Soldiers Treat Ailing Iraqis

By Army Staff Sgt. James Hunter

Special to American Forces Press Service

Nov. 13, 2008 - When Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment, first arrived in Iraq in November 2007, they had many things in mind to help to improve the lives of the citizens in Rathwaniyah, just on the outskirts of Baghdad. The soldiers wanted to provide medical assistance, but there was no clinic in the area available to the Iraqi citizens. So the soldiers made it their mission to establish one.

"It's a farm area, very rural, that has some sectarian division," said Army Capt. Jerry Braverman, a physician assistant from Roseburg, Ore., with the 1st Battalion, 320th Field Artillery Regiment. "When we got here, our mission was to establish this new clinic next to the school and try to set Dr. Abass up for success to be able to independently work free of [the] Ministry of Health, with the long-term goal of getting Ministry of Health doctors and nurses to come out here and assist with the care for the area."

In the meantime, while the facility was being built, the "Top Gun" troops pushed out into the area and held six combined medical engagements, working side by side with Iraqi physicians to treat ailing Iraqis.

At the last medical operation in Rathwaniyah on Nov. 8, soldiers and Iraqi doctors treated about 350 Iraqis in the new medical facility. They treated a variety of illnesses such as upper respiratory infections, sore throats, skin rashes, muscle aches and asthma, Braverman said, and even were able to take care of a few minor tooth problems.

Braverman has been active in engaging the Iraqi physicians, and said he has found these medical engagements rewarding on many fronts.

"For me, it's very rewarding, especially with the kids," he said. "The kids know you by name; they know exactly who you are."

Recently, he said, one child approached him and said when he grows up he wants to be a doctor just like him. Braverman said the soldiers are having a great impact on the children, the sheiks and the local council, who all appreciate what they have done to aid the community.

This medical engagement also provided an opportunity for the soldiers' replacements, from the 1st Infantry Division's 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, to meet the Iraqi physicians and see first-hand the medical problems many of the citizens face.

Army Capt. Quintin Treadway, a physician assistant from Osceola, Neb., with the 1st Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment, said he is looking forward to the next year and engaging many of Iraqi physicians in the area.

He wants to continue these medical engagements, he said. "I think it engenders a lot of trust within the local people as they see us out there to help them," he explained, "and I think it's the most visible and hands-on way of engendering that trust, because we are actually placing hands on to heal someone. [Medical engagements help to] develop rapport with the local population."

Just as the Top Gun troops have done for the last year, Treadway said he is keen to treat medical conditions and help the Iraqis avoid future ailments through preventive medicine. As his medics hit the streets daily on patrols, he said, he is eager to have them do all they can to help the people, no matter how severe the case.

"I expect my medics ... to assist with what they can with the children out on the streets," he said. "A medic told me the other day a young kid had come up with a pretty good-size cut on his hand, and he bandaged it there on the spot."

Treadway said he wants to get the Ministry of Health more involved with the clinic by providing new equipment, doctors and nurses or supplies, because the clinic plays a vital role within the community.

The clinic, which Braverman describes as one of the best facilities in the area, is treating up to a dozen people a day, on average. It has proved successful since its opening, he said, as Abass, the doctor running the clinic, now can purchase his own supplies in addition to what the government normally provides. However, Braverman said, the clinic is limited in what it can do for the Iraqi people.

Abass said he hopes to add a lab and an X-ray machine, but in the meantime will do all he can with what he has to ensure the good health of his neighbors.

(Army Staff Sgt. James Hunter serves in Multinational Division Baghdad with the 101st Airborne Division's 2nd Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Office.)

Interdiction Seizures: Dope Vs. Cash

When teaching interdiction I am often asked the question about “which side of the highway do I work, the dope side or the money side?” For those reading that are unfamiliar with this let’s explain the phrase. Interdiction officers typically work a major highway that is a drug route. For example, in Texas, dopers travel southbound into the state from northern states carrying large amounts of cash for the dope purchase, either in Texas or Mexico, depending on where there connection is. This is what we refer to as the “money side” of the highway.

READ ON
www.police-writers.com/articles/hawkes_interdiction_seizures.html

REQUEST for INFORMATION – RFI

This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) only. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is developing an equipment standard for vehicular digital recording systems used by law enforcement to record events in and around patrol cars. NIJ provides objective, independent, evidence-based knowledge and tools to enhance the administration of Justice and public safety. NIJ does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI.

This RFI is issued solely to solicit technical input from Industry (i.e., manufacturers and testing laboratories) for consideration by NIJ as it develops a performance standard for vehicular digital recording systems. No product demonstrations or marketing presentations will be scheduled as a result of this research/information gathering announcement. Specifically, through this RFI, NIJ seeks to gather test methodologies and performance requirements that Industry representatives feel should be included in the standard currently being developed, along with the rationale for these suggestions. These include test methodologies and performance requirements that address, but are not limited to, camera and audio device functions; safety; and recording, transfer, and security of video and audio. If a test method being suggested is currently in use, NIJ is interested in learning why that particular method and applicable parameters were chosen and what information the test results provide.

Responses to this RFI should be submitted no later than November 24, 2008 in order to ensure full consideration. The narrative section of your response (summary of recommendations) should not exceed 7 double-spaced pages. Company information, abstract, table of contents, charts, figures, appendices, and data and information supporting the recommendations, do not count toward the 7-page limit for the narrative section. Responses should be sent via overnight express mail or e-mail attachment to the contact person below, and include the vendor's company name, address, point of contact name, e-mail address, and telephone number. Any proprietary or company confidential information provided in the response must be clearly marked on every applicable page of the response provided.

Point of Contact: Casandra Robinson
Mailing Address: NIJ, 810 7th Street NW, Washington DC 20531
Email Address: Casandra.robinson@usdoj.gov

Communicating Across State and County Lines: The Piedmont Regional Voice over Internet Protocol Project

To officers in the Danville (Va.) Police Department, sometimes it seemed like suspects knew a little too much geography. When being pursued, suspects would head straight for the state line, and in just a few minutes, speed into North Carolina. Because of incompatible radio systems, Danville officers unfortunately had no way to communicate directly with their colleagues across the border, complicating efforts to arrest the suspects.

To fix the problem and help improve public safety, the City of Danville teamed up with surrounding law enforcement agencies — the Caswell County Sheriff's Office in North Carolina, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, the Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office in Virginia and the Virginia State Police — to use Internet technology to bridge the gaps in their communications systems

READ ON
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/261/piedmont-voip.htm

Cold Cases: Resources for Agencies, Resolution for Families

It is 1974. The body of an 8-year-old girl who has been sexually assaulted has been found in a wooded area next to the park. The girl was last seen alive earlier that morning, leaving her house for school. Fast forward to 2008. The case file and evidence sit in storage at a local police department. The case — never solved — continues to take a back seat to more recent cases. The family of the little girl waits and wonders if there will ever be resolution.

