Editor's Note: Much of the discussion will be applicable to the investigation of terrorist incidents.
On December 17, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Vernon J. Geberth, NYPD (ret.) on Forensic Science in Homicide Investigations.
Program Date: December 17, 2009
Program Time: 1700 hours, Pacific
Topic: Forensic Science in Homicide Investigations
Listen Live: www.americanheroesradio.com/forensic_science_homicide_investigations.html
About the Guest
Vernon Geberth is a retired lieutenant-commander of the New York Police Department. As the commanding officer of the Bronx Homicide Task Force, his investigators handled more than four hundred murder investigations every year. Vernon Geberth is recipient of over sixty awards for bravery and exceptional work during twenty-three years of service. He has personally investigated, supervised, assessed, researched and consulted on over eight thousand homicides.
Vernon Geberth has master's degrees in both psychology and professional studies, is a graduate of the FBI's National Academy. Over the past twenty-five years, he has taught over 50,000 police officers his comprehensive course in Practical Homicide Investigation.
Geberth’s book, Practical Homicide Investigation has been referred to as the "Bible of Homicide." His subsequent works, “The Practical Homicide Investigation Checklist and Field Guide” and “Sex-Related Homicide and Death Investigation: Practical and Clinical Perspectives,” demonstrate his professional ability and subject matter expert command over homicide investigations. In addition to his own works Geberth has been an editor in over forty other textbooks. He has devoted his life to the study of murder and was the first law enforcement professional to devise standard guidelines and protocols for proficient death inquiries. Currently he is president of P.H.I. Investigative Consultants, Inc., a New York-based corporation that provides state-of-the-art instruction and consultation regarding homicide investigations to police officers.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is Police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. American Heroes Radio brings you to the watering hole, where it is Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a Criminal Justice Department chair, faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in Law Enforcement, public policy, Public Safety Technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in Law Enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole:
www.americanheroesradio.com/forensic_science_homicide_investigations.html
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Showing posts with label lapd. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lapd. Show all posts
Monday, December 07, 2009
Monday, April 07, 2008
SWAT Operations
April 7, 2008 (San Dimas, CA) The April 9, 2008, program of Conversations with Cops at The Watering Hole focuses on SWAT operations with guest Kevin Barrett.
Program Date: April 9, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: SWAT Operations
Guests: Kevin Barrett
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
Kevin Barrett is the Chairman/CEO of the International Tactical Officers Training Association and SWAT Digest. Kevin is currently active duty [15 years] for a municipal police department where he is assigned to a special response team (SWAT) as a primary entry team member. Kevin’s past assignments include criminal investigations, drug task force and patrol. He has participated in hundreds of tactical operations and has specialized training and experiences in close quarter battle (CQB), counter terrorism, dignitary protection, SCBA and linear assault operations. He is a court certified expert in clandestine laboratory investigation and operations (DEA/ CLET certifications.) Kevin attended Indiana State University and is a certified instructor through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Program Date: April 9, 2008
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: SWAT Operations
Guests: Kevin Barrett
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
About the Guest
Kevin Barrett is the Chairman/CEO of the International Tactical Officers Training Association and SWAT Digest. Kevin is currently active duty [15 years] for a municipal police department where he is assigned to a special response team (SWAT) as a primary entry team member. Kevin’s past assignments include criminal investigations, drug task force and patrol. He has participated in hundreds of tactical operations and has specialized training and experiences in close quarter battle (CQB), counter terrorism, dignitary protection, SCBA and linear assault operations. He is a court certified expert in clandestine laboratory investigation and operations (DEA/ CLET certifications.) Kevin attended Indiana State University and is a certified instructor through the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
About the Watering Hole
The Watering Hole is police slang for a location cops go off-duty to blow off steam and talk about work and life. Sometimes funny; sometimes serious; but, always interesting.
About the Host
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster was a sworn member of the Los Angeles Police Department for 24 years. He retired in 2003 at the rank of Lieutenant. He holds a bachelor’s from the Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Financial Management from California State University, Fullerton; and, has completed his doctoral course work. Raymond E. Foster has been a part-time lecturer at California State University, Fullerton and Fresno; and is currently a faculty advisor and lecturer with the Union Institute and University. He has experience teaching upper division courses in law enforcement, public policy, technology and leadership. Raymond is an experienced author who has published numerous articles in a wide range of venues including magazines such as Government Technology, Mobile Government, Airborne Law Enforcement Magazine, and Police One. He has appeared on the History Channel and radio programs in the United States and Europe as subject matter expert in technological applications in law enforcement.
Listen, call, join us at the Watering Hole.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Leadership
A recent reader review of Leadership: Texas Hold ‘em Style:
“Raymond Foster has demonstrated his knowledge of leadership very thoroughly in this book. Coming from the LAPD, he draws upon his experience as a mid-level manager by using humor and anecdotes so aspiring supervisors and managers can develop their individual skills. I am a retired police captin from Newark, NJ and wish I had the book during the promotional testing process. Now, I am using the book in my consulting practice--very relevant, very practical and an easy read!”
About the book
Using poker as analogy for leadership, Captain Andrew Harvey, CPD (ret.), Ed.D. and Lieutenant Raymond Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA found the right mix of practical experience and academic credentials to write a definitive book for leaders. Working together, Harvey and Foster have written Leadership: Texas Hold em Style. Most often leaders find they are given a set of resources people, equipment, funds, experience and a mission. As Foster noted, "You're dealt a certain hand. How you play that hand as a leader determines your success."
More than a book: A fun and entertaining journey through leadership that includes an interactive website to supplement knowledge gained from the book.
Proven and Tested: Not an academic approach to leadership, but rather a road-tested guide that has been developed through 50-years of author experience.
High Impact: Through the use of perspective, reflection, and knowledge, provides information that turns leadership potential into leadership practice.
Ease of Application: Theory is reinforced with real-life experience, which results in accessible and practical tools leaders can put to use immediately.
High Road Approach: Personal character and ethical beliefs are woven into each leadership approach, so leaders do the right thing for the right reasons.
Uses Game of Poker: Rather than a dry approach that is all fact and no flavor, the game of poker is used as a lens through which to view leadership concepts.
More Information
www.pokerleadership.com
“Raymond Foster has demonstrated his knowledge of leadership very thoroughly in this book. Coming from the LAPD, he draws upon his experience as a mid-level manager by using humor and anecdotes so aspiring supervisors and managers can develop their individual skills. I am a retired police captin from Newark, NJ and wish I had the book during the promotional testing process. Now, I am using the book in my consulting practice--very relevant, very practical and an easy read!”
About the book
Using poker as analogy for leadership, Captain Andrew Harvey, CPD (ret.), Ed.D. and Lieutenant Raymond Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA found the right mix of practical experience and academic credentials to write a definitive book for leaders. Working together, Harvey and Foster have written Leadership: Texas Hold em Style. Most often leaders find they are given a set of resources people, equipment, funds, experience and a mission. As Foster noted, "You're dealt a certain hand. How you play that hand as a leader determines your success."
More than a book: A fun and entertaining journey through leadership that includes an interactive website to supplement knowledge gained from the book.
