one that departs from the mold. "Dead Red" is based on first-hand knowledge of solving mysterious deaths, thanks to author Nelson Andreu's twenty-two years in Miami's Homicide Unit. Readers who are curious about the workings behind crime investigations finally get what they want: insight on the inner workings of homicide(extracting answers from a reluctant witness, capturing an elusive fingerprint, distilling evidence from a mutilated victim) woven within an intriguing plot. Of course, Detective Copeland uncovers the answer--but that answer is what every cop dreads.”
According to the Library Journal, “On a summer day in 1986 Steven McDonald, a New York Police Department police officer, was patrolling his Central Park beat when a teenager whom he approached shot him, leaving him paralyzed from the neck down. This book, with its alternating voices, recounts how Steven and Patti Ann have survived the incident and its aftermath.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 383 police officers (representing 160 police departments) and their 833 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, March 08, 2007
Justice Delayed? Time Consumption in Capital Appeals: A Multistate Study
How long do appeals in capital cases take? This final grant report details an NIJ Visiting Fellow's research on how long it takes court systems to process a direct appeal in capital cases. Dr. Barry Latzer, Professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, examined data for 1,676 cases resolved between 1992-2002 in 14 States. He found that, measuring from date of death sentence, it took a median 966 days to complete direct appeal. The number of days for an appeal to reach the court of last resort varied greatly between States. Petitions to the U.S. Supreme Court added a median of 188 to 250 days. Factors that affected the number of days required to process an appeal included case complexity, number of dissenting opinions, if there was a reversal of the lower court decision, prior review by an intermediate appellate court, and if there were State laws or rules on expediting capital appeals.
Read the full report Justice Delayed? Time Consumption in Capital Appeals: A Multistate Study (pdf). Data from this study is expected to be available in May 2007 through the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data.
The research resulted from a competitive award under NIJ's Visiting Fellowship Program in 2004. The program supports the investigation, analysis, and development of innovative approaches that enhance justice and advance public policy decision making.
Find additional reports and resource on capital cases and the death penalty at the National Criminal Justice Reference Service.
Article Sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Read the full report Justice Delayed? Time Consumption in Capital Appeals: A Multistate Study (pdf). Data from this study is expected to be available in May 2007 through the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data.
The research resulted from a competitive award under NIJ's Visiting Fellowship Program in 2004. The program supports the investigation, analysis, and development of innovative approaches that enhance justice and advance public policy decision making.
Find additional reports and resource on capital cases and the death penalty at the National Criminal Justice Reference Service.
Article Sponsored by Criminal Justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Best Practices for Coping With Vicarious Trauma
On March 14, 2007, at 2 p.m. (eastern time), the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will present a Web Forum discussion with Barbara Rubel on vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue and their effects in the workplace. Ms. Rubel, Executive Director of the Griefwork Center, Inc., in Kendall Park, New Jersey , is a nationally known bereavement specialist. She is a board certified expert in traumatic stress and a diplomate of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. As a consultant for OVC, she offers keynote speeches and training programs for professionals on issues related to sudden loss and compassion fatigue.
Visit the OVC Web Forum now to submit questions for Ms. Rubel and return on March 14 at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion. Learn how to participate beforehand so you are ready for the discussion.
Visit the OVC Web Forum now to submit questions for Ms. Rubel and return on March 14 at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion. Learn how to participate beforehand so you are ready for the discussion.
337 Cops, 158 Departments and 826 Books
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added four additional police officers who have written books.
Robert P. Como served as a police officer with the Nassau County Police Department (New York) for twenty-one years. He was voted "Cop Of The Month" seven times, and has received the Excellent Police Duty Award. He holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral Sciences/Criminal Justice, and master’s degrees in Public Administration, and counseling. He has done individual, group, and family-systems counseling for mental health, substance abuse, and relational issues.
According to the description of his novel, Deadly Crossing, “Harbor Meadow, Long Island was a quiet New England style village...until the killings started. Deranged after a mishap aboard the Soundview: a monstrous 320 foot vessel which plies the waters between Long Island and Connecticut. a stalker begins an odyssey of murder. His weapon: a sharpened hook-device.”
John Westermann was a police officer for the Freeport Police Department (New York). Since leaving the job, he has written five novels. Once of his novels, Exit Wounds, was produced into a movie of the same name starring Steven Seagal. According to the Charlotte Austin Review, “Exit Wounds is a gritty police drama about men on the edge, and about the edge itself. One of the things I really liked about this work was that Orin’s assignment is not cut and dry. The reader has to guess right along with George and the rest of the cast exactly who Officer Orin Boyd is, and what he is up to.”
John S. Dempsey and Linda Forst have just released the 4th edition of their text on an Introduction to Policing.
John S. Dempsey was a member of the New York Police Department (NYPD) for 24 years. He served as a police officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. His primary assignments were patrol and investigations. He received seven citations from the Department for meritorious and excellent police duty. After retiring from the NYPD, Professor Dempsey served on the faculty of Suffolk County Community College, and the State University of New York Empire College, where he teaches criminal justice and public administration courses and mentors ranking members of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. He is also the author of Introduction to Investigation.
