The Evolution of Sentencing: A Historical Perspective

The history of sentencing is a complex and multifaceted journey that reflects the evolution of societal values, legal systems, and approaches to justice over time. From ancient civilizations to modern societies, sentencing practices have been shaped by cultural norms, religious beliefs, political ideologies, and pragmatic considerations. This essay will explore the key milestones and developments in the history of sentencing, tracing its evolution from ancient forms of retribution to contemporary approaches focused on rehabilitation and restorative justice.

In ancient societies, justice was often administered through retributive measures aimed at restoring balance and order. Retribution, rooted in the principle of "an eye for an eye," sought to punish offenders in proportion to their crimes. In early civilizations such as ancient Mesopotamia, Hammurabi's Code famously codified harsh penalties for various offenses, prescribing punishments ranging from fines to mutilation and death. Similarly, ancient Greek and Roman legal systems embraced the concept of lex talionis, or "law of retaliation," which mandated punishment mirroring the crime committed.

As societies progressed, religious influences began to play a significant role in shaping sentencing practices. In medieval Europe, canon law administered by the Catholic Church prescribed penitential measures aimed at repentance and spiritual redemption. The concept of purgatory and the doctrine of indulgences influenced sentencing decisions, with offenders often required to perform acts of contrition or undergo penance to atone for their sins.

During the Enlightenment era, the rise of secularism and the emergence of modern legal systems led to significant changes in sentencing philosophy. The Age of Reason brought about a shift towards more rational and humane approaches to punishment, with thinkers such as Cesare Beccaria advocating for the abolition of torture and the use of proportional punishment based on the severity of the offense. Beccaria's seminal work, "On Crimes and Punishments," laid the groundwork for the development of modern criminal justice systems and the principle of proportionality in sentencing.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the industrial revolution, urbanization, and social upheaval brought new challenges to the criminal justice system. The rise of mass incarceration and the establishment of penitentiaries marked a departure from traditional forms of punishment towards incarceration as a means of rehabilitation and deterrence. The concept of indeterminate sentencing, which allowed for the possibility of parole and rehabilitation, gained traction during this period.

In the latter half of the 20th century, the focus of sentencing shifted once again, with growing emphasis on rehabilitation, reintegration, and community-based alternatives to incarceration. The advent of evidence-based practices and advancements in psychology and criminology led to the development of sentencing guidelines and risk assessment tools aimed at individualizing sentences based on factors such as offender risk, needs, and responsivity.

Today, sentencing practices vary widely across jurisdictions, reflecting diverse philosophical perspectives and policy priorities. While some countries continue to adhere to punitive approaches focused on deterrence and incapacitation, others have embraced restorative justice principles aimed at repairing harm, promoting healing, and fostering reconciliation between offenders and victims.

In conclusion, the history of sentencing is a testament to the dynamic nature of justice and the ever-evolving quest for fairness, equity, and effectiveness in addressing crime. From ancient forms of retribution to modern approaches rooted in rehabilitation and restorative justice, sentencing practices have been shaped by a myriad of cultural, religious, and ideological influences. As societies continue to grapple with the complexities of crime and punishment, the quest for a more just and humane system of sentencing remains an ongoing endeavor.

Town Marshals: Guardians of Order and Justice Throughout History

Town Marshals have long been integral figures in maintaining law and order within communities. As the local law enforcement officials, they have played a crucial role in upholding justice, ensuring public safety, and preserving the peace. This article delves into the captivating history of Town Marshals, tracing their origins, evolution, and enduring significance in societies around the world.

Origins of Town Marshals: 

The concept of Town Marshals dates back to medieval times when the need for maintaining order in growing towns and settlements became evident. Townspeople elected individuals to enforce local laws, resolve disputes, and protect their communities from criminal activities. These early Marshals were entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining order within the town limits, acting as both peacekeepers and enforcers of the law.

Evolution and Expansion: 

As societies evolved and urban centers developed, the role of Town Marshals expanded to meet the emerging challenges. During the American Wild West era, Town Marshals played a prominent role in frontier towns, upholding law and order in often chaotic and lawless environments. They faced various threats, ranging from outlaw gangs to unruly crowds, and were instrumental in taming the untamed territories.

Responsibilities and Duties: 

Town Marshals have traditionally been responsible for a wide range of duties, including patrolling the streets, preventing and investigating crimes, apprehending criminals, maintaining order during public events, and serving as a visible authority figure within the community. They have served as mediators, guardians, and symbols of justice, ensuring the safety and well-being of the townspeople.

Challenges and Dangers: 

Throughout history, Town Marshals have faced numerous challenges and dangers in the line of duty. They have confronted armed outlaws, diffused tense situations, and navigated complex social dynamics within their communities. Their role often required bravery, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of human nature to maintain peace and resolve conflicts.

Transition to Modern Law Enforcement: 

As communities grew and law enforcement systems became more organized, the role of Town Marshals gradually transitioned into modern-day police departments. However, the legacy of Town Marshals continues to influence contemporary law enforcement practices. Many small towns and communities still bear the title of Town Marshal, honoring their historical significance and preserving the tradition.

Honoring Town Marshals: 

To commemorate the contributions and sacrifices of Town Marshals, various initiatives and organizations have been established. National Law Enforcement Memorial events, dedicated historical societies, and museums pay tribute to the brave men and women who served as Town Marshals, preserving their stories and recognizing their impact on local communities.

Conclusion: 

The history of Town Marshals is a testament to the enduring need for local law enforcement and the essential role they play in maintaining peace and order within communities. From medieval times to the present day, Town Marshals have served as pillars of justice, guardians of public safety, and symbols of authority. Their legacy lives on in the modern law enforcement agencies that continue to protect and serve the public, carrying forward the traditions and values established by these dedicated peacekeepers.

