June 28, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. With the addition of police officers George Seibel, Robert Girod and Trent Ruble, Police-Writers.com now lists 600 state and local police officers who have written books.
George Seibel is a former Chicago Police Department homicide detective and the Director of the Morton College Institute for Cold Case Solutions (Cicero, Illinois). George Seibel is also the author of Insider's Guide to Policing: What You Need to Know About Becoming a Cop; Violent Crimes Investigation: Cases and Materials; Enlightened Police Questioning, Interviewing, Investigation, and Interrogation; and, Cold Case Investigation: Cases and Materials.
Dr. Robert J. Girod, Sr. earned a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminology and Public Administration from The Union Institute and University and a post-doctoral certificate in Leadership from Harvard University. Dr. Robert Girod is a supervisor in the Detective Bureau with the Fort Wayne Police Department (Indiana), a member of the FBI’s Federal Bank Robbery Task Force and a part-time “special deputy” for the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
Dr. Robert J. Girod has served as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve and the Indiana Guard Reserve. He is an adjunct professor and associate faculty member at seven universities. Dr. Robert J. Girod is the author of Profiling The Criminal Mind: Behavioral Science and Criminal Investigative Analysis.
According to the book description, “Profiling the Criminal Mind is, as the subtitle indicates, is a text and reference on behavioral science and criminal investigative analysis for investigators, forensic scientists, prosecutors, behavioral scientists, and academics. This compilation combines crime scene forensics and experience with behavioral science to get into the criminal's mind and interpret crime scenes.
A practical guide to applied criminology, the author brings together his years of experience as a detective/investigator and professor of criminology and criminal justice to outline an inter-disciplinary approach to analyzing crime scenes and crime scene behavior. Multi-discipline sleuths and researchers into the criminal mind will find this combined approach to analysis a valuable strategic approach to the study of violent criminal behavior.”
In 1985, Trent Ruble joined the Huntington Police Department (Indiana). He is also a member of the Huntington College Police Department. He is a former board member of the Huntington County Crime Stoppers and the Police Athletic League. Trent Ruble has been Republican Precinct Committeeman for his precinct and a member of the Jackson Township Board.
Trent Ruble is the author of the fictional novel Harrison Davis: Proof Beyond a Reasonable Doubt. According to the book description, “Harrison Davis, the Lakewood Police Department’s lone detective, is nearing the end of his police career. He is looking forward to a relaxing retirement with his wife, Julianne, and is even planning a surprise cruise for the two of them. However, his retirement planning is interrupted when he is faced with the most serious crimes he’s seen. While the people of Lakewood, as well as the media, question the qualifications of their detective, the investigations cause Harrison to question the very essence of life and death. He soon must make a decision that will change his life forever.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 600 police officers (representing 256 police departments) and their 1255 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, June 28, 2007
"Fingerprint Analyst Helps Solve Crime Mysteries"
Miami Herald (06/25/07); Tablac, Angela
Fingerprint analysis in the Miami-Dade police department runs continuously on a 24/7 schedule, staffed by 32 analysts who process a minimum of 80 fingerprints a day. Analysis entails comparison of collected prints to databases to identify dead bodies, criminals, and prisoners. Each set of fingerprints goes through multiple levels of verification; matches in a database are manually verified by at least two analysts who look for several similar characteristics between the collected print and the database entry. In addition, analysts are often called to provide testimony in criminal trials where fingerprint evidence is relevant. Fingerprint analysis is often an attractive career to those who have some background in criminal justice but who opt not to become police officers; initial training takes eight weeks, and analysts take supplementary training sessions annually. In addition, they can obtain additional fingerprint classification certification from the FBI. http://www.miamiherald.com/154/story/148703.html
"Computers in Cruisers Give More Data Faster"
Star-Ledger (NJ) (06/22/07) P. 25; Walsh, Diane C.
Middlesex County, N.J., officials have revealed that from patrol car mobile computers, officers between New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Highland Park, and Plainsboro will be able to communicate with each other. In 2005, a program was launched that bridged databases between the prosecutors, sheriffs, and county jails to promote advanced communications among agencies. "It's an example of taking advantage of new technology to fight crime," said Freeholder Christopher Rafano, overseer of the county law enforcement agencies. Through AT&T, the system was implemented at $358,726; each additional town under the system costs $40,000. Law enforcement officials say the system has allowed for instantaneous information and that the program's expansion among counties will serve as a powerful tool for combating crime.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/union/index.ssf?/
base/news-2/1182486863153150.xml&coll=1
"DNA Advances Led to Rape Suspect"
Journal-World (Lawrence, Kan.) (06/22/07); Reid, Janet
Strides in technology led to the review of cold cases from the 1990s that allowed investigators to trail and charge a serial rapist more than 10 years after the crime was committed. In 1995, the DNA sample needed for analysis in rape cases had to be at least the size of a quarter; now, only a sample the size of a pinhead is needed. When a rape victim from a 1995 incident called police, investigators retested DNA evidence from her case along with a 1993 and 1994 incident. Using the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), police found a match between the DNA of a man who had been entered into the system on petty theft charges and the DNA from all three cases. Lawrence police Sgt. Dan Ward said, "These cases are horrendous, and the three young women have dealt with a lot ... [N]ow they're going to see justice."
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/jun/22/dna_advances_led_rape_suspect/
"Cameras May Go Up Soon"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (06/24/07) P. B6; Sandler, Larry
Despite opposition from Milwaukee's Common Council, Mayor Tom Barrett has moved to implement a $1 million-plus program that would install cameras in high-crime areas in the city. The cameras would be monitored via fiber-optic connections and five mobile cameras would be shared among police departments. Barrett had the support of locals and the council's Public Safety Committee until over $500,000 was sought from the council's Finance & Personnel Committee. Council representatives claimed the funds should have been included in the mayor's budget, while Barrett said that aldermen should have no trouble footing the costs for the technology if they advocated the cameras' installation. Council President Willie Hines Jr. said Barrett should have anticipated costs accordingly, yet he and the mayor have reached an agreement whereby the contingency fund will not be tapped into and the project will be funded by public works and police accounts with an additional $404,000 from government assistance. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=623825
"Waynesville P.D. Goes High Tech"
The Mountaineer (NC) (06/20/07); Pleming, Beth
The Waynesville, N.C., Police Department has experienced several technological upgrades recently, including access to the new program RAMBLER. When an accident takes place, warrants are dispensed, or a person is arrested, the report is electronically filed and made accessible to each law enforcement group connected to that software. Another improvement is new in-vehicle computers that permit police personnel to fill out incident and arrest reports in their cars, which means additional time spent on the road performing law enforcement and less time in the office entering information into a computer. Meanwhile, new laptops enable officers to perform a check for other data such as criminal backgrounds, car and license information, and outstanding active warrant notification. Golden Eagle radar devices allow offers to determine the speed of cars that are moving in any direction, including vehicles driving in front of patrol cars and coming from behind. The stealth stat is a radar system that is erected on the side of a road linked to a statistic recording machine that gets the speed and identity of passing cars. Waynesville Police are also using video analysis systems, specifically dTective by Ocean Systems, to study video surveillance recordings in order to identify and arrest thieves.
http://themountaineer.com/cms/display/Top_Stories/pageDisplay.
php?page2display=1182319200*0618%20WPD%20goes%20high%20tech.inc
"Flexible and Fearless, Seeking Rescue Work"
New York Times (06/25/07) P. A12; Blumenthal, Ralph
Texas A&M University's Texas Engineering Extension Service operates a 52-acre "Disaster City" where fire fighters and other emergency responders from across the globe can participate in training exercises. The site was recently the scene of a robotics exercise sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate and the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology. Several varieties of rescue robots participated in the exercise, which included obstacle courses based on mock set-ups of the Oklahoma City bombing, 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and Mexico City earthquake. The robots included a 30-foot, snake-like optic robot that slinks through crevasses and holes while providing images of its discoveries. That robot, produced by university researchers in Japan, is attached to the operator's body, unlike most robots, which are operated via consoles or laptops. One Texas A&M official predicted that robots will soon become a regular part of rescue work.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/25/washington/25robots.html?_r=1&
adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1182777048-K9v0+v7okjZ5hJp6ZJ8Ghw
"Law Enforcement Gets an Upgrade"
Spokesman Review (06/20/07) P. B1; Lawrence-Turner, Jody
Police in Spokane, Wash., have received several new technologically-advanced devices recently, including durable laptop computers, which replace mobile data computers formerly found in police patrol vehicles. The laptops, which cost around $5,500 apiece, are updated every day with information concerning suspects. Dashboard cameras are placed on the inside of a police car and record the actions of an officer, and cost around $7,800 each, while Global Positioning Systems, which cost between $450 and $475 for each patrol car, enable police dispatchers to know where patrol units are all the time by examining a computer screen. Meanwhile, electronic ticketing (e-tickets) permit traffic officers to employ a scanner to acquire data from the bar code on the rear side of a driver's license and enable an officer at the scene of an accident to create diagrams of the event utilizing a software program. The e-ticketing printers cost $425 each while the bar-code scanners cost $390 each. Officials note that over three-fourths of the financing for the equipment is provided by grants. On July 18, Spokane police stated they will pursue over $4 million in federal grants for both the city and county that is set aside for technological upgrades and purchases.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=195682
"Jersey City 'Court TV'"
Jersey Journal (06/20/07); Pearson, Bernette
The Jersey City Municipal Court introduced on June 19 videoconferencing, which will allow inmates throughout New Jersey to argue their cases from prison while the judge, prosecutor, and public defender remain at the court. Chief Judge Wanda Molina notes that videoconferencing assists in reducing security threats, health risks, and travel expenses. Officers typically assigned to moving inmates can now be assigned to other prisoners in New Jersey facilities that can have their cases heard faster, she adds. The technology is already used at New Jersey Superior Court in Jersey City and at another five municipal courts in Hudson County. Molina states that municipal courts handle around 20 misdemeanor cases each day, including assault and drug cases. The cameras function through T-1 lines, similar to a video phone call but on a bigger scale. An inmate will sit in a wired room in the prison and view the court proceedings on a TV screen with a police officer close by. The individual charged presents a plea and then a trial date is scheduled or other arrangements are set.
http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/
base/news-4/1182319381146570.xml&coll=3
"'Stepping Out' Suspended After Death of Howard Officer"
Baltimore Sun (06/26/07)
The death of a Howard County police officer during a traffic enforcement operation on Route 32, near I-95, caused the Howard County police department and the nearby Anne Arundel County police department to suspend their "stepping out" policies. A team of two officers is used on occasion to stop speeders on highways and other roads; one officer mans the radar equipment, while the other steps into traffic to flag down speeders. Howard County officers will no longer step into traffic on roads with speed limits above 35 mph, and Anne Arundel County officers will not step out into traffic to catch speeders at all. Both departments plan to extensively review the policy and determine how it can be improved to prevent needless officers' deaths and still enforce traffic laws effectively.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.