Every day across the U.S., investigations slow or stop completely, and cases go "cold." Police agencies often lack the manpower, equipment and funding to support units dedicated to investigating and analyzing these cold cases. Homicide and sexual assault units are backlogged with active cases. Consequently, cold cases rarely get the attention they deserve.

READ ON
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/260/cold-case-resources.htm

'Internationalizing' Criminal Justice Research

When the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) set out to develop updated standards for portable X-ray equipment used by bomb squads, British scientists and engineers did most of the work. "Explosives have no nationality," said Chris Tillery, associate deputy director for science and technology at NIJ. “Most countries have the same concerns.”

Because NIJ has close contact with the British Home Office Scientific Development Branch, officials on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean knew that American and British law enforcement agencies were independently working on similar projects. This contact made it possible for the American effort to leverage the considerable experience and expertise developed by the British over decades. The collaboration is a good example of how international efforts can ultimately help U.S. state and local law enforcement agencies.

READ ON
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/260/internationalizing.htm

PROSECUTOR WISHES RAPIST WELL

By James H. Lilley

Eugene A. Marriott raped, sodomized and brutally beat a woman outside a Best Western Motel in Fairfax City on January 14, 2006. He was pulling up his pants, with the woman still lying at his feet, when police arrived and arrested him. An eyewitness to the crime said he was in an adjacent parking lot and saw Marriott standing over top of the woman and, “just pounding away on her.” He yelled at Marriott, but he continued his attack on the woman.

Marriott, who is married, is also a minister in The Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church in Fort Washington. After his arrest he told detectives investigating the case that he’d dated the woman and what happened on January 14th was simply a matter of their sadomasochistic role-playing. The woman, however, told detectives they’d broken up weeks earlier. But, during the course of his interview with police he admitted that even if it had been role-playing that what he did that night was wrong.

Marriott entered a plea to charges of abduction with intent to defile and unlawful wounding, with the abduction with intent charge carrying a minimum sentence of 20 years. With his agreement to plead to those charges, prosecutors dismissed the rape and sodomy counts. But during trial proceedings prosecutors amended the charges to simple adduction, which carried no minimum sentence and a maximum of 10 years. They also added two misdemeanor sexual battery charges, to which Marriott agreed to plead guilty.

By pleading guilty to the two misdemeanor charges he escaped having to register as a sex offender, which would have been required by the “intent to defile” charge.

Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Toni Fay presented the case and said that what happened that night was criminal behavior, and showed photos of the victim to Circuit Court Judge Stanley Klein. Pictures offered into evidence showed that the victim had sustained cuts and bruises over her body from her lower legs to the top of her head. The victim said that she’d been beaten with fists and a belt buckle, raped and sexually assaulted. But, according to the Washington Post, Fay concluded her case by saying, “I wish Mr. Marriott well. I hope that his wife takes him back. I am very glad to see his church and his community are still supporting him.”

I’m surprised that she didn’t invite him out for dinner and drinks. Perhaps I missed something in the translation of all of this, but I was under the impression that Eugene A. Marriott was the accused in this instance, not the victim. Yet, it seems that the Fairfax County Prosecutor’s Office, or at least Toni Fay, went out of her way to assist him in eluding prosecution for the most serious crimes.

Marriott’s capacity as a minister at the Ebenezer AME Church doesn’t entitle him to preferential treatment when he stands accused of a serious crime, or any crime for that matter. He said he was sorry, but showed no emotion when he apologized. He went on to say that he’d lost everything he’d worked his whole life for, but continued to have the support of his church and his wife. The victim admitted she had dated him for about three months and their break up had been amicable. Although the victim dated her attacker for a time and agreed to meet him to go dancing on the night of the attack, it doesn’t qualify him for leniency. Indeed the court saw otherwise and sentenced him to only 16 months for his crimes immediately after sentencing two burglars to 18 and 20 months in prison. First, the prosecutor slaps the victim across the face by wishing her attacker well, and then the court puts its stamp of approval on the slap with a kick in the stomach and a sentence of only 16 months for a violent crime. Yet, Judge Klein said Marriott’s behavior wouldn’t be tolerated.

I don’t understand how a brutal beating and rape warrants less time in prison than a property crime. What was the court saying not only to the victim in this case, but also to the thousands of victims of rape and sexual assault across the country? Was the court sending a message that forcibly violating a woman’s body will get a suspect less jail time than a break in of a home or business?

Like it or not, there are many times when there is no real justice for the victim in the judicial system. But in this case far more went on behind the scenes than anyone was aware of. Toni Fay reduced the charges without consulting with the victim, the detective who investigated the allegations or her boss, Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert F. Horan.

The victim had already agreed with a deal struck by the prosecutor that Marriott would plead guilty to abduction with intent to defile and should have been consulted by Fay prior to any change in that deal. According to Mr. Horan, and anyone familiar with the justice system knows contacting the victim regarding any changes to the agreement is rule number one. Horan said the original plea agreement made sense and that lawyers who have defended accused rapists agreed, as did the victim in this instance.

Some time before the hearing, Marriott’s attorney, Bobby Stafford, contacted Fay and told her that Marriott did not want to have to register as a sex offender, which would have been required under the “intent to defile” charge. Fay was then in touch with Judge Klein, telling him that she and Stafford had been in contact to resolve the matter, but without informing him of just what that matter was. But at the time of sentencing neither the judge nor the attorneys made mention of the fact that the charges had been altered.

The 35-year-old victim in this case said she was shocked to learn that the charges had been reduced without notifying her, and was further angered by the lenient sentence. Her outrage was supported by May Lou Leary, executive director of the National Center for Victims of Crime. Leary said that when offenders are allowed to avoid responsibility for their crimes it has an effect on all victims, and especially victims of sex crimes. Sexual assault is a violent crime that is about domination and control of the victim, and what happened in this case reinforces that.

In some ways Judge Klein’s hands were tied when he sentenced Marriott, but if he wanted to give the victim some measure of satisfaction and justice he had options available to him. At sentencing he ordered Marriott to serve four years on each of the abduction and unlawful wounding counts, but then suspended all but 16 months of the terms. He then passed six-month sentences down on the two sexual battery counts and ordered all time to be served concurrently. If he so desired, he could have ordered those sentences to be served consecutively in lieu of concurrently and Marriott would have been given at least nine years behind bars. Still, even the nine years would have been a far cry from the minimum of 20 demanded by the abduction with intent to defile charge.

