NIJ Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute
Dates: February 24-28, 2008
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Application Deadline: December 12, 2007
Overview
This technology institute, sponsored by the National Institute of Justice and hosted by the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center, is designed for the command staff of rural and small law enforcement agencies containing less than 50 sworn officers. Law enforcement personnel will learn about and discuss technology initiatives and issues affecting the rural and small law enforcement community. Participants will receive information and assistance on existing and developing technologies, work through problems relating to technology implementation, and exchange technology lessons learned, that are of importance to the rural and small law enforcement community.
Registration and Attendance
There is no registration cost and all travel, food, and lodging expenses are paid. However, only 35 individuals will be selected to attend.
Note: Previous attendees of the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute or NIJ's Law Enforcement or Corrections Technology Institutes are not eligible to reattend.
Participants will give brief (no more than 15 minutes) presentations on a technology issue that their departments have encountered or are in the process of implementing (e.g., implementation of a crime mapping program, new communications system, automated booking station). The presentation can be either on an "issue to be dealt with" or a "lessons learned" and must be submitted on CD-ROM with the application.
Applications received after December 12, 2007 or without submitted presentation will not be considered.
Applications may be downloaded from the NIJ web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/events/rural-institute.htm
Contact Information
Please contact Scott Barker, Deputy Director-Rural Law Enforcement Technology Center, at 866-787-2553 or by email at ruletc1@aol.com for additional information about the Rural Law Enforcement Technology Institute.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee
July 31, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added police officers from Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee.
Larry C. Pike is a retired sergeant from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (Oregon). Beginning in 1973 he began serving as a crime scene specialist. During his law enforcement career he was promoted to sergeant and has investigated more than fifty murders including several multiple homicides; and, one thought to be related to the Green River killings. He has investigated more than two hundred deaths from other causes--suicide, accidents, traffic fatalities. Larry Pike has a BA in psychology and has taught police science and psychology at a local community college. He is the author of Killer Instinct.
Sam Morton’s 12 year law enforcement career with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (South Carolina) included assignments as a detective working robbery and homicide. Sam Morton is the author of Disavowed. And, the upcoming book Ramblings.
According to the book description of Disavowed, “armed with a new identity, Chandler, a disgraced ex-cop, takes on murderous white supremacists to win back his honor. In the process, he discovers it might cost him more than he's willing to pay. When an innocent woman is kidnapped, Mike battles time, the FBI, and the kidnappers themselves to save her life and his one chance at happiness.”
Marty Penny’s law enforcement career began with the Soddy-Daisy Police Department (Tennessee). He then joined the Red Bank Police Department (Tennessee). Marty Penny then joined the Chattanooga Police Department (Tennessee) and after working uniformed patrol was promoted to detectives. Marty Penny is the author of two books: A Tale of Three Cities: From a Cop's Point of View and A Lamb of Sacrifice.
According to the book description of A Tale of Three Cities: From a Cop's Point of View, “Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, there are men and women out on the streets who have chosen to take on the ne’er-do-wells of society. The incidents related in this book give an insight into the tragedies and triumphs, the horror and the satisfaction that comes with being a cop in America today. Come along as the author takes you on a ride through the streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and reveals a world that is very rarely seen by the average person. From dangerous high-speed pursuits to officer-involved shootings and the untimely deaths of fellow officers, being a cop is not always what it is cracked up to be”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 683 police officers (representing 307 police departments) and their 1459 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 C. Pike is a retired sergeant from the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office (Oregon). Beginning in 1973 he began serving as a crime scene specialist. During his law enforcement career he was promoted to sergeant and has investigated more than fifty murders including several multiple homicides; and, one thought to be related to the Green River killings. He has investigated more than two hundred deaths from other causes--suicide, accidents, traffic fatalities. Larry Pike has a BA in psychology and has taught police science and psychology at a local community college. He is the author of Killer Instinct.
Sam Morton’s 12 year law enforcement career with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department (South Carolina) included assignments as a detective working robbery and homicide. Sam Morton is the author of Disavowed. And, the upcoming book Ramblings.
According to the book description of Disavowed, “armed with a new identity, Chandler, a disgraced ex-cop, takes on murderous white supremacists to win back his honor. In the process, he discovers it might cost him more than he's willing to pay. When an innocent woman is kidnapped, Mike battles time, the FBI, and the kidnappers themselves to save her life and his one chance at happiness.”
Marty Penny’s law enforcement career began with the Soddy-Daisy Police Department (Tennessee). He then joined the Red Bank Police Department (Tennessee). Marty Penny then joined the Chattanooga Police Department (Tennessee) and after working uniformed patrol was promoted to detectives. Marty Penny is the author of two books: A Tale of Three Cities: From a Cop's Point of View and A Lamb of Sacrifice.
According to the book description of A Tale of Three Cities: From a Cop's Point of View, “Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, there are men and women out on the streets who have chosen to take on the ne’er-do-wells of society. The incidents related in this book give an insight into the tragedies and triumphs, the horror and the satisfaction that comes with being a cop in America today. Come along as the author takes you on a ride through the streets of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and reveals a world that is very rarely seen by the average person. From dangerous high-speed pursuits to officer-involved shootings and the untimely deaths of fellow officers, being a cop is not always what it is cracked up to be”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 683 police officers (representing 307 police departments) and their 1459 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.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Iraqi Police Training
By Gerry J. Gilmore
American Forces Press Service
July 30, 2007 - Iraq's national police are in the second portion of a four-phase program to help them become a proficient, loyal law enforcement organization that serves all of Iraq's citizens, a senior U.S. military officer said today. The 25,000-plus-member national police organization falls under the Iraqi government's Interior Ministry as a "bridge force" between regular police and the Iraqi army, Army Col. Mark R. French, deputy commander for professional development and police training for the Civilian Police Assistance Team, told online journalists and "bloggers."
"Many of these forces have fought bravely; thousands have died in fighting the insurgents," French said.
Iraq's regular police perform routine municipal duties, while its armed forces are focused on external threats, French explained. The national police, he continued, serve as an auxiliary law enforcement agency that could be engaged to address internal threats to the nation, such as militia-generated violence against the central government and its citizens.
Today, most national police officers are stationed in Baghdad, helping U.S. troops during surge-related, anti-insurgent operations, French said. Smaller contingents are serving in Samarra and Balad.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry merged commando, emergency-response and other units to create the national police in March 2006, French said.
In summer 2006, U.S. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., then-commander of Multinational Force Iraq, decided the national police weren't performing properly and needed an overhaul.
"At that time, General Casey directed a four-phase transformation program be initiated for the national police," French said. The first phase, he said, included an overall look at operations, including personnel and supply practices.
The second phase, being conducted now, is a month-long police training program for each national police brigade, French said. About 75 percent of the curriculum teaches students how to perform law enforcement duties in a democracy, he said, while the other 25 percent focuses on tactical skills such as patrolling, cordon-and-search operations, and conducting checkpoints. The program is slated to conclude about Oct. 10.
Phase Three consists of "Carabinieri-like" police training scheduled to start around Oct. 15, French said. The Carabinieri are Italy's famed paramilitary police force.
"Right now, this training is envisioned to last about 90 days," French said. "It's a leader-centric, train-the-trainer focus." The curriculum includes public order response, advanced investigation techniques, forensics, special weapons and tactics, and urban operations, he said.
The fourth phase, which has no start date planned, will consist of distributing newly trained national police officers to posts across Iraq, French said.
In the past, the national police have been accused of having anti-government militia members within their ranks, French acknowledged. Today, however, each national police member attending phase-two police training is vetted, he pointed out.
"They're checked against a Ministry of the Interior data base for criminal records or any history of sectarian militia activity," French explained. "We've culled out quite a few."
American Forces Press Service
July 30, 2007 - Iraq's national police are in the second portion of a four-phase program to help them become a proficient, loyal law enforcement organization that serves all of Iraq's citizens, a senior U.S. military officer said today. The 25,000-plus-member national police organization falls under the Iraqi government's Interior Ministry as a "bridge force" between regular police and the Iraqi army, Army Col. Mark R. French, deputy commander for professional development and police training for the Civilian Police Assistance Team, told online journalists and "bloggers."
"Many of these forces have fought bravely; thousands have died in fighting the insurgents," French said.
Iraq's regular police perform routine municipal duties, while its armed forces are focused on external threats, French explained. The national police, he continued, serve as an auxiliary law enforcement agency that could be engaged to address internal threats to the nation, such as militia-generated violence against the central government and its citizens.
Today, most national police officers are stationed in Baghdad, helping U.S. troops during surge-related, anti-insurgent operations, French said. Smaller contingents are serving in Samarra and Balad.
The Iraqi Interior Ministry merged commando, emergency-response and other units to create the national police in March 2006, French said.
In summer 2006, U.S. Army Gen. George W. Casey Jr., then-commander of Multinational Force Iraq, decided the national police weren't performing properly and needed an overhaul.
"At that time, General Casey directed a four-phase transformation program be initiated for the national police," French said. The first phase, he said, included an overall look at operations, including personnel and supply practices.
The second phase, being conducted now, is a month-long police training program for each national police brigade, French said. About 75 percent of the curriculum teaches students how to perform law enforcement duties in a democracy, he said, while the other 25 percent focuses on tactical skills such as patrolling, cordon-and-search operations, and conducting checkpoints. The program is slated to conclude about Oct. 10.
Phase Three consists of "Carabinieri-like" police training scheduled to start around Oct. 15, French said. The Carabinieri are Italy's famed paramilitary police force.
"Right now, this training is envisioned to last about 90 days," French said. "It's a leader-centric, train-the-trainer focus." The curriculum includes public order response, advanced investigation techniques, forensics, special weapons and tactics, and urban operations, he said.
The fourth phase, which has no start date planned, will consist of distributing newly trained national police officers to posts across Iraq, French said.
In the past, the national police have been accused of having anti-government militia members within their ranks, French acknowledged. Today, however, each national police member attending phase-two police training is vetted, he pointed out.
"They're checked against a Ministry of the Interior data base for criminal records or any history of sectarian militia activity," French explained. "We've culled out quite a few."
Smith, Hartenstine and Griffin
July 26, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers: Enes Smith; Donald Hartenstine; and Sean Patrick Griffin.
Enes Smith has worked in law enforcement for over twenty-five years. He has had assignments as a homicide detective, a SWAT Team supervisor and commander, and has held ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain and chief of police. In 1994 and 1995 and again in 2005 and 2006, Enes Smith was the Chief of Police of the Warm Springs Tribal Police (Oregon).
Enes Smith taught criminal justice and sociology courses for a number of years at a local community college. Enes Smith currently teaches a seminar, "Writing the Popular Novel." In addition to keynote speeches and seminar presentations, Enes Smith instructs casino employees in the subtleties of detecting deception. His is the author of Cold River Rising; Dear Departed; and Fatal Flowers. Ann Rule said “Fatal Flowers is a chilling authentic look into the blackest depths of a psychopath's fantasies, not for the faint at heart...Smith is a cop who's been there, and a writer on his way straight up. Read this on a night when you don't need to sleep. You won't.”
