By Maj. John House, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 25, 2008 - Establishing peace and stability here is like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, and Afghan Regional Security Integration Command Central is helping fit the pieces together to build a cohesive security picture in the region. "For a successful counterinsurgency operation, all players -- the Afghan National Army, the Afghan National Police and coalition forces -- have to be involved and working together," said Marine Corps Col. Phillip Smith, who commands the unit.
Kunar province is a hotbed of operations for anti-government elements, including foreign fighters infiltrating through Pakistan. Responsibility for interdicting this infiltration falls largely on the Afghan Border Police.
Border-control points on main roads can only be partially effective, since insurgents avoid these routes anyway, officials explained. Mentors from Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix and Task Force Rock, from NATO's International Security Transition Force Regional Command East, have been helping the border police establish elevated observation posts along the border to fill the gaps.
"We're building up OPs on the Pakistan border to give them fighting positions that will enhance defensibility and survivability," said Army Capt. Brian Pinson, an embedded trainer with 5th Kandak, 1st Brigade, 201st Afghan National Army Corps.
One of these observation points, at Donai, was built in just a week, Army Capt. Albert Fitzpatrick, of Task Force Rock said. Working side by side, border police and U.S. mentors dug trenches and fighting positions, filled and placed sandbags, and built a command post.
"Its location is important to border security," Fitzpatrick said.
Afghan Border Police Capt. Ramah Gull, whose men occupy the observation post around the clock, agreed. "It will help us secure areas from the Nawa Pass to the adjacent valley," he said.
When Gull's element takes fire or observes suspicious activity, he can call in the provincial border police quick-reaction force. A U.S. Special Forces detachment is busy training a border police kandak, or battalion, as a quick-reaction force at the Camp Wright range on the Asadabad Provincial Reconstruction Team compound.
"The training is very advanced," said 2nd Lt. Zamari of the border police. "(It is) a good fit for our mission."
Dealing with enemy fighters operating in Kunar, and particularly in the Pech Valley, is a matter for the Afghan National Army, mentored and reinforced by embedded training teams from Task Force Rock and Task Force Phoenix.
"The enemy is trying to disrupt lines of communication using small arms, rocket-propelled grenades and improvised explosive devices," said ANA Capt. Mohammed Tahir, intelligence officer for the 3rd Kandak, 2nd Brigade, 201st Corps. "The Korengal Valley is especially contentious."
The enemy takes advantage of the mountain terrain to attack and disperse quickly. Once an area is cleared of insurgents, coordination with Afghan National Police is essential to establish and maintain control. The Kunar Provincial Coordination Center is the node in Asadabad where this occurs.
"Building relationships between the ANP and the ANA is vital," Brig. Gen. Abdul Jalal, the provincial police chief, said. "We are building these relationships now."
But, he stressed, more equipment and training are needed.
"Focused District Development -- a program that takes a whole district at one time, trains and equips them, and returns them to duty -- will begin to address such shortfalls," Army Brig. Gen. Robert Livingston, CJTF Phoenix commander, said.
Piecing the security puzzle together will take time, resources and effort.
The Afghan security forces can fight, Livingston said. "Sustaining the force is their key to success," he added.
(Army Maj. John House serves with Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix Public Affairs.)
The September issue of the Hi Tech Criminal Justice newsletter was instrumental in preparing this article.
Showing posts with label police chief. Show all posts
Showing posts with label police chief. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Troops Provide Water Heaters to Afghan Hospital, Visit Police
American Forces Press Service
Feb. 21, 2008 - Afghan National Army soldiers assisted by coalition forces delivered five water heaters to the Tarin Kowt hospital and visited the Oruzgan provincial headquarters of the Afghan National Police last week. The team followed up Feb. 16 on a previous visit that included a meeting with the hospital director to discuss needs. The ANA 201st Kandak commander presented the water heaters and expressed his commitment to improving conditions at the hospital.
"Thank you for listening to the needs of the hospital from our earlier meeting. Your help could not come at a better time," the hospital director said.
Before the delivery, the hospital did not have water heaters; hospital personnel boiled water on a diesel-burning stove.
The soldiers also delivered electric heaters to the hospital so the facility could have better climate control for recovering patients.
Later that day, the team visited the provincial Afghan National Police headquarters and talked with officers about new construction projects to expand the facilities. The ANP currently houses its personnel in the same facility where they work. The building has limited electricity, no heaters and no restrooms for the dozens of police officers working there.
The new building will provide office space separate from the living quarters. It will have offices for logistics, finance, and unit commanders, and there will be sufficient restroom facilities.
During the visit, the police chief related that his officers found an improvised explosive device near a bridge in Tarin Kowt, the main passage for civilians and commerce going to and from the area. The chief said his police officers secured the device and removed it, preventing it from injuring or killing civilians who travel the road.
"This find is crucial for the safety of the civilians in Tarin Kowt who use the bridge to get to the hospital," a coalition soldier said. "If the ANP hadn't removed the IED, it could have had a devastating effect and caused a lot of people to suffer. Their bravery saved Afghan lives."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Information about homicide investigations was supportive in preparing this entry.
Feb. 21, 2008 - Afghan National Army soldiers assisted by coalition forces delivered five water heaters to the Tarin Kowt hospital and visited the Oruzgan provincial headquarters of the Afghan National Police last week. The team followed up Feb. 16 on a previous visit that included a meeting with the hospital director to discuss needs. The ANA 201st Kandak commander presented the water heaters and expressed his commitment to improving conditions at the hospital.
"Thank you for listening to the needs of the hospital from our earlier meeting. Your help could not come at a better time," the hospital director said.
Before the delivery, the hospital did not have water heaters; hospital personnel boiled water on a diesel-burning stove.
The soldiers also delivered electric heaters to the hospital so the facility could have better climate control for recovering patients.
Later that day, the team visited the provincial Afghan National Police headquarters and talked with officers about new construction projects to expand the facilities. The ANP currently houses its personnel in the same facility where they work. The building has limited electricity, no heaters and no restrooms for the dozens of police officers working there.
The new building will provide office space separate from the living quarters. It will have offices for logistics, finance, and unit commanders, and there will be sufficient restroom facilities.
During the visit, the police chief related that his officers found an improvised explosive device near a bridge in Tarin Kowt, the main passage for civilians and commerce going to and from the area. The chief said his police officers secured the device and removed it, preventing it from injuring or killing civilians who travel the road.
"This find is crucial for the safety of the civilians in Tarin Kowt who use the bridge to get to the hospital," a coalition soldier said. "If the ANP hadn't removed the IED, it could have had a devastating effect and caused a lot of people to suffer. Their bravery saved Afghan lives."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Information about homicide investigations was supportive in preparing this entry.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Face of Defense: Squad Leader's Idea Helps Afghan Police
By Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - Police and other law enforcement officers in the United States are regarded as well-trained professionals and role models by the public. Army Sgt. Ronald K. Burke, a squad leader for the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Platoon, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, sought the same respect for the Afghan National Police in the Nawa district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province.
With the approval of his platoon leader, Burke came up with a training program to increase police tactical and technical competence in the Afghan police by incorporating reading and writing courses with essential police training.
"Being able to read and write will increase these guys' ability in so many ways," said Burke, a Cape Corral, Fla., native. "We are teaching both English and Pashto, so they are better able to communicate with villagers and us."
Burke said all the Afghan police were eager to begin the training, but it was a difficult task to incorporate into his schedule.
"I'm over here pretty much all day trying to teach them when I need to be training my guys," Burke said. "As a solution, I started involving my guys in the training. They are able to brush up on their training in some areas and also learn about different weapon systems, languages and religions."
Burke's soldiers assist in all facets of the training, with assistance from interpreters when teaching reading and writing.
"Everyone has been very cooperative during this training," Burke said. "As a soldier, you are expected to be proficient in certain areas, but being a teacher is quite a challenge."
Burke and his soldiers start the day off with English, having the Afghan police officers work on letter sounds and writing short phrases.
The next class is Pashto, where Burke and his soldiers become students as well, allowing the interpreters to lead the classroom.
One of Burke's goals is that the Afghan National Police officers will be able to pass some of their knowledge on to the villagers as the training progresses.
"Because of the location out here, there are no teachers and doctors available to the villages," Burke said. "I hope to reach a point where the ANP can go out on patrol, and while they're in the towns they can teach classes on reading and writing along with some basic first aid."
Burke is not the only one who is hopeful for the success of this training.
"These classes are good for my soldiers," said Sayed Amanudin Agha, Afghan Nation Police chief for Nawa district. "The villagers need to trust and respect their police, and this training will help."
Agha said he is impressed with Burke's willingness to help his police and finds promise in his men's eagerness to learn.
Most of the time is spent on language training, but other training includes weapons systems, first aid, map reading, tactical driving and reflexive fire, essential for close-quarter encounters.
"Sergeant Burke came to me with some ideas to help the ANP," said Army 1st Lt. Mordechai D. Sorkin, 3rd Platoon leader. "These guys haven't had a chance to go to the police training, so it was a long list of necessary training."
Sorkin said it was Burke's idea to add the reading and writing to the curriculum.
"Burke has always been someone willing to take that extra step to help someone else," Sorkin said. "He understands that education is one of the keys to prosperity in this country and took the initiative to do his part here in Nawa."
(Army Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison serves with 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
Special to American Forces Press Service
Feb. 19, 2008 - Police and other law enforcement officers in the United States are regarded as well-trained professionals and role models by the public. Army Sgt. Ronald K. Burke, a squad leader for the 82nd Airborne Division's 3rd Platoon, Company B, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, sought the same respect for the Afghan National Police in the Nawa district of Afghanistan's Ghazni province.
With the approval of his platoon leader, Burke came up with a training program to increase police tactical and technical competence in the Afghan police by incorporating reading and writing courses with essential police training.
"Being able to read and write will increase these guys' ability in so many ways," said Burke, a Cape Corral, Fla., native. "We are teaching both English and Pashto, so they are better able to communicate with villagers and us."
Burke said all the Afghan police were eager to begin the training, but it was a difficult task to incorporate into his schedule.
"I'm over here pretty much all day trying to teach them when I need to be training my guys," Burke said. "As a solution, I started involving my guys in the training. They are able to brush up on their training in some areas and also learn about different weapon systems, languages and religions."
Burke's soldiers assist in all facets of the training, with assistance from interpreters when teaching reading and writing.
"Everyone has been very cooperative during this training," Burke said. "As a soldier, you are expected to be proficient in certain areas, but being a teacher is quite a challenge."
Burke and his soldiers start the day off with English, having the Afghan police officers work on letter sounds and writing short phrases.
The next class is Pashto, where Burke and his soldiers become students as well, allowing the interpreters to lead the classroom.
One of Burke's goals is that the Afghan National Police officers will be able to pass some of their knowledge on to the villagers as the training progresses.
"Because of the location out here, there are no teachers and doctors available to the villages," Burke said. "I hope to reach a point where the ANP can go out on patrol, and while they're in the towns they can teach classes on reading and writing along with some basic first aid."
Burke is not the only one who is hopeful for the success of this training.
"These classes are good for my soldiers," said Sayed Amanudin Agha, Afghan Nation Police chief for Nawa district. "The villagers need to trust and respect their police, and this training will help."
Agha said he is impressed with Burke's willingness to help his police and finds promise in his men's eagerness to learn.
Most of the time is spent on language training, but other training includes weapons systems, first aid, map reading, tactical driving and reflexive fire, essential for close-quarter encounters.
"Sergeant Burke came to me with some ideas to help the ANP," said Army 1st Lt. Mordechai D. Sorkin, 3rd Platoon leader. "These guys haven't had a chance to go to the police training, so it was a long list of necessary training."
Sorkin said it was Burke's idea to add the reading and writing to the curriculum.
"Burke has always been someone willing to take that extra step to help someone else," Sorkin said. "He understands that education is one of the keys to prosperity in this country and took the initiative to do his part here in Nawa."
(Army Spc. Nathan W. Hutchison serves with 22nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)
Friday, December 14, 2007
Afghan Forces Provide Medical Treatment to More Than 700 Villagers
By BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 12, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces treated more than 700 Afghans during a Dec. 7-8 medical outreach operation in Kandahar province. The Afghan forces conducted a village medical outreach in Arghandab, treating hundreds of men, women and children.
"The (medical mission) ... was an overwhelming success," an Afghan National Army soldier said. "We are trying to limit the Afghans' suffering."
While many boys and girls showed up for medical care, organizers were surprised to see many women seeking help as well. Historically, few women have attended medical outreaches in this area.
"Unlike previous (such missions) in Shah Wali Kot, the ratio of women to men treated was 1-to-1, which afforded the team the opportunity to better assess the situation in Arghandab from a woman's point of view," a coalition soldier explained.
Afghan soldiers, the Afghan National Police chief and the district chief handed out more than 2 tons of humanitarian supplies, including rice, beans, flour, cooking oil, salt, chai, shoes and winter clothing.
Afghan citizens expressed their delight while being treated by an Afghan National Army medic. "I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that I received free medication and food," a village elder said. "I am poor, so I cannot buy these things in the bazaar. Most people in Kandahar are just like me."
While serving the needs of Afghan civilians, the country's security forces always have an eye toward security because of insurgent activity in the area. "We mitigate this by working hand in hand with the (Afghan army and police) to ensure every possible security measure is implemented," a coalition soldier said.
The Afghan commander on the mission spoke of how much it meant to him to help the Afghan villagers.
"Even though there is a local clinic, it doesn't always have enough medicine available," he said. "I'm very pleased to provide this type of service to the locals, because most people in this area have never received this level of treatment."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
American Forces Press Service
Dec. 12, 2007 - Afghan and coalition forces treated more than 700 Afghans during a Dec. 7-8 medical outreach operation in Kandahar province. The Afghan forces conducted a village medical outreach in Arghandab, treating hundreds of men, women and children.
