http://iccoventry.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0150swarksnews/tm_objectid=15017492&method=full&siteid=50003&headline=support-officers-won-t-get-new-powers-name_page.html
Annette Morgan
"Police community support officers across Coventry and Warwick-shire will not be allowed to use new powers to hold suspects for half an hour, it has been announced.
Police chiefs from Warwick-shire and the West Midlands have confirmed they will not be increasing the powers of their police community support officers (PCSOs) in accordance with new legislation allowing them to detain suspects."
Friday, December 31, 2004
Germany's Graying Gangsters / Deutsche Welle, 28 Dec 2004
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1441651,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html
"Criminality among German senior citizens is on the rise. Many offenses are petty, such as shoplifting and traffic violations, but some are more serious. One state plans to open a prison designed for older offenders."
"Criminality among German senior citizens is on the rise. Many offenses are petty, such as shoplifting and traffic violations, but some are more serious. One state plans to open a prison designed for older offenders."
The 'Public Health' Approach to Guns: A Changed Landscape / Join together, 23 Dec 2004
http://www.jointogether.org/gv/news/features/reader/0,2061,575483,00.html
Dick Dahl
"Public-health professionals working in the area of gun violence are lauding a recent National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report calling for a major national effort to improve research on gun violence.
On Dec. 16, NAS issued its report, 'Firearms and Violence,' which pointed out that a sensible national response to gun violence is lacking, hampered by insufficient knowledge about gun ownership, gun markets, and gun use.
The report said that the current levels of knowledge about the relationship between firearms and violent crime, for instance, is too weak to support strong conclusions about various measures to prevent and control gun violence. It singled out assertions made by supporters of 'right to carry' laws, which now exist in 34 states, as being based on faulty claims that these laws deter crime."
Dick Dahl
"Public-health professionals working in the area of gun violence are lauding a recent National Academy of Sciences (NAS) report calling for a major national effort to improve research on gun violence.
On Dec. 16, NAS issued its report, 'Firearms and Violence,' which pointed out that a sensible national response to gun violence is lacking, hampered by insufficient knowledge about gun ownership, gun markets, and gun use.
The report said that the current levels of knowledge about the relationship between firearms and violent crime, for instance, is too weak to support strong conclusions about various measures to prevent and control gun violence. It singled out assertions made by supporters of 'right to carry' laws, which now exist in 34 states, as being based on faulty claims that these laws deter crime."
The how-to of terror: al-Qaeda bulletin revealed - Global Terrorism / Sydney Morning Herald, 30 Dec 2004
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/12/30/1104344900198.html
"A new US government intelligence bulletin describes in the greatest detail yet al-Qaeda's techniques for assessing potential targets, extolling the lethal power of flying, shattered building glass and advising that kerosene and tyres are effective for a deadly arson attack.
'The focus is on maximising the destructive and killing power of an attack,' the bulletin says.
The bulletin provides a fresh glimpse of terrorist reports found in computers and disks seized in Pakistan in July. "
"A new US government intelligence bulletin describes in the greatest detail yet al-Qaeda's techniques for assessing potential targets, extolling the lethal power of flying, shattered building glass and advising that kerosene and tyres are effective for a deadly arson attack.
'The focus is on maximising the destructive and killing power of an attack,' the bulletin says.
The bulletin provides a fresh glimpse of terrorist reports found in computers and disks seized in Pakistan in July. "
Thursday, December 23, 2004
Relationship of US gun culture to violence ill-understood / New Scientist, N0. 2479, 25 Dec 2004
"Gun violence kills tens of thousands of US citizens annually, but the basics of this social disease have never been rigorously examined
GUN violence kills tens of thousands of people in the US each year. Yet the basic characteristics of this modern social disease have never been studied in a rigorous way, according to a damning report by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
It found that key intervention policies such as gun ownership laws and strategies for firearms education are based on poorly gathered or incomplete data and badly designed trials. This means there are few established facts about the cause-and-effect relationship between guns and many types of violence, or the effectiveness of gun control or educational programmes intended to steer young people away from firearms. 'While there is a large body of empirical research on firearms and violence, there is little consensus on even the basic facts about these important policy issues,' the report says. "
GUN violence kills tens of thousands of people in the US each year. Yet the basic characteristics of this modern social disease have never been studied in a rigorous way, according to a damning report by the US National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
It found that key intervention policies such as gun ownership laws and strategies for firearms education are based on poorly gathered or incomplete data and badly designed trials. This means there are few established facts about the cause-and-effect relationship between guns and many types of violence, or the effectiveness of gun control or educational programmes intended to steer young people away from firearms. 'While there is a large body of empirical research on firearms and violence, there is little consensus on even the basic facts about these important policy issues,' the report says. "
ID cards may become healthcare 'entitlement' cards / e-Health Insider, 22 Dec 2004
http://www.e-health-insider.com/news/item.cfm?ID=980
"The National Programme for IT has begun initial conversations with the Home Office to examine how the IT infrastructure being put in place in the NHS can be made compatible with national ID cards, production of which may eventually determine a patient's 'entitlement' to receive free healthcare services.
The ID card bill introduced in the House of Commons this week makes clear that the provision of 'public services' may become dependent on the production of a valid identity card. Providing a mechanism to prove entitlement to public services, together with countering terrorist threats, is cited as one of the reasons for the introduction of the national ID card scheme. "
"The National Programme for IT has begun initial conversations with the Home Office to examine how the IT infrastructure being put in place in the NHS can be made compatible with national ID cards, production of which may eventually determine a patient's 'entitlement' to receive free healthcare services.
The ID card bill introduced in the House of Commons this week makes clear that the provision of 'public services' may become dependent on the production of a valid identity card. Providing a mechanism to prove entitlement to public services, together with countering terrorist threats, is cited as one of the reasons for the introduction of the national ID card scheme. "
Report finds foreigners defeat border security with stolen passports / GovExec, Dec 2004
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1204/122004c1.htmChris Strohm
"Foreign travelers have entered the country using illegal passports the government knows are stolen, and the whereabouts of some with possible terrorist links remains unknown. "Aliens applying for admission to the United States using stolen passports have little reason to fear being caught and are usually admitted,". The report examined the use of stolen passports from 27 countries that are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Under the program, travelers from the countries are able to enter the United States without immigrant visas. Twenty-two of the countries are in Europe. The others are Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore."
"Foreign travelers have entered the country using illegal passports the government knows are stolen, and the whereabouts of some with possible terrorist links remains unknown. "Aliens applying for admission to the United States using stolen passports have little reason to fear being caught and are usually admitted,". The report examined the use of stolen passports from 27 countries that are part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Under the program, travelers from the countries are able to enter the United States without immigrant visas. Twenty-two of the countries are in Europe. The others are Australia, Brunei, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore."
Visa security policy unworkable / Statewatch News, Dec 2004
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/dec/07visas-residence-biometrics.htm
- insertion of chips would lead to 'collisions' with visa chips from other countries
- ePassport chip would be 'killed' by eVisa chip
- current deadline cannot be met, proposal unworkable"
Technical report to Council saying that the scheme will not work, doc no: 14534/04, 11.11.04) - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/dec/bio-visas.pdf
- insertion of chips would lead to 'collisions' with visa chips from other countries
- ePassport chip would be 'killed' by eVisa chip
- current deadline cannot be met, proposal unworkable"
Technical report to Council saying that the scheme will not work, doc no: 14534/04, 11.11.04) - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/dec/bio-visas.pdf
Wednesday, December 22, 2004
Do these statistics really matter? / IcTeeside, 21 Dec 2004
http://icteesside.icnetwork.co.uk/thejournal/page.cfm?objectid=14999961&method=full&siteid=50081
"W have long suspected that statisticians are taking over the world - or Tony Blair's bit of it at any rate - but the Audit Commission 'raised the bar' in the data stakes yesterday.
We were invited to peruse a list of figures showing how good - or bad - our various police forces are at accurately recording crime."
"W have long suspected that statisticians are taking over the world - or Tony Blair's bit of it at any rate - but the Audit Commission 'raised the bar' in the data stakes yesterday.
We were invited to peruse a list of figures showing how good - or bad - our various police forces are at accurately recording crime."
Food parcels for asylum claimants BBC, 21 Dec 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/4112707.stm
"Dozens of failed asylum seekers are being left destitute by Home Office rules, the Welsh Refugee Council says.
The charity said around 100 people in Cardiff who have exhausted the appeals process face being left on the street or returned to their own country."
"Dozens of failed asylum seekers are being left destitute by Home Office rules, the Welsh Refugee Council says.
The charity said around 100 people in Cardiff who have exhausted the appeals process face being left on the street or returned to their own country."
ID Cards: Citizens Advice highlights its concerns & issues / PublicTechnology, 22 Dec 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2266
"The Citizens Advice policy briefing in relation to the ID Cards Bill. It's an interesting overview of the ID Cards debate, and highlights (neatly) some of the prime issues surrounding the debate."
"The Citizens Advice policy briefing in relation to the ID Cards Bill. It's an interesting overview of the ID Cards debate, and highlights (neatly) some of the prime issues surrounding the debate."
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Turning Prisoners into Tax Payers" / The Inside Out Trust
The Inside Out Trust: "findings from our series of 'Employment Inside & Out' events which were held in prisons over the past 18 months. The guide describes the outcomes of the events.
The project has included production of a CD-Rom entitled "Unlocking the Future". We were delighted that former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, agreed to take part in this. His comments emphasise how important it is for employers to offer suitably qualified former prisoners jobs and he thanked them for considering this."
Employment inside & out - http://www.inside-out.org.uk/Yellow%20EIO%20report.pdf
Employers' events in prisons - http://www.inside-out.org.uk/EIO%20Events%20guide.pdf
The project has included production of a CD-Rom entitled "Unlocking the Future". We were delighted that former Home Secretary, David Blunkett, agreed to take part in this. His comments emphasise how important it is for employers to offer suitably qualified former prisoners jobs and he thanked them for considering this."
Employment inside & out - http://www.inside-out.org.uk/Yellow%20EIO%20report.pdf
Employers' events in prisons - http://www.inside-out.org.uk/EIO%20Events%20guide.pdf
CCDO's In-Sites Magazine - Winter 2004 issue
http://www.ncjrs.org/ccdo/in-sites/welcome.html
If you are interested in crime prevention and neighborhood restoration, then you might want to know that In-Sites Magazine is now published exclusively on the Internet.
The Community Capacity Development Office, which assists communities as they seek to increase safety and revitalize neighborhoods, is proud to present In-Sites as an electronic magazine. Now there's more news about what's going on in Weed and Seed sites and what's working in communities across the nation. Our stories will focus on law enforcement; community policing; prevention, intervention, and treatment; neighborhood restoration; reentry; issues that are affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives; and more!
In this issue we have a number of interesting stories, including an award-winning community policing program, a successful reentry program, and two new federal partnerships that can help people manage and save their money.
If you are interested in crime prevention and neighborhood restoration, then you might want to know that In-Sites Magazine is now published exclusively on the Internet.
The Community Capacity Development Office, which assists communities as they seek to increase safety and revitalize neighborhoods, is proud to present In-Sites as an electronic magazine. Now there's more news about what's going on in Weed and Seed sites and what's working in communities across the nation. Our stories will focus on law enforcement; community policing; prevention, intervention, and treatment; neighborhood restoration; reentry; issues that are affecting American Indians and Alaska Natives; and more!
In this issue we have a number of interesting stories, including an award-winning community policing program, a successful reentry program, and two new federal partnerships that can help people manage and save their money.
Monday, December 20, 2004
Putin's Methods Counterproductive in Russian Fight on Corruption and Terrorism / RADIO FREE EUROPE/ RADIO LIBERTY, Dec 2004
http://www.rferl.org/releases/2004/12/289-191204.asp
"President Vladimir Putin's centralization of power within the Kremlin has not proved effective in combating either corruption or terrorism in Russia, say three experts on transnational crime in that country. The three experts, who spoke at a recent RFE/RL briefing, said the concentration of power had weakened efforts at rooting out corruption by silencing Russia's civil society and making it easier for terrorists to operate within Russia. "
"President Vladimir Putin's centralization of power within the Kremlin has not proved effective in combating either corruption or terrorism in Russia, say three experts on transnational crime in that country. The three experts, who spoke at a recent RFE/RL briefing, said the concentration of power had weakened efforts at rooting out corruption by silencing Russia's civil society and making it easier for terrorists to operate within Russia. "
Friday, December 17, 2004
Panel seeks broad terrorism information-sharing changes / govExec, Dec 2004
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1204/121304gsn1.htm
Joe Fiorill
A week after Congress approved a bill to implement the recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission, a federal advisory panel is set to issue a report calling for sweeping changes in information-sharing among levels of government that could flesh out the Sept. 11 bill's limited provisions on the subject.
Washington should restructure its domestic intelligence efforts to better coordinate information flowing to and from state and local officials and businesses, according to the report, which was obtained by Global Security Newswire.
The document-an unusually comprehensive attempt at addressing deficiencies in the handling and distribution of terrorist information collected at various levels of government-was released Tuesday by experts with the Homeland Security Advisory Council, a panel of mostly state and local
officials that advises the federal homeland security secretary.
Joe Fiorill
A week after Congress approved a bill to implement the recommendations of the Sept. 11 commission, a federal advisory panel is set to issue a report calling for sweeping changes in information-sharing among levels of government that could flesh out the Sept. 11 bill's limited provisions on the subject.
Washington should restructure its domestic intelligence efforts to better coordinate information flowing to and from state and local officials and businesses, according to the report, which was obtained by Global Security Newswire.
The document-an unusually comprehensive attempt at addressing deficiencies in the handling and distribution of terrorist information collected at various levels of government-was released Tuesday by experts with the Homeland Security Advisory Council, a panel of mostly state and local
officials that advises the federal homeland security secretary.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
Charting Justice Reform in Chile: A Comparison of the Old and New Systems of Criminal Procedure
http://www.vera.org/publication_pdf/254_498.pdf?bulletin=38&token=1262
Antonio Marangunic, Ministerio Público of Chile and Todd Foglesong, Vera Institute of Justice
"Beginning in 2000, Chile launched an ambitious effort to remake its entire system of criminal justice. These reforms involve a new code of criminal procedure, new public institutions such as the National Prosecution Service and office of National Public Defender, as well as new people, new buildings, new views, and new practices. Together with the National Prosecution Service, or Ministerio Público, the Vera Institute has charted these changes, and here reports on some of the important differences between the old system of justice, still functioning in Metropolitan Santiago, and the new system of justice that has gradually taken roots in the rest of the country."
Antonio Marangunic, Ministerio Público of Chile and Todd Foglesong, Vera Institute of Justice
"Beginning in 2000, Chile launched an ambitious effort to remake its entire system of criminal justice. These reforms involve a new code of criminal procedure, new public institutions such as the National Prosecution Service and office of National Public Defender, as well as new people, new buildings, new views, and new practices. Together with the National Prosecution Service, or Ministerio Público, the Vera Institute has charted these changes, and here reports on some of the important differences between the old system of justice, still functioning in Metropolitan Santiago, and the new system of justice that has gradually taken roots in the rest of the country."