There was a grave miscarriage of justice in this case and another black eye for the judicial system as a whole. Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Horan, who has always seemed to be a cut above when it came to fairness throughout the judicial process, is now faced with having to conduct damage control to repair the harm done to the reputation of his office.

Still, what happened in this case leaves me, and I’m certain hundreds of others, wondering just went on behind the scenes to cause such a lucrative deal to be struck. The flag of suspicion should be waving, and rightly so, because of the actions of Defense Attorney Bobby Stafford and Commonwealth’s Attorney Toni Fay. There are many questions in this case and I’m certain that Mr. Horan will live up to his reputation for fairness and honesty and demand the answers. Unfortunately, the damage has already been done to Mr. Horan’s office and not only the victim in this case, but also the countless other victims across the country have been slapped in the face.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
James H. Lilley is a former Marine and Police Sergeant with the Howard County Police Department (Maryland). He worked in the Uniformed Patrol Division, criminal Investigations Division, Forensic Services (CSI) and Drug Enforcement Division. His Street Drug Unit was featured in the book "Undercover" by Hans Halberstadt and published by Simon and Schuster. Some of his awards include The Medal of Valor, Four Bronze Stars, Four Unit Citations and the Governor's Citation. He is also an 8th Degree Black Belt in Shorin Ryu Karate and the first American to be promoted to the rank of Black Belt by Mr. Takeshi Miyagi. James H. Lilley is the author of six books: A Question of Honor; The Eyes of the Hunter; The Far Side of the Bridge; Just Retribution; A Miracle for Tony Clements; and, Death Knocks Twice.

MORE ABOUT JAMES H. LILLEY
http://www.police-writers.com/james_lilley.html

Life Coach

The November 21, 2008, program of the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with former Ontario Provincial Police Officer Julie Hryniewicz-Hache who is an author, speaker, trainer and life coach; “If you are looking to achieve goals or overcome self-imposed limitations, Julie is a Certified Coach Practitioner, with the Certified Coaches Federation, Julie will support and guide you towards the life goals you are looking to achieve.”

Program Date: November 21, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Life Coach
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/11/22/Life-Coach

About the Guest
Julie Hryniewicz-Hache is an inspirational speaker, life coach, author, and corporate trainer in the realm work/life balance and wellness. As former Ontario Provincial Police Officer in five separate Northern Ontario detachments, some of Julie's specialty positions included Hostage and Crisis Negotiator, Acting Detective Sergeant, Investigator with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and Casino Intelligence Liaison officer.

Following her policing career, Julie became a college level instructor in the Police Foundations and Criminal Justice Program. Using her experience in policing and as a front-line social service worker in child protective services, with young offenders, and facilitating social skills programs in homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and low income housing complexes, Julie shares her journey of burnout and healing with others as a writer of magazine articles, columnist, host of a community online talk radio show, author of a book titled, "Natural Balance" as well as the audio CD program, "What Happened To My Tires?" on life balance.

Julie Hryniewicz-Hache is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario with an Honors Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, with criminology studies from Lake Superior State University in Michigan towards her degree, as well as a Law Clerk diploma from the Ontario business college. Julie was recently a selected participant of the two-and-a-half week, 2008 Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference. For further information about Julie, her work, and her inspirational blog, you can visit her website at: www.MakeItWorkSeminars.com.

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/11/22/Life-Coach

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

American Heroes Story Contest

Law enforcement, fire, military and other emergency services personnel are our American Heroes. Did one of your parents, a sibling, a friend or even an anonymous American Hero touch your life? Who is your American Hero and what is their story? American Heroes Press is looking for the best stories about our heroes. You don't have to be a member of the law enforcement, fire, military or emergency services community to enter. You simply need to share your story concerning these unique individuals – whether funny, compelling or truly life-altering

The contest launches Nov. 3, 2008. We will accept submissions through Jan. 31, 2009. Winners will be announced April 1, 2009.

Grand Prize
One Grand-Prize-winning story will be selected. The author of the story will receive the following prizes:

Choice of $200 cash, or $250 credit toward an American Heroes Publishing package
Featured spot for his/her Grand-Prize winning story in the contest anthology
Printed and bound copy of the finished anthology

Runner-Up
One Runner-Up-winning story will be selected. The author of the story will receive the following prizes:

Choice of $100 cash, or $150 credit toward an American Heroes Publishing package
Featured spot for his/her Runner-Up winning story in the contest anthology
Printed and bound copy of the finished anthology

Finalists
Fifteen Finalist stories will be selected. Each finalist author will receive the following prizes:

Inclusion of his/her winning story in the contest anthology
Printed and bound copy of the finished anthology

All participants will be eligible to receive an electronic copy of the finished anthology.

CLICK HERE FOR CONTEST DETAILS

About American Heroes Press
American Heroes Press is more than just a means of publishing your book. It's a growing, active and innovative community of writers. Retired police Lt. Raymond E. Foster of the Los Angeles Police Department started this community in 2003. Today it offers a brand of publishing designed specifically for true American Heroes: police, military, firefighters and emergency workers. As an American Hero, great things are accomplished through teamwork. This community – this team – is here to help you achieve success with your literary work.

More information about American Heroes Press can be found at: www.americanheroespress.com

Sexual Assault Response Training Tool Available

The Office of Victims of Crime (OVC) Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training (SAACT) downloadable curriculum teaches advocates how to provide effective crisis intervention services to victims and survivors of sexual assault. SAACT is designed primarily for new advocates/counselors who are volunteers or staff at rape crisis centers and for seasoned veterans who may need a refresher course.

Sexual Assault Advocate/Counselor Training (SAACT) teaches advocates about advocacy/counseling, the realities and impact of sexual assault, procedures to follow in common situations, techniques to support recovery, and compassion fatigue and self-care. The 2-day curriculum focuses on intervening with individuals in a crisis rather than long-term and group counseling.

SAACT is designed primarily for new advocates/counselors who are volunteers or staff at rape crisis centers and for seasoned veterans who may need a refresher course. The training also can be useful for nurses (including Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners) and for physicians, law enforcement officers, and professional counselors who do not have specific sexual assault training. Not only would this latter group benefit from the training, but trainers would benefit from their presence.

VIEW/DOWNLOAD THE TRAINING
https://www.ovcttac.gov/SAACT/index.cfm

Grant Opportunity: Developing and Enhancing Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification Programs

The Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN) Program (guided in part by the general principles of 42 USC 10603e) helps protect crime victims from further victimization and ensures their legal rights are upheld by providing registered victims with timely and accurate information about any changes to the status of their offender (e.g., trial dates, times, or changes; probation hearings; inmate relocation; and offender release). This information enables victims to fully participate in the judicial process while maintaining total anonymity.

Applicants are limited to state government agencies authorized to manage the planning and implementation of a SAVIN program. Indian tribes also are eligible to receive grant funding for the planning and implementation of a SAVIN program.