Proven and Tested: Not an academic approach to leadership, but rather a road-tested guide that has been developed through 50-years of author experience.
High Impact: Through the use of perspective, reflection, and knowledge, provides information that turns leadership potential into leadership practice.
Ease of Application: Theory is reinforced with real-life experience, which results in accessible and practical tools leaders can put to use immediately.
High Road Approach: Personal character and ethical beliefs are woven into each leadership approach, so leaders do the right thing for the right reasons.
Uses Game of Poker: Rather than a dry approach that is all fact and no flavor, the game of poker is used as a lens through which to view leadership concepts.
More Information
www.pokerleadership.com
Thursday, February 07, 2008
Public Safety Technology in the News
Editor's Note: Many of these technologies are being used for a homeland security and/or counterterrorism mission by a local, state or federal law enforcement agency.
Company Makes Cheaper Choice to GPS
Salt Lake Tribune, (01/12/08), Tom Harvey
There are times when a person may need to locate something or someone, for example, Alzheimer's patients, stolen vehicles, or interrupted 911 emergency phone calls. A Utah company, S5 Wireless, has built a wireless test network in Salt Lake City to demonstrate a chip it developed that can track and locate almost anything the chip is placed in. The chip uses existing cell phone networks, which will reduce costs compared to current GPS systems and have a wider range than other wireless systems. Several factors make the chip unique. First is the low cost of $1 to manufacture, second is a battery life of about 2 years, and finally, the chip is traceable indoors and out. Since the tracking system piggybacks on cell phone networks, the chips can be located in about 2 seconds within a proximity of about 45 feet.
www.redding.com/news/2008/jan/12/company-makes-cheaper-choice-to-gps/
O’Malley Wants DNA Database Expanded
Washingtonpost.com, (01/11/08), John Wagner
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has presented a plan for the collection of DNA samples from people arrested for violent crimes and burglaries. The plan would expand the State's current repository, which only includes samples from convicted offenders. The proposal will be considered during the Maryland General Assembly's 90 day legislative session. The program is modeled after a similar law in Virginia and would cost $1.7 million a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/10/AR2008011003461_pf.html
Law Enforcement Puts New Planning Technology to Use
La Crosse Tribune, (01/14/2008), Dan Springer
A new mapping program from Pictometry International Co. could have a positive effect on the public safety community. The software, now in use by La Crosse County (Wisconsin), will provide high-resolution images of any spot in the county. Unlike currently available services, such as GoogleEarth, Pictometry's images appear to be clearer, which provides viewers a much more detailed view of any area of interest. Plus, these images are taken from different angles, which allows users to obtain further detail. The images can also be used to obtain measurement data. The program has many opportunities for use by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department, including search and rescue, standoff and hostage situations, and accident reconstruction.
www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/01/14/news/01lead.txt
Schools Incorporate Wi-Fi into Disaster-Response Plans
Wi-Fi Planet.com, (01/21/2008), Amy Mayer
Environmental and population concerns, along with transportation infrastructure, have contributed to the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District's request to become part of emergency planning and disaster response. Behind this proposal is the fact that the California school district is capable of offering public safety organizations Wi-Fi network capabilities and could maintain this service using generators if the event of a power failure. Also, these services could be extended to citizens should schools have to used as temporary shelter. Those same Wi-Fi capabilities can be used by law enforcement during nonemergency times. Officers can have access to student databases and other information without taking their laptops into the school.
www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3722926
Online Cop Protects Helena Children
Helenair.com, (01/23/08), Angela Brandt
Grant funding from the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has allowed a Helena Police Department detective to assume a role patrolling the Internet for those committing crimes against children. Det. Bryan Fischer is one of five detectives assuming this new role throughout the state of Montana. Since Fischer began in December 2007, seven cases are now under investigation. According to Fischer, some predators are quick to reveal their intentions, whereas others will take their time and foster a relationship before revealing their intent.
www.helenair.com/articles/2008/01/23/local/top/45lo_080123_onlinecop.txt
Wayland Police Get Night Vision
MetroWest Daily News, (01/20/08), Gabriel Leiner
Using funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP), the Wayland (Massachusetts) Police Department will be acquiring the AN/PVS-14 Night Vision kit. The kit includes a monocular scope, a magnifying lens, a camera adapter, a portable mount, and head gear. The technology will be used in response to night burglaries and to monitor specific areas of town that are considered high priority. The equipment also allows the department to combine components in order to capture still photos or movies during surveillance, and then enhance the images for clarity using Video Detective, a piece of equipment purchased last year by the department.
www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1839125303
LAPD Finds a Way to Connect
Los Angeles Times, (01/16/08), Richard Winton
In an area that is rich in cultural diversity, with 224 spoken languages, last summer the Los Angeles Police Department introduced the Phraselator to assist officers in communicating with residents. The device derives its translations from preloaded police commands that were created with the assistance of officers who have some foreign language proficiency. Officers could use this device for natural disasters, crowd control, or medical emergencies. Officers simply speak a key term or phrase into the unit's microphone and select the correct phrase. The unit can broadcast the translated phrase using the patrol unit's speaker system. To ensure the message is intelligible, the speakers on the cruiser are designed to carry the sound about a half mile away without any distortion. The units are also capable of allowing police to ask questions and record responses that can be translated later. Originally the device was deployed for use by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.
www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-translate16jan16,1,1648880.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
Portland, Oregon Police Improve Incident Tracking and Public Information Sharing Using ArcGIS
Directions Magazine, (01/22/08)
In an effort to assist officers and inform the public, the Portland Police Department extended its crime mapping services. The department has enhanced records management to include spatial data relating to highway data to improve the tracking of events on major highways. For citizens, the public website has been updated in an effort to communicate crime data to the community. The Portland Police Department's Freeway Mapping Project uses ERSI's ArcGIS 9 software to capture and plot crime data on a city map. This information can then be used to more accurately track data, as well as provide better information to field officers and commanders. This same data is used to update the agency's public website once a month.
www.directionsmag.com/press.releases/index.php?duty=Show&id=20721&trv=1
Delaware: Forensics Facility Helps Police
Daily Times, (01/23/08), Terri Sanginiti
The year-old Delaware State Police Forensics Firearms Services Unit will help speed up the process of matching rounds to a firearm for crimes committed in Delaware. The new process can potentially make a match in hours, rather than months. Comparison is done between the newly retrieved rounds and those stored in a national database. When a match is made, it is then determined if both rounds came from the same firearm. This process can work to narrow the list of suspects, or it can help to eliminate suspects. The cost associated with getting this new unit up and running was roughly $400,000 for equipment such as an Integrated Ballistic Identification System, dual comparison microscope, and a bullet recovery system. www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080123/DW01/80123021/1058/DCP
York Secures $98,000 Grant for Traffic Enforcement
North Country Gazette, (01/24/08)
The Warren County (New York) Sheriff's Department will be receiving a $98,000 grant to allow for the purchase and installation of Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS) computers in 21 of the agency's cruisers. This award comes less than a month after the sheriff had been sworn into office, and will cost the taxpayers nothing. The system functions as an automated reporting program for law enforcement, designed to be more accurate and timelier and improve the collection and dissemination of incident data to be analyzed. Additionally, the system can produce electronic citations for patrol officers. Officials feel that TraCS will improve highway safety for both officers and civilians by reducing the amount of time spent issuing tickets or collecting accident report information.