Methodist position on religious hatred branded 'naive' / Ekklesia, 15 Dec 2004
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_041215dh.shtml
"A senior Evangelical has said that the position taken by the Methodist Church over the Government's proposed legislation on religious hatred is 'naive'.
The head of public policy at the Evangelical Alliance, Don Horrocks, told the Ekklesia news service that the new legislation could lead to a 'lawyers paradise'. "
"A senior Evangelical has said that the position taken by the Methodist Church over the Government's proposed legislation on religious hatred is 'naive'.
The head of public policy at the Evangelical Alliance, Don Horrocks, told the Ekklesia news service that the new legislation could lead to a 'lawyers paradise'. "
Effectiveness at what? The process and impact of community involvement in area-based Initiatives / Scottish Centre for Research on Social Justice
http://www.scrsj.ac.uk/Publications/WP1HousingRG.pdf
: "Goodlad, R., Burton, P., and Croft, J. (2004). SCRSJ Working Paper No. 2. "
: "Goodlad, R., Burton, P., and Croft, J. (2004). SCRSJ Working Paper No. 2. "
Building bridges: local responses to the resettlement of asylum seekers / [Scotland] Innovations Report, 8 Dec 2004
http://www.innovations-report.de/html/berichte/gesellschaftswissenschaften/bericht-37427.html
"New research reveals the positive role of local people and groups in promoting the integration of asylum seekers in Glasgow. As birth rates decline and the population ages in Scotland, refugees could bring significant benefits to Scottish society in the future. To promote their future participation in Scottish society, it is vital that appropriate support services are in place. "
Building Bridges Report - http://www.scrsj.ac.uk/Publications/BuildingBridges.pdf
"New research reveals the positive role of local people and groups in promoting the integration of asylum seekers in Glasgow. As birth rates decline and the population ages in Scotland, refugees could bring significant benefits to Scottish society in the future. To promote their future participation in Scottish society, it is vital that appropriate support services are in place. "
Building Bridges Report - http://www.scrsj.ac.uk/Publications/BuildingBridges.pdf
Combatting Stereotypes With Facts / [Germany] Deutsche Welle, 15 Dec 2004|
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1428997,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html
"Though stereotypes about foreigners continue to proliferate in Germany, a new study is challenging some beliefs about immigrant girls. They're far more ambitious and career aware than they're given credit for."
"Though stereotypes about foreigners continue to proliferate in Germany, a new study is challenging some beliefs about immigrant girls. They're far more ambitious and career aware than they're given credit for."
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Taser Deployments and Injuries: Analysis of Current and Emerging Trends / Dec 2004
http://www.taser.com/documents/Orange_Co_FL_Div_of_Justice_Study.pdf
Dr. Charlie Mesloh, Institute for Technological Innovation and Research at Florida Gulf Coast University & OCSO Captain Steve Hougland, Ph.D.
See also - http://www.taser.com/SavingLives/index.htm
Dr. Charlie Mesloh, Institute for Technological Innovation and Research at Florida Gulf Coast University & OCSO Captain Steve Hougland, Ph.D.
See also - http://www.taser.com/SavingLives/index.htm
Taser technology review & interim recommendations / [Canada] Sep 2004
http://www.opcc.bc.ca/Reports/TASER%20Report%20-%20photos.pdf
Prison alternatives : editorial / Herald, 13 Dec 2004
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/29617.html
"Crime rates have fallen but the prison population continues to rise. The trend belongs in an upside-down world where logic is gloriously defied. Unfortunately, the trend is real and it occurs in modern Scotland."
The Prison Population - http://www.sacro.org.uk/research/coulsfieldinquiry.pdf
"Crime rates have fallen but the prison population continues to rise. The trend belongs in an upside-down world where logic is gloriously defied. Unfortunately, the trend is real and it occurs in modern Scotland."
The Prison Population - http://www.sacro.org.uk/research/coulsfieldinquiry.pdf
Dutch ban terror groups on EU blacklist / Expatica Netherlands, 7 Dec 2004
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=13&story_id=14783&name=Dutch+ban+terror+groups+on+EU+blacklist
The Netherlands plans to ban all terrorist groups listed on the European Union's blacklist. Active involvement with such groups will be a criminal offence. The groups on the blacklist include the PKK (Kurdish Workers Party, now called Kongra-Gel), the Palestinian group Hamas, the Islamicist organisation Al-Takfir, the Muslim Al-Aqsa Nederland foundation, and the Marxist New Peoples Army (NPA) of the Philippines. Other foreign groups can also be declared by a court to be operating in breach of public order, the government said.
The Netherlands plans to ban all terrorist groups listed on the European Union's blacklist. Active involvement with such groups will be a criminal offence. The groups on the blacklist include the PKK (Kurdish Workers Party, now called Kongra-Gel), the Palestinian group Hamas, the Islamicist organisation Al-Takfir, the Muslim Al-Aqsa Nederland foundation, and the Marxist New Peoples Army (NPA) of the Philippines. Other foreign groups can also be declared by a court to be operating in breach of public order, the government said.
MPs slam integration plan for Dutch people / Expatica Netherlands, 6 Dec 2004
"Almost all political parties in the Dutch Parliament have strongly criticised government plans to force Dutch people with a low education to undergo integration courses. And while the CDA praised Verdonk for seeking methods to obligate immigrants to integrate, the party labelled her plans to force Dutch natives to also undergo integration into society as "nonsense". It said the minister's energies should be focused on immigrants. Studies indicated in October that forcing permanent dual national immigrants to undergo Dutch language classes breaches the principle of equality."
Who are you and can you prove it? / Expatica Netherlands,
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=13&story_id=14905&name=Who+are+you+andcan+you+prove+it%3F
Mindy Ran
"The 'Identificatieplicht' is the latest step in a major government campaign to tackle a range of crime, public disturbance and truancy problems in the Netherlands."
Mindy Ran
"The 'Identificatieplicht' is the latest step in a major government campaign to tackle a range of crime, public disturbance and truancy problems in the Netherlands."
Methodist church backs religious hatred bill / Ekklesia, 13 Dec 2004
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_041213rh.shtml
"In the face of opposition from a number of conservative Christian groups, the Methodist Church has publicly backed Government proposals to outlaw actions which incite religious hatred."
"In the face of opposition from a number of conservative Christian groups, the Methodist Church has publicly backed Government proposals to outlaw actions which incite religious hatred."
Church group expresses concern over global recruitment of migrant workers / Ekklesia, 14 Dec 2004
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_041214mig.shtml
"A Church group has expressed concern about "global recruitment" to meet the needs of rich nations and called on the Government to work within the EU for the ratification of the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers."
"A Church group has expressed concern about "global recruitment" to meet the needs of rich nations and called on the Government to work within the EU for the ratification of the 1990 International Convention on the Protection of Migrant Workers."
Annual report 2004: the state of the drugs problem in the European Union and Norway
http://annualreport.emcdda.eu.int/en/home-en.html
Drug facts, figures and analyses: across Europe and by country. Latest trends and social, legal and political responses. Selected issues: evaluation of national drug strategies; cannabis problems in context; co-morbidity.
PDF - http://annualreport.emcdda.eu.int/download/ar2004-en.pdf
Drug facts, figures and analyses: across Europe and by country. Latest trends and social, legal and political responses. Selected issues: evaluation of national drug strategies; cannabis problems in context; co-morbidity.
PDF - http://annualreport.emcdda.eu.int/download/ar2004-en.pdf
Monday, December 13, 2004
Cellphone sniffs out dirty bombs / New Scientist, 9 Dec 2004
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996766
"A smart phone that can detect radiation may soon be helping the police to find the raw materials for radioactive “dirty bombs” before they are deployed. The phones will glean data as the officers carrying them go about their daily business, and the information will be used to draw up maps of radiation that will expose illicit stores of nuclear material."
"A smart phone that can detect radiation may soon be helping the police to find the raw materials for radioactive “dirty bombs” before they are deployed. The phones will glean data as the officers carrying them go about their daily business, and the information will be used to draw up maps of radiation that will expose illicit stores of nuclear material."
State of Prisons Is A Scandal, Say Bishops / the Scotsman, 9 Dec 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3863725
Laura Scott and David Barrett
"Radical reforms are needed to rectify the “scandalous” state of prisons across the nation, a report said. Prisons in England and Wales are used as society’s “dustbin” and “are becoming a public disgrace”, Catholic bishops warned in the report."
A place of Redemption - The full text of this document will be available at http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/resource/resource_home.htm after Easter 2005.
Laura Scott and David Barrett
"Radical reforms are needed to rectify the “scandalous” state of prisons across the nation, a report said. Prisons in England and Wales are used as society’s “dustbin” and “are becoming a public disgrace”, Catholic bishops warned in the report."
A place of Redemption - The full text of this document will be available at http://www.catholic-ew.org.uk/resource/resource_home.htm after Easter 2005.
'No surprise' over group rape findings / Expatica Netherlands,
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=19&story_id=14870&name='No+surprise'+over+group+rape+findings
"Research indicating high involvement by minorities in a sample study of group rape and sex offences committed by teens in the Netherlands was "not surprising" given the findings of studies conducted into other crimes. The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement said earlier this week that an estimated 200 teens are registered with justice authorities each year for a group sex offence. This is a third of the total number of youth sex cases registered each year."
"Research indicating high involvement by minorities in a sample study of group rape and sex offences committed by teens in the Netherlands was "not surprising" given the findings of studies conducted into other crimes. The Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement said earlier this week that an estimated 200 teens are registered with justice authorities each year for a group sex offence. This is a third of the total number of youth sex cases registered each year."
Slow Start for Britain's First Community Judge / The Scotsman, 9 Dec 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3865051
"The new Community Justice Centre in Liverpool is based on a scheme in New York, and has been heralded by the government as a way to increase public confidence in the justice system as well as reducing crime. The centre is a joint project between the Home Office, the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Crown Prosecution Service. It is closely based on Red Hook Community Justice Centre in New York, which Home Secretary David Blunkett visited in 2003. Red Hook was credited with helping to clean up New York’s image when it opened more than 10 years ago."
"The new Community Justice Centre in Liverpool is based on a scheme in New York, and has been heralded by the government as a way to increase public confidence in the justice system as well as reducing crime. The centre is a joint project between the Home Office, the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Crown Prosecution Service. It is closely based on Red Hook Community Justice Centre in New York, which Home Secretary David Blunkett visited in 2003. Red Hook was credited with helping to clean up New York’s image when it opened more than 10 years ago."
US warns of terrorist laser attack on planes / Sydney Morning Herald, 10 Dec 2004
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/12/10/1102625517907.html
"Terrorists may seek to down aircraft by shining powerful lasers into cockpits to blind pilots during landing approaches, according to an official US warning. The memo sent by the FBI and the Homeland Security Department says there is evidence that terrorists have explored using lasers as weapons, though there is no specific intelligence indicating al-Qaeda or other groups might use lasers in the United States."
"Terrorists may seek to down aircraft by shining powerful lasers into cockpits to blind pilots during landing approaches, according to an official US warning. The memo sent by the FBI and the Homeland Security Department says there is evidence that terrorists have explored using lasers as weapons, though there is no specific intelligence indicating al-Qaeda or other groups might use lasers in the United States."
The deterrent effect of capital punishment: A review of the research evidence / [Australia] BOCSAR, 2004
http://www.lawlink.nsw.gov.au/bocsar1.nsf/files/CJB84.pdf/$file/CJB84.pdf
Marine terror attack plan to spark global crisis / Daily Mail, 10 Dec 2004
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=330232&in_page_id=1770
"Al Qaeda is set to stage a waterborne September 11-style attack in the next 12 months, UK security experts are claiming.
The terror "spectacular" would not even have to succeed to throw the global economy into chaos. Simply capturing a ship on the key Red Sea route between Europe and Asia could cause a world trade crisis."
"Al Qaeda is set to stage a waterborne September 11-style attack in the next 12 months, UK security experts are claiming.
The terror "spectacular" would not even have to succeed to throw the global economy into chaos. Simply capturing a ship on the key Red Sea route between Europe and Asia could cause a world trade crisis."
Britons call for curbs on migration / Sydney Morning Herald, 11 Dec 2004
http://www.smh.com.au/news/World/Britons-call-for-curbs-on-migration/2004/12/10/1102625537541.html
"Nearly three-quarters of British people believe there are too many immigrants coming into the country, an opinion poll published yesterday found. A survey carried out for The Economist suggests that record levels of immigration are now the principal concern of voters, ahead of public services, crime and terrorism."
"Nearly three-quarters of British people believe there are too many immigrants coming into the country, an opinion poll published yesterday found. A survey carried out for The Economist suggests that record levels of immigration are now the principal concern of voters, ahead of public services, crime and terrorism."
Are asylum laws working? / BBC, 10 Dec 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/talking_point/4084905.stm
Are the asylum laws working? Has there been an asylum crisis in Britain or has the issue been influenced by negative media reporting? Is enough being done to help genuine refugees? How does Britain compare with other European countries?
Comments reflecting the balance of opinion the BBC has received.
Are the asylum laws working? Has there been an asylum crisis in Britain or has the issue been influenced by negative media reporting? Is enough being done to help genuine refugees? How does Britain compare with other European countries?
Comments reflecting the balance of opinion the BBC has received.
British immigration checks discriminatory - House of Lords / Romani Voda, 9 Dec 2004
http://www.romea.cz/english/index.php?id=servis/z_en_2004_0195
The British judiciary has decided that during immigration checks at Prague's Ruzyne airport the British government exposed Romanies from the Czech Republic who intended to travel to Britain to racial discrimination, according to the conclusion by the House of Lords judicial committee.
The checks were carried out at the Prague Ruzyne airport from July 2001 by British immigration officials who sought to lower the number of asylum seekers in Britain, especially applicants from the ranks of Czech Romanies.
In 2002, the British human rights organisation Liberty lodged a complaint against the checks on behalf of six anonymous complainers and the European Centre for Roma Rights. A first instance court has rejected the complaint. An appeals court, however, arrived at the conclusion that the regulations practically certainly discriminated against Romanies, but it described the discrimination as justifiable because at that time there was a higher probability in the case of Romanies that they would ask for asylum in Britain than in the case of other persons.
The British judiciary has decided that during immigration checks at Prague's Ruzyne airport the British government exposed Romanies from the Czech Republic who intended to travel to Britain to racial discrimination, according to the conclusion by the House of Lords judicial committee.
The checks were carried out at the Prague Ruzyne airport from July 2001 by British immigration officials who sought to lower the number of asylum seekers in Britain, especially applicants from the ranks of Czech Romanies.