MORE INFORMATION
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/grant/09SAVINsol.pdf

Law Enforcement Intelligence Operations

On November 7, 2008, Conversations with Cops at the Watering Hole will feature a conversation with Captain Franks S. Root, Arizona Department of Public Safety (ret.) on law enforcement intelligence operations.

Program Date: November 7, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Law Enforcement Intelligence Operations
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/11/08/Law-Enforcement-Intelligence-Operations

About the Guest
Frank S. Root has more than 35 years in law enforcement and intelligence operations with special emphasis on complex intelligence investigations organization and case management. During his law enforcement career he worked for the Arizona Department of Public Safety (20 years, retired as Captain); San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Office (Automation and Crime Analysis Unit); and, State of California, Division of Investigation (conducting criminal investigations involving identity theft, insurance, and consumer fraud)

Frank S. Root is the author of Law Enforcement Intelligence Critical Elements which “is described as a publication designed to demonstrate how to identify, develop, and deliver the various intelligence-related products and services required to effectively support law enforcement intelligence and operational managers at each management level within an agency.”

About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.

About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, law enforcement technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.

Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2008/11/08/Law-Enforcement-Intelligence-Operations

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Spring 2009 Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute

Application Deadline: February 1, 2009

For the seventh year, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is sponsoring a Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute. This technology institute will be held May 3-7, 2009 in Coronado (San Diego), California and is targeted/designed for the command staff/supervisory personnel of rural and small law enforcement agencies containing less than 50 sworn officers. Law enforcement personnel will learn about and discuss technology initiatives and issues affecting the rural and small law enforcement community. Participants will receive information and assistance on existing and developing technologies, work through problems relating to technology implementation, and exchange technology lessons learned, that are of importance to the rural and small law enforcement community.

As part of the program, participants are required to give a brief (no more than 15 minutes) PowerPoint presentation on a technology issue that their department has encountered or is in the process of implementing (i.e. implementation of a crime mapping program, new communications system, automated booking station, etc.). The presentation can be either an "issues to be dealt with" or a "lessons learned" format, depending on whether the program has been completed, and must be submitted on CD-ROM with the application.

There is no registration cost and all travel, food, and lodging expenses are paid. However, only 35 individuals will be selected to attend. Previous attendees of the NIJ Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute or the NIJ Technology Institute for Law Enforcement or Corrections are not eligible to reattend.

The deadline for submitting an application is February 1, 2009 and applications not received by that date and/or applications submitted without a CD-ROM containing the PowerPoint presentation will not be considered. The application and PowerPoint CD-ROM should be mailed to the following address:

Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center
ATTN: Rural LE Tech Institute
101 Bulldog Lane
Hazard, KY 41701

Please contact Scott Barker, Deputy Director-Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center, at 866-787-2553 or by email at ruletc1@aol.com for additional information about the NIJ Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute.

REQUEST for INFORMATION – RFI

This is a REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) only. The National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) System, a program of the Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) National Institute of Justice (NIJ), serves as an "honest broker" offering support, research findings, and technological expertise to help State and local Law Enforcement, corrections, and other criminal justice personnel perform their duties more safely and efficiently. NIJ provides objective, independent, evidencebased knowledge and tools to enhance the administration of justice and public safety. NIJ does not intend to award a contract on the basis of this RFI or to otherwise pay for information received in response to this RFI.

This RFI is issued solely to solicit technical input from public safety officials/agencies and Industry for consideration by NIJ as it develops a performance standard for weapon (handgun) retention holsters. No product demonstrations or marketing presentations will be scheduled as a result of this market research/information gathering announcement. Specifically, through this RFI, NIJ seeks to gather test methodologies and operational performance requirements that public safety officials and Industry representatives feel should be included in the standard currently being developed, along with the rationale for these suggestions. These include test methodologies and operational requirements that address, but are not limited to, handgun retention, accessibility/usability of a holstered weapon, holster durability, and conditioning protocols to replicate field use of holsters. If a test method being suggested is currently in use, NIJ is interested in learning why that particular method and applicable parameters were chosen and what information the test results provide.

Responses to this RFI should be submitted no later than November 5, 2008 in order to ensure full consideration. The narrative section of your response (summary of recommendations) should not exceed 7 doublespaced pages. Company information, abstract, table of contents, charts, figures, appendices, and data and information supporting the recommendations, do not count toward the 7page limit for the narrative section. Responses should be sent via overnight express mail and/or email attachment, and include the vendor’s company name, address, point of contact name, email address, and telephone number. Any proprietary or company confidential information provided in the response must be clearly marked on every applicable page of the response provided. Any questions and responses should be sent to:


Jared Keller, PPE Program Manager
National Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology Center Rocky Mountain
2050 E Iliff Avenue #228
Denver, CO 80208
(303) 8712726
Jared.keller@nlectcrm.org

The unique CCTV Camera Evaluation Service

For quite some time, it’s become increasingly obvious that vast numbers of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) security cameras, are failing to produce any useful Evidential Quality video recordings, when required to assist with criminal investigations.

Time and again, both senior police officers and industry experts have revealed to the Press, the everyday problems facing investigators trying to recover poor quality images, often obtained from incorrectly installed and maintained surveillance cameras.

Now more than ever, with an increasing awareness of the absolutely vital role for CCTV, particularly in investigations involving serious crimes and terrorism, CCTV Operators really do need to take urgent steps to improve the effectiveness of their systems, to make sure they are truly “fit for purpose”.

October 1st 2008 saw the official launch of a unique new CCTV service called “VIPER”.

Designed to provide an easy, affordable expert assessment of security camera performance, the “Video Image Performance Evaluation Report” or VIPER, is now available to indicate how well an individual camera is performing as a vital evidential security tool.

UK based CCTV Advisor ‘Doktor Jon’, has introduced what is believed to be the first ever online service, that can actually provide CCTV Operators with an impartial and independent overview of precisely how their CCTV cameras are performing, and what technical issues may need to be addressed in order for the equipment to be able to provide useful and usable evidential quality images.

The service itself is very simple ... a CCTV User can forward an image captured from an individual surveillance camera (normally supplied as a JPEG file, sent as an e-mail attachment), and a resulting VIPER assessment will be produced to report on the cameras technical and operational capabilities in 38 key areas.

VIPER reports can be ordered up by CCTV users located anywhere around the globe, and in terms of built in client confidentiality, there is no requirement for either knowing the identity of the operator, or indeed the location of the camera. The evaluation is based purely on what is seen ‘on screen’, and so provides an exceptionally affordable, practical and secure solution, to an extremely common problem ... “how can I find out if my CCTV cameras are working well?”.