"The (medical mission) ... was an overwhelming success," an Afghan National Army soldier said. "We are trying to limit the Afghans' suffering."
While many boys and girls showed up for medical care, organizers were surprised to see many women seeking help as well. Historically, few women have attended medical outreaches in this area.
"Unlike previous (such missions) in Shah Wali Kot, the ratio of women to men treated was 1-to-1, which afforded the team the opportunity to better assess the situation in Arghandab from a woman's point of view," a coalition soldier explained.
Afghan soldiers, the Afghan National Police chief and the district chief handed out more than 2 tons of humanitarian supplies, including rice, beans, flour, cooking oil, salt, chai, shoes and winter clothing.
Afghan citizens expressed their delight while being treated by an Afghan National Army medic. "I cannot begin to tell you how happy I am that I received free medication and food," a village elder said. "I am poor, so I cannot buy these things in the bazaar. Most people in Kandahar are just like me."
While serving the needs of Afghan civilians, the country's security forces always have an eye toward security because of insurgent activity in the area. "We mitigate this by working hand in hand with the (Afghan army and police) to ensure every possible security measure is implemented," a coalition soldier said.
The Afghan commander on the mission spoke of how much it meant to him to help the Afghan villagers.
"Even though there is a local clinic, it doesn't always have enough medicine available," he said. "I'm very pleased to provide this type of service to the locals, because most people in this area have never received this level of treatment."
(From a Combined Joint Task Force 82 news release.)
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Coalition Forces Treat 450 Afghans During Medical Outreach
By Senior Airman James Bolinger, USAFSpecial to American Forces Press Service
Nov. 30, 2007 - The towns of Eskandareh and Pacha Khak hide deep within the mountains of the Kohe Safid district in Afghanitan's Parwan province. Eskandareh is near the head of Tagab Valley, and Pacha Khak has been a stronghold for many armies throughout Afghanistan's history. Members of 413th Civil Affairs Battalion, accompanied by Afghan National Police and the Kohe Safi Police Mentor Team, brought doctors and veterinarians to these two remote villages Nov. 27 for a village medical outreach.
Medical outreach missions are a way for the Afghan government and coalition forces to build a rapport with citizens on their own turf, said Army Col. Robert Nobak, of 413th Civil Affairs Battalion.
"When possible, we like to work with Afghan providers and, when necessary, make referrals to Afghan medical facilities," he said. "However, if there are cases where Afghan facilities are not readily available, we can make referrals to (Bagram Air Base)."
This was the first time such a mission has been held at either of these villages, and more than 450 men, women and children were seen.
"The age range was from 2 to 95, so the spectrum was fairly broad," Nobak said. "The most common complaint was joint pain, for which we have a variety of anti-inflammatory medicines."
Maj. Jeremy McGuire, leader of the Kohe Safi Police Mentor Team, organized the mission. "I proposed the idea for a medical outreach to Parwan's subgovernor and the local (Afghan police chief," he said. "They picked the villages, which are a political hot bed."
Pacha Khak was a Mujahedeen stronghold during the communist regime and was sympathetic to the Taliban when coalition forces took control of Afghanistan. Eskanderah villagers fought against the Taliban; in fact, an Afghan National Army general hails from the area, McGuire said.
The mission met "my expectations as far as the timeline, security and set-up," said Navy Lt. Tammy Felker, a physician assistant with 413th Civil Affairs Battalion who attended to women and girls in the village. "It did not meet my expectations in that I would have liked to have seen more women of childbearing age. When we don't see women of childbearing age in the clinic, then the village tends to be more traditional and suppress their women. The amount of women of childbearing age we see signifies the level of freedom the women have."
Still, Felker said, she felt the mission was still a success. "This is the first time we visited these villages. It takes time to develop a rapport with people," she said. "The first part is establishing trust. I feel we established trust with this visit, so, next time we will see more women and children.
Helping people with their ailments wasn't the only aspect of this mission. A veterinarian and an entomologist were also along for the ride. "I provide public-health assistance and education to the villagers, hopefully to implement long-lasting fixes for problems like insect-borne and food- and water-borne diseases, improving the overall health and well-being of locals, though I tend to assist the other medical or vet assets to accomplish their missions," said Navy Lt. Jason Forster, a medical entomologist.
As the Humvees headed back to Bagram Air Base, chatter over the radios was all about the success of the mission. "On a scale of 1 to 10, I would call this (mission) a 9," McGuire said. "We would have liked to get more Afghan doctors, but the ANP did an outstanding job with security."
(Air Force Senior Airman James Bolinger is assigned to Combined Joint Task Force 82 Public Affairs.)
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Coalition Operations in Iraq Kill 14 Terrorists, Net 12
American Forces Press Service
Oct. 10, 2007 - Coalition troops in Iraq killed 14 terrorists and captured 12 others during a series of operations in the central part of the country today and yesterday.
-- Coalition forces killed 13 terrorists west of Baghdad while targeting associates of al Qaeda in Iraq linked to a local car-bombing network. A group of targeted individuals had gathered in a field near a recent attack. Coalition aircraft engaged the armed men, killing 10 terrorists. As coalition ground forces secured the area, they discovered three more armed men. Another coalition air strike was called in, killing the three terrorists, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest.
-- Coalition forces west of Balad destroyed two buildings linked to al Qaeda in Iraq operations.
-- Information obtained from an anti-terrorist operation in Baqouba yesterday led coalition troops to a nearby location today. When coalition forces called for the target building's occupants to come out, an armed man challenged the coalition troops and was killed. Nine suspects were detained. A cache of weapons, ammunition, grenades and military-style assault vests were found on site and destroyed.
In operations yesterday:
-- Coalition ground forces killed one terrorist and detained three suspects in Baqouba while targeting an alleged associate of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. "We're continuously pursuing al Qaeda in Iraq's leadership, finding the places they hide and operate, and disrupting their ability to attack innocent Iraqis," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
-- U.S. soldiers destroyed two booby-trapped houses and captured 10 suspected insurgents in Adwaniyah. While looking for insurgents responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices, the soldiers found two empty houses wired with explosives. After the area was vacated, the houses were destroyed with Hellfire missiles.
-- Terrorists killed more than a dozen people and wounded scores of others in Beiji as the result of two suicide car-bomb attacks. The separate attacks targeted the homes of the Beiji police chief and a local citizens group leader. The police chief and the citizens group leader escaped harm, but the attacks claimed 14 lives and injured 42 others.
"This cowardly act was a sign of desperation by terrorists, in an attempt to disrupt security forces and concerned local citizens who have joined together to combat terrorism throughout Salahuddin and other areas of northern Iraq," said Army Col. Bryan Owens, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
"These attacks on the local community show these terrorists have a complete disregard for human life and lack of respect for Iraqi lives and property," Owens said. "Iraqi security forces and concerned local citizens will continue to hunt these extremists to prevent senseless attacks on the people of Salahuddin province."
In an operation a day earlier, Iraqi soldiers captured four suspected insurgents during a patrol in the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital Oct. 8. When soldiers searched a vehicle that contained suspicious-acting passengers, they found a rifle and three videos depicting attacks on coalition forces. The four people that were in the vehicle are being held for additional questioning.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Oct. 10, 2007 - Coalition troops in Iraq killed 14 terrorists and captured 12 others during a series of operations in the central part of the country today and yesterday.
-- Coalition forces killed 13 terrorists west of Baghdad while targeting associates of al Qaeda in Iraq linked to a local car-bombing network. A group of targeted individuals had gathered in a field near a recent attack. Coalition aircraft engaged the armed men, killing 10 terrorists. As coalition ground forces secured the area, they discovered three more armed men. Another coalition air strike was called in, killing the three terrorists, one of whom was wearing a suicide vest.
-- Coalition forces west of Balad destroyed two buildings linked to al Qaeda in Iraq operations.
-- Information obtained from an anti-terrorist operation in Baqouba yesterday led coalition troops to a nearby location today. When coalition forces called for the target building's occupants to come out, an armed man challenged the coalition troops and was killed. Nine suspects were detained. A cache of weapons, ammunition, grenades and military-style assault vests were found on site and destroyed.
In operations yesterday:
-- Coalition ground forces killed one terrorist and detained three suspects in Baqouba while targeting an alleged associate of al Qaeda in Iraq senior leaders. "We're continuously pursuing al Qaeda in Iraq's leadership, finding the places they hide and operate, and disrupting their ability to attack innocent Iraqis," said Army Maj. Winfield Danielson, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman.
-- U.S. soldiers destroyed two booby-trapped houses and captured 10 suspected insurgents in Adwaniyah. While looking for insurgents responsible for emplacing improvised explosive devices, the soldiers found two empty houses wired with explosives. After the area was vacated, the houses were destroyed with Hellfire missiles.
-- Terrorists killed more than a dozen people and wounded scores of others in Beiji as the result of two suicide car-bomb attacks. The separate attacks targeted the homes of the Beiji police chief and a local citizens group leader. The police chief and the citizens group leader escaped harm, but the attacks claimed 14 lives and injured 42 others.
"This cowardly act was a sign of desperation by terrorists, in an attempt to disrupt security forces and concerned local citizens who have joined together to combat terrorism throughout Salahuddin and other areas of northern Iraq," said Army Col. Bryan Owens, commander of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.
"These attacks on the local community show these terrorists have a complete disregard for human life and lack of respect for Iraqi lives and property," Owens said. "Iraqi security forces and concerned local citizens will continue to hunt these extremists to prevent senseless attacks on the people of Salahuddin province."
In an operation a day earlier, Iraqi soldiers captured four suspected insurgents during a patrol in the New Baghdad district of the Iraqi capital Oct. 8. When soldiers searched a vehicle that contained suspicious-acting passengers, they found a rifle and three videos depicting attacks on coalition forces. The four people that were in the vehicle are being held for additional questioning.
(Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.)
Friday, September 28, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
Editor's Note: Many of the technologies in this new summary are being used by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies for their homeland security, counter-terrorism and homeland security functions.
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 27, 2007
"7 Carrying GPS Units in Weeklong Tryout to See How Tracking Software Worked"
Modesto Bee (CA) (09/23/07); Raguso, Emilie
The Stanislaus County Probation Department recently held a trial for a new program that outfitted law enforcement and county officials with global positioning system (GPS) equipment. The trial put GPS units in the hands of a select group of town officials, including the Modesto district attorney, county supervisor, two Turlock police chiefs, sheriff, and the mayor. The GPS units were rented by the department and given to the group to determine how the equipment and tracking worked. Most trial participants took their GPS tracking devices along with them everywhere they traveled. The monitoring technology not only tracked the whereabouts of the participants, but also informed those monitoring the group how fast they were driving. The monitoring devices, which are designed for probationers, keeps a log of everywhere the person wearing the device goes to make sure people do not violate the terms of their release conditions.