Lieutenant Donald Hartenstine (ret.) graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy Hershey Pennsylvania in 1970. He served on the Lower Alsace Township Police Department Berks County (Pennsylvania) for over three years. Donald Hartenstine then served with the Exeter Township Police Department (Pennsylvania) for the remainder of his law enforcement career.
Donald Hartenstine served as a patrolman, sergeant, was later promoted to Lieutenant. He received a certification as a firearms instructor, hostage negotiator. Throughout his police career, he is well-trained in evidence collection, crime scene investigation, and received numerous certificates in law enforcement. Part of his training included police management courses at Penn State University. His police experience spanned thirty years. Lieutenant Donald Hartenstine (ret.) is the author of To Serve and Protect with Laughter.
According to the book description of To Serve and Protect with Laughter, “the world of law enforcement isn’t just about policemen cracking mysterious cases and nabbing villainous outlaws- it’s also a realm of blundering criminals, zany cops, and wacky wild-goose chases. Yes folks, behind the serious face of law enforcement lies one hit comedy show that, perhaps thankfully, never gets shown in the news reports.”
Sean Patrick Griffin, Ph.D. is a former Philadelphia Police Department police officer who is now associate professor in the Administration of Justice at Penn State Abington. He has authored numerous articles on organized and white-collar crime and been an invited panelist on national crime forums. He is the author of Black Brothers, Inc.: The Violent Rise and Fall of the Philadelphia Black Mafia.
According to Sean Patrick Griffin’s publisher, the book is “researched with scores of interviews and unique access to informant logs, witness statements, wiretaps and secret FBI files, Black Brothers, Inc. is the most detailed account ever of an African-American organized crime mob, and a landmark investigation into the modern urban underworld.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 677 police officers (representing 304 police departments) and their 1452 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.
Enes Smith has worked in law enforcement for over twenty-five years. He has had assignments as a homicide detective, a SWAT Team supervisor and commander, and has held ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain and chief of police. In 1994 and 1995 and again in 2005 and 2006, Enes Smith was the Chief of Police of the Warm Springs Tribal Police (Oregon).
Enes Smith taught criminal justice and sociology courses for a number of years at a local community college. Enes Smith currently teaches a seminar, "Writing the Popular Novel." In addition to keynote speeches and seminar presentations, Enes Smith instructs casino employees in the subtleties of detecting deception. His is the author of Cold River Rising; Dear Departed; and Fatal Flowers. Ann Rule said “Fatal Flowers is a chilling authentic look into the blackest depths of a psychopath's fantasies, not for the faint at heart...Smith is a cop who's been there, and a writer on his way straight up. Read this on a night when you don't need to sleep. You won't.”
Lieutenant Donald Hartenstine (ret.) graduated from the Pennsylvania State Police Academy Hershey Pennsylvania in 1970. He served on the Lower Alsace Township Police Department Berks County (Pennsylvania) for over three years. Donald Hartenstine then served with the Exeter Township Police Department (Pennsylvania) for the remainder of his law enforcement career.
Donald Hartenstine served as a patrolman, sergeant, was later promoted to Lieutenant. He received a certification as a firearms instructor, hostage negotiator. Throughout his police career, he is well-trained in evidence collection, crime scene investigation, and received numerous certificates in law enforcement. Part of his training included police management courses at Penn State University. His police experience spanned thirty years. Lieutenant Donald Hartenstine (ret.) is the author of To Serve and Protect with Laughter.
According to the book description of To Serve and Protect with Laughter, “the world of law enforcement isn’t just about policemen cracking mysterious cases and nabbing villainous outlaws- it’s also a realm of blundering criminals, zany cops, and wacky wild-goose chases. Yes folks, behind the serious face of law enforcement lies one hit comedy show that, perhaps thankfully, never gets shown in the news reports.”
Sean Patrick Griffin, Ph.D. is a former Philadelphia Police Department police officer who is now associate professor in the Administration of Justice at Penn State Abington. He has authored numerous articles on organized and white-collar crime and been an invited panelist on national crime forums. He is the author of Black Brothers, Inc.: The Violent Rise and Fall of the Philadelphia Black Mafia.
According to Sean Patrick Griffin’s publisher, the book is “researched with scores of interviews and unique access to informant logs, witness statements, wiretaps and secret FBI files, Black Brothers, Inc. is the most detailed account ever of an African-American organized crime mob, and a landmark investigation into the modern urban underworld.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 677 police officers (representing 304 police departments) and their 1452 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.
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Over 300 Law Enforcement Agencies
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. With the addition of Dave Spaulding, Jerry VanCook and Dell Hackett, Police-Writers.com now lists 671 state and local law enforcement officials from 301 agencies who have written books
Lieutenant Dave Spaulding (retired) has 28 years of law enforcement experience. Retired Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Ohio), he has had a varied career in law enforcement in assignments such as: Communications; Corrections; Court Security; Patrol; Evidence Collection; Investigations; Undercover Operations; and, Training. He spent 12 years of his career on the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office on their SWAT team and give years as the supervisor of a multi-agency narcotics task force. Lieutenant Dave Spaulding has a BA in Social Psychology.
Dave Spaulding is a graduate of most of the major, if not all, firearms training schools. He has also served as an instructor of H&K, the Tactical Defense Institute is a past president of the Ohio Tactical Officer's Association. He is the co-author of Defensive Living: Attitudes, Tactics and Proper Handgun Use to Secure; and, the author of Handgun Combatives.
According to one reader/reviewer of Handgun Combatives, “My copy of this book has highlights, sticky tabs, and notes in the margin. I like his thoughts on training regarding simplicity of technique. Spaulding eschews complex, difficult, or fancy technique. Instead, he focuses on what he can guaranty will work and how to recover when Murphy's Law takes effect and the guaranty fails.”
Jerry VanCook holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.A. in English, and has been involved in law enforcement for nearly thirty years. Jerry VanCook began his law enforcement career with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (Oklahoma) and ended it assigned to the Special Operations Unit of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. A long time practitioner of marshal art, Jerry VanCook earned his first Black Belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate. Jerry VanCook is the author of Going Undercover: Secrets And Sound Advice For The Undercover Officer; Real World Self-Defense: A Guide To Staying Alive In Dangerous Times; and, Volume No. 189 in the Executioner series.
According to Jerry VanCook, “In both Going Undercover and Real World Self-Defense I wanted write realistic books on staying alive and out of jail in the violent society that the 21st century promises to be. I wanted them both to be free of the politically correct law enforcement “party line” and something that would keep both cops and citizens alive.”
Dell P. Hackett is a 28 year veteran of law enforcement. As a member of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (Oregon), he has served as a patrol deputy sheriff, shift supervisor, watch commander, and traffic unit supervisor. He was most recently assigned as the middle manager in charge of the departments Special Operations Unit. Dell Hackett has eight years of past SWAT experience. He has been certified as an emergency vehicle operations (EVOC) instructor, and a senior firearms instructor. And, he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Dell Hackett is a board certified expert in traumatic stress and a Diplomate member of the National Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the American Board of Law Enforcement Experts. Dell Hackett was heavily involved in the formation of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office’s critical incident de-briefing team and the peer support unit. He has spoken on a national and international basis on topics relating to law enforcement stress, police suicide, and leadership issues. Dell Hackett has been a requested speaker for several groups, both law enforcement and civilian, from around the nation. Dell Hackett is the co-author of Police Suicide: Tactics for Prevention.
According to the book description of Police Suicide: Tactics for Prevention, “the range of information in this book is broad and offers strategies and tactics that may help to prevent suicides. It was written by several skilled and caring professionals, and it was their aim to give law enforcement officers, administrators, and mental health professionals additional information and skills in dealing with law enforcement officers in crisis.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 671 police officers (representing 301 police departments) and their 1433 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.
Lieutenant Dave Spaulding (retired) has 28 years of law enforcement experience. Retired Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Ohio), he has had a varied career in law enforcement in assignments such as: Communications; Corrections; Court Security; Patrol; Evidence Collection; Investigations; Undercover Operations; and, Training. He spent 12 years of his career on the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office on their SWAT team and give years as the supervisor of a multi-agency narcotics task force. Lieutenant Dave Spaulding has a BA in Social Psychology.
Dave Spaulding is a graduate of most of the major, if not all, firearms training schools. He has also served as an instructor of H&K, the Tactical Defense Institute is a past president of the Ohio Tactical Officer's Association. He is the co-author of Defensive Living: Attitudes, Tactics and Proper Handgun Use to Secure; and, the author of Handgun Combatives.
According to one reader/reviewer of Handgun Combatives, “My copy of this book has highlights, sticky tabs, and notes in the margin. I like his thoughts on training regarding simplicity of technique. Spaulding eschews complex, difficult, or fancy technique. Instead, he focuses on what he can guaranty will work and how to recover when Murphy's Law takes effect and the guaranty fails.”
Jerry VanCook holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and an M.A. in English, and has been involved in law enforcement for nearly thirty years. Jerry VanCook began his law enforcement career with the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office (Oklahoma) and ended it assigned to the Special Operations Unit of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation. A long time practitioner of marshal art, Jerry VanCook earned his first Black Belt in Okinawan Goju-Ryu karate. Jerry VanCook is the author of Going Undercover: Secrets And Sound Advice For The Undercover Officer; Real World Self-Defense: A Guide To Staying Alive In Dangerous Times; and, Volume No. 189 in the Executioner series.
According to Jerry VanCook, “In both Going Undercover and Real World Self-Defense I wanted write realistic books on staying alive and out of jail in the violent society that the 21st century promises to be. I wanted them both to be free of the politically correct law enforcement “party line” and something that would keep both cops and citizens alive.”
Dell P. Hackett is a 28 year veteran of law enforcement. As a member of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office (Oregon), he has served as a patrol deputy sheriff, shift supervisor, watch commander, and traffic unit supervisor. He was most recently assigned as the middle manager in charge of the departments Special Operations Unit. Dell Hackett has eight years of past SWAT experience. He has been certified as an emergency vehicle operations (EVOC) instructor, and a senior firearms instructor. And, he is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
Dell Hackett is a board certified expert in traumatic stress and a Diplomate member of the National Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress and the American Board of Law Enforcement Experts. Dell Hackett was heavily involved in the formation of the Lane County Sheriff’s Office’s critical incident de-briefing team and the peer support unit. He has spoken on a national and international basis on topics relating to law enforcement stress, police suicide, and leadership issues. Dell Hackett has been a requested speaker for several groups, both law enforcement and civilian, from around the nation. Dell Hackett is the co-author of Police Suicide: Tactics for Prevention.
According to the book description of Police Suicide: Tactics for Prevention, “the range of information in this book is broad and offers strategies and tactics that may help to prevent suicides. It was written by several skilled and caring professionals, and it was their aim to give law enforcement officers, administrators, and mental health professionals additional information and skills in dealing with law enforcement officers in crisis.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 671 police officers (representing 301 police departments) and their 1433 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.
