NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary

Thursday, August 31, 2006

"FBI Shows Off Counterterrorism Database"
Washington Post (08/30/06) P. A6; Nakashima, Ellen

FBI officials on Tuesday demonstrated the Investigative Data Warehouse, a database containing upward of 659 million records from more than 50 government agency sources. The warehouse, which has been up and running since early 2004, is a powerful law enforcement tool that helps the FBI "connect the dots" in terrorism investigations. About 25 percent of the records in the database are culled from the FBI's records and case files, while the rest comes from agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, State Department, Treasury Department, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. The files from these agencies include data from no-fly lists, stolen and lost passport data, and suspicious financial activity reports. Officials on Tuesday demonstrated how the database is capable of responding to variants of names, up to 29 variants of birth dates, and queries like "flight training." By using the database, a search that took more than 32,000 hours in 2002 now takes no more than 30 minutes. FBI officials said that the database is in full compliance with privacy laws.
http://www.washingtonpost.com
/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/08/29/
AR2006082901520.html

"Sheriff Plugs Surveillance for Vegas Strip"
Monterey County Herald (CA) (08/28/06)

Clark County, Nev., Sheriff Bill Young is pressing the gambling sector to implement and oversee a broadened surveillance camera system on the Strip in Las Vegas that could record robberies, fights, and additional crimes and notify police right away. He figured that it would cost around $3 million to get the program involving around 120 such cameras operational, not included managing expenses. Numerous casino firms stated they want additional information on Young's idea. Meanwhile, American Civil Liberties Union of Nevada executive director Gary Peck referred to the proposal as an effort in the wrong direction. He mentioned multiple instances where personal data is already being obtained utilizing security cameras in casinos and noted the FBI's utilization of "national security letters" to obtain data from casinos, libraries, and additional facilities without the approval of a judge. Young said a recent trip to London proved to him how well surveillance cameras could function. Closed-circuit TV, a network of 2.5 million to 4 million security cameras, blankets the United Kingdom. Young stressed that the widened utilization of cameras in Las Vegas is an answer to terrorist threats and the level of crime in the Las Vegas Valley. http://www.montereyherald.com
/mld/montereyherald/news/nation
/15379363.htm

"Police Agencies Undeterred By Taser Opponents"
Los Angeles Times (08/26/06) P. 6; Griggs, Gregory W.

The controversy over deaths linked to the use of Taser stun guns will not stop the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and other county police departments from purchasing them for their patrol officers. Ventura joins Simi Valley, Oxnard, and Santa Paula Police Departments in purchasing Taser guns. Ventura County Chief Deputy Bruce McDowell says he made the decision to purchase the $500,000 Taser guns after years of research. Several incidents involving death have led to the debate over the safety of Tasers, more recently this month when James Nunez of Santa Ana was killed when he was shot as he attempted to flee police. Nunez's death is still being investigated. Amnesty International USA has urged law enforcement to end the use of Tasers until more research is conducted. McDowell, along with other Taser supporters, insist that recent deaths were not caused by Tasers alone, but other contributing factors such as drugs and heart conditions. Joshua A. Ederheimer at the Police Executive Research Forum's Center for Force and Accountability says in four out of five cases of death between 1999 and 2005, the individual had taken some form of drug.Los Angeles Police Chief William J. Bratton plans to request that the City Council pay for the purchase of 6,800 Taser guns.
http://www.latimes.com
/wireless/avantgo/la-me-taser26aug2
6,0,4691164.story

"This Is Only a Drill: In California, Testing Technology in a Disaster Response"
New York Times (08/28/06); Markoff, John

The use of digital tools and technology during a disaster was recently tested in California via a mock virus outbreak paired with cyberterror attacks that had many cities quarantined, emergency workers busy, and government agencies stagnated. Crisis teams were cut off from the Internet, phones, and power, and technology firms involved in the drill found out quickly that ad hoc wireless networks would become jammed with three-days worth of data backups. The group involved in the drill--first responders, military officers, and software and wireless networks experts--were not disheartened by the failure to smoothly restore communications because the learning experience allowed them to delve into the problem more deeply. Rather than have computers, cell phones, and other equipment turned on at the same time on the makeshift network, those devices were shutdown and the network was turned on segment by segment. However, the work completed by Microsoft, Google, and others improved the use of digital mapping for emergency workers when satellite maps were overlaid with event data throughout the San Diego area's mock drill. Dr. Eric Rasmussen, who led the disaster drill, likened the event to laboratory experiment, but in some cases, participants were frustrated by the poor outlining of their duties, though Rasmussen claimed that the event successfully forced participants to develop leadership from a vacuum. http://www.nytimes.com
/2006/08/28/technology
/28disaster.html