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/74844.html
"L.A. Turns Cameras on Gang Graffiti"
Christian Science Monitor (09/25/07) P. 3; Wood, Daniel B.; Tully, Alison
The City of Los Angeles has installed surveillance cameras in a crime-ridden section of the city's east San Fernando Valley area in an effort to deter gang-related graffiti and other gang-related activities. The cameras sit atop poles at locations such as back alleys and have a motion-detection system that flashes the lens when someone is loitering in front of them. After the camera takes a picture, the system plays a voice recording that warns suspects that their picture has just been taken and that they will be prosecuted if caught committing a crime. The cameras have other features that previous generations of surveillance cameras did not have. For instance, the cameras have a wireless feature that allows them to be moved easily and more often to new locations. Officials can also download the photos taken by the camera without having to go up to the camera in a bucket raised and lowered by a crane. Some residents in the east San Fernando Valley area say the cameras are helping to reduce graffiti and other gang-related crimes. Critics, however, say the amount of money the city is spending on the cameras--roughly $70,000 for the 10 that will eventually be installed--is small compared with the $8 million the city pays on average each year for graffiti removal. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0925/p03s03-usju.html
"High-Tech Law Enforcement"
Tucson Citizen (AZ) (09/21/07) P. 4A; Gargulinski, Ryn
The new $180,000, 400-lbs. robot used by the Tucson police bomb squad is just one of many high-tech devices debuting on the law enforcement front. The robot is a crime-fighting tool used to protect officers from potentially hazardous chemicals or explosives, entering about 30 percent of the Tucson Police Department's bomb squad crime scenes. Technology that allows license plate scanning will soon be launched in the form of a $24,000 scanning device enabling officers to track license plates of stolen vehicles in one swooping motion. James Wysocki, administrator of information services at the TPD, says the tool will save officers hours of time in addition to maximizing the amount of vehicle plates they can scan. COPLINK, used from coast to coast, is another device that departments largely depend on. The system is accessible from a police car's Mobile Tactical Computer (MTC), enabling officers to view mug shots and maps, among other information. The convenient E-Citation program also allows officers to automatically fill out citations with license information due to a separate high-tech scanning device. Though technology has made strides within the department, Wysocki said the TPD has not eliminated any employees, and has reassigned them instead. He adds, "There seems to be an elastic demand for law enforcement services. Our problem is one of growth, not of shrinking." http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/local/63619.php
"Big Bro's Coming to Transport Hubs"
Boston Herald (09/24/07); Underwood, Mike
In an effort to buffer against future possible threats, the Massachusetts state government revealed its plan to expand surveillance to all major transportation facilities, including metro stations, ports, and airports. Homeland Security Undersecretary Julliette Kayyem says the initiative is in response to the July 7, 2005, bombing attack in London, and believes video security will enable authorities to respond quickly if a similar attack occurs in Boston. Sen. James Timilty (D-Walpole), the state Legislature's Homeland Security committee chairman, says the new strategy is an important step but there are still other vulnerable public areas. "My biggest fear is that our softest targets are places like schools. I'm very scared about what could happen so we ought to have cameras in certain places," Timilty says. Along with public surveillance, the state government will organize a statewide emergency response program as part of it's heightened focus on transportation, while plans to build an Internet-based alert system and to coordinate evacuation and relocation are also being discussed.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1033650
"Police Get a New Weapon in Arsenal to Detect Hazardous Radiation"
Buffalo News (09/19/07) P. B3; Michel, Lou
New York state troopers and members of the Erie County sheriff's bomb squad are regularly carrying radiological detection units on their patrols. The devices, which cost $1,500 and are the size of a paper bag, are so sensitive that they start emitting beeps if a patrol car traveling at 55 mph or higher comes close to another car transporting even a tiny amount of radioactive substances. After radioactivity is located, another unit is sent to the scene to determine what the material is. Police can then decide whether the radiation being given off from a person or a vehicle's cargo is of real concern. The hand-held "identiFINDER" machine obtains a reading and then deciphers the substance. It also informs police as to whether the radiation is at a satisfactory level. If the portable database in the device cannot provide an answer, the officer can instantly email the data to a government facility. The 450 detection units were purchased with money from the U.S. Homeland Security Department. http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/otherwny/story/165974.html
"St. Louis Police Will Get Help Locating Gunfire"
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (09/20/07) P. B5; Bryan, Bill
St. Louis law enforcement have received a Department of Justice grant for installing an "urban gunshot detection monitoring system" that can identify the sound of gunfire and its location. The $500,000 grant will be split between financing the new system and the Police Executive Research Forum thinktank, committed to creating strategies to reduce gun-violence. "We believe this joint venture will help us understand and examine the root causes of violent crime, especially those involving firearms," Police Chief Joe Mokwa said. Officers also say the technology will assist in the process of making arrests and lead to confiscation of more weapons. The monitoring system contains microphones that have a range of roughly one mile used to pinpoint the location of a shot. Similar technology is employed by the military, and other police departments in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland, California.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/
story/31CB18B61973C7F18625735C00125671?OpenDocument
"Cameras Provide Extra Eyes for Police"
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) (09/21/07) P. B2; Harris, Ryan
The Fort Oglethorpe, Tenn., Police Department is testing a license-plate recognition system outfitted on patrol vehicles. The system is run by eight cameras erected on the light-bar of a police car, and a processor in back of the cruiser interprets the license-plate number and compares it to area and national databases. In addition, a GPS system lists the site of every vehicle, as well as stores a time and date stamp. During three hours of testing, Fort Oglethorpe police were able to take 1,467 license-plate photos with the system and were informed about 14 suspects. Numerous citations were given, and an arrest was made. Implementing the system would cost $30,000 to $35,000 for each patrol vehicle. Though there are not any immediate plans to buy the equipment, Police Chief Larry Black noted he will write a report based on the police department's tests to show to the Fort Oglethorpe City Council, which would have to sanction such a purchase. Black pointed out that money obtained from drug busts could help finance the equipment.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/
templates/local.aspx?articleid=21922&zoneid=77
"Machine Aims to ID Liquids at Airport"
USA Today (09/20/07); Hall, Mimi
Scientists working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are developing a machine that is able to identify liquid explosives, which could be used to screen baggage at airports. The project, named SENSIT, uses magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] to identify the molecular structure of chemicals in a liquid. If the technology is implemented in airports, it could result in the end of the restriction on the size of liquids in carry-on baggage that has been in place since last September. Currently only bottles up to three ounces in weight and smaller than a quart-sized plastic bag are allowed, because current X-ray scanners can't "differentiate between a sports drink and a material somebody could use for a bomb," according to scientist Bob Kraus. The SENSIT machine currently can identify a total of 50 safe and unsafe liquids, with safe liquids showing up as a green dot on a monitor and dangerous liquids being labeled with a red dot. SENSIT is scheduled to be tested next summer at Albuquerque International to determine if the scanner can be effective in a crowded airport environment.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-09-20-liquids_N.htm?csp=34
"San Jose Cops Unveil Interactive Crime Map"
San Jose Mercury News (CA) (09/18/07); Skipitares, Connie
San Jose, Calif.'s police department has launched new crime-tracking software on its Web site that lists the precise location of crime reports. Created by the Salt Lake City firm Public Engines, the software replaces a service that was much less exact. Residents can now look at a report's status, including where an arrest was conducted or if an investigation is still going on or was terminated. In addition, with much more in-depth mapping, they can focus on a region as small as a one-mile radius of their school or house. Map icons reveal where robberies, car thefts, sexual attacks, and additional crimes are being reported. San Jose is only one of a few cities in the country to provide this kind of in-depth and simple to access data. The software enables residents to obtain automatic notification through email when crimes are reported close to their houses or schools. The database is updated each morning at 1 a.m. with the approximately 1,500 crime reports produced daily across San Jose. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6925367
"$6 Million Grant to Improve Cape Police Response"
Fort Myers News-Press (09/18/07)
The Cape Coral, Fla., Police Department has received a $6 million grant from the federal Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Cape Coral will work in tandem with other public-safety groups in Lee County and the county government to utilize the grant to buy and install a highly-advanced digital radio communications system, which will enable each public-safety group in Lee County to communicate with one another. Presently, Southwest Florida public-safety agencies employ radio systems that are not compatible with one another and cannot swap information, which makes it hard for agencies to work jointly to improve crime-fighting and public safety. In remote sections of Lee County, the existing analog system also witnesses drop zones. Changing over to a digital system will result in faster response times for first responders, greater officer safety, and more access to emergency services for local residents, police claim. In addition, the new system will be more dependable and will have broadened channels to accommodate more users. The Lee County Board of Commissioners has earmarked $2 million for the project, meaning that $8 million overall will be utilized to improve the radio communications system.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070918/NEWS0101/309170022/1075
"Bay Area Leaders to Build Disaster Communications System"
Insurance Journal (09/14/07)
With grant funding, the Bay Area Public Safety Interoperable Communications Initiative will link communication channels for public agencies in a number of urban counties in California, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Cost, Alameda, and Santa Clara. The public agencies' interoperable communications system will enable greater disaster response efficiency and disaster relief coordination in the event of earthquake or other catastrophic events. The $200 million project also will connect these counties' communication systems to Sacramento. http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2007/09/14/83487.htm
"SAPD Secures $6 Million From Justice Department"
San Antonio Business Journal (09/13/07)
The San Antonio Police Department will receive a $6 million federal grant through the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), part of a U.S. Department of Justice effort to improve communications technology and fight crime. "This funding will help San Antonio first responders fight crime and keep our communities safe," U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said. "It's critical that we provide our law enforcement officials the resources necessary for emergency preparedness and other homeland security efforts to protect homes and families." The funding can be used to purchase technology that allows for increasing communications and data interoperability between law enforcement agencies and other first responders in the area. http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2007/09/10/daily26.html
"Clear Connection"
Governing (08/07) Vol. 20, No. 11, P. 56; Walters, Jonathan
Chicago's Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) database is changing the way members of its police force do business. CLEAR has a number of capabilities designed to better connect the area's law enforcement agencies to each other and to their communities. The system is accessible to squad-car laptops, mobile devices, and community members with an online subscription. All the typical data needed to catch a criminal is made available, including warrants, fingerprints, rap sheets, identifying marks, aliases, license plates, and firearms information. High-tech equipment also monitors video and sound in areas of potential criminal activity, or can be taken on the go to track stolen vehicles or suspects in transit. CLEAR can even screen crime-rates by district or neighborhood, allowing officers to alert communities to potential dangers, ratchet up the heat on suspects, and make sure police presence is felt where it is most needed. The system has proved extremely successful, improving community relations and bringing down crime-rates in and around Chicago. In fact, CLEAR has proven itself so many times, even the federal government has taken notice, ordering similar systems for military use in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.governing.com/manage/pm/perf0807.htm
"Medical Remedies Prevent Death by TASER"
Police and Security News (08/07) Vol. 23, No. 4, P. 27
For the past seven months, emergency medical technicians in Miami have been participating in a pilot program that aims to prevent TASER-related deaths. The program calls for EMTs to spray the sedative midazolam in the noses of subjects who have been TASERed if the first electroshock does not control them. EMTs then inject the subject with iced saline solution to cool their body and sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the toxic acids released by their tense muscles. The treatment, which is the first of its kind in the country, has been used at least 12 times by Miami EMTs to reduce TASERed subjects' body temperatures and calm them down. Government officials and TASER International are hoping the treatment will help to restore public confidence in TASERs. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 27, 2007
"7 Carrying GPS Units in Weeklong Tryout to See How Tracking Software Worked"
Modesto Bee (CA) (09/23/07); Raguso, Emilie
The Stanislaus County Probation Department recently held a trial for a new program that outfitted law enforcement and county officials with global positioning system (GPS) equipment. The trial put GPS units in the hands of a select group of town officials, including the Modesto district attorney, county supervisor, two Turlock police chiefs, sheriff, and the mayor. The GPS units were rented by the department and given to the group to determine how the equipment and tracking worked. Most trial participants took their GPS tracking devices along with them everywhere they traveled. The monitoring technology not only tracked the whereabouts of the participants, but also informed those monitoring the group how fast they were driving. The monitoring devices, which are designed for probationers, keeps a log of everywhere the person wearing the device goes to make sure people do not violate the terms of their release conditions.
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/74844.html
"L.A. Turns Cameras on Gang Graffiti"
Christian Science Monitor (09/25/07) P. 3; Wood, Daniel B.; Tully, Alison
The City of Los Angeles has installed surveillance cameras in a crime-ridden section of the city's east San Fernando Valley area in an effort to deter gang-related graffiti and other gang-related activities. The cameras sit atop poles at locations such as back alleys and have a motion-detection system that flashes the lens when someone is loitering in front of them. After the camera takes a picture, the system plays a voice recording that warns suspects that their picture has just been taken and that they will be prosecuted if caught committing a crime. The cameras have other features that previous generations of surveillance cameras did not have. For instance, the cameras have a wireless feature that allows them to be moved easily and more often to new locations. Officials can also download the photos taken by the camera without having to go up to the camera in a bucket raised and lowered by a crane. Some residents in the east San Fernando Valley area say the cameras are helping to reduce graffiti and other gang-related crimes. Critics, however, say the amount of money the city is spending on the cameras--roughly $70,000 for the 10 that will eventually be installed--is small compared with the $8 million the city pays on average each year for graffiti removal. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0925/p03s03-usju.html
"High-Tech Law Enforcement"
Tucson Citizen (AZ) (09/21/07) P. 4A; Gargulinski, Ryn
The new $180,000, 400-lbs. robot used by the Tucson police bomb squad is just one of many high-tech devices debuting on the law enforcement front. The robot is a crime-fighting tool used to protect officers from potentially hazardous chemicals or explosives, entering about 30 percent of the Tucson Police Department's bomb squad crime scenes. Technology that allows license plate scanning will soon be launched in the form of a $24,000 scanning device enabling officers to track license plates of stolen vehicles in one swooping motion. James Wysocki, administrator of information services at the TPD, says the tool will save officers hours of time in addition to maximizing the amount of vehicle plates they can scan. COPLINK, used from coast to coast, is another device that departments largely depend on. The system is accessible from a police car's Mobile Tactical Computer (MTC), enabling officers to view mug shots and maps, among other information. The convenient E-Citation program also allows officers to automatically fill out citations with license information due to a separate high-tech scanning device. Though technology has made strides within the department, Wysocki said the TPD has not eliminated any employees, and has reassigned them instead. He adds, "There seems to be an elastic demand for law enforcement services. Our problem is one of growth, not of shrinking." http://www.tucsoncitizen.com/ss/local/63619.php
"Big Bro's Coming to Transport Hubs"
Boston Herald (09/24/07); Underwood, Mike
In an effort to buffer against future possible threats, the Massachusetts state government revealed its plan to expand surveillance to all major transportation facilities, including metro stations, ports, and airports. Homeland Security Undersecretary Julliette Kayyem says the initiative is in response to the July 7, 2005, bombing attack in London, and believes video security will enable authorities to respond quickly if a similar attack occurs in Boston. Sen. James Timilty (D-Walpole), the state Legislature's Homeland Security committee chairman, says the new strategy is an important step but there are still other vulnerable public areas. "My biggest fear is that our softest targets are places like schools. I'm very scared about what could happen so we ought to have cameras in certain places," Timilty says. Along with public surveillance, the state government will organize a statewide emergency response program as part of it's heightened focus on transportation, while plans to build an Internet-based alert system and to coordinate evacuation and relocation are also being discussed.