digest26jun26,1,7581568.story?ctrack=2&cset=true
"Cities Using Cameras Admit Tapes as Court Evidence"
Oklahoman (06/21/07) P. 14A; Bisbee, Julie
About 40 police cars in Ardmore, Okla., will be equipped with dashboard-mounted cameras. The police department there hopes the cameras will help officers record suspect behavior, and help protect officers from any false allegations of misconduct. Many cities that have already instituted this technology are allowing the video and audio from patrol cars to be admitted as trial evidence. This policy prevents defendants from denying or reinterpreting their actions in front of a judge or jury. http://newsok.com/article/3068821
"Police Lift Hold on Buying Tasers"
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) (06/19/07) P. B1; Ku, Michelle
City council members in Lexington, Ky., have recently approved the purchase of 50 Tasers for the 50 new police officers the city will be taking on in the next year. The Lexington police department had previously instituted a ban on the use of Tasers because of reports that the weapons were responsible for upwards of 200 deaths in the United States. The department has lifted the ban after reviewing several studies which concluded stun guns alone were not responsible for fatalities. When used properly, Tasers offer police a safer option to subdue suspects. All Lexington officers receive extensive training on the use of these weapons in order to avoid abuse. http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/101705.html
"Unmanned Aircraft Assist for U.S. Hunt in Explosives"
Wall Street Journal (06/17/07); Pasztor, Andy
American military forces and their Iraqi allies are employing more sophisticated technologies, including tiny unmanned aircraft constructed by Honeywell International Inc. to attempt to locate deadly explosive gadgets concealed on the battlefront. Honeywell has implemented infrared cameras and additional sensors on small, remotely-operated helicopter-type devices, known as Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs), that can sit right above suspect sites and transmit images back to soldiers employing a portable handheld terminal. Thought to be the initial unmanned aerial vehicle of its kind specifically used in Iraq to uncover hidden explosives, the MAV weighs around 14 pounds, lifts off vertically, and can function at altitudes from just a fewer inches off the ground to over 10,000 feet. Barely one foot in diameter, the MAVs can fly at over 50 miles an hour. They are part of the firm's effort to create new surveillance technologies to increase its military, space, and homeland security operations. The introduction is part of a wider trend to create more innovative equipment to locate and take apart Improvised Explosive Devices, responsible for the bulk of American deaths in the combat in Iraq. The action occurs as British forces are moving toward utilizing high-tech radars created by a Raytheon division to look for these devices from much greater altitudes. http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB118212024940938400.html
"Interoperability Academy Takes the Static Out of Emergency Communications"
County News (06/04/07) Vol. 39, No. 11, P. 3; Lopes, Rocky
At the May NACo/National League of Cities Interoperability Policy Academy conference, local government officials discussed how they could improve the interoperability of communications through governance, standard operating procedures, technology, training, and exercises. As part of the suggested improvements to governance, officials highlighted the need for greater cooperation among regional officials as well as an avenue through which first responders could offer feedback about the system. Experts also suggested the establishment of standard operating procedures to ensure all personnel, despite where they are located, can successfully use communications equipment and designated channels. However, National Institutes of Standards and Technology Program Manager Dereck Orr noted, "Soon, data may be more important than voice, so having equipment that can share data across platforms is critical," a notion that fed into the call for technology upgrades. One major obstacle for these counties and local government officials is where to garner the funding for upgrades, especially if they are not part of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). Grant writers and experts were on hand to help officials apply for money to cover the costs of interoperability upgrades and training, but most indicated that multi-agency plans or multi-jurisdictional plans were the likeliest candidates for grant allocation. Other officials cited the plans underway in their regions, including Minnesota, which has hospitals, police, and fire departments coordinating their emergency response plans to ensure success and continuous training for workers.
http://www.naco.org/CountyNewsTemplate.cfm?template=/
ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=23792
"Evacuation Software Finds Best Way to Route Millions of Vehicles"
University of Arizona (06/11/07); Stiles, Ed
University of Arizona assistant professor of civil engineering Yi-Chang Chiu has been developing Multi-Resolution Assignment and Loading of Traffic Activities (MALTA), software designed to simulate large-scale evacuations during a disaster to help transportation officials determine the best traffic management strategy. "Solving large-scale evacuation problems is overwhelming," Chiu says. "No one can just sit down with a map and draw lines and figure out the best answer to problems like these." Chiu says MALTA reacts to a situation in real time, adjusting as the scenario changes. The software relies on detailed traffic census data collected by state and city transportation departments, as well as real-time traffic surveillance data. The software predicts actions drivers may take, such as when they leave and what road they take, and adjusts for factors that may alter drivers' plans, such as radio reports, congestion, and freeway message boards. The program is also able to predict airborne hazards, such as toxic gas from a refinery fire. By using air-plume dispersion models and wind direction, speed, and temperature, the program can calculate health risks and potential casualties. The program also provides post-disaster assistance by helping officials make choices such as which highway to repair and open first. Chiu says MALTA will be ready soon for state transportation and emergency medical agencies. The next generation of MALTA uses parallel processing and is designed to run faster, handle larger networks, and respond minute-by-minute to real-time emergencies.
http://uanews.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/UANews.woa/
35/wa/MainStoryDetails?ArticleID=13956
"City Spends Millions on Cop Car Crashes"
Northwest Indiana News (06/06/07); Luntz, Taryn
The Tulsa Police Department reports a disproportionate number of police accidents that occur during law enforcement pursuits. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports although police pursuits take the life of one person a day, police departments are not required to track these incidences. "A department that's not tracking pursuits is asking for trouble," and officials note incidences involving firearms are not neglected like police pursuit accidents. In 2006, Chicago spent $7 million on settling lawsuits involving police pursuits, and usually, lawsuits become classified as "motor vehicle accidents" when pedestrians are hit or accidents occur at intersections. Experts note that police departments taking the time to investigate average pursuit speeds, numbers of injuries, and numbers of deaths related to police pursuits are better equipped to institute policies to reduce those numbers through officer training programs focusing on driving skills.; the Chicago Police Department's vehicle pursuit policy does not refer to any driver training programs for officers.
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/06/06/news/
illiana/doc7ef0e3f776a0c0e9862572f2000ab951.txt
Thursday, June 28, 2007
"Fingerprint Analyst Helps Solve Crime Mysteries"
Miami Herald (06/25/07); Tablac, Angela
Fingerprint analysis in the Miami-Dade police department runs continuously on a 24/7 schedule, staffed by 32 analysts who process a minimum of 80 fingerprints a day. Analysis entails comparison of collected prints to databases to identify dead bodies, criminals, and prisoners. Each set of fingerprints goes through multiple levels of verification; matches in a database are manually verified by at least two analysts who look for several similar characteristics between the collected print and the database entry. In addition, analysts are often called to provide testimony in criminal trials where fingerprint evidence is relevant. Fingerprint analysis is often an attractive career to those who have some background in criminal justice but who opt not to become police officers; initial training takes eight weeks, and analysts take supplementary training sessions annually. In addition, they can obtain additional fingerprint classification certification from the FBI. http://www.miamiherald.com/154/story/148703.html
"Computers in Cruisers Give More Data Faster"
Star-Ledger (NJ) (06/22/07) P. 25; Walsh, Diane C.
Middlesex County, N.J., officials have revealed that from patrol car mobile computers, officers between New Brunswick, Woodbridge, Highland Park, and Plainsboro will be able to communicate with each other. In 2005, a program was launched that bridged databases between the prosecutors, sheriffs, and county jails to promote advanced communications among agencies. "It's an example of taking advantage of new technology to fight crime," said Freeholder Christopher Rafano, overseer of the county law enforcement agencies. Through AT&T, the system was implemented at $358,726; each additional town under the system costs $40,000. Law enforcement officials say the system has allowed for instantaneous information and that the program's expansion among counties will serve as a powerful tool for combating crime.
http://www.nj.com/news/ledger/union/index.ssf?/
base/news-2/1182486863153150.xml&coll=1
"DNA Advances Led to Rape Suspect"
Journal-World (Lawrence, Kan.) (06/22/07); Reid, Janet
Strides in technology led to the review of cold cases from the 1990s that allowed investigators to trail and charge a serial rapist more than 10 years after the crime was committed. In 1995, the DNA sample needed for analysis in rape cases had to be at least the size of a quarter; now, only a sample the size of a pinhead is needed. When a rape victim from a 1995 incident called police, investigators retested DNA evidence from her case along with a 1993 and 1994 incident. Using the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), police found a match between the DNA of a man who had been entered into the system on petty theft charges and the DNA from all three cases. Lawrence police Sgt. Dan Ward said, "These cases are horrendous, and the three young women have dealt with a lot ... [N]ow they're going to see justice."
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/jun/22/dna_advances_led_rape_suspect/
"Cameras May Go Up Soon"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (06/24/07) P. B6; Sandler, Larry
Despite opposition from Milwaukee's Common Council, Mayor Tom Barrett has moved to implement a $1 million-plus program that would install cameras in high-crime areas in the city. The cameras would be monitored via fiber-optic connections and five mobile cameras would be shared among police departments. Barrett had the support of locals and the council's Public Safety Committee until over $500,000 was sought from the council's Finance & Personnel Committee. Council representatives claimed the funds should have been included in the mayor's budget, while Barrett said that aldermen should have no trouble footing the costs for the technology if they advocated the cameras' installation. Council President Willie Hines Jr. said Barrett should have anticipated costs accordingly, yet he and the mayor have reached an agreement whereby the contingency fund will not be tapped into and the project will be funded by public works and police accounts with an additional $404,000 from government assistance. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=623825
"Waynesville P.D. Goes High Tech"
The Mountaineer (NC) (06/20/07); Pleming, Beth
The Waynesville, N.C., Police Department has experienced several technological upgrades recently, including access to the new program RAMBLER. When an accident takes place, warrants are dispensed, or a person is arrested, the report is electronically filed and made accessible to each law enforcement group connected to that software. Another improvement is new in-vehicle computers that permit police personnel to fill out incident and arrest reports in their cars, which means additional time spent on the road performing law enforcement and less time in the office entering information into a computer. Meanwhile, new laptops enable officers to perform a check for other data such as criminal backgrounds, car and license information, and outstanding active warrant notification. Golden Eagle radar devices allow offers to determine the speed of cars that are moving in any direction, including vehicles driving in front of patrol cars and coming from behind. The stealth stat is a radar system that is erected on the side of a road linked to a statistic recording machine that gets the speed and identity of passing cars. Waynesville Police are also using video analysis systems, specifically dTective by Ocean Systems, to study video surveillance recordings in order to identify and arrest thieves.
http://themountaineer.com/cms/display/Top_Stories/pageDisplay.
php?page2display=1182319200*0618%20WPD%20goes%20high%20tech.inc
"Flexible and Fearless, Seeking Rescue Work"
New York Times (06/25/07) P. A12; Blumenthal, Ralph
Texas A&M University's Texas Engineering Extension Service operates a 52-acre "Disaster City" where fire fighters and other emergency responders from across the globe can participate in training exercises. The site was recently the scene of a robotics exercise sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate and the Commerce Department's National Institute of Standards and Technology. Several varieties of rescue robots participated in the exercise, which included obstacle courses based on mock set-ups of the Oklahoma City bombing, 1993 World Trade Center bombing, and Mexico City earthquake. The robots included a 30-foot, snake-like optic robot that slinks through crevasses and holes while providing images of its discoveries. That robot, produced by university researchers in Japan, is attached to the operator's body, unlike most robots, which are operated via consoles or laptops. One Texas A&M official predicted that robots will soon become a regular part of rescue work.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/25/washington/25robots.html?_r=1&
adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&adxnnlx=1182777048-K9v0+v7okjZ5hJp6ZJ8Ghw
"Law Enforcement Gets an Upgrade"
Spokesman Review (06/20/07) P. B1; Lawrence-Turner, Jody
Police in Spokane, Wash., have received several new technologically-advanced devices recently, including durable laptop computers, which replace mobile data computers formerly found in police patrol vehicles. The laptops, which cost around $5,500 apiece, are updated every day with information concerning suspects. Dashboard cameras are placed on the inside of a police car and record the actions of an officer, and cost around $7,800 each, while Global Positioning Systems, which cost between $450 and $475 for each patrol car, enable police dispatchers to know where patrol units are all the time by examining a computer screen. Meanwhile, electronic ticketing (e-tickets) permit traffic officers to employ a scanner to acquire data from the bar code on the rear side of a driver's license and enable an officer at the scene of an accident to create diagrams of the event utilizing a software program. The e-ticketing printers cost $425 each while the bar-code scanners cost $390 each. Officials note that over three-fourths of the financing for the equipment is provided by grants. On July 18, Spokane police stated they will pursue over $4 million in federal grants for both the city and county that is set aside for technological upgrades and purchases.
http://www.spokesmanreview.com/local/story.asp?ID=195682
"Jersey City 'Court TV'"
Jersey Journal (06/20/07); Pearson, Bernette
The Jersey City Municipal Court introduced on June 19 videoconferencing, which will allow inmates throughout New Jersey to argue their cases from prison while the judge, prosecutor, and public defender remain at the court. Chief Judge Wanda Molina notes that videoconferencing assists in reducing security threats, health risks, and travel expenses. Officers typically assigned to moving inmates can now be assigned to other prisoners in New Jersey facilities that can have their cases heard faster, she adds. The technology is already used at New Jersey Superior Court in Jersey City and at another five municipal courts in Hudson County. Molina states that municipal courts handle around 20 misdemeanor cases each day, including assault and drug cases. The cameras function through T-1 lines, similar to a video phone call but on a bigger scale. An inmate will sit in a wired room in the prison and view the court proceedings on a TV screen with a police officer close by. The individual charged presents a plea and then a trial date is scheduled or other arrangements are set.