Captain Linda Forst is retired from the Boca Raton Police Department in Florida. She spent the majority of her career in the Uniformed Division, where she served as the first female Field Training Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. She was an investigator in Crimes Against Persons, specializing in sex crimes. She was assigned to Professional Standards for several years and spent time commanding Support Services. She is a graduate of University of Louisville's Sex Crime Investigation Course, Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, and numerous investigative and management schools. She is also the author of The Aging of America: A Handbook for Police Officers.
According to the book description of their book, Introduction to Policing, is “a "must read" for anyone considering a career in law enforcement, this book provides a current, insider's look at the many rewards, and the often intense stress, that are part of police work. Written by two authors with extensive real-life experience in all ranks and assignments of policing, this text gives you a solid blend of practical information and theory that gives a firm foundation in the various roles of the police: who the police are, what they do, and how they do it. The book also addresses current topics that concern you most, such as homeland defense, community policing, and current technological advancements.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 377 police officers (representing 158 police departments) and their 826 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.
Robert P. Como served as a police officer with the Nassau County Police Department (New York) for twenty-one years. He was voted "Cop Of The Month" seven times, and has received the Excellent Police Duty Award. He holds a bachelor's degree in behavioral Sciences/Criminal Justice, and master’s degrees in Public Administration, and counseling. He has done individual, group, and family-systems counseling for mental health, substance abuse, and relational issues.
According to the description of his novel, Deadly Crossing, “Harbor Meadow, Long Island was a quiet New England style village...until the killings started. Deranged after a mishap aboard the Soundview: a monstrous 320 foot vessel which plies the waters between Long Island and Connecticut. a stalker begins an odyssey of murder. His weapon: a sharpened hook-device.”
John Westermann was a police officer for the Freeport Police Department (New York). Since leaving the job, he has written five novels. Once of his novels, Exit Wounds, was produced into a movie of the same name starring Steven Seagal. According to the Charlotte Austin Review, “Exit Wounds is a gritty police drama about men on the edge, and about the edge itself. One of the things I really liked about this work was that Orin’s assignment is not cut and dry. The reader has to guess right along with George and the rest of the cast exactly who Officer Orin Boyd is, and what he is up to.”
John S. Dempsey and Linda Forst have just released the 4th edition of their text on an Introduction to Policing.
John S. Dempsey was a member of the New York Police Department (NYPD) for 24 years. He served as a police officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. His primary assignments were patrol and investigations. He received seven citations from the Department for meritorious and excellent police duty. After retiring from the NYPD, Professor Dempsey served on the faculty of Suffolk County Community College, and the State University of New York Empire College, where he teaches criminal justice and public administration courses and mentors ranking members of law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. He is also the author of Introduction to Investigation.
Captain Linda Forst is retired from the Boca Raton Police Department in Florida. She spent the majority of her career in the Uniformed Division, where she served as the first female Field Training Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. She was an investigator in Crimes Against Persons, specializing in sex crimes. She was assigned to Professional Standards for several years and spent time commanding Support Services. She is a graduate of University of Louisville's Sex Crime Investigation Course, Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command, and numerous investigative and management schools. She is also the author of The Aging of America: A Handbook for Police Officers.
According to the book description of their book, Introduction to Policing, is “a "must read" for anyone considering a career in law enforcement, this book provides a current, insider's look at the many rewards, and the often intense stress, that are part of police work. Written by two authors with extensive real-life experience in all ranks and assignments of policing, this text gives you a solid blend of practical information and theory that gives a firm foundation in the various roles of the police: who the police are, what they do, and how they do it. The book also addresses current topics that concern you most, such as homeland defense, community policing, and current technological advancements.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 377 police officers (representing 158 police departments) and their 826 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, March 06, 2007
NIJ's 4th Annual Applied Technologies Conference
April 3–5, 2007Orange County, CA
Are you a law enforcement or crime laboratory executive? If so, the sessions at this year's conference will pertain to you!
Are you a law enforcement or crime laboratory executive? If so, the sessions at this year's conference will pertain to you!
Topics include:
How the "CSI Effect" is changing the way jurors see evidence
Improving school safety
Using the latest technologies for communications interoperability and for collecting crime scene evidence
Capitalizing on information-led policing
Using crime mapping to identify hot spots
Planning for and handling mass disasters
How to obtain excess government property from DOD
Strategies for solving cold cases
Public Safety demonstrations will be taking place daily. This year registration is free and open to all public safety executives!
Visit NIJ to learn more and register!
Police History and Spirituality
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books on police history and spirituality for police officers.
Albert S. Kurek, a retired New York State Police trooper wrote two books on the history of the New York State Police in The Troopers Are Coming: New York State Troopers, 1917-1943 and The Troopers Are Coming II: New York State Troopers, 1943-1985.
Roger Abel is a retired second grade New York Police Department Detective. A native New Yorker, he has a long and distinguished career in law enforcement as President of the Black Police Officers Organization of the New York Police Department called "Guardian Association, and President of the National Black Police Association. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and many police department and community service awards.
His book, The Black Shields, documents his research into the history of African Americans on the New York Police Department. According to the book description, “All but ignored, the Black police officer went unseen in a history that has been lost, stolen, and disguised by generations of segregation and discriminatory practices within the New York Police Department, and city Government. For more than a century, Black police officers walked a lonely beat, and very little was written about their struggled for equality and recognition since the first Black officer entered the Police Department in 1891.”