In 2002, the British human rights organisation Liberty lodged a complaint against the checks on behalf of six anonymous complainers and the European Centre for Roma Rights. A first instance court has rejected the complaint. An appeals court, however, arrived at the conclusion that the regulations practically certainly discriminated against Romanies, but it described the discrimination as justifiable because at that time there was a higher probability in the case of Romanies that they would ask for asylum in Britain than in the case of other persons.
Prison officers tried to separate inmates from different backgrounds at a jail which witnessed a racist killing, an inquiry has heard. / BBC, 10 Dec 2
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4086531.stm
"Prison officers tried to separate inmates from different backgrounds at a jail which witnessed a racist killing, an inquiry has heard. A senior Feltham officer said before the murder of Zahid Mubarek staff had thought the policy would stop clashes. But Keith Greenslade said officers had a "naive" view of racism at the west London young offenders' institution. And he added an officer could have deliberately housed a racist with a black or Asian prisoner."
"Prison officers tried to separate inmates from different backgrounds at a jail which witnessed a racist killing, an inquiry has heard. A senior Feltham officer said before the murder of Zahid Mubarek staff had thought the policy would stop clashes. But Keith Greenslade said officers had a "naive" view of racism at the west London young offenders' institution. And he added an officer could have deliberately housed a racist with a black or Asian prisoner."
Police given computer spy powers / [Australia] Sydney Morning Herald,
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/12/12/1102786954590.html
Rob O'Neill
2Federal and state police now have the power to use computer spyware to gather evidence in a broad range of investigations after legal changes last week. The Surveillance Devices Act allows police to obtain a warrant to use software surveillance technologies, including systems that track and log keystrokes on a computer keyboard. The law applies to the Australian Federal Police and to state police investigating Commonwealth offences."
Rob O'Neill
2Federal and state police now have the power to use computer spyware to gather evidence in a broad range of investigations after legal changes last week. The Surveillance Devices Act allows police to obtain a warrant to use software surveillance technologies, including systems that track and log keystrokes on a computer keyboard. The law applies to the Australian Federal Police and to state police investigating Commonwealth offences."
Lancashire Constabulary gives 250 officers phone PDAs in mobile data trial / Public Technology, 13 Dec 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2217
Lancashire Constabulary has launched one of the UK’s largest police hand-held mobile data trials. 250 police officers and 30 support staff – the entire Lancashire Central Division – will be equipped with O2 Xda II pocket computers from which they can quickly and easily access a host of information sources. In a pre-trial, the process of a missing person report was reduced from two hours to 20 minutes. It is hoped that access to mobile data will enable officers to be more efficient and effective, including spending around an hour per shift longer in the community rather than at the police station.
Lancashire Constabulary has launched one of the UK’s largest police hand-held mobile data trials. 250 police officers and 30 support staff – the entire Lancashire Central Division – will be equipped with O2 Xda II pocket computers from which they can quickly and easily access a host of information sources. In a pre-trial, the process of a missing person report was reduced from two hours to 20 minutes. It is hoped that access to mobile data will enable officers to be more efficient and effective, including spending around an hour per shift longer in the community rather than at the police station.
Tenet warns of terrorists combining physical, telecommunications attacks / GovExec, Dec 2004
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1204/120104c1.htm
Chris Strohm
Former CIA Director George Tenet last week said greater government regulation of the Internet and telecommunications networks is needed in order to guard against terrorist attacks. The U.S. intelligence community needs to consider how terrorists might attempt to couple an attack on telecommunication networks with a physical attack.
Chris Strohm
Former CIA Director George Tenet last week said greater government regulation of the Internet and telecommunications networks is needed in order to guard against terrorist attacks. The U.S. intelligence community needs to consider how terrorists might attempt to couple an attack on telecommunication networks with a physical attack.
Transforming School Culture: An Update /
http://www.safersanerschools.org/library/sssupdate.html
Laura Mirsky
"The IIRP's SaferSanerSchools program has grown considerably since its
initial pilot projects and is training schools in restorative
practices all over the world. This article describes how restorative practices are
being implemented at three diverse school districts and relates the
ways in which administrators, teachers and students have benefited."
PDF - http://www.safersanerschools.org/library/sssupdate.html
Laura Mirsky
"The IIRP's SaferSanerSchools program has grown considerably since its
initial pilot projects and is training schools in restorative
practices all over the world. This article describes how restorative practices are
being implemented at three diverse school districts and relates the
ways in which administrators, teachers and students have benefited."
PDF - http://www.safersanerschools.org/library/sssupdate.html
The Pro-Am Revolution : How enthusiasts are changing our economy and society / Demos, 2004
http://www.demos.co.uk/proamrevolutionfinal_pdf_media_public.aspx
Charles Leadbeater, Paul Miller
Pro-Ams are committed, networked amateurs working to professional standards. Documents the rise of 'serious leisure' as more people commit time, energy and expertise to a widening area of activities, from acting to astronomy. The ‘Pro-Ams revolution’ will change the way we think about work and leisure. For Pro-Ams, leisure is not passive consumerism but active and participatory, it involves the deployment of publicly accredited knowledge and skills, often built up over a long career, which has involved sacrifices and frustrations. The 20th century witnessed the rise of professionals in medicine, science, education, and politics. In one field after another, amateurs and their ramshackle organisations were driven out by people who knew what they were doing and had certificates to prove it.
Charles Leadbeater, Paul Miller
Pro-Ams are committed, networked amateurs working to professional standards. Documents the rise of 'serious leisure' as more people commit time, energy and expertise to a widening area of activities, from acting to astronomy. The ‘Pro-Ams revolution’ will change the way we think about work and leisure. For Pro-Ams, leisure is not passive consumerism but active and participatory, it involves the deployment of publicly accredited knowledge and skills, often built up over a long career, which has involved sacrifices and frustrations. The 20th century witnessed the rise of professionals in medicine, science, education, and politics. In one field after another, amateurs and their ramshackle organisations were driven out by people who knew what they were doing and had certificates to prove it.
Dream On : Sleep in the 24/7 society / Demos, 2004
http://www.demos.co.uk/dreamon_pdf_media_public.aspx
Charles Leadbeater
"In a 24/7 society the lack of sleep is affecting our work and family
lives. By helping us to sleep more, government and employers can help us
to lead a happier, more productive life."
Charles Leadbeater
"In a 24/7 society the lack of sleep is affecting our work and family
lives. By helping us to sleep more, government and employers can help us
to lead a happier, more productive life."
Disorganisation : Why future organisations must 'loosen up' / Demos, 2004
http://www.demos.co.uk/Disorganisationfinal_pdf_media_public.aspx
Paul Miller, Paul Skidmore
"Employees want more human organisations with greater autonomy and
flexibility. To keep their best staff employers will have to
‘disorganise’."
Paul Miller, Paul Skidmore
"Employees want more human organisations with greater autonomy and
flexibility. To keep their best staff employers will have to
‘disorganise’."
Thursday, December 09, 2004
Passports go electronic with new microchip / Christian Science Monitor, 9 Dec 2004
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1209/p12s01-stct.html?s=hns
Susan Llewelyn Leach
"The US passport is about to go electronic, with a tiny microchip embedded in its cover. Along with digitized pictures, holograms, security ink, and 'ghost' photos - all security features added since 2002 - the chip is the latest outpost in the battle to outwit tamperers. But it's also one that worries privacy advocates.
The RFID (radio frequency identification) chip in each passport will contain the same personal data as now appear on the inside pages - name, date of birth, place of birth, issuing office - and a digitized version of the photo. But the 64K chip will be read remotely. And there's the rub"
Susan Llewelyn Leach
"The US passport is about to go electronic, with a tiny microchip embedded in its cover. Along with digitized pictures, holograms, security ink, and 'ghost' photos - all security features added since 2002 - the chip is the latest outpost in the battle to outwit tamperers. But it's also one that worries privacy advocates.
The RFID (radio frequency identification) chip in each passport will contain the same personal data as now appear on the inside pages - name, date of birth, place of birth, issuing office - and a digitized version of the photo. But the 64K chip will be read remotely. And there's the rub"
Think tank survey claims 81% support UK ID cards / The Register, 8 Dec 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/08/reform_id_survey/
John Lettice
"A survey carried out for the think tank Reform claims 81 per cent of the British public favour the introduction of compulsory ID cards, with 29 per cent thinking it would be a very good idea, and 52 per cent a good idea. The survey, of 1,022 adults, was carried out by ICM between 1st and 2nd December, and reflects the largely non fact-based public viewpoint that cards are harmless, would tackle terror, fraud and illegal immigration, and 'what have you got to hide anyway?'
The survey does however signpost several vulnerabilities of the scheme, the 'Madrid' factor and cost, and as the public grasps the full significance of the National Identity Register, this could present a third problem. "
Survey Results - http://www.icmresearch.co.uk/reviews/2004/Reform%20-%20ID%20cards/reform-id-cards-dec-04.asp
John Lettice
"A survey carried out for the think tank Reform claims 81 per cent of the British public favour the introduction of compulsory ID cards, with 29 per cent thinking it would be a very good idea, and 52 per cent a good idea. The survey, of 1,022 adults, was carried out by ICM between 1st and 2nd December, and reflects the largely non fact-based public viewpoint that cards are harmless, would tackle terror, fraud and illegal immigration, and 'what have you got to hide anyway?'
The survey does however signpost several vulnerabilities of the scheme, the 'Madrid' factor and cost, and as the public grasps the full significance of the National Identity Register, this could present a third problem. "
Survey Results - http://www.icmresearch.co.uk/reviews/2004/Reform%20-%20ID%20cards/reform-id-cards-dec-04.asp
State weighs new crystal laws / [USA] New York Blade Online, 3 Dec 2004
http://www.newyorkblade.com/2004/12-3/news/localnews/state.cfm
Mike Lavers
"As state and city officials and local health organizations continue to grapple with how to stop the increasing popularity of crystal methamphetamines among gay men, some public policy officials have renewed calls for more stringent drug laws. These laws, according to their supporters, would specifically target manufacturers and distributors of crystal meth. "
Mike Lavers
"As state and city officials and local health organizations continue to grapple with how to stop the increasing popularity of crystal methamphetamines among gay men, some public policy officials have renewed calls for more stringent drug laws. These laws, according to their supporters, would specifically target manufacturers and distributors of crystal meth. "
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Justice Dept. Begins Study of Safety of the Taser Electric Gun / New York times, 7 Dec 2004
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/07/business/07taser.html?oref=login
Alex Berenson
"A spokeswoman for the Justice Department said that it neither encouraged nor discouraged police departments in buying Tasers but that it had begun to study their safety and effectiveness. The department has financed a study at the University of Wisconsin to determine how electrical currents move through the body, as well as a study at Wake Forest to examine injuries caused by Tasers and similar weapons in real-life situations. "
Alex Berenson
"A spokeswoman for the Justice Department said that it neither encouraged nor discouraged police departments in buying Tasers but that it had begun to study their safety and effectiveness. The department has financed a study at the University of Wisconsin to determine how electrical currents move through the body, as well as a study at Wake Forest to examine injuries caused by Tasers and similar weapons in real-life situations. "
Gang members, survivors work toward peace / Christian Science Monitor, 8 Dec 2004
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1208/p02s01-ussc.html?s=hns
Sara B. Miller
"He is a former gang member, with bullet wounds for scars and a criminal record that follows him wherever he goes.
She is a mother, whose son died in gang crossfire one winter afternoon in 1993 as the 15-year-old headed to a party sponsored by Teens Against Gang Violence. the two have begun working together - she with victims of homicide, he with former and current gang members - to reduce violence by generating dialogue and fostering self-esteem in the community."
Sara B. Miller
"He is a former gang member, with bullet wounds for scars and a criminal record that follows him wherever he goes.
She is a mother, whose son died in gang crossfire one winter afternoon in 1993 as the 15-year-old headed to a party sponsored by Teens Against Gang Violence. the two have begun working together - she with victims of homicide, he with former and current gang members - to reduce violence by generating dialogue and fostering self-esteem in the community."
Criminal lineups get a makeover | Christian Science Monitor, 8 Dec 2004
http://www.csmonitor.com/2004/1208/p11s01-usju.html?s=hns
Randy Dotinga
"Despite eternal questions about the reliability of memory, criminal lineups remain a mainstay of American justice: Witnesses peer at a handful of potential suspects - sometimes in photographs, sometimes in person - and try to pick out the culprit.
But in a small but growing number of jurisdictions, the traditional lineup is undergoing a makeover. Armed with academic studies, defense lawyers and university researchers say the current system, which confronts witnesses with several potential suspects at once, is rigged against the innocent."
Randy Dotinga
"Despite eternal questions about the reliability of memory, criminal lineups remain a mainstay of American justice: Witnesses peer at a handful of potential suspects - sometimes in photographs, sometimes in person - and try to pick out the culprit.
But in a small but growing number of jurisdictions, the traditional lineup is undergoing a makeover. Armed with academic studies, defense lawyers and university researchers say the current system, which confronts witnesses with several potential suspects at once, is rigged against the innocent."
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
'Soft options' for criminals savaged / Scotsman, 6 Dec 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=1395222004
Andrew Denholm
Key points
� New strategy based on community service instead of prison sentences
� Critics hit out at plans for training camps for offenders
� More use of electronic tagging proposed for wider range of offences
Key quote
'The prison service is operating the same system which has been going for centuries. There is no attempt to get to know prisoners or deal with their problems on a personal level. The attitude is still very much 'us' and 'them'' - Billy McOwen, reformed offender
Story in full SCOTTISH Executive proposals to allow more burglars, car thieves and other criminals to escape jail in favour of community rehabilitation were yesterday branded a 'green light' for criminals. "
Andrew Denholm
Key points
� New strategy based on community service instead of prison sentences
� Critics hit out at plans for training camps for offenders
� More use of electronic tagging proposed for wider range of offences
Key quote
'The prison service is operating the same system which has been going for centuries. There is no attempt to get to know prisoners or deal with their problems on a personal level. The attitude is still very much 'us' and 'them'' - Billy McOwen, reformed offender
Story in full SCOTTISH Executive proposals to allow more burglars, car thieves and other criminals to escape jail in favour of community rehabilitation were yesterday branded a 'green light' for criminals. "
Monday, December 06, 2004
Tighten laws to curb illegal immigration, says new study / Khaleej Times, 5 Dec 2004
http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/theuae/2004/December/theuae_December100.xml§ion=theuae
Muawia E. Ibrahim
"The study, titled "Legal Aspects of Deportation in the UAE", addressed the issue of economic and financial effects of deportation of infiltrators saying that these illegal immigrants constitute a heavy burden on national economy. "The law allows detention of any foreigner against whom a deportation order is issued for a period not exceeding two weeks. As Article 83 of the law permits the Ministry of Interior to bear the expense of deporting any foreigner from the country, the government caters to all expense related to this issue including accommodation and return tickets for some of these illegal immigrants, the study said."
