Terrorism News, March 12, 2010

CBR Weapons and WMD Terrorism News, March 12, 2010


BNL [Brookhaven National Laboratory] and SBU [Stony Brook University] scientists seek anti-botulism drugs
"Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory, in collaboration with researchers at Stony Brook University's Institute of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, were selected to receive up to $1.4 million in applied research funds from the Defense Threat Reduction Agency at the U.S. Department of Defense to develop drugs that block the paralytic and deadly effects of botulinum neurotoxins. 'There are currently no reliable treatments for botulinum toxin exposure,' said BNL biologist Subramanyam Swaminathan, who leads the collaborative effort. 'It is important to develop a drug that combats the neurotoxic effects to mitigate fears associated with this deadly poison, including the fear of its potential use in bioterrorism attacks.'" (Times Beacon Record; 08Mar10) http://www.northshoreoflongisland.com/Articles-i-2010-03-04-83265.112114-sub_BNL_and_SBU_scientists_seek_antibotulism_drugs.html

Teledyne receives DOD contract to aid nation's CBRN responders
"Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc., has been awarded a contract by the Department of Defense to aid the nation's front line performers in defense against chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive weapons of mass destruction. The contract, awarded under a multiple award indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract, is to provide acquisition program and engineering support, research and technology, and program and integration support. Nine other contract winners were announced along with Teledyne Brown, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, to provide as much as $485 million in support services over the next five years." (Bio Prep Watch; 08Mar10; Tina Redlup)

http://www.bioprepwatch.com/news/212253

Emergency responders should be immunized against anthrax
"Emergency responders arrived at Sen. Tom Daschle's Capitol Hill office on Oct. 15, 2001 suited in personal protective equipment (PPE). One of Daschle's staffers had opened an anthrax[ spore]-laced letter, yet another in a string of bioterrorist attacks that tormented the U.S. psyche in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. Nasal swabs taken of those first responders as they exited the building revealed that some had been exposed to anthrax [spores], despite their PPEs and the miniscule amount of spores contained in that letter. Thus, the question was raised: How can first responders provide necessary medical treatment following an anthrax [spore] attack while preserving their own health and safety? Last Friday at the annual EMS Today Conference in Baltimore, Dr. Thomas Waytes added to the continuing discussion, addressing an audience of EMS [emergency medical service] personnel on what specific medical countermeasures are available for protecting emergency responders against anthrax [outbreaks, resulting from] bioterrorism." (Bio Prep Watch; 08Mar10; Andrew Zaleski) http://www.bioprepwatch.com/news/212257

CDC speech addresses both bioterrorism, viral pandemics "
Director of the Center for Disease Control and Environmental Health for the City of Milwaukee Health Department Paul Biedrzycki examined current methods of disease pandemic control, and also addressed bio-terrorism issues. [...] Closing his speech, Biedrzycki turned to the possibility to bio-terrorism. An image flashed on the wall, which indicated threats on a chart, measuring likelihood of occurrence alongside potential impact. For example, while a nuclear bomb has a high potential impact, it has a low likelihood of occurrence. Bio-terrorism has both a high likelihood of occurrence as well as a high likelihood of impact. Anthrax was used as an illustrative point by Biedrzycki. 'Think of a thimble kind of spreading evenly in this room, infecting most of you within 96 hours with about 80 percent of you dying,' Biedrzycki said." (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Post; 08Mar10; Tom Swieciak) http://www.uwmpost.com/2010/03/08/cdc-speech-addresses-both-bioterrorism-and-viral-pandemics/

DOD has not made decision about [chemical] weapons
"Contrary to an Associated Press news story published by the Richmond Register and many other newspapers around the county, the defense department has made no final decision to destroy problematic mustard agent artillery projectiles stored at the Blue Grass Army Depot, said Jeff Brubaker, the government's site manager for the project to destroy the chemical weapons stored there. He spoke during a break in the quarterly meeting Tuesday of the Chemical Destruction Citizens Advisory Board at Eastern Kentucky University. Given the problems that other depots have encountered with destroying similar mustard weapons, some from the same production lot as those stored here, destroying them in detonation chambers, a long-proven technology, likely will be the most practical alternative, Brubaker said." (Richmond Register; 10Mar10; Bill Robinson) http://richmondregister.com/localnews/x1897232173/DOD-has-not-made-decision-about-weapons

Chemical weapons destruction plant plans aired [Richmond, KY]
"Two panels will meet Tuesday in Richmond, and an update on construction of a plant where chemical weapons will be destroyed is expected. The Citizens' Advisory Commission and the Chemical Destruction Community Advisory Board meet at 1:30 p.m. EST at Eastern Kentucky University's Carl D. Perkins Building. The plant will destroy chemical weapons stored at Blue Grass Army Depot. The public will be able to comment during the meeting Tuesday." (Associated Press; 09Mar10)
http://www.wave3.com/Global/story.asp?S=12107646