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1033650
"Police Get a New Weapon in Arsenal to Detect Hazardous Radiation"
Buffalo News (09/19/07) P. B3; Michel, Lou
New York state troopers and members of the Erie County sheriff's bomb squad are regularly carrying radiological detection units on their patrols. The devices, which cost $1,500 and are the size of a paper bag, are so sensitive that they start emitting beeps if a patrol car traveling at 55 mph or higher comes close to another car transporting even a tiny amount of radioactive substances. After radioactivity is located, another unit is sent to the scene to determine what the material is. Police can then decide whether the radiation being given off from a person or a vehicle's cargo is of real concern. The hand-held "identiFINDER" machine obtains a reading and then deciphers the substance. It also informs police as to whether the radiation is at a satisfactory level. If the portable database in the device cannot provide an answer, the officer can instantly email the data to a government facility. The 450 detection units were purchased with money from the U.S. Homeland Security Department. http://www.buffalonews.com/cityregion/otherwny/story/165974.html
"St. Louis Police Will Get Help Locating Gunfire"
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (09/20/07) P. B5; Bryan, Bill
St. Louis law enforcement have received a Department of Justice grant for installing an "urban gunshot detection monitoring system" that can identify the sound of gunfire and its location. The $500,000 grant will be split between financing the new system and the Police Executive Research Forum thinktank, committed to creating strategies to reduce gun-violence. "We believe this joint venture will help us understand and examine the root causes of violent crime, especially those involving firearms," Police Chief Joe Mokwa said. Officers also say the technology will assist in the process of making arrests and lead to confiscation of more weapons. The monitoring system contains microphones that have a range of roughly one mile used to pinpoint the location of a shot. Similar technology is employed by the military, and other police departments in Chicago, Minneapolis, and Oakland, California.
http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/
story/31CB18B61973C7F18625735C00125671?OpenDocument
"Cameras Provide Extra Eyes for Police"
Chattanooga Times Free Press (TN) (09/21/07) P. B2; Harris, Ryan
The Fort Oglethorpe, Tenn., Police Department is testing a license-plate recognition system outfitted on patrol vehicles. The system is run by eight cameras erected on the light-bar of a police car, and a processor in back of the cruiser interprets the license-plate number and compares it to area and national databases. In addition, a GPS system lists the site of every vehicle, as well as stores a time and date stamp. During three hours of testing, Fort Oglethorpe police were able to take 1,467 license-plate photos with the system and were informed about 14 suspects. Numerous citations were given, and an arrest was made. Implementing the system would cost $30,000 to $35,000 for each patrol vehicle. Though there are not any immediate plans to buy the equipment, Police Chief Larry Black noted he will write a report based on the police department's tests to show to the Fort Oglethorpe City Council, which would have to sanction such a purchase. Black pointed out that money obtained from drug busts could help finance the equipment.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/absolutenm/
templates/local.aspx?articleid=21922&zoneid=77
"Machine Aims to ID Liquids at Airport"
USA Today (09/20/07); Hall, Mimi
Scientists working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are developing a machine that is able to identify liquid explosives, which could be used to screen baggage at airports. The project, named SENSIT, uses magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] to identify the molecular structure of chemicals in a liquid. If the technology is implemented in airports, it could result in the end of the restriction on the size of liquids in carry-on baggage that has been in place since last September. Currently only bottles up to three ounces in weight and smaller than a quart-sized plastic bag are allowed, because current X-ray scanners can't "differentiate between a sports drink and a material somebody could use for a bomb," according to scientist Bob Kraus. The SENSIT machine currently can identify a total of 50 safe and unsafe liquids, with safe liquids showing up as a green dot on a monitor and dangerous liquids being labeled with a red dot. SENSIT is scheduled to be tested next summer at Albuquerque International to determine if the scanner can be effective in a crowded airport environment.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-09-20-liquids_N.htm?csp=34
"San Jose Cops Unveil Interactive Crime Map"
San Jose Mercury News (CA) (09/18/07); Skipitares, Connie
San Jose, Calif.'s police department has launched new crime-tracking software on its Web site that lists the precise location of crime reports. Created by the Salt Lake City firm Public Engines, the software replaces a service that was much less exact. Residents can now look at a report's status, including where an arrest was conducted or if an investigation is still going on or was terminated. In addition, with much more in-depth mapping, they can focus on a region as small as a one-mile radius of their school or house. Map icons reveal where robberies, car thefts, sexual attacks, and additional crimes are being reported. San Jose is only one of a few cities in the country to provide this kind of in-depth and simple to access data. The software enables residents to obtain automatic notification through email when crimes are reported close to their houses or schools. The database is updated each morning at 1 a.m. with the approximately 1,500 crime reports produced daily across San Jose. http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_6925367
"$6 Million Grant to Improve Cape Police Response"
Fort Myers News-Press (09/18/07)
The Cape Coral, Fla., Police Department has received a $6 million grant from the federal Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services. Cape Coral will work in tandem with other public-safety groups in Lee County and the county government to utilize the grant to buy and install a highly-advanced digital radio communications system, which will enable each public-safety group in Lee County to communicate with one another. Presently, Southwest Florida public-safety agencies employ radio systems that are not compatible with one another and cannot swap information, which makes it hard for agencies to work jointly to improve crime-fighting and public safety. In remote sections of Lee County, the existing analog system also witnesses drop zones. Changing over to a digital system will result in faster response times for first responders, greater officer safety, and more access to emergency services for local residents, police claim. In addition, the new system will be more dependable and will have broadened channels to accommodate more users. The Lee County Board of Commissioners has earmarked $2 million for the project, meaning that $8 million overall will be utilized to improve the radio communications system.
http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070918/NEWS0101/309170022/1075
"Bay Area Leaders to Build Disaster Communications System"
Insurance Journal (09/14/07)
With grant funding, the Bay Area Public Safety Interoperable Communications Initiative will link communication channels for public agencies in a number of urban counties in California, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Contra Cost, Alameda, and Santa Clara. The public agencies' interoperable communications system will enable greater disaster response efficiency and disaster relief coordination in the event of earthquake or other catastrophic events. The $200 million project also will connect these counties' communication systems to Sacramento. http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/west/2007/09/14/83487.htm
"SAPD Secures $6 Million From Justice Department"
San Antonio Business Journal (09/13/07)
The San Antonio Police Department will receive a $6 million federal grant through the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), part of a U.S. Department of Justice effort to improve communications technology and fight crime. "This funding will help San Antonio first responders fight crime and keep our communities safe," U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said. "It's critical that we provide our law enforcement officials the resources necessary for emergency preparedness and other homeland security efforts to protect homes and families." The funding can be used to purchase technology that allows for increasing communications and data interoperability between law enforcement agencies and other first responders in the area. http://www.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2007/09/10/daily26.html
"Clear Connection"
Governing (08/07) Vol. 20, No. 11, P. 56; Walters, Jonathan
Chicago's Citizen and Law Enforcement Analysis and Reporting (CLEAR) database is changing the way members of its police force do business. CLEAR has a number of capabilities designed to better connect the area's law enforcement agencies to each other and to their communities. The system is accessible to squad-car laptops, mobile devices, and community members with an online subscription. All the typical data needed to catch a criminal is made available, including warrants, fingerprints, rap sheets, identifying marks, aliases, license plates, and firearms information. High-tech equipment also monitors video and sound in areas of potential criminal activity, or can be taken on the go to track stolen vehicles or suspects in transit. CLEAR can even screen crime-rates by district or neighborhood, allowing officers to alert communities to potential dangers, ratchet up the heat on suspects, and make sure police presence is felt where it is most needed. The system has proved extremely successful, improving community relations and bringing down crime-rates in and around Chicago. In fact, CLEAR has proven itself so many times, even the federal government has taken notice, ordering similar systems for military use in Iraq and Afghanistan. http://www.governing.com/manage/pm/perf0807.htm
"Medical Remedies Prevent Death by TASER"
Police and Security News (08/07) Vol. 23, No. 4, P. 27
For the past seven months, emergency medical technicians in Miami have been participating in a pilot program that aims to prevent TASER-related deaths. The program calls for EMTs to spray the sedative midazolam in the noses of subjects who have been TASERed if the first electroshock does not control them. EMTs then inject the subject with iced saline solution to cool their body and sodium bicarbonate to neutralize the toxic acids released by their tense muscles. The treatment, which is the first of its kind in the country, has been used at least 12 times by Miami EMTs to reduce TASERed subjects' body temperatures and calm them down. Government officials and TASER International are hoping the treatment will help to restore public confidence in TASERs. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
Friday, September 21, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
Editor's Note: Many of the technologies in this new summary are being used by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in their counterterrorism, homeland security and all hazards missions.
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 20, 2007"Crime Lab Gets a Shot in the Arm"
New York Times (09/16/07) P. 7; Kelly, Caitlin
Westchester County's Department of Laboratories and Research is undergoing a $9 million renovation for its nearly two-decade-old DNA lab. DNA testing assisted prosecutors in their pursuit for repeated Subway sandwich chain burglars in the county last year, when law enforcement matched a lost strand of hair from one of the perpetrators to his DNA in a federal database of criminals. County director of forensic sciences Frederick Drummond says there has been a high demand for the technology, while the lab will also serve law enforcement from the State University of New York system and Metro-North. Drummond adds that cases will be prioritized, whereas rape and murder cases --roughly half of all lab cases-- will have a higher priority than burglaries. The lab is three times larger than its predecessor, allowing vehicles bearing evidence to be brought in, if needed. New technology will enable lab researchers to analyze mitochondrial DNA, allowing what Drummond says will be "1,000 times more chances" to obtain a viable sample, and samples will be placed under a high-powered light containing multiple wavelengths. County medical examiner Dr. Millard Hyland says DNA testing is the definitive factor that enables perpetrators to be put in jail. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/16mainwe.html
"Miramar Buys Helmets With Microphones"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (09/16/07) P. 1; East, Georgia
Motorcycle police officers in Miramar, Fla., will soon have wireless microphones connected to their helmets, replacing the typical shoulder-based microphones that are used for speaking on police radios. Earlier in 2007, Miramar commissioners sanctioned utilizing $16,180 in state law enforcement forfeiture money to buy a dozen helmets with connected microphones. They could start being used before 2007 is over. Police Chief Mel Stanley stated shoulder microphones create a great deal of wind and road noise when a officer is driving. In addition, he said, the traditional radios create a distraction and possible safety risk to officers because they have are forced to only drive with one hand in order to operate the microphones with the other. The wireless helmet kits will be bought from Setcom Communications. Stanley explained the equipment will work in conjunction with the Miramar Police Department's Motorola radios. Separately, Miramar sanctioned spending $175,000 to lease vehicles for the police department to employ in undercover operations during the coming two years.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-
flbpolice0916swsep16,0,273952.story?track=rss
"Simulator Tool to Help Police"
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Presser, Matt
Portable firearms simulators are the latest addition to the law enforcement technology repertoire, allowing officers to react to real-life situations using digital videos. Officers can use simulated scenarios that come with the system, or they can create their own. The $146,475 tool is worth the hefty price tag, says Delray Beach training officer Eric Aronowitz. The simulators allow control over variables such as weather and time of day, including the option to program equipment malfunctions so officers would need to respond accordingly. Though the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office purchased a firearms simulator about a decade ago, Lt. Jeff Swank says it is outdated but smaller agencies have more difficulty funding such expensive technology. Aronowitz says the simulator is a beneficial long-term investment, noting, "It's about as realistic as you could get." Delray Beach officers will be trained using the simulator, along with those in nearby municipalities and citizens in the police academies.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/
sfl-flsimulator0916pcsep16,0,4230307.story
"Charleston Police Will Hone Driving Skills"
Charleston Daily Mail (WV) (09/18/07); Thompson, Matthew
In Charleston, S.C., the police department authorized the purchase of a $125,000 computerized driving simulator to improve its police officer driving courses, which currently encompass classroom and outdoor training. The simulator, which will partially be funded by $40,000 in insurance funds, could prevent police-involved accidents during pursuits and other emergency situations. In 2005, one officer raced to help another officer at a domestic violence call, but failed to put on his sirens and lights, resulting in a crash with a civilian vehicle. Department officials stated the idea to bring in the simulator surfaced before the 2005 crash. "We always discussed looking for a better way to train our officers," one officer said. The simulator has three plasma monitors, a console resembling the one in the Ford Crown Victoria, and a program to insert rain, wind, sleet, snow, and other weather conditions, as well as multiple vehicles and pedestrians. The simulator is expected to improve police and emergency response personnel's driving skills and reaction times. http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/+/2007091846/
Charleston+police+will+hone+driving+skills/
"Bay Area Agencies Unveil Communications System"
Contra Costa Times (CA) (09/15/07); Gokhman, Roman
California's East Bay Regional Communications Joint Powers Authority, which was recently created by Alameda and Contra Costa counties and 30 East Bay cities, will construct a single emergency communications system intended to overcome problems caused by radio technologies that do not work together. The Alameda-Contra Costa system is part of a bigger network of law-enforcement groups in the Bay Area announced on Sept. 11 by the mayors of Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose--the Bay Area Public Safety Interoperable Communications Initiative. The total project will cost $200 million, with the East Bay percentage coming to $60 million. The majority of the funding will be provided by grants. When done, the whole system will encompass Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. In addition, it will link to Sacramento to assist with California's disaster-relief coordination. The communications system functions more like a series of email lists instead of typical radio frequencies. Emergency responders and dispatchers can enter in which "talk group" to notify and then broadcast a statement.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_6904014
"South Dallas Hopes Cameras Will Help Deter Crime"
Houston Chronicle (09/13/07) P. B1; Korosec, Thomas
On Sept. 13, Dallas authorities launched the first of 14 remote-controlled cameras that are being erected on top of poles in a neighborhood in the southern part of the city known as Jubilee Park to stop crime and capture violators. The cameras, which have been employed for many years in cities such as San Francisco and Chicago, are the initial ones to be put in a residential neighborhood in Texas. Two-thirds of the cameras' $250,000 price tag are being financed by a church in North Dallas, while the city is paying for the rest. Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle noted that implementation of cameras in downtown Dallas resulted in a 30 percent decline in crime, although they have not resulted in as many arrests as he had hoped. Kunkle stated that panhandling and vehicle burglaries conducted by the homeless comprise the majority of downtown Dallas' crime troubles. Jubilee Park has witnessed a murder, a pair of rapes, and 13 aggravated assaults during the last year. Certain studies have contested the effectiveness of remote-controlled cameras, claiming they simply move crime to back streets and do not result in crime reduction over the long haul. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5133957.html
"Simulating Trouble"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Seibel, Jacqueline
Ann Arbor-based IES Interactive has provided interactive-simulation technology for officers at Waukesha County Technical College. "This is as close as you are going to get without being in a real-life situation," said Muskego Police Chief Paul Geiszler. WCTC trainees will be able to take advantage of the $100,000 system that aims to provide officers with virtual situations to improve their responding and reaction-time in real situations. The simulation tool mimics situations ranging from robberies to domestic disputes, involving to the extent that their adrenaline is involved; in general training, variables are controlled so the stress levels are not as intense. Trainees are placed in a padded room with a screen projecting the scenario. Loudspeakers with surround sound are used to pump sounds such as screams or glass breaking into the room, a factor that Oconomowoc Police Chief James Wallis says will improve officers' awareness of their total surroundings, versus simply being aware of what is in just in their immediate field of vision. The light can be adjusted according to the degree of vision an officer would have in the designated situation, while props can be added for simulating the dexterity to maneuver in a given situation. Trainees must also choose to respond by using pepper spray, a baton, a Taser, or a gun, according to the nature of the situation. The training is videotaped so that officers can review the trainee's performance, and allow the trainee to evaluate his own response. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=661605
"Police May Get Mobile Computer Terminals"
Birmingham News (AL) (09/13/07) Vol. 120, No. 184, P. 3C; Gray, Jeremy
Police officers in Pelham, Ala., may receive mobile data terminals if a measure included in the 2007 proposed budget is approved Sept. 17. Chief Allan Wade has asked for $600,000 for the terminals--$90,000 in the suggested budget, the remainder payable over a five-year period. The computers, which would be incorporated in city police cruisers, could be taken out and utilized by police in the field. The computers would enable officers to retrieve mug shots or driver's license pictures to make certain the individuals they interrogate are who they claim to be. In addition, the computers would permit officers to obtain data from the state Criminal Justice Information Center, the National Crime Information Center, and municipal court records. The computers would show all the data dispatchers enter into their computers, establishing a voice dispatch. Wade added that the mobile data terminals would permit officers to type their incident statements from their cruisers instead of having to do them at police headquarters.