www.northcountrygazette.org/news/2008/01/24/york_secures_grant/
Company Makes Cheaper Choice to GPS
Salt Lake Tribune, (01/12/08), Tom Harvey
There are times when a person may need to locate something or someone, for example, Alzheimer's patients, stolen vehicles, or interrupted 911 emergency phone calls. A Utah company, S5 Wireless, has built a wireless test network in Salt Lake City to demonstrate a chip it developed that can track and locate almost anything the chip is placed in. The chip uses existing cell phone networks, which will reduce costs compared to current GPS systems and have a wider range than other wireless systems. Several factors make the chip unique. First is the low cost of $1 to manufacture, second is a battery life of about 2 years, and finally, the chip is traceable indoors and out. Since the tracking system piggybacks on cell phone networks, the chips can be located in about 2 seconds within a proximity of about 45 feet.
www.redding.com/news/2008/jan/12/company-makes-cheaper-choice-to-gps/
O’Malley Wants DNA Database Expanded
Washingtonpost.com, (01/11/08), John Wagner
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley has presented a plan for the collection of DNA samples from people arrested for violent crimes and burglaries. The plan would expand the State's current repository, which only includes samples from convicted offenders. The proposal will be considered during the Maryland General Assembly's 90 day legislative session. The program is modeled after a similar law in Virginia and would cost $1.7 million a year.
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/10/AR2008011003461_pf.html
Law Enforcement Puts New Planning Technology to Use
La Crosse Tribune, (01/14/2008), Dan Springer
A new mapping program from Pictometry International Co. could have a positive effect on the public safety community. The software, now in use by La Crosse County (Wisconsin), will provide high-resolution images of any spot in the county. Unlike currently available services, such as GoogleEarth, Pictometry's images appear to be clearer, which provides viewers a much more detailed view of any area of interest. Plus, these images are taken from different angles, which allows users to obtain further detail. The images can also be used to obtain measurement data. The program has many opportunities for use by the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department, including search and rescue, standoff and hostage situations, and accident reconstruction.
www.lacrossetribune.com/articles/2008/01/14/news/01lead.txt
Schools Incorporate Wi-Fi into Disaster-Response Plans
Wi-Fi Planet.com, (01/21/2008), Amy Mayer
Environmental and population concerns, along with transportation infrastructure, have contributed to the Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District's request to become part of emergency planning and disaster response. Behind this proposal is the fact that the California school district is capable of offering public safety organizations Wi-Fi network capabilities and could maintain this service using generators if the event of a power failure. Also, these services could be extended to citizens should schools have to used as temporary shelter. Those same Wi-Fi capabilities can be used by law enforcement during nonemergency times. Officers can have access to student databases and other information without taking their laptops into the school.
www.wi-fiplanet.com/columns/article.php/3722926
Online Cop Protects Helena Children
Helenair.com, (01/23/08), Angela Brandt
Grant funding from the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has allowed a Helena Police Department detective to assume a role patrolling the Internet for those committing crimes against children. Det. Bryan Fischer is one of five detectives assuming this new role throughout the state of Montana. Since Fischer began in December 2007, seven cases are now under investigation. According to Fischer, some predators are quick to reveal their intentions, whereas others will take their time and foster a relationship before revealing their intent.
www.helenair.com/articles/2008/01/23/local/top/45lo_080123_onlinecop.txt
Wayland Police Get Night Vision
MetroWest Daily News, (01/20/08), Gabriel Leiner
Using funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP), the Wayland (Massachusetts) Police Department will be acquiring the AN/PVS-14 Night Vision kit. The kit includes a monocular scope, a magnifying lens, a camera adapter, a portable mount, and head gear. The technology will be used in response to night burglaries and to monitor specific areas of town that are considered high priority. The equipment also allows the department to combine components in order to capture still photos or movies during surveillance, and then enhance the images for clarity using Video Detective, a piece of equipment purchased last year by the department.
www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1839125303
LAPD Finds a Way to Connect
Los Angeles Times, (01/16/08), Richard Winton
In an area that is rich in cultural diversity, with 224 spoken languages, last summer the Los Angeles Police Department introduced the Phraselator to assist officers in communicating with residents. The device derives its translations from preloaded police commands that were created with the assistance of officers who have some foreign language proficiency. Officers could use this device for natural disasters, crowd control, or medical emergencies. Officers simply speak a key term or phrase into the unit's microphone and select the correct phrase. The unit can broadcast the translated phrase using the patrol unit's speaker system. To ensure the message is intelligible, the speakers on the cruiser are designed to carry the sound about a half mile away without any distortion. The units are also capable of allowing police to ask questions and record responses that can be translated later. Originally the device was deployed for use by U.S. soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.
www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-translate16jan16,1,1648880.story?coll=la-headlines-california&ctrack=1&cset=true
Portland, Oregon Police Improve Incident Tracking and Public Information Sharing Using ArcGIS
Directions Magazine, (01/22/08)
In an effort to assist officers and inform the public, the Portland Police Department extended its crime mapping services. The department has enhanced records management to include spatial data relating to highway data to improve the tracking of events on major highways. For citizens, the public website has been updated in an effort to communicate crime data to the community. The Portland Police Department's Freeway Mapping Project uses ERSI's ArcGIS 9 software to capture and plot crime data on a city map. This information can then be used to more accurately track data, as well as provide better information to field officers and commanders. This same data is used to update the agency's public website once a month.
www.directionsmag.com/press.releases/index.php?duty=Show&id=20721&trv=1
Delaware: Forensics Facility Helps Police
Daily Times, (01/23/08), Terri Sanginiti
The year-old Delaware State Police Forensics Firearms Services Unit will help speed up the process of matching rounds to a firearm for crimes committed in Delaware. The new process can potentially make a match in hours, rather than months. Comparison is done between the newly retrieved rounds and those stored in a national database. When a match is made, it is then determined if both rounds came from the same firearm. This process can work to narrow the list of suspects, or it can help to eliminate suspects. The cost associated with getting this new unit up and running was roughly $400,000 for equipment such as an Integrated Ballistic Identification System, dual comparison microscope, and a bullet recovery system. www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080123/DW01/80123021/1058/DCP
York Secures $98,000 Grant for Traffic Enforcement
North Country Gazette, (01/24/08)
The Warren County (New York) Sheriff's Department will be receiving a $98,000 grant to allow for the purchase and installation of Traffic and Criminal Software (TraCS) computers in 21 of the agency's cruisers. This award comes less than a month after the sheriff had been sworn into office, and will cost the taxpayers nothing. The system functions as an automated reporting program for law enforcement, designed to be more accurate and timelier and improve the collection and dissemination of incident data to be analyzed. Additionally, the system can produce electronic citations for patrol officers. Officials feel that TraCS will improve highway safety for both officers and civilians by reducing the amount of time spent issuing tickets or collecting accident report information.
www.northcountrygazette.org/news/2008/01/24/york_secures_grant/
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
Editor's Note: A number of these domestic law enforcement technologies are being used for homeland security and counterterrorism purposes.