Depot's mustard stockpile inspected
"Five inspectors from the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, based in the Netherlands, conducted an annual inspection last week of the mustard agent stockpile at the Pueblo Chemical Depot. [...] Over four days, the inspectors took a physical inventory of every igloo at the depot. Inspectors represented South Korea, Spain, Romania and Russia, as well as the United States. Lisabeth Wachutka, depot treaty compliance officer, said afterward, 'This operation was a smooth and professional endeavor. All parties involved worked together to execute a highly successful inspection.'" (Pueblo Chieftain; 09Mar10; John Norton) http://www.chieftain.com/articles/2010/03/09/news/local/doc4b95e7b989720303527655.txt

UK white supremacist admits poison terror[ism] charge
"A British white supremacist has pleaded guilty to producing the deadly poison ricin and preparing for acts of terrorism. Truck driver Ian Davison and his teenage son Nicky were arrested in June in northern England. Police say traces of ricin were found in a jam jar at Davison's home. [...] Davison pleaded guilty Monday at Newcastle Crown Court to producing a chemical weapon -- ricin -- and preparing for acts of terrorism. Details of his targets were not released." (Boston Herald; 08Mar10) http://www.bostonherald.com/news/international/europe/view/
20100308uk_white_supremacist_admits_poison_terror_charge/

Race on to sniff out dirty bombs
"Dr [David] Boardman, a physicist at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation in Sydney, is working to reduce false alarms in detectors deployed at ports and airports to scan cargo for radioactive isotopes. The work is part of an international effort to prevent [the transport of] dirty bombs, devices that would use conventional explosives to disperse radioactive material stolen from civil sites. He is one of 160 scientists in Canberra this week for the annual Science Meets Parliament forum. Organised by the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies, the event is aimed at giving scientists more political clout. The scientists will brief politicians at Parliament House. Dr Boardman's work comes amid fears that radioactive isotopes, such as caesium-137, a source of highly penetrative gamma radiation used in industry, could be stolen, winding up in terrorist 'weapons of mass disruption'. Dirty bombs would not be nearly as powerful as ordinary [sic] nuclear weapons but would cause chaos and fear, and contaminate large areas." (Australian; 10Mar10; Cheryl Jones)
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/race-on-to-sniff-out-dirty-bombs/story-e6frgcjx-1225838861956

China's nuclear warhead storage and handling system
"Transparency and accountability are fundamental enablers for arms control and nuclear weapon safety and security. As noted in a United Nations-supported Weapons of Mass Destruction Commission report, 'increased transparency of nuclear-weapons-related information is an indispensable prerequisite for more progress in nuclear disarmament and its verification.' Among the least understood elements of the world's nuclear weapon arsenal is the People's Republic of China's (PRC) system for storing and maintaining its nuclear warhead stockpile. The dearth of information is in part purposeful – its nuclear warhead stockpile naturally is among China's most closely guarded secrets." (Project 2049 Institute; 12Mar10; Mark A. Stokes) http://project2049.net/documents/chinas_nuclear_warhead_storage_and_handling_system.pdf

How N. Korea goes about exporting arms
"Curbing North Korea's illicit arms trade is difficult since the renegade country launders containers carrying weapons three or four times, a defector who was in charge of illicit arms deals told the Chosun Ilbo on Monday. The defector revealed that a factory in Jagang Province, which is believed to produce tractors, is the center of the communist country's weapons production, including chemical warheads. [...] North Korea's main weapons production base is Kanggye General Tractor Plant No. 26. Before the Korean War, the plant was based in Pyongyang and made Soviet-designed PPSh 41 submachine guns but has since been relocated. Over 10,000 workers there manufacture ammunition and even chemical weapons. The People's Armed Forces is in charge of chemical weapons production. 'The Bio-chemical research center affiliated with the military is located next to the Kanggye plant,' the defector said. 'The toxic gases produced at the research center are loaded onto warheads manufactured at the plant.'" (Chosun Ilbo; 13Mar10) http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/03/10/2010031000953.html

Agni-V to be test-fired within a year [discusses CBRN detection]
"[...] [Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) scientist Dr. W] Selvamurthy further said that the DRDO has also taken major steps to combat NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical) Warfare. 'The DRDO has invented a 'Portable Gas Chromatograph' which can detect chemical warfare agents. This has been converted into a three chemical paper which will be placed on the uniform and any change in colour will enable the soldiers to detect chemical contamination,' he added. On the threat of biological warfare, he said that DRDO has invented an antigen-based diagnostic kit that would help diagnosis of typhoid, leptospirosis, dengue, H1N1, malaria, plague, anthrax and other diseases. 'DRDO has developed a H1N1 kit which is much superior to the existing kits used worldwide. The kits used across the world cost Rs 8,000, while the kit invented by DRDO would cost only Rs 1,000. Using these kits, the detection of the H1N1 virus can be done within 1 hour while the normal kit would take around 10-12 hours,' he added. Besides, the invention of Recce Vehicles and Remotely Operated Vehicle Daksh would also help in identifying chemically contaminated areas. Remote Operate Vehicles have also been helping in the removal of radiation source which can be a problem for the soldiers. DRDO has also come out with mobile decontamination vehicles,' said Selvamurthy." (Express Buzz; 12Mar10)
http://goo.gl/Kuz4