John Moreno joined the New York Police Department in 1955; and, retired at the rank of lieutenant in 1984. While on the job he earned an Associate Degree in Police Science and later a Bachelor Degree in Theology. Upon retiring he accepted a position on the staff of the Bishop Molloy Retreat House, working with the Passionist Community of priests and brothers. While working there he went on to earn a Masters Degree in Catholic Doctrine. After leaving that position he became associated with the Marianist Community organizing, promoting and offering spiritual programs at their Emmanuel Marianist Retreat House.
He is founder of Catholic Lay Preachers, a small group of experienced lay speakers offering their talents to religious organizations. He is also the author of A Spirituality for Police Officers which provides “Spiritual help for those in law enforcement and their families.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 373 police officers (representing 155 police departments) and their 817 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.
Albert S. Kurek, a retired New York State Police trooper wrote two books on the history of the New York State Police in The Troopers Are Coming: New York State Troopers, 1917-1943 and The Troopers Are Coming II: New York State Troopers, 1943-1985.
Roger Abel is a retired second grade New York Police Department Detective. A native New Yorker, he has a long and distinguished career in law enforcement as President of the Black Police Officers Organization of the New York Police Department called "Guardian Association, and President of the National Black Police Association. He has a bachelor’s degree in biology and psychology, a master’s degree in Public Administration, and many police department and community service awards.
His book, The Black Shields, documents his research into the history of African Americans on the New York Police Department. According to the book description, “All but ignored, the Black police officer went unseen in a history that has been lost, stolen, and disguised by generations of segregation and discriminatory practices within the New York Police Department, and city Government. For more than a century, Black police officers walked a lonely beat, and very little was written about their struggled for equality and recognition since the first Black officer entered the Police Department in 1891.”
John Moreno joined the New York Police Department in 1955; and, retired at the rank of lieutenant in 1984. While on the job he earned an Associate Degree in Police Science and later a Bachelor Degree in Theology. Upon retiring he accepted a position on the staff of the Bishop Molloy Retreat House, working with the Passionist Community of priests and brothers. While working there he went on to earn a Masters Degree in Catholic Doctrine. After leaving that position he became associated with the Marianist Community organizing, promoting and offering spiritual programs at their Emmanuel Marianist Retreat House.
He is founder of Catholic Lay Preachers, a small group of experienced lay speakers offering their talents to religious organizations. He is also the author of A Spirituality for Police Officers which provides “Spiritual help for those in law enforcement and their families.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 373 police officers (representing 155 police departments) and their 817 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, March 05, 2007
Old Mob, New Mob
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books on the mafia, drug cartels and police corruption.
During the early 1960s, Raymond V. Martin was an Assistant Chief Inspector of the Brooklyn South Detective Squad of the New York Police Department. His book, Revolt in the Mafia, is the story of his battles with the Gallo crime family. Perhaps most interesting, many of the real names he recounts, find their way into Mario Puzo’s mafia classic – The Godfather. In addition to names, places and incidents, Martin describes his strategies and tactics for his battle against the mob.
Jerry Speziale is a police officer who has attended three police academies and is a certified police officer in three states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Jerry Speziale first served fifteen years with the New York Police Department where he worked in the South Bronx, Organized Crime Control Bureau and Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force. After leaving NYPD, he has been the Chief of Department with the Bergen County Sheriff's Department and the Chief of Police in New Hope Pennsylvania. As of 2007, he is the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff.
Sheriff Jerry Speziale’s book is Without A Badge: Undercover in the World's Deadliest Criminal Organization. According to Publishers Weekly (2003), “An original member of the DEA's legendary Group 93, which was founded in 1990 to target the drug cartels based in Cali, Colombia, Speziale has an amazing life story to tell, and in a breathless narrative, he nails the high points of his 20-year-long career. From his troubled youth in New Jersey through his incarnation as the suave "Geraldo Bartone" to infiltrate the Cali gangs, to a final bout with career burnout, Speziale provides a detailed insider look at the tough life of undercover cops and the relentless pressure of a job in which the "only way to bust the cartel is to become part of it.”
Patrick Murphy's experience includes 25 years as a New York Police Department police officer. He was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) by Mayor John Lindsay in 1970. He has also headed the police departments in Syracuse, NY, Washington, D.C., and Detroit. Patrick Murphy wrote Commissioner.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 370 police officers (representing 155 police departments) and their 813 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.
During the early 1960s, Raymond V. Martin was an Assistant Chief Inspector of the Brooklyn South Detective Squad of the New York Police Department. His book, Revolt in the Mafia, is the story of his battles with the Gallo crime family. Perhaps most interesting, many of the real names he recounts, find their way into Mario Puzo’s mafia classic – The Godfather. In addition to names, places and incidents, Martin describes his strategies and tactics for his battle against the mob.
Jerry Speziale is a police officer who has attended three police academies and is a certified police officer in three states: New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Jerry Speziale first served fifteen years with the New York Police Department where he worked in the South Bronx, Organized Crime Control Bureau and Federal Drug Enforcement Task Force. After leaving NYPD, he has been the Chief of Department with the Bergen County Sheriff's Department and the Chief of Police in New Hope Pennsylvania. As of 2007, he is the Passaic County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff.
