A conference by the International Human Rights Network
Date: Friday 26th June 2009
Venue: National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Ireland
Purpose
Measuring justice is a priority for a wide range of individuals and institutions. It is central to enhancing good governance including rule of law, combating corruption, addressing impunity and building effective, accountable justice sector reform. The purpose of this IHRN conference is to facilitate the pooling of evaluation experience, to identify best practice and lessons for the future, with particular reference to measuring human rights impact.
Format
The day will combine plenary panel discussions with sub-group sessions on selected themes. Discussion will be facilitated by an IHRN concept paper circulated in advance.
Topics
Plenary discussions and sub-group sessions will explore a range of topics in light of the interface between best practice evaluation and human rights based approaches.
Abstracts are invited for sub-group discussions (to a maximum of 500 words) in areas such as the following:
Case studies (potentially transferable lessons from economically developed/developing country contexts; as well as conflict/transitional justice contexts); Institution-specific evaluation (such as police, prosecution, judiciary, corrections) & sectoral approaches; Methodologies & tools (qualitative/ quantitative benchmarks & indicators, Log Frame; Analysis, relationship between sector evaluation & monitoring/oversight functions); and, Cross-cutting issues.
MORE INFORMATION
http://www.ihrnetwork.org/international-conference-2009_231.htm
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
California DOJ invests in 3D crime-scene laser scanners to support forensic crime scene investigation
After seeing first-hand how the Leica Geosystems ScanStation 2 can be deployed to quickly measure and model extensive indoor and outdoor mass casualty mock crime scenes, the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Forensic Services (BFS) moved quickly to purchase two Leica ScanStation 2 high speed, high definition 3D laser scanning systems from Leica Geosystems.
As the scientific arm of the California Attorney General’s Office, BFS forensic scientists collect, analyze, and compare physical evidence from crime scenes or persons for state and local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and the courts. The Bureau of Forensic Services operates a network of full-service laboratories in 10 regional services areas in California. Over 45 criminalists will be trained how to use the scanners to gather crime scene data.
Jill Spriggs, Chief of the Department of Justice BFS, says, “The Leica Geosystems Scan Station 2 will provide immediate value for our forensic teams in that they can quickly gather highly accurate data at crime scenes. The Scan Station 2 documents, diagrams and measures the crime scenes prior to evidence being removed from the scene. This is a tremendous time savings for criminalists out in the field. Information gathered from the Scan Station 2 can be used to reconstruct the crime scene later back at the laboratory."
Developed for versatility and productivity, the mobile laser scanner platform is able to collect 50,000 measurements per second enabling crime scene investigators to “freeze the scene in time.” Criminalists will use the Leica ScanStation 2 to photograph and laser scan (measure) a crime scene. An embedded high-resolution digital camera within ScanStation 2 provides detectives with valuable photos of the scene that can be used to aid in scanning and in data processing. Once gathered, the scanning software produces diagrams, scene reconstructions and other important documentation necessary to every crime scene investigation.
Spriggs adds, “Most importantly the scan data has been validated for forensic work and passed admissibility hearings in court."
The California Department of Justice is the third law enforcement agency in California to select the Leica joining the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department which own eight Leica scanners between them.
“Leica’s 3D laser scanning systems are being adopted by more and more law enforcement agencies who recognize that bringing our scanning technology to bear on a case sends a powerful message to everyone that all possible care is being taken to find the truth,” said Tony Grissim, Forensic Account Manager for Leica Geosystems. “The traffic we are seeing on our forensic web site at http://www.leica-geosystems.com/us/forensic, tells us that interest in our solution is keen, especially since it started being showcased on A&E’s “Crime 360” program. “Crime 360” had the largest audience for a series premiere in A&E history for a criminal justice program.”
The Leica ScanStation 2 can be used for forensic mapping at crash and homicide scenes, officer involved shootings, bomb/arson investigations and can also support a department’s homeland security mission.
Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.
Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 3’500 employees in 28 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.
For further information please contact:
Leica Geosystems Inc.
Andre Ribeiro
Director of Marketing
Atlanta, GA 30092
United States
Phone: +1 (770) 326-9557
Fax: +1 (770) 447-0710
Andre.ribeiro@leicaus.com
www.leica-geosystems.us
As the scientific arm of the California Attorney General’s Office, BFS forensic scientists collect, analyze, and compare physical evidence from crime scenes or persons for state and local law enforcement agencies, district attorneys, and the courts. The Bureau of Forensic Services operates a network of full-service laboratories in 10 regional services areas in California. Over 45 criminalists will be trained how to use the scanners to gather crime scene data.
Jill Spriggs, Chief of the Department of Justice BFS, says, “The Leica Geosystems Scan Station 2 will provide immediate value for our forensic teams in that they can quickly gather highly accurate data at crime scenes. The Scan Station 2 documents, diagrams and measures the crime scenes prior to evidence being removed from the scene. This is a tremendous time savings for criminalists out in the field. Information gathered from the Scan Station 2 can be used to reconstruct the crime scene later back at the laboratory."
Developed for versatility and productivity, the mobile laser scanner platform is able to collect 50,000 measurements per second enabling crime scene investigators to “freeze the scene in time.” Criminalists will use the Leica ScanStation 2 to photograph and laser scan (measure) a crime scene. An embedded high-resolution digital camera within ScanStation 2 provides detectives with valuable photos of the scene that can be used to aid in scanning and in data processing. Once gathered, the scanning software produces diagrams, scene reconstructions and other important documentation necessary to every crime scene investigation.
Spriggs adds, “Most importantly the scan data has been validated for forensic work and passed admissibility hearings in court."
The California Department of Justice is the third law enforcement agency in California to select the Leica joining the California Highway Patrol and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department which own eight Leica scanners between them.
“Leica’s 3D laser scanning systems are being adopted by more and more law enforcement agencies who recognize that bringing our scanning technology to bear on a case sends a powerful message to everyone that all possible care is being taken to find the truth,” said Tony Grissim, Forensic Account Manager for Leica Geosystems. “The traffic we are seeing on our forensic web site at http://www.leica-geosystems.com/us/forensic, tells us that interest in our solution is keen, especially since it started being showcased on A&E’s “Crime 360” program. “Crime 360” had the largest audience for a series premiere in A&E history for a criminal justice program.”
The Leica ScanStation 2 can be used for forensic mapping at crash and homicide scenes, officer involved shootings, bomb/arson investigations and can also support a department’s homeland security mission.
Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyze, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyze easily, and visualize and present spatial information.
Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 3’500 employees in 28 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of the Hexagon Group, Sweden.
For further information please contact:
Leica Geosystems Inc.
Andre Ribeiro
Director of Marketing
Atlanta, GA 30092
United States
Phone: +1 (770) 326-9557
Fax: +1 (770) 447-0710
Andre.ribeiro@leicaus.com
www.leica-geosystems.us
Monday, January 26, 2009
Surviving Boot Camp
On February 20, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Sergeant Michael Volkin, USA, the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook, on Surviving Boot Camp.
Program Date: February 20, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Surviving Boot Camp
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
About the Guest
Sergeant Michael Volkin is a U.S. Army veteran. He served in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom as a Chemical Operations Specialist and received an Army Commendation Medal for his efforts and for the fitness programs he designed to help his fellow soldiers. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. In addition to being in the Army Reserves, Michael works as a Real Estate Broker in California. Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook.
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 Criminal Justice Department chair, 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/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: February 20, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Surviving Boot Camp
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
About the Guest
Sergeant Michael Volkin is a U.S. Army veteran. He served in Operation Enduring/Iraqi Freedom as a Chemical Operations Specialist and received an Army Commendation Medal for his efforts and for the fitness programs he designed to help his fellow soldiers. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Science from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. In addition to being in the Army Reserves, Michael works as a Real Estate Broker in California. Michael Volkin is the author of The Ultimate Basic Training Guidebook.
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 Criminal Justice Department chair, 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/2009/02/21/Surviving-Boot-Camp
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Badge of Life
On February 13, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Sergeant Andy O’Hara, California Highway Patrol (ret.), Executive Director of The Badge of Life.
Program Date: February 13, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: The Badge of Life
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
About the Badge of Life
According to The Badge of Life, they “are a group of active and retired police officers from the United States and Canada who are victims of trauma-related injuries from our law enforcement service. We have suffered the worst that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brings—the hopelessness, the despair, the flashbacks, the attempts at suicide, the nightmares and insomnia, the panicky hypervigilence, anxiety and terror. Among us are victims of both critical incident and cumulative PTSD.
Our personal experiences are varied and representative of what occurs in police work—shootings, violent attacks, the loss of fellow officers, near-death experiences, helplessly watching the death of a child, and more. We were drawn together out of a determination to help others avoid our fate. With the help of experts in the field like John Violanti, PhD (author of Police Suicide, Epidemic in Blue and Under the Blue Shadow), Dr. Janak Mehtani, an expert on PTSD and Catherine Leon, LCSW, who has worked extensively with PTSD and law enforcement, we began to set a path.
We found that many departments still lack adequate suicide prevention programs. We found many departments have excellent programs—but limit themselves to suicide awareness and prevention. Our program came after long discussion and research--and the realization that, in the search for complex answers, we were all missing the simple solutions! Thus came about the Badge of Life program--a common sense approach to law enforcement stress and trauma that stunned even us by its utter simplicity.