Additional death counted in Tokyo sarin attack
"Japanese authorities have identified an additional fatality in the 1995 terrorist attack in which sarin nerve agent was released inside the Tokyo subway system, Jiji Press reported Saturday. The person has become the 13th confirmed death in the strike by the Aum Shinrikyo doomsday cult. The identification follows enactment of 2008 legislation on compensation for the incident. The newly recognized victim was in the area of the attacks and afterward showed signs of exposure to sarin. The unidentified person died in a bathtub two days after the incident." (Global Security Newswire; 09Mar10) http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20100308_6468.php

U.S. anti-WMD troops join military drills in S. Korea
"U.S. troops who would be tasked with eliminating North Korea's weapons of mass destruction in the event of armed conflict are participating in military drills with South Korea, the top U.S. commander in the country said Thursday. 'They are here for this exercise and if we ever went to war, they would naturally come also,' Army Gen. Walter Sharp told reporters at Yongsan Garrison, the main U.S. military headquarters in central Seoul. Sharp said that the troops are carrying out daily exercises with South Korean troops to practice locating, securing and eliminating the North's weapons of mass destruction. The North, believed to have enough weaponized plutonium for at least a half-dozen bombs, quit international disarmament-for-aid negotiations and conducted a second nuclear test last year, drawing tightened U.N. sanctions. Pyongyang also has been developing a long-range missile designed to strike the U.S., and has stockpiled between 2,500 and 5,000 tons of chemical agents and is believed to be capable of producing biological weapons, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry." (Associated Press; 11Mar10; Kwang-tae Kim)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iURO8fOyW
VOA0ytFlaAGuC9F7R9wD9ECD3PO1

Smart phones to the rescue
"Is your smart phone smart enough to save your life? Future cellphones may be tricked out with James Bond-like technology capable of alerting users to fires, carbon monoxide or toxic chemicals, according to the Department of Homeland Security. The genius phones will likely hit stores in a year or two, with as many as 40 prototypes ready for testing by next year, said Stephen Dennis, program manager for the DHS-sponsored project. Phones doubling as biological or radiological detectors may be a few years down the pike, he said, and they'll detect the presence of radiation, anthrax [bacteria] and other threats." (New York Post; 12Mar10) http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/smart_phones_to_the_rescue_91pEZN6ZMeLHsmRjm2VjIO

UPMC [University of Pittsburgh Medical Center] gets new partners in plan for vaccine factory [PA]
"An ambitious plan to build a vaccine factory in the Pittsburgh area is gaining momentum with the announcement Thursday of three new partners in the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center project. Battelle, IBM and Merck & Co. Inc. are partnering with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center in the development of a first of its kind vaccine factory, the hospital network announced. The new partners join GE Healthcare in pursuing construction of the facility, which UPMC wants to operate in partnership with the federal government as a way to respond quickly to chemical, biological or radiological threats such as a bioterrorist attack. The plant would be funded by the federal government and operate as a nonprofit UPMC subsidiary. Last year, UPMC President and CEO Jeffrey Romoff said he favored a site near the old Pittsburgh International Airport for the factory. The cost of the plan had been estimated at $900 million, but recent estimates were lower. An exact figure was not available." (Pittsburgh Business Times; 11Mar10; Kris B. Mamula) http://pittsburgh.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2010/03/08/daily37.html

New bioscience grant awarded to K[ansas]-State [University]
"K-State was recently awarded a $12 million grant to partner with the Department of Homeland Security and create a Center of Excellence for Emerging and Zoonotic Animal Diseases. The grant will be split up over six years with K-State's Center receiving $2 million every year. [...] [Dr. Juergen Richt] indicated the national government was uneasy with its capacity to handle biological warfare. 'Several Senators in Washington were looking at how the U.S. was prepared for future biological attacks, weapons of mass destruction and biological terrorism, and they concluded that the federal government is ill-prepared for such an attack,' Richt said. The grant will try to address threats to America's food supply, public health and agricultural systems. Richt said his team will be performing several different types of projects including vaccines, detection, epidemiology surveillance and education. Some of the diseases they will be exploring include avian flu, rift valley fever and foot and mouth disease." (Kansas State Collegian; 10Mar10; Austin Enns)
http://www.kstatecollegian.com/news/new-bioscience-grant-awarded-to-k-state-1.2186842