Sheriff Jerry Speziale’s book is Without A Badge: Undercover in the World's Deadliest Criminal Organization. According to Publishers Weekly (2003), “An original member of the DEA's legendary Group 93, which was founded in 1990 to target the drug cartels based in Cali, Colombia, Speziale has an amazing life story to tell, and in a breathless narrative, he nails the high points of his 20-year-long career. From his troubled youth in New Jersey through his incarnation as the suave "Geraldo Bartone" to infiltrate the Cali gangs, to a final bout with career burnout, Speziale provides a detailed insider look at the tough life of undercover cops and the relentless pressure of a job in which the "only way to bust the cartel is to become part of it.”
Patrick Murphy's experience includes 25 years as a New York Police Department police officer. He was appointed Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) by Mayor John Lindsay in 1970. He has also headed the police departments in Syracuse, NY, Washington, D.C., and Detroit. Patrick Murphy wrote Commissioner.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 370 police officers (representing 155 police departments) and their 813 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.
Hip-Hop Intelligence and Cops Shooting Cops
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers: Derrick Parker, Stephen Peach and Richard Paloma.
Derrick Parker was an undercover narcotics and homicide detective with the New York Police Department. Over time, he became NYPD’s go-to-guy for investigating hip-hop related crimes. As he collected more and more information about hip-hop artists, his information became intelligence on rap stars and crime related to that industry. You can read about his career in his book, Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie, and Jam Master Jay Investigations from the NYPD's First "Hip-Hop Cop."
Stephen Peach emigrated from England to the United States in 1986. In 1991, after becoming a U.S. Citizen, he joined the San Bernardino Police Department. After leaving the department, Stephen authored the book Friendly Fire. According to Peach himself, “This book exposes the dirty underside of Law Enforcement politics. I was a highly regarded gang and SWAT officer that was the victim of 2 accidental shootings within 2 weeks of each other by other officers.” Stephen Peach further comments about his book, “My book exposes the corruption that City Governments allow to occur to protect their civil liability. Many other corrupt activities that I have exposed in my book have never been exposed before. This is a true story of many different crimes that administrators and their corrupt subordinates have committed that they would rather not have exposed.”
In 1982, after attending Chabot College, Richard Paloma became a reserve deputy sheriff for Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Later, he joined the Newark Police Department (California) as a full-time police officer. After fourteen years with the Newark Police Department, he decided to move to a department closer to his home in the Central California Valley. He joined the Stockton Unified School District Police Department as a sergeant. Richard Paloma has worked as field training officer, detective and field sergeant.
Richard Paloma’s writing in his novel, Beach Club, has reminded reviewers of Joseph Wambaugh’s early work. According to one reader, “Paloma's novel is an intriguing police ride-a-long through the fictional East Bay city of Eden Valley, California newly plagued by a serial rapist. More than a look at department politics and procedures, readers are invited into the investigations, antics and lives of the swing shift officers, affectionately dubbed the “Beach Club”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 367 police officers (representing 154 police departments) and their 810 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.
Derrick Parker was an undercover narcotics and homicide detective with the New York Police Department. Over time, he became NYPD’s go-to-guy for investigating hip-hop related crimes. As he collected more and more information about hip-hop artists, his information became intelligence on rap stars and crime related to that industry. You can read about his career in his book, Notorious C.O.P.: The Inside Story of the Tupac, Biggie, and Jam Master Jay Investigations from the NYPD's First "Hip-Hop Cop."
Stephen Peach emigrated from England to the United States in 1986. In 1991, after becoming a U.S. Citizen, he joined the San Bernardino Police Department. After leaving the department, Stephen authored the book Friendly Fire. According to Peach himself, “This book exposes the dirty underside of Law Enforcement politics. I was a highly regarded gang and SWAT officer that was the victim of 2 accidental shootings within 2 weeks of each other by other officers.” Stephen Peach further comments about his book, “My book exposes the corruption that City Governments allow to occur to protect their civil liability. Many other corrupt activities that I have exposed in my book have never been exposed before. This is a true story of many different crimes that administrators and their corrupt subordinates have committed that they would rather not have exposed.”
In 1982, after attending Chabot College, Richard Paloma became a reserve deputy sheriff for Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. Later, he joined the Newark Police Department (California) as a full-time police officer. After fourteen years with the Newark Police Department, he decided to move to a department closer to his home in the Central California Valley. He joined the Stockton Unified School District Police Department as a sergeant. Richard Paloma has worked as field training officer, detective and field sergeant.
Richard Paloma’s writing in his novel, Beach Club, has reminded reviewers of Joseph Wambaugh’s early work. According to one reader, “Paloma's novel is an intriguing police ride-a-long through the fictional East Bay city of Eden Valley, California newly plagued by a serial rapist. More than a look at department politics and procedures, readers are invited into the investigations, antics and lives of the swing shift officers, affectionately dubbed the “Beach Club”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 367 police officers (representing 154 police departments) and their 810 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.