http://www.bhamnews.com
"Harris System Can Detect Illegal Border Crossings"
Florida Today (09/12/07) P. 1A; Blake, Scott
On Sept. 11, Harris Corp. introduced its new Harris Border Security Shelter system. The shelter locates illegal border crossings and additional threats to U.S. security, the Melbourne, Fla., firm stated. Harris intends to promote the shelter to border patrol groups in this country and other nations. The Border Security Shelter is specially devised to heighten the "flow of information and speed response times to potential threats," Harris explained. From the shelter, border staff are able to watch border regions utilizing ground radar, unmanned sensors, or video cameras; talk to the field and their superiors employing tactical, microwave, and satellite radio; and transmit and obtain email and additional forms of media, Harris noted. In addition, the shelters have "remote networked management and advanced Harris visualization/data fusion software known as Harris SafeGuard." Harris added that the shelters can be permanently implemented at particular locations or quickly deployed to certain areas of operation. Numerous shelters can be deployed and connected to create protective networks.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070912/BUSINESS/709120331/1003
"Online Crime Reporting System Now Available to City Residents"
Los Banos Enterprise (CA) (09/11/07)
As part of its technology upgrade the Los Banos Police Department will enable city residents to report incidents online through the police Web site. "This is a wonderful tool that allows us to provide more effective service to the community," Police Chief Chris Gallagher said. The system can be accessed by logging on to the city's Web page, www.losbanos.org, and clicking on the "Citizens OnLine Reporting System" link found on the left column. There will be a selection as to what type of incident the user would like to report. "We are not going to restrict people from talking to an officer," Gallagher explained. "This is just a way for people who are comfortable with their computer to file a report instead of coming down here." Once a report is submitted the police department will e-mail the reporting party a temporary case number. Once the report is reviewed and approved by a supervisor a second e-mail will be sent out with an official case number. The report can be rejected based on inadequate information or other errors but it will be explained in an e-mail. http://www.losbanosenterprise.com/
"New Law Enforcement Tool From LeadsOnline Fights Metal Theft Epidemic"
Business Wire (09/17/07)
State-of-the-art technology now allows police to easily search scrap metal recycling center records for stolen metal. LeadsOnline has made it easy for law enforcement to search and locate stolen metal, as well as link the property to the thieves who stole it. By nature, scrap metal is difficult to track and identify once stolen, but now there is a way for law enforcement to track these thieves. LeadsOnline introduced a new investigative system specifically designed to fight metal theft on a national basis. Now, instead of keeping track of information on paper tickets, metal recyclers around the country send LeadsOnline their transaction information via a secure internet connection. Law enforcement investigators simply log in and enter the information about their case into the system, including type of metal, date of the theft, location, and other parameters to see if the stolen items were sold for scrap. Investigators are instantly provided with descriptions and even pictures of the property, suspect, and suspect vehicles matching their description. In the days following the launch of the LeadsOnline metal theft investigations system, Detective Courtney of the Shreveport Louisiana Police Department used LeadsOnline to identify an employee at a local oil company who was stealing equipment and selling it to a local scrap yard. Some of the stolen metal, valued at more than $76,000 was recovered.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.
jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070917005808&newsLang=en
"State Plans to Complete Communications System"
Omaha World-Herald (NE) (09/13/07) P. 1B; Stoddard, Martha
Nebraska will utilize almost 50 percent of 2007's $7.2 million in federal homeland security money to erect the final links of a statewide communications system, Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy announced on Sept. 12. He stated that over $2.4 million of the money will be split up between seven areas that are creating communication networks. The networks will permit state and local law-enforcement officials and others to speak with each other. A good number of the areas have finished the job of linking all first responders in their counties, Sheehy explained. Nebraska is currently almost ready to connect the regional network onto one statewide system. The state has employed a significant percentage of its homeland security money in the last few years to establish the network. In addition to the regional grants, Nebraska will spend another $1.1 million of the 2007 homeland security funding on licensing technology for the communications network and offering network support. Nebraska will also utilize part of the $8.5 million of a different federal communications grant initiative to complete the network plan.
http://www.omaha.com
"Tracking People With Imbedded Radio Chips Is No Longer Sci-Fi"
Royal Gazette (Bermuda) (09/05/07)
About 2,000 U.S. workers already have radio frequency identification (RFID) chips embedded under their skin or carry them around in various devices so managers can keep track of their locations, prevent workers from entering certain sensitive areas of the firm, and gauge workers efficiency. However, union leaders, legislators, and others contend the use of RFID to track workers is an invasion of privacy and violates human rights. Generally, RFID is used to track products throughout the supply chain, and the tags contain information on its shipment origin, its make-up, date produced, and other data. In California, state legislators are prepping a bill that would ban the coerced or forced use of RFID in humans, and other states are following suit. However, voluntary use of the chips would be permitted under legislative measures pending before state legislatures, opening the door for employers to use the technology.
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/
Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d792af30030012§ionId=65
"License Plate Scanners Give Police New Edge"
Times & Transcript (Canada) (09/10/07) P. D4
A $20,000 device that employs small infrared cameras outfitted on police cruisers automatically reads license plates and compares the numbers against databases of stolen cars and individuals wanted for crimes. Around 400 of the United States' 18,000 police agencies possess a minimum of one license-plate scanner, and authorities predict the scanners will become more popular in the future as the cost of the devices drops. The scanners allow police to read around 75 times more plates during an eight-hour period than they would if they wrote down numbers and gave them to a dispatcher. Although scanner-outfitted vehicles only comprise a small percentage of a police department's fleet, the units are enabling authorities to recover stolen vehicles, locate individuals wanted on criminal warrants, and respond to emergency situations, such as thieves on the run. Civil-right activists contend that scanners bring up the controversial issue of whether the government will widen its utilization of the technology to monitor Americans' private lives. Police note, though, that anybody can write down a license-plate number on the street, which is what scanners do, just more efficiently. Though no studies have proven the effectiveness of scanners on a sizeable scale, certain police agencies stress that scanners have increased their vehicle recovery and arrest figures. http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/search/article/69339
"A Closer Look: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit"
Police Magazine (08/07) Vol. 31, No. 8, P. 74; Kyrik, Kelly
In 1984, Terry Thomas, then a special agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, started the Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit to help the state address the growing problem of missing and abducted children. The unit features an ordinary-looking Fleetwood sleeper trailer that is used as a mobile interview room. Although many people said that the trailer would be traumatic for children because it was unfamiliar territory for them, it has actually become a hit with kids. Before their interview begins, kids are allowed to explore the trailer, which helps them to feel more at ease. In addition, the main room of the trailer features child-sized bean bag chairs, as well as teddy bears and other toys. The trailer is also equipped with strategically-placed hidden cameras and microphones, which allow agents in the front and back of the trailer to monitor the interview. The use of the mobile unit helps the Florida Department of Law Enforcement achieve a number of things in situations where it has to interview children. For example, the mobile unit helps to ease the fear that many victims feel when faced with repeated questioning. In addition, the mobile unit is perfect for cases that would overwhelm a brick-and-mortar CAC unit, such as cases where there are a number of victims or offenders, as well as in cases where law enforcement officials do not want the media and others to know that they are interviewing victims or offenders.
http://www.policemag.com/Articles/2007/08/Florida-Department-
of-Law-Enforcement-Crimes-Against-children-mobile-Unit.aspx
"Communications Interoperability: Chasing the Dream"
Police and Security News (08/07) Vol. 23, No. 4, P. 30; Kanable, Rebecca
Emergency communications lacking interoperability has remained a hurdle to both efficient security and safety. Yet technological developments will now enable law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS to all communicate through integrated radio frequencies. Researchers have developed "smart radio" technology that allows frequency range, modulation type, and output power controls to be manipulated with cognitive radio technology. The cognitive radio can automatically program itself to communicate with several radios, as Dr. Charles Bostian of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University says the device "acts like a trained intelligent human operator." Software-defined radios can handle voice bandwidths in 25 KHz, 12.5 KHz, or 6.25 KHz ranges. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology is being speculated for use with software-defined radio technology to increase the available capacity for sending data and accommodating higher bandwidths. Implementing cognitive radios would also allow law enforcement to carry less equipment. The necessity for specific public safety technology is crucial in the case of an emergency, so law enforcement and other first-responders must rely on their own kind of enhanced communications systems, rather than using cellular providers or simply a 2.4 MHz frequency. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 20, 2007"Crime Lab Gets a Shot in the Arm"
New York Times (09/16/07) P. 7; Kelly, Caitlin
Westchester County's Department of Laboratories and Research is undergoing a $9 million renovation for its nearly two-decade-old DNA lab. DNA testing assisted prosecutors in their pursuit for repeated Subway sandwich chain burglars in the county last year, when law enforcement matched a lost strand of hair from one of the perpetrators to his DNA in a federal database of criminals. County director of forensic sciences Frederick Drummond says there has been a high demand for the technology, while the lab will also serve law enforcement from the State University of New York system and Metro-North. Drummond adds that cases will be prioritized, whereas rape and murder cases --roughly half of all lab cases-- will have a higher priority than burglaries. The lab is three times larger than its predecessor, allowing vehicles bearing evidence to be brought in, if needed. New technology will enable lab researchers to analyze mitochondrial DNA, allowing what Drummond says will be "1,000 times more chances" to obtain a viable sample, and samples will be placed under a high-powered light containing multiple wavelengths. County medical examiner Dr. Millard Hyland says DNA testing is the definitive factor that enables perpetrators to be put in jail. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/16mainwe.html
"Miramar Buys Helmets With Microphones"
Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (FL) (09/16/07) P. 1; East, Georgia
Motorcycle police officers in Miramar, Fla., will soon have wireless microphones connected to their helmets, replacing the typical shoulder-based microphones that are used for speaking on police radios. Earlier in 2007, Miramar commissioners sanctioned utilizing $16,180 in state law enforcement forfeiture money to buy a dozen helmets with connected microphones. They could start being used before 2007 is over. Police Chief Mel Stanley stated shoulder microphones create a great deal of wind and road noise when a officer is driving. In addition, he said, the traditional radios create a distraction and possible safety risk to officers because they have are forced to only drive with one hand in order to operate the microphones with the other. The wireless helmet kits will be bought from Setcom Communications. Stanley explained the equipment will work in conjunction with the Miramar Police Department's Motorola radios. Separately, Miramar sanctioned spending $175,000 to lease vehicles for the police department to employ in undercover operations during the coming two years.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-
flbpolice0916swsep16,0,273952.story?track=rss
"Simulator Tool to Help Police"
Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Presser, Matt
Portable firearms simulators are the latest addition to the law enforcement technology repertoire, allowing officers to react to real-life situations using digital videos. Officers can use simulated scenarios that come with the system, or they can create their own. The $146,475 tool is worth the hefty price tag, says Delray Beach training officer Eric Aronowitz. The simulators allow control over variables such as weather and time of day, including the option to program equipment malfunctions so officers would need to respond accordingly. Though the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office purchased a firearms simulator about a decade ago, Lt. Jeff Swank says it is outdated but smaller agencies have more difficulty funding such expensive technology. Aronowitz says the simulator is a beneficial long-term investment, noting, "It's about as realistic as you could get." Delray Beach officers will be trained using the simulator, along with those in nearby municipalities and citizens in the police academies.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/
sfl-flsimulator0916pcsep16,0,4230307.story
"Charleston Police Will Hone Driving Skills"
Charleston Daily Mail (WV) (09/18/07); Thompson, Matthew
In Charleston, S.C., the police department authorized the purchase of a $125,000 computerized driving simulator to improve its police officer driving courses, which currently encompass classroom and outdoor training. The simulator, which will partially be funded by $40,000 in insurance funds, could prevent police-involved accidents during pursuits and other emergency situations. In 2005, one officer raced to help another officer at a domestic violence call, but failed to put on his sirens and lights, resulting in a crash with a civilian vehicle. Department officials stated the idea to bring in the simulator surfaced before the 2005 crash. "We always discussed looking for a better way to train our officers," one officer said. The simulator has three plasma monitors, a console resembling the one in the Ford Crown Victoria, and a program to insert rain, wind, sleet, snow, and other weather conditions, as well as multiple vehicles and pedestrians. The simulator is expected to improve police and emergency response personnel's driving skills and reaction times. http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/+/2007091846/
Charleston+police+will+hone+driving+skills/
"Bay Area Agencies Unveil Communications System"
Contra Costa Times (CA) (09/15/07); Gokhman, Roman
California's East Bay Regional Communications Joint Powers Authority, which was recently created by Alameda and Contra Costa counties and 30 East Bay cities, will construct a single emergency communications system intended to overcome problems caused by radio technologies that do not work together. The Alameda-Contra Costa system is part of a bigger network of law-enforcement groups in the Bay Area announced on Sept. 11 by the mayors of Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose--the Bay Area Public Safety Interoperable Communications Initiative. The total project will cost $200 million, with the East Bay percentage coming to $60 million. The majority of the funding will be provided by grants. When done, the whole system will encompass Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara counties. In addition, it will link to Sacramento to assist with California's disaster-relief coordination. The communications system functions more like a series of email lists instead of typical radio frequencies. Emergency responders and dispatchers can enter in which "talk group" to notify and then broadcast a statement.