About the Guest
Sergeant Andy O'Hara, California Highway Patrol (ret.) is a military veteran and the Executive Director of The Badge of Life. According to Sergeant O’Hara, he “spent his last day of law enforcement sitting on the bedroom floor with his gun, trying to decide whether to shoot himself in the mouth or side of the head. Hospitalized twice with the effects of his post traumatic stress, he has written on this topic and spoken to numerous groups about the importance of this new program. Through those presentations, he has realized how well received and effective the message truly is. He is a member of the California Peer Support Association, the International Police Association and works as a peer volunteer with the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat.
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 Criminal Justice Department chair, 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/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: February 13, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: The Badge of Life
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
About the Badge of Life
According to The Badge of Life, they “are a group of active and retired police officers from the United States and Canada who are victims of trauma-related injuries from our law enforcement service. We have suffered the worst that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) brings—the hopelessness, the despair, the flashbacks, the attempts at suicide, the nightmares and insomnia, the panicky hypervigilence, anxiety and terror. Among us are victims of both critical incident and cumulative PTSD.
Our personal experiences are varied and representative of what occurs in police work—shootings, violent attacks, the loss of fellow officers, near-death experiences, helplessly watching the death of a child, and more. We were drawn together out of a determination to help others avoid our fate. With the help of experts in the field like John Violanti, PhD (author of Police Suicide, Epidemic in Blue and Under the Blue Shadow), Dr. Janak Mehtani, an expert on PTSD and Catherine Leon, LCSW, who has worked extensively with PTSD and law enforcement, we began to set a path.
We found that many departments still lack adequate suicide prevention programs. We found many departments have excellent programs—but limit themselves to suicide awareness and prevention. Our program came after long discussion and research--and the realization that, in the search for complex answers, we were all missing the simple solutions! Thus came about the Badge of Life program--a common sense approach to law enforcement stress and trauma that stunned even us by its utter simplicity.
About the Guest
Sergeant Andy O'Hara, California Highway Patrol (ret.) is a military veteran and the Executive Director of The Badge of Life. According to Sergeant O’Hara, he “spent his last day of law enforcement sitting on the bedroom floor with his gun, trying to decide whether to shoot himself in the mouth or side of the head. Hospitalized twice with the effects of his post traumatic stress, he has written on this topic and spoken to numerous groups about the importance of this new program. Through those presentations, he has realized how well received and effective the message truly is. He is a member of the California Peer Support Association, the International Police Association and works as a peer volunteer with the West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat.
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 Criminal Justice Department chair, 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/2009/02/14/The-Badge-of-Life
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Friday, January 23, 2009
Tracking Police Suicides 2008
The results were revealing. We found, following necessary adjustments for variables, there were 141 police suicides in the US during 2008. This result is in keeping with current credible research, CDC and NOMS data, and other information available in the field today. Further, testing of our data against blind sources and data gathered by non-media sources, we found solid confirmation of our findings.
READ ON
http://www.criminaljustice-online.com/forum30/1404.html
READ ON
http://www.criminaljustice-online.com/forum30/1404.html
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Public Safety Technology in the News
New Forensics Lab Planned in Tulsa
The Associated Press, (12/29/2008)
Oklahoma State University in Tulsa will be the site of a multimillion dollar forensic center for use by police and university students. The university medical college will provide $21.87 million of the construction costs. The city will provide $16.86 million. A property and evidence room and a forensic laboratory for use by the Tulsa Police Department will occupy the first two floors of the facility. Police say the additional room will help the department preserve the more than 36,000 items of evidence the police collect each year. Work in the lab includes fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, firearms examination, controlled substance analysis and handwriting analysis.
www.newsok.com/new-forensics-lab-planned-in-tulsa/article/3333771
Economy and Cybercrime Go Hand in Hand
MSNBC, (12/22/2009)
The economic crisis has opened new opportunities for cyber criminals. Spam campaigns are focusing on scams promoting services that claim to eliminate or leverage debt, mortgages and loan obligations. Other spammers are advertising drugs, pirated software or replicas. To guard against spammers, businesses and consumers need to ensure their spam filters and antivirus engines are up to date. When a spam e-mail appears to come from a trusted source, users can be tricked into clicking through to a malicious Web page. The most effective solutions against spam combine a strong reputation system with a complete filtering system that includes statistical analysis, signature filters and multilingual detection.
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28351543/
Stalking is More Prevalent Than You Think
St. Petersburg Times, (01/11/2009), William Proffitt
Stalking is more prevalent than previous thought, according to a National Institute of Justice study. The study found that 1 million women and nearly 400,000 men in the United States are stalked each year, and that 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men are stalked in their lifetimes. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states. Stalking includes conduct that causes someone to suffer substantial emotional distress. More serious stalking crimes include a credible threat with intent to produce reasonable fear of bodily injury or death. Cyber stalking or bullying also has increased in recent years.
www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/article962902.ece
New College Prof Helps Land National Institute of Justice Grant
Arizona State University, (01/08/2009)
Arizona State University will be the site of research centered on the psychology of decision making using forensic science expert evidence. The researchers will study how jurors respond to fingerprints, bite marks, handwriting, footwear impressions and other types of forensic evidence. Funded by a two-year, $496,450 grant from the National Institute of Justice, the research has implications for both policy and practice, according to professors at ASU. It could inform forensic scientists on how best to present testimony during trial. It could also be useful for policymakers when developing standards for the admissibility of forensic evidence in court. During the first phase of the project, researchers will create videotaped simulated trial segments that display forms of expert testimony presented by forensic scientists. The second phase will included the conducting of studies using jury-eligible participants, who will view the simulated trials and deliberate the forensic e! vidence presented.
asunews.asu.edu/node/6085
Colorado Schools Use 9-1-1 Call to Activate Incident Command System
PRWeb, (01/08/2009)
Colorado schools have a new tool to use in emergencies. The schools have adopted a system that allows schools to place a 911 call to activate a radio communications network that links school staff with professional responders arriving at the scene. Traditionally, schools facing an emergency have called 911 and waited for first responders to arrive. Under the new enhanced 911 system, schools can call 911 and be immediately connected with first responders through the schools' two-way radios. The radios allow school staff to communicate and work directly with police and other first responders during a crisis. The system will be used in accordance with procedures established by the National Incident Management System.
www.prweb.com/releases/schoolsafe/communications/prweb1839244.htm
NYPD Eyes Disrupting Cell Phones in Event of Terrorist Attack
FOXNews, (01/08/2009), Judith Miller
The New York Police Department is looking for ways to disrupt cell phone calls and other forms of communication among terrorists in the event of a terror attack. The need to disrupt communications is one conclusion draw in the aftermath of the November 2008 attack in Mumbai, India. In testimony prepared for the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly stressed the need for law enforcement practitioners to be able to disrupt cell phone and other communications. During the Mumbai attack, the terrorists' contacts used cell phones and other communication devices to direct the killing of hostages and adjust tactics while the attacks were underway. A three-member NYPD counterterrorism team visited Mumbai after the attack. As a result of that visit, the department has already changed some procedures and conducted new drills in response to vulnerabilities identified by the team.
www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/08/nypd-interrupt-cell-phone-service-event-terrorist-attack/
Electronic Traffic Tickets and Gunfire Detection; Technology in the Cop Car
OhMyGov.com, (01/02/2009)
Police in Maryland are using a new system that allows officers to issue electronic traffic citations more efficiently. E-TIX allows officers to scan the driver's license, select the violations and print a copy of the citation on waterproof, hard-to-rip paper. The process, which takes about five minutes, automatically sends the information to the state court system. The system is intended to reduce the amount of time officers spend on the side of the road with drivers, reducing the risk of accidents. Multiple violations can be included in one citation. The technology, developed by the Maryland State Police, is available free to law enforcement agencies in Maryland. The agencies pay for the hardware installation and technical support.
ohmygov.com/blogs/general_news/archive/2009/01/02/electronic-traffic-tickets-and-gunfire-detection-technology-in-the-cop-car.aspx
Tougher DUI Rules Take Effect in Illinois
The Telegraph, (01/01/ 2009), Steve Whitworth
A new Illinois state law requires first-time DUI offenders to equip their vehicles with a device that detects alcohol on their breath. Offenders will be issued a monitoring device driving permit, which allows them to use their vehicles only when it has been equipped with a breath alcohol interlock device. The driver must provide a breath sample with an alcohol content below 0.025 percent, or the vehicle will not start. Also under the law that took effect January 1, a first-time offender found driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher will face a six-month suspension of his driver's license. People who refuse to undergo breath analysis will have their licenses suspended for one year. The suspensions will occur 46 days after the arrest or testing date.
www.thetelegraph.com/news/state_21857___article.html/illinois_breath.html
The Associated Press, (12/29/2008)
Oklahoma State University in Tulsa will be the site of a multimillion dollar forensic center for use by police and university students. The university medical college will provide $21.87 million of the construction costs. The city will provide $16.86 million. A property and evidence room and a forensic laboratory for use by the Tulsa Police Department will occupy the first two floors of the facility. Police say the additional room will help the department preserve the more than 36,000 items of evidence the police collect each year. Work in the lab includes fingerprint analysis, DNA testing, firearms examination, controlled substance analysis and handwriting analysis.
www.newsok.com/new-forensics-lab-planned-in-tulsa/article/3333771
Economy and Cybercrime Go Hand in Hand
MSNBC, (12/22/2009)
The economic crisis has opened new opportunities for cyber criminals. Spam campaigns are focusing on scams promoting services that claim to eliminate or leverage debt, mortgages and loan obligations. Other spammers are advertising drugs, pirated software or replicas. To guard against spammers, businesses and consumers need to ensure their spam filters and antivirus engines are up to date. When a spam e-mail appears to come from a trusted source, users can be tricked into clicking through to a malicious Web page. The most effective solutions against spam combine a strong reputation system with a complete filtering system that includes statistical analysis, signature filters and multilingual detection.