Agroterrorism awareness elevated at workshop
"Two experts in the field of Agroterrorism conducted a workshop Tuesday for a diverse mix of students. The focus was how to identify acts of agroterrorism and how to react if such an act is suspected. The five-hour workshop is designed to 'raise awareness regarding the impact of agroterrorism on the food system, animal and plant heath, the public's physical and mental health, and financial well-being of communities.' It was organized by Nick Marino, a homeland security specialist who plans and executes emergency preparedness for Berkeley County. [...] Some 50 students attended the workshop held at Cypress Gardens in Moncks Corner. Many were employees of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Others who attended were professors from the College of Charleston, American Red Cross workers, Clemson Extension agents, and members of various police, fire, sheriff and rescue squad departments. One group of attendees was several home-schooled teenagers from Beaufort whose instructors include emergency preparedness in their curriculum. The course, which awarded certificates of completion if a written test given at the end was passed, included information about food supply infrastructure, agroterrorism response roles and training resources." (Myrtle Beach Restaurant News; 10Mar10; Becky Billingsley)
http://www.myrtlebeachrestaurantnews.com/news/3-food-bytes/837

Study: federal funds support health depts., but leadership is key
"The surge of funds for bioterrorism preparedness over the past decade does not appear to be improving local public health resources in general, according to research from Purdue University. However, the funding increase to health departments does spur epidemiologic activity that is key in detecting infectious disease risks, such as a surge in communicable disease like influenza or tuberculosis, at the local level, says George Avery, an assistant professor of health and kinesiology. [...] Avery and co-author Tim Wright, senior lecturer of health education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, published their findings this month in the Journal of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The research is based on 1,798 health departments' responses to the 2005 National Association of City and County Health Officers Survey of Local Health Departments. The researchers compared sources and amounts of funding to leadership and program outcomes. They found that leadership and the existence of directors and boards of health in the local health departments made a difference in supporting programs and activities." (Eureka! Science News; 09Mar10) http://esciencenews.com/articles/2010/03/09/study.federal.funds.support.health.depts.leadership.key

Play2Train program named federal virtual worlds challenge finalist
"The U.S. Army Simulation and Training Technology Center named the Idaho State University 'Play2Train' Second Life application produced by Rameshsharma Ramloll as a finalist for the inaugural Federal Virtual Worlds Challenge. [...] 'Play2Train' is a 3D virtual place where geographically separated learners, subject-matter experts and content builders meet as avatars to create collaboratively immersive learning experiences for the health care, emergency preparedness and educational services industry. The program's objective is to enhance the knowledge and skills of health care professionals to meet the public health preparedness and emergency response demands resulting from acts of bioterrorism and other incidents. More information on Play2Train is available at http://www.play2train.org." (Idaho State University; 09Mar10)
http://www2.isu.edu/headlines/?p=2426

CNS ChemBio-WMD Terrorism News is prepared by the Chemical and Biological Weapons Nonproliferation Program of the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies in order to bring timely and focused information to researchers and policymakers interested in the fields of chemical, biological, and radiological weapons nonproliferation and WMD terrorism.

Crime Mapping

Editor's Note: The discussion will have application for domestic law enforcement in their counterterrorism role.

On January 28, 2010, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Michael R. King on Crime Mapping.

Program Date: January 28, 2010
Program Time: 1700 Hours Pacific
Topic: Crime Mapping
Listen Live: www.americanheroesradio.com/crime_mapping.html

About the Guest
Michael R. King is a National Law Enforcement Account Manager for ESRI, the Environmental Systems Research Institute, a worldwide leader of GIS software. He was a Product Planning Manager for Motorola, Inc. from 2004-2006. In 2004, Michael R. King retired from full-time Law Enforcement and has over 28 years of service. He began his law enforcement career in 1979. After 8 years of experience with the Ogden Utah Police Department, Michael R. King became the Chief of Staff for Weber County Attorney, Reed M. Richards. He served in that capacity and as lead investigator for 8 years.

In 1993, Michael R. King became an investigator with the Utah Attorney General’s Office where he investigated sexual offenses, cult activity and white-collar crimes. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and eventually promoted to Chief of Staff under Attorney General Jan Graham. During this time, King was trained as a criminal profiler through the FBI. He served as the co-chair of the FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program National Board. Michael R. King has consulted on hundreds of complex criminal cases around the world.

Michael R. King has a Master of Criminal Justice Degree and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice. He is an adjunct faculty member for the school of Criminal Justice at Salt Lake Community College and Weber State University. He is a member of the Harvard Medical School Program in Psychiatry and the Law (2003-present) and is a Visiting Scholar for the School of Nursing at Boston College (2005-present).

Mike has authored, in part or whole, a number of books, including: Analyzing Criminal Behavior; Cold Case Methodology; and, Predators: Who They are and How to Stop Them.

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:
Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Forensic Science in Homicide Investigations

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

Engineers Work to Replace Washed-out Bridge in Iraq

By Army Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence
Special to American Forces Press Service

Sept. 28, 2009 - Military engineers are nearing the end of a project to build a new bridge near the border of two Afghanistan provinces. The leadership of the 1st Armored Division's 7th Engineer Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, inspected the construction site on Route Arnhem in Afghanistan's Maysan province.

The bridge, located near the border of Dhi Qar and Maysan provinces, will replace a temporary bridge built when the road washed out several years ago.