http://www.nj.com/news/jjournal/index.ssf?/
base/news-4/1182319381146570.xml&coll=3
"'Stepping Out' Suspended After Death of Howard Officer"
Baltimore Sun (06/26/07)
The death of a Howard County police officer during a traffic enforcement operation on Route 32, near I-95, caused the Howard County police department and the nearby Anne Arundel County police department to suspend their "stepping out" policies. A team of two officers is used on occasion to stop speeders on highways and other roads; one officer mans the radar equipment, while the other steps into traffic to flag down speeders. Howard County officers will no longer step into traffic on roads with speed limits above 35 mph, and Anne Arundel County officers will not step out into traffic to catch speeders at all. Both departments plan to extensively review the policy and determine how it can be improved to prevent needless officers' deaths and still enforce traffic laws effectively.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-md.
digest26jun26,1,7581568.story?ctrack=2&cset=true
"Cities Using Cameras Admit Tapes as Court Evidence"
Oklahoman (06/21/07) P. 14A; Bisbee, Julie
About 40 police cars in Ardmore, Okla., will be equipped with dashboard-mounted cameras. The police department there hopes the cameras will help officers record suspect behavior, and help protect officers from any false allegations of misconduct. Many cities that have already instituted this technology are allowing the video and audio from patrol cars to be admitted as trial evidence. This policy prevents defendants from denying or reinterpreting their actions in front of a judge or jury. http://newsok.com/article/3068821
"Police Lift Hold on Buying Tasers"
Lexington Herald-Leader (KY) (06/19/07) P. B1; Ku, Michelle
City council members in Lexington, Ky., have recently approved the purchase of 50 Tasers for the 50 new police officers the city will be taking on in the next year. The Lexington police department had previously instituted a ban on the use of Tasers because of reports that the weapons were responsible for upwards of 200 deaths in the United States. The department has lifted the ban after reviewing several studies which concluded stun guns alone were not responsible for fatalities. When used properly, Tasers offer police a safer option to subdue suspects. All Lexington officers receive extensive training on the use of these weapons in order to avoid abuse. http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/101705.html
"Unmanned Aircraft Assist for U.S. Hunt in Explosives"
Wall Street Journal (06/17/07); Pasztor, Andy
American military forces and their Iraqi allies are employing more sophisticated technologies, including tiny unmanned aircraft constructed by Honeywell International Inc. to attempt to locate deadly explosive gadgets concealed on the battlefront. Honeywell has implemented infrared cameras and additional sensors on small, remotely-operated helicopter-type devices, known as Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs), that can sit right above suspect sites and transmit images back to soldiers employing a portable handheld terminal. Thought to be the initial unmanned aerial vehicle of its kind specifically used in Iraq to uncover hidden explosives, the MAV weighs around 14 pounds, lifts off vertically, and can function at altitudes from just a fewer inches off the ground to over 10,000 feet. Barely one foot in diameter, the MAVs can fly at over 50 miles an hour. They are part of the firm's effort to create new surveillance technologies to increase its military, space, and homeland security operations. The introduction is part of a wider trend to create more innovative equipment to locate and take apart Improvised Explosive Devices, responsible for the bulk of American deaths in the combat in Iraq. The action occurs as British forces are moving toward utilizing high-tech radars created by a Raytheon division to look for these devices from much greater altitudes. http://online.wsj.com/article_print/SB118212024940938400.html
"Interoperability Academy Takes the Static Out of Emergency Communications"
County News (06/04/07) Vol. 39, No. 11, P. 3; Lopes, Rocky
At the May NACo/National League of Cities Interoperability Policy Academy conference, local government officials discussed how they could improve the interoperability of communications through governance, standard operating procedures, technology, training, and exercises. As part of the suggested improvements to governance, officials highlighted the need for greater cooperation among regional officials as well as an avenue through which first responders could offer feedback about the system. Experts also suggested the establishment of standard operating procedures to ensure all personnel, despite where they are located, can successfully use communications equipment and designated channels. However, National Institutes of Standards and Technology Program Manager Dereck Orr noted, "Soon, data may be more important than voice, so having equipment that can share data across platforms is critical," a notion that fed into the call for technology upgrades. One major obstacle for these counties and local government officials is where to garner the funding for upgrades, especially if they are not part of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI). Grant writers and experts were on hand to help officials apply for money to cover the costs of interoperability upgrades and training, but most indicated that multi-agency plans or multi-jurisdictional plans were the likeliest candidates for grant allocation. Other officials cited the plans underway in their regions, including Minnesota, which has hospitals, police, and fire departments coordinating their emergency response plans to ensure success and continuous training for workers.
http://www.naco.org/CountyNewsTemplate.cfm?template=/
ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=23792
"Evacuation Software Finds Best Way to Route Millions of Vehicles"
University of Arizona (06/11/07); Stiles, Ed
University of Arizona assistant professor of civil engineering Yi-Chang Chiu has been developing Multi-Resolution Assignment and Loading of Traffic Activities (MALTA), software designed to simulate large-scale evacuations during a disaster to help transportation officials determine the best traffic management strategy. "Solving large-scale evacuation problems is overwhelming," Chiu says. "No one can just sit down with a map and draw lines and figure out the best answer to problems like these." Chiu says MALTA reacts to a situation in real time, adjusting as the scenario changes. The software relies on detailed traffic census data collected by state and city transportation departments, as well as real-time traffic surveillance data. The software predicts actions drivers may take, such as when they leave and what road they take, and adjusts for factors that may alter drivers' plans, such as radio reports, congestion, and freeway message boards. The program is also able to predict airborne hazards, such as toxic gas from a refinery fire. By using air-plume dispersion models and wind direction, speed, and temperature, the program can calculate health risks and potential casualties. The program also provides post-disaster assistance by helping officials make choices such as which highway to repair and open first. Chiu says MALTA will be ready soon for state transportation and emergency medical agencies. The next generation of MALTA uses parallel processing and is designed to run faster, handle larger networks, and respond minute-by-minute to real-time emergencies.
http://uanews.org/cgi-bin/WebObjects/UANews.woa/
35/wa/MainStoryDetails?ArticleID=13956
"City Spends Millions on Cop Car Crashes"
Northwest Indiana News (06/06/07); Luntz, Taryn
The Tulsa Police Department reports a disproportionate number of police accidents that occur during law enforcement pursuits. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports although police pursuits take the life of one person a day, police departments are not required to track these incidences. "A department that's not tracking pursuits is asking for trouble," and officials note incidences involving firearms are not neglected like police pursuit accidents. In 2006, Chicago spent $7 million on settling lawsuits involving police pursuits, and usually, lawsuits become classified as "motor vehicle accidents" when pedestrians are hit or accidents occur at intersections. Experts note that police departments taking the time to investigate average pursuit speeds, numbers of injuries, and numbers of deaths related to police pursuits are better equipped to institute policies to reduce those numbers through officer training programs focusing on driving skills.; the Chicago Police Department's vehicle pursuit policy does not refer to any driver training programs for officers.
http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/06/06/news/
illiana/doc7ef0e3f776a0c0e9862572f2000ab951.txt
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Westerns, practical firearms and police cruisers
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. Law enforcement officers Larry L. Layman, Evan Marshall and Edwin Sanow were added to the website.
Larry L. Layman is a 30 year veteran of the Peoria Police Department (Illinois). He is the author of seven westerns. According to Larry Layman, he was born a century too late and “instead of forking his blaze sorrel and heading down the trail,” he has spent three decades riding the inner city streets of Peoria. His books include: Jessie Buxton, Jose Baca, Paxton McAllister, Tyler James, Buck Moline, Tom Livengood and Lema.
According to the description of Larry Layman’s latest book, Jose Baca, “they came as a four headed demon from hell itself. All were brandishing some type of club or blade. No time did I have to take notice. My staff I ripped left to right across in front of me, the tip found the face of the closest savage. Damage was done as the man's hands went for his eyes.”
Evan Marshall is a Special Weapons and Tactics trainer for a federal agency with counterterrorist responsibilities. He retired from the Detroit Police Department after 20 years of service. His assignments included Tactical Unit, Crime Scene Investigation, Homicide and the Special Response Team. He has trained groups as diverse as the Federal Air Marshals and the U.S. Army Special Reaction Team. His articles on ammunition, ballistics and tactics have appeared in the law enforcement and firearms press over the past 25 years. Evan Marshall co-authored a series of three books with Ed Sanow: Stopping Power: A Practical Analysis of the Latest Handgun Ammunition; Handgun Stopping Power: The Definitive Study; and, Street Stoppers: The Latest Handgun Stopping Power Street Results.
According to the book description of Stopping Power: A Practical Analysis of the Latest Handgun Ammunition (third in the series, published March 2001), “Evan Marshall and Ed Sanow rocked the firearms world with the release of Handgun Stopping Power and Street Stoppers. Both books predicted the effectiveness of all types of ammunition by studying the results of real-life shootings rather than relying on laboratory tests that ignored the dynamics of an actual gunfight. This third book in the series provides the very latest street results of all the major handgun calibers, from .22 LR to .45 ACP, as well as popular rifle and shotgun loads. It also contains chapters on short-barrel ballistics, the emergence of the hot new .357 SIG caliber, the continued success of the .40 S&W, the development of the latest exotic ammo, the effectiveness of black powder firearms and a brand-new ammo test protocol based on the results of the many gunfights of U.S. Border Patrol officers.”
Corporal Edwin “Ed” Sanow is the senior reserve deputy and a 14-year veteran with the Benton County Sheriff's Department (Indiana). He is a Team Leader with the Benton County Multi-agency Response Team and the field training officer for the reserve force. Ed Sanow is the author of more than 1,000 articles on ammunition and stopping power. In October 2000, he became the editor of Law and Order magazine. He co-authored three books with Evan Marshall: Stopping Power: A Practical Analysis of the Latest Handgun Ammunition; Handgun Stopping Power: The Definitive Study; and, Street Stoppers: The Latest Handgun Stopping Power Street Results.
Edwin Sanow is the author of Encyclopedia of American Police Cars. According to the book description, “This giant, hardbound reference features the finest cars built for North American law enforcement agencies, from the 1930s to today. Arranged in chronological order, the encyclopedic collection of archival photography is complemented by a concise text revealing the evolution of the police car including standard equipment, special options, and model histories.”
He also authored Chevrolet Police Cars (April 1997) and Ford Police Cars: 1932-1997 (1997); and, co-authored Dodge, Plymouth & Chrysler Police Cars 1979-1994 (February 1996); Dodge, Plymouth & Chrysler Police Cars 1956-1978 (October 1994).
Police-Writers.com now hosts 594 police officers (representing 253 police departments) and their 1245 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Larry L. Layman is a 30 year veteran of the Peoria Police Department (Illinois). He is the author of seven westerns. According to Larry Layman, he was born a century too late and “instead of forking his blaze sorrel and heading down the trail,” he has spent three decades riding the inner city streets of Peoria. His books include: Jessie Buxton, Jose Baca, Paxton McAllister, Tyler James, Buck Moline, Tom Livengood and Lema.
According to the description of Larry Layman’s latest book, Jose Baca, “they came as a four headed demon from hell itself. All were brandishing some type of club or blade. No time did I have to take notice. My staff I ripped left to right across in front of me, the tip found the face of the closest savage. Damage was done as the man's hands went for his eyes.”