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"LAPD Plans to Accept 911 Text Messages"
Los Angeles Times (06/13/07); Winton, Richard
The Los Angeles Police Department announced June 12 that it plans to upgrade the city's 911 system to allow callers to use text messages to ask for help. Officials said the system is necessary because there are circumstances where it is easier for someone to text for help rather than call, such as a kidnapping or a robbery. The new system will also allow callers to send photos and videos from their cell phones to the city's 911 call center. Although officials said callers' ability to send photos and videos could help police by giving them faster access to evidence such as an image of a getaway car involved in a robbery, others said that the feature could overload LAPD workers with data. According to Tim Riley, the potential for data overload is precisely why the department is proceeding slowly. The LAPD will initially start a stopgap system that allows the departments to get photos and video from cell phone calls only from callers it solicits. The system could be up and running later this year. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-text13jun13,1,296583.story
"From Database to Crime Scene: Network Is Potent Police Weapon"
New York Times (06/07/07) P. B1; Lueck, Thomas J.
A New York Police Department anti-crime computer network located at One Police Plaza in New York City can rapidly send information to officers on the beat. Groups of detectives in the room, which the police department refers to as the Real Time Crime Center, look at computer screens and study cases on a 15-foot-high video screen that can show maps, diagrams, satellite pictures, and surveillance camera images. Some of the information the center makes available is typical police investigative material, such as criminal complaints, the criminal background of a suspect, and previous home addresses. In addition, the center provides the names of individuals who have visited a criminal in city prisons and state facilities, aliases, recordings of every 911 calls placed from any address in New York City over the past decade, and the nicknames of known criminals. Law-enforcement experts state the two-year-old crime center is the police department's most crucial technological measure in 15 years. In April 2007, a suspect who tortured a female student at Columbia University for nearly a day was arrested five days later when the network linked his nickname to him. Police authorities claim the center's databases possess law-enforcement records going back 15 years, which will be expanded to 25 years by autumn. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/07/
nyregion/07real.html?ref=technology
"Satellite Eye on Offenders Scaled Back"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (06/07/07) P. A1; Marley, Patrick
Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee has almost halved the number of child sex offenders that will have to be monitored via lifetime satellite tracking. In 2006, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill that would enact lifetime monitoring of serious child sex offenders, while the Department of Corrections would use its discretion in determining other child sex offenders that would be monitored. In other issues, Republicans and Democrats were split on the budget inclusion for the earned release program, granting inmates early release upon successful completion of alcohol and drug treatment. The committee also decided to furnish an additional $2.3 million for inmates' health care over a two-year span. Additionally, substance abuse programs will be expanded, instating reporting centers for offenders, as opposed to returning to incarceration. Doyle is slated to review the budget.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=616503
"Police Are Divided on Stun Guns"
Boston Globe (06/07/07) P. Reg1; Paige, Connie
Although the Massachusetts police departments of Norton, Raynham, and Rockland have gotten approval from the state to use Taser stun guns, some area police chiefs are not enamored of the devices. Supporters feel that Tasers can bring dangerous individuals under control more safely than other weapons, while detractors worry about their price and the fact that some people have died after receiving Taser charges. In the last nine years, Taser International Inc. has sold 225,000 to 11,000 law-enforcement groups, vice president of communications Steve Tuttle states. Tasers currently cost between $399 and $899. Numerous police departments in Massachusetts have been studying the purchase of Tasers for three years, when a new state law allowed their use. Raynham Police Chief Louis Pachero stresses that Tasers are part of the vital equipment given to police. He points out that police have utilized Tasers a minimum of three times, including bringing under control a dangerous motorcycle gang. Braintree Police Chief Paul Frazier, however, says he is worried about possible lawsuits if a Taser causes injuries or fatalities; as such, even though drug-associated crime, robberies, gang activity, and home burglaries are increasing in his community, he states he is not in a hurry to obtain Tasers.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/
2007/06/07/police_are_divided_on_stun_guns/
"'Pings' Assist in Missing-Persons Cases"
Kansas City Star (06/07/07) P. A5; Hayes, David
Cell phone technology has been used once again by law enforcement to find a missing person and advance a criminal case. Information on the location of Kelsey Smith's mobile phone helped law enforcement find her body. Mobile phones act like two-way radios, and they must communicate frequently with the nearest cell tower to make and receive calls. The handsets send out a signal, called a "ping," to the closest cell tower every two to three minutes, and the towers forward the location of the mobile phone back to the network. A ping can show that the phone is in the coverage area of the tower, which can range from a few square blocks to a few square miles, and mobile phone carriers use that information to forward calls, text messages, or email messages to a phone. Calls made by family and friends on Saturday generated routine pings, enabling police to track the location of Smith's phone. Big mobile phone companies will assist police who have a subpoena for phone records from a judge, which they can obtain by telephone. The process of keying in a mobile phone's number and having the last known location pop up on a screen can take less than a minute.
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/139639.html
"New York City Police Eye Trucks as Potential Vehicles for Terrorists"
Seattle Times (06/12/07); Hays, Tom
The New York City Police Department (NYPD), concerned that the commercial trucks that go in and out of the city each day could be used as terrorist weapons, has established checkpoints where the trucks are screened and subjected to several tests. "We've always been concerned about the potential for trucks and other vehicles to be used to convey explosives or other weapons," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. "We also want to screen against the possibility of sensitive cargos being diverted for use in an attack." Police who man the checkpoints are inspecting the trucks for radiation, fertilizer, explosives, and chlorine. Trucks or drivers who lack ID or paperwork are removed from the road, police said. Dump trucks and cement trucks receive extra attention because they are capable of smashing through security checkpoints, says NYPD counterterrorism official Jonathan Duecker. The NYPD is currently developing a variety of mobile radiation detectors, including devices for police cars and bicycles and a backpack-like detector that can be worn by police officers in stadiums. Some 1,000 officers already wear pager-sized radiation detectors on their belts, and another 1,000 such devices are on their way. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003744093_nytrucks12.html
"Cops' Radiation Detection? It's in the Bag, Kelly Boasts"
New York Daily News (06/07/07) P. 14; Gendar, Alison
Over the past year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been testing five portable radiation detectors that resemble backpacks. Officials say the backpack can be used by officers while riding a bike, helping them appear as tourists. The backpack features an earpiece that provides data to the officer about any radiation in the area. Officials say the testing has helped manufacturers better understand the city's requirements. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/06/07/2007-06-07_cops_
radiation_detection_its_in_the_bag_.html
"Long-Awaited Center Opens"
Indianapolis Star (06/06/07) P. 3; Smith, Bruce C.