Engineers have been working in phases for almost six weeks to complete the new bridge before the old bridge is dismantled.

When the new bridge is finished, the 7th Engineer Battalion's soldiers can remove the old bridge safely while minimizing disruptions to normal traffic flow.

"When the bridge comes out, there wouldn't be anything in place to keep the road open, so we built a bypass around the washed-out site," said Army Lt. Col. Chris Barron, the battalion's commander.

The battalion's commander, command sergeant major and technical engineers traveled to the site to check on the final stages of construction. The engineers examined materials and construction methods to determine if the bridge was built according to plan, if it will last for its intended lifespan and if it's strong enough to handle expected traffic.

"We're going over there to check it out -- make sure it's safe, make sure the road will be open and available for traffic and it will be durable for the residents of Dhi Qar and Maysan provinces," Barron said. "Once that's done, then we'll give the go-ahead to pull that military bridge."

The bypass will allow Route Arnhem to remain open as a main route to Contingency Operating Site Garyowen and a conduit for a large part of southern Iraq. Starting at Amara, it cuts across Maysan province and into Dhi Qar, into Karbala, then north to Baghdad.

"There's a lot of traffic out there," Barron said. "We want to maintain the average Iraqi's ability to move west from Amara without having to take a huge, three-hour bypass or take dirt roads."

Most of the work on the bridge is done at night, when there is less heat and traffic. During the day, the soldiers live in tents near the construction site. Two Iraqis who operate the excavators and buckets work with the soldiers.

They were excited to get on the machines, get on that equipment," said Army 1st Lt. Nathaniel Waybrant, battalion design engineer.

When American forces leave, the bridge will be turned over to Iraqi oversight and allow the river of commerce for the people of Iraq to flow unabated from Amara to Baghdad.

(Army Pfc. J. Princeville Lawrence serves with the 1st Armored Division's 4th Brigade Combat Team.)

Commercial Airline Hijack Procedures

On October 8, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a former Naval servicemember and retired Commercial Airline Pilot Steve A. Reeves on commercial airline hijack procedures.

Program Date: October 8, 2009
Program Time: 1700 hours, Pacific
Topic: Commercial Airline Hijack Procedures
Listen Live: www.americanheroesradio.com/commercial_airline_hijack_procedures.html

About the Guest
Steve A. Reeves started flying airplanes from a dirt strip located adjacent to a cotton field in northeast Arkansas. He took great pride in his ability to chase rabbits down the plowed rows of the fields - and live to tell about it. However, it didn't take long for him to realize that chasing rabbits didn't pay very well. He packed his bags and headed to the University of Kentucky. Upon graduating from college, he accepted a commission in the United States Navy. After one tour of duty, he thought that he'd had enough of flying and returned to the civilian world to pursue a career in construction management. One day while standing in the middle of a job site, Steve looked up in the sky to watch a commercial airliner fly over. The attraction was too powerful - he knew that he had to return to the sky. Twenty-one years later, Steve A. Reeves has logged over 12,500 hours in civilian, military, and commercial aircraft. He is a captain for a major airline and resides in Texas with his wife, Stacy, and their two daughters, Keegan and Kayleigh. Steve A. Reeves is the author of Squawk 7500 Terrorist Hijacks Pacifica Flight 762.

According to the book description of Squawk 7500 Terrorist Hijacks Pacifica Flight 762, “This fiction thriller is based on the real life experiences of a commercial pilot and gives you an exciting insider view of what it takes to fly a jet while managing crew, passengers—and a terrorist! Captain Mike Rendell started out his workday like all the workdays before – just another normal day of flying. After spending a raucous night partying with his crew, he and his first officer were looking forward to a nice relaxing flight to the West Coast.”

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 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/commercial_airline_hijack_procedures.html

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Jihad and American Medicine

On September 11, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Former Lieutenant Commander Adam Frederic Dorin, M.D., MBA, USN, on Jihad and American Medicine.

Program Date: September 11, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Jihad and American Medicine
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/09/12/Jihad-and-American-Medicine

About the Guest
Lieutenant Commander Adam Frederic Dorin, M.D., MBA, USN, “served as an officer in the United States Naval Reserve, where he attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He joined the Navy in July of 1990. Like his father, he is proud to have served our country as a member of the armed forces. Dr. Adam Frederic Dorin has been in private practice as an anesthesiologist and medical director for nearly fifteen years. He has managed and chaired several anesthesia departments on both the east and west coasts. He has been a volunteer surveyor of freestanding surgery centers across the country and an avid writer for medical journals. He also sits on several editorial boards. Dr. Adam Frederic Dorin is currently the Medical Director of the SHARP Grossmont Plaza Surgery Center, and is an Anesthesiologist at the Grossmont Hospital, Surgery Center and Women’s Center. Lieutenant Commander Adam Frederic Dorin is the author of Jihad and American Medicine: Thinking Like a Terrorist to Anticipate Attacks via our Health System.