Evan Marshall is a Special Weapons and Tactics trainer for a federal agency with counterterrorist responsibilities. He retired from the Detroit Police Department after 20 years of service. His assignments included Tactical Unit, Crime Scene Investigation, Homicide and the Special Response Team. He has trained groups as diverse as the Federal Air Marshals and the U.S. Army Special Reaction Team. His articles on ammunition, ballistics and tactics have appeared in the law enforcement and firearms press over the past 25 years. Evan Marshall co-authored a series of three books with Ed Sanow: Stopping Power: A Practical Analysis of the Latest Handgun Ammunition; Handgun Stopping Power: The Definitive Study; and, Street Stoppers: The Latest Handgun Stopping Power Street Results.
According to the book description of Stopping Power: A Practical Analysis of the Latest Handgun Ammunition (third in the series, published March 2001), “Evan Marshall and Ed Sanow rocked the firearms world with the release of Handgun Stopping Power and Street Stoppers. Both books predicted the effectiveness of all types of ammunition by studying the results of real-life shootings rather than relying on laboratory tests that ignored the dynamics of an actual gunfight. This third book in the series provides the very latest street results of all the major handgun calibers, from .22 LR to .45 ACP, as well as popular rifle and shotgun loads. It also contains chapters on short-barrel ballistics, the emergence of the hot new .357 SIG caliber, the continued success of the .40 S&W, the development of the latest exotic ammo, the effectiveness of black powder firearms and a brand-new ammo test protocol based on the results of the many gunfights of U.S. Border Patrol officers.”
Corporal Edwin “Ed” Sanow is the senior reserve deputy and a 14-year veteran with the Benton County Sheriff's Department (Indiana). He is a Team Leader with the Benton County Multi-agency Response Team and the field training officer for the reserve force. Ed Sanow is the author of more than 1,000 articles on ammunition and stopping power. In October 2000, he became the editor of Law and Order magazine. He co-authored three books with Evan Marshall: Stopping Power: A Practical Analysis of the Latest Handgun Ammunition; Handgun Stopping Power: The Definitive Study; and, Street Stoppers: The Latest Handgun Stopping Power Street Results.
Edwin Sanow is the author of Encyclopedia of American Police Cars. According to the book description, “This giant, hardbound reference features the finest cars built for North American law enforcement agencies, from the 1930s to today. Arranged in chronological order, the encyclopedic collection of archival photography is complemented by a concise text revealing the evolution of the police car including standard equipment, special options, and model histories.”
He also authored Chevrolet Police Cars (April 1997) and Ford Police Cars: 1932-1997 (1997); and, co-authored Dodge, Plymouth & Chrysler Police Cars 1979-1994 (February 1996); Dodge, Plymouth & Chrysler Police Cars 1956-1978 (October 1994).
Police-Writers.com now hosts 594 police officers (representing 253 police departments) and their 1245 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Real World Training for Real World Situations!
COURSE NUMBER:
HD158
LENGTH OF COURSE:
16 Hours
REQUIREMENTS:
Law Enforcement Officer
Criminal Justice/Security Student
FEE:
$395.00
DESCRIPTION:
This course is specifically designed for Private security, Investigators, or military personnel who may require an enhanced knowledge of the combat handgun and it's applications in critical, real world situations. Additionally, this course is designed to provide a solid understanding of adult education and methods of instruction as they pertain to the field of firearms and force application. This course will help professionals become more competent with the use of firearms.
OTHER INFORMATION:
To reserve a seat, please email or call one of the contacts listed below:
HD BOAR INC, Training Section 469 222-8740 or E-Mail hdboartexas@yahoo.com, www.intel4u.com
LOCATION
Rochester, New York
INSTRUCTOR (S)
John Wensich
EQUIPMENT
Handgun with a minimum of 3 magazines
Tactical Holster
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Billed cap (ball cap, boonie hat, etc)
Knee pads (optional, but advisable)
Elbow pads (optional, but advisable)
1000 rounds of ammunition for handgun
DATE (S)
Weekend of August 25 – 26, 2007
HD158
LENGTH OF COURSE:
16 Hours
REQUIREMENTS:
Law Enforcement Officer
Criminal Justice/Security Student
FEE:
$395.00
DESCRIPTION:
This course is specifically designed for Private security, Investigators, or military personnel who may require an enhanced knowledge of the combat handgun and it's applications in critical, real world situations. Additionally, this course is designed to provide a solid understanding of adult education and methods of instruction as they pertain to the field of firearms and force application. This course will help professionals become more competent with the use of firearms.
OTHER INFORMATION:
To reserve a seat, please email or call one of the contacts listed below:
HD BOAR INC, Training Section 469 222-8740 or E-Mail hdboartexas@yahoo.com, www.intel4u.com
LOCATION
Rochester, New York
INSTRUCTOR (S)
John Wensich
EQUIPMENT
Handgun with a minimum of 3 magazines
Tactical Holster
Eye protection
Hearing protection
Billed cap (ball cap, boonie hat, etc)
Knee pads (optional, but advisable)
Elbow pads (optional, but advisable)
1000 rounds of ammunition for handgun
DATE (S)
Weekend of August 25 – 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
International Police Books
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. Currently, the website lists nearly 600 state and local police officers from the United States. But, it also has a separate listing on international police writers which includes police officers from Australia, Canada, India and England. Dr. Prateep Philip is the latest international police writer to be added.
Dr. Prateep V. Philip is a member of the Indian Police Service. Currently, he is the Inspector General of Police, Social Justice and Human Rights, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India. During his law enforcement career, he has served as the as District Superintendent of Police of Four Districts, SP, Narcotics Intelligence Bureau of Tamil Nadu, Principal, Police Training College and as DIG, CB CID (Special Investigation Team) Chennai, DIG Intelligence, DIG Tirunelveli Range. He has a BA in Economics, Political Science and History; an MA in Political Science and International Relations; and, a PhD in Public Administration.
Dr. Prateep V. Philip is the author of The Friends of Police Movement: A Roadmap for Proactive People Protection. According to the book description, it “traces the origin and progress of "Friends of Police" (FOP). The purpose is to outline the aims, objectives, strategies and the process by which the movement enables smooth interface between the public and police. FOP helps to promote crime awareness among the people and enables prevention of crimes. It imparts fairness, transparency and impartiality in the working of police. FOP helps the police in their turn in restoring the lost faith of the public in police. This is a useful holistic, and proactive concept and a tool to transform the image of the police, strengthen the force and create attitudinal changes both within the force and among the public. The book lays bare the nuts and bolts of Proactive People Protection and provides a roadmap that goes beyond community policing.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 584 police officers (representing 246 police departments) and their 1225 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Dr. Prateep V. Philip is a member of the Indian Police Service. Currently, he is the Inspector General of Police, Social Justice and Human Rights, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India. During his law enforcement career, he has served as the as District Superintendent of Police of Four Districts, SP, Narcotics Intelligence Bureau of Tamil Nadu, Principal, Police Training College and as DIG, CB CID (Special Investigation Team) Chennai, DIG Intelligence, DIG Tirunelveli Range. He has a BA in Economics, Political Science and History; an MA in Political Science and International Relations; and, a PhD in Public Administration.
Dr. Prateep V. Philip is the author of The Friends of Police Movement: A Roadmap for Proactive People Protection. According to the book description, it “traces the origin and progress of "Friends of Police" (FOP). The purpose is to outline the aims, objectives, strategies and the process by which the movement enables smooth interface between the public and police. FOP helps to promote crime awareness among the people and enables prevention of crimes. It imparts fairness, transparency and impartiality in the working of police. FOP helps the police in their turn in restoring the lost faith of the public in police. This is a useful holistic, and proactive concept and a tool to transform the image of the police, strengthen the force and create attitudinal changes both within the force and among the public. The book lays bare the nuts and bolts of Proactive People Protection and provides a roadmap that goes beyond community policing.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 584 police officers (representing 246 police departments) and their 1225 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. Researched and edited by retired Los Angeles Police Department Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, the website lists nearly 600 state and local police officers who have written books. There is no charge to be listed on the website; the only rule for inclusion is that the author completed their probationary period with a state or local law enforcement agency.
Each police officer listing contains a brief biography of the author, a listing of their books and a convenient link to their book listings on Amazon.com. The website can be searched by state, agency, police officer and topic of the book. Book topics include tactical, leadership, academic, biography, etc. Moreover, there are special sections such as books written by women police officers and police officers who given an inside account of police corruption.
While the bulk of the current listings are state and local police officers, there are special sections on federal law enforcement officers, police civilians and police officers from other countries who have written books. Agencies from the Department of Homeland Security to the Federal Bureau of Investigation have had sworn personnel author books. Furthermore, international authors come from Australia, Canada, England and India.
The website is constantly updated and continuing to grow in size, scope and purpose. It has blossomed into a platform for police officers to contribute law enforcement related poetry, prayers, short-stories and articles. The articles on the website range from leadership issues to terrorism related. Each article is written by a police officer and focuses on the job of a law enforcement official.
For further information about Police-Writers.com you can visit the website at www.police-writers.com or contact the editor, Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA at editor@police-writers.com.
Each police officer listing contains a brief biography of the author, a listing of their books and a convenient link to their book listings on Amazon.com. The website can be searched by state, agency, police officer and topic of the book. Book topics include tactical, leadership, academic, biography, etc. Moreover, there are special sections such as books written by women police officers and police officers who given an inside account of police corruption.
While the bulk of the current listings are state and local police officers, there are special sections on federal law enforcement officers, police civilians and police officers from other countries who have written books. Agencies from the Department of Homeland Security to the Federal Bureau of Investigation have had sworn personnel author books. Furthermore, international authors come from Australia, Canada, England and India.
The website is constantly updated and continuing to grow in size, scope and purpose. It has blossomed into a platform for police officers to contribute law enforcement related poetry, prayers, short-stories and articles. The articles on the website range from leadership issues to terrorism related. Each article is written by a police officer and focuses on the job of a law enforcement official.
For further information about Police-Writers.com you can visit the website at www.police-writers.com or contact the editor, Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA at editor@police-writers.com.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Personal Protective Equipment Surveys for First Responders
The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center (NSRDEC) is a leader in Human-Centered Research, Development and Engineering of personal protective equipment and integrated systems, addressing the needs across all DoD services.
Through its National Protection Center (NPC), NSRDEC serves a broader customer base assessing technology, concepts, and standards with dual-use applications to meet military needs as well as those of Federal, State, Local, and Tribal emergency response practitioners.
Members of the public safety community are invited to participate in the NPC's latest personal protective equipment surveys focusing on protective headgear, chemical/biological protective equipment, and basic duty uniforms. Your input is valuable to on-going research, standards, and technology transfer efforts; so please answer each question carefully and completely. Each of the three surveys will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
Surveys will close September 14, 2007.
Headgear Survey - www.helmetsurvey.com
Chemical/Biological Protective Equipment Survey - www.chembiosurvey.org
Duty Uniform Survey - www.dutyuniformsurvey.org
Through its National Protection Center (NPC), NSRDEC serves a broader customer base assessing technology, concepts, and standards with dual-use applications to meet military needs as well as those of Federal, State, Local, and Tribal emergency response practitioners.
Members of the public safety community are invited to participate in the NPC's latest personal protective equipment surveys focusing on protective headgear, chemical/biological protective equipment, and basic duty uniforms. Your input is valuable to on-going research, standards, and technology transfer efforts; so please answer each question carefully and completely. Each of the three surveys will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
Surveys will close September 14, 2007.
Headgear Survey - www.helmetsurvey.com
Chemical/Biological Protective Equipment Survey - www.chembiosurvey.org
Duty Uniform Survey - www.dutyuniformsurvey.org
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Scam Claiming Red Cross Connection Targets Military Families
American Forces Press Service
June 20, 2007 – The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about an identity-theft scam targeting families of military members. A caller, claiming to work for the Red Cross, notifies an individual that their family member has been injured while on duty. To get immediate aid to the injured servicemember, the caller says, paperwork must be completed, and personal information must be verified.
The FTC, the nation's consumer protection agency, says this scheme is a variation of "phishing" - a technique identity thieves use to get personal or financial information from unwary consumers. The identity thief claims to represent a trusted source - a bank, a government agency, or in this case, the American Red Cross - to get someone to divulge their personal information.
American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant. Officials urge military family members not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.
Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members; the Defense Department will contact families directly about family members' injuries.
(Compiled from Federal Trade Commission and American Red Cross news releases.)
