Vernon F. Betkey, Jr. participated in BusinessWeek's "Debate Room" outlining the Association's views on the ALERT Drivers Act of 2009. This bill would require states to enact laws banning texting while driving or lose 25 percent of their federal highway funding. The text of Chairman Betkey's article is at the end of this message.
To view the complete BusinessWeek "Debate Room" forum on this topic, visit http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/.
State cell phone and texting laws as well as an overview of the distracted driving issue can be found online at www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html.
Chairman Betkey's Distracted Driving Forum presentation will be posted at www.ghsa.org/ on Thursday morning.
ALERT Act Needs Revision
By: Vernon F. Betkey, Jr. Chairman, Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). GHSA is the national organization that represents state highway safety agencies. Betkey also heads the Maryland Highway Safety Office where he directs a variety of programs that enhance highway safety. GHSA does not support the current version of the Alert Drivers Act of 2009--legislation that would require states to adopt laws for texting while driving or lose 25 percent of highway funds --as we feel states should be encouraged to pass texting bans with the carrot of financial incentives, not the stick of a sanction. In fact, this is a terrible time to consider reducing highway funding given the economic necessity of these dollars in the states. Additionally, GHSA notes that eighteen states have already passed these bans with the majority of these states having acted in 2009. We expect at least 30-40 states will act in the next two years--all without federal intervention.
There are a number of other things the federal government can do to address texting while driving. These include:
Fund research to develop effective methods for enforcing texting and cell phone bans. While a number of states currently have banned texting, enforcing such bans has proven difficult. Additional study of the effectiveness of state bans is needed.
Fund research to determine the nature and scope of the distracted driving problem. It is very difficult to ascertain the scope of the distracted driving problem given that the public is not likely to readily admit guilt in a crash investigation. Special studies are needed using subpoenaed phone records to determine the involvement of phoning or texting in a crash.
Fund a media campaign to alert the public to the dangers of distracted driving. This effort is needed to help develop a culture that will make the practice socially unacceptable, similar to how drunk driving has come to be perceived with the vast majority of the public.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Discussing Sustainability of Victim Assistance Programs
Today, September 30, 2009, at 2 p.m. (eastern time), the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) will present a Web Forum discussion with Jenifer Markowitz, ND, RN, WHNP–BC, on best practices for sustaining victim assistance programs. Dr. Markowitz manages a project for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center regarding the sustainability of Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner programs, which is funded by the Office on Violence Against Women. In addition, she is the Medical Advisor for AEquitas: The Prosecutor’s Resource on Violence Against Women. As such, she presents on a variety of forensic-related topics, including medical-forensic examinations, strangulation, drug- and alcohol-facilitated sexual assault, and expert witness testimony. She also conducts research; provides expert testimony, case consultation, and technical assistance; and develops training materials, resources, and publications.
Visit the OVC Web Forum now to submit questions for Dr. Markowitz and return at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion. Learn how to participate beforehand so you are ready for the discussion.
More Information
http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/participate.asp
Visit the OVC Web Forum now to submit questions for Dr. Markowitz and return at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion. Learn how to participate beforehand so you are ready for the discussion.
More Information
http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum/asp/participate.asp
Monday, September 28, 2009
Distracted Driving Summit Offers Chance to Address Issue Comprehensively
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) will be among the many organizations represented at this week's Distracted Driving Summit in the nation's capital, September 30 and October 1. GHSA Chairman Vernon F. Betkey, Jr. will be joined by GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha as well as GHSA Members from Georgia, New Jersey, New York and Virginia.
Chairman Betkey will present GHSA's perspective on Thursday, October 1 on a panel entitled "Legislation, Regulation and Enforcement for Dealing with Distracted Driving." According to Betkey, "GHSA is advocating a broad approach to distracted driving. New laws should not be an ending point, but rather a beginning. Effective enforcement strategies need to be developed and shared. We must also educate the public about how to best minimize and manage distractions behind the wheel."
To help educate our most distracted drivers, teens, tomorrow GHSA and Ford Motor Company Fund will host a special Ford Driving Skills for Life event focusing on distractions for a select number of D.C. area high school students. This unique course educates teens about the growing danger of driver distractions. Students will receive hands-on instruction and behind-the-wheel training from some of the nation's top driving instructors.
According to Betkey, "Education plays a key role in minimizing driver distraction, particularly with teen drivers, who constantly use cell phones and other electronic devices. High-tech, interactive programs such as Driving Skills for Life effectively complement state laws and graduated licensing programs and offer highway safety officials a tool to address driver distraction."
State cell phone and texting laws as well as an overview of the distracted driving issue can be found online at www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html. Betkey's Distracted Driving Forum presentation will be posted at www.ghsa.org on Thursday morning.
The Ford Driving Skills for Life event will be held at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 29. Sessions begin at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Contact Wes Sherwood of Ford at 313-390-5660 for more information.
More information about the Distracted Driving Summit is posted online at: www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit.
Chairman Betkey will present GHSA's perspective on Thursday, October 1 on a panel entitled "Legislation, Regulation and Enforcement for Dealing with Distracted Driving." According to Betkey, "GHSA is advocating a broad approach to distracted driving. New laws should not be an ending point, but rather a beginning. Effective enforcement strategies need to be developed and shared. We must also educate the public about how to best minimize and manage distractions behind the wheel."
To help educate our most distracted drivers, teens, tomorrow GHSA and Ford Motor Company Fund will host a special Ford Driving Skills for Life event focusing on distractions for a select number of D.C. area high school students. This unique course educates teens about the growing danger of driver distractions. Students will receive hands-on instruction and behind-the-wheel training from some of the nation's top driving instructors.
According to Betkey, "Education plays a key role in minimizing driver distraction, particularly with teen drivers, who constantly use cell phones and other electronic devices. High-tech, interactive programs such as Driving Skills for Life effectively complement state laws and graduated licensing programs and offer highway safety officials a tool to address driver distraction."