http://www.contracostatimes.com/news/ci_6904014
"South Dallas Hopes Cameras Will Help Deter Crime"
Houston Chronicle (09/13/07) P. B1; Korosec, Thomas
On Sept. 13, Dallas authorities launched the first of 14 remote-controlled cameras that are being erected on top of poles in a neighborhood in the southern part of the city known as Jubilee Park to stop crime and capture violators. The cameras, which have been employed for many years in cities such as San Francisco and Chicago, are the initial ones to be put in a residential neighborhood in Texas. Two-thirds of the cameras' $250,000 price tag are being financed by a church in North Dallas, while the city is paying for the rest. Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle noted that implementation of cameras in downtown Dallas resulted in a 30 percent decline in crime, although they have not resulted in as many arrests as he had hoped. Kunkle stated that panhandling and vehicle burglaries conducted by the homeless comprise the majority of downtown Dallas' crime troubles. Jubilee Park has witnessed a murder, a pair of rapes, and 13 aggravated assaults during the last year. Certain studies have contested the effectiveness of remote-controlled cameras, claiming they simply move crime to back streets and do not result in crime reduction over the long haul. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/5133957.html
"Simulating Trouble"
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (09/16/07) P. 1; Seibel, Jacqueline
Ann Arbor-based IES Interactive has provided interactive-simulation technology for officers at Waukesha County Technical College. "This is as close as you are going to get without being in a real-life situation," said Muskego Police Chief Paul Geiszler. WCTC trainees will be able to take advantage of the $100,000 system that aims to provide officers with virtual situations to improve their responding and reaction-time in real situations. The simulation tool mimics situations ranging from robberies to domestic disputes, involving to the extent that their adrenaline is involved; in general training, variables are controlled so the stress levels are not as intense. Trainees are placed in a padded room with a screen projecting the scenario. Loudspeakers with surround sound are used to pump sounds such as screams or glass breaking into the room, a factor that Oconomowoc Police Chief James Wallis says will improve officers' awareness of their total surroundings, versus simply being aware of what is in just in their immediate field of vision. The light can be adjusted according to the degree of vision an officer would have in the designated situation, while props can be added for simulating the dexterity to maneuver in a given situation. Trainees must also choose to respond by using pepper spray, a baton, a Taser, or a gun, according to the nature of the situation. The training is videotaped so that officers can review the trainee's performance, and allow the trainee to evaluate his own response. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=661605
"Police May Get Mobile Computer Terminals"
Birmingham News (AL) (09/13/07) Vol. 120, No. 184, P. 3C; Gray, Jeremy
Police officers in Pelham, Ala., may receive mobile data terminals if a measure included in the 2007 proposed budget is approved Sept. 17. Chief Allan Wade has asked for $600,000 for the terminals--$90,000 in the suggested budget, the remainder payable over a five-year period. The computers, which would be incorporated in city police cruisers, could be taken out and utilized by police in the field. The computers would enable officers to retrieve mug shots or driver's license pictures to make certain the individuals they interrogate are who they claim to be. In addition, the computers would permit officers to obtain data from the state Criminal Justice Information Center, the National Crime Information Center, and municipal court records. The computers would show all the data dispatchers enter into their computers, establishing a voice dispatch. Wade added that the mobile data terminals would permit officers to type their incident statements from their cruisers instead of having to do them at police headquarters.
http://www.bhamnews.com
"Harris System Can Detect Illegal Border Crossings"
Florida Today (09/12/07) P. 1A; Blake, Scott
On Sept. 11, Harris Corp. introduced its new Harris Border Security Shelter system. The shelter locates illegal border crossings and additional threats to U.S. security, the Melbourne, Fla., firm stated. Harris intends to promote the shelter to border patrol groups in this country and other nations. The Border Security Shelter is specially devised to heighten the "flow of information and speed response times to potential threats," Harris explained. From the shelter, border staff are able to watch border regions utilizing ground radar, unmanned sensors, or video cameras; talk to the field and their superiors employing tactical, microwave, and satellite radio; and transmit and obtain email and additional forms of media, Harris noted. In addition, the shelters have "remote networked management and advanced Harris visualization/data fusion software known as Harris SafeGuard." Harris added that the shelters can be permanently implemented at particular locations or quickly deployed to certain areas of operation. Numerous shelters can be deployed and connected to create protective networks.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/
20070912/BUSINESS/709120331/1003
"Online Crime Reporting System Now Available to City Residents"
Los Banos Enterprise (CA) (09/11/07)
As part of its technology upgrade the Los Banos Police Department will enable city residents to report incidents online through the police Web site. "This is a wonderful tool that allows us to provide more effective service to the community," Police Chief Chris Gallagher said. The system can be accessed by logging on to the city's Web page, www.losbanos.org, and clicking on the "Citizens OnLine Reporting System" link found on the left column. There will be a selection as to what type of incident the user would like to report. "We are not going to restrict people from talking to an officer," Gallagher explained. "This is just a way for people who are comfortable with their computer to file a report instead of coming down here." Once a report is submitted the police department will e-mail the reporting party a temporary case number. Once the report is reviewed and approved by a supervisor a second e-mail will be sent out with an official case number. The report can be rejected based on inadequate information or other errors but it will be explained in an e-mail. http://www.losbanosenterprise.com/
"New Law Enforcement Tool From LeadsOnline Fights Metal Theft Epidemic"
Business Wire (09/17/07)
State-of-the-art technology now allows police to easily search scrap metal recycling center records for stolen metal. LeadsOnline has made it easy for law enforcement to search and locate stolen metal, as well as link the property to the thieves who stole it. By nature, scrap metal is difficult to track and identify once stolen, but now there is a way for law enforcement to track these thieves. LeadsOnline introduced a new investigative system specifically designed to fight metal theft on a national basis. Now, instead of keeping track of information on paper tickets, metal recyclers around the country send LeadsOnline their transaction information via a secure internet connection. Law enforcement investigators simply log in and enter the information about their case into the system, including type of metal, date of the theft, location, and other parameters to see if the stolen items were sold for scrap. Investigators are instantly provided with descriptions and even pictures of the property, suspect, and suspect vehicles matching their description. In the days following the launch of the LeadsOnline metal theft investigations system, Detective Courtney of the Shreveport Louisiana Police Department used LeadsOnline to identify an employee at a local oil company who was stealing equipment and selling it to a local scrap yard. Some of the stolen metal, valued at more than $76,000 was recovered.
http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.
jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070917005808&newsLang=en
"State Plans to Complete Communications System"
Omaha World-Herald (NE) (09/13/07) P. 1B; Stoddard, Martha
Nebraska will utilize almost 50 percent of 2007's $7.2 million in federal homeland security money to erect the final links of a statewide communications system, Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy announced on Sept. 12. He stated that over $2.4 million of the money will be split up between seven areas that are creating communication networks. The networks will permit state and local law-enforcement officials and others to speak with each other. A good number of the areas have finished the job of linking all first responders in their counties, Sheehy explained. Nebraska is currently almost ready to connect the regional network onto one statewide system. The state has employed a significant percentage of its homeland security money in the last few years to establish the network. In addition to the regional grants, Nebraska will spend another $1.1 million of the 2007 homeland security funding on licensing technology for the communications network and offering network support. Nebraska will also utilize part of the $8.5 million of a different federal communications grant initiative to complete the network plan.
http://www.omaha.com
"Tracking People With Imbedded Radio Chips Is No Longer Sci-Fi"
Royal Gazette (Bermuda) (09/05/07)
About 2,000 U.S. workers already have radio frequency identification (RFID) chips embedded under their skin or carry them around in various devices so managers can keep track of their locations, prevent workers from entering certain sensitive areas of the firm, and gauge workers efficiency. However, union leaders, legislators, and others contend the use of RFID to track workers is an invasion of privacy and violates human rights. Generally, RFID is used to track products throughout the supply chain, and the tags contain information on its shipment origin, its make-up, date produced, and other data. In California, state legislators are prepping a bill that would ban the coerced or forced use of RFID in humans, and other states are following suit. However, voluntary use of the chips would be permitted under legislative measures pending before state legislatures, opening the door for employers to use the technology.
http://www.theroyalgazette.com/siftology.royalgazette/
Article/article.jsp?articleId=7d792af30030012§ionId=65
"License Plate Scanners Give Police New Edge"
Times & Transcript (Canada) (09/10/07) P. D4
A $20,000 device that employs small infrared cameras outfitted on police cruisers automatically reads license plates and compares the numbers against databases of stolen cars and individuals wanted for crimes. Around 400 of the United States' 18,000 police agencies possess a minimum of one license-plate scanner, and authorities predict the scanners will become more popular in the future as the cost of the devices drops. The scanners allow police to read around 75 times more plates during an eight-hour period than they would if they wrote down numbers and gave them to a dispatcher. Although scanner-outfitted vehicles only comprise a small percentage of a police department's fleet, the units are enabling authorities to recover stolen vehicles, locate individuals wanted on criminal warrants, and respond to emergency situations, such as thieves on the run. Civil-right activists contend that scanners bring up the controversial issue of whether the government will widen its utilization of the technology to monitor Americans' private lives. Police note, though, that anybody can write down a license-plate number on the street, which is what scanners do, just more efficiently. Though no studies have proven the effectiveness of scanners on a sizeable scale, certain police agencies stress that scanners have increased their vehicle recovery and arrest figures. http://timestranscript.canadaeast.com/search/article/69339
"A Closer Look: Florida Department of Law Enforcement Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit"
Police Magazine (08/07) Vol. 31, No. 8, P. 74; Kyrik, Kelly
In 1984, Terry Thomas, then a special agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, started the Crimes Against Children Mobile Unit to help the state address the growing problem of missing and abducted children. The unit features an ordinary-looking Fleetwood sleeper trailer that is used as a mobile interview room. Although many people said that the trailer would be traumatic for children because it was unfamiliar territory for them, it has actually become a hit with kids. Before their interview begins, kids are allowed to explore the trailer, which helps them to feel more at ease. In addition, the main room of the trailer features child-sized bean bag chairs, as well as teddy bears and other toys. The trailer is also equipped with strategically-placed hidden cameras and microphones, which allow agents in the front and back of the trailer to monitor the interview. The use of the mobile unit helps the Florida Department of Law Enforcement achieve a number of things in situations where it has to interview children. For example, the mobile unit helps to ease the fear that many victims feel when faced with repeated questioning. In addition, the mobile unit is perfect for cases that would overwhelm a brick-and-mortar CAC unit, such as cases where there are a number of victims or offenders, as well as in cases where law enforcement officials do not want the media and others to know that they are interviewing victims or offenders.
http://www.policemag.com/Articles/2007/08/Florida-Department-
of-Law-Enforcement-Crimes-Against-children-mobile-Unit.aspx
"Communications Interoperability: Chasing the Dream"
Police and Security News (08/07) Vol. 23, No. 4, P. 30; Kanable, Rebecca
Emergency communications lacking interoperability has remained a hurdle to both efficient security and safety. Yet technological developments will now enable law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS to all communicate through integrated radio frequencies. Researchers have developed "smart radio" technology that allows frequency range, modulation type, and output power controls to be manipulated with cognitive radio technology. The cognitive radio can automatically program itself to communicate with several radios, as Dr. Charles Bostian of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University says the device "acts like a trained intelligent human operator." Software-defined radios can handle voice bandwidths in 25 KHz, 12.5 KHz, or 6.25 KHz ranges. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO) technology is being speculated for use with software-defined radio technology to increase the available capacity for sending data and accommodating higher bandwidths. Implementing cognitive radios would also allow law enforcement to carry less equipment. The necessity for specific public safety technology is crucial in the case of an emergency, so law enforcement and other first-responders must rely on their own kind of enhanced communications systems, rather than using cellular providers or simply a 2.4 MHz frequency. http://www.policeandsecuritynews.com
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Law Enforcement Technology
Editor's Note: Many of these technologies are being used by state and local law enforcement agencies for their homeland security, all hazards as well as counterterrorism missions.