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28351543/
Stalking is More Prevalent Than You Think
St. Petersburg Times, (01/11/2009), William Proffitt
Stalking is more prevalent than previous thought, according to a National Institute of Justice study. The study found that 1 million women and nearly 400,000 men in the United States are stalked each year, and that 1 in 12 women and 1 in 45 men are stalked in their lifetimes. Stalking is a crime in all 50 states. Stalking includes conduct that causes someone to suffer substantial emotional distress. More serious stalking crimes include a credible threat with intent to produce reasonable fear of bodily injury or death. Cyber stalking or bullying also has increased in recent years.
www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/article962902.ece
New College Prof Helps Land National Institute of Justice Grant
Arizona State University, (01/08/2009)
Arizona State University will be the site of research centered on the psychology of decision making using forensic science expert evidence. The researchers will study how jurors respond to fingerprints, bite marks, handwriting, footwear impressions and other types of forensic evidence. Funded by a two-year, $496,450 grant from the National Institute of Justice, the research has implications for both policy and practice, according to professors at ASU. It could inform forensic scientists on how best to present testimony during trial. It could also be useful for policymakers when developing standards for the admissibility of forensic evidence in court. During the first phase of the project, researchers will create videotaped simulated trial segments that display forms of expert testimony presented by forensic scientists. The second phase will included the conducting of studies using jury-eligible participants, who will view the simulated trials and deliberate the forensic e! vidence presented.
asunews.asu.edu/node/6085
Colorado Schools Use 9-1-1 Call to Activate Incident Command System
PRWeb, (01/08/2009)
Colorado schools have a new tool to use in emergencies. The schools have adopted a system that allows schools to place a 911 call to activate a radio communications network that links school staff with professional responders arriving at the scene. Traditionally, schools facing an emergency have called 911 and waited for first responders to arrive. Under the new enhanced 911 system, schools can call 911 and be immediately connected with first responders through the schools' two-way radios. The radios allow school staff to communicate and work directly with police and other first responders during a crisis. The system will be used in accordance with procedures established by the National Incident Management System.
www.prweb.com/releases/schoolsafe/communications/prweb1839244.htm
NYPD Eyes Disrupting Cell Phones in Event of Terrorist Attack
FOXNews, (01/08/2009), Judith Miller
The New York Police Department is looking for ways to disrupt cell phone calls and other forms of communication among terrorists in the event of a terror attack. The need to disrupt communications is one conclusion draw in the aftermath of the November 2008 attack in Mumbai, India. In testimony prepared for the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly stressed the need for law enforcement practitioners to be able to disrupt cell phone and other communications. During the Mumbai attack, the terrorists' contacts used cell phones and other communication devices to direct the killing of hostages and adjust tactics while the attacks were underway. A three-member NYPD counterterrorism team visited Mumbai after the attack. As a result of that visit, the department has already changed some procedures and conducted new drills in response to vulnerabilities identified by the team.
www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/01/08/nypd-interrupt-cell-phone-service-event-terrorist-attack/
Electronic Traffic Tickets and Gunfire Detection; Technology in the Cop Car
OhMyGov.com, (01/02/2009)
Police in Maryland are using a new system that allows officers to issue electronic traffic citations more efficiently. E-TIX allows officers to scan the driver's license, select the violations and print a copy of the citation on waterproof, hard-to-rip paper. The process, which takes about five minutes, automatically sends the information to the state court system. The system is intended to reduce the amount of time officers spend on the side of the road with drivers, reducing the risk of accidents. Multiple violations can be included in one citation. The technology, developed by the Maryland State Police, is available free to law enforcement agencies in Maryland. The agencies pay for the hardware installation and technical support.
ohmygov.com/blogs/general_news/archive/2009/01/02/electronic-traffic-tickets-and-gunfire-detection-technology-in-the-cop-car.aspx
Tougher DUI Rules Take Effect in Illinois
The Telegraph, (01/01/ 2009), Steve Whitworth
A new Illinois state law requires first-time DUI offenders to equip their vehicles with a device that detects alcohol on their breath. Offenders will be issued a monitoring device driving permit, which allows them to use their vehicles only when it has been equipped with a breath alcohol interlock device. The driver must provide a breath sample with an alcohol content below 0.025 percent, or the vehicle will not start. Also under the law that took effect January 1, a first-time offender found driving with a blood-alcohol level of 0.08 percent or higher will face a six-month suspension of his driver's license. People who refuse to undergo breath analysis will have their licenses suspended for one year. The suspensions will occur 46 days after the arrest or testing date.
www.thetelegraph.com/news/state_21857___article.html/illinois_breath.html
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Military Books
Military-Writers.com is pleased to announce the addition of these servicemembers to the website:
Lt. General Albert P. Clark, USAF (ret.)
Major General James Pocock, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Nick Halley, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Dorothy B. Pocklington, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, USA (ret.)
Colonel John F. Welch, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Carroll V. Glines, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Charles L. Crain, USA (ret.)
Colonel Eric H. Vieler, USA (ret.)
Colonel Edward Vaughan Coggins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Stanford E. Linzey, USN (ret.)
Captain Dale R. Herspring, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Calvin W. Vraa, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Roland Everett Langford, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ronald K. Culp, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James B. Pocock, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Herman L. Gilster, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ralph Peters, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Michael P. Elcano, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Charles T. O’Reilly, USA (ret.)
Commander Raymond B. Allen, USN (ret.)
Commander John C. Whitehead, USN (ret.)
Commander George Sigler, USN (ret.)
Lt. Commander James A. Brink, USN (ret.)
Major Lothar Maier, USAF (ret.)
Major Samuel D. Greco, USAF (ret.)
Major W.L George Collins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Malcom S. Macgruer, USMC (ret.)
Captain Edgar F. Puryear, USAF (ret.)
Captain Roger M. Baty, USA (ret.)
First Lieutenant Donald Springer Hawley, USA (ret.)
The Website now lists 802 servicemembers and their 2583 books.
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
This information was sponsored by Forensic Science information online.
Lt. General Albert P. Clark, USAF (ret.)
Major General James Pocock, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Nick Halley, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Dorothy B. Pocklington, USA (ret.)
Brigadier General Albin F. Irzyk, USA (ret.)
Colonel John F. Welch, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Carroll V. Glines, USAF (ret.)
Colonel Charles L. Crain, USA (ret.)
Colonel Eric H. Vieler, USA (ret.)
Colonel Edward Vaughan Coggins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Stanford E. Linzey, USN (ret.)
Captain Dale R. Herspring, USN (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Calvin W. Vraa, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Roland Everett Langford, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ronald K. Culp, USMC (ret.)
Lt. Colonel James B. Pocock, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Herman L. Gilster, USAF (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Ralph Peters, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Michael P. Elcano, USA (ret.)
Lt. Colonel Charles T. O’Reilly, USA (ret.)
Commander Raymond B. Allen, USN (ret.)
Commander John C. Whitehead, USN (ret.)
Commander George Sigler, USN (ret.)
Lt. Commander James A. Brink, USN (ret.)
Major Lothar Maier, USAF (ret.)
Major Samuel D. Greco, USAF (ret.)
Major W.L George Collins, USAF (ret.)
Captain Malcom S. Macgruer, USMC (ret.)
Captain Edgar F. Puryear, USAF (ret.)
Captain Roger M. Baty, USA (ret.)
First Lieutenant Donald Springer Hawley, USA (ret.)
The Website now lists 802 servicemembers and their 2583 books.
MORE INFORMATION
Military Books
This information was sponsored by Forensic Science information online.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
FEMA's Public Relations Campaign
In the past couple of years the terms Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Emergency Management has started to blend together. A good example, is that I just finished my Masters degree in Criminal Justice, but my specialization was Homeland Security Administration, meaning all my classes dealt with Terrorism, Infrastructure, IT Security and Emergency Management.
I'm sure there are a great number of Law Enforcement professionals that have had "First Responder" added to their job description. With that concept in mind, the majority of my entries in the Criminal Justice online blog will deal with First Responder issues.
With that being said, I wanted to direct your attention to some of the Public Relations tools that FEMA has started to use. Just this past week Director Paulison held a press conference, on Twitter! I followed the press conference on my twitter account. The idea that everyday citizens could ask a high ranking Federal Official questions is fantastic, the format could use some tweaks, which FEMA themselves agreed will take place in the near future. Also, FEMA has developed its own You Tube channel (www.youtube.com/fema). Their newest post was from today (1/14) and it is Director Paulison discussing the many improvements that has taken place to FEMA since he took over following Hurricane Katrina.