"Bellville Police Go High-Tech"
Mansfield News Journal (OH) (08/25/06) P. 3; Palmer, Karen

The Bellville Police Department is using VideoDetective to improve video surveillance images. The department obtained a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to purchase the technology, which can enhance video tape quality by eliminating jagged edges and noise. In addition, the technology can create video clips from videotape footage that can be distributed via the Internet. Bellville police officer Richard Hamilton noted that the technology is not a panacea for enhancing poor film images, but added that the technology can provide goods results when used with good film.
http://www.mansfieldnewsjournal.com/
apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060825/NEWS01
/608250313&SearchID=73255250880988

"San Andreas CHP Gets Laser Guns to Nab Speeders"
Modesto Bee (CA) (08/28/06); Ahumada, Rosalio

California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers located in San Andreas began utilizing new guns on Aug. 24, ones that discharge laser beams rather than bullets. The officers have changed over to laser guns that provide exact accuracy when following speeders. The laser guns are like radar guns that CHP officers and additional law enforcement employ. Laser guns, however, utilize a technology known as lidar (light detection and ranging). The systems transmits a narrow light beam at the target car. An officer utilizes a scope on the gun's top to aim the measuring tool at a car to figure out the speed. In poor weather, however, laser gun correctness can be lowered, since the target has to be in a straight line of sight. Officers at the CHP office in San Andreas partook in an eight-hour class prior to being certified to employ the laser guns.
http://www.modbee.com
/local/story/12645168p-13347875c.html

"Parole Officers Employ High-Tech Tracking"
Omaha World-Herald (08/25/06) P. 1A; Sloan, Karen

Though Nebraska's new series of sex offender laws, which went into effect in July, do not require electronic monitoring, it is permitted at judges and parole officers' discretion. Nebraska parole authorities are testing GPS monitoring of sex offenders. Sen. Patrick Bourne (Omaha), who sponsored the state's new sex offender laws, explained he looked into electronic monitoring but chose not to mandate it because it is fairly new and not proven. He added that parole officers are best equipped to determine who should sport a monitor. Although GPS monitoring is much less expensive than sending offenders to state hospitals, a focal point of the new laws in Nebraska, Bourne stated he does not have faith in the devices to keep minors safe from somebody who has violated a child previously. The technology's supporters, however, feel that contain monitoring will lessen consecutive sex crimes because offenders will be aware they are being carefully watched. GPS monitoring of sex offenders is growing rapidly, notes Tom Wharton, president of iSecuretrac, which sells GPS monitoring equipment and software to government institutions nationally. By last year's end, 13 states had approved laws either permitting or requiring electronic monitoring, and another half-dozen states approved laws in 2006.
http://www.omaha.com

"Smile for the Camera, Criminals"
Washington Times (08/25/06) P. A2; Pepose, David

Criminal may have nothing to smile about when they are caught on camera by law enforcement or ordinary citizens. Take for instance Wilfredo Ponte, a flasher who was apprehended after two Queens, N.Y., schoolgirls took a picture of him with their camera phones. Mothers in Manteca, Calif., use camera phones to assist with controlling park vandalism. More than 257 million camera phones were shipped around the globe in 2004. CNN, AOL, NBC, and YouTube now ask citizens to post photos and videos on their sites. PowerPhone launched a new service on Aug. 7 that allows users to send photos to a 911 operator. The trend of using camera phones to fight crime is growing and seems to be working, but some law enforcement officials are concerned. "We're not encouraging people to use their cell phones as crime fighters," says Officer Richard Henry at the Fairfax County Police Department. "We don't want people to put themselves in harm's way to take a picture. [But] if they do get it, it may be of some assistance." Camera phone images do not necessarily mean convictions for criminals, according to Henry, but Alan Reiter at Wireless Internet & Mobile Computer says the phones are still beneficial. "If you ask 10 people at a crime scene what happened, it's quite possible you'll get 10 different variations of the same story," Reiter says. "There are details that might be picked up by a photo that even eyewitnesses might not notice [and] there are times where taking a photo is faster than writing it down."
http://washingtontimes.com
/culture/20060824-105324-4816r.htm