Muawia E. Ibrahim
"The study, titled "Legal Aspects of Deportation in the UAE", addressed the issue of economic and financial effects of deportation of infiltrators saying that these illegal immigrants constitute a heavy burden on national economy. "The law allows detention of any foreigner against whom a deportation order is issued for a period not exceeding two weeks. As Article 83 of the law permits the Ministry of Interior to bear the expense of deporting any foreigner from the country, the government caters to all expense related to this issue including accommodation and return tickets for some of these illegal immigrants, the study said."
Immigration reform crucial to security /- The Washington Times, 5 Dec 2004
http://washingtontimes.com/commentary/20041205-123308-1292r.htm
Elton Gallegly
"If the intelligence reform bill has any chance of passage when Congress returns to the Capitol this week, it must meet all the goals outlined by the September 11 commission's comprehensive report, not just the few selected by the Senate. Specifically, it will have to address illegal immigration as a national security threat.
'The challenge for national security in an age of terrorism is to prevent the very few people who may pose overwhelming risks from entering or remaining in the United States undetected,' the September 11 commissioners wrote. "
Elton Gallegly
"If the intelligence reform bill has any chance of passage when Congress returns to the Capitol this week, it must meet all the goals outlined by the September 11 commission's comprehensive report, not just the few selected by the Senate. Specifically, it will have to address illegal immigration as a national security threat.
'The challenge for national security in an age of terrorism is to prevent the very few people who may pose overwhelming risks from entering or remaining in the United States undetected,' the September 11 commissioners wrote. "
Sunday, December 05, 2004
Dad offers ‘Spikey’ to foil date rape drugs / Daily Times , 13 Nov 2004
Daily Times - Site Edition
A dedicated British father has come up with a new way to keep his daughter safe from “spikers” — a glow-in-the-dark plastic stopper which keeps date rapists from dropping drugs into drinks. “Spikey” can be placed at the head of a bottle, leaving only enough room for a straw and sealing off its contents from the addition of any liquid, powder or tablet drug. Drink-spiking, usually linked to date rape, is seen as a growing problem in Britain.
A dedicated British father has come up with a new way to keep his daughter safe from “spikers” — a glow-in-the-dark plastic stopper which keeps date rapists from dropping drugs into drinks. “Spikey” can be placed at the head of a bottle, leaving only enough room for a straw and sealing off its contents from the addition of any liquid, powder or tablet drug. Drink-spiking, usually linked to date rape, is seen as a growing problem in Britain.
Police expand use of Taser / [USA] Arizon Republic, 11 Nov 2004
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/1107tasermain07.html
Robert Anglen
"An Arizona Republic analysis of police reports of Taser-related incidents from 2003 found that Phoenix police were far more likely to use the stun guns to make someone obey orders at a traffic stop than to bring down an armed robber.
Officers used Tasers repeatedly last year as compliance tools, to avoid chases and physical confrontations. The officers shocked people who made threatening gestures, tried to run away or would not follow commands to raise hands, turn around or lie on the ground.
With medical examiners finding that Tasers may have played a role in the deaths of eight people around the country, ethical, legal and procedural concerns are being raised about the guns' use in situations involving drunken drivers, shoplifters, family fights and the mentally ill. At the heart of many of these concerns is the potential liability for a police department or city in an expensive wrongful-death suit."
Robert Anglen
"An Arizona Republic analysis of police reports of Taser-related incidents from 2003 found that Phoenix police were far more likely to use the stun guns to make someone obey orders at a traffic stop than to bring down an armed robber.
Officers used Tasers repeatedly last year as compliance tools, to avoid chases and physical confrontations. The officers shocked people who made threatening gestures, tried to run away or would not follow commands to raise hands, turn around or lie on the ground.
With medical examiners finding that Tasers may have played a role in the deaths of eight people around the country, ethical, legal and procedural concerns are being raised about the guns' use in situations involving drunken drivers, shoplifters, family fights and the mentally ill. At the heart of many of these concerns is the potential liability for a police department or city in an expensive wrongful-death suit."
he war on drugs is ‘lost’ / The Malta Independent Daily, 7 Nov 2004
http://www.independent.com.mt/daily/newsview.asp?id=28565
Addictive Substance Abuse
Juan Ameen
"Former Interpol chief Raymond Kendall has admitted that drug prohibition has failed; in fact he claimed that it has made things worse. In an article in French newspaper Le Monde, Kendall declared the war on drugs lost and said that enforcement policies had failed to protect the world from drugs. The only effective solution was 'harm reduction'. In 2008, the UN drug conventions policy renewal will take place and Kendall called for Europe to take the lead in a reform policy that has never been seen before. "
Addictive Substance Abuse
Juan Ameen
"Former Interpol chief Raymond Kendall has admitted that drug prohibition has failed; in fact he claimed that it has made things worse. In an article in French newspaper Le Monde, Kendall declared the war on drugs lost and said that enforcement policies had failed to protect the world from drugs. The only effective solution was 'harm reduction'. In 2008, the UN drug conventions policy renewal will take place and Kendall called for Europe to take the lead in a reform policy that has never been seen before. "
SAN JOSE / Study finds taser used on more white arrestees / [USA] SFGate, 4 Dec 2004
http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/12/04/BAGI0A6AJO1.DTL
"A six-month San Jose police study released Friday shows white arrestees are more likely to be zapped with Taser stun guns and also raises concerns by civil rights advocates that Hispanics and blacks were being arrested and 'Tased' disproportionate to their representation in the population.
However, several civil libertarians praised San Jose police Chief Robert Davis for publicly tracking the race and age of suspects who were subdued with Tasers after the department became one of the first major departments in the country to arm all 800 patrol officers with stun guns. "
"A six-month San Jose police study released Friday shows white arrestees are more likely to be zapped with Taser stun guns and also raises concerns by civil rights advocates that Hispanics and blacks were being arrested and 'Tased' disproportionate to their representation in the population.
However, several civil libertarians praised San Jose police Chief Robert Davis for publicly tracking the race and age of suspects who were subdued with Tasers after the department became one of the first major departments in the country to arm all 800 patrol officers with stun guns. "
'If they carry on offending the only place for them is prison' / Telegraph,
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/12/04/nmet104.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/12/04/ixnewstop.html
"The outgoing Met chief tells John Steele that his force will not turn a blind eye to street yobbism.
Britain's record prison population will have to rise over several years as police meet the public demand for a tougher approach to crime and drunken louts, said Sir John Stevens, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
He said Scotland Yard was considering asking for a Home Office prison ship on the Thames to provide cell space because the Met cannot house all those it is arresting."
"The outgoing Met chief tells John Steele that his force will not turn a blind eye to street yobbism.
Britain's record prison population will have to rise over several years as police meet the public demand for a tougher approach to crime and drunken louts, said Sir John Stevens, the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.
He said Scotland Yard was considering asking for a Home Office prison ship on the Thames to provide cell space because the Met cannot house all those it is arresting."
Minister to investigate missing airport uniforms / CBC News, 4 Dec 2004
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/12/04/airport-security041204.html
National & International Security
"More than 1,000 uniforms and parts of uniforms were lost or stolen, and nearly 100 security badges went missing over a nine-month period, CBC News reported after uncovering documents from the federal agency responsible for making air travel safe"
National & International Security
"More than 1,000 uniforms and parts of uniforms were lost or stolen, and nearly 100 security badges went missing over a nine-month period, CBC News reported after uncovering documents from the federal agency responsible for making air travel safe"
Saturday, December 04, 2004
Study Highlights Need for Integrated Counseling for Women / Join together, 3 Dec 2004
http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/alerts/reader/0%2C1854%2C575315%2C00.html
Domestic Abuse
"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today released study findings showing that women with mental and substance abuse disorders and histories of violence (trauma) can improve when treated with counseling that addresses all three of their service needs. Women who have a voice in their own treatment report better outcomes than women who do not."
Domestic Abuse
"The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) today released study findings showing that women with mental and substance abuse disorders and histories of violence (trauma) can improve when treated with counseling that addresses all three of their service needs. Women who have a voice in their own treatment report better outcomes than women who do not."
Fifteen Years of Guidelines Sentencing: / U.S. Sentencing Commission, Nov 2004
An Assessment of How Well the Federal Criminal Justice System Is Achieving the Goals of Sentencing Reform
http://www.ussc.gov/15_year/15year.htm
"This study is a comprehensive review of the research literature and sentencing data to assess how well the guidelines have achieved the goals for sentencing reform established by Congress in the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. These goals include increased certainty and transparency of sentences, increased severity of sentences for certain types of serious crimes, and reduced sentencing disparity, including racial and ethnic disparity"
http://www.ussc.gov/15_year/15year.htm
"This study is a comprehensive review of the research literature and sentencing data to assess how well the guidelines have achieved the goals for sentencing reform established by Congress in the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. These goals include increased certainty and transparency of sentences, increased severity of sentences for certain types of serious crimes, and reduced sentencing disparity, including racial and ethnic disparity"
Mass. Gets Electronic Gun Fingerprinting / [USA] The New York Times, 2 Dec 2004
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/business/AP-Guns-Fingerprints.html?oref=login&oref=login
"With a quick electronic scan of a fingerprint, gun shop owners in Massachusetts will know immediately if a customer is eligible to buy a weapon, using a system that officials say is the first of its kind in the nation.
The Massachusetts Instant Record Check System, developed over the past six years with nearly $7 million in technology grant money, will be in place in all police departments and gun shops across the state by next summer. It is currently operating in three shops and about 140 police departments."
"With a quick electronic scan of a fingerprint, gun shop owners in Massachusetts will know immediately if a customer is eligible to buy a weapon, using a system that officials say is the first of its kind in the nation.
The Massachusetts Instant Record Check System, developed over the past six years with nearly $7 million in technology grant money, will be in place in all police departments and gun shops across the state by next summer. It is currently operating in three shops and about 140 police departments."
Net no crime haven: study / Sydney Morning Herald, 3 Dec 2004
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Breaking/Net-no-crime-haven-study/2004/12/03/1101923302068.html
"The internet may not be the haven for high tech crime that it seems, an Australian criminologist believes.
Though solving these crimes may seem akin to achieving world peace, Australian Institute of Criminology director Russell Smith said significant steps had already been taken.
However, computer crime remains technically difficult to investigate and there were many unresolved legal and practical problems.
In a paper released by the institute yesterday, Dr Smith outlined seven barriers to the successful investigation of cross-border high tech crime."
"The internet may not be the haven for high tech crime that it seems, an Australian criminologist believes.
Though solving these crimes may seem akin to achieving world peace, Australian Institute of Criminology director Russell Smith said significant steps had already been taken.
However, computer crime remains technically difficult to investigate and there were many unresolved legal and practical problems.
In a paper released by the institute yesterday, Dr Smith outlined seven barriers to the successful investigation of cross-border high tech crime."
Risk assessment by mental health professionals and the prevention of future violent behaviour [CRC funded reports]
http://www.aic.gov.au/crc/reports/200001-18.pdf
Bernadette McSherry
"The report examines the current legal and ethical background to risk assessment for the purpose of preventing future serious injury to others. It outlines the development of the concepts of risk assessment and risk management and the different ways in which risk can be measured. It now appears that there is some degree of consensus that well-trained mental health professionals should be able to predict a patient's short term potential for violence."
Bernadette McSherry
"The report examines the current legal and ethical background to risk assessment for the purpose of preventing future serious injury to others. It outlines the development of the concepts of risk assessment and risk management and the different ways in which risk can be measured. It now appears that there is some degree of consensus that well-trained mental health professionals should be able to predict a patient's short term potential for violence."
Understanding male domestic partner abusers [T&I no. 283]
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi283t.html
Jeffrey C Richards, Angus J MacLachlan, Wayne Scott and Raeleene Gregory
ISBN 0 642 53852 2 ; ISSN 0817-8542
"Research in the past decade has found that certain ways of responding to domestic partner abusers, particularly psycho-educational approaches, can be effective in modifying abusive behaviours. The study described in this paper sought to classify male domestic partner abusers by certain identified characteristics and determine whether they responded differently to a Men's Behaviour Change Program conducted by community agencies in regional Victoria. It was found that some types of male abusers appeared to derive greater benefits from the standard 12-week program than others. Those with antisocial personality disorders tended not to respond favourably. Further research work is now required to identify interventions that will be successful with abusers who have significant antisocial personalities"
PDF - http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi283.pdf
Jeffrey C Richards, Angus J MacLachlan, Wayne Scott and Raeleene Gregory
ISBN 0 642 53852 2 ; ISSN 0817-8542
"Research in the past decade has found that certain ways of responding to domestic partner abusers, particularly psycho-educational approaches, can be effective in modifying abusive behaviours. The study described in this paper sought to classify male domestic partner abusers by certain identified characteristics and determine whether they responded differently to a Men's Behaviour Change Program conducted by community agencies in regional Victoria. It was found that some types of male abusers appeared to derive greater benefits from the standard 12-week program than others. Those with antisocial personality disorders tended not to respond favourably. Further research work is now required to identify interventions that will be successful with abusers who have significant antisocial personalities"
PDF - http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi283.pdf
Identification of characteristics and patterns of male domestic partner abusers [CRC funded reports]
http://www.aic.gov.au/crc/reports/200001-04.pdf
Jeffrey C Richards, Angus J MacLachlan, Wayne Scott and Raeleene Gregory
Criminology Research Council grant ; (4/00-01)
Jeffrey C Richards, Angus J MacLachlan, Wayne Scott and Raeleene Gregory
Criminology Research Council grant ; (4/00-01)
Criminal forfeiture and restriction-of-use orders in sentencing high tech offenders [T&I no. 286]
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi286t.html
Russell G Smith
ISBN 0 642 53855 7 ; ISSN 0817-8542
"Courts in the United States, Europe and Australia have in recent years experimented with sanctions which require the computer of an offender convicted of high tech crimes to be forfeited, or which seek to prohibit the offender from undertaking certain, or all, computer-related activities like possessing or using computers or gaining access to the internet. Some courts have also imposed requirements that the offender's computer activities be monitored by a probation officer or that the offender's computer have filtering software installed to prevent access to certain types of content. This paper considers whether such orders are legally and practically justifiable as appropriate judicial punishments."
PDF - http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi286.pdf
Russell G Smith
ISBN 0 642 53855 7 ; ISSN 0817-8542
"Courts in the United States, Europe and Australia have in recent years experimented with sanctions which require the computer of an offender convicted of high tech crimes to be forfeited, or which seek to prohibit the offender from undertaking certain, or all, computer-related activities like possessing or using computers or gaining access to the internet. Some courts have also imposed requirements that the offender's computer activities be monitored by a probation officer or that the offender's computer have filtering software installed to prevent access to certain types of content. This paper considers whether such orders are legally and practically justifiable as appropriate judicial punishments."
PDF - http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi286.pdf
Impediments to the successful investigation of transnational high tech crime [T&I no. 285]
http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi285t.html
Russell G Smith
ISBN 0 642 53848 4 ; ISSN 0817-8542
"This paper identifies a number of barriers to the effective investigation of high tech crime across borders, and offers some solutions that could be used to streamline future investigations in cyberspace."