State cell phone and texting laws as well as an overview of the distracted driving issue can be found online at www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html. Betkey's Distracted Driving Forum presentation will be posted at www.ghsa.org on Thursday morning.
The Ford Driving Skills for Life event will be held at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, September 29. Sessions begin at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Contact Wes Sherwood of Ford at 313-390-5660 for more information.
More information about the Distracted Driving Summit is posted online at: www.rita.dot.gov/distracted_driving_summit.
Friday, September 25, 2009
A PROBLEMATIC NEW POLICY ON STATE SECRETS
The Department of Justice yesterday released its long-awaited new policy on the state secrets privilege, which the government uses in litigation to withhold evidence when it believes that disclosure would harm national security. The new policy, presented in a memorandum from the Attorney General, includes procedural and substantive changes to current practice. But it reserves decisions over the exercise of the privilege to the executive branch, and it appears to have garbled its treatment of judicial review.
See "Policies and Procedures Governing Invocation of the State Secrets Privilege," memorandum from the Attorney General, September 23:
http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2009/09/ag092309.pdf
The new policy specifies that the use of the state secrets privilege must be supported by an evidentiary record that justifies its use and demonstrates that it is necessary in order to avoid "significant harm" to the national security. A recommendation to invoke the privilege must be reviewed by senior Justice Department officials, and approved by the Attorney General. The policy also provides for Inspector General review of claims of government wrongdoing when adjudication of those claims is prevented by the privilege.
Collectively, these measures "will provide greater accountability and ensure the state secrets privilege is invoked only when necessary and in the narrowest way possible," said Attorney General Eric Holder.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new policy, which will take effect on October 1, would preserve executive branch discretion over the use of the state secrets privilege.
More surprisingly, the policy seems to have fumbled the question of judicial review. A Justice Department news release about the Attorney General's memorandum declared promisingly that "in order to facilitate meaningful judicial scrutiny of the privilege assertions, the Department will submit evidence [justifying the privilege] to the court for review."
http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2009/09/doj092309.html
But strangely, the memorandum itself says no such thing (as noted by Bill Leonard). Questioned about the discrepancy, a Justice Department official said yesterday that the intent to submit the evidentiary record to the court for review, though left unstated by the Attorney General, was "a necessary inference" and he said that it would be done "in every case."
Maybe so.
Internal executive branch procedures to limit official secrecy are not inherently futile or self-serving. The Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel, an executive branch body which reviews appeals of mandatory declassification review requests that were denied, has actually been more effective than any court in combating overclassification. To the surprise of everyone involved, it has overturned the classification of information in a majority of the cases presented to it since 1996.
More often, however, independent review from outside the executive branch plays an essential role in identifying and reconciling competing interests in secrecy and disclosure.
In a practice that is closely analogous to the new state secrets policy, the Justice Department is supposed to conduct its own evaluation of agency denials of Freedom of Information Act requests and to defend agencies in court only when the denied information is clearly exempt from disclosure under FOIA. If such evaluations were reliably performed, and if only proper agency denials of FOIA requests were ever defended, then the government should never lose a FOIA case. Yet we know that that is not what happens. Courts rule against the government in FOIA cases with some regularity, despite the fact that the Justice Department says it only supports cases where the government position is the legally "correct"
one.
In the same way, and for the same reason, the executive branch cannot reasonably be expected to serve as the sole and final arbiter of the proper use of the state secrets privilege.
"While I am pleased that the Obama administration recognizes that the Bush approach was a mistake, its new policy is disappointing because it still amounts to an approach of 'just trust us'," said Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) "Independent court review of the government's use of the state secrets privilege is essential. I urge the administration to work with Congress to develop legislation that sets reasonable limits on the privilege and will not be subject to change under each successive president."
http://feingold.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=318158
See "Policies and Procedures Governing Invocation of the State Secrets Privilege," memorandum from the Attorney General, September 23:
http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2009/09/ag092309.pdf
The new policy specifies that the use of the state secrets privilege must be supported by an evidentiary record that justifies its use and demonstrates that it is necessary in order to avoid "significant harm" to the national security. A recommendation to invoke the privilege must be reviewed by senior Justice Department officials, and approved by the Attorney General. The policy also provides for Inspector General review of claims of government wrongdoing when adjudication of those claims is prevented by the privilege.
Collectively, these measures "will provide greater accountability and ensure the state secrets privilege is invoked only when necessary and in the narrowest way possible," said Attorney General Eric Holder.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the new policy, which will take effect on October 1, would preserve executive branch discretion over the use of the state secrets privilege.
More surprisingly, the policy seems to have fumbled the question of judicial review. A Justice Department news release about the Attorney General's memorandum declared promisingly that "in order to facilitate meaningful judicial scrutiny of the privilege assertions, the Department will submit evidence [justifying the privilege] to the court for review."
http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2009/09/doj092309.html
But strangely, the memorandum itself says no such thing (as noted by Bill Leonard). Questioned about the discrepancy, a Justice Department official said yesterday that the intent to submit the evidentiary record to the court for review, though left unstated by the Attorney General, was "a necessary inference" and he said that it would be done "in every case."
Maybe so.
Internal executive branch procedures to limit official secrecy are not inherently futile or self-serving. The Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel, an executive branch body which reviews appeals of mandatory declassification review requests that were denied, has actually been more effective than any court in combating overclassification. To the surprise of everyone involved, it has overturned the classification of information in a majority of the cases presented to it since 1996.
More often, however, independent review from outside the executive branch plays an essential role in identifying and reconciling competing interests in secrecy and disclosure.