"Balto. Co. Police Test Effectiveness of Tasers"
Baltimore Sun (08/24/06); Shields, Nick

More Baltimore County police officers are carrying Taser stun guns in an effort to fight crime as they walk the streets looking for suspects. More than 8,000 law enforcement, military, and correctional agencies are testing Tasers, says Taser International officials. Currently, about 88 law enforcement agencies in Maryland use them. Despite their increasing popularity, the ACLU of Maryland does not want police officers using the guns. "There isn't as much discretion in the use of them even though they can seriously hurt people," says Meredith Curtis with the ACLU. "We don't think they're the right direction, especially if what you're trying to accomplish is a community policing model." Last year, 61 people died after being shocked by stun guns, and at least 150 have died since 2001, according to Amnesty International USA. Maj. Mark Warren at the Baltimore County Police Department says the guns are effective for uncooperative suspects and he even volunteered to having one of the 50,000-volt guns tested on himself. "We're not trying to hurt anybody," says Warren. "We're just trying to control the issue." Law enforcement officials will have to decide whether the Tasers were used properly and if they are effective, after the trial session ends in March.
http://www.baltimoresun.com
/news/local/baltimore_county
/bal-md.co.tasers24aug24,0,5136328.story?coll=bal-local-headlines

"Prison Upgrade Delayed Again"
Greensburg Tribune-Review (PA) (08/25/06); Cholodofsky, Rich

Installation of an improved security system at Westmoreland County Prison has been delayed until the midpoint of next year because of new technical requirements. The computerized security system is expected to save the county money by lowering repair costs while enhancing security. Epiphany Technologies, which is handling creation of the system, reportedly has no prior experience working on similar prison security projects. County Commissioner Tom Ceraso, chairman of the prison county board, added that the system was not developed specifically for jails. The installation of the system will require different installation procedures than were originally proposed by Epiphany Technologies, which is receiving an additional $18,000 for design work after collecting $28,000 for its consulting contribution. Using the original installation procedures recommended by the consultant was expected to result in the project's cost exceeding estimates. Ceraso added that the county was concerned about a lawsuit related to a determination that the lowest bidder for the contract could not correctly install the system. The lowest bidder wanted to place wire using conduit already at the prison--an approach that county engineers predicted would be unsuccessful. The lowest bid for installing the system is $1.5 million, while the highest bid is $2.2 million. http://www.pittsburghlive.com
/x/tribunereview/news/westmoreland
/s_467695.html

"Polygraphs Helpful in Supervising Offenders"
Omaha World-Herald (08/25/06) P. 2A; Sloan, Karen

Most states allow police to conduct polygraph tests on sex offenders, though the accuracy of polygraph results remains a controversial subject. Parole officers in many parts of the country are using polygraphs as part of their monitoring of sex offenders released from incarceration. Ron Kokish, who has experience as a sex offender treatment provider, believes administering polygraphs to sex offenders encourages them to disclose more information than they would otherwise. Parole departments in 14 states use polygraphs to help assess whether parolees are continuing to meet the conditions of their release.
http://www.omaha.com

"Brewer Gets Thermal-Imaging Camera"
Bangor Daily News (ME) (08/22/06) P. B3; Hauger, Nok-Noi

Police officers in Brewer, Maine, are utilizing the department's new handheld, thermal-imaging camera, which can detect an individual's heat signature from as far as 1,200 feet away. The new ThermoVision SCOUT ZX camera, given to the city via a federal grant, arrived in Brewer on Aug. 21. The camera is specifically devised for search and rescue and permits officers to witness an individual's body in the dark, foliage, or thick fog, and sometimes through walls. The camera is related to the pair of other thermal-imaging cameras employed by the Brewer Fire Department, but it is much smaller and is specifically configured to locate body signatures, including finding a person's "thermal footprints," which can be instantly recognized after somebody departs an area. The camera is 10.6 inches in length and has a color screen that is 2.5 inches and can store as many as 100 images, which can be simply downloaded to a computer. Due to its size, the camera can be directed around corners to obtain images without placing the officer in danger. The grant from the Office of National Drug Control Policy provided $16,000 for the camera and instruction expenses.
http://www.bangornews.com
/news/t/city.aspx?articleid=139102&zoneid=176