The first VIPER assessment is designed for fixed video surveillance cameras, and a number of additional VIPER evaluations are being developed for other types of CCTV, for example remote control Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) units.


Jon, the principle CCTV Advisor from the website doktorjon.co.uk has said that “Previously, cctv users have only been able to have their cameras performance evaluated independently, by employing the services of a specialist CCTV Consultant, and that can often prove to be very expensive. Now with the launch of VIPER, anyone can check whether their cameras are working well, and without breaking the bank”; -commenting on the importance of VIPER, he says “Law Enforcement Officers have long been complaining about the very poor quality of many CCTV recordings; from the extremely positive comments received to date, this looks like exactly what’s needed to help raise the performance, suitability and effectiveness of vital Forensic Surveillance evidence”.

More information at http://www.doktorjon.co.uk/cctvimage.html
or e-mail to:- viper[at]doktorjon.co.uk

Notes for Editors:- Doktor Jon is a UK based specialist CCTV Advisor working in the Industry since 1978. In June 2004, he launched his personal website project at http://www.doktorjon.co.uk , which has since grown into a unique site with almost 1,600 pages of information and advice on all aspects of “The Use and Application of CCTV”; to date it has attracted nearly two and a half million hits, and visitors from 141 countries.

Geography and Public Safety Bulletin

The third issue of the Geography and Public Safety Bulletin newsletter is now available.
This issue examines how the nationwide home foreclosure crisis has affected crime, police practice, and public policy. Articles show that geographic information systems can assess how foreclosures influence crime trends and improve city cleanup of graffiti and blight. Additionally, the issue describes the tenets of the broken windows policing theory, and how this theory explains why police and public planners must react quickly, before crime has a chance to escalate.
Access Issue III of the Geography and Public Safety Bulletin: Volume 1, Issue III - Fall 2008 (pdf, 20 pages).

Public Safety Technology in the News

Transit Police Look At Text-Messaging
Washington Post, (09/14/2008), Lena H. Sun

Metro Transit Police are considering joining the growing number of Law enforcement agencies that allow citizens to report crimes through text messaging. Text messaging will not replace other ways of reporting problems, such as alerting train operators or calling the Transit Police. But sending a text message from a cell phone or BlackBerry could help passengers who feel intimated or threatened if they openly report criminal activity using the train intercom or phone. Transit Police plan to test the idea using Metro employees who have Blackberrys. The employees will use text messaging to report problems they encounter during their daily routine. Other agencies in the Washington, D.C. area that have text-messaging programs include the Metropolitan Police Department and the Fairfax County (Virginia) Police Department.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/13/AR2008091302194.html

Missing Boy Found With Radio Device
WCBV-TV Boston, (09/14/2008)

Rescuers in Massachusetts found a 10-year-old autistic boy only 18 minutes after he disappeared thanks to a tracking device the boy was wearing. The boy was with his caregiver near his home in Sherborn when he ran into the woods. Firefighters found the boy quickly because of a tracking device provided by Project Lifesaver International that is worn on the ankle and emits a tracking signal. Project Lifesaver International said average recovery time for people wearing the device is less than 30 minutes.
www.thebostonchannel.com/news/17471963/detail.html

Sheltering a Sex Offender in Texas? Check the Database!
Government technology, (09/12/2008), Corey Mckenna

To aid emergency shelters and protect evacuees during Hurricane Ike, Texas authorities established a 24-hour, toll-free emergency hotline to identify sex offenders. The hotline established by the state Office of the Attorney General allows shelter personnel to call, fax or e-mail inquiries as to whether an evacuee is a registered sex offender. Law enforcement officials then access and share information through database searches. Shelter managers can then coordinate special housing if necessary. In December 2007 Texas began using a statewide citizen-evacuation management tracking system. In the event of an emergency, evacuees are registered and issued a barcoded RFID wristband as they board an evacuee bus. The buses are equipped with GPS systems, and when they reach their destination, the evacuees information is updated. This allows state employees to respond to inquires from family members and help reunite families separated during a disaster.
www.govtech.com/gt/410273?topic=117680

Tough Life Approaching for Criminals
WIBV-TV, (09/12/2008)

Crime solving in New York's Erie County just got a little easier. The new $5 million Erie County Crime Analysis Center links more than 20 Law enforcement agencies by sharing intelligence data. Ten trained analysts man the center. Analysis involves a variety of criminal activity and criminals who may be on the move. The computer also processes information to help identify crime patterns and hotspots.
www.wivb.com/Global/story.asp?S=9000582

Security Begins At Home
The Sun Chronicle, (09/11/2008), Rick Foster

Massachusetts is implementing a Statewide Information Sharing System for Law enforcement. When fully operational, the system, known as SWISS, will collect and store information from Law enforcement agencies in all of the state's 351 cities and towns. SWISS will also connect to databases in all 50 states and the FBI. Data could be accessed in police cruisers using laptop computers. Several jurisdictions in the state already link to each other under their own system that allows officers to share data on criminal investigations and vehicle records. Existing database sharing systems will be able to share information with SWISS.
www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2008/09/11/news/3621981.txt

Caught on the Web
Santa Barbara Independent, (09/14/2008), Chris Meagher

Social networking sites in the Internet are providing Law enforcement with additional tools to fight crime. Sites such as MySpace.com and Facebook.com can reveal clues to an individual's activities, such as gang membership. MySpace distributes a Law enforcement guide, and has a 24-hour hotline through which investigators can make emergency requests for information. To obtain access to information beyond what is available to the general public, Law enforcement must show a legal reason and obtain authority such as a search warrant or court order. Authorities can seek a subpoena to open an individual's private messages.
www.independent.com/news/2008/sep/14/caught-web/

False Alarms Common With GPS Monitoring
Connecticut Law Tribune, (09/22/2008), Douglas S. Malan and Paul Sussman

Law enforcement authorities who use global positioning systems (GPS) to monitor parolees are finding that the devices provide a surprising number of false alerts. A report prepared by the Indiana Department of Correction in 2007 found that while GPS is useful for tracking parolees' whereabouts, "loss of coverage and faulty alerts may prevent GPS technology from completing its intended task." The study said GPS could overwhelm police with faulty alerts, but that the number should drop as technology evolves. In Connecticut the GPS units tracking a released serial rapist registered 44 false alerts in 11 months, according to the man's attorney. A 2007 study in Arizona found that during the state's first year of using GPS monitoring, more than 350,000 false alerts were generated by 140 people wearing monitoring devices. Factors that can lead to false alarms include low batteries. About two dozen states use some form of GPS monitoring to track offenders.
www.ctlawtribune.com/getarticle.aspx?ID=31533

New FBI technology: eGuardian
Right Side News, (09/19/2008)