Hendricks County, Ind., has opened a $7.6 million communications center that will equally serve police, fire, and ambulance services. Housed in the Plainfield's police and public safety building, the center will provide the ability for all respondents to communicate with each other, through an 800 MHz frequency. Staff will be on hand around the clock and each of 13 workstations comes equipped with flat video screens. "They can see where the doors and windows and other features are located, which can be important information in an emergency," said Hendricks Communications Center executive director Larry Brinker. All emergency vehicles in Hendricks County are GPS-equipped, and dispatchers can pull up three-dimensional aerial images of an incident's location. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070606/LOCAL0505/706060357/1020/LOCAL05
"California Firm Sees Business Grow With Law Enforcement Interest in 'SandCars'"
Bakersfield Californian (06/06/07); Philp, Drew
Bakersfield, Calif.-based Extreme Motorsports manufactures "SandCars," and on June 7 signed an agreement worth $39 million with Made in USA Industries to produce 400 SandCars geared for law enforcement. Extreme Motorsports owner Alan McCaa explains that anti-terrorist and border patrol groups are interested in his cars to take some of the burden off their on-road police cruisers. The vehicles can be outfitted with such features as Pelican Mobile laptops, infrared cameras, and armor plating. SandCars resemble the dune buggies of the 1970s. The vehicles can host Corvette engines with as many as eight cylinders, and at 450 horsepower can travel at 110 miles-per-hour or faster. The cars are expensive, costing between $15,000 and $100,000-plus. Although McCaa sells SandCars to private customers, he stresses that "government and law enforcement will end up being the bread and butter of our company." He thinks the two entities are becoming more aware of SandCars as a fast way to enter and exit remote locations. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/06/06/2693387.htm
"Rockland Judges Push for More Courtroom Security"
Journal News (NY) (06/06/07) P. 3A; Lieberman, Steve
A shooting at a Rockland County, N.Y., court last month has prompted the state to make money available for municipalities to improve courtroom security. Grants from the New York state Office of Court Administration are being offered to pay for metal detectors to check people for weapons. Clarkstown and West Haverstraw are among the local governments that already have the approximately $4,000 magnetometers, and Ramapo has ordered a metal detector and Sloatsburg, where the shooting occurred, plans to order one. Although the state is willing to pay for the metal detectors, municipalities would have to cover the cost of personnel to operate the machine and the electronic metal detector wands. Clarkstown Police Chief Peter Noonan expressed confidence in current courtroom security, and Councilman Ralph Mandia said he welcomed the effort to improve security in courts as long as the police oversee personnel hired to handle the equipment. A police station is downstairs from Clarkstown Justice Court, an officer is on patrol upstairs and there are security cameras. Before the shooting, some local governments questioned whether there was a need for tighter security in courtrooms. "They are taking a different view now," says Rockland County Court Judge Charles Apotheker. http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070606/NEWS03/706060377
"Committee Postpones Radio Upgrade Vote"
Herald & Review (IL) (06/05/07); Tallon, Mary
Macon County, Ill., Sheriff Jerry Dawson said the failure to upgrade the department's backup radio system soon could jeopardize public safety. The comment from Dawson came after Macon's Board Finance Committee postponed a vote on spending more than $150,000 on equipment and technology improvements on Monday. The equipment and technology upgrades would make the "Old Sheriff's Main" frequency a digitally compatible system. The sheriff's department uses the radio system, which has not been upgraded since 1979, when its primary frequency encounters "dead spots," and Macon's emergency management agency uses it for its main radio channel. The committee considered using money from a $500,000 disaster contingency fund until board Chairman Bob Sampson questioned whether disaster contingency money could be legally used for the radio improvement. The board placed greater restrictions on the use of the fund in January. Dawson suggested using the disaster contingency fund, but added that money could also come from another source.
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/
06/05/news/local_news/1023943.txt
"'CSI'-Style Technology Going to Dogs--and Cats"
Associated Press (06/03/07); Gelineau, Kristen
Many law-enforcement agencies are increasingly looking at animal DNA to obtain evidence for crimes in which animals were involved or witnesses. Saliva and hair found at the site of an animal attack can help identify the animal responsible, and if animals are present at the scene of a crime, their DNA can often be used to match up with any evidence found on the person or property of suspects. DNA evidence is not the only tool used in investigating animal-related cases; however, investigations into animal cruelty also make use of more traditional forensic methods such as ballistics and toxicology to determine how much an animal may have suffered in a particular instance. Forensic entomology can help settle issues related to poaching deaths, such as the amount of time since a particular animal has been shot. http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20070602-110040-9695r.htm
"Radios Will Link Lawmen"
Searcy Daily Citizen (AR) (06/01/07); Watkins, Warren
White County, Ark., has used money left over from grants for the new Mobile Command Unit to purchase 64 hand-held radios that will allow law enforcement officers in different jurisdictions throughout the county to communicate with one another. According to Bill Haynie, chairman of the White County 911 board, the FCC regulates the frequencies on the radios--which cost more than $600 each--so that they may only be used by law enforcement officers. http://www.thedailycitizen.com/articles/
2007/06/02/news/local_news/news02.txt
"Calling System Aids Oakwood Police"
Dayton Daily News (OH) (06/07/07) P. Z1-3; Bebbington, Helen
Police in Oakwood, Ohio, used the city's CodeRED automated phone alert system for the first time on May 30 to help locate a missing man. The service, which police officials say has been in place for about six months, sends out automated calls to citizens within a particular radius of an emergency. Police issued the CodeRED call at 10:15 a.m., alerting citizens of a man with dementia who left an assisted living facility; in about 15 minutes, a resident of Kettering, Ohio, informed Oakwood police about the man, whom she saw at a CVS store. The service is provided by the Miami Valley Communications Council and features GIS and other technologies that let cities notify residents. Roughly 15 communities in the Dayton metropolitan area currently rely on the service. http://www.daytondailynews.com
"DHS Vows to Fix Information Network"
Federal Computer Week (05/28/07); Mosquera, Mary
Homeland Security Department officials recently promised Congress that they will boost the functionality of the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). HSIN was created in 2003 to help local and state law enforcement share data, but has been implemented without proper coordination among various law enforcement officials. HSIN is not used by many people today. The Homeland Security Department plans to revamp and improve HSIN cooperation with federal databases such as the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) program, as well as better involve local and state agencies and authorities. HSIN also is transitioning into becoming part of an Information Sharing Environment (ISE) to help reduce isolated data in various databases by creating automatic duplication as well as links. The ISE component remains under development, and also will include input from federal intelligence agencies. http://www.fcw.com/article102798-05-28-07-Print
"District, Police Looking at Camera Technology"
YourHub.com (05/23/07); Kirchmer, Joseph
The Douglas County School District is considering implementing SWAT (Security With Advanced Technology) that would enable law enforcement to observe video footage from inside a school that could be transmitted to command centers and to patrol cars. Cameras would be installed and images would be transmitted through an antenna from the school's roof; there are about 750 cameras already installed in the district. "It gives law enforcement a clearer picture in the event of a shooter situation," said executive director of safety and transportation Larry Borland. The receivers are slated to cost about $5,100 per unit, minus the cost of installation. Receivers would be installed in police cars, command centers, and school vehicles. "We may not necessarily be able to locate where a suspect is, but you would definitely be able to tell where suspect is not," noted Borland. http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/Law/Story~311308.aspx
"Voice Biometrics: Coming to a Security System Near You"
Ars Technica (05/13/07); Anderson, Nate
Because every voice is unique, sophisticated voice analysis software can match people to voices, which will be a boon to security investigators, though not to criminals. Voice biometrics technology can catch criminals by studying voice characteristics, and can do so in 30 minutes on a modern dual-core machine. Moreover, the voice provides two-factor identification, as it combines what individuals say with how they say it, and can combine the factors remotely. Voice systems are at least twice as accurate as fingerprint scanning, and are cheaper to implement, says Dr. Clive Summerfield of the University of Canberra. Banks are eager customers of the technology, which is now all set for commercial deployment. This year, the major Dutch bank ABN AMRO will unveil the technology to its 4 million Netherlands customers. http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/voice-biometrics-come-of-age.ars
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, June 14, 2007
"LAPD Plans to Accept 911 Text Messages"
Los Angeles Times (06/13/07); Winton, Richard
The Los Angeles Police Department announced June 12 that it plans to upgrade the city's 911 system to allow callers to use text messages to ask for help. Officials said the system is necessary because there are circumstances where it is easier for someone to text for help rather than call, such as a kidnapping or a robbery. The new system will also allow callers to send photos and videos from their cell phones to the city's 911 call center. Although officials said callers' ability to send photos and videos could help police by giving them faster access to evidence such as an image of a getaway car involved in a robbery, others said that the feature could overload LAPD workers with data. According to Tim Riley, the potential for data overload is precisely why the department is proceeding slowly. The LAPD will initially start a stopgap system that allows the departments to get photos and video from cell phone calls only from callers it solicits. The system could be up and running later this year. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-text13jun13,1,296583.story
"From Database to Crime Scene: Network Is Potent Police Weapon"
New York Times (06/07/07) P. B1; Lueck, Thomas J.