Friday, July 27, 2007
LOS ANGELES POLICE PROTECTIVE LEAGUE ANNOUNCES TRANSITION IN LEADERSHIP
July 26, 2007 - The Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Police Protective League today announced a transition in leadership. Bob Baker, who has been League President since 2002, will be retiring from the Los Angeles Police Department after 37 years, and will be stepping down from his post on July 31. He will be replaced as League President by Board Vice President Tim Sands, who has served as a Board member and League officer since 1997.
Detective Baker has spent his entire career with the LAPD. With 37 years in the Department, including 23 years as a narcotics Detective, he will be retiring as a senior supervisor. He was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1999. He has since been reelected three times and has been president of the League since 2002. Baker will be joining the staff of District Attorney Steve Cooley, where he will be working as a liaison with law enforcement, including the LAPD, the Sheriff's Department and other municipal and county agencies, to expand and improve law enforcement training within Los Angeles County and statewide.
District Attorney Steve Cooley is looking forward to Baker's arrival on his team. "He will be a real asset to what this office is trying to accomplish," says the District Attorney.
Officer Sands is a 33-year department veteran who spent 18 years working on the streets in patrol, traffic, vice and narcotics, before spending five years representing officers at administrative boards of rights hearings. He has been Board Vice president for five years; previously he was Board treasurer for five years. He has also been League legal chairman since 1999.
Other continuing Board members include Sergeant Paul Weber, Board Treasurer; Officer Corina Lee, Board Secretary; Detective Jack Cota; Officer Ray Espinoza; Lieutenant Brian Johnson; Officer Scott Rate; and Officer Peter Repovich.
"Bob has been an immeasurable asset to this League. In the past five years, under his leadership, we have made great strides in fighting off attacks on our pensions, maintaining flexible work schedules, and working to create workable solutions to the impositions of the consent decree. We have also gone through several contract negotiations and walked away with good results despite a difficult fiscal environment," says Sands.
"It is going to be hard for me to walk away from this Department and the men and women of the LAPD, but I am thrilled to be leaving the League leadership in the capable hands of Tim and the other Board members," said Baker. "Tim is a terrific leader whose expertise in protecting officers' legal rights is a great benefit to the League. I know that under his leadership the Board will continue to achieve success in protecting officers' rights and benefits."
Editor's note: Reporters wishing to speak to District Attorney Cooley about Bob Baker and his new position as law enforcement liaison should contact District Attorney Media Relations Department. (213) 974-3525.
About the LAPPL
Formed in 1922, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,000 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com.
Detective Baker has spent his entire career with the LAPD. With 37 years in the Department, including 23 years as a narcotics Detective, he will be retiring as a senior supervisor. He was first elected to the Board of Directors in 1999. He has since been reelected three times and has been president of the League since 2002. Baker will be joining the staff of District Attorney Steve Cooley, where he will be working as a liaison with law enforcement, including the LAPD, the Sheriff's Department and other municipal and county agencies, to expand and improve law enforcement training within Los Angeles County and statewide.
District Attorney Steve Cooley is looking forward to Baker's arrival on his team. "He will be a real asset to what this office is trying to accomplish," says the District Attorney.
Officer Sands is a 33-year department veteran who spent 18 years working on the streets in patrol, traffic, vice and narcotics, before spending five years representing officers at administrative boards of rights hearings. He has been Board Vice president for five years; previously he was Board treasurer for five years. He has also been League legal chairman since 1999.
Other continuing Board members include Sergeant Paul Weber, Board Treasurer; Officer Corina Lee, Board Secretary; Detective Jack Cota; Officer Ray Espinoza; Lieutenant Brian Johnson; Officer Scott Rate; and Officer Peter Repovich.
"Bob has been an immeasurable asset to this League. In the past five years, under his leadership, we have made great strides in fighting off attacks on our pensions, maintaining flexible work schedules, and working to create workable solutions to the impositions of the consent decree. We have also gone through several contract negotiations and walked away with good results despite a difficult fiscal environment," says Sands.
"It is going to be hard for me to walk away from this Department and the men and women of the LAPD, but I am thrilled to be leaving the League leadership in the capable hands of Tim and the other Board members," said Baker. "Tim is a terrific leader whose expertise in protecting officers' legal rights is a great benefit to the League. I know that under his leadership the Board will continue to achieve success in protecting officers' rights and benefits."
Editor's note: Reporters wishing to speak to District Attorney Cooley about Bob Baker and his new position as law enforcement liaison should contact District Attorney Media Relations Department. (213) 974-3525.
About the LAPPL
Formed in 1922, the Los Angeles Police Protective League (LAPPL) represents the more than 9,000 dedicated and professional sworn members of the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPPL serves to advance the interests of LAPD officers through legislative and legal advocacy, political action and education. The LAPPL can be found on the Web at www.LAPD.com.
Tactics and Use of Force
July 26, 2007 (San Dimas, CA) Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers: Dennis Nasci; Howard Rahtz; and, Robert D. Emerson.
In February 2007, Dennis Nasci joined the Village of West Milwaukee Police Department (Wisconsin) as its first assistant chief of police. Assistant Chief Dennis Nasci began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a deputy sheriff with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department (New Mexico). He retired in 2002 at the rank of lieutenant. Moving to Wisconsin, he was appointed lieutenant and second-in-command of the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Police Department. Dennis Nasci holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from the 190th session of the FBI National Academy. He possesses numerous police instructor certifications and is the co-author of Tactical Attitude.
According to one reader/review of Tactical Attitude, “This book is about surviving a deadly encounter, mainly at the mental perspective. The book covers such topics as command presence, mental rehearsal, off-duty survival, sudden stress syndrome, and many others. Almost half of the text is real-life stories told by cops. This makes the book an interesting read. The most interesting chapter tells about sudden stress syndrome.”
In August of 2005, Howard Rahtz was promoted to Captain on the Cincinnati Police Department. He hold a BA in business administration and a master's degree in counseling; and, he also completed the program at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and the Law Enforcement Foundation's Police Executive Leadership College. In 1988 Howard Rahtz joined the Cincinnati Police Department. He has held progressively responsible law enforcement and leadership positions within the police department. Prior to his promotion, he was the Cincinnati Police Department’s coordinator for the SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team.
Outside of his department career he is an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati and the Tri-State Regional Community Policing Institute; a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association; and, editor of their Use of Force Journal. Captain Howard Rahtz has authored two books on law enforcement: Understanding Police Use of Force and Community Policing: A Handbook for Beat Cops and Supervisors.
According to the book description of Understanding Police Use of Force, “This even-handed and comprehensive discussion is intended to facilitate informed discussion among citizens, police and students on the use of force in law enforcement. Topics include: definitions; the legal framework; options for the use of force; steps to minimize the use of force; what to do when the worst happens; the racial divide; and towards better policy and understanding.”
Robert D. Emerson entered the United States Army in 1953. His lengthy law enforcement career began when he worked as a Special Agent for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). In 1957, after leaving the ONI he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 1963, he joined the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations. He left the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations to enter the realm of private corporate security. Robert Emerson is the author of Dancing with Devils.
According to one reader/reviewer of Dancing with Devils, Emerson's series of law enforcement "tales" presents an interesting weave of the inner thoughts of man who was "born" into law enforcement and made law enforcement his vocation and his passion. I was reared in Chatham County, North Carolina and grew up under the jurisdiction of the author's father, the long term Sheriff of Chatham County, John Emerson. Many stories still circulate of the integrity and ability of Sheriff Emerson.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 668 police officers (representing 298 police departments) and their 1428 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.
In February 2007, Dennis Nasci joined the Village of West Milwaukee Police Department (Wisconsin) as its first assistant chief of police. Assistant Chief Dennis Nasci began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a deputy sheriff with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department (New Mexico). He retired in 2002 at the rank of lieutenant. Moving to Wisconsin, he was appointed lieutenant and second-in-command of the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh Police Department. Dennis Nasci holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Wayland Baptist University in Albuquerque, New Mexico and graduated from the 190th session of the FBI National Academy. He possesses numerous police instructor certifications and is the co-author of Tactical Attitude.
According to one reader/review of Tactical Attitude, “This book is about surviving a deadly encounter, mainly at the mental perspective. The book covers such topics as command presence, mental rehearsal, off-duty survival, sudden stress syndrome, and many others. Almost half of the text is real-life stories told by cops. This makes the book an interesting read. The most interesting chapter tells about sudden stress syndrome.”
In August of 2005, Howard Rahtz was promoted to Captain on the Cincinnati Police Department. He hold a BA in business administration and a master's degree in counseling; and, he also completed the program at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and the Law Enforcement Foundation's Police Executive Leadership College. In 1988 Howard Rahtz joined the Cincinnati Police Department. He has held progressively responsible law enforcement and leadership positions within the police department. Prior to his promotion, he was the Cincinnati Police Department’s coordinator for the SWAT Crisis Negotiations Team.
Outside of his department career he is an adjunct instructor at the University of Cincinnati and the Tri-State Regional Community Policing Institute; a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association; and, editor of their Use of Force Journal. Captain Howard Rahtz has authored two books on law enforcement: Understanding Police Use of Force and Community Policing: A Handbook for Beat Cops and Supervisors.
According to the book description of Understanding Police Use of Force, “This even-handed and comprehensive discussion is intended to facilitate informed discussion among citizens, police and students on the use of force in law enforcement. Topics include: definitions; the legal framework; options for the use of force; steps to minimize the use of force; what to do when the worst happens; the racial divide; and towards better policy and understanding.”
Robert D. Emerson entered the United States Army in 1953. His lengthy law enforcement career began when he worked as a Special Agent for the Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI). In 1957, after leaving the ONI he joined the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 1963, he joined the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations. He left the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations to enter the realm of private corporate security. Robert Emerson is the author of Dancing with Devils.
According to one reader/reviewer of Dancing with Devils, Emerson's series of law enforcement "tales" presents an interesting weave of the inner thoughts of man who was "born" into law enforcement and made law enforcement his vocation and his passion. I was reared in Chatham County, North Carolina and grew up under the jurisdiction of the author's father, the long term Sheriff of Chatham County, John Emerson. Many stories still circulate of the integrity and ability of Sheriff Emerson.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 668 police officers (representing 298 police departments) and their 1428 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.
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Mystery, Biography and Real Estate
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers who have authored books: Jeff Pate; Ronald Kaye Rawlings; and, Chuck Smith.
In 1987, Jeff Pate joined the High Point Police Department (North Carolina). In 1998, he finished his first Novel, Winner Take All. After attempting to publish the novel through traditional routes, he ended up forming Harlan Publishing and creating a hardcover version of his novel. In 2000, the book and publishing company were so successful, Jeff Pate left the High Point Police Department to write and publish full-time. In 2001, he published his second novel, Eye of the Beholder.
Of 2003, Jeff Pate stated, “when I was at my very worst, the Lord revealed Himself and His awesome love and I surrendered to His grace.” Jeff Pate has, since 2003, formed Branches of the Vine Ministries and Diakonia Publishing. Diakonia publishing is a publishing house dedicated to helping ministers and Christian authors “fulfill Ephesians 4:12.” Jeff Pate is also the author of The Last-Day Apostles: Calling of the Twelve (The Last-Day Apostles) and By the Grace of God I Am What I Am.
