Part Badge, Part Tights: All Hero

On November 5, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with former Ellis County Sheriff’s Department deputy sheriff Dr. Brian A. Kinnaird.

Program Date: November 5, 2009
Program Time: 1700 hours, Pacific
Topic: Part Badge, Part Tights: All Hero
Listen Live:
www.americanheroesradio.com/part_badge_part_tights_all_hero.html

About the Guest
Brian A. Kinnaird “is an internationally recognized scholar, author, and trainer in the fields of criminal justice and social psychology. As a commissioned law enforcement officer, Dr. Kinnaird served as Deputy Sheriff in Ellis County, KS where he held assignments in field training, use of force instruction, and tactical team operations. Following almost a decade of police duty, Kinnaird went on to serve as a tenured professor, director, and department chair of Justice Studies at Fort Hays State University (KS). In 2007, Dr. Brian A. Kinnaird returned to his hometown of Salina, KS where he has released his third book. He continues to teach university courses and train law enforcement officers & agencies.

Dr. Kinnaird earned his Ph.D. in human services/criminal justice from Capella University (Minneapolis, MN) preceded by a B.A. in sociology and M.L.S. in criminal justice from Fort Hays State University (Hays, KS). Kinnaird is published in a wide variety of outlets including peer-reviewed journals, books, book chapters, trade publications, reviews, and columns. He is a Policy Fellow with the Docking Institute of Public Affairs and has had policy work featured as best practices by the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.”

Brian A. Kinnaird is the author of Use of Force: Expert Guidance for Decisive Force Response; Exploring Police Liability Profiles: Proximate Cause Analysis of Police Misconduct in the San Francisco, CA Police Department; and, Part Badge. Part Tights. All Hero.

According to the book description of Part Badge. Part Tights. All Hero, “Metropolis and Gotham City have always had watchful guardians. Comic book civilizations are full of them—extraordinary people who choose to share their authentic gifts to help others. Superheroes, as pop culture symbols of justice, have long been known in our law enforcement community to be a source of inspiration and moral guidance for a life served to protect. From Superman and The Lone Ranger to our men and women in blue, Brian Kinnaird examines the spirit of heroism and the human instinct to seek order and meaning in a dangerous world where today’s superheroes wear a badge and gun.”

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. American Heroes Radio brings you to the watering hole, where it is 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, Police 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:
www.americanheroesradio.com/part_badge_part_tights_all_hero.html

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

Can you predict lethal intimate partner violence?

November 12, 2009
3 pm - 5 pm (Eastern Time)

Of all women murdered in the United States, 40-50 percent are murdered by their intimate partners and 45 percent are murdered when they are trying to leave an abusive partner. Women threatened with a gun are 20 times more likely to be murdered.

Approximately 1.3 million women are physically assaulted by an intimate partner per year in the United States.

Practitioners and researchers have built strong partnerships to understand and prevent intimate partner violence. In this expert chat you will learn about the Danger Assessment (DA) and how this tool is changing the way police in Baltimore, Maryland, are addressing domestic violence. What Baltimore is doing may help your jurisdiction.

Panelists include:

Andy Klein, Ph.D. - Moderator, Senior Research Analyst with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc.
Marci Van De Mark, LCSW-C - Assistant Director, Adult & Community Services Division, Baltimore County Department of Social Services
Jacquelyn Campbell, Ph.D., RN - Researcher; Anna D. Wolf Chair & Professor, Department of Community Public Health at Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing
Rene Renick, MA, LPC, EMBA - Director of Programs and Operations, National Network to End Domestic Violence
Register today!
http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/spotlight.html?id=2407

Free Forensic Biological Screening Workshops for Crime Scene Investigators in Training

Description: This event is for crime scene investigators in training, or with less than one year of experience. Candidates with more experience may be selected on a case‐by‐case basis and as space allows. This National Institute of Justice workshop will be held at the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) in Largo, FL (Tampa Bay area) in January, February and March. Deadlines are coming up, so please register in advance.

Biological Screening Workshop attendees will learn:

Screening techniques for blood and semen
Use of alternative light source for locating biological stains
Evidence collection, documentation, and case processing skills
The workshop curriculum includes a written and a practical assessment, see the attached draft agenda. Travel arrangements and hotel accommodations are included and participants will be reimbursed at the standard government per diem for the duration of the workshop.

For more information and to register, visit www.nfstc.org/meetings.