"Laptops, Cameras Speed Justice in Utah Courts"
Associated Press (08/24/06); White, Ed

Utah's court system is using cameras and computers to provide both cost and time savings, plus enhance safety. The state has outfitted all but two of its jails with the equipment. The state's largest jail in Salt Lake County is scheduled to begin using the technology this week. The cameras and computers are an improvement compared to the older video equipment used in jails because they are both cheaper and easier to maintain. Judge Dan Gibbons expects the newer technology to reduce the number of times inmates are required to attend courtroom proceedings in person by 90 percent. The software used as part of the system enables instant messaging between judges and lawyers, in addition to providing access to documents via the Web. Judge John Sanberg projects that the technology will cut annual costs by $400,000 to $500,000. http://www.ap.org

"California Senate Passes Ballistics Identification Bill to Help Police Solve Gun Crimes"
U.S. Newswire (08/24/06)

The California state senate today has passed a bill that will help police solve gun crimes and catch gun traffickers. The bill, AB 352, requires that a new ballistics identification technology be required on all new semiautomatic handguns sold in California after 2008. The new technology, microstamping, uses powerful lasers to make extremely precise, microscopic engravings on a handgun's firing pin or inside the firing chamber. These engravings reference the serial number of the handgun. When a bullet is fired from the handgun, the marks are transferred to the bullet casing. So when the police retrieve the bullet casing at a crime scene, they can quickly track down the legal owner of the handgun that fired it.
http://www.usnewswire.com

"Disaster Response Device Tested"
Whittier Daily News (CA) (08/22/06); Mazza, Sandy

Rio Hondo College in Whittier, Calif., tested an Advanced Disaster Management Simulator (ADMS) on Aug. 22 with help from county law enforcement and fire agencies. The program resembles a video game and relies on virtual reality technology to train emergency personnel. The college will test additional training programs before deciding on one to purchase, hopefully within a year, according to Joe Santoro, dean of the Administration of Justice, Corrections, and Fire Science academies. The college wants the technology ready for its future Homeland Security Training Institute. The ADMS simulation resembled a gun fight in a food court in a shopping complex, followed by a terrorist explosion. The event created an opportunity for first-responders to gather "from all over and talk about their basic needs," according to Santoro. "Now, there is very little--if any--hands-on training for terrorism." The college would have to pay roughly $300,000 for the ADMS program, which would be partially borne by a $150,000 appropriation to the Department of Justice Community-Oriented Policing technology program. Law enforcement and other departments can take part in the training program when it is established, said Santoro. The program can also replicate fires, hazardous material leaks, and vehicular collisions. Alhambra Fire Department Captain John Cermack said the ADMS program would allow agencies to become more familiar with other agencies' approaches and platforms. http://www.whittierdailynews.com
/news/ci_4223107

"Mobile Tactical Trainers"
Law Enforcement Technology (08/06) Vol. 33, No. 8, P. 116; Simon, Sam

A company called Anteon offers a Mobile Tactical Trainer (MTT) that lets officers experience a variety of simulated environments that resemble real-life situations. The MTT training solutions can be geared to the needs of SWAT, patrol, and narcotics officers, and units can be made to replicate residential, commercial, multi-family, or multi-story structures. Training applications include clearing, active shooter, vehicle assault, hostage rescue, drug operations, and violent subject takedown, according to Anteon's director of marketing Fred Pickens. An MTT comprises a 40-foot Conex shipping container similar to those used by maritime transporters. Inside, there are moveable walls, integrated targets, multiple special effects, and cameras that help create a realistic environment, says Pickens. An MTT can also feature speakers that emit various sounds and smells. Components are controlled by an operator through digital cameras and a control console in a separate part of the MTT. Recordings can be replayed at an After Action Review Theatre housed in a separate Conex container. http://www.officer.com
/magazines/let/