A new FBI system will allow local, state, and federal agencies to share and track terrorism information and suspicious activities. The eGuardian system is a spinoff of a classified tool called Guardian, which the FBI has been using internally for the past four years. FBI field offices uses Guardian to report suspicious activity and potential terrorism threats. The reports are analyzed by agents at FBI headquarters. With eGuardian, other agencies will be able to run searches and enter their own reports. eGuardian will be available to more than 18,000 agencies through the FBI's secure Law enforcement Online portal. Reports will be automatically sent to a central hub for review by FBI analysts, who will either monitor, close or refer the report to an FBI terror task force. eGuardian is being piloted by several agencies before being phased in nationwide later this year.
www.rightsidenews.com/200809191987/homeland-security/new-fbi-technology-eguardian.html

DNA Helps Solve Two Cold Case Murders
The Southern, (09/18/2008), Blackwell Thomas

A new technique for identifying DNA is helping police in Illinois solve old murder cases. The technique, known as Mini-STR sampling, enables authorities to use damaged or decayed DNA samples that would have previously been unusable. Police in Carbondale announced in September that they had closed a 1976 murder case using skin samples taken from under the fingernails of the female victim's left hand at the time of the autopsy 32 years ago. Police also closed a 1975 murder case. The identified suspect in both cases died in 1993 while on death row for the murder of a third woman. William Frank, a DNA research coordinator with the Illinois State Police lab, explained that compared to earlier technology, the new technology has increased by a factor of 100 the ability of scientists to identify DNA.
www.southernillinoisan.com/articles/2008/09/18/front_page/25943760.txt

Fake Identification a Thing of the Past?
Naples News, (09/11/2008), Ryan Mills

Two Florida Law enforcement agencies are testing a program to assist in positive identification of people using a portable electronic fingerprint device. Rapid ID scans two fingerprint images and compares them to a statewide database that contains information on 4 million individuals that have been arrested in Florida or are the subject of arrest warrants. The Collier County Sheriff's Office says the technology can come in handy when confusion exists over someone's identity, such as during a traffic stop. Driver's licenses can be altered or fraudulently copied. If Rapid ID produces a match, the individual's criminal history and warrants will be delivered to the computer in the deputy's car within minutes.
www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/sep/11/collier-county-sheriffs-office-pilots-fingerprint-

13th National Workshop on Adult and Juvenile Female Offenders

Date: October 10-14, 2009
Location: Jackson, Mississippi

Jackson, Mississippi is your destination for the 13th National Workshop on Adult and Juvenile Female Offenders. The 2009 conference is hosted by the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) and co-sponsored by Association on Programs for Female Offenders (APFO).

Harmony Beyond Boundaries, Blending new challenges with Emerging Ideas. This theme is especially appropriate as we come together representing our diverse backgrounds and experience to strategize on our common goals: Addressing needs, policy implications, practices, management, and treatment of female offenders in the adult and juvenile systems.

Workshops, guest speakers, exhibits, socials, and personal networking set the stage for our exchange of best practices. What better venue than the state with magnolias, moonlight, and music. On behalf of the conference planning committee, we invite you to attend five days of stimulating and informative presentations related to the management and treatment of this diverse population.

Together, we have made tremendous efforts at the local, state and national level. Blending our efforts brings harmony beyond boundaries. If you have never attended one of the bi-annual conferences, please consider attending in 2009 – we look forward to seeing you in Jackson!

More Information
www.ajfo.org

Domestic Violence Training for School Officials.

On October 2, 2008, Senator Gloria Romero and Assemblymember Mike Eng will host a free training for school officials for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Alhambra, CA – October 2, 2008 – Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero and Assemblymember Mike Eng join forces with the Asian and Pacific Islander Domestic Violence (API DV) Task Force to present a free training to San Gabriel Valley school counselors on the effects of domestic violence on youth for October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Monterey Park/Rosemead, the training will be held at the Alhambra office of the Asian Pacific Women’s Center on October 2nd, from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

The training highlights the devastating effects of domestic violence on immigrant youth who grow up observing the domestic violence between their parents. The trainers, Dr. Michi Fu from the Asian Pacific Family Center, Carrey Wong, Esq. from the Neighborhood Legal Services, and Chun-Yen Chen, Executive Director of the Asian Pacific Women’s Center will address the cultural and legal issues that affect immigrant youth survivors, particularly those with Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds.

School officials are often in the position to first identify youth who are dealing with domestic violence at home. Failing grades, depression, and involvement in gang activity can indicate that the troubles at home may stem from domestic violence. The training will help school officials understand the causes and effects of domestic violence in immigrant youth and provide resources for schools to assist the youth and their families.

By focusing on the youth, the API DV Task Force is trying to break the cycle of domestic violence. “Studies clearly show that kids who grow up with domestic violence in their homes often become victims or perpetrators of domestic violence when they are adults so the goal of this training is to help school officials identify youth who may be struggling with this issue to provide help,” says API DV Task Force Co-Chair Grayce Wey Liu. Her Co-Chair, Maria Foster adds: “Domestic violence is a preventable social problem that requires collective action to address. We appreciate Senator Romero and Assemblymember Eng’s contribution to raise the awareness of this problem, which affects community members of all ages.

To RSVP for the training, call (213) 250-2977. The Asian Pacific Women Center’s Alhambra office is located at 405 N. Stoneman Ave., Alhambra, CA 91801. Complimentary breakfast is provided. CEU’s are available to health care professionals.

The API DV Task Force was formed by a group of domestic violence program social service agencies and community members in November 2004. Its mission is to eliminate domestic violence in Asian and Pacific Islander communities in Los Angeles County by providing outreach, education, and advocacy. The members include shelters, legal services, law enforcement, healthcare professionals, family services, advocates, and community members at large. For more information, go to www.apidvtf.org.