Title: Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation Training Announcement

Description:
In partnership with the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) is pleased to announce that Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation training will be provided at no-cost to eligible applicants under Cooperative Agreement Award (#2008-DN-BX-K201).

This training program is designed to introduce law enforcement personnel to the fundamental principles of crime scene investigation, including techniques used to recover a variety of high value items of evidence. The 40 hour course includes 16 hours of prerequisite online theoretical course work and 24 hours of hands‐on instructor led practical activities conducted at the NFSTC in Largo, FL. Participants will be required to complete online course work, assignments, and assessments prior to attending the onsite practical instruction.

Who should attend?

Newly-assigned crime scene investigators
CSI examiners with less than 3 years experience who have not attended a formal crime scene training course
Law enforcement first responders
Applications are being accepted for the following training sessions: Session Off-site Online Prerequisite Course Work
and Assessment Completion On-site Practical Instruction (Largo, FL)
1 Opens: 1/6/10 Closes: 1/15/10 January 20-22, 2010 (W, Th, F)
2 Opens: 1/6/10 Closes: 1/15/10 January 25-27, 2010 (M, T, W)
3 Opens: 2/3/10 Closes: 2/12/10 February 17-19, 2010 (W, Th, F)
4 Opens: 2/3/10 Closes: 2/12/10 February 22-24, 2010 (M, T, W)


Application Process

Applications will be accepted through Sunday, November 29, 2009, 11:59 PM EST.

Complete and submit application online by following the steps listed below:


Navigate to the NFSTC Event Portal (http://www.nfstc.org/meetings)
If this is the first time using the NFSTC Event Portal, click on the Create New Account link and complete requested information to establish a user account.
Existing users login to the NFSTC Event Portal using assigned Username and Password
Locate the Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation Training Application event listed under Event Name and click on the Register button.
Enter “CSI” (case sensitive) in the Enter Your Invitation Code field.
Complete the Application for Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation Training Program in its entirety.
Only fully completed applications will be eligible for selection consideration
Click on the Submit button to complete the application process.
Application information may be edited at any time up to November 29, 2009, 11:59 PM EST by logging into the NFSTC Event Portal and clicking on the Edit My Details link displayed next to the Essentials of Crime Scene Investigation Training Application event.

Questions related to the application process should be directed to:


Diane Gruenloh National Forensic Science Technology Center
Training Program Support Associate
Diane.Gruenloh@nfstc.org
727-549-6067, Ext: 155

Expenses

Training program participants will be provided travel, lodging, per diem and transportation to/from hotel and NFSTC training facility with the following requirements/restrictions:


- Training participants who live within 50 miles of the NFSTC training facility are not eligible for lodging accommodation reimbursement; roundtrip daily mileage from home to the NFSTC will be reimbursed
- Travel mileage reimbursement for driving in lieu of flying must be approved and will be based upon cost of a matching flight itinerary obtained through the NFSTC travel agency; meal per diem is based on the flight itinerary as well
- Only one roundtrip (home to airport/airport to home) will be reimbursed per training session; original receipts required
- Only one roundtrip airport to hotel shuttle service will be reimbursed per training session; original receipts required
- Maximum reimbursement for excess luggage is $40 regardless of number of luggage items
- Maximum reimbursement for excess luggage weight is $25 regardless of number of luggage items
- Travel-related tipping maximum is 10% of the bill/receipt
- Luggage handling and housekeeping/hotel gratuities are not reimbursable
- Reimbursement for those who do not attend the entire training session will be adjusted accordingly
Applicants will be notified of their selection status no later than December 2, 2009.

GHSA Chairman Takes Distracted Driving Message to Congress

Highway Safety Group to Testify on Distracted Driving Solutions

Washington, D.C. -- GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey, Jr. will testify at a hearing before the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Highways and Transit on Thursday, October 29th beginning at 9:30 a.m. The theme of the hearing is "Addressing the Problem of Distracted Driving."

Betkey will outline GHSA's position on the topic and stress the association's desire for a comprehensive approach to problem. Betkey's written statement is posted online at www.ghsa.org/html/issues/pdf/2009.10.29.testimony.pdf. Among Betkey's points:
GHSA firmly believes the problem of distracted driving is significant and is only likely to increase in the future.

To determine the scope of the problem, it is necessary to examine distracted driving data from many sources, using different databases and types of research studies.
Research about the safety of hands-free versus hand-held cell phone use is not definitive, and more study is needed.