A New York Police Department anti-crime computer network located at One Police Plaza in New York City can rapidly send information to officers on the beat. Groups of detectives in the room, which the police department refers to as the Real Time Crime Center, look at computer screens and study cases on a 15-foot-high video screen that can show maps, diagrams, satellite pictures, and surveillance camera images. Some of the information the center makes available is typical police investigative material, such as criminal complaints, the criminal background of a suspect, and previous home addresses. In addition, the center provides the names of individuals who have visited a criminal in city prisons and state facilities, aliases, recordings of every 911 calls placed from any address in New York City over the past decade, and the nicknames of known criminals. Law-enforcement experts state the two-year-old crime center is the police department's most crucial technological measure in 15 years. In April 2007, a suspect who tortured a female student at Columbia University for nearly a day was arrested five days later when the network linked his nickname to him. Police authorities claim the center's databases possess law-enforcement records going back 15 years, which will be expanded to 25 years by autumn. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/07/
nyregion/07real.html?ref=technology
"Satellite Eye on Offenders Scaled Back"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (06/07/07) P. A1; Marley, Patrick
Wisconsin's Joint Finance Committee has almost halved the number of child sex offenders that will have to be monitored via lifetime satellite tracking. In 2006, Gov. Jim Doyle signed a bill that would enact lifetime monitoring of serious child sex offenders, while the Department of Corrections would use its discretion in determining other child sex offenders that would be monitored. In other issues, Republicans and Democrats were split on the budget inclusion for the earned release program, granting inmates early release upon successful completion of alcohol and drug treatment. The committee also decided to furnish an additional $2.3 million for inmates' health care over a two-year span. Additionally, substance abuse programs will be expanded, instating reporting centers for offenders, as opposed to returning to incarceration. Doyle is slated to review the budget.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=616503
"Police Are Divided on Stun Guns"
Boston Globe (06/07/07) P. Reg1; Paige, Connie
Although the Massachusetts police departments of Norton, Raynham, and Rockland have gotten approval from the state to use Taser stun guns, some area police chiefs are not enamored of the devices. Supporters feel that Tasers can bring dangerous individuals under control more safely than other weapons, while detractors worry about their price and the fact that some people have died after receiving Taser charges. In the last nine years, Taser International Inc. has sold 225,000 to 11,000 law-enforcement groups, vice president of communications Steve Tuttle states. Tasers currently cost between $399 and $899. Numerous police departments in Massachusetts have been studying the purchase of Tasers for three years, when a new state law allowed their use. Raynham Police Chief Louis Pachero stresses that Tasers are part of the vital equipment given to police. He points out that police have utilized Tasers a minimum of three times, including bringing under control a dangerous motorcycle gang. Braintree Police Chief Paul Frazier, however, says he is worried about possible lawsuits if a Taser causes injuries or fatalities; as such, even though drug-associated crime, robberies, gang activity, and home burglaries are increasing in his community, he states he is not in a hurry to obtain Tasers.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/
2007/06/07/police_are_divided_on_stun_guns/
"'Pings' Assist in Missing-Persons Cases"
Kansas City Star (06/07/07) P. A5; Hayes, David
Cell phone technology has been used once again by law enforcement to find a missing person and advance a criminal case. Information on the location of Kelsey Smith's mobile phone helped law enforcement find her body. Mobile phones act like two-way radios, and they must communicate frequently with the nearest cell tower to make and receive calls. The handsets send out a signal, called a "ping," to the closest cell tower every two to three minutes, and the towers forward the location of the mobile phone back to the network. A ping can show that the phone is in the coverage area of the tower, which can range from a few square blocks to a few square miles, and mobile phone carriers use that information to forward calls, text messages, or email messages to a phone. Calls made by family and friends on Saturday generated routine pings, enabling police to track the location of Smith's phone. Big mobile phone companies will assist police who have a subpoena for phone records from a judge, which they can obtain by telephone. The process of keying in a mobile phone's number and having the last known location pop up on a screen can take less than a minute.
http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/139639.html
"New York City Police Eye Trucks as Potential Vehicles for Terrorists"
Seattle Times (06/12/07); Hays, Tom
The New York City Police Department (NYPD), concerned that the commercial trucks that go in and out of the city each day could be used as terrorist weapons, has established checkpoints where the trucks are screened and subjected to several tests. "We've always been concerned about the potential for trucks and other vehicles to be used to convey explosives or other weapons," New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly said. "We also want to screen against the possibility of sensitive cargos being diverted for use in an attack." Police who man the checkpoints are inspecting the trucks for radiation, fertilizer, explosives, and chlorine. Trucks or drivers who lack ID or paperwork are removed from the road, police said. Dump trucks and cement trucks receive extra attention because they are capable of smashing through security checkpoints, says NYPD counterterrorism official Jonathan Duecker. The NYPD is currently developing a variety of mobile radiation detectors, including devices for police cars and bicycles and a backpack-like detector that can be worn by police officers in stadiums. Some 1,000 officers already wear pager-sized radiation detectors on their belts, and another 1,000 such devices are on their way. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2003744093_nytrucks12.html
"Cops' Radiation Detection? It's in the Bag, Kelly Boasts"
New York Daily News (06/07/07) P. 14; Gendar, Alison
Over the past year, the New York City Police Department (NYPD) has been testing five portable radiation detectors that resemble backpacks. Officials say the backpack can be used by officers while riding a bike, helping them appear as tourists. The backpack features an earpiece that provides data to the officer about any radiation in the area. Officials say the testing has helped manufacturers better understand the city's requirements. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2007/06/07/2007-06-07_cops_
radiation_detection_its_in_the_bag_.html
"Long-Awaited Center Opens"
Indianapolis Star (06/06/07) P. 3; Smith, Bruce C.