June 20, 2007 – The Federal Trade Commission is warning consumers about an identity-theft scam targeting families of military members. A caller, claiming to work for the Red Cross, notifies an individual that their family member has been injured while on duty. To get immediate aid to the injured servicemember, the caller says, paperwork must be completed, and personal information must be verified.
The FTC, the nation's consumer protection agency, says this scheme is a variation of "phishing" - a technique identity thieves use to get personal or financial information from unwary consumers. The identity thief claims to represent a trusted source - a bank, a government agency, or in this case, the American Red Cross - to get someone to divulge their personal information.
American Red Cross representatives typically do not contact military members or dependents directly and almost always go through a commander or first sergeant. Officials urge military family members not to give out any personal information over the phone if contacted by unknown individuals, including confirmation that their spouse is deployed.
Red Cross representatives contact military members or dependents directly only in response to an emergency message initiated by a family member. The Red Cross does not report any type of casualty information to family members; the Defense Department will contact families directly about family members' injuries.
(Compiled from Federal Trade Commission and American Red Cross news releases.)
NIJ Conference 2007
Plan now to attend the NIJ Conference 2007, July 23-25, 2007, at the Marriott Crystal Gateway in Arlington, Virginia
NIJ's annual conference brings together criminal justice scholars, policymakers, and practitioners at the local, State, and Federal levels to share the most recent findings from research and technology.
The conference showcases what works, what doesn't work, and what the research shows as promising. New developments in technology that increases public safety will be featured. The conference puts a heavy emphasis on the benefits to researchers and practitioners who work together to make effective evidence-based policies and practices.
This year's keynote speaker is Jan Burke, critically acclaimed writer and author of the Irene Kelly mystery series. Ms. Burke has won the Edgar® Award for Best Novel and founded the Crime Lab Project, a group of crime writers, friends, and readers concerned about the gap between the public's beliefs about the current state of forensic science and the reality faced by labs and coroners' offices throughout the country.
For more information and free, online registration, visit www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/events/nij_conference.
NIJ's annual conference brings together criminal justice scholars, policymakers, and practitioners at the local, State, and Federal levels to share the most recent findings from research and technology.
The conference showcases what works, what doesn't work, and what the research shows as promising. New developments in technology that increases public safety will be featured. The conference puts a heavy emphasis on the benefits to researchers and practitioners who work together to make effective evidence-based policies and practices.
This year's keynote speaker is Jan Burke, critically acclaimed writer and author of the Irene Kelly mystery series. Ms. Burke has won the Edgar® Award for Best Novel and founded the Crime Lab Project, a group of crime writers, friends, and readers concerned about the gap between the public's beliefs about the current state of forensic science and the reality faced by labs and coroners' offices throughout the country.
For more information and free, online registration, visit www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/events/nij_conference.
2007 Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition
REGISTRATION AND EXHIBIT BOOTH SALES NOW OPEN!
Presented by:
The U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS) and Defense (DoD)
Hosted by:
DOJ's Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, and DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs.
This 9TH annual conference provides DOJ, DHS and DoD the opportunity to highlight the technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community and to elicit responder technology requirements. This conference will provide a forum for responders to discuss best practices and exchange information. Expected to draw 1,500 attendees and 150 exhibits, this three-day conference will bring together key leaders and decision makers--offering responders, business and industry, academia, and Federal, State, tribal and local stakeholders a unique forum to network, exchange ideas, and collaboratively address critical incident technology and preparedness needs, protocols, and solutions.
Supported by:
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA)
InterAgency Board for InterOperability and Standardization (IAB)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
Public Safety and Security Institute for Technology (PSITEC)
Technical Support Working Group (TSWG)
US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Dates/Location:
November 6-8, 2007,
San Francisco, CA
Venue:
San Francisco Marriott
55 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3199
P: 415.896.1600
Hotel reservations are available through the conference website. Federal per diem (currently $140/night; subject to change 10/01/07) is available for all attendees, space permitting.
Attendees:
Attendee registration is FREE for the 9th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition. Attendance is limited to 1,500. Registration is now open at the conference website.
Exhibitors:
Exhibit booths will be sold by the Marriott and managed by CTC. Booth pricing: $1,800 for Federal government/non-profit/ academia and $2,050 for private sector/industry/ other; booths are sold on a first-come basis. The exhibit hall will accommodate 96 10’ x 10’ booths. Secure your booth now at the conference website!
PLEASE CHECK THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE FOR THE DRAFT DAILY AGENDA, DRAFT TOPICS/SESSIONS, AND MORE INFORMATION!
For more info.: mcook@ctc.org
Presented by:
The U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), Homeland Security (DHS) and Defense (DoD)
Hosted by:
DOJ's Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, and DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs.
This 9TH annual conference provides DOJ, DHS and DoD the opportunity to highlight the technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community and to elicit responder technology requirements. This conference will provide a forum for responders to discuss best practices and exchange information. Expected to draw 1,500 attendees and 150 exhibits, this three-day conference will bring together key leaders and decision makers--offering responders, business and industry, academia, and Federal, State, tribal and local stakeholders a unique forum to network, exchange ideas, and collaboratively address critical incident technology and preparedness needs, protocols, and solutions.
Supported by:
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association (LEEDA)
InterAgency Board for InterOperability and Standardization (IAB)
International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)
National Sheriffs' Association (NSA)
National Emergency Management Association (NEMA)
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC)
Public Safety and Security Institute for Technology (PSITEC)
Technical Support Working Group (TSWG)
US Army Natick Soldier Research Development and Engineering Center (NSRDEC)
Dates/Location:
November 6-8, 2007,
San Francisco, CA
Venue:
San Francisco Marriott
55 Fourth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103-3199
P: 415.896.1600
Hotel reservations are available through the conference website. Federal per diem (currently $140/night; subject to change 10/01/07) is available for all attendees, space permitting.
Attendees:
Attendee registration is FREE for the 9th Annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition. Attendance is limited to 1,500. Registration is now open at the conference website.
Exhibitors:
Exhibit booths will be sold by the Marriott and managed by CTC. Booth pricing: $1,800 for Federal government/non-profit/ academia and $2,050 for private sector/industry/ other; booths are sold on a first-come basis. The exhibit hall will accommodate 96 10’ x 10’ booths. Secure your booth now at the conference website!
PLEASE CHECK THE CONFERENCE WEBSITE FOR THE DRAFT DAILY AGENDA, DRAFT TOPICS/SESSIONS, AND MORE INFORMATION!
For more info.: mcook@ctc.org
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"LAPD Plans to Accept 911 Text Messages"
Los Angeles Times (06/13/07); Winton, Richard
The Los Angeles Police Department announced June 12 that it plans to upgrade the city's 911 system to allow callers to use text messages to ask for help. Officials said the system is necessary because there are circumstances where it is easier for someone to text for help rather than call, such as a kidnapping or a robbery. The new system will also allow callers to send photos and videos from their cell phones to the city's 911 call center. Although officials said callers' ability to send photos and videos could help police by giving them faster access to evidence such as an image of a getaway car involved in a robbery, others said that the feature could overload LAPD workers with data. According to Tim Riley, the potential for data overload is precisely why the department is proceeding slowly. The LAPD will initially start a stopgap system that allows the departments to get photos and video from cell phone calls only from callers it solicits. The system could be up and running later this year. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-text13jun13,1,296583.story
"From Database to Crime Scene: Network Is Potent Police Weapon"
New York Times (06/07/07) P. B1; Lueck, Thomas J.
A New York Police Department anti-crime computer network located at One Police Plaza in New York City can rapidly send information to officers on the beat. Groups of detectives in the room, which the police department refers to as the Real Time Crime Center, look at computer screens and study cases on a 15-foot-high video screen that can show maps, diagrams, satellite pictures, and surveillance camera images. Some of the information the center makes available is typical police investigative material, such as criminal complaints, the criminal background of a suspect, and previous home addresses. In addition, the center provides the names of individuals who have visited a criminal in city prisons and state facilities, aliases, recordings of every 911 calls placed from any address in New York City over the past decade, and the nicknames of known criminals. Law-enforcement experts state the two-year-old crime center is the police department's most crucial technological measure in 15 years. In April 2007, a suspect who tortured a female student at Columbia University for nearly a day was arrested five days later when the network linked his nickname to him. Police authorities claim the center's databases possess law-enforcement records going back 15 years, which will be expanded to 25 years by autumn. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/07/
nyregion/07real.html?ref=technology
"Satellite Eye on Offenders Scaled Back"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (06/07/07) P. A1; Marley, Patrick
Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee has almost halved the number of child sex offenders that will have to be monitored via lifetime satellite tracking. In 2006, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill that would enact lifetime monitoring of serious child sex offenders, while the Department of Corrections would use its discretion in determining other child sex offenders that would be monitored. In other issues, Republicans and Democrats were split on the budget inclusion for the earned release program, granting inmates early release upon successful completion of alcohol and drug treatment. The committee also decided to furnish an additional $2.3 million for inmates' health care over a two-year span. Additionally, substance abuse programs will be expanded, instating reporting centers for offenders, as opposed to returning to incarceration. Doyle is slated to review the budget.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=616503
"Police Are Divided on Stun Guns"
Boston Globe (06/07/07) P. Reg1; Paige, Connie
Although the Massachusetts police departments of Norton, Raynham, and Rockland have gotten approval from the state to use Taser stun guns, some area police chiefs are not enamored of the devices. Supporters feel that Tasers can bring dangerous individuals under control more safely than other weapons, while detractors worry about their price and the fact that some people have died after receiving Taser charges. In the last nine years, Taser International Inc. has sold 225,000 to 11,000 law-enforcement groups, vice president of communications Steve Tuttle states. Tasers currently cost between $399 and $899. Numerous police departments in Massachusetts have been studying the purchase of Tasers for three years, when a new state law allowed their use. Raynham Police Chief Louis Pachero stresses that Tasers are part of the vital equipment given to police. He points out that police have utilized Tasers a minimum of three times, including bringing under control a dangerous motorcycle gang. Braintree Police Chief Paul Frazier, however, says he is worried about possible lawsuits if a Taser causes injuries or fatalities; as such, even though drug-associated crime, robberies, gang activity, and home burglaries are increasing in his community, he states he is not in a hurry to obtain Tasers.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/
2007/06/07/police_are_divided_on_stun_guns/
"'Pings' Assist in Missing-Persons Cases"
Kansas City Star (06/07/07) P. A5; Hayes, David
Cell phone technology has been used once again by law enforcement to find a missing person and advance a criminal case. Information on the location of Kelsey Smith's mobile phone helped law enforcement find her body. Mobile phones act like two-way radios, and they must communicate frequently with the nearest cell tower to make and receive calls. The handsets send out a signal, called a "ping," to the closest cell tower every two to three minutes, and the towers forward the location of the mobile phone back to the network. A ping can show that the phone is in the coverage area of the tower, which can range from a few square blocks to a few square miles, and mobile phone carriers use that information to forward calls, text messages, or email messages to a phone. Calls made by family and friends on Saturday generated routine pings, enabling police to track the location of Smith's phone. Big mobile phone companies will assist police who have a subpoena for phone records from a judge, which they can obtain by telephone. The process of keying in a mobile phone's number and having the last known location pop up on a screen can take less than a minute.
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/139639.html
"New York City Police Eye Trucks as Potential Vehicles for Terrorists"
Seattle Times (06/12/07); Hays, Tom
The New York City Police Department (NYPD), concerned that the commercial trucks that go in and out of the city each day could be used as terrorist weapons, has established checkpoints where the trucks are screened and subjected to several tests. "We've always been concerned about the potential for trucks and other vehicles to be used to convey explosives or other weapons," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. "We also want to screen against the possibility of sensitive cargos being diverted for use in an attack." Police who man the checkpoints are inspecting the trucks for radiation, fertilizer, explosives, and chlorine. Trucks or drivers who lack ID or paperwork are removed from the road, police said. Dump trucks and cement trucks receive extra attention because they are capable of smashing through security checkpoints, says NYPD counterterrorism official Jonathan Duecker. The NYPD is currently developing a variety of mobile radiation detectors, including devices for police cars and bicycles and a backpack-like detector that can be worn by police officers in stadiums. Some 1,000 officers already wear pager-sized radiation detectors on their belts, and another 1,000 such devices are on their way. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003744093_nytrucks12.html
"Cops' Radiation Detection? It's in the Bag, Kelly Boasts"
New York Daily News (06/07/07) P. 14; Gendar, Alison
Over the past year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been testing five portable radiation detectors that resemble backpacks. Officials say the backpack can be used by officers while riding a bike, helping them appear as tourists. The backpack features an earpiece that provides data to the officer about any radiation in the area. Officials say the testing has helped manufacturers better understand the city's requirements. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/06/07/2007-06-07_cops_
radiation_detection_its_in_the_bag_.html
"Long-Awaited Center Opens"
Indianapolis Star (06/06/07) P. 3; Smith, Bruce C.