There have been no studies on the effectiveness of text message bans. Neither have there been studies on the risks associated with using MP3 players, GPS systems and other nomadic devices while driving. All of these areas should be studied.

Regarding legislation, GHSA takes a cautious approach and supports texting bans for all drivers as well as complete cell phone bans for novice driers and school bus drivers. Due to the uncertainties about the effectiveness of hand-held versus hands-free cell phone bans, GHSA has not supported either a hand-held ban or a complete ban. GHSA believes a hand-held ban may give some drivers a false sense of safety that hands-free devices are safe. Additionally, the type of hands-free devices/ear pieces currently allowed by some states is not the same as the voice-activated hands-free devices recommended by the frequently cited Virginia Teach Transportation Institute study.

Legislation alone will not solve the problem. Law enforcement must be given the training and resources to aggressively enforce bans, and the judiciary must be trained on the purpose and efficacy of bans.

A broad, federal social norming educational campaign should be created to influence driver behavior at the community level. Educational efforts in conjunction with high-visibility enforcement have successfully resulted in drivers buckling up and not driving drunk. These concepts should also be applied to distracted driving.

Both the state and federal governments will need significantly more funding to enforce distracted driving laws, purchase paid media to support the enforcement, train law enforcement and the judiciary and enhance data collection. Currently, no federal highway safety grant program exists to deal with this need. State highway safety agencies that wish to address distracted driving are forced to divert funding from drunk driving, seat belt, child passenger safety and other proven effective highway safety programs.

On a related note, last week, a coalition of safety and transportation groups sent a letter to members of the House and Senate advocating a broad approach to distracted driving. These groups also all oppose any federal sanction that would require states to act on distracted driving or lose vital highway funding. Signees were AAA, American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, American Highway Users Alliance and GHSA. The letters are posted online at www.ghsa.org/html/issues/pdf/House10.09.pdf and www.ghsa.org/html/issues/pdf/Senate10.09.pdf.

Obama Declares H1N1 Influenza National Emergency

By Army Sgt. 1st Class Michael J. Carden
American Forces Press Service

Oct. 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama signed a national emergency declaration on H1N1 influenza over the weekend to accommodate American health care facilities' ability to address the pandemic. "By rapidly identifying the virus, implementing public heath measures, providing guidance for health professionals and the general public, and developing an effective vaccine, we have take proactive steps to reduce the impact of the pandemic and protect the health of our citizens," the president said in his proclamation Oct. 24.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has twice declared a public health emergency due to the H1N1 strain. The first came July 24, and the most recent was Oct. 1.

"As a nation, we have prepared at all levels of government, and as individuals and communities, taking unprecedented steps to counter the emerging pandemic," Obama said. "Nevertheless, the 2009 H1N1 pandemic continues to evolve. In recognition of the continuing progression of the pandemic, and in further preparation as a nation, we are taking additional steps to facilitate our response."

The declaration grants authority to the Department of Health and Human Services to waive legal requirements and gives medical facilities the ability to set up alternate care sites, modify patient triage protocols, alter patient transfer procedures and other actions to employ disaster operations and relief, Pentagon spokeswoman Rene White said.

Temporary waivers are petitioned to HHS by the individual medical facilities under Section 1135 of the Social Security Act. Although the president declared the pandemic a national emergency, waivers still require specific requests to HHS, and some state laws may need to be addressed, according to a White House statement released yesterday.

"The H1N1 [pandemic] is moving rapidly," White said. "By the time regions or health care systems recognize they are becoming overburdened, they need to implement disaster plans quickly. Adding a potential delay while waiting for a national emergency declaration is not in the best interest of the public, particularly if this step can be done proactively, as we are doing here."

The most recent examples of a U.S. president granting the Section 1135 waivers was in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hurricanes Ike and Gustav in 2008, the North Dakota flooding in March and as a protocol for January's presidential inauguration.

Although thousands of U.S. servicemembers were called to duty in these events, the Defense Department does not anticipate a major call up of forces due to the H1N1 , White said. However, the department is prepared to respond if needed.

"At this time, the Defense Department is evaluating the impacts the president's declaration has on [Defense Department] H1N1 operations," she said. "One of our first priorities right now continues to be vaccine availability and distribution – first protecting uniformed personnel, deployed [personnel], training sites, ships afloat and submarines, as well as our health care personnel."