Testing the Impact of the Midtown Community Court

Community courts are neighborhood-focused courts that attempt to harness the authority of the justice system to address local problems. The first such project was the Midtown Community Court, launched in midtown Manhattan in 1993. As of the end of 2007, more than 50 community courts had opened across the globe, including 32 in the United States (Karafin 2008). Yet, only a handful of studies have tested the effects of the community court model in accomplishing its goals (see Kralstein 2005). Many of these goals involve having a real impact on the local community – by implementing restorative community service projects or initiating greater collaboration between the court and community representatives. In addition, community courts seek to diversify the range of disposition and sentencing options that are at the court’s disposal and to apply a form of individualized justice that tailors each response to the litigant’s specific situation and needs (Sviridoff, Rottman, and Weidner 2001). The expected outcome is a far greater use of “alternative sanctions” than in a traditional court (Kralstein 2005; Sviridoff et al. 2000, Weidner and Davis 2000). Indeed, a recent survey found that 92% of today’s community courts routinely use community service mandates, and 84% routinely use mandates to social services, including substance abuse treatment, treatment readiness sessions, individual counseling, employment readiness, or life skills classes (Karafin 2008).

READ ON
http://www.courtinnovation.org/_uploads/documents/Midtown_Downtown.pdf

The Impact of the Community Court Model on Defendant Perceptions of Fairness

This report presents the results of a research project comparing defendant perceptions of fairness in the Red Hook Community Justice Center (Red Hook) and a traditional centralized criminal court. Nearly 400 defendants, who were seen at either Red Hook or the traditional court in summer 2005, took part in a survey comparing their perceptions of the treatment they received.

The survey evaluated the effects of court location (Red Hook or the traditional court), defendant background (race, ethnicity, sex and socioeconomic status), the outcome of their current court case (dismissed or required to return to court; required to attend drug treatment or not), and the stage of their case at the time of the survey (arraignment or subsequent court appearance).

Structured courtroom observations supplemented the results of the survey and helped to generate richer explanations about why different defendants might have perceived their court experiences as fair or unfair.

Among other outcomes, community courts seek to improve public confidence in the courts and to encourage law-abiding behavior. Previous research shows that when defendants perceive their treatment to be fair, they are more likely to accept the decisions of the court, comply with court imposed sanctions, and obey the law in the future (Tyler and Huo 2002). This study provides the first-ever evaluation of the success of a community court in improving upon the traditional court’s capacity to ensure that defendants leave court believing they were treated fairly.

This research project had two main goals:
1) to compare defendant perceptions of fairness at the Red Hook Community Justice Center and the traditional criminal court and 2) to identify the predictors of defendant perceptions. Since effective communication as well as respectful and fair treatment of defendants are important tenets of the community court model, we focus on how each of these elements affects defendants’ overall perceptions of fairness.

READ ON
http://www.courtinnovation.org/_uploads/documents/Procedural_Fairness.pdf

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS AND NAME CHANGE FOR DRU SJODIN NATIONAL SEX OFFENDER PUBLIC WEB SITE

Changes Announced Near the 5-year Anniversary of Dru Sjodin Disappearance

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Justice today announced improvements to the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Web site (NSOPW) and a new internet domain name, www.nsopw.gov. The new Web address will replace www.nsopr.gov. The updated version has a new look, is more user-friendly and provides enhanced search capabilities to locate sex offenders. NSOPW is administered by the Office of Justice Programs’ (OJP) Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART).

"NSOPW provides the public with information to protect themselves, their families and their communities from coming into contact with registered sex offenders," said Jeffrey L. Sedgwick, Assistant Attorney General for OJP.

NSOPW allows jurisdictions to participate in an unprecedented public safety resource by sharing public sex-offender data nationwide. It is the only government system in existence that links to public, state, territory and tribal sex-offender registries from one national search site. With a single query, NSOPW currently searches sex offender registries in up to 50 states, two U.S. territories and the District of Columbia to deliver matched results based on name, state, county, city or ZIP code. NSOPW will soon link to newly established sex offender registries, including certain Native American Tribes and additional U.S. territories.

Since its launch in the summer of 2005, there have been more than 17 million NSOPW user sessions, with 2.3 billion hits. Today, NSOPW remains extremely active, averaging 2.3 million hits per day and 14,000 daily users. Additional information can be found at www.ojp.gov/smart.

The Web site, initially known as the National Sex Offender Public Registry (NSOPR), was established in 2005 and renamed in 2006 by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act to honor 22-year-old college student Dru Sjodin of Grand Forks, N. D. Sjodin was kidnapped and murdered on November 22, 2003, by a sex offender who crossed state lines to commit his crime.

The Office of Justice Programs, headed by Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey L. Sedgwick, provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer Justice, and assist victims. OJP has five component bureaus: the Bureau of Justice Assistance; the Bureau of Justice Statistics; the National Institute of Justice; the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention; and the Office for Victims of Crime. Additionally, OJP has two program offices: the Community Capacity Development Office, which incorporates the Weed and Seed strategy, and the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking (SMART). More information can be found at http://www.ojp.gov.

DNA Solves Property Crimes (But Are We Ready for That?)

The study, funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) and evaluated by the Urban Institute, compared burglary investigations that used only traditional police practices to burglary investigations in which DNA evidence was also collected and analyzed. The study revealed that, when DNA was added to traditional property crime investigations:

More than twice as many suspects were identified.
Twice as many suspects were arrested.
More than twice as many cases were accepted for prosecution.

The DNA Field Experiment also found that suspects were five times as likely to be identified through DNA evidence than through fingerprints; blood evidence was more effective in solving property crimes than other biological evidence, particularly evidence from items that were handled or touched by the suspect; and evidence collected by forensic technicians was no more likely to result in a suspect being identified than evidence collected by police officers.