Hendricks County, Ind., has opened a $7.6 million communications center that will equally serve police, fire, and ambulance services. Housed in the Plainfield's police and public safety building, the center will provide the ability for all respondents to communicate with each other, through an 800 MHz frequency. Staff will be on hand around the clock and each of 13 workstations comes equipped with flat video screens. "They can see where the doors and windows and other features are located, which can be important information in an emergency," said Hendricks Communications Center executive director Larry Brinker. All emergency vehicles in Hendricks County are GPS-equipped, and dispatchers can pull up three-dimensional aerial images of an incident's location. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070606/LOCAL0505/706060357/1020/LOCAL05
"California Firm Sees Business Grow With Law Enforcement Interest in 'SandCars'"
Bakersfield Californian (06/06/07); Philp, Drew
Bakersfield, Calif.-based Extreme Motorsports manufactures "SandCars," and on June 7 signed an agreement worth $39 million with Made in USA Industries to produce 400 SandCars geared for law enforcement. Extreme Motorsports owner Alan McCaa explains that anti-terrorist and border patrol groups are interested in his cars to take some of the burden off their on-road police cruisers. The vehicles can be outfitted with such features as Pelican Mobile laptops, infrared cameras, and armor plating. SandCars resemble the dune buggies of the 1970s. The vehicles can host Corvette engines with as many as eight cylinders, and at 450 horsepower can travel at 110 miles-per-hour or faster. The cars are expensive, costing between $15,000 and $100,000-plus. Although McCaa sells SandCars to private customers, he stresses that "government and law enforcement will end up being the bread and butter of our company." He thinks the two entities are becoming more aware of SandCars as a fast way to enter and exit remote locations. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/06/06/2693387.htm
"Rockland Judges Push for More Courtroom Security"
Journal News (NY) (06/06/07) P. 3A; Lieberman, Steve
A shooting at a Rockland County, N.Y., court last month has prompted the state to make money available for municipalities to improve courtroom security. Grants from the New York state Office of Court Administration are being offered to pay for metal detectors to check people for weapons. Clarkstown and West Haverstraw are among the local governments that already have the approximately $4,000 magnetometers, and Ramapo has ordered a metal detector and Sloatsburg, where the shooting occurred, plans to order one. Although the state is willing to pay for the metal detectors, municipalities would have to cover the cost of personnel to operate the machine and the electronic metal detector wands. Clarkstown Police Chief Peter Noonan expressed confidence in current courtroom security, and Councilman Ralph Mandia said he welcomed the effort to improve security in courts as long as the police oversee personnel hired to handle the equipment. A police station is downstairs from Clarkstown Justice Court, an officer is on patrol upstairs and there are security cameras. Before the shooting, some local governments questioned whether there was a need for tighter security in courtrooms. "They are taking a different view now," says Rockland County Court Judge Charles Apotheker. http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070606/NEWS03/706060377
"Committee Postpones Radio Upgrade Vote"
Herald & Review (IL) (06/05/07); Tallon, Mary
Macon County, Ill., Sheriff Jerry Dawson said the failure to upgrade the department's backup radio system soon could jeopardize public safety. The comment from Dawson came after Macon's Board Finance Committee postponed a vote on spending more than $150,000 on equipment and technology improvements on Monday. The equipment and technology upgrades would make the "Old Sheriff's Main" frequency a digitally compatible system. The sheriff's department uses the radio system, which has not been upgraded since 1979, when its primary frequency encounters "dead spots," and Macon's emergency management agency uses it for its main radio channel. The committee considered using money from a $500,000 disaster contingency fund until board Chairman Bob Sampson questioned whether disaster contingency money could be legally used for the radio improvement. The board placed greater restrictions on the use of the fund in January. Dawson suggested using the disaster contingency fund, but added that money could also come from another source.
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/
06/05/news/local_news/1023943.txt
"'CSI'-Style Technology Going to Dogs--and Cats"
Associated Press (06/03/07); Gelineau, Kristen
Many law-enforcement agencies are increasingly looking at animal DNA to obtain evidence for crimes in which animals were involved or witnesses. Saliva and hair found at the site of an animal attack can help identify the animal responsible, and if animals are present at the scene of a crime, their DNA can often be used to match up with any evidence found on the person or property of suspects. DNA evidence is not the only tool used in investigating animal-related cases; however, investigations into animal cruelty also make use of more traditional forensic methods such as ballistics and toxicology to determine how much an animal may have suffered in a particular instance. Forensic entomology can help settle issues related to poaching deaths, such as the amount of time since a particular animal has been shot. http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20070602-110040-9695r.htm
"Radios Will Link Lawmen"
Searcy Daily Citizen (AR) (06/01/07); Watkins, Warren
White County, Ark., has used money left over from grants for the new Mobile Command Unit to purchase 64 hand-held radios that will allow law enforcement officers in different jurisdictions throughout the county to communicate with one another. According to Bill Haynie, chairman of the White County 911 board, the FCC regulates the frequencies on the radios--which cost more than $600 each--so that they may only be used by law enforcement officers. http://www.thedailycitizen.com/articles/
2007/06/02/news/local_news/news02.txt
"Calling System Aids Oakwood Police"
Dayton Daily News (OH) (06/07/07) P. Z1-3; Bebbington, Helen
Police in Oakwood, Ohio, used the city's CodeRED automated phone alert system for the first time on May 30 to help locate a missing man. The service, which police officials say has been in place for about six months, sends out automated calls to citizens within a particular radius of an emergency. Police issued the CodeRED call at 10:15 a.m., alerting citizens of a man with dementia who left an assisted living facility; in about 15 minutes, a resident of Kettering, Ohio, informed Oakwood police about the man, whom she saw at a CVS store. The service is provided by the Miami Valley Communications Council and features GIS and other technologies that let cities notify residents. Roughly 15 communities in the Dayton metropolitan area currently rely on the service. http://www.daytondailynews.com
"DHS Vows to Fix Information Network"
Federal Computer Week (05/28/07); Mosquera, Mary
Homeland Security Department officials recently promised Congress that they will boost the functionality of the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). HSIN was created in 2003 to help local and state law enforcement share data, but has been implemented without proper coordination among various law enforcement officials. HSIN is not used by many people today. The Homeland Security Department plans to revamp and improve HSIN cooperation with federal databases such as the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) program, as well as better involve local and state agencies and authorities. HSIN also is transitioning into becoming part of an Information Sharing Environment (ISE) to help reduce isolated data in various databases by creating automatic duplication as well as links. The ISE component remains under development, and also will include input from federal intelligence agencies. http://www.fcw.com/article102798-05-28-07-Print
"District, Police Looking at Camera Technology"
YourHub.com (05/23/07); Kirchmer, Joseph
The Douglas County School District is considering implementing SWAT (Security With Advanced Technology) that would enable law enforcement to observe video footage from inside a school that could be transmitted to command centers and to patrol cars. Cameras would be installed and images would be transmitted through an antenna from the school's roof; there are about 750 cameras already installed in the district. "It gives law enforcement a clearer picture in the event of a shooter situation," said executive director of safety and transportation Larry Borland. The receivers are slated to cost about $5,100 per unit, minus the cost of installation. Receivers would be installed in police cars, command centers, and school vehicles. "We may not necessarily be able to locate where a suspect is, but you would definitely be able to tell where suspect is not," noted Borland. http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/Law/Story~311308.aspx
"Voice Biometrics: Coming to a Security System Near You"
Ars Technica (05/13/07); Anderson, Nate
Because every voice is unique, sophisticated voice analysis software can match people to voices, which will be a boon to security investigators, though not to criminals. Voice biometrics technology can catch criminals by studying voice characteristics, and can do so in 30 minutes on a modern dual-core machine. Moreover, the voice provides two-factor identification, as it combines what individuals say with how they say it, and can combine the factors remotely. Voice systems are at least twice as accurate as fingerprint scanning, and are cheaper to implement, says Dr. Clive Summerfield of the University of Canberra. Banks are eager customers of the technology, which is now all set for commercial deployment. This year, the major Dutch bank ABN AMRO will unveil the technology to its 4 million Netherlands customers. http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/voice-biometrics-come-of-age.ars
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"LAPD Plans to Accept 911 Text Messages"
Los Angeles Times (06/13/07); Winton, Richard
The Los Angeles Police Department announced June 12 that it plans to upgrade the city's 911 system to allow callers to use text messages to ask for help. Officials said the system is necessary because there are circumstances where it is easier for someone to text for help rather than call, such as a kidnapping or a robbery. The new system will also allow callers to send photos and videos from their cell phones to the city's 911 call center. Although officials said callers' ability to send photos and videos could help police by giving them faster access to evidence such as an image of a getaway car involved in a robbery, others said that the feature could overload LAPD workers with data. According to Tim Riley, the potential for data overload is precisely why the department is proceeding slowly. The LAPD will initially start a stopgap system that allows the departments to get photos and video from cell phone calls only from callers it solicits. The system could be up and running later this year. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-text13jun13,1,296583.story
"From Database to Crime Scene: Network Is Potent Police Weapon"
New York Times (06/07/07) P. B1; Lueck, Thomas J.
A New York Police Department anti-crime computer network located at One Police Plaza in New York City can rapidly send information to officers on the beat. Groups of detectives in the room, which the police department refers to as the Real Time Crime Center, look at computer screens and study cases on a 15-foot-high video screen that can show maps, diagrams, satellite pictures, and surveillance camera images. Some of the information the center makes available is typical police investigative material, such as criminal complaints, the criminal background of a suspect, and previous home addresses. In addition, the center provides the names of individuals who have visited a criminal in city prisons and state facilities, aliases, recordings of every 911 calls placed from any address in New York City over the past decade, and the nicknames of known criminals. Law-enforcement experts state the two-year-old crime center is the police department's most crucial technological measure in 15 years. In April 2007, a suspect who tortured a female student at Columbia University for nearly a day was arrested five days later when the network linked his nickname to him. Police authorities claim the center's databases possess law-enforcement records going back 15 years, which will be expanded to 25 years by autumn. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/07/
nyregion/07real.html?ref=technology
"Satellite Eye on Offenders Scaled Back"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (06/07/07) P. A1; Marley, Patrick
Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee has almost halved the number of child sex offenders that will have to be monitored via lifetime satellite tracking. In 2006, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill that would enact lifetime monitoring of serious child sex offenders, while the Department of Corrections would use its discretion in determining other child sex offenders that would be monitored. In other issues, Republicans and Democrats were split on the budget inclusion for the earned release program, granting inmates early release upon successful completion of alcohol and drug treatment. The committee also decided to furnish an additional $2.3 million for inmates' health care over a two-year span. Additionally, substance abuse programs will be expanded, instating reporting centers for offenders, as opposed to returning to incarceration. Doyle is slated to review the budget.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=616503
"Police Are Divided on Stun Guns"
Boston Globe (06/07/07) P. Reg1; Paige, Connie
Although the Massachusetts police departments of Norton, Raynham, and Rockland have gotten approval from the state to use Taser stun guns, some area police chiefs are not enamored of the devices. Supporters feel that Tasers can bring dangerous individuals under control more safely than other weapons, while detractors worry about their price and the fact that some people have died after receiving Taser charges. In the last nine years, Taser International Inc. has sold 225,000 to 11,000 law-enforcement groups, vice president of communications Steve Tuttle states. Tasers currently cost between $399 and $899. Numerous police departments in Massachusetts have been studying the purchase of Tasers for three years, when a new state law allowed their use. Raynham Police Chief Louis Pachero stresses that Tasers are part of the vital equipment given to police. He points out that police have utilized Tasers a minimum of three times, including bringing under control a dangerous motorcycle gang. Braintree Police Chief Paul Frazier, however, says he is worried about possible lawsuits if a Taser causes injuries or fatalities; as such, even though drug-associated crime, robberies, gang activity, and home burglaries are increasing in his community, he states he is not in a hurry to obtain Tasers.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/
2007/06/07/police_are_divided_on_stun_guns/
"'Pings' Assist in Missing-Persons Cases"
Kansas City Star (06/07/07) P. A5; Hayes, David
Cell phone technology has been used once again by law enforcement to find a missing person and advance a criminal case. Information on the location of Kelsey Smith's mobile phone helped law enforcement find her body. Mobile phones act like two-way radios, and they must communicate frequently with the nearest cell tower to make and receive calls. The handsets send out a signal, called a "ping," to the closest cell tower every two to three minutes, and the towers forward the location of the mobile phone back to the network. A ping can show that the phone is in the coverage area of the tower, which can range from a few square blocks to a few square miles, and mobile phone carriers use that information to forward calls, text messages, or email messages to a phone. Calls made by family and friends on Saturday generated routine pings, enabling police to track the location of Smith's phone. Big mobile phone companies will assist police who have a subpoena for phone records from a judge, which they can obtain by telephone. The process of keying in a mobile phone's number and having the last known location pop up on a screen can take less than a minute.