Helping Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

On October 26, 2009, at 2 p.m. (eastern time), in recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention will present a Web Forum discussion with Miriam Berkman, J.D., M.S.W., and Sherry L. Hamby, Ph.D., on best practices for helping children exposed to domestic violence. Ms. Berkman is an Assistant Clinical Professor in Social Work at the Yale University Child Study Center and coordinator of the Child Development-Community Policing Program’s Domestic Violence Intervention Project. She provides consultation and training regarding children’s experience with violence and effective collaborative approaches to intervention, with a
focus on domestic violence. Dr. Hamby is a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology at Sewanee: The University of the South, studying the methodological and measurement challenges of violence research and cross-cultural issues in measuring and intervening for violence. She is a co-author of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire—the core of the National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence, the source of the most up-to-date and comprehensive statistics on exposure to family violence.

Visit the OVC Web Forum now to submit questions for Ms. Berkman and Dr. Hamby and return on October 26 at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion. Learn how to participate beforehand so you are ready for the discussion.

MORE INFORMATION
http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/

AUTOGRAPH PARTY

Saturday, October 24, 2009, I will be at TALE OF TWO SISTERS BOOKSTORE, 214 Lee Lane, Suite A, Covington, LA 70433 (Phone: 985.875.7750). I will be signing copies of NEW ORLEANS CONFIDENTIAL, LaSTANZA: NEW ORLEANS POLICE STORIES, THE BIG SHOW and plan to give autographed copies of some magazines. Other New Orleans authors will be signing their books. Come if you can.

National and State Efforts Draw Attention to Teen Driver Safety

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 18-24

Washington, D.C.--- To commemorate National Teen Driver Safety Week (NTDSW), national organizations and state highway safety agencies have a variety of events and activities planned to draw attention to the senseless tragedies associated with teen driving crashes and fatalities. NTDSW has been designated by Congress as a time for communities, schools and families to raise awareness and provide solutions to teen driver crashes, the leading cause of death for teens in the United States. In 2008, 4,054 teenagers ages13-19 died in motor vehicle crashes.

To raise awareness about the issue as well as highlight law enforcement and educational activities, state highway safety agencies will be drawing attention to the risks faced by young drivers. Michigan, Minnesota and California, for example, will focus on risks associated with texting and cell phone use. Iowa, Louisiana, Kentucky, Mississippi and Missouri are among the states that will focus on teen seat belt use both with educational and law enforcement components.

The most important action to reduce teen driving deaths is strengthening state graduated licensing laws. Indiana and Maryland will remind teens and parents about new, stricter laws now in effect in those states. States have made tremendous progress in strengthening teen driving laws. 49 states now have some form of three-tiered graduated licensing system which is recommended by GHSA, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and other experts. Based on the IIHS rating system, no state in 1996 had a law rated as "good." Today, 34 states and D.C. are rated as "good." Nine are "fair," 7 are "marginal," and no states are "poor."

On the national level, GHSA and Ford Motor Company Fund continue working with state highway safety agencies on the Ford Driving Skills for Life Program. Teen training and related events have recently been held or will be held in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Tennessee and Washington, D.C. More information about this comprehensive teen driving program is available at www.drivingskillsforlife.com.

Finally, next week, GHSA is joining with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to announce the 2009 Operation Safe Driver campaign which focuses on reducing unsafe driving behavior by trucks, buses and passenger vehicles. This year, the program will focus on teaching teens about the risks of dangerous driving behavior and the how to safely share the road with commercial vehicles. A new "Teens and Trucks" training course has been developed by federal and state agencies and will be offered to schools. More information about this campaign will be available next week at www.operationsafedriver.com.

A sampling of state activities for NTDSW as well as state laws and related resources are posted at http://www.ghsa.org/html/projects/ntdsw/2009.html.

The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) is a nonprofit association representing the highway safety offices of states, territories, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. GHSA provides leadership and representation for the states and territories to improve traffic safety, influence national policy and enhance program management. Its members are appointed by their Governors to administer federal and state highway safety funds and implement state highway safety plans. Contact GHSA at 202-789-0942 or visit www.ghsa.org.

OFFICER SAFETY: A New Breed of Suspect

We got this the other day from a source that we can't reveal and figured it was damn good timing for Tactical Tuesday. We've pared it down quite a bit to keep it from revealing anything Law Enforcement Sensitive...but it has a lot to do with officer safety, so we thought it was important to share. Read and be prepared.