Ronald Kaye Rawlings honorably ended a tour of the US Army as a Military Policeman and began his career as a Clayton Police Officer in North Carolina. After four and a half years as a Clayton Police Officer, he would pursue his life long dream of being a North Carolina State Trooper. Although he was turned down three times by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Ronald Rawlings would ultimately preserve in his goal and complete a 26 year career. Ronald K. Rawlings retired from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol as a District First Sergeant and with a Master's Degree in Administration.
Ronald Kaye Rawlings is the author of A Black Cop in the South. According to the book description, “it is about a fascinating true story involving a young black man who was raised in a large single parent, southern family home in North Carolina. Ronald Kaye Rawlings is the author and his dream as a young child was to be a North Carolina State Trooper. He was able to achieve that goal and even more, but the road was filled with pitfalls, disappointments, racism, and tragedy.”
Chuck Smith is a former Cleveland Police Department (Ohio) police officer with over 15 years law enforcement experience. According to Chuck Smith, “I went from being a full-time street cop dodging bullets, struggling to make ends meet with a family of six, to making $582,263 cash in hand, part-time in real estate. My first year full time as a real estate investor, I made $1,263,483 cash in hand.” Chuck Smith is the author of From Cop to CEO.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 665 police officers (representing 295 police departments) and their 1424 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.
In 1987, Jeff Pate joined the High Point Police Department (North Carolina). In 1998, he finished his first Novel, Winner Take All. After attempting to publish the novel through traditional routes, he ended up forming Harlan Publishing and creating a hardcover version of his novel. In 2000, the book and publishing company were so successful, Jeff Pate left the High Point Police Department to write and publish full-time. In 2001, he published his second novel, Eye of the Beholder.
Of 2003, Jeff Pate stated, “when I was at my very worst, the Lord revealed Himself and His awesome love and I surrendered to His grace.” Jeff Pate has, since 2003, formed Branches of the Vine Ministries and Diakonia Publishing. Diakonia publishing is a publishing house dedicated to helping ministers and Christian authors “fulfill Ephesians 4:12.” Jeff Pate is also the author of The Last-Day Apostles: Calling of the Twelve (The Last-Day Apostles) and By the Grace of God I Am What I Am.
Ronald Kaye Rawlings honorably ended a tour of the US Army as a Military Policeman and began his career as a Clayton Police Officer in North Carolina. After four and a half years as a Clayton Police Officer, he would pursue his life long dream of being a North Carolina State Trooper. Although he was turned down three times by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, Ronald Rawlings would ultimately preserve in his goal and complete a 26 year career. Ronald K. Rawlings retired from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol as a District First Sergeant and with a Master's Degree in Administration.
Ronald Kaye Rawlings is the author of A Black Cop in the South. According to the book description, “it is about a fascinating true story involving a young black man who was raised in a large single parent, southern family home in North Carolina. Ronald Kaye Rawlings is the author and his dream as a young child was to be a North Carolina State Trooper. He was able to achieve that goal and even more, but the road was filled with pitfalls, disappointments, racism, and tragedy.”
Chuck Smith is a former Cleveland Police Department (Ohio) police officer with over 15 years law enforcement experience. According to Chuck Smith, “I went from being a full-time street cop dodging bullets, struggling to make ends meet with a family of six, to making $582,263 cash in hand, part-time in real estate. My first year full time as a real estate investor, I made $1,263,483 cash in hand.” Chuck Smith is the author of From Cop to CEO.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 665 police officers (representing 295 police departments) and their 1424 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.
Colombia Touts Counternarcotics Success, Urges Continued U.S. Aid
By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service
July 24, 2007 - Colombia's defense minister arrived here yesterday to meet with U.S. officials and outline progress Colombia has made in stemming narcoterrorism and other security boosts made possible in part by U.S. funding. At the Pentagon, Juan Manuel Santos and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates discussed issues of mutual interest concerning regional and global security. During his three-day visit, the minister also is slated to hold separate talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and congressional members to request continued financial backing.
Currently, U.S. aid supports Colombian President Alvaro Uribe's Plan Consolidation -- formerly known as Plan Colombia -- which is making progress in combating narcoterrrorists, ensuring stability, and providing a safe and prosperous climate for the country's citizens, a Defense Department official said.
"Colombia is in many ways -- although many challenges remain -- a huge success story," Richard J. Douglas, deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics, counterproliferation and global threats, told Pentagon reporters in April.
"The Colombians have done some incredible things in their relationship with the United States in the last five or six years," he said. "But the fact remains, we still have challenges there, and we have to deal with them."
The flow of cocaine from the Andean Ridge is the "primary threat" to attempts at thwarting narcotics trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, Douglas said. Colombia produces almost 90 percent of the cocaine and almost half of the heroin consumed in the United States.
Meanwhile, profits from the narcotics industry provide funding for terrorists, left-wing guerillas, paramilitary self-defense forces and drug cartels. Incidents of kidnapping and terrorism there are down. But since 1992, Colombia's narcoterrorists have kidnapped more than 50 Americans and killed at least 10, State Department officials report.
Gates expressed pride in Colombia's progress and reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to support security strategy in his closed meeting with the minister yesterday, said Juan Cardenas, a Defense Department spokesman.
"Gates and Santos discussed the need for steady assistance to Colombia's armed forces while Colombia's government prepares to assume increased responsibility for counternarcotics and security programs," Cardenas said.
In January, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spent two days in Bogota, Colombia, to meet with the country's military and defense leaders to discuss how the United States and Colombia can step up their cooperation to better confront drug trafficking and terrorism.
"This is a two-way street," Pace said at the time at a joint news conference with Santos and Gen. Freddy Padilla, commander of the Colombian armed forces. "The fact that the United States is able to help Colombia inside Colombia is a good thing for Colombia, but it is also a good thing for my country.
"And the fact that your country is fighting against drugs -- a great deal of which come to the streets of the United States -- is your country helping out to help my country," Pace said. "So these are friends helping friends."
Colombia's armed forces have cleared specific areas of terrorists, and the government has followed in those areas with projects that have brought electricity, water and jobs to the people, Pace said.
U.S. officials have looked to Colombia as a role model for countering narcotics elsewhere, Pace said. For instance, Colombians have sent national police officers to train Afghan army and police forces in both counterdrug and counterinsurgency operations.
Inspired in part by Colombia's success, the U.S. is engaged in a "five-pillar" plan to counter the Afghan narcotics industry, which supplies about 93 percent of the world's opium, a Defense Department official said. The pillars are public information, alternative livelihoods, eradication, interdiction and justice reform.
During the joint news conference in Bogota, Pace praised Colombia's resistance to narcotics traffickers and endorsed the country's social reforms.
"I think those kinds of outreach programs by the Colombian government are a good model for (Afghan) President (Hamid) Karzai to consider as he looks at how to reduce the amount of drug trafficking in his country and to provide stability and jobs for his citizens," Pace said.
American Forces Press Service
July 24, 2007 - Colombia's defense minister arrived here yesterday to meet with U.S. officials and outline progress Colombia has made in stemming narcoterrorism and other security boosts made possible in part by U.S. funding. At the Pentagon, Juan Manuel Santos and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates discussed issues of mutual interest concerning regional and global security. During his three-day visit, the minister also is slated to hold separate talks with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and congressional members to request continued financial backing.
Currently, U.S. aid supports Colombian President Alvaro Uribe's Plan Consolidation -- formerly known as Plan Colombia -- which is making progress in combating narcoterrrorists, ensuring stability, and providing a safe and prosperous climate for the country's citizens, a Defense Department official said.
"Colombia is in many ways -- although many challenges remain -- a huge success story," Richard J. Douglas, deputy assistant secretary of defense for counternarcotics, counterproliferation and global threats, told Pentagon reporters in April.
"The Colombians have done some incredible things in their relationship with the United States in the last five or six years," he said. "But the fact remains, we still have challenges there, and we have to deal with them."
The flow of cocaine from the Andean Ridge is the "primary threat" to attempts at thwarting narcotics trafficking in the Western Hemisphere, Douglas said. Colombia produces almost 90 percent of the cocaine and almost half of the heroin consumed in the United States.
Meanwhile, profits from the narcotics industry provide funding for terrorists, left-wing guerillas, paramilitary self-defense forces and drug cartels. Incidents of kidnapping and terrorism there are down. But since 1992, Colombia's narcoterrorists have kidnapped more than 50 Americans and killed at least 10, State Department officials report.
Gates expressed pride in Colombia's progress and reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to support security strategy in his closed meeting with the minister yesterday, said Juan Cardenas, a Defense Department spokesman.
"Gates and Santos discussed the need for steady assistance to Colombia's armed forces while Colombia's government prepares to assume increased responsibility for counternarcotics and security programs," Cardenas said.
In January, Marine Gen. Peter Pace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, spent two days in Bogota, Colombia, to meet with the country's military and defense leaders to discuss how the United States and Colombia can step up their cooperation to better confront drug trafficking and terrorism.
"This is a two-way street," Pace said at the time at a joint news conference with Santos and Gen. Freddy Padilla, commander of the Colombian armed forces. "The fact that the United States is able to help Colombia inside Colombia is a good thing for Colombia, but it is also a good thing for my country.
"And the fact that your country is fighting against drugs -- a great deal of which come to the streets of the United States -- is your country helping out to help my country," Pace said. "So these are friends helping friends."
Colombia's armed forces have cleared specific areas of terrorists, and the government has followed in those areas with projects that have brought electricity, water and jobs to the people, Pace said.
U.S. officials have looked to Colombia as a role model for countering narcotics elsewhere, Pace said. For instance, Colombians have sent national police officers to train Afghan army and police forces in both counterdrug and counterinsurgency operations.
Inspired in part by Colombia's success, the U.S. is engaged in a "five-pillar" plan to counter the Afghan narcotics industry, which supplies about 93 percent of the world's opium, a Defense Department official said. The pillars are public information, alternative livelihoods, eradication, interdiction and justice reform.
During the joint news conference in Bogota, Pace praised Colombia's resistance to narcotics traffickers and endorsed the country's social reforms.
"I think those kinds of outreach programs by the Colombian government are a good model for (Afghan) President (Hamid) Karzai to consider as he looks at how to reduce the amount of drug trafficking in his country and to provide stability and jobs for his citizens," Pace said.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Hate Crimes Investigations class
Sept 11th through Sept 13th. at the Criminal Justice Training Center Napa Valley College Police Academy.
Description:
This course will prepare patrol officers and investigators with knowledge and skills to successfully investigate and prosecute a hate crime. This course meets the requirements of section 13519.6 PC. This is a new course designed by Sgt Robert Glock of the Oakland Police Department Tuition is $25.00
Contact:
707-253-3255 or online at www.nvccjtc.org
It is a POST certified class
Description:
This course will prepare patrol officers and investigators with knowledge and skills to successfully investigate and prosecute a hate crime. This course meets the requirements of section 13519.6 PC. This is a new course designed by Sgt Robert Glock of the Oakland Police Department Tuition is $25.00
Contact:
707-253-3255 or online at www.nvccjtc.org
It is a POST certified class
Thursday, July 19, 2007
New Mexico and North Dakota
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added police officers from New Mexico and North Dakota.