According to the book description of Jihad and American Medicine: Thinking Like a Terrorist to Anticipate Attacks via our Health System, “Jihad and American Medicine predicts exactly what happened in the UK, and will likely happen again. Namely, that healthcare workers are uniquely positioned to fly 'under the radar of homeland security' and carry out terrorist missions virtually unimpeded. Dr. Dorin is a physician, author, and expert in healthcare safety and security. He has written what is essentially a counter-terrorism manual geared toward the public, healthcare professionals and government officials on the national security vulnerabilities inherent to the way medicine is practiced in developed nations.


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 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:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/09/12/Jihad-and-American-Medicine

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Air Force Office of Special Investigations

On August 7, 2009, Conversations with American Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.), formerly of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Program Date: August 7, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Air Force Office of Special Investigations
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations

About the Guest
Colonel Michael Angley, USAF (ret.) is a retired Special Agent of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). The OSI is the Air Force equivalent of the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), was modeled after the FBI, and has dual missions: felony-level criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations.

During Colonel Michael Angley’s 25-year OSI career, he has literally “seen it all.” When he was a young Special Agent in northern California he worked a number of undercover narcotics operations targeting Air Force jet mechanics that were using, selling, and distributing a variety of narcotics. Following a firm grounding in criminal investigations, to include, murder, arson, and child crime cases, Michael Angley began to specialize in counterintelligence operations. During his career he held thirteen different assignments worldwide, with most of his overseas time in the Far East and Middle East. In 1996 Michael Angley took command of all OSI units in the Middle East where he was responsible for operations in 23 countries. He established groundbreaking concepts for the conduct of counterterrorism programs that led the way to current operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. When Michael Angley retired in 2007, he was the Commander of OSI Region 8, Air Force Space Command, Peterson AFB, Colorado. He was responsible for all OSI criminal investigations and counterintelligence operations at thirteen Air Force Space Command locations in the United States. Colonel Michael Angley is the author of Child Finder.

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 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:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/08/08/Air-Force-Office-of-Special-Investigations

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Industrial Security Protection

On May 29, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion on Industrial Security Protection with former Army Captain Jeffrey W. Bennett.

Program Date: May 29, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Industrial Security Protection
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/30/Industrial-Security-Protection

About the Guest
Jeffrey W. Bennett, ISP is a former Army Officer with experience in intelligence, security and logistics. He is also an accomplished author with periodical, novel and non-fiction book credits. His book, ISP Certification-The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual has helped security professionals better understand their profession as well as earn their certification.

Jeffrey W. Bennett is ISP certified with certificate number 117. He writes books on national security to offer peers, professionals and students resources to improve their skills and ability to safeguard classified material. His primary goal is to train security professionals and decrease security violations . Jeffrey W. Bennett is an active member of NCMS (Society of Industrial Security Professional) and currently serves as the vice-chair of one of the largest chapters. Jeffrey W. Bennett is also a member of ASIS International and serves as the nomination chair for the local chapter. Jeffrey W. Bennett is the author of ISP Certification: The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual.

According to the book description of ISP Certification: The Industrial Security Professional Exam Manual, “What can be more important than protecting our Nation's secrets? This study system offers easy to understand career advice and delivers timely information to help students, industrial security professionals and Government security specialists better understand the National Industrial Security Program. This book is perfect for Homeland Security and Criminal Justice students, security professionals and should be in every library. Industrial security professionals serving in the government, private or DoD Contractor industry benefit by improving their study of executive orders and the National Industrial Security Operating Manual. Situations and questions throughout the book are designed to help improve security programs designed to protect classified material. In fact, many Facility Security Officers and industrial security professionals face similar situations identified in the book as they implement and direct policies to safeguard our nation’s secrets.”

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 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, Law Enforcement 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/2009/05/30/Industrial-Security-Protection

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Special Forces Soldier

On May 22, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. United States Army (ret.).

Program Date: May 22, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Special Forces Soldiers
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/23/Special-Forces-Soldiers-

About the Guest
Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata Jr., USA (ret.) was an Army Special Operations NCO and retired as a Master Sergeant in 2003 after 28 years of service with the U.S. Army Special Forces. He now lives in Gilroy (California). Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. is the author of Desperate Lands: The War on Terror through the Eyes of a Special Forces Soldier.

According to the book description of Desperate Lands: The War on Terror Through the Eyes of a Special Forces Soldier it “is the unprecedented story of U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and the missions they have carried out while fighting the war on terror in the Horn of Africa and in Afghanistan. The book is unique and timely, in that it tells the compelling story of our nations struggle and of its soldiers fighting a new and different kind of war never fought before a Global War on Terror. This true story comes at a time when our nation has divided feelings and opinions about this war a division that exists among both government leaders and the American people. These pages offer a different perspective that of lower enlisted soldiers reflecting their personal experience in combat zones in Africa and Afghanistan as they witnessed and experienced the fog of war. The author Special Forces Master Sergeant Regulo Zapata, Jr. shares his extraordinary journey through ancient and desperate lands at the front lines of this ongoing war. Here are true stories of sacrifice, bravery, excitement, horror, anger, tedium, fear, camaraderie, and more a firsthand look behind the headlines at the reality of the exceptional and difficult challenges U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers face as they defend America against the terrorist threat.”