In a practice that is closely analogous to the new state secrets policy, the Justice Department is supposed to conduct its own evaluation of agency denials of Freedom of Information Act requests and to defend agencies in court only when the denied information is clearly exempt from disclosure under FOIA. If such evaluations were reliably performed, and if only proper agency denials of FOIA requests were ever defended, then the government should never lose a FOIA case. Yet we know that that is not what happens. Courts rule against the government in FOIA cases with some regularity, despite the fact that the Justice Department says it only supports cases where the government position is the legally "correct"
one.
In the same way, and for the same reason, the executive branch cannot reasonably be expected to serve as the sole and final arbiter of the proper use of the state secrets privilege.
"While I am pleased that the Obama administration recognizes that the Bush approach was a mistake, its new policy is disappointing because it still amounts to an approach of 'just trust us'," said Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) "Independent court review of the government's use of the state secrets privilege is essential. I urge the administration to work with Congress to develop legislation that sets reasonable limits on the privilege and will not be subject to change under each successive president."
http://feingold.senate.gov/record.cfm?id=318158
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
GHSA Produces Multicultural Guide for Safety Highway Safety Offices Publication Funded by State Farm Will Assist States in Reaching Diverse Communitie
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) has announced the availability of a new publication, "Closing the Circle: A Multicultural Primer for State Highway Safety Offices." The resource was developed by GHSA with a grant from State Farm. The report is very timely as the nation is quickly becoming more diverse. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Department, multicultural groups that now represent about one third of the population are expected to become the majority in 2042 and grow to 56 percent of the population in 2050.
The new tool outlines various guidelines that will help State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) in their outreach to multicultural groups both at the state and local level. The publication is intended to help highway safety practitioners identify ways to understand the cultural and language barriers that exist with multicultural groups and facilitate the developments of effective traffic safety messages and programs. The publication details successful examples of states working with diverse partners to implement effective traffic safety programs. Additionally, a variety of tools and resources are documented to assist SHSOs.
The fifty-page publication was developed by Elizabeth Vermette of the Vermette Group and GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha with the assistance and expertise of an Advisory Committee.
Advisory Committee Members:
Pamela Alexander, Ford Motor Company Fund
Christine Burkett, Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau
Irwin Goldzweig, Meharry Medical College
Richard Fimbres, Arizona Governor's Highway Safety Office
Joy Hungate, The Century Council
Leslie Moe-Kaiser, State Farm Insurance Companies
Vicki P. Knox, MADD
Marianne Trussell, Florida Department of Transportation
The new tool outlines various guidelines that will help State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) in their outreach to multicultural groups both at the state and local level. The publication is intended to help highway safety practitioners identify ways to understand the cultural and language barriers that exist with multicultural groups and facilitate the developments of effective traffic safety messages and programs. The publication details successful examples of states working with diverse partners to implement effective traffic safety programs. Additionally, a variety of tools and resources are documented to assist SHSOs.
The fifty-page publication was developed by Elizabeth Vermette of the Vermette Group and GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha with the assistance and expertise of an Advisory Committee.
Advisory Committee Members:
Pamela Alexander, Ford Motor Company Fund
Christine Burkett, Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau
Irwin Goldzweig, Meharry Medical College
Richard Fimbres, Arizona Governor's Highway Safety Office
Joy Hungate, The Century Council
Leslie Moe-Kaiser, State Farm Insurance Companies
Vicki P. Knox, MADD
Marianne Trussell, Florida Department of Transportation
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Reducing Disproportionate Minority Contact: Preparation at the Local Level
Describes strategies that States and communities can use to reduce disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system. This bulletin is a companion to the latest edition of OJJDP's Disproportionate Minority Contact Technical Assistance Manual. It includes useful "how to" information drawn from the manual and presents important background on the context in which local preparation takes place—media coverage and public attitudes about crime, race, and youth.
MORE INFORMATION
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=240604
MORE INFORMATION
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.gov/publications/PubAbstract.asp?pubi=240604
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Redemption in an Era of Widespread Criminal Background Checks
By Alfred Blumstein and Kiminori Nakamura
One of the stated goals in President Barack Obama’s crime and law enforcement agenda is to break down employment barriers for people who have a prior criminal record, but who have stayed clean of further involvement with the criminal justice system. To understand how many people are affected by some of these barriers, we only need look at the widespread computerization of criminal history records in the United States
READ ON
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/226872.pdf
One of the stated goals in President Barack Obama’s crime and law enforcement agenda is to break down employment barriers for people who have a prior criminal record, but who have stayed clean of further involvement with the criminal justice system. To understand how many people are affected by some of these barriers, we only need look at the widespread computerization of criminal history records in the United States
READ ON
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/226872.pdf
Expanding Police Ability to Report Crime: The National Incident-Based Reporting System
By David Hirschel, Ph.D.
The Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) is the FBI’s widely used system for recording crimes and making policy decisions. It has tracked data on seven crimes since 1930: murder, robbery, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and vehicle theft. In 1979, the UCR started reporting on arson. Today, nearly 17,000 law enforcement agencies report UCR data to the FBI. UCR data have several limitations that make them unsuitable for analyzing local crime.
READ ON
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/225459.pdf
The Uniform Crime Reports (UCR) is the FBI’s widely used system for recording crimes and making policy decisions. It has tracked data on seven crimes since 1930: murder, robbery, rape, aggravated assault, burglary, theft and vehicle theft. In 1979, the UCR started reporting on arson. Today, nearly 17,000 law enforcement agencies report UCR data to the FBI. UCR data have several limitations that make them unsuitable for analyzing local crime.
READ ON
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/225459.pdf
Saturday, September 19, 2009
PI Community Observes National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
API Community Leaders and Organizations Join Campaign & Call Attention to the Effects of Domestic Violence on Youth
San Gabriel, CA – To mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Domestic Violence Task Force announces its fifth annual training event to call attention to the issues of domestic violence in the API community with special emphasis on the effects of domestic violence on youth. The training will be held on October 1st, at the Asian Youth Center, 100 W. Clary Avenue, San Gabriel, CA, beginning with a Press Conference at 9:30 am.