Bart Skelton was raised on the Mexican border and attended college at Southwestern University, Sul Ross State University and New Mexico State University. He joined the New Mexico State Police in 1984 and later became a Special Agent with the U.S. Customs Service and is stationed in New Mexico. Bart Skelton is the author of Down on the Border: A Western Lawman's Journal.
Darrell Graf is the former Chief of Police of the Medina Police Department (North Dakota). Darrell Graf graduated from the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center in August of 1976. He holds two patents on firefighting devices he invented.
Steve Schnabel is the former Colonel of the Medina Police Department (North Dakota). Steven Schnabel graduated from the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center in April of 1981. He is also a staff sergeant for the North Dakota Army National Guard of which he has been a member for over 19 years.
Darrell Graf and Steve Schabel are the authors of It's All About Power. According to the book description, “It's All About Power is a true and accurate eye witness account of the shoot-out between Gordon Kahl and US Marshals at Medina, North Dakota in 1983.” Of the book, Senator John DeCamp (Lincoln, NE) said, “There are many problems in America today. It's All About Power is a stimulating account of the disaster at Medina, ND in 1983 which was the first in a series of similar shocking events that have rocked our nation. I would highly recommend everyone from politicians to distressed farmers and government agents to militia members read and learn from this fabulous book!”
Dr. Allen Koss, PhD (Sitting Bull College, Ft. Yates, ND) added, “The authors...have dealt with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the past 16 years. This text should be a significant contribution to the education of other law enforcement officers.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 657 police officers (representing 289 police departments) and their 1398 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.
Bart Skelton was raised on the Mexican border and attended college at Southwestern University, Sul Ross State University and New Mexico State University. He joined the New Mexico State Police in 1984 and later became a Special Agent with the U.S. Customs Service and is stationed in New Mexico. Bart Skelton is the author of Down on the Border: A Western Lawman's Journal.
Darrell Graf is the former Chief of Police of the Medina Police Department (North Dakota). Darrell Graf graduated from the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center in August of 1976. He holds two patents on firefighting devices he invented.
Steve Schnabel is the former Colonel of the Medina Police Department (North Dakota). Steven Schnabel graduated from the North Dakota Law Enforcement Training Center in April of 1981. He is also a staff sergeant for the North Dakota Army National Guard of which he has been a member for over 19 years.
Darrell Graf and Steve Schabel are the authors of It's All About Power. According to the book description, “It's All About Power is a true and accurate eye witness account of the shoot-out between Gordon Kahl and US Marshals at Medina, North Dakota in 1983.” Of the book, Senator John DeCamp (Lincoln, NE) said, “There are many problems in America today. It's All About Power is a stimulating account of the disaster at Medina, ND in 1983 which was the first in a series of similar shocking events that have rocked our nation. I would highly recommend everyone from politicians to distressed farmers and government agents to militia members read and learn from this fabulous book!”
Dr. Allen Koss, PhD (Sitting Bull College, Ft. Yates, ND) added, “The authors...have dealt with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder for the past 16 years. This text should be a significant contribution to the education of other law enforcement officers.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 657 police officers (representing 289 police departments) and their 1398 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.
Law Enforcement Technology
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, July 19, 2007
"Electronic Eyes Help Police"
Los Angeles Times (07/15/07) P. A24; Frazier, Michael
The Long Beach, N.Y., Police Department is one of an increasing number of law-enforcement groups employing roof-mounted license-plate readers, also known as the Mobile Plate Hunter. Alarms are given off as the gadget's pair of infrared cameras scan license plates at a speed of between 15 and 25 per second, according to maker Remington Elsag. The plate numbers are transmitted to a database in the patrol car trunk and checked with a digital list of cars wanted for traffic breaches, crimes, reported stolen vehicles, and cars connected to alerts for kidnapped minors, officials said. The infrared cameras function similar to grocery-store scanners, and can list the plates of moving or parked vehicles. Over 220,000 departments nationally utilize the machine, which costs $22,000. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano noted that the Mobile Plate Hunter was helping to fight human trafficking in her state. Since smugglers frequently employ stolen vehicles, cruisers outfitted with readers at the border can help uncover trafficking rings, her spokeswoman explained. http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-na-scanners15jul15,1,4895799.story?track=rss
"Crime Data, News Posted on the Web"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (07/15/07) P. 1; Fooksman, Leon
Law-enforcement Web sites are offering practical data to help keep people better informed and more secure, according to Florida police. Placing crime information on the Internet is lowering calls to overworked emergency dispatchers. Palm Beach residents can go online to obtain arrest reports and neighborhood crime information, and can determine where sex offenders reside and who has been incarcerated. Meanwhile, Boca Raton police permit anybody to see sections of reports on arrests, accidents, missing persons, and burglaries. The Delray Beach Police Department publishes traffic accidents, breaks down crime in areas, and shows service calls. The Boynton Beach Police Department has provided holiday safety suggestions, water restriction rules, and data on traffic-enforcement initiatives. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has received 13 million hits since November, according to officials. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
"Gadgets Transform Public Safety"
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) (07/12/07) P. B2; Cook, Dick
A variety of technologically-advanced devices are enabling law-enforcement groups in southwest Tennessee and North Georgia to improve how they perform their jobs. In early July, for instance, Bradley County, Tenn., Sheriff's Department officials used the assistance of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers to attempt to locate a sunken vehicle in a local lake. A side-scan sonar utilized during the investigation by the officers enabled law enforcement to look 50 feet into the water. Law enforcement also employs specialized technology to search in the dark, record the discussions of informants, monitor criminals' actions, and confirm the identities of individuals who wish to hide, according to officials. "There's no question that today law enforcement is much more successful in solving crimes than 30 years ago by using technology," Catoosa County, Ga., Sheriff Phil Summers stated. Summers noted how in-car video cameras, which have been in existence for 10 years, help him to contest complaints against police during traffic stops. Different state and federal grants have enabled smaller, financially-challenged police departments to obtain modern equipment. Bradley County, for example, used around $350,000 in grant money from the U.S. Homeland Security Department to outfit a crime lab in its facility. http://www.timesfreepress.com/ShowStoryTemplate.asp?Path=ChatTFPress/2007/07/12&ID=Ar00804&Section=Metro/Region
"Holly Ridge Police Pack More Sting"
Jacksonville Daily News (NC) (07/12/07); Kay, Lindell
The Holly Ridge, N.C., Police Department recently received Taser stun guns, the second law-enforcement group in Onslow County to get them. "We haven't had to use pepper spray so far this year, and hopefully we will not have to use our new Tasers, either," Holly Ridge Police Chief John Maiorano stated. "But if we have to, Tasers are meant to save lives." As part of the instruction in how to correctly employ Tasers, numerous Holly Ridge police officers have offered to be shot with the guns. The Onslow County's Sheriff's Department started utilizing Tasers nearly two years ago, according to Capt. Rick Sutherland. He noted that three-fourths of the department is currently qualified to employ the guns. Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown emphasizes that Tasers are highly effective. http://www.jdnews.com/news/police_49733___article.html/tasers_use.html
"Entities Find Use for Geo Mapping"
Memphis Commercial Appeal (TN) (07/13/07) P. DSB1; Covington, Jimmie
A geographic information systems (GIS) workshop took place the week of July 9 in Southaven, Miss., as part of a statewide plan to bring GIS technology to every county in Mississippi. Financed by a federal grant, the initiative was created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help governmental workers and authorities devise geographically-connected databases. During hurricanes and other severe emergencies, it is necessary to have computer-based maps revealing the exact locations of individuals, buildings, utility lines, different services, evacuation paths, and additional information needed by emergency workers. In addition, the databases significantly help governments in offering daily services in a range of areas, including law enforcement, GIS activists claim. The instruction workshops and associated activities are managed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Geospatial extension specialist Dr. Scott A. Samson and two other individuals from the university have been operating the workshops at different sites in Mississippi for a little over a year. The workshops last between two and five days, and follow-ups are conducted in communities to help workshop enrollees implement what they have discovered. http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/desoto/article/
0,1426,MCA_451_5627188,00.html
"Belleville Police Cars to Get Video Cameras"
Belleville News-Democrat (IL) (07/11/07) P. A1; White, Lisa P.
A $46,000 federal grant will allow squad cars in Belleville, Ill. to be equipped with audio-visual recording systems. The proposed setup will include cameras that can spin 360 degrees to record suspect and officer behavior in and out of the car. Officers will also be given a microphone so they can capture sound when they are speaking to a suspect. Each camera and microphone set is expected to run the department between $2,500 and $4,500. Officers say the added protection the systems provide to police and suspects alike is worth the price tag. They point out the cameras will be particularly useful for the area's new street crimes unit, which is responsible for controlling offenses from drug deals to aggressive panhandling. http://www.bnd.com/news/local/story/78423.html
"Foot Patrols? So Yesterday as Police Segue to Segways"
Cincinnati Post (07/14/07) P. A.1; Wessels, Joe
Police in Cincinnati, Ohio are finding a new, high-tech way to keep their city safe. As a part of Cincinnati's Safe City Project, the police department has purchased two Segway Personal Transporters. Segways are two-wheeled, self-balancing transporters, capable of moving at up to 12.5 miles per hour. They can also run for a maximum distance of 24 miles on rechargeable lithium batteries. Police officers love the Segway because it increases their visibility and contact with the community, while allowing officers to pursue suspects with safety and speed. It also has the added benefit of being far more energy conscious than patrol cars. http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20070714/NEWS02/707140317/-1/all
"Taser Demo Proves Stunning"
Durham Herald-Sun (NC) (07/15/07); Rickard, Carolyn
The Durham, N.C., Police Department intends to buy and dispense 100 Taser stun guns to its officers by the middle of next year. Police will first give the Tasers to numerous officers on every squad, and eventually provide them to everybody on the force, according to Major B.J. Council. The department is preparing to buy the Tasers with $135,000 obtained in asset-forfeiture money. The department intends to ask the city of Durham to finance more of the Tasers starting with the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Taser International regional manager Jay Kehoe, a former police officer, claims that of every 1,000 hits with a Taser, just two will cause injury. Councilman Howard Clement, however, is concerned that police would not be correctly instructed, thereby causing injuries. Officers will be instructed for a minimum of six hours on the stun guns, police officials noted. http://www.herald-sun.com/
"Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Participates in Testing of Faster DNA Analysis"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (07/11/07); Joyner, Rachael
Part of the Gattaca Project--a new DNA analysis technology--is being tested by the Palm Beach County, Fla.'s Sheriff's Office. On July 10, the office's forensics team processed blood samples with a machine still being devised by University of California, Berkeley scientists. The technology's objective is to reduce the time it takes to process samples of DNA, so they can be employed to locate suspects while a crime scene is still new. Right now, samples are handled in a lab, which can take weeks. The whole procedure, however, still has not been incorporated into one device: The Gattaca Project just conducts two of the four steps in a DNA study. The technology would permit law-enforcement groups to locate suspects faster, getting individuals to prison and eliminating suspects more rapidly, claims Sheriff's Office violent crimes division Lt. Jeffery Andrews. The device is a smaller version of what would be found in a lab, has the appearance of a briefcase-sized black box, and utilizes a microchip and a laser beam the size of hair to determine the length of DNA strands. The project was created with an $830,000 grant from the federal Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpdna0711pnjul11,0,7857673.story
"Visual Trainer Keeps Police Safe"
Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (07/11/07); Boyd, Leah
A new virtual reality simulator will allow police officers to receive safe, realistic training in driving and firearms. The $320,000 simulator was created by L-3 Communications, Advanced Interactive Systems, and Tri-C's Public Training Institute's Law Enforcement Division. The driving portion of the system uses six 3-D screens to imitate the view from the windows and mirrors of a squad car. The simulation includes working brakes and wheels that react differently depending on the set weather and road conditions. The firearms part of the simulator lets officers use a laser gun which can imitate taser, pepper spray, and gun functions. The simulator records firing accuracy and reaction time. If the user makes a mistake which would have resulted in a real-life injury, they are automatically hit with a pellet gun. The entire system is contained in a 53 foot trailer that can travel to any area of the country, cutting down on the travel costs many police departments incur from sending officers to training facilities. http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?