Again, for those you that have first responder duties included in your job description, FEMA is a fantastic starting point for a great deal of interactive material. They also have independent study courses that you can take online and get FEMA certification for.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Beat Cop
On January 16, 2009, Conversation with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Jack Lundquist, Oakland Police Department (ret.); his book BeatCop is the Police-Writers 2009 Book of the Year.
Program Date: January 16, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Beat Cop
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/01/17/Beat-Cop
About the Guest
Jack R. Lundquist, Jr. was born and raised in the City of San Pablo, California, a suburb within the San Francisco Bay Area. His desire to be a police officer was formulated early in life. He became a police explorer scout, and later a reserve police officer with the City of San Pablo Police Department. At age twenty-one Jack Lundquist was drafted by the United States Army, and served as a Military Policeman at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
Upon being honorably discharged, Jack Lundquist returned to the San Francisco Bay area. After a brief stint as a Reserve police officer he was hired by the Oakland Police Department. During his tenure he attended the University of San Francisco, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. His love for basic patrol work kept him in a marked police car for two separate periods, totaling twelve years. The remainder of the time was spent as criminal investigator, ending with a seven-year period in Vice.
According to the book description, BeatCop is “a book filled with stories from the career of a BeatCop working the perilous streets of a dodgy city. The author is a retired Oakland police officer, who patrolled the streets for twelve years. His stories cover the good, the bad, and the oh-shits, as well as the humor experienced by a BeatCop working a large city police department.” Jack R. Lundquist, Jr., Oakland Police Department (ret.) was awarded The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009 for his book BeatCop.
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 Degree 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 Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, Criminal Justice 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/2009/01/17/Beat-Cop
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: January 16, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Beat Cop
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/01/17/Beat-Cop
About the Guest
Jack R. Lundquist, Jr. was born and raised in the City of San Pablo, California, a suburb within the San Francisco Bay Area. His desire to be a police officer was formulated early in life. He became a police explorer scout, and later a reserve police officer with the City of San Pablo Police Department. At age twenty-one Jack Lundquist was drafted by the United States Army, and served as a Military Policeman at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
Upon being honorably discharged, Jack Lundquist returned to the San Francisco Bay area. After a brief stint as a Reserve police officer he was hired by the Oakland Police Department. During his tenure he attended the University of San Francisco, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. His love for basic patrol work kept him in a marked police car for two separate periods, totaling twelve years. The remainder of the time was spent as criminal investigator, ending with a seven-year period in Vice.
According to the book description, BeatCop is “a book filled with stories from the career of a BeatCop working the perilous streets of a dodgy city. The author is a retired Oakland police officer, who patrolled the streets for twelve years. His stories cover the good, the bad, and the oh-shits, as well as the humor experienced by a BeatCop working a large city police department.” Jack R. Lundquist, Jr., Oakland Police Department (ret.) was awarded The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009 for his book BeatCop.
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 Degree 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 Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, Criminal Justice 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/2009/01/17/Beat-Cop
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Military and Police Books of the Year
January 9, 2009, (San Dimas, CA) American Heroes Press, the publishers of www.military-writers.com and www.police-writers.com, announced the results of their annual recognition.
About the Websites
Military-Writers.com is a website that lists servicemembers from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who have authored books. Currently, the site lists nearly 800 servicemembers and their more than 2,400 books. Servicemembers are listed by name, branch, rank and type of book.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local law enforcement officials who have written books. Currently, the website lists more than 1,000 state or local police officers and their more than 2,200 books. Law enforcement officials are listed by name, department and type of book. Additionally, the website has separate sections which list federal law enforcement officials, international police officers and civilian police personnel.
About the Awards
The Military-Writers.com Book of Year 2009 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the servicemember. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a servicemember in the previous year.
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the police officer. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a police officer in the previous year.
The Military-Writers.com 2009 Book of the Year
Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch, United States Marine Corps (ret.) was awarded the Military-Writers.com 2009 Book of the Year for his book, Once a Marine.
On April 7, 2004, during the First Battle of Fallujah, Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch “was wounded in action. During a firefight with enemy insurgents, he was struck in the head by an enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade, fired from a rooftop into the commander’s hatch of his tank. He received numerous shrapnel wounds.” His injuries necessitated the removal of his right eye; and, “his remaining eye was legally blind. His right ear and nose sustained significant damage and an implant was placed in his skull.”
In his book, Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery, Nick Popaditch describes how at first he “fights to get back to where he was in Iraq - in the cupola of an M1A1 main battle tank, leading Marines in combat at the point of the spear. As the seriousness and permanence of his disabilities become more evident, Nick Popaditch fights to remain in the Corps in any capacity, to help the brothers in arms he so aches to rejoin. Facing the inevitable following a medical retirement, he battles for rightful recognition and compensation for his permanent disabilities. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Nick Popaditch fights to maintain his honor and loyalty, waging all these battles the same way - the Marine way.”
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009
Jack R. Lundquist, Jr., Oakland Police Department (ret.) was awarded The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009 for his book BeatCop.
Jack R. Lundquist, Jr. was born and raised in the City of San Pablo, California, a suburb within the San Francisco Bay Area. His desire to be a police officer was formulated early in life. He became a police explorer scout, and later a reserve police officer with the City of San Pablo Police Department. At age twenty-one Jack Lundquist was drafted by the United States Army, and served as a Military Policeman at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
Upon being honorably discharged, Jack Lundquist returned to the San Francisco Bay area. After a brief stint as a Reserve Police Officer he was hired by the Oakland Police Department. During his tenure he attended the University of San Francisco, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. His love for basic patrol work kept him in a marked police car for two separate periods, totaling twelve years. The remainder of the time was spent as criminal investigator, ending with a seven-year period in Vice.
According to the book description, BeatCop is “a book filled with stories from the career of a BeatCop working the perilous streets of a dodgy city. The author is a retired Oakland Police Officer, who patrolled the streets for twelve years. His stories cover the good, the bad, and the oh-shits, as well as the humor experienced by a BeatCop working a large city police department.”
American Heroes Press Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
About the Websites
Military-Writers.com is a website that lists servicemembers from all branches of the United States Armed Forces who have authored books. Currently, the site lists nearly 800 servicemembers and their more than 2,400 books. Servicemembers are listed by name, branch, rank and type of book.
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local law enforcement officials who have written books. Currently, the website lists more than 1,000 state or local police officers and their more than 2,200 books. Law enforcement officials are listed by name, department and type of book. Additionally, the website has separate sections which list federal law enforcement officials, international police officers and civilian police personnel.
About the Awards
The Military-Writers.com Book of Year 2009 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the servicemember. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a servicemember in the previous year.
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009 focuses solely on the written contribution made by the police officer. It is that book found by the panel of judges to be the most significant literary contribution made by a police officer in the previous year.
The Military-Writers.com 2009 Book of the Year
Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch, United States Marine Corps (ret.) was awarded the Military-Writers.com 2009 Book of the Year for his book, Once a Marine.
On April 7, 2004, during the First Battle of Fallujah, Gunnery Sergeant Nick Popaditch “was wounded in action. During a firefight with enemy insurgents, he was struck in the head by an enemy Rocket Propelled Grenade, fired from a rooftop into the commander’s hatch of his tank. He received numerous shrapnel wounds.” His injuries necessitated the removal of his right eye; and, “his remaining eye was legally blind. His right ear and nose sustained significant damage and an implant was placed in his skull.”
In his book, Once a Marine: An Iraq War Tank Commander’s Inspirational Memoir of Combat, Courage, and Recovery, Nick Popaditch describes how at first he “fights to get back to where he was in Iraq - in the cupola of an M1A1 main battle tank, leading Marines in combat at the point of the spear. As the seriousness and permanence of his disabilities become more evident, Nick Popaditch fights to remain in the Corps in any capacity, to help the brothers in arms he so aches to rejoin. Facing the inevitable following a medical retirement, he battles for rightful recognition and compensation for his permanent disabilities. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Nick Popaditch fights to maintain his honor and loyalty, waging all these battles the same way - the Marine way.”
The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009
Jack R. Lundquist, Jr., Oakland Police Department (ret.) was awarded The Police-Writers.com Book of the Year 2009 for his book BeatCop.
Jack R. Lundquist, Jr. was born and raised in the City of San Pablo, California, a suburb within the San Francisco Bay Area. His desire to be a police officer was formulated early in life. He became a police explorer scout, and later a reserve police officer with the City of San Pablo Police Department. At age twenty-one Jack Lundquist was drafted by the United States Army, and served as a Military Policeman at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.
Upon being honorably discharged, Jack Lundquist returned to the San Francisco Bay area. After a brief stint as a Reserve Police Officer he was hired by the Oakland Police Department. During his tenure he attended the University of San Francisco, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. His love for basic patrol work kept him in a marked police car for two separate periods, totaling twelve years. The remainder of the time was spent as criminal investigator, ending with a seven-year period in Vice.
According to the book description, BeatCop is “a book filled with stories from the career of a BeatCop working the perilous streets of a dodgy city. The author is a retired Oakland Police Officer, who patrolled the streets for twelve years. His stories cover the good, the bad, and the oh-shits, as well as the humor experienced by a BeatCop working a large city police department.”