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 6, 2007
"City Looks at $40M Police Headquarters"
Waukegan News Sun (IL) (09/04/07); Peterson, Craig
The Waukegan, Ill., City Council is considering design plans for a new headquarters for its police. A five-floor building with communications, training, investigations, records, evidence processing, and office space is thought to cost around $40 million. A police headquarters outfitted with the modern crime-fighting devices is the most sophisticated and costly facility any municipal government will construct, architects have informed aldermen. While initially, plans had called for redoing the previous city hall facility or constructing on an adjacent location, Police Chief Bill Biang explained that seven architectural companies studied refurbishing the present facility and all said it was not a good idea. Biang added there is no room to expand horizontally, and the building cannot support adding floors to it. He also stated that acquiring land would counter the savings of redoing the facility. The council may use a referendum to pay for the new police headquarters. http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/
news/540363,5_1_WA04_WAUKEGANCOPS_S1.article
"A High-Tech Helping Hand for Soldiers"
Philadelphia Inquirer (09/04/07); Holcomb, Henry J.
The Wearable Intelligent Reporting Environment (WIRE), developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed to help soldiers in the field by recording their activity and turning speech it records into documents so soldiers do not have to write reports after a hard day on patrol. If approved, soldiers would wear a headset with an earphone and microphone designed to separate voices from gunfire and other noise. The headset is connected to a rugged but lightweight computer tucked into the soldier's combat vest. The system allows soldiers to dictate a report while in the field, all without taking their hands off their weapons or their eyes off of the action. The computer asks for responses that fill out forms designed for different situations and asks about words or situations it does not understand. The computer automatically creates a report and sends it to commanders, along with data from the soldier's GPS receiver. Data from multiple patrols can be analyzed immediately to fine-tune strategy and tactics. WIRE is designed to work with headsets and batteries already used by the military, and because the device does not have a video screen a single charge lasts as long as most patrols. WIRE also has significant potential for law enforcement applications. Crime analysis expert Robert Cheetham says fresh digital reports from the field would be extremely valuable to police commanders and could allow them to detect patterns and prevent future crimes. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20070904_
A_high-tech_helping_hand_for_soldiers.html
"GPS Technology Helps to Locate Police Dogs"
Cherry Hill Courier-Post (NJ) (09/04/07); Strupczewski, Leo
The Camden County, N.J., Sheriff's Department is one of the initial law enforcement agencies in the nation to obtain GPS technology that can help an officer locate his dog. The dog's collar contains the GPS device, and the dog's officer carries a hand-held device not much larger than a BlackBerry, to track the animal. If a dog gets lost, department members can locate him by finding a pawprint on the handler's screen and proceeding towards it. The Minnesota firm White Bear Technologies manufactures the Roam-EO technology, and contributed four units to the Camden Sheriff's Department's four canine divisions. Roam-EO offers the department real-time information, which is sent to an officer's hand-held unit. Each device is priced at $499, and there is an insurance fee for dogs of $4,500 to $6,000, although that price can increase if training is included. United States Police Canine Association executive director Russ Hess thinks the technology will become more popular as the systems become more advanced.
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070904/NEWS01/709040362/1006
"Police to Unveil New Communication Gear"
WTNH.com--Channel 8 (Conn.) (09/05/07); Latina, Jodi
First responders in Connecticut will have new technology in the near future to assist them in emergency events. On Wednesday, they are set to receive a communication system that helps links departments throughout Connecticut. It will be the initial state in the country to have the radio common channel erected. The system is intended to maintain open communication lines during an emergency. Currently, if a police officer in Enfield, for example, wishes to speak with an officer in Madison, they would have to use the phone. With a common radio frequency, the link could be immediate. The new system will also keep portable radios in sync. The technology, which is known as band, is priced at $1 million, and connects to current radio systems.
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=7027349&nav=3YeX
"Groves Police Get Anti-Gang Grant"
Mid County Chronicle (TX) (09/05/07); Kutac, Dennis
Authorities with the Groves, Texas, Police Department claim superior technology equipment is what they want to buy after getting a federal granted intended to help target gang violence and associated crimes. Sen. John Cornyn ( R) claims the $350,350 grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice's Anti-Gang Initiative and was dispensed by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Groves Police Department Det. Steven Hinton noted the proposal the department actually presented for the Project Safe Neighborhoods grant totaled $84,489, which it requested earlier this year and from which it obtained around $80,000. Hinton explained the equipment the department wants to acquire includes thermal-imaging devices, binoculars, recorders, and transmitters. "Our department will be buying technology extremely advanced mainly for undercover work and surveillance," he stated. Groves City Marshal Jeff Wilmore pointed out that the grant will also enable the Groves Police Department to bring its Safe Streets Crime Unit and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force together to deal with gang-associated and personal crimes. Cornyn stated the Anti-Gang Initiative offers money to support new or enlarged anti-gang and enforcement plans under the current Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.
http://www.midcountychronicle.com/news/2007/0905/Front_Page/001.html
"Sandy Springs, GA Police Department Selects SunGard's OSSI Public Safety Software"
WebWire (09/03/07)
SunGard HTE, a leading international provider of government information technologies, reports that the Sandy Springs, Ga., Police Department has signed a contract to implement the company's OSSI Public Safety Suite of software. The suite provides a fully integrated system that affords each agency real-time access to shared information, helping to improve response times, reduce costs, and increase officer safety. The Sandy Springs Police Department will implement the Records Management System and Mobile Computing components of the OSSI Public Safety Suite. Records Management System provides a comprehensive system to collect, store, and access information gathered by law enforcement personnel during daily activities. Mobile Computing Technology is a wireless application that provides access to information for officers in the field. Together, these components will help officers to stay connected with real-time data while in the field. http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=46613
"Lawmen on Target with CVTC Technology"
Calhoun Times (GA) (08/31/07); West, E.K.
The Northwest Georgia Enforcement Executives Association convened in August at Coosa Valley Technical College (CVTC) for the introduction of the new Computer LaserShot Technology in the Criminal Justice program. The innovative technology was given to the officers by CVTC Criminal Justice coordinator and instructor Tom Bojo. "This is an outstanding piece of equipment that can be used not only for laser shot simulation classroom purposes but law enforcement departments can reserve the simulator for training," he stated. LaserShot is a computer-simulation program that employs a simulated handgun and a laser-action screen. Numerous drills and situations--including vehicle chases and hostage scenarios--take place onscreen with various endings. LaserShot instruction is only done at CVTC's Gordon County campus as part of the Criminal Justice program. In addition, the program provides classrooms, crime-scene rooms, computer research facilities, and rescue maze capability. "Our technology capabilities give students hands on experience allowing them to use what they learn in the field," notes Bojo, which keeps officers interested and offers them ongoing feedback.
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&
pnpID=722&NewsID=834262&CategoryID=3388&on=1
"Area Police Forces Add High-Tech Gear"
Valley News Dispatch (08/26/07); Biedka, Chuck
Harrison Township, Pa., law enforcement will soon begin utilizing a video enhancement system, while police in O'Hara will discover how to utilize a high-tech surveillance system that can be employed to investigate a variety of crimes, including drug trafficking. The video enhancement system can be utilized with the majority of video systems to upgrade the quality of images, such as those found on a firm's surveillance tapes. Meanwhile, the video surveillance system is small, easy to hide, and employs a camera that is motion activated. The system, which also records sounds, can be utilized inside or outdoors. O'Hara's surveillance system is the third advanced technological tool that the police department has acquired from the U.S. government. The department is also employing a thermal imaging camera. Harrison Police Chief Mike Klein noted his department will pursue a grant in 2008 to purchase the same surveillance system O'Hara is using. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_524172.html
"Oil City Police Go to Nab Speeders"
Oil City Derrick (PA) (08/30/07); Clark, Karen
The Oil City, Pa., Police Department has been employing the Electronic Non-Radar Device (ENRADD) since January, permitting officers to more aggressively pursue speeders. In addition, ENRADD makes it a lot harder for violators to figure out where police are probably waiting and watching. ENRADD--a wireless speed-detection device--enables police to operate a speed check almost anyplace, including on leading thoroughfares, bridges, and back streets. ENRADD has a pair of tripods that each have sensor units. Officers put the three-foot tripods on either side of the road. As cars drive between the sensors, their speed is determined and sent through a wireless radio connection to a display head situated in a patrol vehicle. Experts contend that ENRADD can save a police department $3,000 to $5,000 a car annually on gas and maintenance because police do not have to chase vehicles that are going too fast. http://www.thederrick.com/stories/08312007-5008.shtml
"Video Billboards Coming This Way"
Philadelphia Inquirer (08/21/07) P. E1; Slobodzian, Joseph A.
The Philadelphia region will soon erect digital billboards, which are being lauded by police for promoting public safety. ClearChannel Outdoor stated it would have eight 14-by-48 video billboards with advertising images or messages that would change every eight seconds on leading highways by the end of this year from Bucks County to Philadelphia and into Delaware County. The company attempted to install a couple of billboards on Aug. 20, only to be stopped by continuous rain. ClearChannel claims the billboards recently informed drivers in Minneapolis and St. Paul about the demise of the Interstate 35W bridge and offered optional routes. Separately, a missing girl from Minneapolis was located one day after digital billboards were utilized in an Amber Alert. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson supports the digital billboards, noting they are in the "community's best interests because they have the capability to deliver important emergency information, such as Amber Alerts or disaster-preparedness bulletins." Driver-safety organizations and environmentalists, however, contend that the billboards will endanger motorists and are an eyesore.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20070821_
Video_billboards_coming_this_way.html
"Asotin County Sheriff Upgrades Tasers"
Lewiston Morning Tribune (ID) (08/21/07) P. 1D; Cole, David
Deputies in Asotin County, Idaho, are now carrying Tasers with newer technology, which are better at controlling dangerous suspects and are safer, authorities claim. In June, Asotin County Sheriff Ken Bancroft began carrying the new Taser X26 model, replacing the older Taser M26. The Taser X26 discharges a pair of small probes, which look like fish hooks that have been straightened. The probes can fly as far as 25 feet, penetrating the clothing of a suspect and going into the body, Bancroft explained. The Taser X26 costs $200 more than the M26, at $800 apiece. The sheriff's office bought 14 of the X26s, one for every field deputy and two for joint use by Asotin County Jail correctional deputies. The Taser X26 is shaped like a firearm, weighs less than the older Tasers, and documents the length of activation time. http://www.lmtribune.com
"Strategy Game Trains Cops and Firefighters"
PC World (08/23/07); McMillan, Robert
Graduate students from the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering are collaborating with Sandia National Laboratories on a real-time strategy game that allows police officers, fire fighters, and other first responders to practice emergency scenarios. The game, Ground Truth, is realistic because events in the game occur in real time, putting added pressure on first responders to act swiftly. Jim Pointer, the medical director of Alameda County's Emergency Medical Services Agency, recently completed an intense session of Ground Truth that called for him to oversee a city's response to a toxic chemical spill. During the scenario, he was responsible for managing traffic barriers, putting hazmat teams and police cars in position to respond to the spill, and managing medical collection points while keeping an eye out for toxic plumes. Pointer says the game is fun, educational, and has great promise. Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft III game provided inspiration for Ground Truth, which could eventually receive funding from private industry or even the Homeland Security Department. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136306-c,games/article.html
"Dallas PD Fights Crime With Video Surveillance"
Security Technology & Design (07/07) Vol. 17, No. 7, P. 52; Levin, Gregg
In early 2005, the Dallas Police Department launched a pilot project involving the installation of video surveillance cameras in the busy Deep Ellum area of the city. After just four months of operation, the project was credited with significantly reducing the number of crimes in the area, prompting the Police Department to consider expansion. With funding from the Meadows Foundation, bids were sought to install a wireless video surveillance system in Dallas' central business district with a goal of reducing crime in hot spots by 30 percent. In January, the new system was deployed, covering about 30 percent of the downtown area with round-the-clock monitoring and allowing operators to change the direction of the camera lenses remotely as well as allowing officers to redeploy cameras as needed to increase monitoring capabilities at special events or other downtown locations. The Police Department now plans to increase the number of cameras deployed around the city by threefold.
http://www.securityinfowatch.com/print/Security-Technology-
and-Design/Video-Surveillance/Dallas-PD-Fights-Crime-With-Video-Surveillance
/11804SIW2
"Riot Act"
Police Magazine (08/07) Vol. 31, No. 8, P. 34; Griffith, David
Since it was closed in 1996, the West Virginia State Penitentiary at Moundsville has hosted the annual Mock Prison Riot, which is one of the premier corrections and law enforcement training events in the world. The Mock Prison Riot, which is held each May, is planned and executed by the staff of the Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization (OLTEC) and the National Corrections and Law Enforcement Training and Technology Center (NCLETTC). Personnel from the two organizations act as leaders of the "rioters," who are mostly students from local colleges and high schools. In addition, OLTEC develops scenarios that allow law enforcement agencies that are participating in the Mock Prison Riot to practice putting down prison disturbances. Although the scenarios are choreographed to some extent, there are some surprises for the responders. In some of the scenarios, the prisoners give up quickly, while in others they put up a fight. Along with developing the riot scenarios, OLETC and NCLETTC work with the participating law enforcement agencies and the makers of the products that are on display at the Mock Prison Riot's Technology Showcase to provide training opportunities that involve new or improved products. Since it is held in an abandoned prison, the event offers a one-of-a-kind training opportunity for law enforcement agencies such as the Gwinnett County (Ga.) Sheriff's Office's Rapid Response Team. "We really can't train very well in our jail because it is occupied," said Major Carl Sims of the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. "And that's a problem because a cell offers a unique environment that's difficult to duplicate outside of a corrections facility." http://www.policemag.com/Articles/2007/08/Riot-Act.aspx
NLECTC Law Enforcement & Corrections Technology News Summary
Thursday, September 6, 2007
"City Looks at $40M Police Headquarters"
Waukegan News Sun (IL) (09/04/07); Peterson, Craig
The Waukegan, Ill., City Council is considering design plans for a new headquarters for its police. A five-floor building with communications, training, investigations, records, evidence processing, and office space is thought to cost around $40 million. A police headquarters outfitted with the modern crime-fighting devices is the most sophisticated and costly facility any municipal government will construct, architects have informed aldermen. While initially, plans had called for redoing the previous city hall facility or constructing on an adjacent location, Police Chief Bill Biang explained that seven architectural companies studied refurbishing the present facility and all said it was not a good idea. Biang added there is no room to expand horizontally, and the building cannot support adding floors to it. He also stated that acquiring land would counter the savings of redoing the facility. The council may use a referendum to pay for the new police headquarters. http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/newssun/
news/540363,5_1_WA04_WAUKEGANCOPS_S1.article
"A High-Tech Helping Hand for Soldiers"
Philadelphia Inquirer (09/04/07); Holcomb, Henry J.