READ ON
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/261/dna-solves-property-crimes.htm

Medical Panel Issues Interim Findings on Stun Gun Safety

During the three-year period from 2003 to 2005, 47 states and the District of Columbia reported 2,002 arrest-related deaths to the Bureau of Justice Statistics' Deaths in Custody Reporting Program. For many years, police leaders have sought alternatives to lethal force and better methods to subdue individuals to limit injuries and death.

Less-lethal devices have been used by law enforcement for decades; during the early 1990s, pepper spray became the less-lethal option of choice for law enforcement and corrections agencies. Although pepper spray is inherently safer than lethal-force options and may be preferable to blunt-force methods, many advocates were concerned that pepper spray was associated with in-custody deaths. The National Institute of Justice (NIJ) reviewed those cases and, in 2003, issued a report that found pepper spray was safe and effective.

READ ON
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/journals/261/stun-gun-safety.htm

Public Safety Technology in the News

Vendors, Cops, Profs Team to Study Cybercrime
PC World, (10/11/2008), John Fontana

Public safety, national security, financial and corporate fraud, and individual protection against crimes such as identify theft and fraud will be the focus areas of the newly formed Center for Applied Identity Management Research. A group of corporations, government agencies and academic institutions have banded together to form the center, which will study and help solve identity management challenges related to cybercrime, terrorism and narcotics trafficking. The nonprofit research corporation is headquartered at Indiana University.
www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/152156/vendors_cops_profs_team_to_study_cybercrime.html

“Brain Fingerprinting” Could Be Breakthrough in Law Enforcement
KOMOnews.com, (10/10/2008), KOMO staff

A Seattle-based company has developed a "brain fingerprinting" process, termed "a lie detector for the 21st century," that provides court-admissible evidence of how a person's brain reacts to words and images related to a crime. Brain Fingerprinting Labs uses a technology based on the premise that an individual who has been at a crime scene and is then shown a photograph of the scene, has an involuntary brain reaction that cannot be disguised. Its creator, a Seattle neuroscientist, has offered $100,000 to anyone who can defeat the technology.
www.komonews.com/news/local/30821859.html

County Jail Inmate Tracking System for Public Set Up
Sharon Herald, (10/24/2008), Matt Snyder

Residents of Mercer County, Penna., can sign up anonymously to receive notifications if a certain inmate is released or escaped. The Statewide Automated Victim Information Notification (SAVIN) system can bring peace of mind to victims and also provide information to parents concerned about child molesters and firefighters concerned about arsonists. The free service is available 24 hours a day and provides alerts either via e-mail or the telephone.
www.sharonherald.com/local/local_story_296214843.html

Equipment May Speed Emergency Response
Courier-Post, (10/13/2008), Adam Smeltz

An extensive technology upgrade recently approved in Camden County, New Jersey, will permit the county's communications center to accurately track the location of its police cruisers, fire trucks and ambulances, and allow the pinpoint tracking of calls made from newer model cell phones. The automated vehicle location (AVL) system, expected to be in place by early 2009, should improve response time.
www.courierpostonline.com/article/20081013/NEWS01/810130338/1006

NIEM Ventures Forth
Government Computer News, (10/06/2008), Joab Jackson

A beta of version 2.1 of the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM) should be released by the end of 2009. Based on the Global justice XML Data Model, the new version of NIEM includes a number of new features, including version independence for separate domains and new vocabulary sets. The new sets include juvenile justice terms and biometrics terms.
www.gcn.com/print/27_25/47300-1.html

Got a Tip? Text a Cop
Battle Creek Enquirer, (10/13/2008)

Battle Creek's crime tip program, Silent Observer, has begun accepting anonymous text messages, providing citizens with another route to help get crime off the city's streets. A new software program called Tipsoft, which is available nationwide, allows dispatchers to read text messages onscreen and reply via e-mail. This new initiative allows tipsters to remain anonymous, just as they are when they use the telephone to report crimes to Silent Observer.
www.battlecreekenquirer.com/article/20081013/NEWS01/810130308/1002/NEWS01

So Long, “Crunchy, Old Yellow Ticket”
Neighborhood Star, (10/15/2008), Paige Winfield

A new electronic ticketing system in the Chicago area counties of DuPage, Will, Kane, McHenry, Cook and DeKalb will shorten the length of time needed for officers to issue tickets and eliminate the need for manual data entry - not to mention making it easier for drivers to read their tickets. Officers will enter the car's license plate number and the driver's license number into a laptop, then make some menu selections on their laptops to produce the electronic tickets. The citations will then be automatically transmitted into a processing system, ending up at the county clerk's office.
www.southtownstar.com/neighborhoodstar/orlandpark/1221713,6_1_NA15_TICKETS_S1.article

License Plate Readers Help Recover Stolen Cars
East Valley Tribune, (10/17/2008), Mike Sakal

Since May 1, 2008, the Scottsdale (Ariz.) police Department has used four automatic license plate reader systems to recover 26 stolen vehicles. The system consists of two cameras facing forward and two facing to the rear, mounted on a standard police cruiser, and capable of scanning up to 1,000 license plates per hour. If the system generates a "hit" on a particular license plate, it alerts the officers in the cruiser immediately. Of the 26 vehicles recovered due to use of the technology, five included apprehension of a suspect who was in the vehicle at the time of the “hit.”
www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/128338

Washington, D.C. Launches Crime Text Alerting System for Local Businesses
MarketWatch, (10/15/2008)

D.C. police Alert allows the District of Columbia Metropolitan police Department to send text messages to local businesses, alerting them to crimes that have taken place in their neighborhoods. The messages can be sent to cell phones, Blackberries, and other paging devices. If anyone receiving an alert has pertinent information, that individual should call 911. Business owners and employees must subscribe to participate in the service.
www.marketwatch.com/news/story/washington-dc-launches-crime-text/story.aspx?guid=%7BD0922086-59DE-4D36-840E-6F3584BB834A%7D&dist=hppr