READ ON
http://breachbangclear.blogspot.com/2009/10/new-breed-of-suspect.html

Military Spouse Playwright Targets Domestic Abuse

By Army Pfc. Victor J. Ayala
Special to American Forces Press Service

Oct. 6, 2009 - The woman she sees in her bleaker yesterdays is unrecognizable to her now -- almost a stranger. Her fear is gone, and there is strength in its place. She is outgoing again and pursuing dreams that for so long an abusive husband kept frozen in a life of total control and violence. What's more, she's doing her part to help people in the community suffering or recovering from domestic violence.

Carolyn Louise Herring Moore, a playwright, military spouse and Colorado Springs, Colo., native, is bringing her play, "Women Shoptalk While Real Men Wait," to Fayetteville State University's Seabrook Auditorium on Oct. 31 to wrap up National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Moore advertises strictly to domestic violence advocacy centers, military bases and family support groups.

"Women Shoptalk While Real Men Wait" tells the story of Moore's 10-year-long relationship with a controlling and abusive man. It details not only how she was affected, but also how her entire family and community were affected by the violence.

"The story is important, because people need to understand all the situations and different people affected by abuse," said Army Staff Sgt. Marcus Moore, Carolyn's second husband and Baltimore native. "Women are abused, men are abused and children are especially impacted. They grow up carrying that weight and can develop guilt and other issues."

It wasn't until nearly 10 years after escaping the relationship described in her play that Moore began writing it. Initially, she didn't have high expectations for the piece beyond a passing grade.

"I wrote it as a class project for an advanced film performance [class]," Moore said. "My professor handed me the play I'd given him and just said, 'Here.' I didn't know what he meant, because he hadn't done anything to it. I expected him to chop it up, but he said there was nothing he could do to it. He said it was time that I go out and help people with my story."

The play was first performed at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs in 2007, where it received a standing ovation from a sold-out audience. Moore attributes the play's success to its honesty. For some performances, Moore even had to play herself, reliving some of the worst events of her life in front of strangers. "I couldn't do it the first several times the show went up," she said. "I just couldn't handle the domestic violence scene. I would fall apart every time in rehearsal. But whenever I couldn't find an actress, I was stuck with it. But after that first standing ovation, I knew I was doing something important."

Although having written the play and sometimes playing herself in the show has been a great therapy for her, Moore said, the road to recovery never is easy for any victim of domestic violence.

"After all these years, I don't know that I'm there yet," she said. "But people need to know that there is help out there, and shelter and peace out there. Find help and shelter. Find and seek a purpose. Once you do, you'll find life after abuse."

She also emphasizes the importance of trusting again. She has since remarried and is loved by her family.

"I have found a man who has given me strength," she said. "He has adopted my three children from my first marriage, my late brother's three children and given me six more beautiful children. They give me strength. Communicating with others who have been through what I've been through has also been a great help."

Since the play was first produced, Moore has been spreading her message of life after abuse to countless audiences, selling out shows and helping others through their own struggles with domestic violence.

"She is someone who has overcome," her husband said. "Someone who says, 'If I can recover and be successful, so can you.'"

(Army Pfc. Victor J. Ayala serves with the 49th Public Affairs Detachment.)

Embracing Hope, Healing Generations…..One Survivor at a Time

At the 19th Annual Multi-Disciplinary National Conference on Domestic Violence, we will be coming together to recognize and celebrate all individuals who have been working tirelessly to assist in healing our citizens, families, institutions and communities from the invidious scars left by domestic violence. We will honor not only the miraculous journey of some survivors but also applaud each of you whose never failing hope fuels your passion and sheer determination to eradicate domestic violence and heal generations of suffering… one Survivor at a time!

Come join us Halloween week for substantive sessions, dynamic brainstorming opportunities, informative panel discussions, and creative demonstrations; all designed to address cutting edge issues in the investigation, prosecution, responsible research, provision of services, development of informed sentencing options and competent post sentencing measures in domestic violence cases.