The Wearable Intelligent Reporting Environment (WIRE), developed by Lockheed Martin, is designed to help soldiers in the field by recording their activity and turning speech it records into documents so soldiers do not have to write reports after a hard day on patrol. If approved, soldiers would wear a headset with an earphone and microphone designed to separate voices from gunfire and other noise. The headset is connected to a rugged but lightweight computer tucked into the soldier's combat vest. The system allows soldiers to dictate a report while in the field, all without taking their hands off their weapons or their eyes off of the action. The computer asks for responses that fill out forms designed for different situations and asks about words or situations it does not understand. The computer automatically creates a report and sends it to commanders, along with data from the soldier's GPS receiver. Data from multiple patrols can be analyzed immediately to fine-tune strategy and tactics. WIRE is designed to work with headsets and batteries already used by the military, and because the device does not have a video screen a single charge lasts as long as most patrols. WIRE also has significant potential for law enforcement applications. Crime analysis expert Robert Cheetham says fresh digital reports from the field would be extremely valuable to police commanders and could allow them to detect patterns and prevent future crimes. http://www.philly.com/inquirer/business/20070904_
A_high-tech_helping_hand_for_soldiers.html
"GPS Technology Helps to Locate Police Dogs"
Cherry Hill Courier-Post (NJ) (09/04/07); Strupczewski, Leo
The Camden County, N.J., Sheriff's Department is one of the initial law enforcement agencies in the nation to obtain GPS technology that can help an officer locate his dog. The dog's collar contains the GPS device, and the dog's officer carries a hand-held device not much larger than a BlackBerry, to track the animal. If a dog gets lost, department members can locate him by finding a pawprint on the handler's screen and proceeding towards it. The Minnesota firm White Bear Technologies manufactures the Roam-EO technology, and contributed four units to the Camden Sheriff's Department's four canine divisions. Roam-EO offers the department real-time information, which is sent to an officer's hand-held unit. Each device is priced at $499, and there is an insurance fee for dogs of $4,500 to $6,000, although that price can increase if training is included. United States Police Canine Association executive director Russ Hess thinks the technology will become more popular as the systems become more advanced.
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20070904/NEWS01/709040362/1006
"Police to Unveil New Communication Gear"
WTNH.com--Channel 8 (Conn.) (09/05/07); Latina, Jodi
First responders in Connecticut will have new technology in the near future to assist them in emergency events. On Wednesday, they are set to receive a communication system that helps links departments throughout Connecticut. It will be the initial state in the country to have the radio common channel erected. The system is intended to maintain open communication lines during an emergency. Currently, if a police officer in Enfield, for example, wishes to speak with an officer in Madison, they would have to use the phone. With a common radio frequency, the link could be immediate. The new system will also keep portable radios in sync. The technology, which is known as band, is priced at $1 million, and connects to current radio systems.
http://www.wtnh.com/Global/story.asp?S=7027349&nav=3YeX
"Groves Police Get Anti-Gang Grant"
Mid County Chronicle (TX) (09/05/07); Kutac, Dennis
Authorities with the Groves, Texas, Police Department claim superior technology equipment is what they want to buy after getting a federal granted intended to help target gang violence and associated crimes. Sen. John Cornyn ( R) claims the $350,350 grant was provided by the U.S. Department of Justice's Anti-Gang Initiative and was dispensed by the Texas Office of the Attorney General. Groves Police Department Det. Steven Hinton noted the proposal the department actually presented for the Project Safe Neighborhoods grant totaled $84,489, which it requested earlier this year and from which it obtained around $80,000. Hinton explained the equipment the department wants to acquire includes thermal-imaging devices, binoculars, recorders, and transmitters. "Our department will be buying technology extremely advanced mainly for undercover work and surveillance," he stated. Groves City Marshal Jeff Wilmore pointed out that the grant will also enable the Groves Police Department to bring its Safe Streets Crime Unit and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force together to deal with gang-associated and personal crimes. Cornyn stated the Anti-Gang Initiative offers money to support new or enlarged anti-gang and enforcement plans under the current Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.
http://www.midcountychronicle.com/news/2007/0905/Front_Page/001.html
"Sandy Springs, GA Police Department Selects SunGard's OSSI Public Safety Software"
WebWire (09/03/07)
SunGard HTE, a leading international provider of government information technologies, reports that the Sandy Springs, Ga., Police Department has signed a contract to implement the company's OSSI Public Safety Suite of software. The suite provides a fully integrated system that affords each agency real-time access to shared information, helping to improve response times, reduce costs, and increase officer safety. The Sandy Springs Police Department will implement the Records Management System and Mobile Computing components of the OSSI Public Safety Suite. Records Management System provides a comprehensive system to collect, store, and access information gathered by law enforcement personnel during daily activities. Mobile Computing Technology is a wireless application that provides access to information for officers in the field. Together, these components will help officers to stay connected with real-time data while in the field. http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=46613
"Lawmen on Target with CVTC Technology"
Calhoun Times (GA) (08/31/07); West, E.K.
The Northwest Georgia Enforcement Executives Association convened in August at Coosa Valley Technical College (CVTC) for the introduction of the new Computer LaserShot Technology in the Criminal Justice program. The innovative technology was given to the officers by CVTC Criminal Justice coordinator and instructor Tom Bojo. "This is an outstanding piece of equipment that can be used not only for laser shot simulation classroom purposes but law enforcement departments can reserve the simulator for training," he stated. LaserShot is a computer-simulation program that employs a simulated handgun and a laser-action screen. Numerous drills and situations--including vehicle chases and hostage scenarios--take place onscreen with various endings. LaserShot instruction is only done at CVTC's Gordon County campus as part of the Criminal Justice program. In addition, the program provides classrooms, crime-scene rooms, computer research facilities, and rescue maze capability. "Our technology capabilities give students hands on experience allowing them to use what they learn in the field," notes Bojo, which keeps officers interested and offers them ongoing feedback.
http://news.mywebpal.com/news_tool_v2.cfm?show=localnews&
pnpID=722&NewsID=834262&CategoryID=3388&on=1
"Area Police Forces Add High-Tech Gear"
Valley News Dispatch (08/26/07); Biedka, Chuck
Harrison Township, Pa., law enforcement will soon begin utilizing a video enhancement system, while police in O'Hara will discover how to utilize a high-tech surveillance system that can be employed to investigate a variety of crimes, including drug trafficking. The video enhancement system can be utilized with the majority of video systems to upgrade the quality of images, such as those found on a firm's surveillance tapes. Meanwhile, the video surveillance system is small, easy to hide, and employs a camera that is motion activated. The system, which also records sounds, can be utilized inside or outdoors. O'Hara's surveillance system is the third advanced technological tool that the police department has acquired from the U.S. government. The department is also employing a thermal imaging camera. Harrison Police Chief Mike Klein noted his department will pursue a grant in 2008 to purchase the same surveillance system O'Hara is using. http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/s_524172.html
"Oil City Police Go to Nab Speeders"
Oil City Derrick (PA) (08/30/07); Clark, Karen
The Oil City, Pa., Police Department has been employing the Electronic Non-Radar Device (ENRADD) since January, permitting officers to more aggressively pursue speeders. In addition, ENRADD makes it a lot harder for violators to figure out where police are probably waiting and watching. ENRADD--a wireless speed-detection device--enables police to operate a speed check almost anyplace, including on leading thoroughfares, bridges, and back streets. ENRADD has a pair of tripods that each have sensor units. Officers put the three-foot tripods on either side of the road. As cars drive between the sensors, their speed is determined and sent through a wireless radio connection to a display head situated in a patrol vehicle. Experts contend that ENRADD can save a police department $3,000 to $5,000 a car annually on gas and maintenance because police do not have to chase vehicles that are going too fast. http://www.thederrick.com/stories/08312007-5008.shtml
"Video Billboards Coming This Way"
Philadelphia Inquirer (08/21/07) P. E1; Slobodzian, Joseph A.
The Philadelphia region will soon erect digital billboards, which are being lauded by police for promoting public safety. ClearChannel Outdoor stated it would have eight 14-by-48 video billboards with advertising images or messages that would change every eight seconds on leading highways by the end of this year from Bucks County to Philadelphia and into Delaware County. The company attempted to install a couple of billboards on Aug. 20, only to be stopped by continuous rain. ClearChannel claims the billboards recently informed drivers in Minneapolis and St. Paul about the demise of the Interstate 35W bridge and offered optional routes. Separately, a missing girl from Minneapolis was located one day after digital billboards were utilized in an Amber Alert. Philadelphia Police Commissioner Sylvester Johnson supports the digital billboards, noting they are in the "community's best interests because they have the capability to deliver important emergency information, such as Amber Alerts or disaster-preparedness bulletins." Driver-safety organizations and environmentalists, however, contend that the billboards will endanger motorists and are an eyesore.
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/20070821_
Video_billboards_coming_this_way.html
"Asotin County Sheriff Upgrades Tasers"
Lewiston Morning Tribune (ID) (08/21/07) P. 1D; Cole, David
Deputies in Asotin County, Idaho, are now carrying Tasers with newer technology, which are better at controlling dangerous suspects and are safer, authorities claim. In June, Asotin County Sheriff Ken Bancroft began carrying the new Taser X26 model, replacing the older Taser M26. The Taser X26 discharges a pair of small probes, which look like fish hooks that have been straightened. The probes can fly as far as 25 feet, penetrating the clothing of a suspect and going into the body, Bancroft explained. The Taser X26 costs $200 more than the M26, at $800 apiece. The sheriff's office bought 14 of the X26s, one for every field deputy and two for joint use by Asotin County Jail correctional deputies. The Taser X26 is shaped like a firearm, weighs less than the older Tasers, and documents the length of activation time. http://www.lmtribune.com
"Strategy Game Trains Cops and Firefighters"
PC World (08/23/07); McMillan, Robert
Graduate students from the University of Southern California's Viterbi School of Engineering are collaborating with Sandia National Laboratories on a real-time strategy game that allows police officers, fire fighters, and other first responders to practice emergency scenarios. The game, Ground Truth, is realistic because events in the game occur in real time, putting added pressure on first responders to act swiftly. Jim Pointer, the medical director of Alameda County's Emergency Medical Services Agency, recently completed an intense session of Ground Truth that called for him to oversee a city's response to a toxic chemical spill. During the scenario, he was responsible for managing traffic barriers, putting hazmat teams and police cars in position to respond to the spill, and managing medical collection points while keeping an eye out for toxic plumes. Pointer says the game is fun, educational, and has great promise. Blizzard Entertainment's Warcraft III game provided inspiration for Ground Truth, which could eventually receive funding from private industry or even the Homeland Security Department. http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,136306-c,games/article.html
"Dallas PD Fights Crime With Video Surveillance"
Security Technology & Design (07/07) Vol. 17, No. 7, P. 52; Levin, Gregg
In early 2005, the Dallas Police Department launched a pilot project involving the installation of video surveillance cameras in the busy Deep Ellum area of the city. After just four months of operation, the project was credited with significantly reducing the number of crimes in the area, prompting the Police Department to consider expansion. With funding from the Meadows Foundation, bids were sought to install a wireless video surveillance system in Dallas' central business district with a goal of reducing crime in hot spots by 30 percent. In January, the new system was deployed, covering about 30 percent of the downtown area with round-the-clock monitoring and allowing operators to change the direction of the camera lenses remotely as well as allowing officers to redeploy cameras as needed to increase monitoring capabilities at special events or other downtown locations. The Police Department now plans to increase the number of cameras deployed around the city by threefold.
http://www.securityinfowatch.com/print/Security-Technology-
and-Design/Video-Surveillance/Dallas-PD-Fights-Crime-With-Video-Surveillance
/11804SIW2
"Riot Act"
Police Magazine (08/07) Vol. 31, No. 8, P. 34; Griffith, David
Since it was closed in 1996, the West Virginia State Penitentiary at Moundsville has hosted the annual Mock Prison Riot, which is one of the premier corrections and law enforcement training events in the world. The Mock Prison Riot, which is held each May, is planned and executed by the staff of the Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization (OLTEC) and the National Corrections and Law Enforcement Training and Technology Center (NCLETTC). Personnel from the two organizations act as leaders of the "rioters," who are mostly students from local colleges and high schools. In addition, OLTEC develops scenarios that allow law enforcement agencies that are participating in the Mock Prison Riot to practice putting down prison disturbances. Although the scenarios are choreographed to some extent, there are some surprises for the responders. In some of the scenarios, the prisoners give up quickly, while in others they put up a fight. Along with developing the riot scenarios, OLETC and NCLETTC work with the participating law enforcement agencies and the makers of the products that are on display at the Mock Prison Riot's Technology Showcase to provide training opportunities that involve new or improved products. Since it is held in an abandoned prison, the event offers a one-of-a-kind training opportunity for law enforcement agencies such as the Gwinnett County (Ga.) Sheriff's Office's Rapid Response Team. "We really can't train very well in our jail because it is occupied," said Major Carl Sims of the Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office. "And that's a problem because a cell offers a unique environment that's difficult to duplicate outside of a corrections facility." http://www.policemag.com/Articles/2007/08/Riot-Act.aspx
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