Hendricks County, Ind., has opened a $7.6 million communications center that will equally serve police, fire, and ambulance services. Housed in the Plainfield's police and public safety building, the center will provide the ability for all respondents to communicate with each other, through an 800 MHz frequency. Staff will be on hand around the clock and each of 13 workstations comes equipped with flat video screens. "They can see where the doors and windows and other features are located, which can be important information in an emergency," said Hendricks Communications Center executive director Larry Brinker. All emergency vehicles in Hendricks County are GPS-equipped, and dispatchers can pull up three-dimensional aerial images of an incident's location. http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070606/LOCAL0505/706060357/1020/LOCAL05
"California Firm Sees Business Grow With Law Enforcement Interest in 'SandCars'"
Bakersfield Californian (06/06/07); Philp, Drew
Bakersfield, Calif.-based Extreme Motorsports manufactures "SandCars," and on June 7 signed an agreement worth $39 million with Made in USA Industries to produce 400 SandCars geared for law enforcement. Extreme Motorsports owner Alan McCaa explains that anti-terrorist and border patrol groups are interested in his cars to take some of the burden off their on-road police cruisers. The vehicles can be outfitted with such features as Pelican Mobile laptops, infrared cameras, and armor plating. SandCars resemble the dune buggies of the 1970s. The vehicles can host Corvette engines with as many as eight cylinders, and at 450 horsepower can travel at 110 miles-per-hour or faster. The cars are expensive, costing between $15,000 and $100,000-plus. Although McCaa sells SandCars to private customers, he stresses that "government and law enforcement will end up being the bread and butter of our company." He thinks the two entities are becoming more aware of SandCars as a fast way to enter and exit remote locations. http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/06/06/2693387.htm
"Rockland Judges Push for More Courtroom Security"
Journal News (NY) (06/06/07) P. 3A; Lieberman, Steve
A shooting at a Rockland County, N.Y., court last month has prompted the state to make money available for municipalities to improve courtroom security. Grants from the New York state Office of Court Administration are being offered to pay for metal detectors to check people for weapons. Clarkstown and West Haverstraw are among the local governments that already have the approximately $4,000 magnetometers, and Ramapo has ordered a metal detector and Sloatsburg, where the shooting occurred, plans to order one. Although the state is willing to pay for the metal detectors, municipalities would have to cover the cost of personnel to operate the machine and the electronic metal detector wands. Clarkstown Police Chief Peter Noonan expressed confidence in current courtroom security, and Councilman Ralph Mandia said he welcomed the effort to improve security in courts as long as the police oversee personnel hired to handle the equipment. A police station is downstairs from Clarkstown Justice Court, an officer is on patrol upstairs and there are security cameras. Before the shooting, some local governments questioned whether there was a need for tighter security in courtrooms. "They are taking a different view now," says Rockland County Court Judge Charles Apotheker. http://www.thejournalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070606/NEWS03/706060377
"Committee Postpones Radio Upgrade Vote"
Herald & Review (IL) (06/05/07); Tallon, Mary
Macon County, Ill., Sheriff Jerry Dawson said the failure to upgrade the department's backup radio system soon could jeopardize public safety. The comment from Dawson came after Macon's Board Finance Committee postponed a vote on spending more than $150,000 on equipment and technology improvements on Monday. The equipment and technology upgrades would make the "Old Sheriff's Main" frequency a digitally compatible system. The sheriff's department uses the radio system, which has not been upgraded since 1979, when its primary frequency encounters "dead spots," and Macon's emergency management agency uses it for its main radio channel. The committee considered using money from a $500,000 disaster contingency fund until board Chairman Bob Sampson questioned whether disaster contingency money could be legally used for the radio improvement. The board placed greater restrictions on the use of the fund in January. Dawson suggested using the disaster contingency fund, but added that money could also come from another source.
http://www.herald-review.com/articles/2007/
06/05/news/local_news/1023943.txt
"'CSI'-Style Technology Going to Dogs--and Cats"
Associated Press (06/03/07); Gelineau, Kristen
Many law-enforcement agencies are increasingly looking at animal DNA to obtain evidence for crimes in which animals were involved or witnesses. Saliva and hair found at the site of an animal attack can help identify the animal responsible, and if animals are present at the scene of a crime, their DNA can often be used to match up with any evidence found on the person or property of suspects. DNA evidence is not the only tool used in investigating animal-related cases; however, investigations into animal cruelty also make use of more traditional forensic methods such as ballistics and toxicology to determine how much an animal may have suffered in a particular instance. Forensic entomology can help settle issues related to poaching deaths, such as the amount of time since a particular animal has been shot. http://washingtontimes.com/metro/20070602-110040-9695r.htm
"Radios Will Link Lawmen"
Searcy Daily Citizen (AR) (06/01/07); Watkins, Warren
White County, Ark., has used money left over from grants for the new Mobile Command Unit to purchase 64 hand-held radios that will allow law enforcement officers in different jurisdictions throughout the county to communicate with one another. According to Bill Haynie, chairman of the White County 911 board, the FCC regulates the frequencies on the radios--which cost more than $600 each--so that they may only be used by law enforcement officers. http://www.thedailycitizen.com/articles/
2007/06/02/news/local_news/news02.txt
"Calling System Aids Oakwood Police"
Dayton Daily News (OH) (06/07/07) P. Z1-3; Bebbington, Helen
Police in Oakwood, Ohio, used the city's CodeRED automated phone alert system for the first time on May 30 to help locate a missing man. The service, which police officials say has been in place for about six months, sends out automated calls to citizens within a particular radius of an emergency. Police issued the CodeRED call at 10:15 a.m., alerting citizens of a man with dementia who left an assisted living facility; in about 15 minutes, a resident of Kettering, Ohio, informed Oakwood police about the man, whom she saw at a CVS store. The service is provided by the Miami Valley Communications Council and features GIS and other technologies that let cities notify residents. Roughly 15 communities in the Dayton metropolitan area currently rely on the service. http://www.daytondailynews.com
"DHS Vows to Fix Information Network"
Federal Computer Week (05/28/07); Mosquera, Mary
Homeland Security Department officials recently promised Congress that they will boost the functionality of the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN). HSIN was created in 2003 to help local and state law enforcement share data, but has been implemented without proper coordination among various law enforcement officials. HSIN is not used by many people today. The Homeland Security Department plans to revamp and improve HSIN cooperation with federal databases such as the Regional Information Sharing Systems (RISS) program, as well as better involve local and state agencies and authorities. HSIN also is transitioning into becoming part of an Information Sharing Environment (ISE) to help reduce isolated data in various databases by creating automatic duplication as well as links. The ISE component remains under development, and also will include input from federal intelligence agencies. http://www.fcw.com/article102798-05-28-07-Print
"District, Police Looking at Camera Technology"
YourHub.com (05/23/07); Kirchmer, Joseph
The Douglas County School District is considering implementing SWAT (Security With Advanced Technology) that would enable law enforcement to observe video footage from inside a school that could be transmitted to command centers and to patrol cars. Cameras would be installed and images would be transmitted through an antenna from the school's roof; there are about 750 cameras already installed in the district. "It gives law enforcement a clearer picture in the event of a shooter situation," said executive director of safety and transportation Larry Borland. The receivers are slated to cost about $5,100 per unit, minus the cost of installation. Receivers would be installed in police cars, command centers, and school vehicles. "We may not necessarily be able to locate where a suspect is, but you would definitely be able to tell where suspect is not," noted Borland. http://denver.yourhub.com/CastleRock/Stories/News/Law/Story~311308.aspx
"Voice Biometrics: Coming to a Security System Near You"
Ars Technica (05/13/07); Anderson, Nate
Because every voice is unique, sophisticated voice analysis software can match people to voices, which will be a boon to security investigators, though not to criminals. Voice biometrics technology can catch criminals by studying voice characteristics, and can do so in 30 minutes on a modern dual-core machine. Moreover, the voice provides two-factor identification, as it combines what individuals say with how they say it, and can combine the factors remotely. Voice systems are at least twice as accurate as fingerprint scanning, and are cheaper to implement, says Dr. Clive Summerfield of the University of Canberra. Banks are eager customers of the technology, which is now all set for commercial deployment. This year, the major Dutch bank ABN AMRO will unveil the technology to its 4 million Netherlands customers. http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/voice-biometrics-come-of-age.ars
Thursday, February 08, 2007
NOPD, IRA, IAD
Editors Note: The book by Bill Heard is about the war on terror against the IRA.