“There is no other crime that impacts society on so large a scale and so thoroughly devastates families as does domestic violence in all its forms. People hear ‘domestic violence’ and they think, ‘it’s between two adults,’ but it is not,” said Maria Foster, Chair of the API DV Task Force. “The courts are heavily burdened with aggressors who inflict pain and injury on their intimate partners. Thousands of homicides are committed every year leaving orphaned children in the care of family members or as wards of the State. Tens of thousands of teens run away every year to get away from the violence in their homes putting themselves at risk of being exploited, of criminal attack and even of death by exposure to the elements. Children are abusing alcohol and drugs in an effort to numb the pain of what they witness in what is supposed to be the safety of their home.”
The API DV Task Force, in conjunction with local government officials, community and social agencies, law enforcement and private citizens, are committed to eliminating domestic violence and reaching out to victims of domestic violence.
Maria Foster adds, “Domestic violence is a learned behavior. We see it cross from generation to generation. With education, support, and resources, we can increase awareness and safety for thousands of persons today, and at the same time and make better lives for families tomorrow.”
The API DV Task Force is supported by Assemblymember Mike Eng, San Gabriel City Mayor Juli Constanzo, Soroptimist International of Monterey Park/Rosemead, the Asian Youth Center, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, Asian Pacific Family Center of Pacific Clinics, the Asian Pacific Women’s Center, Chinatown Services Center Los Angeles, A Window Between Worlds, Center for Pacific Asian Families, Peace Over Violence, and the South Asian Network.
More information and registration
www.apidvtf.org
San Gabriel, CA – To mark National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Asian and Pacific Islander (API) Domestic Violence Task Force announces its fifth annual training event to call attention to the issues of domestic violence in the API community with special emphasis on the effects of domestic violence on youth. The training will be held on October 1st, at the Asian Youth Center, 100 W. Clary Avenue, San Gabriel, CA, beginning with a Press Conference at 9:30 am.
“There is no other crime that impacts society on so large a scale and so thoroughly devastates families as does domestic violence in all its forms. People hear ‘domestic violence’ and they think, ‘it’s between two adults,’ but it is not,” said Maria Foster, Chair of the API DV Task Force. “The courts are heavily burdened with aggressors who inflict pain and injury on their intimate partners. Thousands of homicides are committed every year leaving orphaned children in the care of family members or as wards of the State. Tens of thousands of teens run away every year to get away from the violence in their homes putting themselves at risk of being exploited, of criminal attack and even of death by exposure to the elements. Children are abusing alcohol and drugs in an effort to numb the pain of what they witness in what is supposed to be the safety of their home.”
The API DV Task Force, in conjunction with local government officials, community and social agencies, law enforcement and private citizens, are committed to eliminating domestic violence and reaching out to victims of domestic violence.
Maria Foster adds, “Domestic violence is a learned behavior. We see it cross from generation to generation. With education, support, and resources, we can increase awareness and safety for thousands of persons today, and at the same time and make better lives for families tomorrow.”
The API DV Task Force is supported by Assemblymember Mike Eng, San Gabriel City Mayor Juli Constanzo, Soroptimist International of Monterey Park/Rosemead, the Asian Youth Center, Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County, Asian Pacific Family Center of Pacific Clinics, the Asian Pacific Women’s Center, Chinatown Services Center Los Angeles, A Window Between Worlds, Center for Pacific Asian Families, Peace Over Violence, and the South Asian Network.
More information and registration
www.apidvtf.org
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
NIJ to Host Four Standards-Related Workshops for Manufacturers
On Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009, during the 116th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference and Exposition in Denver, Colo., the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) will host four standards-related workshops for manufacturers. These workshops will provide the opportunity for NIJ to introduce manufacturers to new standards under development and receive their feedback. Participants are strongly encouraged to come prepared to ask questions and to voice suggestions and concerns. Space is limited.
For information on how to register, follow the workshop-related links below:
· NIJ Law Enforcement Duty Holster Retention Standard Workshop
· NIJ Restraints Standard Workshop
· NIJ Vehicular Digital Multimedia Evidence Recording System Standard Workshop
· NIJ Metal Detector Standards Workshop
For information on how to register, follow the workshop-related links below:
· NIJ Law Enforcement Duty Holster Retention Standard Workshop
· NIJ Restraints Standard Workshop
· NIJ Vehicular Digital Multimedia Evidence Recording System Standard Workshop
· NIJ Metal Detector Standards Workshop
Monday, September 14, 2009
DoD Announces New Information-Sharing Access to Help Fusion Centers Combat Terrorism
The Departments of Defense (DoD) and Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an initiative to grant select state and major urban area fusion center personnel access to classified terrorism-related information residing in DoD's classified network.
Under this initiative, select fusion center personnel with a federal security clearance will be able to access specific terrorism-related information resident on the DoD Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet)—a secure network used to send classified data. This classified data will be accessed via DHS' Homeland Security Data Network (HSDN). DHS will be responsible for ensuring that proper security procedures are followed.
"With this action, DoD continues its work in supporting states and localities who are leading our efforts to secure the nation from domestic terrorism attacks, said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs Paul N. Stockton. "We look forward to exploring other opportunities where DoD can help our state and local partners effectively defeat terrorism."
"This initiative reflects the federal government's strong commitment to improve information sharing with our state, local, and tribal partners," said DHS Acting Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Bart R. Johnson. "Fusion centers are a critical part of our national security enterprise, and this new tool enables federal agencies to share information with these partners while utilizing our advanced technical capabilities for secure information sharing."
This joint initiative will promote collaboration between DHS, DoD and other federal departments and agencies, enabling the trusted and secure exchange of terrorism-related information in order to detect, deter, prevent and respond to homeland security threats.