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/139639.html
"New York City Police Eye Trucks as Potential Vehicles for Terrorists"
Seattle Times (06/12/07); Hays, Tom
The New York City Police Department (NYPD), concerned that the commercial trucks that go in and out of the city each day could be used as terrorist weapons, has established checkpoints where the trucks are screened and subjected to several tests. "We've always been concerned about the potential for trucks and other vehicles to be used to convey explosives or other weapons," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. "We also want to screen against the possibility of sensitive cargos being diverted for use in an attack." Police who man the checkpoints are inspecting the trucks for radiation, fertilizer, explosives, and chlorine. Trucks or drivers who lack ID or paperwork are removed from the road, police said. Dump trucks and cement trucks receive extra attention because they are capable of smashing through security checkpoints, says NYPD counterterrorism official Jonathan Duecker. The NYPD is currently developing a variety of mobile radiation detectors, including devices for police cars and bicycles and a backpack-like detector that can be worn by police officers in stadiums. Some 1,000 officers already wear pager-sized radiation detectors on their belts, and another 1,000 such devices are on their way. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003744093_nytrucks12.html
"Cops' Radiation Detection? It's in the Bag, Kelly Boasts"
New York Daily News (06/07/07) P. 14; Gendar, Alison
Over the past year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been testing five portable radiation detectors that resemble backpacks. Officials say the backpack can be used by officers while riding a bike, helping them appear as tourists. The backpack features an earpiece that provides data to the officer about any radiation in the area. Officials say the testing has helped manufacturers better understand the city's requirements. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/06/07/2007-06-07_cops_
radiation_detection_its_in_the_bag_.html
"Long-Awaited Center Opens"
Indianapolis Star (06/06/07) P. 3; Smith, Bruce C.
Hendricks County, Ind., has opened a $7.6 million communications center that will equally serve police, fire, and ambulance services. Housed in the Plainfield's police and public safety building, the center will provide the ability for all respondents to communicate with each other, through an 800 MHz frequency. Staff will be on hand around the clock and each of 13 workstations comes equipped with flat video screens. "They can see where the doors and windows and other features are located, which can be important information in an emergency," said Hendricks Communications Center executive director Larry Brinker. All emergency vehicles in Hendricks County are GPS-equipped, and dispatchers can pull up three-dimensional aerial images of an incident's location. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070606/LOCAL0505/706060357/1020/LOCAL05
"California Firm Sees Business Grow With Law Enforcement Interest in 'SandCars'"
Bakersfield Californian (06/06/07); Philp, Drew
Bakersfield, Calif.-based Extreme Motorsports manufactures "SandCars," and on June 7 signed an agreement worth $39 million with Made in USA Industries to produce 400 SandCars geared for law enforcement. Extreme Motorsports owner Alan McCaa explains that anti-terrorist and border patrol groups are interested in his cars to take some of the burden off their on-road police cruisers. The vehicles can be outfitted with such features as Pelican Mobile laptops, infrared cameras, and armor plating. SandCars resemble the dune buggies of the 1970s. The vehicles can host Corvette engines with as many as eight cylinders, and at 450 horsepower can travel at 110 miles-per-hour or faster. The cars are expensive, costing between $15,000 and $100,000-plus. Although McCaa sells SandCars to private customers, he stresses that "government and law enforcement will end up being the bread and butter of our company." He thinks the two entities are becoming more aware of SandCars as a fast way to enter and exit remote locations. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/06/06/2693387.htm
"Rockland Judges Push for More Courtroom Security"
Journal News (NY) (06/06/07) P. 3A; Lieberman, Steve
A shooting at a Rockland County, N.Y., court last month has prompted the state to make money available for municipalities to improve courtroom security. Grants from the New York state Office of Court Administration are being offered to pay for metal detectors to check people for weapons. Clarkstown and West Haverstraw are among the local governments that already have the approximately $4,000 magnetometers, and Ramapo has ordered a metal detector and Sloatsburg, where the shooting occurred, plans to order one. Although the state is willing to pay for the metal detectors, municipalities would have to cover the cost of personnel to operate the machine and the electronic metal detector wands. Clarkstown Police Chief Peter Noonan expressed confidence in current courtroom security, and Councilman Ralph Mandia said he welcomed the effort to improve security in courts as long as the police oversee personnel hired to handle the equipment. A police station is downstairs from Clarkstown Justice Court, an officer is on patrol upstairs and there are security cameras. Before the shooting, some local governments questioned whether there was a need for tighter security in courtrooms. "They are taking a different view now," says Rockland County Court Judge Charles Apotheker. http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070606/NEWS03/706060377
"Committee Postpones Radio Upgrade Vote"
Herald & Review (IL) (06/05/07); Tallon, Mary
Macon County, Ill., Sheriff Jerry Dawson said the failure to upgrade the department's backup radio system soon could jeopardize public safety. The comment from Dawson came after Macon's Board Finance Committee postponed a vote on spending more than $150,000 on equipment and technology improvements on Monday. The equipment and technology upgrades would make the "Old Sheriff's Main" frequency a digitally compatible system. The sheriff's department uses the radio system, which has not been upgraded since 1979, when its primary frequency encounters "dead spots," and Macon's emergency management agency uses it for its main radio channel. The committee considered using money from a $500,000 disaster contingency fund until board Chairman Bob Sampson questioned whether disaster contingency money could be legally used for the radio improvement. The board placed greater restrictions on the use of the fund in January. Dawson suggested using the disaster contingency fund, but added that money could also come from another source.
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/
06/05/news/local_news/1023943.txt
"'CSI'-Style Technology Going to Dogs--and Cats"
Associated Press (06/03/07); Gelineau, Kristen
Many law-enforcement agencies are increasingly looking at animal DNA to obtain evidence for crimes in which animals were involved or witnesses. Saliva and hair found at the site of an animal attack can help identify the animal responsible, and if animals are present at the scene of a crime, their DNA can often be used to match up with any evidence found on the person or property of suspects. DNA evidence is not the only tool used in investigating animal-related cases; however, investigations into animal cruelty also make use of more traditional forensic methods such as ballistics and toxicology to determine how much an animal may have suffered in a particular instance. Forensic entomology can help settle issues related to poaching deaths, such as the amount of time since a particular animal has been shot. http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20070602-110040-9695r.htm
"Radios Will Link Lawmen"
Searcy Daily Citizen (AR) (06/01/07); Watkins, Warren
White County, Ark., has used money left over from grants for the new Mobile Command Unit to purchase 64 hand-held radios that will allow law enforcement officers in different jurisdictions throughout the county to communicate with one another. According to Bill Haynie, chairman of the White County 911 board, the FCC regulates the frequencies on the radios--which cost more than $600 each--so that they may only be used by law enforcement officers. http://www.thedailycitizen.com/articles/
2007/06/02/news/local_news/news02.txt
"Calling System Aids Oakwood Police"
Dayton Daily News (OH) (06/07/07) P. Z1-3; Bebbington, Helen
Police in Oakwood, Ohio, used the city's CodeRED automated phone alert system for the first time on May 30 to help locate a missing man. The service, which police officials say has been in place for about six months, sends out automated calls to citizens within a particular radius of an emergency. Police issued the CodeRED call at 10:15 a.m., alerting citizens of a man with dementia who left an assisted living facility; in about 15 minutes, a resident of Kettering, Ohio, informed Oakwood police about the man, whom she saw at a CVS store. The service is provided by the Miami Valley Communications Council and features GIS and other technologies that let cities notify residents. Roughly 15 communities in the Dayton metropolitan area currently rely on the service. http://www.daytondailynews.com
"DHS Vows to Fix Information Network"
Federal Computer Week (05/28/07); Mosquera, Mary
Homeland Security Department officials recently promised Congress that they will boost the functionality of the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). HSIN was created in 2003 to help local and state law enforcement share data, but has been implemented without proper coordination among various law enforcement officials. HSIN is not used by many people today. The Homeland Security Department plans to revamp and improve HSIN cooperation with federal databases such as the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) program, as well as better involve local and state agencies and authorities. HSIN also is transitioning into becoming part of an Information Sharing Environment (ISE) to help reduce isolated data in various databases by creating automatic duplication as well as links. The ISE component remains under development, and also will include input from federal intelligence agencies. http://www.fcw.com/article102798-05-28-07-Print
"District, Police Looking at Camera Technology"
YourHub.com (05/23/07); Kirchmer, Joseph
The Douglas County School District is considering implementing SWAT (Security With Advanced Technology) that would enable law enforcement to observe video footage from inside a school that could be transmitted to command centers and to patrol cars. Cameras would be installed and images would be transmitted through an antenna from the school's roof; there are about 750 cameras already installed in the district. "It gives law enforcement a clearer picture in the event of a shooter situation," said executive director of safety and transportation Larry Borland. The receivers are slated to cost about $5,100 per unit, minus the cost of installation. Receivers would be installed in police cars, command centers, and school vehicles. "We may not necessarily be able to locate where a suspect is, but you would definitely be able to tell where suspect is not," noted Borland. http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/Law/Story~311308.aspx
"Voice Biometrics: Coming to a Security System Near You"
Ars Technica (05/13/07); Anderson, Nate
Because every voice is unique, sophisticated voice analysis software can match people to voices, which will be a boon to security investigators, though not to criminals. Voice biometrics technology can catch criminals by studying voice characteristics, and can do so in 30 minutes on a modern dual-core machine. Moreover, the voice provides two-factor identification, as it combines what individuals say with how they say it, and can combine the factors remotely. Voice systems are at least twice as accurate as fingerprint scanning, and are cheaper to implement, says Dr. Clive Summerfield of the University of Canberra. Banks are eager customers of the technology, which is now all set for commercial deployment. This year, the major Dutch bank ABN AMRO will unveil the technology to its 4 million Netherlands customers. http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/voice-biometrics-come-of-age.ars
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Law Enforcement Training Conference
Gangs, Drugs and Immigration
Featuring Sgt. Richard Valdemar, Gang Specialist
Sept. 5-7, 2007
Los Angeles, Calif. (Westin Bonaventure)
Law enforcement officers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest technology developments and sophisticated maneuvers being used to fight gangs worldwide at “Gangs, Drugs & Immigration,” a training conference scheduled for Sept. 5-7, 2007, in downtown Los Angeles.
The seminars will be the first of their kind to bring together law enforcement, district attorney’s offices, and citizen groups for training and exchange of information relating to tactics employed against a three-pronged threat to communities.