Contact: Maria Foster, Co-Chair
API DV Task Force (951) 313-7531

Public Safety Technology in the News

Tennessee Meth Task Force Adopts Mobile Narcotics Detection Solution
Government Technology, (08/28/2008)

Tennessee Meth Task Force (TMTF) agents now have a tool at their disposal that can provide near-instant detection and identification of narcotics and explosives in the field. The three MobileTrace units are capable of providing agents with reports in seconds that can then be submitted as evidence in court for drug-related prosecutions. The TMTF's previous tool for this type of work was a desktop device that limited mobility that was not capable of field detection. The unit's dual-mode ability detects narcotics and a wide array of explosives, and longer battery life provides agents with a tool that is effective, efficient, and ensures their safety.
www.govtech.com/gt/401898?topic=117680

TGen Find Promises Big Leap in Forensics
The Arizona Republic, (08/29/2008), Ken Alltucker

An "accidental discovery" by a team of researchers from Translational Genomics Research Institute and UCLA found that a technique used to identify disease triggers in a patient can also be used to identify individuals based on DNA samples from a busy crime scene. Using mixtures of DNA, the scientists were able to analyze the samples using microarrays, a high-powered automated technology to isolate an individual's DNA. The scientists concluded that the technology could isolate an individual's DNA even if the sample included 200 other DNA samples. This ability to isolate DNA samples from mixtures that large could help law enforcement with investigations of crime scenes such as a busy convenience store or a bank, where the samples often go unused because of the amount of DNA samples involved.
www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/2008/08/29/20080829biz-dnaswab0829.html

police Using GPS. Units as Evidence in Crimes
The New York Times, (08/31/2008), Associated Press

The popularity of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) is helping authorities investigate crimes. Originally developed for use by military, GPS began showing up in the 1990s in consumer cars and trucks. Costs have dropped and the units have become more portable, which has made them more accessible. GPS has become a useful tool for the public, but now prosecutors and police are beginning to learn the full potential of these units for use as evidence. In 2005, a family was murdered in Chicago, and the suspect was convicted and sentenced to death this year based on data that was retrieved from the GPS unit in his SUV. The use of GPS can establish a defendant's whereabouts.
www.nytimes.com/2008/08/31/us/31gps.html?_r=1&ref=us&oref=slogin

Deputies' Cars to Get Digital Upgrade
The Arizona Republic, (09/04/2008), Yvonne Wingett and JJ Hensley

Maricopa County will be purchasing an upgraded communications system to speed sheriff's deputies' response to emergency calls. The new system will replace standard radios in patrol cars and provide deputies instant access to multiple databases prior to engaging suspects or responding to calls. It allows deputies to check for warrants and other information without radioing and waiting for dispatch to respond. Computerized equipment, similar to laptops, will initially cost the county about $2 million, with an annual maintenance cost of $850,000. At this point, it is unclear how this system will impact the department's self-imposed response time of 5 minutes or less on priority one calls, but the agency hopes is it will help the agency maintain that goal or come in under it.
www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2008/09/04/20080904MCSOresponse0904.html

City Uses Technology to Track Speeders
NBC4, (09/04/2008), Denise Yost

Columbus city officials will be deploying 10 smart speed trailers throughout the city to capture data relating to when and where speeding is occurring. City officials will then turn the data over to the city police to evaluate and use to decide where to deploy officers. Also, the city plans to implement a rotating schedule for placing the trailers, using information from the community through requests received on the city's 311 information line.
www.nbc4i.com/midwest/cmh/crime_watch.apx.-content-articles-CMH-2008-09-04-0019.html

New 911 Technology is Call of the Future
The Telegraph, (09/06/2008), Cynthia M. Ellis

At the National Emergency Numbers Association conference, Madison County 911 coordinator Bill Gamblin stated, "There is a generation of people who doesn't leave home with out their [cell] phone." This is the premise and driving force behind the creation and development of the Next Generation 911, or NG991, that is an updated 911 system that can use and be accessed in a wireless society. It would allow witnesses to a catastrophic or HAZMAT event to use their cell phones to provide video footage of the event, still images, or allow text messages describing the scene. It would also interact with automated vehicle systems that would alert the 911 center in response to an airbag deploy and provide 911 with the car driver's medical records. For the first responders, this system would then provide the chance for dispatchers to forward the footage and images to allow the responders a chance to understand and prepare for the scene prior to arrival.
www.thetelegraph.com/news/gamblin_17981___article.html/ng911_calls.html

DNA Testing Expands to Lesser Crimes
The Washington Post, (09/08/2008), Dan Morse

Advances in the processing of DNA samples from crime scenes have made it a tool not only to be used for crimes like rape and murder, but also for the less violent crimes like burglary, robbery, and drug dealing. An example of that is a 2002 Starbucks robbery case in Montgomery County, Maryland, where the suspect left behind a half-empty cup of coffee. No arrests were made in the case.. Then in 2007 the DNA sample was run against the state's database of felons and a there was a match. The suspect is on trial. Prosecutors hope the introduction of DNA sampling into these less violent crimes will speed the criminal justice process by leading to more guilty pleas. The director of Montgomery County's crime lab hopes that by spring his lab will be using robots to extract DNA samples. The robots and a new gene sequencing technology are hoped to increase DNA analysis by 30 percent and make it a more efficient tool for the less violent crimes.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/07/AR2008090702340.html?hpid=moreheadlines

A Way to Find Hidden Fingerprints
Technology Review, (09/04/2008), Brittany Sauser

Physical evidence is needed by investigators to tie a criminal to a crime and that physical evidence can be as small as a fingerprint. But sometimes that evidence can't be seen because it has been washed away or because of the violent nature of the crime. In an explosion or in the case of arson, the print can be removed. Now with the discovery by Forensic Scientist John Bond, those invisible prints can be found. The findings are that when metals such as copper or brass come into contact with the oils and chemicals that make up a fingerprint, the metals corrode slightly. The corroded spots can only be removed with abrasive cleaning. In order for this invisible print to become visible, investigators have to apply voltage to the metal and apply a metallic powder that adheres to the areas that have corroded. This technique can be used for things like shell casings or metal shrapnel from a bomb, but because of the small nature of these pieces of evidence, getting a reliable fi! ngerprint becomes an issue.
www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/21331/?a=f

New York City Enhances Technology for Crime Fighting
InformationWeek, (09/10/2008), K.C. Jones

New York City will now have the ability to accept photos or videos from citizens regarding quality of life complaints and reports of criminal activity. This comes after the New York Police Department last month announced it's ability to accept tips via text messages. The implementation of this sort of technology is a fulfillment of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's State of the City promise. Callers can either contact 911 to report criminal activity or 311 for quality of life complaints. For criminal reports, detectives will follow up the original 911 call and explain how to provide the video or photographs to police. For quality of life complaints callers inform the dispatcher that they have photos or video to provide and receive instructions from the dispatcher or they are directed to the New York City homepage to upload their information. Bloomberg feels the new technology will bring the city up a level regarding fighting crime and making city government accountable for condit! ions in the city.
www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/cameras/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=210600911&subSection=All+Stories

police Probe Cell Phones to Thwart Criminals
San Francisco Chronicle, (09/08/2008), Tom Abate

Wireless technology available to would-be criminals dictates that the law enforcement community look in new places for evidence. For the San Francisco police that means adoption of new technology that extracts evidence from cell phones. San Francisco has acquired technology from multiple vendors that allows police to extract data such as text messages, contact lists, or images that the user may have thought were deleted from the phone's memory. The commercial version of these devices allows consumers to transfer data from one phone to the other in the event of a phone upgrade or change in service provider. For law enforcement, however, the technology allows extraction of data to help prevent corruption of evidence.
www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/09/07/BUPA12OC2V.DTL

Murders Do Not Come By Accident

Lieutenant Edward Cook’s 2007 mystery, Murders Do Not Come by Accident, is available via Police-Writers.com. According to the book description, “In the city of Marquette, in the upper peninsula of Michigan, four students are killed by accident. Or is it murder? It is up to Detective John Cook to solve this mystery and apprehend the suspect. From Marquette to Neebish Island, Michigan, John Cook will not stop until these cases are solved and the suspect is behind bars!”