PDF - http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi285.pdf
Russell G Smith
ISBN 0 642 53848 4 ; ISSN 0817-8542
"This paper identifies a number of barriers to the effective investigation of high tech crime across borders, and offers some solutions that could be used to streamline future investigations in cyberspace."
PDF - http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/tandi2/tandi285.pdf
Police should welcome geeks / Techworld, 3 December 2004
http://www.techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?NewsID=2742
Matthew Broersma
"The UK's system for handling cybercrime is overburdened, and one solution might be to draft in computer geeks as special constables, according to studies published this week.
The two reports are a collaboration between Europe-wide parliament-industry working group Eurim and UK think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), and are only the latest to recognise that the UK's criminal justice system is struggling to keep up with the international scope and sophistication of Internet-enabled crime. Eurim/IPPR studies from earlier this year recommended a new skills framework as well as help from the private sector.
The two papers published this week recommend bringing in IT experts as special constables, as well as the creation of streamlined and better-resourced ways of reporting crime and clearer guidance on security for enterprises and users. "
Reducing opportunities for e-cirme - http://www.eurim.org.uk/activities/ecrime/reducingops.doc
The Reporting of Cybercrime - http://www.eurim.org.uk/activities/ecrime/reporting.doc
Matthew Broersma
"The UK's system for handling cybercrime is overburdened, and one solution might be to draft in computer geeks as special constables, according to studies published this week.
The two reports are a collaboration between Europe-wide parliament-industry working group Eurim and UK think tank the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR), and are only the latest to recognise that the UK's criminal justice system is struggling to keep up with the international scope and sophistication of Internet-enabled crime. Eurim/IPPR studies from earlier this year recommended a new skills framework as well as help from the private sector.
The two papers published this week recommend bringing in IT experts as special constables, as well as the creation of streamlined and better-resourced ways of reporting crime and clearer guidance on security for enterprises and users. "
Reducing opportunities for e-cirme - http://www.eurim.org.uk/activities/ecrime/reducingops.doc
The Reporting of Cybercrime - http://www.eurim.org.uk/activities/ecrime/reporting.doc
Friday, December 03, 2004
Criminals 'should repay victims' / BBC News, 2 Dec 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4059763.stm
"Criminals should be forced to carry out more work to 'pay back' communities they harm, according to a report by a charity published on Thursday.
The �3m Rethinking Crime and Punishment (RCP) research project wants reforms including schemes where locals decide what community work offenders do.
'It is time for a radical rethink of crime and punishment,' spokesman Joe Levenson said.
The RCP report concludes: 'Pay back should be central to punishment.' "
Rethinking Crime & Punishment - The Report
http://www.rethinking.org.uk/informed/pdf/RCP%20The%20Report.pdf
"Criminals should be forced to carry out more work to 'pay back' communities they harm, according to a report by a charity published on Thursday.
The �3m Rethinking Crime and Punishment (RCP) research project wants reforms including schemes where locals decide what community work offenders do.
'It is time for a radical rethink of crime and punishment,' spokesman Joe Levenson said.
The RCP report concludes: 'Pay back should be central to punishment.' "
Rethinking Crime & Punishment - The Report
http://www.rethinking.org.uk/informed/pdf/RCP%20The%20Report.pdf
Women in prison / The-Tidings.com, 3 Dec 2004
http://www.the-tidings.com/2004/1203/prison.htm
Ellie Hidalgo
"Women comprise only seven percent of the state's prison population, and their needs are often ignored as California grapples with its much larger male population, say prison reform advocates.
About 80 percent of the nearly 11,000 women in California's state prisons are mothers, the majority single mothers. They struggle to find relatives to care for their children and yearn to maintain contact with them while serving their sentences. Inside prison, they do their utmost to maintain a sense of self-worth and dignity as women, despite what many say are humiliating and degrading prison policies. "
Ellie Hidalgo
"Women comprise only seven percent of the state's prison population, and their needs are often ignored as California grapples with its much larger male population, say prison reform advocates.
About 80 percent of the nearly 11,000 women in California's state prisons are mothers, the majority single mothers. They struggle to find relatives to care for their children and yearn to maintain contact with them while serving their sentences. Inside prison, they do their utmost to maintain a sense of self-worth and dignity as women, despite what many say are humiliating and degrading prison policies. "
It Is Policing But Not As We Know It / News Shopper, 2 Dec 2004
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/features/display.var.550950.0.it_is_policing_but_not_as_we_know_it.php
Linda Piper
"After pioneering safer neighbourhood policing and special constable recruiting, a new experiment is now under way in Bexley which could see the way Britain is policed radically altered. "
Linda Piper
"After pioneering safer neighbourhood policing and special constable recruiting, a new experiment is now under way in Bexley which could see the way Britain is policed radically altered. "
Toward safe and orderly schools - national study of delinquency prevention in schools / [USA]National Institute of Justice, Nov 2004
http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/205005.pdf
"Problem behavior is widespread and most common in urban areas and middle schools. Schools have adopted a large and diverse array of activities, curricular programs, and security measures, but many of these are unproven or poorly implemented. Key characteristics of successful programs and how schools can improve program quality and implementation are identified. "
"Problem behavior is widespread and most common in urban areas and middle schools. Schools have adopted a large and diverse array of activities, curricular programs, and security measures, but many of these are unproven or poorly implemented. Key characteristics of successful programs and how schools can improve program quality and implementation are identified. "
School Safety Resources / JustNet
http://www.nlectc.org/assistance/schoolsafety.html
"Events in recent years have shown that schools are not immune from violent critical incidents. The Internet resources gathered here are intended to assist law enforcement and school personnel with preparation, response, and resolution in regards to a school critical incident. Looks at preparation, response and resolution. "
"Events in recent years have shown that schools are not immune from violent critical incidents. The Internet resources gathered here are intended to assist law enforcement and school personnel with preparation, response, and resolution in regards to a school critical incident. Looks at preparation, response and resolution. "
ID cards 'to tie business up in red tape' / Financial Times, 2 Dec 2004
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/6a23b0ce-448d-11d9-9f6a-00000e2511c8.html
Nicholas Timmins
"Plans for a national identity card are set to tie business up in red tape, the government's regulatory watchdog has warned. As the cards come in on a voluntary basis, they look likely to lead to the sort of 'regulatory creep' produced by money-laundering regulations.
Those regulations have seen people, opening new accounts at their own bank, asked to produce passports and other forms of identity, and solicitors demanding proof of identity before clearing house sales.
And, in spite of the Home Office's statement that it is not possible to say whether businesses will be affected by the cards as they come in, David Arculus, chairman of the Better Regulation Task Force, feels that they will. "
Nicholas Timmins
"Plans for a national identity card are set to tie business up in red tape, the government's regulatory watchdog has warned. As the cards come in on a voluntary basis, they look likely to lead to the sort of 'regulatory creep' produced by money-laundering regulations.
Those regulations have seen people, opening new accounts at their own bank, asked to produce passports and other forms of identity, and solicitors demanding proof of identity before clearing house sales.
And, in spite of the Home Office's statement that it is not possible to say whether businesses will be affected by the cards as they come in, David Arculus, chairman of the Better Regulation Task Force, feels that they will. "
All terror attacks use false passports, claims Interpol chief / The Register, 2 Dec 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/12/02/noble_wows_lords/
John Lettice
"The 'terrorists use false ID' claim achieved a significant escalation yesterday as Interpol general secretary Ron Noble told a House of Lords Committee that all terrorist incidents involve a false passport. The UK Home Office has clearly been thinking small when it trots out the 'fact' that 35 per cent of terrorists use false IDs in support of its ID card scheme. But surely Noble over-eggs the pudding, just ever so slightly?
Actually his claim is such demonstrable rubbish that it's difficult to see how he could have said quite what the BBC report quotes him as saying: 'It's been proven in every single terrorist incident that a fraudulent passport has been used.' "
John Lettice
"The 'terrorists use false ID' claim achieved a significant escalation yesterday as Interpol general secretary Ron Noble told a House of Lords Committee that all terrorist incidents involve a false passport. The UK Home Office has clearly been thinking small when it trots out the 'fact' that 35 per cent of terrorists use false IDs in support of its ID card scheme. But surely Noble over-eggs the pudding, just ever so slightly?
Actually his claim is such demonstrable rubbish that it's difficult to see how he could have said quite what the BBC report quotes him as saying: 'It's been proven in every single terrorist incident that a fraudulent passport has been used.' "
Thursday, December 02, 2004
Article: Cyber detective links up crimes / New Scientist, 1 Dec 2004
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996734
"Many more crimes might be solved if detectives were able to compare the records for cases with all the files on past crimes. Now an artificial intelligence system has been designed to do precisely that. Working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it could look for telltale similarities in crime records and alert detectives when it finds them"
"Many more crimes might be solved if detectives were able to compare the records for cases with all the files on past crimes. Now an artificial intelligence system has been designed to do precisely that. Working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it could look for telltale similarities in crime records and alert detectives when it finds them"
Article: Psychotic symptoms more likely with cannabis / New Scientist, 1 Dec 2004
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996745
"Using marijuana in adolescence and early adulthood can cause psychotic symptoms later in life, a new study suggests. The risk of developing these symptoms is �moderate�, say researchers, though is higher in people with a pre-disposition to psychosis."
"Using marijuana in adolescence and early adulthood can cause psychotic symptoms later in life, a new study suggests. The risk of developing these symptoms is �moderate�, say researchers, though is higher in people with a pre-disposition to psychosis."
Red tape 'hampers' crime schemes / BBC News, 1 Dec 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4057095.stm
"Crime reduction projects funded by the Home Office are being hampered by red tape, a study has concluded.
The government department has spent almost £1bn on such projects in the past five years.
The National Audit Office report said many were 'innovative and successful' but the funding arrangements for them were too complicated.
It said crime could be cut 'considerably' if less time and money was spend arranging funding. "
Reducing Crime: the Home Office working with Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships - http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/nao_reports/04-05/040516.pdf
"Crime reduction projects funded by the Home Office are being hampered by red tape, a study has concluded.
The government department has spent almost £1bn on such projects in the past five years.
The National Audit Office report said many were 'innovative and successful' but the funding arrangements for them were too complicated.
It said crime could be cut 'considerably' if less time and money was spend arranging funding. "
Reducing Crime: the Home Office working with Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships - http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/nao_reports/04-05/040516.pdf
Talks consider use of ID cards for business / vnunet.com, 1 Dec 2004
http://www.vnunet.com/news/1159786
James Watson, Computing 01 Dec 2004
"The government is working with the private sector to determine how ID cards for a range of commercial transactions.
If adopted, the plan would create a central audit trail of every citizen's major transactions with both government and business."
James Watson, Computing 01 Dec 2004
"The government is working with the private sector to determine how ID cards for a range of commercial transactions.
If adopted, the plan would create a central audit trail of every citizen's major transactions with both government and business."
ID cards: "This is not a Big Brother database" / Silicon.com, 1 Dec 2004
http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39126226,00.htmAndy McClure
The government has again hit out at critics of its controversial compulsory ID card Bill, claiming it is not an infringement on civil liberties and that it will improve security in the UK. Speaking at a press briefing today, Home Office minister Des Browne MP attempted to dismiss the 'myths' created by opponents of the ID card scheme and said 'this is not a Big Brother database'.
Browne said those who cite the terrorist bombings in Madrid last year as evidence that ID cards have not worked in Spain are missing the point. 'It does not stop it but it helps you police it and interdict it,' he said. "
The government has again hit out at critics of its controversial compulsory ID card Bill, claiming it is not an infringement on civil liberties and that it will improve security in the UK. Speaking at a press briefing today, Home Office minister Des Browne MP attempted to dismiss the 'myths' created by opponents of the ID card scheme and said 'this is not a Big Brother database'.
Browne said those who cite the terrorist bombings in Madrid last year as evidence that ID cards have not worked in Spain are missing the point. 'It does not stop it but it helps you police it and interdict it,' he said. "
Interpol concern over UK borders / BBC News, 1 Dec 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4058427.stm
"The head of Interpol has told of his 'surprise' at shortcomings in the passport controls at UK borders.
Ron Noble, an American, said he was not asked for his passport serial number when he entered the UK.
'It's been proven in every single terrorist incident that a fraudulent passport has been used,' Mr Noble told a House of Lords committee.
He said officials should record and check the numbers against Interpol's list of five million stolen passports. "
"The head of Interpol has told of his 'surprise' at shortcomings in the passport controls at UK borders.
Ron Noble, an American, said he was not asked for his passport serial number when he entered the UK.
'It's been proven in every single terrorist incident that a fraudulent passport has been used,' Mr Noble told a House of Lords committee.
He said officials should record and check the numbers against Interpol's list of five million stolen passports. "
Preventing and Solving Burglaries Using DNA Evidence / NCJRS, Dec 2004
http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/207203.pdf
"DNA in 'Minor' Crimes Yields Major Benefits in Public Safety" (4 pp.) (NCJ 207203) discusses the ability to analyze DNA evidence found at high-volume property crimes and use the evidence to solve other cases. Additional findings indicate that biological evidence collected from property crime scenes can prevent future property crimes and more serious offenses."
"DNA in 'Minor' Crimes Yields Major Benefits in Public Safety" (4 pp.) (NCJ 207203) discusses the ability to analyze DNA evidence found at high-volume property crimes and use the evidence to solve other cases. Additional findings indicate that biological evidence collected from property crime scenes can prevent future property crimes and more serious offenses."
Home Office to review value of child witnesses giving evidence by videolink / PublicTechnology, 2 Dec 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2167
"The Home Office yesterday launched a review of how children give evidence in court proceedings, in order to ensure that child witnesses are able to give their best evidence and receive the support they need.
Measures to be examined for effectiveness include witnesses giving evidence by live link to the courtroom, and the video-recording of children's evidence in chief.
The review will seek the views of Criminal Justice partners, academics and voluntary organisations on how the special measures for child witnesses work in practice and whether any improvements can be made to help child witnesses.
However, the Government decided not to implement the final measure on video recorded cross-examination and re-examination because of the difficulties with the rules on disclosure. The review will seek views on alternatives to this measure as well as how the other measures work in practice and all other aspects of child evidence. "
"The Home Office yesterday launched a review of how children give evidence in court proceedings, in order to ensure that child witnesses are able to give their best evidence and receive the support they need.
Measures to be examined for effectiveness include witnesses giving evidence by live link to the courtroom, and the video-recording of children's evidence in chief.
The review will seek the views of Criminal Justice partners, academics and voluntary organisations on how the special measures for child witnesses work in practice and whether any improvements can be made to help child witnesses.