Vicarious Trauma
Ethical Issues and Professional Responsibility
Prosecuting Cases with Absent or Recanting Victims in the Post – Crawford Courtroom
DV in Late Life: Elder Abuse
Effective Investigation: Responding to Children at the Crime Scene
Establishing Medical Proof: Injury Causation in DV Homicide Cases
Deconstructing Male Violence Against Women
Advocacy Issues Regarding Confidentiality
Cultural Competency
Use of Visuals in Trial
Use of Experts
Civil Liability Issues
Electronic Research for Attorneys
Children who Witness DV Homicides
Finding Funding Sources and Creating Grant Proposals
Strangulation: Building the Prosecution Case
Maximizing Federal Firearms Laws - Seizing Firearms to Save Lives
Everything you Wanted To Know about Crawford vs. Washington and Washington vs. Davis Primary Aggressor: Mandatory Arrest, Dual Arrest and Officer Manipulation
Mental Health Concerns for DV Survivors
Prosecuting Stalking Cases
Teens, Technology and Social Networking
Addressing Female Violence Against Men
Interstate Enforcement of Protective Orders
The Disconnection Around the Criminal and Civil Justice Systems
DV in Rural Communities

Federal Prosecution of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault on Tribal Lands
Scholarships may be available.

For more information, visit http://www.ndaa.org/ncda/ncda_course_domestic_violence_09.php or call the NDAA office at 803-705-5005.

AMBER Alert Awareness Day Program

Participation in Missing Children’s Poster Contest at Local Level Kids Focus: Bring Our Missing Children Home

With over 400 children returning home safely since the AMBER Alert program began, we chose AMBER Alert Awareness Day to initiate conversations with students about safety and to involve them in a national competition for the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.

The U.S. Department of Justice, through its Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s Child Protection Division, sponsors this annual contest for 5th grade students to develop artwork that will represent America’s united goal to bring missing children home safely.

The winning artwork is displayed at the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony, to be held on May 25th. The national winner travels to Washington, DC, along with his/her parents and teacher to receive an award and participate in the ceremony. It is a fitting time for our 5th grade students to focus on this project as the nation remembers two children who represent missing children everywhere, Amber Hagerman and Etan Patz, we also celebrate the safe homecomings of children everywhere.

About:
AMBER Alerts and Amber Hagerman: The AMBER Alert Program began in 1996 when Dallas-Fort Worth broadcasters teamed with local police to develop an early warning system to help find abducted children. AMBER was created as a legacy to 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was kidnapped while riding her bicycle in Arlington, Texas, and then brutally murdered. Other states and communities soon set up their own AMBER plans as the idea was adopted across the nation. For more information about the AMBER Program, visit www.amberalert.gov.

National Missing Children’s Day and Etan Patz: On May 25, 1979, 6-year-old Etan Patz grabbed his school books and gave his mother a goodbye kiss before leaving to catch the bus to school. Etan's mother was never to see him again. In the months and years that followed, Etan became the symbol for lost children all over America. Then, in 1982, President Reagan proclaimed May 25, the anniversary of Etan's disappearance, as National Missing Children's Day.

MORE INFORMATION
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/programs/postercontest/2010/materials.html

Innovative Reentry Strategies: The Emerging Role of Correctional Industries

On October 7, 2009, the National Institute of Corrections presents part 2 of its series on correctional industries.

On October 7, 2009, the National Institute of Corrections presents part 2 of its series on correctional industries during an interactive 3-hour live satellite/Internet broadcast entitled “Innovative Reentry Strategies: The Emerging Role of Correctional Industries.” Part 1, which aired in August 2008, focused on the history and benefits of correctional industries and ways to balance competing interests. The October 2009 program will focus on presenting new reentry strategies and highlight specific programs around the country that reflect best practices.

Imagine a reentry program that reduces recidivism, changes lives, and makes prisons and jails safer with little or no cost to taxpayers. Such a program has been around for decades. It’s correctional industries, an effective model for preparing offenders for employment upon release. The elements of this strategy include skills certification, positive change, collaboration with businesses and the community, and a focus on career development and job retention.

Objectives
Participants in the 3-hour satellite/Internet broadcast will be able to identify: The growing role of correctional industries in the reentry process; Best practices in innovative correctional industries related to successful reentry; Strategies for promoting collaborations that increase the effectiveness of correctional industries on reentry; Positive reentry outcomes resulting from correctional industries; and, The future of correctional industries.

Audience
This training is open to anyone who wishes to attend, but the following are encouraged to join this session: Legislators, National Governors Association members, Attorneys general and attorney general associations, Chambers of commerce, Manufacturing associations, Small businesses and the Association of Small Businesses, Labor organizations, PIE CP partners, Prison wardens and jail administrators, Correctional staff, Community corrections—probation and parole, Workforce investment boards, State departments of labor, Faith-based organizations, Rehabilitation services, Mental health organizations, Sheriffs and chiefs of police, Think tank staff, Boards of directors, PI partners, CI directors and associates.