Officers at Risk by Resisting Armor
USA Today, (10/28/2008), Kevin Johnson

Law Enforcement analysts estimate that as much as 50 percent of all Law Enforcement officers in the country do not wear their body armor regularly, despite the fact that the risk of dying from a gunshot wound is 14 times higher for officers not wearing their armor. Comfort appears to be the major issue for many officers, and many Law Enforcement agencies to do not mandate that their officers wear vests when on duty. There is some concern that new body armor standards issued by the National Institute of justice in July 2008 will result in heavier, less comfortable vests. Affordability is also a concern for smaller departments.
www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2008-10-24-police-armor_N.htm

Prison Rape

After more than four decades of research, it is still unclear how much rape and sexually violent activity occurs in prisons, jails, and other corrections facilities in the United States. What is clear from research is that, as with rape in free society, prison rape goes largely unreported.

Of the hundreds of studies in institutional corrections, less than 25 research studies have been conducted on prison rape. Of those studies, some asked inmates to describe their victimizations, including nonconsensual activities other than rape, while others examined official reports filed by inmates. Because none of these studies were national in scope, it remains difficult to estimate the extent of the problem. A meta-analysis of this research estimates a 1.91 percent lifetime prevalence for all inmates in the United States (Gaes and Goldberg, 2004).

In 2004, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) examined administrative records from adult and juvenile facilities at State and local levels. According to these official records, slightly more than 8,000 male, female, and juvenile inmates—or 0.005 percent of the total incarcerated population—reported that they had been victims of sexual violence while incarcerated. An even smaller percentage of inmates' claims were substantiated (Beck and Hughes, 2004).

Thus, although the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) 2003 states that 13 percent of all inmates have been raped in American prisons and jails, the most recent research estimates less prevalence of rape, whether inmate-on-inmate or staff-on-inmate sexual misconduct (Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2004; Beck and Hughes, 2004).

READ ON
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/topics/corrections/prison-rape/welcome.htm

Job Opportunity at the National Institute of Justice

NIJ Seeks Deputy Director to Lead Social Science Research Efforts

The National Institute of Justice (NIJ), the research, evaluation, and development arm of the U.S. Department of Justice, is seeking a dynamic, enthusiastic, and forward-thinking individual to lead and manage NIJ's Office of Research and Evaluation (ORE). ORE is comprised of three divisions: Crime Control and Prevention; Violence and Victimization; and Justice Systems.

The ideal applicant will have extensive leadership and management experience, in addition to substantive expertise in the area of criminal justice. Applicants must have experience in long-range planning and development of criminal justice research and evaluation programs. Applicants must demonstrate their ability to build successful relationships and partnerships both internally and with other Federal agencies; State, local, and tribal governments; nonprofit and private sector organizations; educational institutions; or international organizations. A Ph.D. in criminology, sociology, psychology, or a related field is strongly preferred.

Duties include:

Provide supervision and oversight of an office of 25+ individuals;
Provide technical support and leadership on a variety of criminal justice and social science research initiatives;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with various high-level individuals within and external to DOJ;
Provide advice, guidance, and assistance to the NIJ Director on criminal and juvenile jJustice research initiatives.

View more information about this position.

NIJ staff will be available to answer questions about this position at the annual meeting of the American Society of Criminology Conference in St. Louis, MO. Visit the "What's Up at NIJ?" panel in the St. Louis Ballroom B on Friday, November 14 from 9:30-10:50 a.m.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES GRANTS TO ENHANCE EFFORTS TO FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING

ATLANTA – Associate Attorney General Kevin J. O’Connor today announced almost $10 million in additional funding to supplement existing task forces and to expand the number of task forces working with community-based organizations to combat human trafficking. The Associate Attorney General made the announcement at the 2008 National Conference on Human Trafficking, where more than 350 representatives from federal, state, and local organizations gathered to discuss methods of investigating human trafficking and servitude and how best to provide services to trafficking victims.

“Human Trafficking is a serious crime and deserves the focused attention of law enforcement and victim service providers,” said Associate Attorney General O’Connor. “The task forces receiving funding today are made up of both of these important elements. We will continue to use all of the resources at our disposal to make sure that traffickers are convicted and that victims receive the assistance they need to recover.”

Since 2002, the Department has partnered with state and local law enforcement, and victim service organizations to convict 342 traffickers and assist 1,300 victims from 80 countries. In 2007 alone, the Department opened 154 new trafficking investigations.
Of the funds announced today, more than $4.1 million will go to task forces in: Washington, D.C.; Hawaii; Boston, Mass.; Suffolk County, N.Y.; New Jersey; Nassau County, N.Y.; San Jose, Calif.; Saint Paul, Minn.; Lee County, Fla.; Milwaukee, Wis.; Multnomah County, Ore. Three new task forces will be established in Westminster, Calif.; Homestead, Fla; and Pitt County, N.C. To date, the Department has provided more than $70 million in funding to these task forces.