However, the Government decided not to implement the final measure on video recorded cross-examination and re-examination because of the difficulties with the rules on disclosure. The review will seek views on alternatives to this measure as well as how the other measures work in practice and all other aspects of child evidence. "
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Drug diversion backfires in Calif. : Offenders treated under Prop. 36 fail rehabilitation/ [USA] Los angeles times, 27 Nov 2004
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/1127prop3627.html
Abusive substances / Crime Reduction / Sentencing
Troy Andersen
"Non-violent drug offenders who were diverted to rehabilitation programs under Proposition 36 had higher rates of rearrest than those who remained in the criminal-justice system, a UCLA study released this week says.
Researchers found that offenders who enrolled in treatment programs created by the 2000 ballot measure were 48 percent more likely to be arrested for a drug offense within a year than those who entered treatment through drug courts or as a term of their probation.
In fact, so many severely addicted people were referred to treatment rather than the courts that inpatient residential programs were overwhelmed and many clients were placed instead in outpatient programs."
Evaluation of the Substance Abuse and Crime Preventiion Act - 2003 Report - http://www.uclaisap.org/Prop36/documents/112344%20SACPA%20FINAL%202003%20REPORT%20092304.pdf
Abusive substances / Crime Reduction / Sentencing
Troy Andersen
"Non-violent drug offenders who were diverted to rehabilitation programs under Proposition 36 had higher rates of rearrest than those who remained in the criminal-justice system, a UCLA study released this week says.
Researchers found that offenders who enrolled in treatment programs created by the 2000 ballot measure were 48 percent more likely to be arrested for a drug offense within a year than those who entered treatment through drug courts or as a term of their probation.
In fact, so many severely addicted people were referred to treatment rather than the courts that inpatient residential programs were overwhelmed and many clients were placed instead in outpatient programs."
Evaluation of the Substance Abuse and Crime Preventiion Act - 2003 Report - http://www.uclaisap.org/Prop36/documents/112344%20SACPA%20FINAL%202003%20REPORT%20092304.pdf
UK 'violating children's rights' / BBC, 29 N0v 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4051079.stm
Young Offenders
"Ministers were failing 'to embrace human rights and equality for children', the Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) said.
Jaap Doek, chair of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, said the UK imprisons more children than 'most other industrialised countries'.
A Home Office spokeswoman said custody was only used as a 'last resort'. "
STATE OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS REPORT 2004
http://www.crae.org.uk/Word%20docs/State%20of%20chrights%202004.doc
PDF - http://www.crae.org.uk/pdfs/State%20of%20chrights%202004.pdf
Young Offenders
"Ministers were failing 'to embrace human rights and equality for children', the Children's Rights Alliance for England (CRAE) said.
Jaap Doek, chair of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, said the UK imprisons more children than 'most other industrialised countries'.
A Home Office spokeswoman said custody was only used as a 'last resort'. "
STATE OF CHILDREN'S RIGHTS REPORT 2004
http://www.crae.org.uk/Word%20docs/State%20of%20chrights%202004.doc
PDF - http://www.crae.org.uk/pdfs/State%20of%20chrights%202004.pdf
Id Cards Plan - New Fines for System Abuse / Scotsman, 29 Nov 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3820655
David Barrett
"Failing to tell the Government when you move house will carry a fine of up to �1,000 under new identity card plans, it emerged today.
Home Secretary David Blunkett�s Identity Cards Bill also revealed that the controversial documents could become compulsory sooner than previously thought.
Ministers had said they would wait until 80% of adults had registered for a voluntary scheme before making it mandatory, but the Bill makes no reference to this and leaves open the option of forcing people to register sooner.
Failing to sign up will carry a civil fine of up to �2,500 while protesters who submit a spurious or spoiled application could be hit with a fine of �1,000.
Not updating registered details such as your address will be punishable with up to a �1,000 fine in the county courts � or the sheriff courts in Scotland � as will failing to renew a card."
David Barrett
"Failing to tell the Government when you move house will carry a fine of up to �1,000 under new identity card plans, it emerged today.
Home Secretary David Blunkett�s Identity Cards Bill also revealed that the controversial documents could become compulsory sooner than previously thought.
Ministers had said they would wait until 80% of adults had registered for a voluntary scheme before making it mandatory, but the Bill makes no reference to this and leaves open the option of forcing people to register sooner.
Failing to sign up will carry a civil fine of up to �2,500 while protesters who submit a spurious or spoiled application could be hit with a fine of �1,000.
Not updating registered details such as your address will be punishable with up to a �1,000 fine in the county courts � or the sheriff courts in Scotland � as will failing to renew a card."
Germany must do better on immigration / Expatica Germany, 29 Nov 2004
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=52&story_id=14466&name=Germany+must+do+better+on+immigration%2C+say+labour%2C+business+chiefs+
"German employers and trade union leaders have joined forces to call for more to be done by politicians to improve the social integration of foreigners living in the country.
The appeal comes amid a continuing debate on immigration in which politicians of the centre and right have been demanding more effort from Muslims and other foreigners in Germany to adapt to the German way of life.
But employers' federation president Dieter Hundt and trade union federation chairman Michael Sommer said in a joint statement issued on Sunday it was up to politicians to create the conditions for a society 'which offers room
for different cultural identities and development opportunities'. "
"German employers and trade union leaders have joined forces to call for more to be done by politicians to improve the social integration of foreigners living in the country.
The appeal comes amid a continuing debate on immigration in which politicians of the centre and right have been demanding more effort from Muslims and other foreigners in Germany to adapt to the German way of life.
But employers' federation president Dieter Hundt and trade union federation chairman Michael Sommer said in a joint statement issued on Sunday it was up to politicians to create the conditions for a society 'which offers room
for different cultural identities and development opportunities'. "
Community policing, step one / [USA] Denver Post, 29 Nov 2004
DenverPost.com - LOCAL NEWS:
Active communities / Crime Reduction / Police
Sean Kelly
"Building a police department from scratch allows a former British “bobby” to emphasize a closeness with residents. Armed with a radar gun, residents in the suburban city of Lone Tree can fire at will at speeding cars. They note the speed, jot down the license plate information and report it to police. Speeders then get a polite letter in the mail asking them to please slow down."
Active communities / Crime Reduction / Police
Sean Kelly
"Building a police department from scratch allows a former British “bobby” to emphasize a closeness with residents. Armed with a radar gun, residents in the suburban city of Lone Tree can fire at will at speeding cars. They note the speed, jot down the license plate information and report it to police. Speeders then get a polite letter in the mail asking them to please slow down."
Monday, November 29, 2004
Analysis: Granting leave to murderers / [Israel] Jerusalem Post, 28 Nov 2004
http://www.jpost.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=JPost/JPArticle/ShowFull&cid=1101615865484
Dan Izenberg
"The Prison Service started granting leaves to prisoners in the 1980s. In the two decades since then, a total of 80 prisoners have not returned, including eight sentenced from 20 to 30 years and 10 sentenced to life imprisonment."
Dan Izenberg
"The Prison Service started granting leaves to prisoners in the 1980s. In the two decades since then, a total of 80 prisoners have not returned, including eight sentenced from 20 to 30 years and 10 sentenced to life imprisonment."
TENSE? NERVOUS? CAN�T RELAX? YOU�RE NOT ALONE ... But then politicians can find public paranoia very useful / Sunday Herald, 28 Nov 2004
http://www.sundayherald.com/46346
Torcuil Crichton
Overview - ID cards, Big Borhter, terrorism, police state, ASBO's, DNA, police powers.
Torcuil Crichton
Overview - ID cards, Big Borhter, terrorism, police state, ASBO's, DNA, police powers.
Social engineering - where the user is the weakest link / The Register, 26 Nov 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/26/social_engineering_security/
Fran Howarth, Bloor Research
Anyone who has been hit by a computer virus will be doubly wary of unexpected emails in the future that may contain viruses. So why do people still keep clicking on attachments? However much security technology a company deploys, human nature will always be the weakest link in the chain.
With the problem of spam growing daily, accounting for around 90 per cent of email traffic in the US by some estimates, companies are fighting an uphill battle to purge spam from their networks. But what is spam to one user is a legitimate communication to another. For example, a low-price mortgage offer might be just what one user had been waiting for, whereas another will find this an unwanted intrusion.
Many vendors offer technology that looks at emails to see if they contain code associated with known attacks and will block these from entering the system. However, many companies have a policy of quarantining suspicious emails so that users can decide for themselves whether or not to open them."
Fran Howarth, Bloor Research
Anyone who has been hit by a computer virus will be doubly wary of unexpected emails in the future that may contain viruses. So why do people still keep clicking on attachments? However much security technology a company deploys, human nature will always be the weakest link in the chain.
With the problem of spam growing daily, accounting for around 90 per cent of email traffic in the US by some estimates, companies are fighting an uphill battle to purge spam from their networks. But what is spam to one user is a legitimate communication to another. For example, a low-price mortgage offer might be just what one user had been waiting for, whereas another will find this an unwanted intrusion.
Many vendors offer technology that looks at emails to see if they contain code associated with known attacks and will block these from entering the system. However, many companies have a policy of quarantining suspicious emails so that users can decide for themselves whether or not to open them."
Move to change migration law / [Australia[ Sydeny Morning Herald, 29 N0v 2004
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/11/28/1101577355090.html
Cynthia Banham
"A group of high-profile lawyers, appalled by a recent High Court decision to uphold the Federal Government's right to detain asylum seekers indefinitely, have banded together to seek an overhaul of migration law.
In an unexpected move, the Law Council of Australia has set up a working group to examine possible legal reform of mandatory detention, saying lawyers have a responsibility to fight for the 'fundamental human right' to liberty.
In August the High Court said the Migration Act - which allowed failed asylum seekers who could not be deported because no other country would accept them to be locked up for indefinite periods - was valid, a fact one of the majority judges, Justice Michael McHugh, said was 'tragic'.
The working group, which will be chaired by the Law Council president, Stephen Southwood, QC, and includes Sydney barrister Bret Walker, SC, will examine whether any further legal challenges are possible to the act."
Cynthia Banham
"A group of high-profile lawyers, appalled by a recent High Court decision to uphold the Federal Government's right to detain asylum seekers indefinitely, have banded together to seek an overhaul of migration law.
In an unexpected move, the Law Council of Australia has set up a working group to examine possible legal reform of mandatory detention, saying lawyers have a responsibility to fight for the 'fundamental human right' to liberty.
In August the High Court said the Migration Act - which allowed failed asylum seekers who could not be deported because no other country would accept them to be locked up for indefinite periods - was valid, a fact one of the majority judges, Justice Michael McHugh, said was 'tragic'.
The working group, which will be chaired by the Law Council president, Stephen Southwood, QC, and includes Sydney barrister Bret Walker, SC, will examine whether any further legal challenges are possible to the act."
Sunday, November 28, 2004
New York Times Reporter Alex Berenson Volunteers for Full 5-Second TASER Hit / Press Release 26 Nov 2004
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041126/nyf044_1.html
"'We are incredulous that Mr. Berenson failed to mention in his latest article attacking TASER International safety that he felt the TASER system was safe enough that he voluntarily allowed himself to take a five-second exposure from the TASER,' said Rick Smith, CEO of TASER International, Inc. 'We believe it was disingenuous of Mr. Berenson to write an article disputing the safety of TASER devices and omit such a critical piece of information as his own personal experience as well as our written statement to him on this matter.'"
"'We are incredulous that Mr. Berenson failed to mention in his latest article attacking TASER International safety that he felt the TASER system was safe enough that he voluntarily allowed himself to take a five-second exposure from the TASER,' said Rick Smith, CEO of TASER International, Inc. 'We believe it was disingenuous of Mr. Berenson to write an article disputing the safety of TASER devices and omit such a critical piece of information as his own personal experience as well as our written statement to him on this matter.'"
Stunned again / [Australia] The Age, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/11/22/1100972323593.html?oneclick=true
John Mangan
"Victoria's police have welcomed the go-ahead to use stun guns. But legal and civil rights groups say the Taser is not as safe or effective as it's made out to be. according to the gun's supporters - such as the Victorian Government, which last week approved its use by police - it doesn't cause any lasting injury or ill-effects.
But while this space-age device, known by its brand name, Taser, sounds perfect for police wanting to disarm villains without running the risk of incurring fatalities using their conventional weapons, critics are increasingly concerned that authorities are rushing into approving weapons that might have unforeseen and disturbing consequences."
John Mangan
"Victoria's police have welcomed the go-ahead to use stun guns. But legal and civil rights groups say the Taser is not as safe or effective as it's made out to be. according to the gun's supporters - such as the Victorian Government, which last week approved its use by police - it doesn't cause any lasting injury or ill-effects.
But while this space-age device, known by its brand name, Taser, sounds perfect for police wanting to disarm villains without running the risk of incurring fatalities using their conventional weapons, critics are increasingly concerned that authorities are rushing into approving weapons that might have unforeseen and disturbing consequences."
Claims Over Tasers' Safety Are Challenged / The New York Times, 26 Nov 2004
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/26/business/26taser.html
Alex Berenson
"The Air Force laboratory that conducted the study now says that it actually found that the guns could be dangerous and that more data was needed to evaluate their risks. The guns 'may cause several unintended effects, albeit with low probabilities of occurrence,' the laboratory said last week in a statement released after a symposium on Tasers, as the company's guns are known, and other weapons intended to incapacitate people without killing them."
Alex Berenson
"The Air Force laboratory that conducted the study now says that it actually found that the guns could be dangerous and that more data was needed to evaluate their risks. The guns 'may cause several unintended effects, albeit with low probabilities of occurrence,' the laboratory said last week in a statement released after a symposium on Tasers, as the company's guns are known, and other weapons intended to incapacitate people without killing them."
Taser Claims New York Times Article Was One-Sided / [USA] Police One, 20 July 2004
http://www.policeone.com/police-products/less-lethal/taser/articles/90478/
"Scottsdale-based Taser International said Monday a New York Times article critical of the stun gun's safety and the company's testing efforts was one-sided because it didn't mention the number of lives the weapon saved.
In a lengthy statement issued after the story ran in Sunday editions of the Times and the Tribune, the company 'strongly refuted' a report that said the company has little evidence to support repeated claims its guns aren't deadly. "
"Scottsdale-based Taser International said Monday a New York Times article critical of the stun gun's safety and the company's testing efforts was one-sided because it didn't mention the number of lives the weapon saved.
In a lengthy statement issued after the story ran in Sunday editions of the Times and the Tribune, the company 'strongly refuted' a report that said the company has little evidence to support repeated claims its guns aren't deadly. "
MP slams spending on asylum seekers / ic Essex, 25 Nov 2004
http://icessex.icnetwork.co.uk/essexheadlines/tm_objectid=14913267&method=full&siteid=100927&headline=mp-slams-spending-on-asylum-seekers-name_page.html
Steve Neale
"In a shock response last Friday, the House of Commons was told how the figure had grown from £413million in 1997 to £1,070million in 2002/03.
Mr Spink said he wanted to see more money spent on crucial public services.
Criticising the asylum spending, he added: 'Taxpayers' hard earned cash should be going to pensioners, health and more police to find and send back failed asylum seekers immediately.'"
Steve Neale
"In a shock response last Friday, the House of Commons was told how the figure had grown from £413million in 1997 to £1,070million in 2002/03.