MORE INFORMATION
http://www.nicic.gov/Training/SIB100709

Investigative & Security Professionals for Legislative Action

Political Action Committee presents its first two PAC checks in Washington D.C.

September 30, 2009: ISPLA, through its newly formed nonpartisan ISPLA-Political Action Committee (PAC), has provided another “first” for Investigative and Security Professionals. On Wednesday, September 23, 2009, ISPLA-PAC presented its first two PAC checks to longtime supporters of our professions.

ISPLA-PAC was officially organized on July 2 to support members of Congress that support the investigative and security professions. With our PAC, ISPLA’s impact on legislation is strengthened by the added ability to support candidates whose positions are aligned with ISPLA’s goals.

These ISPLA-PAC donations are but a small expression of our thanks to these two members of Congress who understand the needs of investigative and security professionals.

For more information regarding this release or ISPLA go to www.ispla.org.

No One Deserves to be Abused

By T.D. Jackson
Special to American Forces Press Service

Sept. 29, 2009 - Some time ago a co-worker of mine came to work with what I thought was a black eye. I noticed it as I was talking to her, and when it registered, my eyes sort of slid away from her face and began looking everywhere but at her. I thought, "I am not going there," and I went on with my day without giving it too much thought. Because I wasn't sure, I didn't feel the need to say something, but the sad part is that if it had been a more obvious black eye, I know I wouldn't have said a thing; I would have been too scared.

Just as I learned in the suicide prevention training we've had here over the past few months, I should have asked those painful but caring questions: "Are you OK?" And in this case, "Did somebody hit you?"

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. One in every four women will experience Domestic Violence in her lifetime, and women 20 to 24 are at the greatest risk. Here's one you probably knew: Most cases of Domestic Violence are never reported to the police. And one to blow your mind: Men are victims, too. More than 834,000 men report being domestically assaulted annually.

People who are abused often feel as though no one will believe them, or they think they have nowhere to go for help. At Camp Atterbury or at any other military installation, God knows (pun intended) you can call the chaplain at any time. Behavioral Health, too.

Even though this was some time ago, every now and then I still wonder, "What if somebody did hit her? What if she needed to talk, but everyone – for different reasons – was afraid to talk about it?" As a leader, I failed her, but this anecdote is my grasp at redemption.

My former co-worker probably never will set her sights on this article, but if someone did put hands on her, I would tell her I'm sorry -- sorry it happened to her, and sorry I was a chicken. If I had weighed the cost of embarrassment against the cost of caring, I wouldn't be writing this now.

I'm hoping maybe she didn't have a black eye. She may have – as I have on many occasions – caught a pitch with her face during softball practice. She may have – as I have on many occasions – stood a little too close to the top cabinet door as it swung open. For all I know, she could have gotten popped by a feisty rugrat. I don't know, and I never will.

But what I do know is that although I cannot concern myself with every detail of a person's life, I can be aware of changes in behavior, moods and certainly appearance. I was in a leadership position, and along with that title comes responsibility. It is my responsibility to make sure my people are OK at work and at home. The mark of a good leader is the ability to listen, and, my friend, although I am late, I am all ears.

(T.D. Jackson works in the Camp Atterbury public affairs office.)

Departments Negotiate Pact to Help Keep Country Safe

By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service

Sept. 22, 2009 - An agreement between the departments of Defense and Homeland Security that calls for sharing some intelligence data with centers nationwide is part of post-9/11 efforts to harden America against another terrorist attack, senior department officials said recently. The 72 "fusion centers" are managed by state and local agencies. The centers collect information that can be used to combat terrorist threats.

Both the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and the 9/11 Commission report published in 2004 state "that we were not doing sufficient information sharing between federal agencies and state and local agencies," Michael McDaniel, deputy assistant secretary of defense for homeland defense strategy and force planning, said during a recent interview with The Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service reporters.

DHS became involved in helping state and local officials establish fusion centers in their jurisdictions, McDaniel said. "That was great as a first step. But, one of the questions still was: 'How do you share this information?'" he said.