State and major urban area fusion centers provide critical links for information sharing between and across all levels of government, and help fulfill key recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. This initiative will serve as a valuable resource to enhance situational awaeness and support more timely and complete analysis of national security threats.
Increasing the breadth of law enforcement that have access to terrorism-related data will further improve the ability of fusion centers to prevent, detect, deter, and respond to terrorist attacks, and advance the combined missions of DHS and DoD to protect the nation's security.
DHS and DoD remain committed to protecting privacy and civil liberties as well as data and networks in an increasingly vulnerable cyber environment.
Under this initiative, select fusion center personnel with a federal security clearance will be able to access specific terrorism-related information resident on the DoD Secret Internet Protocol Router Network (SIPRNet)—a secure network used to send classified data. This classified data will be accessed via DHS' Homeland Security Data Network (HSDN). DHS will be responsible for ensuring that proper security procedures are followed.
"With this action, DoD continues its work in supporting states and localities who are leading our efforts to secure the nation from domestic terrorism attacks, said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs Paul N. Stockton. "We look forward to exploring other opportunities where DoD can help our state and local partners effectively defeat terrorism."
"This initiative reflects the federal government's strong commitment to improve information sharing with our state, local, and tribal partners," said DHS Acting Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Bart R. Johnson. "Fusion centers are a critical part of our national security enterprise, and this new tool enables federal agencies to share information with these partners while utilizing our advanced technical capabilities for secure information sharing."
This joint initiative will promote collaboration between DHS, DoD and other federal departments and agencies, enabling the trusted and secure exchange of terrorism-related information in order to detect, deter, prevent and respond to homeland security threats.
State and major urban area fusion centers provide critical links for information sharing between and across all levels of government, and help fulfill key recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. This initiative will serve as a valuable resource to enhance situational awaeness and support more timely and complete analysis of national security threats.
Increasing the breadth of law enforcement that have access to terrorism-related data will further improve the ability of fusion centers to prevent, detect, deter, and respond to terrorist attacks, and advance the combined missions of DHS and DoD to protect the nation's security.
DHS and DoD remain committed to protecting privacy and civil liberties as well as data and networks in an increasingly vulnerable cyber environment.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
One Week in Heron City
One Week in Heron City follows Chief Laura Harrison through her first week on the job in this fictional city of 400,000. We invite you to eavesdrop and see how law enforcement agencies might eliminate pre-established mentalities and see problems in a new light.
This case study is presented in three parts:
The mayor briefs Chief Harrison on critical problems. She meets with the heads of her Compstat and community and intelligence-led policing units as well as the head of the IT division. She also meets a young IT analyst, Nigel Jewett, who has some interesting proposals for analyzing data collected by the department.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/227664.pdf
In the second half of her first week, Chief Harrison has a contentious meeting with the head of evidence-based policing and talks in detail with Nigel about his take on how to approach problems.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/227665.pdf
Teaching Notes designed to provoke conversation on several major issues faced by Chief Harrison.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/227666.pdf
This case study is presented in three parts:
The mayor briefs Chief Harrison on critical problems. She meets with the heads of her Compstat and community and intelligence-led policing units as well as the head of the IT division. She also meets a young IT analyst, Nigel Jewett, who has some interesting proposals for analyzing data collected by the department.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/227664.pdf
In the second half of her first week, Chief Harrison has a contentious meeting with the head of evidence-based policing and talks in detail with Nigel about his take on how to approach problems.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/227665.pdf
Teaching Notes designed to provoke conversation on several major issues faced by Chief Harrison.
http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/227666.pdf
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Emergency Service and Leadership for Criminal Justice Professionals
UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES TWO PROGRAMS: THE BS IN EMERGENCY SERVICES MANAGEMENT AND THE BS IN LEADERSHIP
Both are consistent with the university’s mission to foster creative leadership through socially relevant degree programs
Union Institute & University (UI&U), a private, non-profit university headquartered in Cincinnati with centers in Sacramento and Los Angeles, Miami, and Montpelier and Brattleboro, VT, today announced the launch of two programs: the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management (ESM), and Bachelor of Science in Leadership. The two new degree options reinforce the university’s commitment to provide timely, relevant degree options to adult learners.
BS in Emergency Services Management
The new ESM major is ideal for both those already in a career related to emergency services or disaster response, and those seeking to join a rapidly growing field.
Jobs in emergency services have grown since the September 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. According the recent careerbuilder.com article, “Seven emerging jobs poised for growth,” jobs in emergency services are estimated to grow by 7-13 percent in the upcoming years. “Our world is changing and, despite the economic outlook, the field of emergency service continues to grow,” said Dr. James Rocheleau, dean of UI&U’s California centers.
UI&U’s emergency services management program prepares graduates for careers in emergency services industries where a high level of understanding in organizational dynamics and interpersonal skills are required. Graduates of the program will be able to solve administrative problems, fine-tune strategic plans, enhance human resource potential, increase productivity, and address internal organizational issues. “We are essentially preparing learners for leadership roles within the field of emergency service,” said Dr. Rocheleau.
Learners in the ESM program have several degree completion options. They can attend on-ground classes that meet face-to-face five times in an eight-week session or select a distance learning option and earn eight credits in eight weeks. Learners may also be able to transfer credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities and request credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom through work or professional experience. Law enforcement officers and firefighters may be able to apply credits earned in their training towards their ESM degree requirements.
BS in Leadership
Union’s new Bachelor of Science in Leadership program is tailored toward the learner’s chosen career path.
Dr. Carolyn Turner, dean of Undergraduate Studies at the Cincinnati Center, is serving as the program’s chair. “Learners will work with faculty who will help them design and follow a degree plan that suits their chosen profession. It is an ideal program for those in business, the arts, information technology, health professions, culinary studies, and in non-profit management,” said Dr. Turner. “The leadership major is really for anyone who wants to make lasting change in their professions. Learners will learn how to articulate a perspective on power in the world and forge their own place in the global community,” said Dr. Turner.