Mr Spink said he wanted to see more money spent on crucial public services.
Criticising the asylum spending, he added: 'Taxpayers' hard earned cash should be going to pensioners, health and more police to find and send back failed asylum seekers immediately.'"
Article questions Taser conclusions on safety study / [USA] East Valley Tribune , 28 Nov 2004
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=32225
"In October, Scottsdalebased Taser International said a Defense Department study concluded that the company�s stun guns were 'generally safe and effective.' But a New York Times report Friday called into question the company�s conclusion about the research, driving shares of Taser down 7 percent.
The Times reported that the Air Force Research Laboratory, which did the study, disclosed last week at a symposium that the guns may be dangerous and that more information is necessary to evaluate any risks
The Times reported that the lab said the weapons 'may cause several unintended effects, albeit with estimated low probabilities of occurrence. Available laboratory data are too limited to adequately quantify possible risks of ventricular fibrillation or seizures, particularly in susceptible populations,' "
"In October, Scottsdalebased Taser International said a Defense Department study concluded that the company�s stun guns were 'generally safe and effective.' But a New York Times report Friday called into question the company�s conclusion about the research, driving shares of Taser down 7 percent.
The Times reported that the Air Force Research Laboratory, which did the study, disclosed last week at a symposium that the guns may be dangerous and that more information is necessary to evaluate any risks
The Times reported that the lab said the weapons 'may cause several unintended effects, albeit with estimated low probabilities of occurrence. Available laboratory data are too limited to adequately quantify possible risks of ventricular fibrillation or seizures, particularly in susceptible populations,' "
Taser not as popular in prisons as on street / [USA] East Valley Tribune, 28 Nov 2004
http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/index.php?sty=32201
Ray stern
"Inside the prisons, Tasers are used only at the highest inmate security levels, Sublett said. Even then, they can be applied only after permission is given by a supervisor, who must then witness the action.
The institutional setting provides alternatives to force that police officers on the street don�t always have, he said.
'Inmates are with us in some cases for years,' he said. 'Relationship -building is important.'
Prison supervisors feel that over- equipping detention officers leads to lessauthoritative guards who can�t get an inmate�s attention with verbal commands, he said. "
Ray stern
"Inside the prisons, Tasers are used only at the highest inmate security levels, Sublett said. Even then, they can be applied only after permission is given by a supervisor, who must then witness the action.
The institutional setting provides alternatives to force that police officers on the street don�t always have, he said.
'Inmates are with us in some cases for years,' he said. 'Relationship -building is important.'
Prison supervisors feel that over- equipping detention officers leads to lessauthoritative guards who can�t get an inmate�s attention with verbal commands, he said. "
'Weeding' out crime makes way for 'seeding' efforts / [USA] TCPalm, 27 Nov 2004
http://www.tcpalm.com/tcp/local_news/article/0,2545,TCP_16736_3357337,00.html
Derek Simmonsen
Acitve Communities / Police
"The task force, formed to 'weed' out criminals, is the only side of Weed & Seed of St. Lucie County that some residents see. That's why organizers are hoping to put the focus on the 'seed' side next year, including neighborhood restoration, job training and improving quality of life.
'The weeding is only 50 percent of it,' Sheriff Ken Mascara said. 'We are definitely looking forward to seeing the seeding side. Through social services and bringing training in to residents � that's going to be very beneficial to the whole community.'
The task force, officially known as Operation Community Concern, had its roots in past joint projects between Fort Pierce police and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office to target drugs, prostitution and other crimes. "
Derek Simmonsen
Acitve Communities / Police
"The task force, formed to 'weed' out criminals, is the only side of Weed & Seed of St. Lucie County that some residents see. That's why organizers are hoping to put the focus on the 'seed' side next year, including neighborhood restoration, job training and improving quality of life.
'The weeding is only 50 percent of it,' Sheriff Ken Mascara said. 'We are definitely looking forward to seeing the seeding side. Through social services and bringing training in to residents � that's going to be very beneficial to the whole community.'
The task force, officially known as Operation Community Concern, had its roots in past joint projects between Fort Pierce police and the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office to target drugs, prostitution and other crimes. "
McCreadie sticks to his guns / [Australia] The Mercury, 28 Nov 2004]
http://www.themercury.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5936,11520404%5E3462,00.html
Rohan Wade
Police / Crime Reduction
"Mr McCreadie said benchmarking had shown itself to be crucial in dramatically reducing crime by allowing police to use best practice and focus on problem areas.
'Tasmania Police is a $140 million organisation with 1600 people and until 1998-99, when we introduced benchmarks, was never particularly accountable,' he said"
Rohan Wade
Police / Crime Reduction
"Mr McCreadie said benchmarking had shown itself to be crucial in dramatically reducing crime by allowing police to use best practice and focus on problem areas.
'Tasmania Police is a $140 million organisation with 1600 people and until 1998-99, when we introduced benchmarks, was never particularly accountable,' he said"
Saturday, November 27, 2004
Town Turns to Prayer to Beat Crime / Scotsman, 26 Nov 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3809364
Lesley Richardson
Police in a seaside town are turning to the power of prayer to tackle crime in the area, it emerged today.
Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Bob Boulton gave his blessing to the initiative after reading a news article about prayer reducing crime in west London.
He addressed a group of church leaders in Boscombe, Dorset when he passed on some alarming crime statistics for the seaside town and encouraged them to pray.
Mr Boulton said: �At the end of the day it�s another way of engaging part of the community, in particular churchgoers, in the fight against crime.
�I haven�t done any research myself to qualify whether the article was genuinely accurate, but part of the issue is that, often, the fear of crime is significantly disproportionate to the risk of crime."
Lesley Richardson
Police in a seaside town are turning to the power of prayer to tackle crime in the area, it emerged today.
Dorset Police Chief Superintendent Bob Boulton gave his blessing to the initiative after reading a news article about prayer reducing crime in west London.
He addressed a group of church leaders in Boscombe, Dorset when he passed on some alarming crime statistics for the seaside town and encouraged them to pray.
Mr Boulton said: �At the end of the day it�s another way of engaging part of the community, in particular churchgoers, in the fight against crime.
�I haven�t done any research myself to qualify whether the article was genuinely accurate, but part of the issue is that, often, the fear of crime is significantly disproportionate to the risk of crime."
Diverted drug offenders likely to relapse, UCLA finds / [USA] Mercury News, 26 Nov 2004
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/states/california/northern_california/10277072.htm
"Drug offenders sent to treatment instead of jail in the early days of California's Proposition 36 were far more likely to be re-arrested than were criminals sent to rehabilitation through other diversion programs, says a UCLA study released Friday.
The findings by University of California, Los Angeles, researchers echo opponents of the initiative approved by 61 percent of voters in November 2000. Judges and prosecutors favored drug court programs that include stronger penalties for offenders who skip or fail treatment programs, while Proposition 36 requires that first- and second-time nonviolent drug offenders be sent to treatment programs instead of prison."
"Drug offenders sent to treatment instead of jail in the early days of California's Proposition 36 were far more likely to be re-arrested than were criminals sent to rehabilitation through other diversion programs, says a UCLA study released Friday.
The findings by University of California, Los Angeles, researchers echo opponents of the initiative approved by 61 percent of voters in November 2000. Judges and prosecutors favored drug court programs that include stronger penalties for offenders who skip or fail treatment programs, while Proposition 36 requires that first- and second-time nonviolent drug offenders be sent to treatment programs instead of prison."
Report slams penal system / [Australia] Townsville Bulletin, 22 Nov 2004
http://townsvillebulletin.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,7034,11459965%255E14787,00.html
"THE Queensland Government has created a cycle of criminal reoffending across the State, according to an independent report released yesterday which slams the prison system for 'dumping unprepared, under-resourced and unassisted prisoners back into the community'.
The report, 'Incorrections: investigating prison release practice and policy in Queensland and its impact on community safety', is an independent study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology for the Uniting Care Centre for Social Justice (UCCSJ). - http://www.ucareqld.com.au/SocialJustice/Documents/prison%20report%20tamara%20walsh.doc "
"THE Queensland Government has created a cycle of criminal reoffending across the State, according to an independent report released yesterday which slams the prison system for 'dumping unprepared, under-resourced and unassisted prisoners back into the community'.
The report, 'Incorrections: investigating prison release practice and policy in Queensland and its impact on community safety', is an independent study conducted by the Queensland University of Technology for the Uniting Care Centre for Social Justice (UCCSJ). - http://www.ucareqld.com.au/SocialJustice/Documents/prison%20report%20tamara%20walsh.doc "
Police Demand Action to Cut Drugs in Prison / Scotsman, 26 Nov 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3808426
Tim Walsh
"Senior police officers today urged the Home Office to do more to cut the smuggling of drugs into prisons.
In a letter to prisons minister Paul Goggins, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said the levels of illegal substances in jails could affect inmates� attempts to overcome addictions.
ACPO drug treatment spokesman, Deputy Chief Constable Howard Roberts of Nottinghamshire Police, told the minister: �Substantial investment has been put into drugs treatment by the Government and positive results appear to be flowing from that investment, and co-ordinated schemes.
�To maximise the effectiveness of that investment, it is most important that within the prison environment, inmates have as drug-free an environment as possible.
�This maximises the opportunity to be drug-free upon release. Prison can present a key opportunity to change the futures of prisoners with respect to their drugs misuse, whilst in a controlled environment.�"
Tim Walsh
"Senior police officers today urged the Home Office to do more to cut the smuggling of drugs into prisons.
In a letter to prisons minister Paul Goggins, the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) said the levels of illegal substances in jails could affect inmates� attempts to overcome addictions.
ACPO drug treatment spokesman, Deputy Chief Constable Howard Roberts of Nottinghamshire Police, told the minister: �Substantial investment has been put into drugs treatment by the Government and positive results appear to be flowing from that investment, and co-ordinated schemes.
�To maximise the effectiveness of that investment, it is most important that within the prison environment, inmates have as drug-free an environment as possible.
�This maximises the opportunity to be drug-free upon release. Prison can present a key opportunity to change the futures of prisoners with respect to their drugs misuse, whilst in a controlled environment.�"
Trafficking of Bangladeshi women—cause for concern / Independent-Bangladesh, 26 Nov 2004
http://independent-bangladesh.com/news/nov/26/26112004wo.htm
Haroon Habib
"An estimated 20,000 Bangladeshi women and children are trafficked every year, the destinations being from the major cities in India, Pakistan and the Middle East. In the last 30 years, over one million of them had gone out of the country this way, and many of them are forced to become either sex workers, domestic helpers, camel jockeys and beggars. "
Haroon Habib
"An estimated 20,000 Bangladeshi women and children are trafficked every year, the destinations being from the major cities in India, Pakistan and the Middle East. In the last 30 years, over one million of them had gone out of the country this way, and many of them are forced to become either sex workers, domestic helpers, camel jockeys and beggars. "
U.S. will soon add computer chips to passports International Herald Tribune, 27 Nov 2004
http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/11/26/news/passport.html
"The State Department will soon begin issuing passports that carry information about the traveler in a computer chip embedded in the cardboard cover as well as on its printed pages.
.
Privacy advocates say the new format, developed in response to security concerns after the Sept. 11 attacks, will be vulnerable to electronic snooping by anyone within several feet. Internal State Department documents, obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, show that Canada, Germany and Britain have raised the same concern"
"The State Department will soon begin issuing passports that carry information about the traveler in a computer chip embedded in the cardboard cover as well as on its printed pages.
.
Privacy advocates say the new format, developed in response to security concerns after the Sept. 11 attacks, will be vulnerable to electronic snooping by anyone within several feet. Internal State Department documents, obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, show that Canada, Germany and Britain have raised the same concern"
Fairness for former prisoners / [USA] International Herald Tribune, 26 Nov 2004
http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/11/25/opinion/edhousing.html
"Fairness dictates that people who have served their sentences and taken up crime-free lives should be permitted access to decent housing for their families and themselves. The new report, however, found that several public housing authorities barred applicants indefinitely even for records of arrests that never led to conviction or for petty offenses that were never intended to be used for screening purposes under the federal housing law."
No Second Chance
People with Criminal Records Denied Access to Public Housing -
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/usa1104/
PDF - http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/usa1104/usa1104.pdf
"Fairness dictates that people who have served their sentences and taken up crime-free lives should be permitted access to decent housing for their families and themselves. The new report, however, found that several public housing authorities barred applicants indefinitely even for records of arrests that never led to conviction or for petty offenses that were never intended to be used for screening purposes under the federal housing law."
No Second Chance
People with Criminal Records Denied Access to Public Housing -
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/usa1104/
PDF - http://www.hrw.org/reports/2004/usa1104/usa1104.pdf
Can ID cards beat terror and fraud? / Scotsman, 26 Nov 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=1359472004
JOHN BARRETT AND IAN WOODHEAD
Points of view from the joint branch board secretary of Lothian and Borders Police Federation and the Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West.
JOHN BARRETT AND IAN WOODHEAD
Points of view from the joint branch board secretary of Lothian and Borders Police Federation and the Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West.
Friday, November 26, 2004
An ear for crime Medical News Today, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/?newsid=16735
Forensic Science /Firearms
"Chicago introduces USC-engineered neural gunshot sensors in high crime areas
A University of Southern California biomedical engineer's pioneering brain cell research has led directly to a patented system that is now being rolled out to stem gun violence on the streets of Chicago and Los Angeles.
The engineer is Theodore Berger, director of the USC Center for Neural Engineering whose life's work has been deciphering the way in which nerve cells code messages to each other.
Now, a camera-and-microphone surveillance system is using his insights to recognize -- instantly, and with high accuracy - the sound of a gunshot, and only a gunshot within a two-block radius.
It can then locate, precisely, where the shot was fired; turn a camera to center the shooter in the camera viewfinder, and make a 911 call to a central police station. The police can then take control of the camera to track the shooter and dispatch officers to the scene. "
Forensic Science /Firearms
"Chicago introduces USC-engineered neural gunshot sensors in high crime areas
A University of Southern California biomedical engineer's pioneering brain cell research has led directly to a patented system that is now being rolled out to stem gun violence on the streets of Chicago and Los Angeles.
The engineer is Theodore Berger, director of the USC Center for Neural Engineering whose life's work has been deciphering the way in which nerve cells code messages to each other.
Now, a camera-and-microphone surveillance system is using his insights to recognize -- instantly, and with high accuracy - the sound of a gunshot, and only a gunshot within a two-block radius.
It can then locate, precisely, where the shot was fired; turn a camera to center the shooter in the camera viewfinder, and make a 911 call to a central police station. The police can then take control of the camera to track the shooter and dispatch officers to the scene. "
Annual report 2004 - the state of the drugs problem in the European Union and Norway
http://annualreport.emcdda.eu.int/en/home-en.html
You will find a wealth of material on the drugs problem in Europe on this site:
Drug facts, figures and analyses: across Europe and by country.