Over 800 Cop Books
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books surpassed 800 books written by police officers with the addition of Joseph C. Hoffman, John Manca, William (Bill) H. Lippert, John Anderson and Alan Burton.
Joseph Hoffman was New York City’s First Deputy Police Commissioner in the first administration of Mayor Edward I. Koch. He served in all ranks, from patrol officer to deputy chief during his 29 year career with the New York Police Department. Post NYPD, Mayor Koch asked him to serve as President of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. He has written to police procedurals, Acts and Omissions, and The Last Mayor.
According to the Acts and Omissions book description, “The investigation of the killings takes some strange turns and hits some unexpected detours, creating serious personal and political implications for McCabe and Russo. The Chief Medical Examiner will raise some forensic questions, the Bronx chapter of the Genovese mob will get some unwelcome scrutiny; and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York will eagerly jump into the investigation when some surprising, almost inconceivable conspiracies emerge.”
According to Publisher’s Weekly, Tin for Sale “rather than glamorizing Mafia figures, lays to rest the myths of the quintessential loving, cohesive and protective Italian-American family on the fringes of New York City organized crime. John Manca grew up in a home presided over by a brutal grandfather--one of Lucky Luciano's boys--who beat him regularly while his parents sat by, not daring to interfere. In due course John Manca became a police officer and within a few weeks began using his badge as a way to steal, cheat and extort, which he portrays as standard practice in the New York Police Department of 1954-1963. Dismissed from the force, he worked all sorts of scams as "half a wiseguy," allied with but not a member of the Cosa Nostra. Eventually he was imprisoned, then put in the Federal Witness Protection Program.”
William Lippert retired as police detective from the Salinas Police Department (California) after 35 years of public service. Bill specialized in latent fingerprint identifications while working major crime investigations. Through his studies, training and experience Bill became an expert as a latent fingerprint examiner and has testified as an expert witness in various cities in California. He also possesses a lifetime teaching credential in the field of police science and has taught College, police academy and in service law enforcement training classes. He is also an accredited member of the American Federation of Police.
His book, Forensic Justice, is a series true case files in the form of short stories. According to the book description, “Shocking revelations are reflected in this book describing abuse of victims by their attackers. The purpose of these descriptions are not meant to be entertaining but rather a wake-up call so we may become aware of the dangers that face our society. Awareness hopefully will motivate us to take precautions against becoming victims of such heinous crimes.”
John Anderson retired as a chief with the California Highway Patrol. His book, The Newhall Incident: America’s Worst Uniformed Cop Massacre, recounts the shooting deaths on April 5, 1970, of four California Highway Patrol Officers. This incident is probably used as a field tactics training exercise or lecture in every American police academy. According to the back cover of the book, “Shortly after the tragedy, Anderson interviewed the victims’ families and the on surviving killer and conducted extensive research on both killers’ backgrounds. He wrote this frighteningly true, Capote-esque account but held off publishing it for over two decades to give the children of slain officers time to grow to adulthood.”
Alan Burton's first book was published while he was a student at the FBI National Academy.. He served 25 years in the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office (California). He retired as a captain. According to one biography he has published 18 books. However, we have located nine books, seven of which are academic works centered on police department communications. As an example, he wrote Police Communications Guide: For Managers in 1984.
Alan Burton has published as least two novels Terrorist and Duty!: A Cop’s Story. Duty follows the career of a fictional officer from his first day to running for election as County Sheriff. According to one reviewer, “I have been a law enforcement professional for nearly 10 years and this novel is full of stories that could have only been written by a cop. The story follows a young deputy through out his career and into the stresses of the job. Many pages in this book had me laughing (out loud) and shaking my head when I recalled similar incidents.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 364 police officers (representing 152 police departments) and their 807 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.
Joseph Hoffman was New York City’s First Deputy Police Commissioner in the first administration of Mayor Edward I. Koch. He served in all ranks, from patrol officer to deputy chief during his 29 year career with the New York Police Department. Post NYPD, Mayor Koch asked him to serve as President of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation. He has written to police procedurals, Acts and Omissions, and The Last Mayor.
According to the Acts and Omissions book description, “The investigation of the killings takes some strange turns and hits some unexpected detours, creating serious personal and political implications for McCabe and Russo. The Chief Medical Examiner will raise some forensic questions, the Bronx chapter of the Genovese mob will get some unwelcome scrutiny; and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York will eagerly jump into the investigation when some surprising, almost inconceivable conspiracies emerge.”
According to Publisher’s Weekly, Tin for Sale “rather than glamorizing Mafia figures, lays to rest the myths of the quintessential loving, cohesive and protective Italian-American family on the fringes of New York City organized crime. John Manca grew up in a home presided over by a brutal grandfather--one of Lucky Luciano's boys--who beat him regularly while his parents sat by, not daring to interfere. In due course John Manca became a police officer and within a few weeks began using his badge as a way to steal, cheat and extort, which he portrays as standard practice in the New York Police Department of 1954-1963. Dismissed from the force, he worked all sorts of scams as "half a wiseguy," allied with but not a member of the Cosa Nostra. Eventually he was imprisoned, then put in the Federal Witness Protection Program.”