In addition, the following victim service organizations have received funding to work with the task forces:

Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance
$230,000
International Rescue Committee, Miami, Fla.
$460,000
North Carolina Coalition Against Sexual Assault
$460,000
Salvation Army, Orange County, Calif.
$460,000
Bilateral Safety Corridor
San Diego, Calif.
$230,000
YMCA of Greater Houston Area
Houston, Texas
$230,000
Heartland Alliance for Human Needs
Chicago, Ill. area
$230,000
Safe Horizon, Inc.
New York City and Nassau County, N.Y. areas
$230,000
Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Island Division
$230,000
Justice Resource Institute, Inc.
Massachusetts
$200,000
Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST)
Los Angeles, Calif.
$230,000
Asian Pacific Islander Legal Outreach
$230,000
International Rescue Committee
Phoenix, Ariz.
$230,000
International Institute of Metropolitan St. Louis
St. Louis, Mo.
$230,000
Tapestri, Inc.
Atlanta, Ga.
$230,000
Catholic Charities of Venice, Inc.
Lee County, Fla.
$230,000
Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pa.
$230,000
Catholic Charities Oregon
$299,999
Salvation Army Alaska
$230,000
Refugees Services of Texas
$230,000
Northeastern University
$299,999
The Department also announced more than $400,000 to fund two studies conducted by Abt Associates, Inc. and San Diego State University Research Foundation. The studies will assess criminal justice strategies and collaborative programs across the country and internationally that focus on reducing the demand for commercial sex.

The Office of Justice Programs (OJP) provides federal leadership in developing the nation's capacity to prevent and control crime, administer justice and assist victims. More information about OJP’s work on human trafficking can be found at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov. More information about the efforts of the Civil Rights Division to combat human trafficking can be found at http://www.usdoj.gov/whatwedo/whatwedo_ctip.html.

DEPARTMENTS OF JUSTICE AND TREASURY ADDRESS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN INDIAN COUNTRY

The United States Departments of Justice and Treasury today announced a first-time partnership in strengthening and fostering economic development in Native American communities. The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund is partnering with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Capacity Development Office (CCDO) to launch an Indian Economic Development Initiative. The Initiative will increase access to financing for existing businesses; create new businesses, increase housing opportunities; and strengthen legal infrastructure.

“This partnership is an excellent collaboration,” said Donna Gambrell, the CDFI Fund’s Director. “It is through our training programs that the CDFI Fund can play a pivotal role in CCDO’s initiative in Native Communities. I’m very excited about this opportunity to leverage federal funds for such a worthwhile and crucial program. By combining our two initiatives, we have the potential to significantly change some of our nation’s most challenged communities.”

The economic development projects will take place in the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Indian Community in Cass Lake, Minnesota, and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community of Baraga, Michigan. The sites will participate in community planning, commercial code development and business development. CCDO activities dovetail the CDFI Fund resources provided to Native organizations. CDFI technical assistance focuses on creating new Native CDFIs and strengthening the operational capacity of existing ones, including asset development activities for native individuals and families.

Both sites currently take part in CCDO’s Weed and Seed Program which aims to prevent, control, and reduce violent crime, drug abuse, and gang activity in high-crime communities across the United States. The Program uses a two-pronged approach – first, law enforcement agencies and prosecutors cooperate in ‘weeding out’ violent criminals and drug abusers; and second, public agencies and community-based private organizations collaborate to ‘seed’ much-needed human services, such as prevention, intervention, treatment, and neighborhood restoration programs.

“The Community Capacity Development Office is committed to fostering economic development as a means of improving the safety and health of tribal communities and all communities in which we work” said Director Dennis Greenhouse. “The ultimate outcomes of economic development in these native communities will be stronger tribal governments and more wealth in depressed communities."

The CDFI Fund’s Native Initiatives works to increase access to credit, capital, and financial services in communities by creating and expanding CDFIs primarily serving Native Communities. This is achieved by funding programs and providing a series of training programs to organizations working in Native areas. The CDFI Fund’s Native Initiatives also makes financial assistance awards to certified Native CDFIs and provides grants to Native organizations to help them build the capacity to become a certified Native CDFI. More information can be found at http://www.cdfifund.gov.

10th annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference

PRESENTED BY:
The U.S. Departments of Justice (DOJ), (DHS), and Defense (DoD)

SPONSORED BY:
DOJ's Office of Justice Programs' National Institute of Justice, DHS's Science and Technology Directorate, and DoD's Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association
InterAgency Board for Interoperability and Standardization
International Association of Chiefs of Police
International Association of Emergency Managers
National Emergency Management Association
National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center
National Sheriffs' Association
Public Safety and Security Institute for Technology
Technical Support Working Group
US Army RDECOM's Natick Research Development and Engineering Center


CONFERENCE MISSION:
The 10th annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Exposition highlights DOJ, DHS and DoD's Technology and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency responder community, as well as provides a forum for emergency responders to discuss best practices and exchange information. With 1,500 attendees and 200 exhibits and demonstrations expected, this conference offers a unique opportunity for emergency responders, business and industry, academia and local, tribal, state, and Federal stakeholders to network, exchange ideas and address common critical incident Technology and preparedness needs, protocols, and solutions.

DATES/LOCATION:
October 29-31, 2008
Hyatt Regency Chicago
Hotel reservations now open at www.ctc.org

SESSION TOPICS (see www.ctc.org for a listing of all confirmed speakers):
General Sessions:


Best Practices and Lessons Learned in the I-35 Bridge Collapse in Minneapolis
The National Guard's Role in Supporting State and Local Emergency Responders
Intelligence Dissemination: The Federal Role in Getting Intelligence to Front Line Officers on the Street
Special Session:

Thursday, 10/30/08 (Lunch)
Virtual Alabama: One Year Later
Breakout Sessions:

Wednesday, 10/29/08 (8am-5pm)
Communications Interoperability 1: Policy Updates
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Indoor Personnel Location and Tracking Technologies
School and Campus Safety and Security: Best Practices
VBIED Live (Mock) Exercise (open to qualified public safety personnel only)
Federal Resources 1: DOJ & DoD
WMD: CBRN
National Incident Management System (NIMS)
Forensics
How to Turn Research Into Reality: Interactive Group Discussion
Thursday, 10/30/08 (9am-5pm)
Integrating Private Sector Security
Personal Protective Equipment
Communications Interoperability 2: Technologies
Cyber Security 1: The Federal, Sector and State Perspectives
Disaster Management
The SAFETY Act
Friday, 10/31/08 (8:30am-12:30pm)
Intelligence and Information Sharing: State/Local Success Stories
Federal Resources 2: DHS
Cyber Security 2: Technologies
Use of Robots in Preparedness and Response
Education and Training
Keynotes:


Jeffrey L. Sedgwick, Ph.D., Acting Assistant Attorney General for Justice Programs and Director, Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. Department of Justice
Paul McHale, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Americas' Security Affairs, U.S. Department of Defense
Jay M. Cohen, Under Secretary, Science & Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
ATTENDEES:

$250: Local, Tribal, State & Federal Government
$350: Non-profit/Academia/Federally designated 8(A)'s
$550: Private Sector/Industry/Other

Attendee registration is now open at www.ctc.org.