"The whole concept of a fusion center – what's inherent in the word 'fusion' – is a collaboration of information across multiple agencies at multiple levels," McDaniel said, "so that that information comes to a common center-of-gravity, if you will, and at that point is shared," as needed, with analysts from different agencies, including those working at the state and local level.

Much of the nation's intelligence-gathering capability is contained within the Defense Department, McDaniel said. The Defense Department and DHS, he said, have been collaborating over the past few years to provide intelligence information to state- and local-agency analysts.

"Now we have a means in which DoD-provided information can be shared" with state and local officials, McDaniel said, noting that information about foreign-terrorist threats and capabilities "will be very helpful" to local and state law enforcement officials.

However, the Defense Department is not a law-enforcement agency, McDaniel emphasized. The department "does not collect, does not store information" about people, he said.

In October 2007, President George W. Bush established the National Strategy for Information Sharing, which mandates that the federal government share information with state and local agencies that can be used to combat terrorism, said D. Joe Johnson Jr., DHS's chief of policy, planning and liaison for its National Security Systems Program.

The two departments last month negotiated an agreement to allow security-cleared fusion center employees the ability to access certain Defense Department Web sites through DHS's data network, Johnson said.

The Defense Department "does a lot of work overseas" gathering intelligence that's used to monitor terrorist threats, he said.

Providing access to this information to security analysts at state and local agencies, Johnson said, enables them "to come to better and more-informed conclusions about threats that are happening outside the United States that could potentially occur inside the United States."

Sustainability of Victim Assistance Programs

On September 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. (eastern time), the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will present a Web Forum discussion with Jenifer Markowitz, ND, RN, WHNP–BC, on best practices for sustaining victim assistance programs. Dr. Markowitz manages a project for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center regarding the sustainability of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner programs, which is funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. In addition, she is the Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women. As such, she presents on a variety of forensic-related topics, including medical-forensic examinations, strangulation, drug- and alcohol-facilitated sexual assault, and expert witness testimony. She also conducts research; provides expert testimony, case consultation, and technical assistance; and develops training materials, resources, and publications.

Visit the OVC Web Forum now to submit questions for Dr. Markowitz and return on September 30 at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion. Learn how to participate beforehand so you are ready for the discussion.

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/participate.asp

Getting Ready: How Arizona Has Created a ‘Parallel Universe’ for Inmates

by Dora Schriro

Throughout my years of working in corrections, I began to notice that some things never changed. The “good” inmate stayed on his bunk, kept his head down and followed orders. Upon release, the same “good” inmate too often became a really lousy ex-offender. Back in the community, the “good” inmate was ill-equipped to make good decisions because the only thing he had learned to do in prison was sit on his bunk and take orders. Not having spent the workday or his leisure time productively while confined, the newly released offender was not prepared to find or keep a job or develop better relationships. Lacking these critical skills, it was more likely that “good” inmates would make bad choices on the outside.

READ ON
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/226871.pdf

Verbal and Non-Verbal Indicators to Assault

By Tracy E. Barnhart

When we speak about the “use of force,” I notice more and more that officers either need or want the green light to be given to them before they act. Correctional officers deep down have an intimate fear when it comes to the use of force of either reacting too soon, or too late resulting in injury of someone, or not at all. They have a natural ingrained fear of the criminals themselves, their administration not backing them for their actions or decisions as well as their peers not having their backs because of those very same reasons. They have terms thrown at them such as, “Reasonable,” “Excessive,” and “Liability,” with no clear cut explained definitions as well as no clear cut directions or leadership by the administrations. It is often said that it is easier to ask for forgiveness than to request permission, but in today’s litigious society this may be true, but painfully unforgiving on your career.

READ ON
http://www.police-writers.com/articles/indicators_assault.html

Drug Trafficking, Violence and Instability in Mexico, Colombia, and the Caribbean: Implications for US National Security

October 29-30, 2009
Holiday Inn Pittsburgh at University Center Oakland
Pittsburgh, PA, United States
Open to the General Public
Registration Fee: None

GSPIA’s Matthew B. Ridgway Center and the US Army War College will hold a two day conference on Thursday, October 29, 2009 and Friday, October 30, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the Holiday Inn University Center’s Schenley Room located in Oakland. More details and a list of presenters to follow. This event is free and open to all students, faculty, and interested community members.

Partners: U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute (SSI) and the University of Pittsuburgh Matthew B. Ridgway Center for International Security Studies

More Information
http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/events/details.cfm?q=116