/base/cuyahoga/1184142996146230.xml&coll=2
"Justice Collaboration"
Government Technology (07/09/07); Douglas, Merrill
The Justice Network (JNET) of Pennsylvania is an integrated Web portal that enables the exchange of criminal justice and public safety data, and serves 30,000 state, local, and federal users at 60-plus agencies. JNET allows authorized users access to data from systems that receive input from numerous stakeholders, and its features include a facial recognition system and a pilot of a system that automatically disseminates warrant information. Deputy CIO for the Public Safety Community of Practice in the Office of Administration Brenda Kaczmarek says JNET's uniqueness is derived from its status as an enterprise project, which means that the network answers to not just the state's Office for Information Technology, but also to its primary stakeholder agencies such as the Pennsylvania State Police, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Corrections. "My role as executive director is to ensure that the projects we're working on are meeting the requirements of the agencies that requested them," explains JNET's Philip Tomassini. JNET's annual operating budget is $8.8 million. JNET is required to comply with the same IT standards and procedures applicable to every other state organization in Pennsylvania, according to state CIO and deputy secretary for information technology Kristen Miller. http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/125493
"Security a Priority for County Offices"
Beaumont Enterprise (07/10/07); Moore, Sarah
On July 9, Jefferson County, Texas, officials and county workers convened to talk about increasing courthouse security. A recent hostage standoff generated concerns about the Jefferson County Courthouse's risks. A committee that convened early in 2007 listed nine priorities to be dealt with in regards to courthouse security, including metal detectors and X-ray machines at courthouse entrances, security cameras across the facility, and security badges for staff. In presenting its suggestions, the committee returned to a report created by a consultant many years ago when commissioners started studying perimeter security. Commissioner Eddie Arnold stated that the consultant mentioned a startup price of $250,000 to $500,000, with an annual price of between $300,000 and $400,000 to maintain the system and provide staff. Increasing expenses would likely raise those figures between 20 percent and 30 percent, Arnold noted. He also pointed out the figure did not take into account a security-based system, which could cost an additional $50,000 to $100,000, including security entrances. Arnold stated that the matter would be discussed starting the week of July 16 during county budget hearings. http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18567412
&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512588&rfi=8
"Drug Task Forces Evolve"
Myrtle Beach Sun News (SC) (07/10/07) P. A1; Hoke, Josh
Law-enforcement groups in North and South Carolina are using new strategies and equipment--including video tracking and drug-detection gadgets--to help them more effectively catch and try drug violators. The efforts are overseen by the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, an almost two-year-old group. The agency is comprised of officers from police agencies throughout Horry County, S.C., and it handles investigation data from the county. That data is then sent to regional police departments, which upgrades information-sharing and prevents dual investigations. Background checks by the task force permit police to monitor phone records and will soon provide officials with a way to facilitate drug-dealer prosecution. The National Guard has bought a $6,000 printer that will enable authorities to portray cartels in a picture that has a similar appearance to a family tree and will include names, photos, and additional information. The agency will also be able to utilize a thermal imaging system that permits police to search inside a house without having to obtain a search warrant, as officers will be able to employ it from the road, which is public land. The imaging system will notify police about facilities that have internal drug operations. http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/123872.html
"Massachusetts Becomes First State to Fully Implement Iris Biometric Technology"
Business Wire (07/10/07)
In May 2005, Hampshire County Massachusetts Sheriff Robert Garvey helped launch the Children's Identification and Location Database (The CHILD Project). His office was the first to become part of a secure nationwide network and registry that enables law enforcement and social service agencies to positively identify missing children and adults through biometric technology. Based on his success, the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association was able to secure state funding, which allowed them to obtain the systems for each of the Commonwealth's fourteen sheriffs. Developed by Plymouth, Massachusetts based BI2 Technologies, the easy-to-use systems were implemented across the Commonwealth in less than one month. In less than two years, Sheriff Garvey's initial idea has already expanded into 25 states and has grown into a national system that can also track inmates and sex offenders through the use of iris biometric recognition technology. BI2 Technologies uses a specialized video camera to capture a detailed close-up of a person's iris and then system's biometric software makes a template or 'map' of each iris pattern, for storage in the registry. To verify identity later, an individual simply looks back into an iris camera, and the system compares the patterns in the individual's iris against the templates stored in the system. If there's a match, the identity is verified within seconds. "A single click of the camera could help make the difference between a missing child or senior citizen winding up in harms way or making it home safely," said Sheriff Garvey. Other sheriffs across the nation were quick to recognize the benefits of Iris Recognition Technology and expanded its use beyond identifying missing children and adults. Sheriff Jim Pendergraph of Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, North Carolina led the charge. Working with the Sheriff's Office, BI2 Technologies expanded their technology to develop a system that tracks inmates from intake through release and another that can positively identify convicted sex offenders anywhere in the nation in a matter of seconds. The Inmate Recognition & Identification System (IRIS) eliminates the possibility of human error from the release process by requiring iris recognition, giving sheriffs the confidence that only those inmates scheduled for release will be released. "I believe today, agencies across the country need to avail themselves of the newest, most effective technologies in our efforts to serve the community," said Sheriff Pendergraph. "To this end, the Mecklenburg county Sheriff's Office recently implemented the use of IRIS in our operations. Our intent is to use this highly advanced technology across multiple areas of the agency - from inmate intake and release to verification of sex offender identity." http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070710006485&newsLang=en
"Never Bring a Taser to a Gunfight"
Police Magazine (06/07) Vol. 31, No. 6, P. 40; Guilbault, Rick
Experts say restricting TASER gun use to deadly force situations is a mistake that poses a threat to police officers and criminals. Rising pressure from lawmakers and special interest groups to restrict TASER gun use has pushed the issue to the forefront, but law enforcement officers, and even some legal experts, agree that such restrictions will result in more deaths. "There is significant pressure in some segments of the community to put electronic control device use at or just below lethal force. [This is] naive [and] it gives officers a dangerous choice and will lead to more deaths," asserts Scott Greenwood, general counsel to the National Board of the ACLU. The argument has brought confusion to an area, where until recently, officers had clarity. Though use-of-force policies vary from agency to agency, police officers have sufficient training to rightly assess how to respond in an emergency and should have the freedom to use any weapon at their disposal. www.policemag.com
Thursday, July 19, 2007
"Electronic Eyes Help Police"
Los Angeles Times (07/15/07) P. A24; Frazier, Michael
The Long Beach, N.Y., Police Department is one of an increasing number of law-enforcement groups employing roof-mounted license-plate readers, also known as the Mobile Plate Hunter. Alarms are given off as the gadget's pair of infrared cameras scan license plates at a speed of between 15 and 25 per second, according to maker Remington Elsag. The plate numbers are transmitted to a database in the patrol car trunk and checked with a digital list of cars wanted for traffic breaches, crimes, reported stolen vehicles, and cars connected to alerts for kidnapped minors, officials said. The infrared cameras function similar to grocery-store scanners, and can list the plates of moving or parked vehicles. Over 220,000 departments nationally utilize the machine, which costs $22,000. Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano noted that the Mobile Plate Hunter was helping to fight human trafficking in her state. Since smugglers frequently employ stolen vehicles, cruisers outfitted with readers at the border can help uncover trafficking rings, her spokeswoman explained. http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-na-scanners15jul15,1,4895799.story?track=rss
"Crime Data, News Posted on the Web"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (07/15/07) P. 1; Fooksman, Leon
Law-enforcement Web sites are offering practical data to help keep people better informed and more secure, according to Florida police. Placing crime information on the Internet is lowering calls to overworked emergency dispatchers. Palm Beach residents can go online to obtain arrest reports and neighborhood crime information, and can determine where sex offenders reside and who has been incarcerated. Meanwhile, Boca Raton police permit anybody to see sections of reports on arrests, accidents, missing persons, and burglaries. The Delray Beach Police Department publishes traffic accidents, breaks down crime in areas, and shows service calls. The Boynton Beach Police Department has provided holiday safety suggestions, water restriction rules, and data on traffic-enforcement initiatives. The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office has received 13 million hits since November, according to officials. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
"Gadgets Transform Public Safety"
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) (07/12/07) P. B2; Cook, Dick
A variety of technologically-advanced devices are enabling law-enforcement groups in southwest Tennessee and North Georgia to improve how they perform their jobs. In early July, for instance, Bradley County, Tenn., Sheriff's Department officials used the assistance of Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers to attempt to locate a sunken vehicle in a local lake. A side-scan sonar utilized during the investigation by the officers enabled law enforcement to look 50 feet into the water. Law enforcement also employs specialized technology to search in the dark, record the discussions of informants, monitor criminals' actions, and confirm the identities of individuals who wish to hide, according to officials. "There's no question that today law enforcement is much more successful in solving crimes than 30 years ago by using technology," Catoosa County, Ga., Sheriff Phil Summers stated. Summers noted how in-car video cameras, which have been in existence for 10 years, help him to contest complaints against police during traffic stops. Different state and federal grants have enabled smaller, financially-challenged police departments to obtain modern equipment. Bradley County, for example, used around $350,000 in grant money from the U.S. Homeland Security Department to outfit a crime lab in its facility. http://www.timesfreepress.com/ShowStoryTemplate.asp?Path=ChatTFPress/2007/07/12&ID=Ar00804&Section=Metro/Region
"Holly Ridge Police Pack More Sting"
Jacksonville Daily News (NC) (07/12/07); Kay, Lindell
The Holly Ridge, N.C., Police Department recently received Taser stun guns, the second law-enforcement group in Onslow County to get them. "We haven't had to use pepper spray so far this year, and hopefully we will not have to use our new Tasers, either," Holly Ridge Police Chief John Maiorano stated. "But if we have to, Tasers are meant to save lives." As part of the instruction in how to correctly employ Tasers, numerous Holly Ridge police officers have offered to be shot with the guns. The Onslow County's Sheriff's Department started utilizing Tasers nearly two years ago, according to Capt. Rick Sutherland. He noted that three-fourths of the department is currently qualified to employ the guns. Onslow County Sheriff Ed Brown emphasizes that Tasers are highly effective. http://www.jdnews.com/news/police_49733___article.html/tasers_use.html
"Entities Find Use for Geo Mapping"
Memphis Commercial Appeal (TN) (07/13/07) P. DSB1; Covington, Jimmie
A geographic information systems (GIS) workshop took place the week of July 9 in Southaven, Miss., as part of a statewide plan to bring GIS technology to every county in Mississippi. Financed by a federal grant, the initiative was created in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help governmental workers and authorities devise geographically-connected databases. During hurricanes and other severe emergencies, it is necessary to have computer-based maps revealing the exact locations of individuals, buildings, utility lines, different services, evacuation paths, and additional information needed by emergency workers. In addition, the databases significantly help governments in offering daily services in a range of areas, including law enforcement, GIS activists claim. The instruction workshops and associated activities are managed by the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Geospatial extension specialist Dr. Scott A. Samson and two other individuals from the university have been operating the workshops at different sites in Mississippi for a little over a year. The workshops last between two and five days, and follow-ups are conducted in communities to help workshop enrollees implement what they have discovered. http://www.commercialappeal.com/mca/desoto/article/
0,1426,MCA_451_5627188,00.html
"Belleville Police Cars to Get Video Cameras"
Belleville News-Democrat (IL) (07/11/07) P. A1; White, Lisa P.