EXHIBITORS:

$1,800: Local, Tribal, State & Federal Government/Non-profit/Academia
$2,000: Private Sector/Industry/Other

Booth sales are now open at www.ctc.org.

CONFERENCE WEBSITE: www.ctc.org

Criminal Intelligence Analyst Course

The Canadian Pacific Railway Police Service, Vancouver, BC is hosting an intensive 5-day Criminal Intelligence Analysis Course for intelligence officers and crime and intelligence analysts from October 20th to October 24th 2008. The course will be presented by the Alpha Group Center for Crime and Intelligence Analysis and taught by Warren Sweeney, a thirty-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and former Intelligence Analysis Coordinator for the RCMP Canadian Police College in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)

This will be a "hands-on" course that takes a "learn-by-doing," practical approach to training. Students will actually perform tasks associated with intelligence analysis work. Each participant will also receive a copy of The Intelligence Analyst's Sourcebook. Written by Warren Sweeney, this manual explains how to conduct, prepare, and present intelligence to enhance the investigative and decision-making process.

Participants will be taught how to turn data into information; how to distinguish differences between Tactical, Strategic, and Operational Intelligence; how to overcome resistance to the intelligence process, how to establish links between people, organizations, and events; how to chart events, commodity flow, and activities within the Criminal organization; how to present intelligence effectively in oral and written reports; how to use the power of the computer to assist the intelligence function; and money laundering secrets and techniques.

Tuition for the course is $525 and includes the week of instruction, the text, and related course materials. The course also fulfills the requirements of the California Department of Justice Certified Crime and Intelligence Analysis Program and may be used for Certification purposes. It is beneficial, but not required, to bring a laptop computer with you, which will permit the installation of a graphics program: ABC SnapGraphics 1.0.

To obtain a course brochure or to register for the course, please contact Diana Olson of the Alpha Group at (909) 484-2169 e-mail at: crimecrush@aol.com or contact Cst Ron Chomyn, Canadian Pacific Railway Police Service, SK, 306-931-7414, fax 306-931-7412 email ron_chomyn@cpr.ca Additional information about the content of the course can also be found on the Alpha Group website at www.alphagroupcenter.com

Crime Analysis Training

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner - Special Investigations Unit will host a Crime Analysis Applications Course from March 30 to April 3, 2009. The course will be presented by Steve Gottlieb, Executive Director of the Alpha Group Center for Crime and Intelligence Analysis Training, and may be used for Certification purposes in the Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Program offered by the California Department of Justice and the California State University system.

This will be a "hands-on" applications course which takes a "learning-by-doing," practical approach to training. Students will actually perform the tasks associated with crime analysis work. Each participant will also receive a copy of Mr. Gottlieb's book, "Crime Analysis: From First Report to Final Arrest," a textbook over 600 pages which explains how to design, implement, and operate a crime analysis program, and how to use a wide variety of analytical techniques to forecast when and where criminals are likely to strike again. Each participant will also receive a copy of Mr. Gottlieb's 150-page step-by-step "Crime Analysis Study Guide and Workbook," which will be used throughout the class. Tuition is $525.00 and includes the week of instruction, the text, workbook, and a wealth of handout materials.

To obtain a course brochure or to register for the course, please contact Kristi Barbieri at the Office of the Insurance Commissioner - Special Investigations Unit, by phone (360-586-2571) or email kristib@oic.wa.gov. Additional information about the content of the course can also be found on the Alpha Group website at www.alphagroupcenter.com

Sexual Violence and Evidence Collection

August 13, 2008: 2 pm – 4 pm (EDT)
Online event. Registration required, and free of charge.

This event is the second of four in the Series on Sexual Violence, sponsored by the Government Innovators Network and the National Institute of Justice. Additional event topics include sexual assault on college campuses, sexual violence and evidence collection, and a discussion about international policy. Ample time will be allocated for audience Q&A.

Those who register for this event will be notified as subsequent events are scheduled (approximately one per month June through September).

Federal legislation requiring states to fund "Jane Doe rape kits" will be enacted this coming year, a milestone that raises awareness of the need for careful and comprehensive evidence collection in sexual assault cases, and provides an excellent opportunity to reexamine best practices.

Law Enforcement officers play an important role in preserving the chain of evidence in sexual assault cases. Successful preservation requires that the officer works closely with Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners (SANE).

This online event will examine how Law Enforcement can work with SANE nurses in order to collect sufficient evidence and provide quality care to the victim. The panel will discuss the importance of DNA collection and non-contamination, highlight legal considerations, and shed light on the "Jane Doe" legislation.

The discussion will be moderated by Sergeant Joanne Archambault, Executive Director for End Violence Against Women (EVAW) International. The panel includes:

Sergeant Jim Markey - Phoenix Police Department, Adult Sex Crime Unit
Jennifer Pierce-Weeks - SANE nurse; President-elect, International Association of Forensic Nurses
Roger Canaff - Deputy Chief, Sex Offender Management Unit, New York State Attorney General's Office

MORE INFORMATION
http://www.innovations.harvard.edu/spotlight.html?id=1421&preview=0

New Body Armor Standard

Body armor (which is commonly but inaccurately called "bulletproof" vests) has saved the lives of more than 3,000 law enforcement officers since 1975. NIJ has revised the standard for body armor to require rigorous testing of the vests that now includes conditions of high heat, humidity and mechanical wear before ballistic testing. The standard ensures that the vests police officer wear will continue to protect them as the material ages.