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added three authors who have written on the separate subjects of the New Orleans Police Department, the Irish Republican Army and government corruption.
Lieutenant Don Brewer retired from the New Orleans Police Department in 1993. St Charles Nights is a fictional work based on his twenty-three years of experience, which included such assignments as Deputy Commander Internal Affairs, Deputy Commander of the Second and Seventh Police Districts, Traffic Fatality Commander and Commander of the New Orleans Police Academy. His final tour, prior to retirement, by choice, was the Sixth Police District, which is the actual inspiration for his book, St. Charles Nights.
James Wong spent over thirty years in law enforcement. He retired from the Louisiana State Police as a sergeant. While with the state police, he served as the in their intelligence division, criminal investigations division, as well as their uniform division.
After leaving the state police, he joined the U.S. Customs Service, where he worked in the areas of money laundering, narcotics and arms trafficking, as well as child pornography. He has held management positions at the first line and senior management. In 1999 he was transferred to the Internal Affairs Division, where he remained until the merger of the Customs Service into the Department of Homeland Security. There the Internal Affairs Division morphed into the Office of Professional Responsibility.
James Wong’s book, Corporate and Government Corruption, “defines the aspects of corporate and government corruption. The elements, motives, and causes, as well as the role of the investigator will be presented. Ethical issues and corporate considerations will be examined. Case studies from a civil, criminal and internal perspective are reviewed.”
Born into an English family with a military heritage dating back to the Boer War, Bill Heard was almost destined to pursue a military career. Resisting at first, a combination of the worst economic depression in recent English history and a sense of true Churchillian patriotism, quickly found him fighting a vicious terrorist war in the claustrophobic streets and alleys of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Years later, after immigrating to the United States first joining the US Army, then the Los Angeles Police Department, he found himself in yet two more armed conflicts.
His novel, Bravo November 283, is the first in a series of books and is about the struggle against global terrorism as seen through the eyes of someone who fought it from the trenches. The Book description says, “Long before Osama bin Laden gave terrorists all over the world a bad name, the Provisional Irish Republican Army was laying the foundation for what would be the future of many global insurgencies.
The almost thirty-year terrorist conflict in Northern Ireland, aptly called the troubles, was a brutal war that brought the province to the edge of a civil war. Readers will come to understand the longstanding animosity between the British government and Irish Republicans, yet will have to make their own minds up as to whether the terrorists ends justified the means. This novel is a ten-year personal account of one man fight against terror.”
Bill Heard is currently working on his second novel, 7 Zebra 7, in which he writes about his career with the LAPD. Bill was also added to the listing of authors at LAPDAuthors.com.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 315 police officers (representing 135 police departments) and their 736 books in six categorys, there are also listings of United States federal law enforcement employees turned authors, international police officers who have written books and civilian police personnel who have written books.
Police-Writers.com, a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books, added three authors who have written on the separate subjects of the New Orleans Police Department, the Irish Republican Army and government corruption.
Lieutenant Don Brewer retired from the New Orleans Police Department in 1993. St Charles Nights is a fictional work based on his twenty-three years of experience, which included such assignments as Deputy Commander Internal Affairs, Deputy Commander of the Second and Seventh Police Districts, Traffic Fatality Commander and Commander of the New Orleans Police Academy. His final tour, prior to retirement, by choice, was the Sixth Police District, which is the actual inspiration for his book, St. Charles Nights.
James Wong spent over thirty years in law enforcement. He retired from the Louisiana State Police as a sergeant. While with the state police, he served as the in their intelligence division, criminal investigations division, as well as their uniform division.
After leaving the state police, he joined the U.S. Customs Service, where he worked in the areas of money laundering, narcotics and arms trafficking, as well as child pornography. He has held management positions at the first line and senior management. In 1999 he was transferred to the Internal Affairs Division, where he remained until the merger of the Customs Service into the Department of Homeland Security. There the Internal Affairs Division morphed into the Office of Professional Responsibility.
James Wong’s book, Corporate and Government Corruption, “defines the aspects of corporate and government corruption. The elements, motives, and causes, as well as the role of the investigator will be presented. Ethical issues and corporate considerations will be examined. Case studies from a civil, criminal and internal perspective are reviewed.”
Born into an English family with a military heritage dating back to the Boer War, Bill Heard was almost destined to pursue a military career. Resisting at first, a combination of the worst economic depression in recent English history and a sense of true Churchillian patriotism, quickly found him fighting a vicious terrorist war in the claustrophobic streets and alleys of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Years later, after immigrating to the United States first joining the US Army, then the Los Angeles Police Department, he found himself in yet two more armed conflicts.
His novel, Bravo November 283, is the first in a series of books and is about the struggle against global terrorism as seen through the eyes of someone who fought it from the trenches. The Book description says, “Long before Osama bin Laden gave terrorists all over the world a bad name, the Provisional Irish Republican Army was laying the foundation for what would be the future of many global insurgencies.
The almost thirty-year terrorist conflict in Northern Ireland, aptly called the troubles, was a brutal war that brought the province to the edge of a civil war. Readers will come to understand the longstanding animosity between the British government and Irish Republicans, yet will have to make their own minds up as to whether the terrorists ends justified the means. This novel is a ten-year personal account of one man fight against terror.”
Bill Heard is currently working on his second novel, 7 Zebra 7, in which he writes about his career with the LAPD. Bill was also added to the listing of authors at LAPDAuthors.com.
Police-Writers.com now hosts 315 police officers (representing 135 police departments) and their 736 books in six categorys, 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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