Specifically designed for sworn officers, training sessions include “African-American Gangs,” “Gangs and Illegal Immigrants,” “Asian Gangs,” and “U.S. Border Patrol.” The event is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification for all courses is pending. Other sponsors are the Association of Deputy District Attorneys and the California District Attorneys Association, which has authorized State Bar of California MCLE credits for the courses.
Sgt. Richard Valdemar, Major Crimes (Ret.), Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, will draw upon his 33 years of frontline experience battling international gang activity, covering West Coast gangs and Mexican drug cartels. Key portions of these sessions will present a history of California prison gangs, a description of how Mexican drug cartels have overtaken city councils, and Sgt. Valdemar’s “Ten Fatal Errors” of anti-gang efforts.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca and Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona will participate and speak in expert forums at the conference. Several law enforcement dignitaries and politicians have been invited to attend various portions of the seminar.
The training conference is being presented by Citizens Protection Alliance, an outreach project dedicated to recognizing the importance of two-way communication between police and communities. Law enforcement officials can register online at www.citizensprotection.org or call 866/602-2677. Special rates for seminar attendees have been arranged at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.
Registration is available at the website or by calling 213/624-1000 and requesting the “Gangs, Drugs & Immigration” conference rate.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Featuring Sgt. Richard Valdemar, Gang Specialist
Sept. 5-7, 2007
Los Angeles, Calif. (Westin Bonaventure)
Law enforcement officers will have the opportunity to learn about the latest technology developments and sophisticated maneuvers being used to fight gangs worldwide at “Gangs, Drugs & Immigration,” a training conference scheduled for Sept. 5-7, 2007, in downtown Los Angeles.
The seminars will be the first of their kind to bring together law enforcement, district attorney’s offices, and citizen groups for training and exchange of information relating to tactics employed against a three-pronged threat to communities.
Specifically designed for sworn officers, training sessions include “African-American Gangs,” “Gangs and Illegal Immigrants,” “Asian Gangs,” and “U.S. Border Patrol.” The event is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification for all courses is pending. Other sponsors are the Association of Deputy District Attorneys and the California District Attorneys Association, which has authorized State Bar of California MCLE credits for the courses.
Sgt. Richard Valdemar, Major Crimes (Ret.), Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, will draw upon his 33 years of frontline experience battling international gang activity, covering West Coast gangs and Mexican drug cartels. Key portions of these sessions will present a history of California prison gangs, a description of how Mexican drug cartels have overtaken city councils, and Sgt. Valdemar’s “Ten Fatal Errors” of anti-gang efforts.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Leroy Baca and Orange County Sheriff Mike Carona will participate and speak in expert forums at the conference. Several law enforcement dignitaries and politicians have been invited to attend various portions of the seminar.
The training conference is being presented by Citizens Protection Alliance, an outreach project dedicated to recognizing the importance of two-way communication between police and communities. Law enforcement officials can register online at www.citizensprotection.org or call 866/602-2677. Special rates for seminar attendees have been arranged at the Westin Bonaventure Los Angeles.
Registration is available at the website or by calling 213/624-1000 and requesting the “Gangs, Drugs & Immigration” conference rate.
Article sponsored by criminal justice online leadership; and, police and military personnel who have authored books.
Law Enforcement Writers
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. The website added three local law enforcement officials to the growing list of 581 police officers who have written books.
Detective Edward Burns (retired) served in the Baltimore Police Department's Drug Control Unit. Edward Burns is a retired 20-year veteran of the Baltimore, Maryland, Police Department, where he specialized in homicide investigation, and worked extensively on inner-city drug gangs. After retiring from the Baltimore Police Department, he began teaching in Baltimore middle and high schools. He has co-authored the book The Corner with David Simon, creator of the television program Homicide, and co-created the television series The Wire with Simon.
According to one review, The Corner, “is a powerful book, a window on aspects of America most people would rather ignore. To their great credit, the authors--David Simon wrote Homicide, the basis for the popular television show; Edward Burns is a former Baltimore police officer, now a public school teacher--refuse to sensationalize their subject or make its people into stereotypes. For a year the two hung out in a West Baltimore neighborhood that was a center of the drug trade. At the center of the narrative is the McCullough family--DeAndre, age 15, and his drug-addicted parents, Gary and Fran. While reading The Corner, there are times when we pity them, times when they make us angry”
Deputy Chief Joseph K. Loughlin of the Portland Police Department (Maine) is the co-author of Finding Amy: A True Story of Murder in Maine. Currently the Deputy Chief in charge of the Bureau of Operations, he is a 25 year veteran of the Portland Police Department.
According to Lloyd Ferriss of Blethen Maine Newspapers, the story is “told with riveting detail and empathy, "Finding Amy" is the true story of an unusual several-month police investigation that brought imprisonment to a psychopath who murdered a lovely young Biddeford woman in 2001. The authors, veteran mystery writer Kate Clark Flora and Capt. Joseph K. Loughlin of the Portland Police Department, combined talents to write this highly compelling insider's view of the hunt that netted Amy St. Laurent's killer.”
Jon F. Skaehill has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and over twelve years of law enforcement experience. Jon Skaehill is a member of the Frisco Police Department. He is an eight-year veteran of his police department's SWAT team. He has drawn from his own tactical experiences and imagination in writing The Lion's Den. He is currently assigned as a patrol sergeant and SWAT team leader. Jon Skaehill is the author of The Lion’s Den.
According to the book description of the Lion’s Den, “Whether it's drug raids, high-risk apprehensions or hostage rescue takedowns, Lieutenant William Peterson and his SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) officers have done it all. In the face of any threat, they're ready to risk their lives to serve and protect. When citizens have a problem, they call the police. When the police have a problem, they call in Peterson and his SWAT team. Peterson loves his assignment as SWAT Commander and is in charge of one of the best tactical units in the country. But, for unknown reasons, his immediate supervisor is determined to see him fail. Peterson soon finds himself under fire from the police department. He is forced to defend his credibility, fight for his career and battle for the every existence of the SWAT team.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 581 police officers (representing 246 police departments) and their 1222 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Detective Edward Burns (retired) served in the Baltimore Police Department's Drug Control Unit. Edward Burns is a retired 20-year veteran of the Baltimore, Maryland, Police Department, where he specialized in homicide investigation, and worked extensively on inner-city drug gangs. After retiring from the Baltimore Police Department, he began teaching in Baltimore middle and high schools. He has co-authored the book The Corner with David Simon, creator of the television program Homicide, and co-created the television series The Wire with Simon.
According to one review, The Corner, “is a powerful book, a window on aspects of America most people would rather ignore. To their great credit, the authors--David Simon wrote Homicide, the basis for the popular television show; Edward Burns is a former Baltimore police officer, now a public school teacher--refuse to sensationalize their subject or make its people into stereotypes. For a year the two hung out in a West Baltimore neighborhood that was a center of the drug trade. At the center of the narrative is the McCullough family--DeAndre, age 15, and his drug-addicted parents, Gary and Fran. While reading The Corner, there are times when we pity them, times when they make us angry”
Deputy Chief Joseph K. Loughlin of the Portland Police Department (Maine) is the co-author of Finding Amy: A True Story of Murder in Maine. Currently the Deputy Chief in charge of the Bureau of Operations, he is a 25 year veteran of the Portland Police Department.
According to Lloyd Ferriss of Blethen Maine Newspapers, the story is “told with riveting detail and empathy, "Finding Amy" is the true story of an unusual several-month police investigation that brought imprisonment to a psychopath who murdered a lovely young Biddeford woman in 2001. The authors, veteran mystery writer Kate Clark Flora and Capt. Joseph K. Loughlin of the Portland Police Department, combined talents to write this highly compelling insider's view of the hunt that netted Amy St. Laurent's killer.”
Jon F. Skaehill has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and over twelve years of law enforcement experience. Jon Skaehill is a member of the Frisco Police Department. He is an eight-year veteran of his police department's SWAT team. He has drawn from his own tactical experiences and imagination in writing The Lion's Den. He is currently assigned as a patrol sergeant and SWAT team leader. Jon Skaehill is the author of The Lion’s Den.
According to the book description of the Lion’s Den, “Whether it's drug raids, high-risk apprehensions or hostage rescue takedowns, Lieutenant William Peterson and his SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) officers have done it all. In the face of any threat, they're ready to risk their lives to serve and protect. When citizens have a problem, they call the police. When the police have a problem, they call in Peterson and his SWAT team. Peterson loves his assignment as SWAT Commander and is in charge of one of the best tactical units in the country. But, for unknown reasons, his immediate supervisor is determined to see him fail. Peterson soon finds himself under fire from the police department. He is forced to defend his credibility, fight for his career and battle for the every existence of the SWAT team.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 581 police officers (representing 246 police departments) and their 1222 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
First two from Idaho
Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. The website added the first two police officers from police departments in the State of Idaho that have written books: Steve Roos and Scott Shaw.
Steve Roos is a captain on the Idaho Falls Police Department (Idaho). He is also the author two novels: Deep Cover and Double Jeopardy. According to the book description of Deep Cover, “When young undercover police officer Jeff Foster takes on a special assignment--that of investigating Dennis Margo, a major drug dealer--he doesn't realize just how far the case will take him. He works his way into the dark world of drugs and violence, becoming the personal bodyguard to a dealer and an eyewitness to cold-blooded murder as he attempts to close in on a dangerous drug lord. Along the way he finds himself confronting some troubling questions: How far should he carry his undercover identity? Is his work compatible with his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? And how much should he reveal to Stephanie Evans, the woman he loves?”
Scott Shaw served 17 years with the Pocatello Police Department (Idaho). He went on to become the chief of police for the Preston Police Department (Idaho). He has two decades experience in criminal profiling and interrogation techniques; he developed the Investigative Protocol for Sex Offence Investigations, currently used by numerous police departments. His tenure as the chief of police, Preston Police Department, ended with his 2005 conviction on two felony counts. He pled guilty to using public money for personal purposes and then lying about it under oath.
Scott Shaw a the co-author of Eye of the Beast: The True Story of Serial Killer James Wood. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “Convicted and sentenced to death in 1993 for the kidnapping and murder of an 11-year-old Idaho girl, James Wood has been credited with at least 85 rapes, 185 robberies and dozens of murders. In this compelling if incomplete report, Birmingham News writer Adams, forensic psychologist Brooks-Mueller and former Pocatello PD investigator Shaw, who spearheaded the investigation, tell Wood's horrific story in straightforward language, evidently understanding that sensationalism would lessen the impact.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 578 police officers (representing 244 police departments) and their 1219 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Steve Roos is a captain on the Idaho Falls Police Department (Idaho). He is also the author two novels: Deep Cover and Double Jeopardy. According to the book description of Deep Cover, “When young undercover police officer Jeff Foster takes on a special assignment--that of investigating Dennis Margo, a major drug dealer--he doesn't realize just how far the case will take him. He works his way into the dark world of drugs and violence, becoming the personal bodyguard to a dealer and an eyewitness to cold-blooded murder as he attempts to close in on a dangerous drug lord. Along the way he finds himself confronting some troubling questions: How far should he carry his undercover identity? Is his work compatible with his membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? And how much should he reveal to Stephanie Evans, the woman he loves?”
Scott Shaw served 17 years with the Pocatello Police Department (Idaho). He went on to become the chief of police for the Preston Police Department (Idaho). He has two decades experience in criminal profiling and interrogation techniques; he developed the Investigative Protocol for Sex Offence Investigations, currently used by numerous police departments. His tenure as the chief of police, Preston Police Department, ended with his 2005 conviction on two felony counts. He pled guilty to using public money for personal purposes and then lying about it under oath.
Scott Shaw a the co-author of Eye of the Beast: The True Story of Serial Killer James Wood. According to Publisher’s Weekly, “Convicted and sentenced to death in 1993 for the kidnapping and murder of an 11-year-old Idaho girl, James Wood has been credited with at least 85 rapes, 185 robberies and dozens of murders. In this compelling if incomplete report, Birmingham News writer Adams, forensic psychologist Brooks-Mueller and former Pocatello PD investigator Shaw, who spearheaded the investigation, tell Wood's horrific story in straightforward language, evidently understanding that sensationalism would lessen the impact.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 578 police officers (representing 244 police departments) and their 1219 books in six categories, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
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