The revised standard is the fruit of the Justice Department's Body Armor Safety Initiative. The initiative followed the failure of a vest worn by a police officer in Forest Hills, Pa. While the officer survived the shooting, he had serious injuries. The shooting was the only case ever reported to NIJ in which body armor compliant with the standard failed to prevent penetration for a bullet it was designed to defeat.

Download the new standard from NIJ's web site at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/223054.htm.

Crime Analysis Applications Course

The Sandy City Police Department, Utah in conjunction with Utah Law Enforcement Analysts Association, will host a Crime Analysis Applications Course from August 4th to August 8th 2008. The course will be presented by Steve Gottlieb, Executive Director of the Alpha Group Center for Crime and Intelligence Analysis Training, and may be used for Certification purposes in the Certificate in Crime and Intelligence Program offered by the California Department of Justice and the California State University system.

This will be a "hands-on" applications course which takes a "learning-by-doing," practical approach to training. Students will actually perform the tasks associated with crime analysis work. Each participant will also receive a copy of Mr. Gottlieb's book, "Crime Analysis: From First Report to Final Arrest," a textbook over 600 pages which explains how to design, implement, and operate a crime analysis program, and how to use a wide variety of analytical techniques to forecast when and where criminal are likely to strike again. Each participant will also receive a copy of Mr. Gottlieb's 150-page step-by-step "Crime Analysis Study Guide and Workbook," which will be used throughout the class. Tuition is $525.00 and includes the week of instruction, the text, workbook, and a wealth of handout materials.

To obtain a course brochure or to register for the course, please contact remittance B.L.Smith Training Coordinator, Sandy City Police Department, 10000 South Centenial Parkway, Sandy, Utah, 84070. You may also register by phone by calling Mr. Smith at (801) 568-7240, or by faxing your registration form to him at (801) 568-7226. blsmith@sandy.utah.gov or Diana Olson of the Alpha Group at (909) 484-2169 or contact by e-mail at: crimecrush@aol.com Additional information about the content of the course can also be found on the Alpha Group website at www.alphagroupcenter.com.

Public Safety Technology in the News

Military WrapsTM Unveils New Camouflage Technology PIRATETM
Stockhouse.com, (06/13/2008)

To aid law enforcement and military personnel in achieving realistic training exercises, Military WrapsTM, Inc., which specializes in camouflage concealment, has created Photo-Immersive Realistic Aides for Training Environments (PIRATETM). The system is designed to accurately create and depict situations based on high-megapixel images that can be altered to enhance the perception of scale and perspective for the user, and then the images are printed to special vinyls. These vinyls can be used to make rooms, offices, city blocks, schools, or parade routes and then be applied to the interior or exterior of the agencies training facility.
www.stockhouse.com/News/USReleasesDetail.aspx?n=6939185

Tasers Getting More Prominent Role in Crime Fighting in City
The New York Times, (06/15/2008), Al Baker

One of the Nation's largest police forces is re-evaluating the use of the Taser as a less-lethal option for the department. However, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) isn't just putting the units out on the streets; it is using a study from the RAND Corporation, using feedback from department personnel about the study, and using an internal study between two similar departments (one with the Taser and one without) as a guide for the implementation of the Taser. The RAND study was commissioned in 2007 after a police-involved shooting found two things: that additional study would be needed based on current available Taser use data, and the department's 455 fatal police-involved shootings may have ended differently had a Taser been an alternative. For now, NYPD's plan is to move Tasers from the trunks of certain vehicles to the gun belts of the agency's 3,500 sergeants while continuing to analyze full implementation of the Taser units.
www.nytimes.com/2008/06/15/nyregion/15taser.html?_r=1&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin

GE Security's MobileTrace Helps Iredell County Sheriff Identify Narcotics-Tainted Cash
BusinessWire.com, (06/16/2008)

Iredell County Sheriff's Office officers using GE Security, Inc's MobileTrace were able to seize almost $300,000 cash from a rental car stop. The MobileTrace technology is portable and capable of detecting explosive and narcotics at the same time. The information collected by the units can be used as evidence and allows officers to evaluate findings in a timely fashion while in the field.
www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20080616005275&newsLang=en

DuPont Announces New Kevlar Technology
Forbes.com, (06/16/2008), Randall Chase

The development of a more demanding National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standard for body armor has resulted in DuPont, Inc., producing a new Kevlar product. The new product is a lighter woven material coupled with a new process for coating the fibers. According to DuPont, the new material will stop the projectile sooner with less layers, allowing the remaining layers to protect against backface deformation. The new material will have a broad range of applications for the company, but initially the aim is greater protection for law enforcement against high-caliber handguns.
www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2008/06/16/ap5121589.html

Tech-Savvy: Mineral Co. Sheriff's Office Gets New Equipment
News-Tribune, (06/13/2008), Bobbie Carpenter

The Mineral County Sheriff's Office is purchasing laptops to be installed in 6 of the agency's 12 cruisers. These laptops must be in place and be used to transmit electronic traffic reports by 2009 in order to comply with a State mandated law. The first six laptops were purchased using a Federal grant from the Governor's Highway Safety Program, and additional laptops for the remaining cruisers will hopefully be funded through the county's budget. The sheriff's office used concealed weapons funding to purchase the mounts for the first six vehicles to be equipped with the laptops.
www.newstribune.info/news/x822800157/Tech-savvy-Mineral-Co-Sheriff-s-Department-gets-new-equipment