William Lippert retired as police detective from the Salinas Police Department (California) after 35 years of public service. Bill specialized in latent fingerprint identifications while working major crime investigations. Through his studies, training and experience Bill became an expert as a latent fingerprint examiner and has testified as an expert witness in various cities in California. He also possesses a lifetime teaching credential in the field of police science and has taught College, police academy and in service law enforcement training classes. He is also an accredited member of the American Federation of Police.
His book, Forensic Justice, is a series true case files in the form of short stories. According to the book description, “Shocking revelations are reflected in this book describing abuse of victims by their attackers. The purpose of these descriptions are not meant to be entertaining but rather a wake-up call so we may become aware of the dangers that face our society. Awareness hopefully will motivate us to take precautions against becoming victims of such heinous crimes.”
John Anderson retired as a chief with the California Highway Patrol. His book, The Newhall Incident: America’s Worst Uniformed Cop Massacre, recounts the shooting deaths on April 5, 1970, of four California Highway Patrol Officers. This incident is probably used as a field tactics training exercise or lecture in every American police academy. According to the back cover of the book, “Shortly after the tragedy, Anderson interviewed the victims’ families and the on surviving killer and conducted extensive research on both killers’ backgrounds. He wrote this frighteningly true, Capote-esque account but held off publishing it for over two decades to give the children of slain officers time to grow to adulthood.”
Alan Burton's first book was published while he was a student at the FBI National Academy.. He served 25 years in the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office (California). He retired as a captain. According to one biography he has published 18 books. However, we have located nine books, seven of which are academic works centered on police department communications. As an example, he wrote Police Communications Guide: For Managers in 1984.
Alan Burton has published as least two novels Terrorist and Duty!: A Cop’s Story. Duty follows the career of a fictional officer from his first day to running for election as County Sheriff. According to one reviewer, “I have been a law enforcement professional for nearly 10 years and this novel is full of stories that could have only been written by a cop. The story follows a young deputy through out his career and into the stresses of the job. Many pages in this book had me laughing (out loud) and shaking my head when I recalled similar incidents.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 364 police officers (representing 152 police departments) and their 807 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.
Friday, March 02, 2007
EarnMyDegree.com Reviewed
Editor’s Note: Hi Tech Criminal Justice was compensated for the review of the following website.
EarnMyDegree.com is well constructed website and very easy to navigate. The website is clearly commercial in nature, but that is actually a strength of the website. Any college or university that you ultimately attend is a commercial enterprise and the quality of your education and their business plan drive their success. EarnMyDegree.com is driven by the same market forces and has created a well though out portal to the world of higher education. Now, you are not going to find your local state university or community college listed here – but you know where those are anyway.
What you will find is a host of alternative forms of higher education. As the editor of this blog (and fourteen others), as well as many other websites, two books and scores of magazine articles, my undergraduate degree is from alternative learning, adult focused, university (You can review my CV at www.hitechcj.com/id55.html). In other words, my undergraduate degree is from a university similar to the ones you will find listed on EarnMyDegree.com. On the hand, my graduate degree is from a mainstream state university. That means that gaining a degree from an alternative form of education can be found acceptable by mainstream academics.
EarnMyDegree.com is laid out so that you can navigate and search the website by subject as well as degree level. As an example you can search educational opportunities from business to religious studies. Or, you can explore university degree offerings by academic level – from certificate programs to doctorate degrees. EarnMyDegree.com also has a “learning center” that answers typical questions. As a university professor, many of these questions I answer all the time. So, there is some value in browsing this section. If you do go to that page, make sure you scroll complete down to see the questions and answers.
I have two criticisms of this website. First, its strength is also a weakness. As a portal to alternative forms of higher education it is necessarily brief in its descriptions of programs and answers to prospective student’s typical questions. On the hand, once you request additional information from a university you will likely be contacted by a human being who can assist you in further exploration of that opportunity. Second, the accreditation of different educational opportunities is not fully explained.
Yes, every program listed on their page is accredited. However, some of the programs are nationally accredited by others are regionally accredited. The type of accreditation is critical to your future success. Regional accreditation is more accepted than national accreditation. That’s right – its somewhat counter intuitive. As an example, if you look at the requirements for employment by State of Colorado and the City of Chicago, you will see that they require their police candidates to have a degree from a regionally accredited university. Furthermore, if you complete your undergraduate degree at a nationally accredited university you will very likely find out that it is not transferable to a regionally accredited graduate program at your state school. My advice is to pursue your education at a regionally accredited university – be fully informed on issues like accreditation.
Despite these criticisms, EarnMyDegree.com is a good place to visit and explore educational opportunities. If you are interested in a criminal justice degree, you should visit their section dedicated to that field.
EarnMyDegree.com is well constructed website and very easy to navigate. The website is clearly commercial in nature, but that is actually a strength of the website. Any college or university that you ultimately attend is a commercial enterprise and the quality of your education and their business plan drive their success. EarnMyDegree.com is driven by the same market forces and has created a well though out portal to the world of higher education. Now, you are not going to find your local state university or community college listed here – but you know where those are anyway.