American Heroes Press Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Public Safety Technology in the News
Computerized Crimefighter Looks for Faces of Bad Guys
Seattle Times, (12/21/2008), Stacey Mulick
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department in Washington state is solving crimes using new facial-recognition software. As part of a pilot project, the department recently used Sagem Morpho's facial recognition software to compare surveillance ATM images with 16 years' worth of prison mug shots taken at the Pierce County Jail. In 15 minutes, the search identified a suspect in a number of ATM thefts. Detectives are now revisiting unsolved bank robberies, ATM scams and other crimes that have good surveillance images in hopes the software can help solve those cases. The sheriff's department paid Sagem Morpho, a French company, $18,000 to test the software in the last six months of 2008.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008544751_morphoface21m.html
MU Crime House Training Officers
The Herald-Dispatch, (12/21/2008), Bill Rosenberger
An old house is being used as a tool to train law enforcement officers in crime scene investigation. Law enforcement officers can hone their skills at the crime scene house on the grounds of Marshall University's Forensic Science Center in West Virginia. Training is provided by the FBI to practitioners from state and local law enforcement agencies around the nation. The house is also used for training Marshall graduate students in the forensic science program. The house has been used to train more than 200 people since 2006. The house has a large basement, a main story with multiple sections, bedrooms on the second floor and an attic on the third floor. Trainers set up different crime scenes. One room contains lab equipment that allows investigators to analyze fingerprints and foot impressions. The first floor is wired with audio and video equipment to provide instructors with a means to critique a student's performance.
www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x1746811381/MU-crime-house-used-to-train-officers
Track Star AVLS Enhances Safety of Students on School Buses in Gloucester Township NJ
GISuser.co, (12/23/08)
Gloucester Township has begun using GPS technology to improve safety aboard school buses. The Track Star AVLS GPS vehicle tracking system displays movement and activity on the buses, including their speed, on computer maps monitored by police and school officials. The system will alert officials to a crash, and the driver has a "panic button" which when pushed alerts officials to accidents or trouble on the bus requiring police assistance.
www.gisuser.com/content/view/16392/2/
La. License Plate Cameras Boost Arrests
Times-Picayune, (12/18/2008), Michelle Hunter
The use of automated license-plate recognition cameras is paying off for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. In just 25 days of using the technology, officers made 20 arrests and recovered 23 stolen vehicles. Seventy-six fixed and mobile cameras are programmed to scan the plates of passing vehicles, which often results in immediate identification of ones that have been stolen. Stolen car alerts from mobile cameras, which are mounted on patrol cars, pop-up on laptop computers in police cars. Alerts from stationary cameras go to the 911 center. Prior to using the cameras, the sheriff's office recovered three or four stolen cars a month. The system can also be used to look for suspects in other crimes. Each stationary camera costs $14,000. The mobile units cost about $25,000 per patrol car.
www.policeone.com/legal/articles/1767004-La-license-plate-cameras-boost-arrests/
Website to Aid in Identifying Bodies Found in Broward
Miami Herald, (12/16/2008), Adam H. Beasley
The Broward County Sheriff's Office is using a new feature on its Web site to help authorities identify people who have been found dead. Operation Found and Forgotten on the department Web site (http://www.sheriff.org) details the profiles of 40 unidentified people who died under suspicious circumstances - what they looked like, their clothes at the time they were found. A link to the Broward Crime Stoppers tip system accompanies every profile.
www.miamiherald.com/466/story/815184.html
Federal Funds Help Upgrade Dispatch Center's Computer Software
Franklin Park Herald-Journal, (12/25/20008), Cathryn Gran
The Franklin Park Police Department in Illinois is using a federal grant to upgrade its dispatch center. The $935,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will allow enhancements to provide the capability to generate computerized accident reports and tickets. The dispatch center will also have mapping capabilities and access to databases to provide officers with the most up-to-date information. The new equipment will be installed in 2009.
www.pioneerlocal.com/franklinpark/news/1344269,fp-copsgrant-122408-s1.article
New Radio Network to Enhance Emergency Operations
Current Argus, (12/26/2008), Stella Davis
A new regional interoperable radio network will enhance emergency operations in New Mexico. Eddy County is the latest jurisdiction to switch to the new system. Funding in part came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide police and fire agencies with system compatible interoperable radios. Prior to the installation of five communication towers around the county, emergency personnel could not communicate well with other agencies due to dead spots. Officers would have to call their dispatch office in Carlsbad and dispatch in turn would contact the agency the officers wanted to speak to. The new system provides wide area network coverage. The completed network will include more than 300 portable radios and 300 mobile in-vehicle radios.
www.currentargus.com/ci_11317446
U.S. Police Could Get 'Pain Beam' Weapons
NewScientist.com, (12/24/2008,) David Hambling
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is working on portable nonlethal weapons that can inflict pain from a distance using beams of laser light. The technology for the devices, which could be used by police to subdue suspects, is devised from the Pentagon's Active Denial System. The technology uses a beam of short microwaves to heat up the outer layer of a person's skin. NIJ is currently testing its Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response device, which resembles a bulky rifle. Its second device, a portable microwave-based weapon, is less developed. It currently is a tabletop prototype with a range of less than a meter.
www.newscientist.com/article/dn16339-us-police-could-get-pain-beam-weapons.html
Seattle Times, (12/21/2008), Stacey Mulick
The Pierce County Sheriff's Department in Washington state is solving crimes using new facial-recognition software. As part of a pilot project, the department recently used Sagem Morpho's facial recognition software to compare surveillance ATM images with 16 years' worth of prison mug shots taken at the Pierce County Jail. In 15 minutes, the search identified a suspect in a number of ATM thefts. Detectives are now revisiting unsolved bank robberies, ATM scams and other crimes that have good surveillance images in hopes the software can help solve those cases. The sheriff's department paid Sagem Morpho, a French company, $18,000 to test the software in the last six months of 2008.
seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008544751_morphoface21m.html
MU Crime House Training Officers
The Herald-Dispatch, (12/21/2008), Bill Rosenberger
An old house is being used as a tool to train law enforcement officers in crime scene investigation. Law enforcement officers can hone their skills at the crime scene house on the grounds of Marshall University's Forensic Science Center in West Virginia. Training is provided by the FBI to practitioners from state and local law enforcement agencies around the nation. The house is also used for training Marshall graduate students in the forensic science program. The house has been used to train more than 200 people since 2006. The house has a large basement, a main story with multiple sections, bedrooms on the second floor and an attic on the third floor. Trainers set up different crime scenes. One room contains lab equipment that allows investigators to analyze fingerprints and foot impressions. The first floor is wired with audio and video equipment to provide instructors with a means to critique a student's performance.
www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x1746811381/MU-crime-house-used-to-train-officers
Track Star AVLS Enhances Safety of Students on School Buses in Gloucester Township NJ
GISuser.co, (12/23/08)
Gloucester Township has begun using GPS technology to improve safety aboard school buses. The Track Star AVLS GPS vehicle tracking system displays movement and activity on the buses, including their speed, on computer maps monitored by police and school officials. The system will alert officials to a crash, and the driver has a "panic button" which when pushed alerts officials to accidents or trouble on the bus requiring police assistance.
www.gisuser.com/content/view/16392/2/
La. License Plate Cameras Boost Arrests
Times-Picayune, (12/18/2008), Michelle Hunter
The use of automated license-plate recognition cameras is paying off for the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. In just 25 days of using the technology, officers made 20 arrests and recovered 23 stolen vehicles. Seventy-six fixed and mobile cameras are programmed to scan the plates of passing vehicles, which often results in immediate identification of ones that have been stolen. Stolen car alerts from mobile cameras, which are mounted on patrol cars, pop-up on laptop computers in police cars. Alerts from stationary cameras go to the 911 center. Prior to using the cameras, the sheriff's office recovered three or four stolen cars a month. The system can also be used to look for suspects in other crimes. Each stationary camera costs $14,000. The mobile units cost about $25,000 per patrol car.
www.policeone.com/legal/articles/1767004-La-license-plate-cameras-boost-arrests/
Website to Aid in Identifying Bodies Found in Broward
Miami Herald, (12/16/2008), Adam H. Beasley
The Broward County Sheriff's Office is using a new feature on its Web site to help authorities identify people who have been found dead. Operation Found and Forgotten on the department Web site (http://www.sheriff.org) details the profiles of 40 unidentified people who died under suspicious circumstances - what they looked like, their clothes at the time they were found. A link to the Broward Crime Stoppers tip system accompanies every profile.
www.miamiherald.com/466/story/815184.html
Federal Funds Help Upgrade Dispatch Center's Computer Software
Franklin Park Herald-Journal, (12/25/20008), Cathryn Gran
The Franklin Park Police Department in Illinois is using a federal grant to upgrade its dispatch center. The $935,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice will allow enhancements to provide the capability to generate computerized accident reports and tickets. The dispatch center will also have mapping capabilities and access to databases to provide officers with the most up-to-date information. The new equipment will be installed in 2009.
www.pioneerlocal.com/franklinpark/news/1344269,fp-copsgrant-122408-s1.article
New Radio Network to Enhance Emergency Operations
Current Argus, (12/26/2008), Stella Davis
A new regional interoperable radio network will enhance emergency operations in New Mexico. Eddy County is the latest jurisdiction to switch to the new system. Funding in part came from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to provide police and fire agencies with system compatible interoperable radios. Prior to the installation of five communication towers around the county, emergency personnel could not communicate well with other agencies due to dead spots. Officers would have to call their dispatch office in Carlsbad and dispatch in turn would contact the agency the officers wanted to speak to. The new system provides wide area network coverage. The completed network will include more than 300 portable radios and 300 mobile in-vehicle radios.
www.currentargus.com/ci_11317446
U.S. Police Could Get 'Pain Beam' Weapons
NewScientist.com, (12/24/2008,) David Hambling
The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) is working on portable nonlethal weapons that can inflict pain from a distance using beams of laser light. The technology for the devices, which could be used by police to subdue suspects, is devised from the Pentagon's Active Denial System. The technology uses a beam of short microwaves to heat up the outer layer of a person's skin. NIJ is currently testing its Personnel Halting and Stimulation Response device, which resembles a bulky rifle. Its second device, a portable microwave-based weapon, is less developed. It currently is a tabletop prototype with a range of less than a meter.
www.newscientist.com/article/dn16339-us-police-could-get-pain-beam-weapons.html
Monday, January 05, 2009
Citizen Survival of Terrorist Attacks
On January 9, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with self-defense expert Jim Wagner on how a citizen non-combatant can best survive a terrorist attack.