A $46,000 federal grant will allow squad cars in Belleville, Ill. to be equipped with audio-visual recording systems. The proposed setup will include cameras that can spin 360 degrees to record suspect and officer behavior in and out of the car. Officers will also be given a microphone so they can capture sound when they are speaking to a suspect. Each camera and microphone set is expected to run the department between $2,500 and $4,500. Officers say the added protection the systems provide to police and suspects alike is worth the price tag. They point out the cameras will be particularly useful for the area's new street crimes unit, which is responsible for controlling offenses from drug deals to aggressive panhandling. http://www.bnd.com/news/local/story/78423.html
"Foot Patrols? So Yesterday as Police Segue to Segways"
Cincinnati Post (07/14/07) P. A.1; Wessels, Joe
Police in Cincinnati, Ohio are finding a new, high-tech way to keep their city safe. As a part of Cincinnati's Safe City Project, the police department has purchased two Segway Personal Transporters. Segways are two-wheeled, self-balancing transporters, capable of moving at up to 12.5 miles per hour. They can also run for a maximum distance of 24 miles on rechargeable lithium batteries. Police officers love the Segway because it increases their visibility and contact with the community, while allowing officers to pursue suspects with safety and speed. It also has the added benefit of being far more energy conscious than patrol cars. http://news.cincypost.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?
AID=/20070714/NEWS02/707140317/-1/all
"Taser Demo Proves Stunning"
Durham Herald-Sun (NC) (07/15/07); Rickard, Carolyn
The Durham, N.C., Police Department intends to buy and dispense 100 Taser stun guns to its officers by the middle of next year. Police will first give the Tasers to numerous officers on every squad, and eventually provide them to everybody on the force, according to Major B.J. Council. The department is preparing to buy the Tasers with $135,000 obtained in asset-forfeiture money. The department intends to ask the city of Durham to finance more of the Tasers starting with the 2008-2009 fiscal year. Taser International regional manager Jay Kehoe, a former police officer, claims that of every 1,000 hits with a Taser, just two will cause injury. Councilman Howard Clement, however, is concerned that police would not be correctly instructed, thereby causing injuries. Officers will be instructed for a minimum of six hours on the stun guns, police officials noted. http://www.herald-sun.com/
"Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office Participates in Testing of Faster DNA Analysis"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (07/11/07); Joyner, Rachael
Part of the Gattaca Project--a new DNA analysis technology--is being tested by the Palm Beach County, Fla.'s Sheriff's Office. On July 10, the office's forensics team processed blood samples with a machine still being devised by University of California, Berkeley scientists. The technology's objective is to reduce the time it takes to process samples of DNA, so they can be employed to locate suspects while a crime scene is still new. Right now, samples are handled in a lab, which can take weeks. The whole procedure, however, still has not been incorporated into one device: The Gattaca Project just conducts two of the four steps in a DNA study. The technology would permit law-enforcement groups to locate suspects faster, getting individuals to prison and eliminating suspects more rapidly, claims Sheriff's Office violent crimes division Lt. Jeffery Andrews. The device is a smaller version of what would be found in a lab, has the appearance of a briefcase-sized black box, and utilizes a microchip and a laser beam the size of hair to determine the length of DNA strands. The project was created with an $830,000 grant from the federal Department of Justice's National Institute of Justice. http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpdna0711pnjul11,0,7857673.story
"Visual Trainer Keeps Police Safe"
Plain Dealer (Cleveland) (07/11/07); Boyd, Leah
A new virtual reality simulator will allow police officers to receive safe, realistic training in driving and firearms. The $320,000 simulator was created by L-3 Communications, Advanced Interactive Systems, and Tri-C's Public Training Institute's Law Enforcement Division. The driving portion of the system uses six 3-D screens to imitate the view from the windows and mirrors of a squad car. The simulation includes working brakes and wheels that react differently depending on the set weather and road conditions. The firearms part of the simulator lets officers use a laser gun which can imitate taser, pepper spray, and gun functions. The simulator records firing accuracy and reaction time. If the user makes a mistake which would have resulted in a real-life injury, they are automatically hit with a pellet gun. The entire system is contained in a 53 foot trailer that can travel to any area of the country, cutting down on the travel costs many police departments incur from sending officers to training facilities. http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?
/base/cuyahoga/1184142996146230.xml&coll=2
"Justice Collaboration"
Government Technology (07/09/07); Douglas, Merrill
The Justice Network (JNET) of Pennsylvania is an integrated Web portal that enables the exchange of criminal justice and public safety data, and serves 30,000 state, local, and federal users at 60-plus agencies. JNET allows authorized users access to data from systems that receive input from numerous stakeholders, and its features include a facial recognition system and a pilot of a system that automatically disseminates warrant information. Deputy CIO for the Public Safety Community of Practice in the Office of Administration Brenda Kaczmarek says JNET's uniqueness is derived from its status as an enterprise project, which means that the network answers to not just the state's Office for Information Technology, but also to its primary stakeholder agencies such as the Pennsylvania State Police, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Department of Corrections. "My role as executive director is to ensure that the projects we're working on are meeting the requirements of the agencies that requested them," explains JNET's Philip Tomassini. JNET's annual operating budget is $8.8 million. JNET is required to comply with the same IT standards and procedures applicable to every other state organization in Pennsylvania, according to state CIO and deputy secretary for information technology Kristen Miller. http://www.govtech.com/gt/articles/125493
"Security a Priority for County Offices"
Beaumont Enterprise (07/10/07); Moore, Sarah
On July 9, Jefferson County, Texas, officials and county workers convened to talk about increasing courthouse security. A recent hostage standoff generated concerns about the Jefferson County Courthouse's risks. A committee that convened early in 2007 listed nine priorities to be dealt with in regards to courthouse security, including metal detectors and X-ray machines at courthouse entrances, security cameras across the facility, and security badges for staff. In presenting its suggestions, the committee returned to a report created by a consultant many years ago when commissioners started studying perimeter security. Commissioner Eddie Arnold stated that the consultant mentioned a startup price of $250,000 to $500,000, with an annual price of between $300,000 and $400,000 to maintain the system and provide staff. Increasing expenses would likely raise those figures between 20 percent and 30 percent, Arnold noted. He also pointed out the figure did not take into account a security-based system, which could cost an additional $50,000 to $100,000, including security entrances. Arnold stated that the matter would be discussed starting the week of July 16 during county budget hearings. http://www.zwire.com/site/index.cfm?newsid=18567412
&BRD=2287&PAG=461&dept_id=512588&rfi=8
"Drug Task Forces Evolve"
Myrtle Beach Sun News (SC) (07/10/07) P. A1; Hoke, Josh
Law-enforcement groups in North and South Carolina are using new strategies and equipment--including video tracking and drug-detection gadgets--to help them more effectively catch and try drug violators. The efforts are overseen by the 15th Circuit Drug Enforcement Unit, an almost two-year-old group. The agency is comprised of officers from police agencies throughout Horry County, S.C., and it handles investigation data from the county. That data is then sent to regional police departments, which upgrades information-sharing and prevents dual investigations. Background checks by the task force permit police to monitor phone records and will soon provide officials with a way to facilitate drug-dealer prosecution. The National Guard has bought a $6,000 printer that will enable authorities to portray cartels in a picture that has a similar appearance to a family tree and will include names, photos, and additional information. The agency will also be able to utilize a thermal imaging system that permits police to search inside a house without having to obtain a search warrant, as officers will be able to employ it from the road, which is public land. The imaging system will notify police about facilities that have internal drug operations. http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/story/123872.html
"Massachusetts Becomes First State to Fully Implement Iris Biometric Technology"
Business Wire (07/10/07)
In May 2005, Hampshire County Massachusetts Sheriff Robert Garvey helped launch the Children's Identification and Location Database (The CHILD Project). His office was the first to become part of a secure nationwide network and registry that enables law enforcement and social service agencies to positively identify missing children and adults through biometric technology. Based on his success, the Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association was able to secure state funding, which allowed them to obtain the systems for each of the Commonwealth's fourteen sheriffs. Developed by Plymouth, Massachusetts based BI2 Technologies, the easy-to-use systems were implemented across the Commonwealth in less than one month. In less than two years, Sheriff Garvey's initial idea has already expanded into 25 states and has grown into a national system that can also track inmates and sex offenders through the use of iris biometric recognition technology. BI2 Technologies uses a specialized video camera to capture a detailed close-up of a person's iris and then system's biometric software makes a template or 'map' of each iris pattern, for storage in the registry. To verify identity later, an individual simply looks back into an iris camera, and the system compares the patterns in the individual's iris against the templates stored in the system. If there's a match, the identity is verified within seconds. "A single click of the camera could help make the difference between a missing child or senior citizen winding up in harms way or making it home safely," said Sheriff Garvey. Other sheriffs across the nation were quick to recognize the benefits of Iris Recognition Technology and expanded its use beyond identifying missing children and adults. Sheriff Jim Pendergraph of Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, North Carolina led the charge. Working with the Sheriff's Office, BI2 Technologies expanded their technology to develop a system that tracks inmates from intake through release and another that can positively identify convicted sex offenders anywhere in the nation in a matter of seconds. The Inmate Recognition & Identification System (IRIS) eliminates the possibility of human error from the release process by requiring iris recognition, giving sheriffs the confidence that only those inmates scheduled for release will be released. "I believe today, agencies across the country need to avail themselves of the newest, most effective technologies in our efforts to serve the community," said Sheriff Pendergraph. "To this end, the Mecklenburg county Sheriff's Office recently implemented the use of IRIS in our operations. Our intent is to use this highly advanced technology across multiple areas of the agency - from inmate intake and release to verification of sex offender identity." http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070710006485&newsLang=en
"Never Bring a Taser to a Gunfight"
Police Magazine (06/07) Vol. 31, No. 6, P. 40; Guilbault, Rick
Experts say restricting TASER gun use to deadly force situations is a mistake that poses a threat to police officers and criminals. Rising pressure from lawmakers and special interest groups to restrict TASER gun use has pushed the issue to the forefront, but law enforcement officers, and even some legal experts, agree that such restrictions will result in more deaths. "There is significant pressure in some segments of the community to put electronic control device use at or just below lethal force. [This is] naive [and] it gives officers a dangerous choice and will lead to more deaths," asserts Scott Greenwood, general counsel to the National Board of the ACLU. The argument has brought confusion to an area, where until recently, officers had clarity. Though use-of-force policies vary from agency to agency, police officers have sufficient training to rightly assess how to respond in an emergency and should have the freedom to use any weapon at their disposal. www.policemag.com
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Retired Officer/Part-Time Opportunity
Law Enforcement Field Training Applications (L.E.F.T.A.) is looking for Regional Area Managers in CA, TX, NY, NJ, MA, CO, and NC. They are looking for a former FTO, (FTO Coordinator preferred), who is familiar with the San Jose Model; computer knowledgeable; sales experience a plus but not required.