What you will find is a host of alternative forms of higher education. As the editor of this blog (and fourteen others), as well as many other websites, two books and scores of magazine articles, my undergraduate degree is from alternative learning, adult focused, university (You can review my CV at www.hitechcj.com/id55.html). In other words, my undergraduate degree is from a university similar to the ones you will find listed on EarnMyDegree.com. On the hand, my graduate degree is from a mainstream state university. That means that gaining a degree from an alternative form of education can be found acceptable by mainstream academics.
EarnMyDegree.com is laid out so that you can navigate and search the website by subject as well as degree level. As an example you can search educational opportunities from business to religious studies. Or, you can explore university degree offerings by academic level – from certificate programs to doctorate degrees. EarnMyDegree.com also has a “learning center” that answers typical questions. As a university professor, many of these questions I answer all the time. So, there is some value in browsing this section. If you do go to that page, make sure you scroll complete down to see the questions and answers.
I have two criticisms of this website. First, its strength is also a weakness. As a portal to alternative forms of higher education it is necessarily brief in its descriptions of programs and answers to prospective student’s typical questions. On the hand, once you request additional information from a university you will likely be contacted by a human being who can assist you in further exploration of that opportunity. Second, the accreditation of different educational opportunities is not fully explained.
Yes, every program listed on their page is accredited. However, some of the programs are nationally accredited by others are regionally accredited. The type of accreditation is critical to your future success. Regional accreditation is more accepted than national accreditation. That’s right – its somewhat counter intuitive. As an example, if you look at the requirements for employment by State of Colorado and the City of Chicago, you will see that they require their police candidates to have a degree from a regionally accredited university. Furthermore, if you complete your undergraduate degree at a nationally accredited university you will very likely find out that it is not transferable to a regionally accredited graduate program at your state school. My advice is to pursue your education at a regionally accredited university – be fully informed on issues like accreditation.
Despite these criticisms, EarnMyDegree.com is a good place to visit and explore educational opportunities. If you are interested in a criminal justice degree, you should visit their section dedicated to that field.
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Three more cop authors
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added Thomas J. Ward, Michael Cordoni and George P. Wright.
Dr. Thomas J. Ward is an Associate Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Program at St. John's University, where he founded the graduate program in “Criminal Justice Leadership.” Before joining the faculty at St. John's University, he served as Assistant Commissioner for Training and Organizational Development at the New York City Department of Correction.
Dr. Thomas J. Ward began his criminal justice career as a member of the New York Police Department, where he served in the elite Tactical Patrol Force and in the Detective Division as both an undercover operative and as an investigator. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a doctorate in Public Administration (D.P.A.) from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Thomas J. Ward is the author of War Stories: Behind the Silver and Gold Shields. According to the book description, “Belly up, kick back and let the choir practice begin! Tom Ward made the impressive yet rocky climb from bright-eyed rookie street cop to seasoned DOC Asst. Commissioner. Along the way he saw-and learned-a lot! Raw, uproarious, insightful and profound, this highly entertaining, often gripping page-turner is hard to put down. Whether you're a rookie, retiree or just thinking about joining the ranks, this is a sure bet for a good read!”
Michael Cordoni is the pen name of a former New Orleans Police Department police officer. According to the book description of Peaches and Snitches, “A tactless, devastatingly honest and furiously witty sergeant will take you on a back-seat ride to show you how the crime-solving business always takes care of itself while his not so private business leaves you wondering whether you ever wanted to know all that much about the people sworn to serve and protect. Sergeant Dresdin, our conflicted wanna-be hero, freely sheds his cape and bare-nakedly chases after a killer and the one thing that threatens his case and his humanity: his partner's love.” The author’s real name and contact information are on file with the editor of Police-Writers.com.
George P. Wright, a former Treasury Agent assigned to the Organized Crime Strike Force, who had also been a Police Officer for the Santa Monica Police Department (California) and Probation Officer Los Angeles County. His post law enforcement career has included Department Chair Criminal Justice Department, Rancho Santiago College and Adjunct Professor Criminal Justice Department Chapman College. He has also lectured throughout Southern California on the subjects of White Collar Crime, Organized Crime and Political Corruption. His book is The Twisted Badge.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 359 police officers (representing 149 police departments) and their 793 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.
Dr. Thomas J. Ward is an Associate Professor and Director of the Criminal Justice Program at St. John's University, where he founded the graduate program in “Criminal Justice Leadership.” Before joining the faculty at St. John's University, he served as Assistant Commissioner for Training and Organizational Development at the New York City Department of Correction.
Dr. Thomas J. Ward began his criminal justice career as a member of the New York Police Department, where he served in the elite Tactical Patrol Force and in the Detective Division as both an undercover operative and as an investigator. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a doctorate in Public Administration (D.P.A.) from Nova Southeastern University.
Dr. Thomas J. Ward is the author of War Stories: Behind the Silver and Gold Shields. According to the book description, “Belly up, kick back and let the choir practice begin! Tom Ward made the impressive yet rocky climb from bright-eyed rookie street cop to seasoned DOC Asst. Commissioner. Along the way he saw-and learned-a lot! Raw, uproarious, insightful and profound, this highly entertaining, often gripping page-turner is hard to put down. Whether you're a rookie, retiree or just thinking about joining the ranks, this is a sure bet for a good read!”