Police Use GPS-Equipped Bait Car to Catch Car Thieves
Government Technology, (06/09/2008), Jim McKay

Catching car thieves using a bait car began in the late 1990s, but required much police manpower to monitor the vehicle. Times have changed, and now officers can go about their regular duties instead of monitoring the vehicle. In Sacramento, California, the bait car is equipped with GPS that activates should the car be tampered with or started, and alerts police dispatch at the command center so they can track the vehicle's location and notify nearby officers to respond. Should the thief try to run when officers attempt to stop the vehicle, the dispatcher will be notified and has the ability to activate the car's kill switch, which will gradually slow down and shut off the vehicle. For added measure, the dispatcher can also lock the car to prevent the thief from running away on foot. Benefits of this type of system are huge, both for police and the public because it eliminates and/or significantly reduces the opportunity for a high-speed chase.
www.govtech.com/gt/366274?topic=117680

CSI: Anchorage-Summertime Sleuths
Anchorage Daily News, (06/16/2008), Megan Holland

Riding the popularity wave of the "CSI" series and subsequent spinoffs, a summer camp started by a South Anchorage High biology teacher draws on the popularity to teach students and maybe develop future forensic specialists. Students participate in mock crime scenes to gather and analyze evidence to help solve the "crime." Along the way, and without noticing because of the fun they are having, students learn biology, chemistry, and physics. The camp is operated by the Fraternal Order of Alaska State Troopers.
www.adn.com/crime/story/437803.html

DNA Evidence Gains Acceptance as a Key Tool in Robbery Cases
The Wall Street Journal, (06/19/2008), Gautam Naik

DNA evidence more commonly used for serious offenses like rape or murder is now being considered as an option for helping to solve property crimes. However, the down side to what seems to be an effective tool is the cost associated with such analysis. Analysis may be or can be more than some jurisdictions can afford. A five-city pilot project funded by the National Institute of Justice indicated that DNA evidence can have a powerful and positive affect on property crime investigations. According to Steve Allison of the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center at Denver University, "People committing serious crimes usually start on smaller ones. So through this process you can get these people identified and in the system earlier." This concept is now new in Great Britain, which has embraced a broader use of DNA evidence, and because of the results the U.S. Department of Justice funded this five-city project.
online.wsj.com/article_email/SB121384113207187445-lMyQjAxMDI4MTEzOTgxNDkxWj.html

Tracking the Event Horizon
Corrections.com, (06/17/2008), Ann Coppola

The 9th Annual Innovative Technologies for Community Corrections conference highlighted the latest innovations in tools for offender monitoring, as well as risk assessment and testing, but it also showcased tools and technology not yet available to practitioners. Conference attendees involved in various aspects of community corrections came from several foreign countries and 44 U.S. States. One technology on display was hybrid GPS tracking that incorporated cellular communications to ensure indoor tracking and monitoring. The conference sponsor, the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center-Rocky Mountain, introduced the newest version of Field Search and discussed the future release of a Macintosh compatible version. Of particular note was the increase in law enforcement attendees. Agencies are seeing advantages to working with those in the community corrections field due to the information produced as a result of offender monitoring.
www.corrections.com/news/article/18816

Pistol Cam: When Cops Draw This Point-and-Shoot, Say Cheese
Wired.com, (06/23/2008), Vince Beiser

The SWAT team of the Orange County (New York) Sheriff's Office has recently begun using the PistolCam. The PistolCam is a small device, combining a video camera, a flashlight, and a laser sight, that attaches to the underside of a gun barrel. The camera begins recording when the gun is drawn and can store an hour of video. Developed by Legend Technologies, the PistolCam is priced at $695.
www.wired.com/gadgets/miscellaneous/magazine/16-07/st_pistolcams

Criminal Intelligence Analysis Course

The Anderson Police Department, SC, is hosting an intensive 5-day Criminal Intelligence Analysis Course for intelligence officers and crime and intelligence analysts from August 18th to August 22nd 2008. The course will be presented by the Alpha Group Center for Crime and Intelligence Analysis and taught by Warren Sweeney, a thirty-year veteran of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and former Intelligence Analysis Coordinator for the RCMP Canadian Police College in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)

This will be a "hands-on" course that takes a "learn-by-doing," practical approach to training. Students will actually perform tasks associated with intelligence analysis work. Each participant will also receive a copy of The Intelligence Analyst's Sourcebook. Written by Warren Sweeney, this manual explains how to conduct, prepare, and present intelligence to enhance the investigative and decision-making process.

Participants will be taught how to turn data into information; how to distinguish differences between Tactical, Strategic, and Operational Intelligence; how to overcome resistance to the intelligence process, how to establish links between people, organizations, and events; how to chart events, commodity flow, and activities within the criminal organization; how to present intelligence effectively in oral and written reports; how to use the power of the computer to assist the intelligence function; and money laundering secrets and techniques.

Tuition for the course is $525 and includes the week of instruction, the text, and related course materials. The course also fulfills the requirements of the California Department of Justice Certified Crime and Intelligence Analysis Program and may be used for Certification purposes. It is beneficial, but not required, to bring a laptop computer with you, which will permit the installation of a graphics program: ABC SnapGraphics 1.0.

To obtain a course brochure or to register for the course, please contact Katie Brown, Anderson County Sheriff's Office, 305 Camson Rd, Anderson SC 29625. You may also register by phone by calling Ms Brown at (864) 222-6601, or by faxing your registration form to her at (864) 260-4354. email contact is kgbrown@andersonsheriff.com. or Diana Olson of the Alpha Group at (909) 484-2169 or contact by e-mail at: crimecrush@aol.com.

Additional information about the content of the course can also be found on the Alpha Group website at www.alphagroupcenter.com