Law Enforcement Field Training Applications is a comprehensive software program that monitors the field performance of law enforcement employees during their field training curriculum and their probationary period. L.E.F.T.A. is modeled after the San Jose training program, a proven system that is currently used by most law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. Specific L.E.F.T.A. applications are available for documenting and tracking the training of police officers/sheriff deputies, corrections officers, community service officers and communications officers/dispatchers
The software has the following features:
Recruits: This is a data entry portal to enter all the recruits that enter the field training program. Pictures and information of the recruits will be uploaded, which can then be used in the various L.E.F.T.A. reports.
Scheduling: The L.E.F.T.A. program will assist in creating a training schedule for the recruits entering the FTO part of training. Based on an availability FTO list established through L.E.F.T.A., the FTO coordinator can create a visual schedule of training phases.
Fully Automated Report System: Once the recruit and FTO have logged onto the L.E.F.T.A. system, it will automatically assign the recruit’s and FTO’s names and ID# on all of the reports. Each Daily Observation Report (DOR) will automatically be incorporated in the DOR Tracking Sheet linking all of the recruit’s paperwork together onto one form. L.E.F.T.A. has a built in spelling and grammar check and automatically links the Officer Safety Violation Sheet(s) to the DOR that the violation occurred on.
Program Security: Log in is only possible by authorized individuals and within their security levels assigned by each individual department. A Field Training Officer might be able to access previous Daily Observation Reports (DOR), but will not be able to change any data. A FTO supervisor will be able to reject a DOR submitted to him/her, but he can not make any of the changes himself. Only the FTO can make those changes.
Electronic (Signature) Approval System: The Field Training Officer will be able to send the recruit’s Daily Observation Report directly to the Field Training Supervisor who can either approve it as is or return it to the FTO to make required changes. Once approved by the Field Training Supervisor the recruit will acknowledge (password protected) that he has read (not accepted) the Daily Observation Report
Additional Information:
Call - 1-888-IBIT-123
http://leftasystems.com/lefta_main.html
Law Enforcement Field Training Applications is a comprehensive software program that monitors the field performance of law enforcement employees during their field training curriculum and their probationary period. L.E.F.T.A. is modeled after the San Jose training program, a proven system that is currently used by most law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. Specific L.E.F.T.A. applications are available for documenting and tracking the training of police officers/sheriff deputies, corrections officers, community service officers and communications officers/dispatchers
The software has the following features:
Recruits: This is a data entry portal to enter all the recruits that enter the field training program. Pictures and information of the recruits will be uploaded, which can then be used in the various L.E.F.T.A. reports.
Scheduling: The L.E.F.T.A. program will assist in creating a training schedule for the recruits entering the FTO part of training. Based on an availability FTO list established through L.E.F.T.A., the FTO coordinator can create a visual schedule of training phases.
Fully Automated Report System: Once the recruit and FTO have logged onto the L.E.F.T.A. system, it will automatically assign the recruit’s and FTO’s names and ID# on all of the reports. Each Daily Observation Report (DOR) will automatically be incorporated in the DOR Tracking Sheet linking all of the recruit’s paperwork together onto one form. L.E.F.T.A. has a built in spelling and grammar check and automatically links the Officer Safety Violation Sheet(s) to the DOR that the violation occurred on.
Program Security: Log in is only possible by authorized individuals and within their security levels assigned by each individual department. A Field Training Officer might be able to access previous Daily Observation Reports (DOR), but will not be able to change any data. A FTO supervisor will be able to reject a DOR submitted to him/her, but he can not make any of the changes himself. Only the FTO can make those changes.
Electronic (Signature) Approval System: The Field Training Officer will be able to send the recruit’s Daily Observation Report directly to the Field Training Supervisor who can either approve it as is or return it to the FTO to make required changes. Once approved by the Field Training Supervisor the recruit will acknowledge (password protected) that he has read (not accepted) the Daily Observation Report
Additional Information:
Call - 1-888-IBIT-123
http://leftasystems.com/lefta_main.html
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Terrorism, Poetry and Memoirs
Police-Writers.com is a website that lists state and local police officers who have written books. The website added three police officers who have written books: Richard L. Allen; Michael Aman; and, Anthony J. Carbo.
Richard L. Allen was born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He served four years as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, including six months in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After 24 years in the Air Force Reserves, Allen joined the Newark Police Department where he served until his retirement in 2001. Richard Allen is the author of Lock and Key; Poetic Police Food for Thought; and, A New Ark Police Officer's View of Poetic Just Ice/Justice.
According to the book description of Lock and Key, “with enough episodes to fill a season of televised police dramas, author and former police officer Richard Allen provides readers with a candid look into the nature of police work and the daily challenges an officer must face. In his memoir, "Lock and Key," Allen recalls some of the most unforgettable incidents and individuals of his experience. He depicts the humanity, compassion, and courage of those who serve their community as officers of the peace while revealing his deepest gratitude and appreciation for his fellow police officers. "Lock & Key" will definitely leave readers a greater appreciation of police work and a deeper respect for those who work to keep us safe.”
Michael Aman was a commissioned officer in the German Air Force from 1984 to 1993. Upon immigrating to the United States he joined the El Paso Police Department and has risen to the rank of detective. Michael Aman has served in the Gang Unit, Cold Case Squad, Criminal Investigations Division, Dignitary Protection Unit, and the Patrol Division.
Michael Aman has an MBA from the German Armed Forces University. During his law enforcement career, Michael Aman Developed a course for law enforcement officials called “Defense Against Terrorist Suicide Attacks.” Eventually, that course let to the book Preventing Suicide Terrorist Attacks.
He described the book as a self-study training manual for law officers or for civilians who want to be informed about the topic. According to an interview in the El Paso Times Michael Aman said, “It's really written for police officers, specifically patrol officers who might come in contact with these guys. That's the main target audience.”
According to the book description of Preventing Suicide Terrorist Attacks, “It won't happen here, is a common belief when it comes to suicide attacks by terrorists, but unfortunately-it can. This text provides essential information for law enforcement officers on techniques for recognizing potential terrorists and preventing suicide attacks. Information discussed is applicable to preventing attacks that are domestic and international in origin. This resource is ideal for self-study or as a four-hour training course.”
In 1964, Anthony J. Carbo joined the Newark Police Department. During his career he worked patrol, traffic and the Patrol Division Crimes Prevention Unit. He retired in 1979. He is the author of Memoirs of a Newark, New Jersey Police Officer. According to the book description, his book is “a story from a police officer telling of his personal thoughts. These are fast moving episodes that go from one incident to another at a quick and moving pace telling of life, death, unrest and riots during some of the most turbulent years from 1964 to 1979 in the City of Newark.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 648 police officers (representing 284 police departments) and their 1382 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.
Richard L. Allen was born in Gary, Indiana and raised in Newark, New Jersey. He served four years as an aircraft mechanic in the U.S. Air Force, including six months in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. After 24 years in the Air Force Reserves, Allen joined the Newark Police Department where he served until his retirement in 2001. Richard Allen is the author of Lock and Key; Poetic Police Food for Thought; and, A New Ark Police Officer's View of Poetic Just Ice/Justice.
According to the book description of Lock and Key, “with enough episodes to fill a season of televised police dramas, author and former police officer Richard Allen provides readers with a candid look into the nature of police work and the daily challenges an officer must face. In his memoir, "Lock and Key," Allen recalls some of the most unforgettable incidents and individuals of his experience. He depicts the humanity, compassion, and courage of those who serve their community as officers of the peace while revealing his deepest gratitude and appreciation for his fellow police officers. "Lock & Key" will definitely leave readers a greater appreciation of police work and a deeper respect for those who work to keep us safe.”
Michael Aman was a commissioned officer in the German Air Force from 1984 to 1993. Upon immigrating to the United States he joined the El Paso Police Department and has risen to the rank of detective. Michael Aman has served in the Gang Unit, Cold Case Squad, Criminal Investigations Division, Dignitary Protection Unit, and the Patrol Division.
Michael Aman has an MBA from the German Armed Forces University. During his law enforcement career, Michael Aman Developed a course for law enforcement officials called “Defense Against Terrorist Suicide Attacks.” Eventually, that course let to the book Preventing Suicide Terrorist Attacks.
He described the book as a self-study training manual for law officers or for civilians who want to be informed about the topic. According to an interview in the El Paso Times Michael Aman said, “It's really written for police officers, specifically patrol officers who might come in contact with these guys. That's the main target audience.”
According to the book description of Preventing Suicide Terrorist Attacks, “It won't happen here, is a common belief when it comes to suicide attacks by terrorists, but unfortunately-it can. This text provides essential information for law enforcement officers on techniques for recognizing potential terrorists and preventing suicide attacks. Information discussed is applicable to preventing attacks that are domestic and international in origin. This resource is ideal for self-study or as a four-hour training course.”
In 1964, Anthony J. Carbo joined the Newark Police Department. During his career he worked patrol, traffic and the Patrol Division Crimes Prevention Unit. He retired in 1979. He is the author of Memoirs of a Newark, New Jersey Police Officer. According to the book description, his book is “a story from a police officer telling of his personal thoughts. These are fast moving episodes that go from one incident to another at a quick and moving pace telling of life, death, unrest and riots during some of the most turbulent years from 1964 to 1979 in the City of Newark.”
Police-Writers.com now hosts 648 police officers (representing 284 police departments) and their 1382 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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