Michael Cordoni is the pen name of a former New Orleans Police Department police officer. According to the book description of Peaches and Snitches, “A tactless, devastatingly honest and furiously witty sergeant will take you on a back-seat ride to show you how the crime-solving business always takes care of itself while his not so private business leaves you wondering whether you ever wanted to know all that much about the people sworn to serve and protect. Sergeant Dresdin, our conflicted wanna-be hero, freely sheds his cape and bare-nakedly chases after a killer and the one thing that threatens his case and his humanity: his partner's love.” The author’s real name and contact information are on file with the editor of Police-Writers.com.
George P. Wright, a former Treasury Agent assigned to the Organized Crime Strike Force, who had also been a Police Officer for the Santa Monica Police Department (California) and Probation Officer Los Angeles County. His post law enforcement career has included Department Chair Criminal Justice Department, Rancho Santiago College and Adjunct Professor Criminal Justice Department Chapman College. He has also lectured throughout Southern California on the subjects of White Collar Crime, Organized Crime and Political Corruption. His book is The Twisted Badge.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 359 police officers (representing 149 police departments) and their 793 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.
Closing in on 800 books
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books added three police officers who have brought the total number of books by police officers to nearly 800. Added where Victor Cass, William Nikkel and Jack Mullen.
In 1991, Victor Cass joined the Pasadena Police Department. An artist and writer, Victor is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design. In addition to his duties as a police officer, he has created a diverse portfolio of artwork; designing the cover of the Pasadena Police Department’s “Pasadena Welcomes the World” pamphlet for World Cup Soccer matches at the Rose Bowl to having original paintings exhibited a prestigious art galleries. From 1994 to 1997, Victor Cass served as a patrol officer and a Community Policing Officer. In 1998, he was promoted to detective; and, in the same year designed the official logo for the XXXIII California Police Summer Games.
Victor Cass’ published his first book, Love, Death, and Other War Stories: Tales of Crime and Punishment in the Wild West, in 2005. According to the book description, “What the beautiful people don’t know can hurt them, as the bodies pile up in Pasadena.”
William A. Nikkel, a detective with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department (California) wrote Isle of Bones. According to one reviewer, “We are introduced to Jake Stone , a cop who's been through the trenches and wants some peace in his life. Unfortunately, trouble won't leave him be and we ride with Jake to see when, and if, he'll live to drink another Carta Blanca. First off, I have to say what I liked best about this book is how well William A. Nikkel sets the scene. You almost feel like you're at the bar or on the deck of a boat in the dock. Secondly, though it's not the first time we've seen a lonely character down on his luck, you will find yourself pulling for Stone to get out of the way of danger.”
Jack Mullen is a retired sergeant from the San Diego Police Department. He has written two novels: Behind the Shield, In the Line of Duty and Behind the Shield 10cc. On reviewer of Behind the Shield wrote, “Vincent Dowling is a fascinating, fully developed character who should live on in a long series of novels by this talented storyteller. Ex-cop Jack Mullen knows his businesses -- homicide investigation and writing -- and the result is a gripping plot, wonderful characters, a tight story, a lot of insight into the police world. In short, a great read. I want to see more by Jack Mullen.” Jack retired to the State of Washington.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 356 police officers (representing 148 police departments) and their 790 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 1991, Victor Cass joined the Pasadena Police Department. An artist and writer, Victor is a graduate of the Art Center College of Design. In addition to his duties as a police officer, he has created a diverse portfolio of artwork; designing the cover of the Pasadena Police Department’s “Pasadena Welcomes the World” pamphlet for World Cup Soccer matches at the Rose Bowl to having original paintings exhibited a prestigious art galleries. From 1994 to 1997, Victor Cass served as a patrol officer and a Community Policing Officer. In 1998, he was promoted to detective; and, in the same year designed the official logo for the XXXIII California Police Summer Games.
Victor Cass’ published his first book, Love, Death, and Other War Stories: Tales of Crime and Punishment in the Wild West, in 2005. According to the book description, “What the beautiful people don’t know can hurt them, as the bodies pile up in Pasadena.”
William A. Nikkel, a detective with the Kern County Sheriff’s Department (California) wrote Isle of Bones. According to one reviewer, “We are introduced to Jake Stone , a cop who's been through the trenches and wants some peace in his life. Unfortunately, trouble won't leave him be and we ride with Jake to see when, and if, he'll live to drink another Carta Blanca. First off, I have to say what I liked best about this book is how well William A. Nikkel sets the scene. You almost feel like you're at the bar or on the deck of a boat in the dock. Secondly, though it's not the first time we've seen a lonely character down on his luck, you will find yourself pulling for Stone to get out of the way of danger.”
Jack Mullen is a retired sergeant from the San Diego Police Department. He has written two novels: Behind the Shield, In the Line of Duty and Behind the Shield 10cc. On reviewer of Behind the Shield wrote, “Vincent Dowling is a fascinating, fully developed character who should live on in a long series of novels by this talented storyteller. Ex-cop Jack Mullen knows his businesses -- homicide investigation and writing -- and the result is a gripping plot, wonderful characters, a tight story, a lot of insight into the police world. In short, a great read. I want to see more by Jack Mullen.” Jack retired to the State of Washington.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 356 police officers (representing 148 police departments) and their 790 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.
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