Program Date: January 9, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Citizen Survival of Terrorist Attacks
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/01/10/Citizen-Survival-of-Terrorist-Attacks
About the Guests
At the age of 14, Jim Wagner began to his life long pursuit of self-defense by beginning his study of the marital arts. Four years later he joined the United States Army. In 1991 Jim Wagner, sponsored by the Costa Mesa Police Department, entered the police academy (Orange County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy Class 104). Like his Military training before, Jim Wagner was deeply influenced by the police academy’s realistic conflict scenarios.
During his career with the Costa Mesa Police Department, Jim Wagner earned a place on the SWAT team. It was through this conduit that Jim learned about logistics, command post operations, hostage negotiations, entry team tactics, and sniping. On the job training included courses with LAPD SWAT, the U.S. Army Special Forces, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Training Center, and from U.S. Marines Division Schools Camp Pendleton (Advanced Sniper Course, Military Operations Urban Terrain, Helicopter Rope Suspension Training, and Range Safety Officer).
While conducting a myriad of courses at Camp Pendleton, both Military units and other law enforcement agencies using the base for their own training discovered Jim Wagner’s unique approach to training and his seamless blending of defensive tactics with edged weapons and firearms skills. Before long he was getting offers from the United States Marine Corps, U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group, Department of Defense police, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Probation Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Immigration & Naturalization Service, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines Provost Marshal Office, Drug Enforcement Administration. By 1996 Jim found himself being invited by foreign unit to train in their own countries: GermanGSG9, Brazilian G.A.T.E., Argentinean G.O.E., Royal Canadian Mounted Police, London Metropolitan Police, Helsinki Police Department, and various units in Spain, Mexico, and Israel.
The demand on Jim Wagner’s time was overwhelming and in 1999 he decided to resign from the Costa Mesa Police Department and started teaching full time. Not wanting to fully give up his law enforcement career Jim applied as a Reserve Deputy at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Jim Wagner is the author of Reality Based Personal Protection.
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 Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, Criminal Justice 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/2009/01/10/Citizen-Survival-of-Terrorist-Attacks
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: January 9, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Citizen Survival of Terrorist Attacks
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/01/10/Citizen-Survival-of-Terrorist-Attacks
About the Guests
At the age of 14, Jim Wagner began to his life long pursuit of self-defense by beginning his study of the marital arts. Four years later he joined the United States Army. In 1991 Jim Wagner, sponsored by the Costa Mesa Police Department, entered the police academy (Orange County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy Class 104). Like his Military training before, Jim Wagner was deeply influenced by the police academy’s realistic conflict scenarios.
During his career with the Costa Mesa Police Department, Jim Wagner earned a place on the SWAT team. It was through this conduit that Jim learned about logistics, command post operations, hostage negotiations, entry team tactics, and sniping. On the job training included courses with LAPD SWAT, the U.S. Army Special Forces, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Training Center, and from U.S. Marines Division Schools Camp Pendleton (Advanced Sniper Course, Military Operations Urban Terrain, Helicopter Rope Suspension Training, and Range Safety Officer).
While conducting a myriad of courses at Camp Pendleton, both Military units and other law enforcement agencies using the base for their own training discovered Jim Wagner’s unique approach to training and his seamless blending of defensive tactics with edged weapons and firearms skills. Before long he was getting offers from the United States Marine Corps, U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group, Department of Defense police, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Probation Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Immigration & Naturalization Service, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines Provost Marshal Office, Drug Enforcement Administration. By 1996 Jim found himself being invited by foreign unit to train in their own countries: GermanGSG9, Brazilian G.A.T.E., Argentinean G.O.E., Royal Canadian Mounted Police, London Metropolitan Police, Helsinki Police Department, and various units in Spain, Mexico, and Israel.
The demand on Jim Wagner’s time was overwhelming and in 1999 he decided to resign from the Costa Mesa Police Department and started teaching full time. Not wanting to fully give up his law enforcement career Jim applied as a Reserve Deputy at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Jim Wagner is the author of Reality Based Personal Protection.
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 Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, Criminal Justice 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/2009/01/10/Citizen-Survival-of-Terrorist-Attacks
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Cincinnati Final Report on 2001 Race Riots
On December 17, 2002, Susan B. Dlott United States District Court Judge for the Southern District of Ohio appointed Saul A. Green and a team of eight policing experts (the Monitor Team) to monitor compliance with, and implementation of: the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), between the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), the City of Cincinnati (City) and the Cincinnati Police Department (CPD); and the Collaborative Agreement1 (CA), between the Plaintiffs,2 the Fraternal Order of police (FOP), the City and the CPD. During six years of monitoring, the Monitor Team published 21 quarterly reports that chronicle the state of compliance by the parties with the terms of the MOA and CA. The MOA and CA were born out of a unique Alternative
Dispute Resolution (ADR) process developed by Judge Dlott that came to be known as the Cincinnati police-Community Collaborative.
This is the final Monitor’s Report. The report briefly discusses: police community relations in America in an effort to put the MOA and CA in a historical context, the events leading to and the development of the MOA and CA, and some of the critical events and accomplishments during the five years of implementation and the sixth transition year. The Collaborative has been successful in laying a strong foundation for police reform. Many communities, over many decades, have tried to ameliorate the persistent problem of friction between minority communities, particularly African American communities, and the police, with little success. This report documents what went right, what went wrong and what is still to be accomplished in the Collaborative. We hope it will serve as a resource for other communities that face the complex challenge of producing healthy and productive police-community relationships and effective public safety.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
http://www.gabsnet.com/cincinnatimonitor/Final%20Report%2012-29-08.pdf
Dispute Resolution (ADR) process developed by Judge Dlott that came to be known as the Cincinnati police-Community Collaborative.
This is the final Monitor’s Report. The report briefly discusses: police community relations in America in an effort to put the MOA and CA in a historical context, the events leading to and the development of the MOA and CA, and some of the critical events and accomplishments during the five years of implementation and the sixth transition year. The Collaborative has been successful in laying a strong foundation for police reform. Many communities, over many decades, have tried to ameliorate the persistent problem of friction between minority communities, particularly African American communities, and the police, with little success. This report documents what went right, what went wrong and what is still to be accomplished in the Collaborative. We hope it will serve as a resource for other communities that face the complex challenge of producing healthy and productive police-community relationships and effective public safety.
DOWNLOAD THE REPORT
http://www.gabsnet.com/cincinnatimonitor/Final%20Report%2012-29-08.pdf
Monday, December 29, 2008
Basics of Afghan Law and Criminal Justice
Basics of Afghan Law and Criminal Justice
The rule of law is one of the essential conditions of a country's development and its struggle against poverty. It comprises the fundamental prerequisite for an individual's freedom and his/her development in society, necessary for the realisation of democracy and social peace. Secondly, the rule of law provides a framework within which economic development and social welfare can flourish. It is on this basis that the German government has initiated a variety of projects in this regard over the past years. It is very gratifying that as a part of international efforts to help rebuilding Afghan institutions, the German Government and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have jointly embarked on the project “Promotion of the Rule of Law in Afghanistan.” On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project has been implemented since 2003 by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (German Technical Cooperation). One of the major objectives of this project is to provide assistance to the judiciary and the executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The functional scope and programmatic delivery of this project have been immense. With one noteworthy example being the legal education of police personnel. It is as part of these efforts that this book can be seen as another important step towards bringing the rule of law to Afghanistan.
DOWNLOAD A COPY
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/de/Aussenpolitik/RegionaleSchwerpunkte/AfghanistanZentralasien/Downloads/Polizei-Legal-Manual.pdf
The rule of law is one of the essential conditions of a country's development and its struggle against poverty. It comprises the fundamental prerequisite for an individual's freedom and his/her development in society, necessary for the realisation of democracy and social peace. Secondly, the rule of law provides a framework within which economic development and social welfare can flourish. It is on this basis that the German government has initiated a variety of projects in this regard over the past years. It is very gratifying that as a part of international efforts to help rebuilding Afghan institutions, the German Government and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan have jointly embarked on the project “Promotion of the Rule of Law in Afghanistan.” On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the project has been implemented since 2003 by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH (German Technical Cooperation). One of the major objectives of this project is to provide assistance to the judiciary and the executive of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. The functional scope and programmatic delivery of this project have been immense. With one noteworthy example being the legal education of police personnel. It is as part of these efforts that this book can be seen as another important step towards bringing the rule of law to Afghanistan.