About the Author
Edward Cook graduated from Northern Michigan University in 1980 and is a Police lieutenant and Firearms Instructor with the Northwestern University Police Department in Evanston (Illinois). Edward Cook has served with the law enforcement community for more than 30 years, both in Illinois and Michigan. As an author, Edward Cook is a member of the Military Writers Society of America and the American Authors Association. Edward cook is the author of Guiding The Way From Middle Neebish; Stars & Shields: Cop Stories; Murders Do Not Come by Accident; and, The History of the 104th Combat Engineers: Pacific Campaign: 1942-1945.

More Information
http://www.police-writers.com/edward_cook.html

Public Safety Technology in the News

LAw Enforcement Agencies Introduce Information Network
Enctoday.com, (08/21/2008), Francine Sawyer

Using an award of $365,000 from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 14 agencies in eastern North Carolina are now linked via an information network that will allow them to share information. Officials implemented the network, dubbed the Eastern Regional Information Center, to allow the agencies to collaborate on issues that may have ties to terrorism, or to other criminal or security activity. Information shared with the center will then be disseminated to state agencies as well.
www.enctoday.com/news/information_41747_nbsj__article.html/new_agencies.html

Red Light Cameras Give $381 Tickets for Rolling Right Turns in Los Angeles
Los Angeles Times, (08/16/2008), Rich Connell

After legal review by Los Angeles city officials, the practice of "California stops," which are rolling right-hand turns against a red light, will now result in a $381 fine. Red-light cameras in the past have handled this activity as a vehicle code violation. To bring Los Angeles more in line with other California jurisdictions, the city will handle it as a red light violation, which more than doubles the present fine of $159.
www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-redlight16-2008aug16,0,733533.story

License Plate Readers To Be Used in D.C. Area
Washington Post, (08/17/2008), Mary Beth Sheridan

Officials in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia announced plans to install 200 automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) on police cruisers and at roadside points to deter potential terrorist attacks. The announcement comes on the heels of last week's announcement by New York City officials to implement a plan to scan vehicles coming into Manhattan. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security awarded the D.C. region a total of $59.8 million as part of the Urban Areas Safety Initiative (UASI) project. The ALPR project is one of roughly a dozen projects slated for the Washington region under the UASI funding. Officials also plan to spend $4 million for personal radiation detectors for officers, $5.6 million for equipment and training for bomb squads, and $18 million for assistance to local hospitals and medical personnel for equipment, planning, and training in dealing with disasters.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/16/AR2008081602218.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Growth Forces Law Enforcement Agencies to Get Bigger
Opelika-Auburn News, (08/21/2008), Vasha Hunt

Communities in Alabama are being forced to examine the potential for population growth as it relates to a nearby Kia manufacturing plant in Georgia, base realignment and closure of Ft. Knox, and subsequent expansion of Ft. Benning, Georgia. The city of Valley, located in eastern Alabama, will likely see a population increase as a result of the Ft. Benning expansion, and the city police chief wants to examine all options on coping with the potential for more Crime. The implementation of more Technology to help officers is certainly plausible. Traffic in the area is already increasing, and the chief wants to create a traffic enforcement unit and implement cameras and lights to help with the situation. Other regional departments, like Chambers and Lee County, as well as Auburn and Opelika city, are going to add officers to their forces.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/16/AR2008081602218.html?hpid=moreheadlines

Tools of Technology
Sbsun.com, (08/17/2008), Stacia Glenn

Since the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office created the Hi-Tech Crime Detail in 1999, the workload has doubled. The detail was created as part of the Specialized Investigations Unit to work on cases such as theft, fraud, or child exploitation. Last year alone, the unit handled 438 cases, and in the first 6 months of this year it has taken on 321 cases. This increase is tied to officers' understanding of evidence that may be on seized computers or cell phones. Today the list of crimes handled by the unit includes identity theft and DVD or music pirating. This jump in the amount of cases handled has allowed the group to request and receive $190,000 for equipment upgrades to help it try to stay ahead of the criminals.
/www.sbsun.com/news/ci_10233435

New Camera Technology Could Boost School Funds
Warwickonline.com, (08/19/2008), Matt Bower

The school system in Warwick, Rhode Island, may get some financial help through tickets issued to drivers who illegally pass school buses. The city's school committee, with the help of SmartBus Live, may obtain some much needed revenue from tickets issued to drivers who pass buses that are stopped and have their red lights flashing. The SmartBus system operates in two phases. Phase one is an external system that generates live digital feeds of all bus stops. This is accomplished using eight external cameras on the buses' left side that can capture up to six lanes of traffic. The second phase involves those feeds being sent to a central monitoring facility, where staff monitor images and footage of vehicles observed passing a stopped bus. The images are time and date stamped and the footage is verified before staff send it to police for processing. The system allows bus drivers to concentrate on the children's safety rather than have their attention divided by trying to ca! pture violators' license plate information. SmartBus will install and set up the system; costs will come out of a portion of the revenue generated by the tickets.
warwickonline.com/warwickonline/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=38354&Itemid=174

Fuel Prices Cause Law Enforcement To Examine Many Options
Stereo AM 610 KCSR, (08/21/2008), Chris Frankhauser

Rollercoaster fuel costs are causing Law Enforcement agencies to re-examine budgets and explore alternatives to reduce costs. The Dawes County Sheriff's office in Nebraska uses vehicles for all essential functions, so that only leaves cutting funding for non-job-related training for officers. The Nebraska State police use roughly 660,000 gallons of fuel, averaging about 10 million miles per year, and is on a current pace to spend about $800,000 more on fuel this year than was budgeted. The agency is exploring Technology and teleconferencing options for officer training and meetings, and considering schedule changes to help reduce trooper travel. The Chadron City police Department is exploring the expanded use of equipment it currently has to reduce fuel costs. The department has motorcycles, but it will have to pay to equip the motorcycles for training purposes. Also, there are only two certified officers in the department, so additional officers will need to be trained. ! Departments are faced with many considerations when attempting to deal with the price of gas as it relates to budgeting and operations.
www.chadrad.com/newsstory.cfm?story=11057