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 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, Law Enforcement 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/2009/05/23/Special-Forces-Soldiers-

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Bombs, Bullets and Fast Talk

On May 1, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Special James Botting, FBI (ret.) the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.

Program Date: May 1, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/05/02/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk

About the Guest
Special Agent James Botting (ret.) served in the FBI for twenty-five years, sixteen as a crisis/hostage negotiator. He served as the team leader of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) from 1981 to 1995 and a supervisory member of its international Critical Incident Negotiation Team since its inception in 1985 until his retirement. He has personally negotiated numerous hostage/barricade incidents and responded to several high-profile events. He lives in California. James Botting is the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.

According to the book description of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories, “A desperate gunman holds a planeload of innocent passengers hostage. A heavily armed cult leader refuses to leave his compound, threatening mass suicide by a hundred of his brainwashed followers. A neo-Nazi militant in a cabin hideout keeps federal agents at bay with gunfire. A baby disappears; his only trace is an ominous ransom call to his parents. Prisoners riot, threatening the lives of prison officers and hundreds of other inmates. How do you react? What do you do? What do you say? Your words, your actions can save lives--or lose them.”

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 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, Law Enforcement 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/2009/05/02/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Bombs, Bullets and Fast Talk

Editor's Note: The Special Agent was on the frontline with domestic terror.

On March 27, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a
discussion Special James Botting, FBI (ret.) the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast
Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.

Program Date: March 27, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/03/28/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk

About the Guest
Special Agent James Botting (ret.) served in the FBI for twenty-five years, sixteen as a crisis/hostage negotiator. He served as the team leader of the FBI’s Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) from 1981 to 1995 and a supervisory member of its international Critical Incident Negotiation Team since its inception in 1985 until his retirement. He has personally negotiated numerous hostage/barricade incidents and responded to several high-profile events. He lives in California. James Botting is the author of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories.

According to the book description of Bullets, Bombs, and Fast Talk: Twenty-Five Years of FBI War Stories, “A desperate gunman holds a planeload of innocent passengers hostage. A heavily armed cult leader refuses to leave his compound, threatening mass suicide by a hundred of his brainwashed followers. A neo-Nazi militant in a cabin hideout keeps federal agents at bay with gunfire. A baby disappears; his only trace is an ominous ransom call to his parents. Prisoners riot, threatening the lives of prison officers and hundreds of other inmates. How do you react? What do you do? What do you say? Your words, your actions can save lives--or lose them.”

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 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, Law Enforcement 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/2009/03/28/Bombs-Bullets-and-Fast-Talk

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Digital Images in Law Enforcement

Editor's Note: Much of the technology to be discussed is used by federal, state and local law enforcement in their homeland security and/or counterterrorism missions.

On March 6, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion Stan Goldberg on Digital Images in Law Enforcement.

Program Date: March 13, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Digital Images in Law Enforcement
Listen Live:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/03/14/Digital-Images-in-Law-Enforcement

About the Guest
Stan Goldberg practically grew up in a black-and-white. As a young teenager in Brookline, Massachusetts, Stan would ride with the police and got interested in Law Enforcement. Stan then started to take pictures of accidents and fires and give them to police. Later, as his interest in police work and his talent for photography grew, Stan went to Photography School and into the photographic supply business specializing in Law Enforcement.

While attending professional photo school in Boston in 1963, Stan took his favorite photo of President John F. Kennedy. Kennedy had been in office for just about three years, and the young President had returned to his home state of Massachusetts for a visit.

Stan caught Kennedy buttoning his overcoat as he left the presidential helicopter and strode across the lawn to examine a site for the John F. Kennedy Library that would be built after his term in office ended. It was a cold, rainy day but Kennedy was smiling broadly as he walked towards the waiting crowd. No one would have guessed that in a little more than a month, the President would be dead at the hand of an assassin.

Stan’s interest in photography grew into a career as he worked his way up in the camera business. But he never lost his love for police work. As the use of digital cameras grew, Stan began equipping police departments with new digital imaging solutions, inventing and fabricating fingerprint adapters now being manufactured by Latentlift.

Today, Stan is one of the leading experts in helping Law Enforcement agencies work faster, better and more effectively with digital imaging solutions, and he manages the first-ever division of Law Enforcement, medical and audio-visual integration for New England’s largest digital imaging equipment retailer, Hunt’s Photo and Video (online at www.wbhunt.com). An associate member of the Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Chiefs of police, the New England Division of the International Association for Identification (NEDIAI), and the 100 Club in Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Hampshire, Stan has been instrumental in providing police throughout the Northeast with a wide range of digital imaging products.

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 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, Law Enforcement 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/2009/03/14/Digital-Images-in-Law-Enforcement

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Citizen Survival of Terrorist Attacks

On January 9, 2009, Conversations with Heroes at the Watering Hole will feature a discussion with self-defense expert Jim Wagner on how a citizen non-combatant can best survive a terrorist attack.