Learners will apply, analyze, and evaluate a variety of concepts and theories of leadership to their own professional practice experiences; discuss and evaluate effective management and leadership behaviors and their implications in professional practice; and describe the connections between ethics and leadership. In addition, they will learn to apply ethical principles to issues in their chosen practice; deepen understanding of the complexity of leadership and how to enhance their capacity to be effective leaders in their chosen field; and identify, assess, lead, and manage change in the professional environment.
For more information on the new Emergency Services Management program contact Fatemeh Fazely, faculty advisor, at fatemeh.fazely@myunion.edu or 800-486-3116, ext. 1511. For more information on the BS in Leadership program, contact Victor Gray, BS enrollment counselor at 800.486.3116, ext 1241 or victor.gray@myunion.edu.
Union Institute & University is a private, accredited university that has, since 1964, redefined higher education by placing learners at the center of their own education. Union serves more than 2000, self-motivated, socially conscious adults in rigorous faculty- mentored programs without interrupting professional, family, and community commitments. UI&U offers individualized programs of study leading to the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition to its distance learning programs, academic centers are located in Cincinnati (OH), Los Angeles and Sacramento (CA), Miami (FL), and in Montpelier and Brattleboro (VT).
Both are consistent with the university’s mission to foster creative leadership through socially relevant degree programs
Union Institute & University (UI&U), a private, non-profit university headquartered in Cincinnati with centers in Sacramento and Los Angeles, Miami, and Montpelier and Brattleboro, VT, today announced the launch of two programs: the Bachelor of Science in Emergency Services Management (ESM), and Bachelor of Science in Leadership. The two new degree options reinforce the university’s commitment to provide timely, relevant degree options to adult learners.
BS in Emergency Services Management
The new ESM major is ideal for both those already in a career related to emergency services or disaster response, and those seeking to join a rapidly growing field.
Jobs in emergency services have grown since the September 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. According the recent careerbuilder.com article, “Seven emerging jobs poised for growth,” jobs in emergency services are estimated to grow by 7-13 percent in the upcoming years. “Our world is changing and, despite the economic outlook, the field of emergency service continues to grow,” said Dr. James Rocheleau, dean of UI&U’s California centers.
UI&U’s emergency services management program prepares graduates for careers in emergency services industries where a high level of understanding in organizational dynamics and interpersonal skills are required. Graduates of the program will be able to solve administrative problems, fine-tune strategic plans, enhance human resource potential, increase productivity, and address internal organizational issues. “We are essentially preparing learners for leadership roles within the field of emergency service,” said Dr. Rocheleau.
Learners in the ESM program have several degree completion options. They can attend on-ground classes that meet face-to-face five times in an eight-week session or select a distance learning option and earn eight credits in eight weeks. Learners may also be able to transfer credits from other regionally accredited colleges and universities and request credit for knowledge gained outside the classroom through work or professional experience. Law enforcement officers and firefighters may be able to apply credits earned in their training towards their ESM degree requirements.
BS in Leadership
Union’s new Bachelor of Science in Leadership program is tailored toward the learner’s chosen career path.
Dr. Carolyn Turner, dean of Undergraduate Studies at the Cincinnati Center, is serving as the program’s chair. “Learners will work with faculty who will help them design and follow a degree plan that suits their chosen profession. It is an ideal program for those in business, the arts, information technology, health professions, culinary studies, and in non-profit management,” said Dr. Turner. “The leadership major is really for anyone who wants to make lasting change in their professions. Learners will learn how to articulate a perspective on power in the world and forge their own place in the global community,” said Dr. Turner.
Learners will apply, analyze, and evaluate a variety of concepts and theories of leadership to their own professional practice experiences; discuss and evaluate effective management and leadership behaviors and their implications in professional practice; and describe the connections between ethics and leadership. In addition, they will learn to apply ethical principles to issues in their chosen practice; deepen understanding of the complexity of leadership and how to enhance their capacity to be effective leaders in their chosen field; and identify, assess, lead, and manage change in the professional environment.
For more information on the new Emergency Services Management program contact Fatemeh Fazely, faculty advisor, at fatemeh.fazely@myunion.edu or 800-486-3116, ext. 1511. For more information on the BS in Leadership program, contact Victor Gray, BS enrollment counselor at 800.486.3116, ext 1241 or victor.gray@myunion.edu.
Union Institute & University is a private, accredited university that has, since 1964, redefined higher education by placing learners at the center of their own education. Union serves more than 2000, self-motivated, socially conscious adults in rigorous faculty- mentored programs without interrupting professional, family, and community commitments. UI&U offers individualized programs of study leading to the baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. In addition to its distance learning programs, academic centers are located in Cincinnati (OH), Los Angeles and Sacramento (CA), Miami (FL), and in Montpelier and Brattleboro (VT).
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Treasury Designates Companies and Individuals Tied to Productos
Farmaceuticos Collins
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today named two Mexico-based companies and six individuals as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers for their ties to Productos Farmaceuticos Collins (Collins), a pharmaceutical company in Jalisco, Mexico designated by OFAC in 2008. Pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act), today's designation freezes any assets the eight designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions with these individuals and entities.
Today's action targets Collins executives and family members of Collins owner Telesforo Baltazar Tirado Escamilla for assisting the company in attempting to evade sanctions. Collins officers Felipe de Jesus Espinosa de los Monteros Rico and Aurora Brambila Martinez and companies Insumos Ecologicos de Oriente and Alimentos Selectos San Francisco have actively assisted Collins in attempting to evade sanctions. Additionally, Maria Teresa Diaz Castro, Baltazar Tirado Diaz, Maria Teresa Tirado Diaz, and Liliana Guadalupe Tirado Diaz serve as key front individuals for Collins and its owner, Telesforo Baltazar Tirado Escamilla.