DOWNLOAD A COPY
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/diplo/de/Aussenpolitik/RegionaleSchwerpunkte/AfghanistanZentralasien/Downloads/Polizei-Legal-Manual.pdf
Criminal Justice Jobs
The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau within the Treasury Department’s Office of Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, is the largest overt collector of financial intelligence in the United States. The mission of FinCEN is to safeguard the financial system from the abuses of financial crime, including terrorist financing, money laundering, and other illicit activity. We achieve this mission by administering the Bank Secrecy Act; supporting law enforcement, intelligence, and regulatory agencies through sharing and analysis of financial intelligence; building global cooperation with our counterpart financial intelligence units; and networking people, ideas, and information.
If you are you looking for a diverse opportunity where you can use your knowledge, skills, and expertise, an exciting career with FinCEN may be waiting for you. Please visit the links below to view the current job announcements. It is important to remember that when applying for a job at FinCEN, please be sure to follow all instructions contained in the job announcement to ensure that your application receives full consideration.
MORE INFORMATION
http://www.fincen.gov/careers/jobposting.html
If you are you looking for a diverse opportunity where you can use your knowledge, skills, and expertise, an exciting career with FinCEN may be waiting for you. Please visit the links below to view the current job announcements. It is important to remember that when applying for a job at FinCEN, please be sure to follow all instructions contained in the job announcement to ensure that your application receives full consideration.
MORE INFORMATION
http://www.fincen.gov/careers/jobposting.html
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Public Safety Technology in the News
Phila. Police to Be Permitted Larger Caliber Handguns
Philadelphia Inquirer, (12/06/2008), Andrew Maykuth
Police in Philadelphia will soon have more firepower. In 2009, officers will be allowed to carry .40- and .45-caliber semiautomatic handguns to replace their 9 mm pistols. The police weapons upgrade is seen as a means to provide officers with more tools to subdue criminals, who often carry powerful weapons. Offices will have to pay for the new guns, which cost $500 each. The larger caliber guns fire heavier and slower bullets, which are more likely to stop an adversary. Other Law Enforcement agencies that allow their officers to carry .45-caliber guns include the Los Angeles Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police.
www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20081206_Phila__police_to_be_permitted_larger-caliber_handguns.html
L.A. Co. Gets Cutting-Edge Lie Detector
KABC-TV Los Angeles, (12/08/2008), Robert Holguin
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's crime lab is testing lie detector technology that monitors the human voice. Traditional polygraph tests measure stress levels via changes in heart rate and breathing, while layered voice analysis technology measures the frequencies in a person's voice, even those inaudible to the human ear. Developers say the technology's success rate in clinical trials is 95 percent. During interviews, it alerts Law Enforcement investigators to a possible lie via computer messages such as "false statement" and "S.O.S."
abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/bizarre&id=6554064
Group Wants Obama to Name Officer to Fight Online Dangers
Washington Post, (12/11/2008), Kim Hart
The Family Online Safety Institute is urging President-elect Barak Obama to appoint a national safety officer to strengthen resources to protect children from cyber crime. The individual would serve under a chief technology officer. The institute also wants $100 million a year for education and research, an annual White House summit on safety issues and a national council to coordinate federal, advocacy and industry efforts. Young people are often unaware of the information security risks posed by the mobile devices and Web sites they use. Children are vulnerable to cyber bullying, identify theft, exposure to inappropriate material and abusive messages.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/10/AR2008121001860.html
Denver Airport Center Adopts National Incident Management System
PRWeb Press Release Newswire, (12/15/2008)
Hotels at Denver Airport Center will soon be using crisis response measures developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The center will train airport hotel staff on procedures using the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System. The training is aimed at helping staff deal with a broad range of potential emergencies hotels could face, such as fire, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, hazardous materials incidents, terrorist incidents and criminal acts. Special emphasis will be placed on interoperability with first responders.
www.prweb.com/releases/hotel/safety/prweb1752134.htm
UT Professor Refines Art of Looking Behind Walls
Austin American-Statesman, (12/14/2008), Dan Zehr
A University of Texas engineering professor is researching how to use weather radar technology to see through walls. The research, if successful, could result in technology to help soldiers, police and rescue workers locate people behind walls or inside crumbled buildings. Hao Ling and his research team are working with Doppler radar technology to transform radar waves into understandable images of a human behind a wall, crafting a program that would simulate a variety of wave patterns created by people in motion.
www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/12/14/1214innovator.html
KDHE, Local Law Enforcement Partner for New DUI Instruments
WIBW.com, (12/03/2008)
Kansas authorities are using enhanced technology to detect drunk drivers. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is making 200 of the Intoxilyzer 8000 devices available to Law Enforcement. The department's Breath Alcohol Program is responsible for the certification of agencies, instruments and officers who test drivers suspected of driving under the influence. The program has recertified or newly certified about 4,400 officers. The updated technology is more accurate, easier to use and more mobile, enabling officers to run more impaired driving checks.
www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/35473849.html
`Hands Free' Cell Phones No Safer
DailyBreeze.com, (12/14/2008), Sue Doyle
Drivers using cell phones, even if hands free, are four times more likely to have an accident, according to a new report. The American Automobile Association's Foundation for Traffic Safety found that dialing and talking on cell phones detracts from drivers' attention to the road and delays drivers' reaction times by 0.23 seconds. California drivers and other jurisdictions around the United States have been banned from using hand-held cell phones behind the wheel, but there are no plans to institute a total driver cell phone ban.
www.dailybreeze.com/ci_11234757
AP IMPACT: More Are Getting Away With Murder
Associated Press, (11/20/2008), Karen Hawkins
A rise in drug- and gang-related killings is making it harder to solve homicides in the United States. According to FBI figures, the homicide clearance rate in the United States was 61 percent in 2007, compared with 91 percent in 1963. The clearance rate is the number of homicides solved in a year, compared with the number of killings that year. In more cases now, the killer and victim do not know each other, and witnesses are often intimated by gangs and frightened to come forward with information. Increased use of DNA technology and other forensic techniques has been helpful in solving cold cases, but technology can't do it all and funding for cold case police units has decreased. Finding witnesses and getting them to talk is still an integral part of investigations.
www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5joS5laq3heWsM_dttDXEsiH4ifoAD94UP1M00
Ripon Police to Hone Skills With Firearm Simulators
Modesto Bee, (12/12/2008), Leslie Albrecht
Police in Ripon, Calif., will be testing three firearms simulators for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over the next year. The simulators show a variety of scenarios that may require an officer to fire a weapon, and will allow officers to practice "shoot-or-don't-shoot" situations. Officers who "fire" a weapon will see the path of the bullet on the simulator, testing their skills in unpredictable environments instead of on a firing range. The police department will provide feedback on the simulators to DOJ's Rural Law Enforcement technology Center.
www.modbee.com/local/story/529446.html
Prison Officials Ask for $66 million to Help Stop Cell Phone Smuggling
Austin American-Statesman (12/04/2008), Mike Ward
Texas corrections officials have proposed spending nearly $66 million on high-technology screening equipment to thwart smuggling of contraband into the state's prisons. Under the proposal, screening equipment similar to that used in the nation's airports would be installed in the state's 20 largest maximum security prisons. An extensive surveillance camera network would also be added. The rest of the prison system's 92 facilities would receive walk-through metal detectors and parcel screening devices similar to those used in courthouses.
www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/12/04/1204cellphones.html
Philadelphia Inquirer, (12/06/2008), Andrew Maykuth
Police in Philadelphia will soon have more firepower. In 2009, officers will be allowed to carry .40- and .45-caliber semiautomatic handguns to replace their 9 mm pistols. The police weapons upgrade is seen as a means to provide officers with more tools to subdue criminals, who often carry powerful weapons. Offices will have to pay for the new guns, which cost $500 each. The larger caliber guns fire heavier and slower bullets, which are more likely to stop an adversary. Other Law Enforcement agencies that allow their officers to carry .45-caliber guns include the Los Angeles Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police.
www.philly.com/inquirer/local/pa/20081206_Phila__police_to_be_permitted_larger-caliber_handguns.html
L.A. Co. Gets Cutting-Edge Lie Detector
KABC-TV Los Angeles, (12/08/2008), Robert Holguin
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's crime lab is testing lie detector technology that monitors the human voice. Traditional polygraph tests measure stress levels via changes in heart rate and breathing, while layered voice analysis technology measures the frequencies in a person's voice, even those inaudible to the human ear. Developers say the technology's success rate in clinical trials is 95 percent. During interviews, it alerts Law Enforcement investigators to a possible lie via computer messages such as "false statement" and "S.O.S."
abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/bizarre&id=6554064
Group Wants Obama to Name Officer to Fight Online Dangers
Washington Post, (12/11/2008), Kim Hart
The Family Online Safety Institute is urging President-elect Barak Obama to appoint a national safety officer to strengthen resources to protect children from cyber crime. The individual would serve under a chief technology officer. The institute also wants $100 million a year for education and research, an annual White House summit on safety issues and a national council to coordinate federal, advocacy and industry efforts. Young people are often unaware of the information security risks posed by the mobile devices and Web sites they use. Children are vulnerable to cyber bullying, identify theft, exposure to inappropriate material and abusive messages.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/10/AR2008121001860.html
Denver Airport Center Adopts National Incident Management System
PRWeb Press Release Newswire, (12/15/2008)
Hotels at Denver Airport Center will soon be using crisis response measures developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The center will train airport hotel staff on procedures using the National Incident Management System and the Incident Command System. The training is aimed at helping staff deal with a broad range of potential emergencies hotels could face, such as fire, natural disasters, disease outbreaks, hazardous materials incidents, terrorist incidents and criminal acts. Special emphasis will be placed on interoperability with first responders.
www.prweb.com/releases/hotel/safety/prweb1752134.htm
UT Professor Refines Art of Looking Behind Walls
Austin American-Statesman, (12/14/2008), Dan Zehr
A University of Texas engineering professor is researching how to use weather radar technology to see through walls. The research, if successful, could result in technology to help soldiers, police and rescue workers locate people behind walls or inside crumbled buildings. Hao Ling and his research team are working with Doppler radar technology to transform radar waves into understandable images of a human behind a wall, crafting a program that would simulate a variety of wave patterns created by people in motion.
www.statesman.com/business/content/business/stories/technology/12/14/1214innovator.html
KDHE, Local Law Enforcement Partner for New DUI Instruments
WIBW.com, (12/03/2008)
Kansas authorities are using enhanced technology to detect drunk drivers. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is making 200 of the Intoxilyzer 8000 devices available to Law Enforcement. The department's Breath Alcohol Program is responsible for the certification of agencies, instruments and officers who test drivers suspected of driving under the influence. The program has recertified or newly certified about 4,400 officers. The updated technology is more accurate, easier to use and more mobile, enabling officers to run more impaired driving checks.
www.wibw.com/localnews/headlines/35473849.html
`Hands Free' Cell Phones No Safer
DailyBreeze.com, (12/14/2008), Sue Doyle
Drivers using cell phones, even if hands free, are four times more likely to have an accident, according to a new report. The American Automobile Association's Foundation for Traffic Safety found that dialing and talking on cell phones detracts from drivers' attention to the road and delays drivers' reaction times by 0.23 seconds. California drivers and other jurisdictions around the United States have been banned from using hand-held cell phones behind the wheel, but there are no plans to institute a total driver cell phone ban.
www.dailybreeze.com/ci_11234757
AP IMPACT: More Are Getting Away With Murder
Associated Press, (11/20/2008), Karen Hawkins
A rise in drug- and gang-related killings is making it harder to solve homicides in the United States. According to FBI figures, the homicide clearance rate in the United States was 61 percent in 2007, compared with 91 percent in 1963. The clearance rate is the number of homicides solved in a year, compared with the number of killings that year. In more cases now, the killer and victim do not know each other, and witnesses are often intimated by gangs and frightened to come forward with information. Increased use of DNA technology and other forensic techniques has been helpful in solving cold cases, but technology can't do it all and funding for cold case police units has decreased. Finding witnesses and getting them to talk is still an integral part of investigations.
www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5joS5laq3heWsM_dttDXEsiH4ifoAD94UP1M00
Ripon Police to Hone Skills With Firearm Simulators
Modesto Bee, (12/12/2008), Leslie Albrecht
Police in Ripon, Calif., will be testing three firearms simulators for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) over the next year. The simulators show a variety of scenarios that may require an officer to fire a weapon, and will allow officers to practice "shoot-or-don't-shoot" situations. Officers who "fire" a weapon will see the path of the bullet on the simulator, testing their skills in unpredictable environments instead of on a firing range. The police department will provide feedback on the simulators to DOJ's Rural Law Enforcement technology Center.
www.modbee.com/local/story/529446.html
Prison Officials Ask for $66 million to Help Stop Cell Phone Smuggling
Austin American-Statesman (12/04/2008), Mike Ward
Texas corrections officials have proposed spending nearly $66 million on high-technology screening equipment to thwart smuggling of contraband into the state's prisons. Under the proposal, screening equipment similar to that used in the nation's airports would be installed in the state's 20 largest maximum security prisons. An extensive surveillance camera network would also be added. The rest of the prison system's 92 facilities would receive walk-through metal detectors and parcel screening devices similar to those used in courthouses.
www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/12/04/1204cellphones.html
Comments Needed for 3 NIJ Standards
New NIJ Bomb Suit Standard
NIJ organized an expert panel to develop a bomb suit standard based on research and testing performed by the Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering (RD&E) Center. This expert panel has generated a new NIJ Bomb Suit Standard and is seeking input to the document. The opportunity to provide comments on this document is open to industry technical representatives, public safety agencies and organizations, research, development and scientific communities, and all other stakeholders and interested parties.
For more on public comments for Bomb Suits go to: www.justnet.org/Pages/bombsuit_comment.aspx
Newly Revised NIJ Hand-Held Metal Detector Standard
NIJ has completed a revision of the NIJ Hand-Held Metal Detector Standard for Law Enforcement and Corrections and is seeking input to the document. The opportunity to provide comments on this document is open to industry technical representatives, public safety agencies and organizations, research, development and scientific communities, and all other stakeholders and interested parties.
For more on public comments for Hand-Held Metal Dectors go to: www.justnet.org/Pages/hhmd.aspx
Newly Revised NIJ Walk-Through Metal Detector Standard
NIJ has completed a revision of the NIJ Walk-Through Metal Detector Standard for Law Enforcement and Corrections and is seeking input to the document. The opportunity to provide comments on this document is open to industry technical representatives, public safety agencies and organizations, research, development and scientific communities, and all other stakeholders and interested parties.
For more on public comments for Walk-Through Metal Detectors go to: www.justnet.org/Pages/wtmd_pubcom.aspx
NIJ organized an expert panel to develop a bomb suit standard based on research and testing performed by the Natick Soldier Research, Development, and Engineering (RD&E) Center. This expert panel has generated a new NIJ Bomb Suit Standard and is seeking input to the document. The opportunity to provide comments on this document is open to industry technical representatives, public safety agencies and organizations, research, development and scientific communities, and all other stakeholders and interested parties.
For more on public comments for Bomb Suits go to: www.justnet.org/Pages/bombsuit_comment.aspx
Newly Revised NIJ Hand-Held Metal Detector Standard
NIJ has completed a revision of the NIJ Hand-Held Metal Detector Standard for Law Enforcement and Corrections and is seeking input to the document. The opportunity to provide comments on this document is open to industry technical representatives, public safety agencies and organizations, research, development and scientific communities, and all other stakeholders and interested parties.
For more on public comments for Hand-Held Metal Dectors go to: www.justnet.org/Pages/hhmd.aspx
Newly Revised NIJ Walk-Through Metal Detector Standard
NIJ has completed a revision of the NIJ Walk-Through Metal Detector Standard for Law Enforcement and Corrections and is seeking input to the document. The opportunity to provide comments on this document is open to industry technical representatives, public safety agencies and organizations, research, development and scientific communities, and all other stakeholders and interested parties.
For more on public comments for Walk-Through Metal Detectors go to: www.justnet.org/Pages/wtmd_pubcom.aspx
Monday, December 22, 2008
Tackling domestic abuse
The latest phase of a campaign to tackle domestic abuse and violence against women was launched today. The TV adverts, entitled 'I Soar', will begin on Boxing Day and highlight the help that is available to those experiencing domestic abuse.
It coincides with the unveiling of a new ACPOS and Crown Office joint protocol outlining the procedures that should be followed by Scottish police forces and prosecution staff when dealing with cases involving domestic abuse.
The Protocol aims to increase confidence in the criminal justice system and inform and guide victims through the process.
READ ON
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/12/19162806
It coincides with the unveiling of a new ACPOS and Crown Office joint protocol outlining the procedures that should be followed by Scottish police forces and prosecution staff when dealing with cases involving domestic abuse.
The Protocol aims to increase confidence in the criminal justice system and inform and guide victims through the process.
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http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2008/12/19162806
Children Come First: A Process Evaluation of the Nassau County Model Custody
This report presents a process evaluation of the Children Come First (CCF) Program, a problem solving matrimonial court piloted in Nassau County, New York. The program seeks to provide a more effective and child-centered response to high conflict divorce cases involving custody issues. Research suggests that traditional adversarial methods for resolving these cases may increase stress and vulnerability for parents and children alike, and may have negative effects on children’s educational outcomes and emotional and behavioral functioning (Ayoub, Deutsch and Maraganore 1999). CCF attempts to alleviate these problems by separating and resolving the custody components of the divorce prior to addressing the financial issues. By dedicating a specially trained judge and two specialized staff to implement early screening, triage, conflict resolution, and service linkages, CCF aims to reduce animosity, maintain the well-being of children and parents, and move cases to resolution within a faster, child-focused timeframe. Findings from this evaluation indicate that CCF has been successful in meeting these goals and has mitigated conflict between litigants, expedited custody resolutions and led to satisfactory outcomes for litigants, attorneys and stakeholders
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http://www.courtinnovation.org/_uploads/documents/Children_Come_First.pdf
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http://www.courtinnovation.org/_uploads/documents/Children_Come_First.pdf
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