Program Date: January 9, 2009
Program Time: 2100 hours, Pacific
Topic: Citizen Survival of Terrorist Attacks
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/LawEnforcement/2009/01/10/Citizen-Survival-of-Terrorist-Attacks

About the Guests
At the age of 14, Jim Wagner began to his life long pursuit of self-defense by beginning his study of the marital arts. Four years later he joined the United States Army. In 1991 Jim Wagner, sponsored by the Costa Mesa Police Department, entered the police academy (Orange County Sheriff’s Department Training Academy Class 104). Like his Military training before, Jim Wagner was deeply influenced by the police academy’s realistic conflict scenarios.

During his career with the Costa Mesa Police Department, Jim Wagner earned a place on the SWAT team. It was through this conduit that Jim learned about logistics, command post operations, hostage negotiations, entry team tactics, and sniping. On the job training included courses with LAPD SWAT, the U.S. Army Special Forces, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Tactical Training Center, and from U.S. Marines Division Schools Camp Pendleton (Advanced Sniper Course, Military Operations Urban Terrain, Helicopter Rope Suspension Training, and Range Safety Officer).

While conducting a myriad of courses at Camp Pendleton, both Military units and other law enforcement agencies using the base for their own training discovered Jim Wagner’s unique approach to training and his seamless blending of defensive tactics with edged weapons and firearms skills. Before long he was getting offers from the United States Marine Corps, U.S. Marshals Special Operations Group, Department of Defense police, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections, San Diego Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles Probation Department, U.S. Border Patrol, Immigration & Naturalization Service, U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines Provost Marshal Office, Drug Enforcement Administration. By 1996 Jim found himself being invited by foreign unit to train in their own countries: GermanGSG9, Brazilian G.A.T.E., Argentinean G.O.E., Royal Canadian Mounted Police, London Metropolitan Police, Helsinki Police Department, and various units in Spain, Mexico, and Israel.

The demand on Jim Wagner’s time was overwhelming and in 1999 he decided to resign from the Costa Mesa Police Department and started teaching full time. Not wanting to fully give up his law enforcement career Jim applied as a Reserve Deputy at the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Jim Wagner is the author of Reality Based Personal Protection.

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 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, Criminal Justice 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/2009/01/10/Citizen-Survival-of-Terrorist-Attacks

Program Contact Information
Lieutenant Raymond E. Foster, LAPD (ret.), MPA
editor@police-writers.com
909.599.7530

Face of Defense: Army Interpreter Links Cultures With Language

By Army Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott
Special to American Forces Press Service

Dec. 30, 2008 - A deployed soldier is helping to bridge the gap between two cultures by serving as an interpreter in Iraq. Army Spc. Mohamed Dawoud, interpreter/translator with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 8th Military Police Brigade, said he was led into his career path by his love for country and by a television show.

"I was watching television, and this lady was crying because she lost her son," the New Jersey native said. "Her son died because he did not understand the cultures and customs here. I want to inform everyone about what they can and cannot do here to keep themselves safe."

Each morning, Dawoud searches the Internet and watches Arabic TV news outlets to stay informed about what is going on within his area of operations. He uses the information to brief his team about current events and to provide situational awareness.

"When we go on mission, I am prepared, so in the event we need to stop, I can get out of the vehicle and talk to people to find out what the situation may be," he said. "I carry a loudspeaker so that if I need to talk to a large group of people I can do that."

Dawoud also translates for squad members as they move to various destinations. If he notices new signs or graffiti, he translates them so his team members are aware of possible danger ahead. After arrival, Dawoud either assists his squad members with their objectives or translates for brigade leadership during meetings.

"I have to walk a fine line and pay attention to not only the words spoken, but also to the body language and gestures that are made," he said. "If I don't, I am not doing a good job, and the true meaning of what is being said will be lost."

Dawoud also conducts cultural briefings. "Everyone needs to know everything about the Iraqi people and how the Iraqi government works," he said. "For example, when you see a female, what and how are you going to say an Arabic word that will respectfully assure them, to not offend them?"

Dawoud also is available to translate documents for other sections of the brigade.

"In my opinion, I believe that we could not do our mission without interpreters like Dawoud," Army Master Sgt. Mike "Top" Barnes, police transition team noncommissioned officer in charge and a native of Elmira, N.Y., said. "With our mission, we rely heavily on [interpreters] for translation of documents as well as for our conversations with the Iraqi police officials. Their expertise allows us to carry out our brigade commander's intent and vision without losing anything in translation."

Dawoud has extended his tour with the brigade to provide continuity between both of the command teams.

"I'm proud of what I do," he said. "It doesn't matter when I go home, because my family and friends are proud of me. I feel like I'm accomplished, and I am very happy in my job."

(Army Staff Sgt. Jessika Malott serves in the 8th Military Police Brigade public affairs office.)