"Our message to the Amezcua Contreras Organization and other Mexican drug cartels is clear," said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin. "Your money is not safe, and those who help to conceal it will pay a heavy price."
On October 2, 2008, OFAC designated Collins as part of a pseudoephedrine diversion network that supports the Amezcua Contreras Organization, an organization identified by the President on June 1, 2006 as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act. The Amezcua Contreras Organization uses the diverted pseudoephedrine as a precursor for methamphetamine production.
Today's designation, supported by the Mexico offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, is part of ongoing efforts under the Kingpin Act to apply financial measures against significant foreign narcotics traffickers worldwide. Internationally, more than 500 businesses and individuals associated with 82 drug kingpins have been designated pursuant to the Kingpin Act since June 2000.
Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act range from civil penalties of up to $1.075 million per violation to more severe criminal penalties. Criminal penalties for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $5 million. Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10 million. Other individuals face up to 10 years in prison and fines pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) today named two Mexico-based companies and six individuals as Specially Designated Narcotics Traffickers for their ties to Productos Farmaceuticos Collins (Collins), a pharmaceutical company in Jalisco, Mexico designated by OFAC in 2008. Pursuant to the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act), today's designation freezes any assets the eight designees may have under U.S. jurisdiction and prohibits U.S. persons from conducting financial or commercial transactions with these individuals and entities.
Today's action targets Collins executives and family members of Collins owner Telesforo Baltazar Tirado Escamilla for assisting the company in attempting to evade sanctions. Collins officers Felipe de Jesus Espinosa de los Monteros Rico and Aurora Brambila Martinez and companies Insumos Ecologicos de Oriente and Alimentos Selectos San Francisco have actively assisted Collins in attempting to evade sanctions. Additionally, Maria Teresa Diaz Castro, Baltazar Tirado Diaz, Maria Teresa Tirado Diaz, and Liliana Guadalupe Tirado Diaz serve as key front individuals for Collins and its owner, Telesforo Baltazar Tirado Escamilla.
"Our message to the Amezcua Contreras Organization and other Mexican drug cartels is clear," said OFAC Director Adam J. Szubin. "Your money is not safe, and those who help to conceal it will pay a heavy price."
On October 2, 2008, OFAC designated Collins as part of a pseudoephedrine diversion network that supports the Amezcua Contreras Organization, an organization identified by the President on June 1, 2006 as a significant foreign narcotics trafficker pursuant to the Kingpin Act. The Amezcua Contreras Organization uses the diverted pseudoephedrine as a precursor for methamphetamine production.
Today's designation, supported by the Mexico offices of the Drug Enforcement Administration, is part of ongoing efforts under the Kingpin Act to apply financial measures against significant foreign narcotics traffickers worldwide. Internationally, more than 500 businesses and individuals associated with 82 drug kingpins have been designated pursuant to the Kingpin Act since June 2000.
Penalties for violations of the Kingpin Act range from civil penalties of up to $1.075 million per violation to more severe criminal penalties. Criminal penalties for corporate officers may include up to 30 years in prison and fines up to $5 million. Criminal fines for corporations may reach $10 million. Other individuals face up to 10 years in prison and fines pursuant to Title 18 of the United States Code for criminal violations of the Kingpin Act.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
NIJ Law Enforcement Technology Institute Fall 2009, Nov. 1-6, 2009, Annapolis, Maryland
Description:
Apply by Sept. 18, 2009 to attend the next Technology Institute for Law Enforcement.
The National Institute of Justice holds technology institutes for law enforcement officers to learn about and discuss technology initiatives and issues affecting the law enforcement community.
During the weeklong institute, attendees receive and exchange information about existing and developing technologies, problem-solving relating to technology implementation and technology lessons learned. Attendees also participate in briefings and demonstrations in the Annapolis, Md., area, which will include speakers from NIJ, the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center system and local law enforcement agencies.
The goal of the institute is to provide:
Participants with the opportunity to learn about new and emerging technologies applicable to law enforcement
Participants with the opportunity to meet and interact with other law enforcement professionals.
NIJ with the opportunity to improve and build on its technology development programs based on participant experience and comments.
Cost and Attendance
There is no registration cost and all travel, food and lodging expenses are paid.
Attendance is limited to 25 full-time career state and local law enforcement officers who are actively involved in technology-related law enforcement issues within their agencies. The applicants should be senior staff with responsibility for making technology decisions and ensuring the implementation of selected technologies.
An agency may only submit one application for consideration. Alumnifrom previous institutes will not be considered. The application must be completely filled out for the applicant to be considered. All travel, lodging and meal expenses for participants are paid by NIJ.
Selected applicants will be required to present a 10- to 15-minute presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint format) addressing some technology challenge that their agency has solved or a technology challenge their agency currently faces.
Registration
The deadline for submitting an application is Sept. 18, 2009. The application is available online at: https://www.justnet.org/event/asp/register.asp?FormMode=AddNew.
Applications not received by COB Sept. 18, 2009, will not be considered.
Contact Information
For additional information about the Technology Institute for Law Enforcement please contact:
Bruce Blair
Outreach and Technical Services Coordinator
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center
Office: (301) 519-5758
Fax: (301) 519-5149
E-mail: bblair@nlectc.org
For additional details go to:
http://ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/training/law-enforcement-institute.htm
Apply by Sept. 18, 2009 to attend the next Technology Institute for Law Enforcement.
The National Institute of Justice holds technology institutes for law enforcement officers to learn about and discuss technology initiatives and issues affecting the law enforcement community.
During the weeklong institute, attendees receive and exchange information about existing and developing technologies, problem-solving relating to technology implementation and technology lessons learned. Attendees also participate in briefings and demonstrations in the Annapolis, Md., area, which will include speakers from NIJ, the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center system and local law enforcement agencies.
The goal of the institute is to provide:
Participants with the opportunity to learn about new and emerging technologies applicable to law enforcement
Participants with the opportunity to meet and interact with other law enforcement professionals.
NIJ with the opportunity to improve and build on its technology development programs based on participant experience and comments.
Cost and Attendance
There is no registration cost and all travel, food and lodging expenses are paid.
Attendance is limited to 25 full-time career state and local law enforcement officers who are actively involved in technology-related law enforcement issues within their agencies. The applicants should be senior staff with responsibility for making technology decisions and ensuring the implementation of selected technologies.
An agency may only submit one application for consideration. Alumnifrom previous institutes will not be considered. The application must be completely filled out for the applicant to be considered. All travel, lodging and meal expenses for participants are paid by NIJ.
Selected applicants will be required to present a 10- to 15-minute presentation (Microsoft PowerPoint format) addressing some technology challenge that their agency has solved or a technology challenge their agency currently faces.
Registration
The deadline for submitting an application is Sept. 18, 2009. The application is available online at: https://www.justnet.org/event/asp/register.asp?FormMode=AddNew.
Applications not received by COB Sept. 18, 2009, will not be considered.
Contact Information
For additional information about the Technology Institute for Law Enforcement please contact:
Bruce Blair
Outreach and Technical Services Coordinator
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center
Office: (301) 519-5758
Fax: (301) 519-5149
E-mail: bblair@nlectc.org
For additional details go to:
http://ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/training/law-enforcement-institute.htm
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Making Money with a Computer Virus
Running a large number of websites and a small office network has certainly given me a lot of experience in being exposed to the dangers of Viruses, Trojans and other MalWare. Also, having taught an introductory course in computer crime and written a book on technology - well, I have at least a pretty good idea about the dangers of the Internet. But, I didn’t think I would ever fall into a way to make money with computer viruses.
It started over a year ago. The first indication was the network slowing - then, several of the more popular websites were hacked. How a keylogger program became installed - well, I have my suspicions. I did some research and found an online computer repair company. Rather than take all the computers in or call a technician to the office, I figured I’d roll the dice.
I was very pleased an hour later. Remotely, the company found, killed and then restored - for a single - very reasonable price - my computer. Heck, I signed up with for year which included tuning and optimizing all computers. For the next year, every once a while, we went online and the company remotely scanned and optimized.
The year was great - but, not having had any recurrences, I let the contract lapse. Six months later, I did it this time. In an effort to improve broadcast sound quality - I did something stupid. I disable the firewall and virus protection. Really, it should have been okay. I had I remembered to re-activate the programs. The next day - we were slammed.
My fault. I contacted the remote technicians. This time - same great service, but the Trojan had burrowed deep into a single machine. It took longer - but they were able to restore everything. I was so pleased, I told the technician via chat that I would be blogging about my satisfaction; and, link to them. This honest guy says, “You ought to just become an affiliate.”
That was an easy decision. Over the last 18 months I have referred dozens of people to them - each one was as satisfied as I was. I never imagined I could become an affiliate. Because of my websites, I am an affiliate with several companies. None was this easy - nor, do I have such a personal connection. I signed up, they created a page - at no cost to me. I then registered a domain, pointed to the sub-domain they had created - and, well I am in business.
There is one last cool part - I can sign up people to be affiliates and - well, get a small commission of the people they refer. Can you imagine - all the people, all the computers, all the knotheads creating viruses - now I can make a little money helping people clean their machines!
First, if your machine is infected, or slow, I strongly recommended these technicians - it’s done remotely and very cool to watch your cursor move on its own. Second, if you would like be an affiliate - that’s right, make money with computer viruses, I encourage to click on the link and sign up!
Computer Repair
If you scroll down, on the right hand bottom you will see a link to become an affiliate.
It started over a year ago. The first indication was the network slowing - then, several of the more popular websites were hacked. How a keylogger program became installed - well, I have my suspicions. I did some research and found an online computer repair company. Rather than take all the computers in or call a technician to the office, I figured I’d roll the dice.
I was very pleased an hour later. Remotely, the company found, killed and then restored - for a single - very reasonable price - my computer. Heck, I signed up with for year which included tuning and optimizing all computers. For the next year, every once a while, we went online and the company remotely scanned and optimized.
The year was great - but, not having had any recurrences, I let the contract lapse. Six months later, I did it this time. In an effort to improve broadcast sound quality - I did something stupid. I disable the firewall and virus protection. Really, it should have been okay. I had I remembered to re-activate the programs. The next day - we were slammed.
My fault. I contacted the remote technicians. This time - same great service, but the Trojan had burrowed deep into a single machine. It took longer - but they were able to restore everything. I was so pleased, I told the technician via chat that I would be blogging about my satisfaction; and, link to them. This honest guy says, “You ought to just become an affiliate.”
That was an easy decision. Over the last 18 months I have referred dozens of people to them - each one was as satisfied as I was. I never imagined I could become an affiliate. Because of my websites, I am an affiliate with several companies. None was this easy - nor, do I have such a personal connection. I signed up, they created a page - at no cost to me. I then registered a domain, pointed to the sub-domain they had created - and, well I am in business.
There is one last cool part - I can sign up people to be affiliates and - well, get a small commission of the people they refer. Can you imagine - all the people, all the computers, all the knotheads creating viruses - now I can make a little money helping people clean their machines!
First, if your machine is infected, or slow, I strongly recommended these technicians - it’s done remotely and very cool to watch your cursor move on its own. Second, if you would like be an affiliate - that’s right, make money with computer viruses, I encourage to click on the link and sign up!
Computer Repair
If you scroll down, on the right hand bottom you will see a link to become an affiliate.
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