Latest trends and social, legal and political responses.
Selected issues: evaluation of national drug strategies; cannabis problems in context; co-morbidity.
You will find a wealth of material on the drugs problem in Europe on this site:
Drug facts, figures and analyses: across Europe and by country.
Latest trends and social, legal and political responses.
Selected issues: evaluation of national drug strategies; cannabis problems in context; co-morbidity.
Britain has worst drugs record in Europe / Daily Mail, 26 Nov 2004
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=328509&in_page_id=1770
Jenny Hope
"Britain has the worst record in Europe on drug abuse, a devastating study has revealed.
The startling figures, which apply to most age groups, overshadowed the launch of a Government crackdown on dealers.
And they were seized upon as evidence of Labour's failure to make any headway with the problem.
Look here too...Skip gossip links to more articles Vote: Has Labour lost control of the drugs problem?
Report: 10-year-olds offered drugs
Gallery: Shocking photos of drugs abusers
Photos: Celebrity drugs busts
Newsflash: The latest alerts to your inbox
A survey of 26 European countries put the UK top of the list in most categories, including cocaine, Ecstasy and amphetamine use."
Jenny Hope
"Britain has the worst record in Europe on drug abuse, a devastating study has revealed.
The startling figures, which apply to most age groups, overshadowed the launch of a Government crackdown on dealers.
And they were seized upon as evidence of Labour's failure to make any headway with the problem.
Look here too...Skip gossip links to more articles Vote: Has Labour lost control of the drugs problem?
Report: 10-year-olds offered drugs
Gallery: Shocking photos of drugs abusers
Photos: Celebrity drugs busts
Newsflash: The latest alerts to your inbox
A survey of 26 European countries put the UK top of the list in most categories, including cocaine, Ecstasy and amphetamine use."
Asylum lessons taught in school / BBC News, 25 Nov 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/4039167.stm
"School pupils have been telling how visits from refugees and asylum seekers have taught them lessons about the problems of prejudice.
The Positive Images project in Glasgow is run by the Red Cross along with volunteers from the refugee community.
It has reached more than 400 S1 and S2 pupils in four schools and aims to visit all secondaries in the city over the next two years.
A number of the volunteers were teachers in their home countries.
The project aims to encourage pupils to explore and understand issues of stereotyping and prejudice. "
"School pupils have been telling how visits from refugees and asylum seekers have taught them lessons about the problems of prejudice.
The Positive Images project in Glasgow is run by the Red Cross along with volunteers from the refugee community.
It has reached more than 400 S1 and S2 pupils in four schools and aims to visit all secondaries in the city over the next two years.
A number of the volunteers were teachers in their home countries.
The project aims to encourage pupils to explore and understand issues of stereotyping and prejudice. "
Drug trafficking / Economist, 25 Nov 2004
http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displayStory.cfm?story_id=3428985
Abusive substance Abuse / Police
"Street prices of Class A drugs have fallen steadily in recent years (see chart) and the number of users has risen. Drug traffickers are running slicker businesses. �We dealt with a team a while ago that had a director of operations and a director of finance, and they actually called them that,� says Bill Hughes, the appointed director-general of SOCA. More importantly, they are running a different kind of business. "
Abusive substance Abuse / Police
"Street prices of Class A drugs have fallen steadily in recent years (see chart) and the number of users has risen. Drug traffickers are running slicker businesses. �We dealt with a team a while ago that had a director of operations and a director of finance, and they actually called them that,� says Bill Hughes, the appointed director-general of SOCA. More importantly, they are running a different kind of business. "
Stun gun plan for airline marshals / The Australian, 26 Nov 2004
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,5744,11502507%5E2702,00.html
Patricia Karvelas
"AIR marshals on both domestic and international flights, and police peacekeepers on unarmed missions, could be given stun guns under a plan being considered by the Howard Government.
A six-month trial of the Taser X26, which can incapacitate a person by temporarily paralysing their muscles, will be held by a specialist unit in the ACT to see if police and security forces should get weapons.
A spokesman for federal Justice and Customs Minister Chris Ellison said yesterday the Taser would be tested over six months by an Australian Federal Police safety committee. "
Patricia Karvelas
"AIR marshals on both domestic and international flights, and police peacekeepers on unarmed missions, could be given stun guns under a plan being considered by the Howard Government.
A six-month trial of the Taser X26, which can incapacitate a person by temporarily paralysing their muscles, will be held by a specialist unit in the ACT to see if police and security forces should get weapons.
A spokesman for federal Justice and Customs Minister Chris Ellison said yesterday the Taser would be tested over six months by an Australian Federal Police safety committee. "
Blair: Drugs policy is 'tough and balanced' / Politics.co, 25 Nov 2004
http://www.politics.co.uk/domestic-policy/blair-drugs-policy-tough-and-balanced-$7159514.htm
Active communities / Crime & Criminals
"Mr Blair argued that many of the debates on the issue in parliament had lost track of reality. He gave the example that whilst graffiti may technically be a crime, the time and effort required for an officer to take the case right through the courts made prosecution unrealistic.
Fundamentally, local people needed to be given the help and the tools to 'take back control of communities and streets'. "
Active communities / Crime & Criminals
"Mr Blair argued that many of the debates on the issue in parliament had lost track of reality. He gave the example that whilst graffiti may technically be a crime, the time and effort required for an officer to take the case right through the courts made prosecution unrealistic.
Fundamentally, local people needed to be given the help and the tools to 'take back control of communities and streets'. "
Blunkett pledges action on drugs / Politics.co, 25 Nov 2004
http://www.politics.co.uk/domestic-policy/blunkett-pledges-action-on-drugs-$7158276.htm
"The Home Secretary David Blunkett has promised that more drug dealers will be imprisoned and more drugs taken off the streets as the result of a major new anti-drugs campaign.
Urban areas are to be targeted across England and Wales in an attempt to close down 'crack houses and drug dens'. Powers available to the police under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act will also be used to seize dealers' assets, drugs and fire arms.
The second prong of the campaign will focus on drug rehabilitation and testing efforts with the number of treatment places being expanded. There will be a series of pilot projects, beginning in December, where young offenders will be required to attend drug treatment places as part of their community sentences. "
"The Home Secretary David Blunkett has promised that more drug dealers will be imprisoned and more drugs taken off the streets as the result of a major new anti-drugs campaign.
Urban areas are to be targeted across England and Wales in an attempt to close down 'crack houses and drug dens'. Powers available to the police under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act will also be used to seize dealers' assets, drugs and fire arms.
The second prong of the campaign will focus on drug rehabilitation and testing efforts with the number of treatment places being expanded. There will be a series of pilot projects, beginning in December, where young offenders will be required to attend drug treatment places as part of their community sentences. "
Howard launches Tory drugs plan / Politics.co, 25 Nov 2004
http://www.politics.co.uk/party-politics/howard-launches-tory-drugs-plan-$7157873.htm
"The Conservatives promises that they would increase the number of residential rehabilitation places for drug users tenfold, fund random drug testing in schools, and reclassify cannabis as a class B drug.
They would also give young addicts the choice between rehabilitation and going to jail, and restore sentencing guidelines that say drug dealers must serve at least seven years in prison."
"The Conservatives promises that they would increase the number of residential rehabilitation places for drug users tenfold, fund random drug testing in schools, and reclassify cannabis as a class B drug.
They would also give young addicts the choice between rehabilitation and going to jail, and restore sentencing guidelines that say drug dealers must serve at least seven years in prison."
I'm not draconian, says Blunkett / BBC News, 25 Nov 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/4040887.stm
Mr Blunkett says the public want new police powers
Security could lose but not win an election for Labour, Home Secretary David Blunkett has said as he denied new police powers were authoritarian.
The government has been accused of trying to create a 'climate of fear' through new law and order measures.
And there are fears plans to give police and civilian officers more powers go too far.
Rejecting claims he was draconian, Mr Blunkett said people would turn to the far right if they did not feel safe. "
Mr Blunkett says the public want new police powers
Security could lose but not win an election for Labour, Home Secretary David Blunkett has said as he denied new police powers were authoritarian.
The government has been accused of trying to create a 'climate of fear' through new law and order measures.
And there are fears plans to give police and civilian officers more powers go too far.
Rejecting claims he was draconian, Mr Blunkett said people would turn to the far right if they did not feel safe. "
High Hopes for Community Policing / Arlington Connection, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.connectionnewspapers.com/article.asp?article=43268&paper=60&cat=104
Stefan Cornibert
"Police are experimenting with a new strategy in the Buckingham neighborhood, one that closely engages officers in the lives of the people they serve.
The County Board approved a no-cost lease this week with the Gates of Ballston housing development to establish a police station there. This station is unlike any other in Arlington, a station aimed at preventing crime by building stronger ties and a clearer understanding with the community it inhabits."
Stefan Cornibert
"Police are experimenting with a new strategy in the Buckingham neighborhood, one that closely engages officers in the lives of the people they serve.
The County Board approved a no-cost lease this week with the Gates of Ballston housing development to establish a police station there. This station is unlike any other in Arlington, a station aimed at preventing crime by building stronger ties and a clearer understanding with the community it inhabits."
Berlin Honors a True British Hero | Germany | Deutsche Welle |
Berlin Honors a True British Hero | Germany | Deutsche Welle |: "Frank Foley helped thousands of Jews escape the Nazi crackdown in 1930s Berlin. On Wednesday, a plaque was unveiled at the British embassy in the German capital in honor of the work he did and the lives he saved.
He was known as the 'Scarlet Pimpernel of Berlin' and in recent years has been given the moniker �Schindler from Stourbridge,� although in reality he was just plain old Frank Foley. However, there was nothing remotely plain about the actions or the life of this apparently unassuming Englishman.
To those who worked around him at Berlin's British embassy during the 1930s, Foley was just a passport control officer. But behind the facade of the bespectacled, middle-aged bureaucrat was a real life World War II hero in the making. Foley was, in reality, the head of British intelligence in the German capital, a post he held until the outbreak of hostilities in 1939."
He was known as the 'Scarlet Pimpernel of Berlin' and in recent years has been given the moniker �Schindler from Stourbridge,� although in reality he was just plain old Frank Foley. However, there was nothing remotely plain about the actions or the life of this apparently unassuming Englishman.
To those who worked around him at Berlin's British embassy during the 1930s, Foley was just a passport control officer. But behind the facade of the bespectacled, middle-aged bureaucrat was a real life World War II hero in the making. Foley was, in reality, the head of British intelligence in the German capital, a post he held until the outbreak of hostilities in 1939."
Berlin Honors a True British Hero | Germany | Deutsche Welle |
Berlin Honors a True British Hero | Germany | Deutsche Welle |: "Frank Foley helped thousands of Jews escape the Nazi crackdown in 1930s Berlin. On Wednesday, a plaque was unveiled at the British embassy in the German capital in honor of the work he did and the lives he saved.
He was known as the 'Scarlet Pimpernel of Berlin' and in recent years has been given the moniker �Schindler from Stourbridge,� although in reality he was just plain old Frank Foley. However, there was nothing remotely plain about the actions or the life of this apparently unassuming Englishman.
To those who worked around him at Berlin's British embassy during the 1930s, Foley was just a passport control officer. But behind the facade of the bespectacled, middle-aged bureaucrat was a real life World War II hero in the making. Foley was, in reality, the head of British intelligence in the German capital, a post he held until the outbreak of hostilities in 1939."
He was known as the 'Scarlet Pimpernel of Berlin' and in recent years has been given the moniker �Schindler from Stourbridge,� although in reality he was just plain old Frank Foley. However, there was nothing remotely plain about the actions or the life of this apparently unassuming Englishman.
To those who worked around him at Berlin's British embassy during the 1930s, Foley was just a passport control officer. But behind the facade of the bespectacled, middle-aged bureaucrat was a real life World War II hero in the making. Foley was, in reality, the head of British intelligence in the German capital, a post he held until the outbreak of hostilities in 1939."
Thursday, November 25, 2004
Forensic clock calls time on crimes / New Scientist, 25 Nov 2004
http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99996703
"DNA profiling has enabled us to link a suspect to a sample of blood, hair or saliva found at a crime scene. But until now, there was no way of knowing when the suspect was there - giving the guilty room to wriggle free. Now a team in America has developed a test that can reveal when a sample was deposited by measuring how quickly certain genetic material breaks down. The test measures two forms of RNA and works with as little as one microlitre of blood. The technique may even be sensitive enough to tell investigators when a fingerprint was left."
"DNA profiling has enabled us to link a suspect to a sample of blood, hair or saliva found at a crime scene. But until now, there was no way of knowing when the suspect was there - giving the guilty room to wriggle free. Now a team in America has developed a test that can reveal when a sample was deposited by measuring how quickly certain genetic material breaks down. The test measures two forms of RNA and works with as little as one microlitre of blood. The technique may even be sensitive enough to tell investigators when a fingerprint was left."
How good is UK.gov at its own security agenda? | The Register
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/24/parliament_security_holes/
John Lettice
"Looks at how good the Government's own security records are. As Leader of the Commons Hain has some considerable responsibility for the security of the premises, and as we've seen in the past couple of years, performance in this area hasn't been exactly stellar. Parliament, other Government premises and the Royal Palaces have all been the scene of embarrassing incidents, and these have provoked much huffing, puffing and outrage from our legislators. "
John Lettice
"Looks at how good the Government's own security records are. As Leader of the Commons Hain has some considerable responsibility for the security of the premises, and as we've seen in the past couple of years, performance in this area hasn't been exactly stellar. Parliament, other Government premises and the Royal Palaces have all been the scene of embarrassing incidents, and these have provoked much huffing, puffing and outrage from our legislators. "
ID scheme, IT the key to Blunkett's new terror laws | The Register
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/24/security_bill_roundup/
An overview of possible new legislation fron an IT perpective
An overview of possible new legislation fron an IT perpective
Database could unveil drug hot spots / USA Today, 18/11/2004
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-11-17-drugs-usat_x.htm
Donna Leinwand
"The Drug Enforcement Administration, frustrated that it has not been able to detect some hot spots for drug abuse more quickly, is testing a computer database that will allow federal agents to closely monitor death reports from local medical examiners and toxicologists."
Donna Leinwand
"The Drug Enforcement Administration, frustrated that it has not been able to detect some hot spots for drug abuse more quickly, is testing a computer database that will allow federal agents to closely monitor death reports from local medical examiners and toxicologists."
'electronic Parliamentary Community' launched by Leader of the House of Commons / PublicTechnology, 25 Nov 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2134
"'This first phase of ePC provides the mechanism to deliver Parliamentary Questions from the House of Commons to Government Departments, and the Answers to Questions and Written Ministerial Statements from Government to the Commons, principally Hansard and the Table Office at this stage.' "
"'This first phase of ePC provides the mechanism to deliver Parliamentary Questions from the House of Commons to Government Departments, and the Answers to Questions and Written Ministerial Statements from Government to the Commons, principally Hansard and the Table Office at this stage.' "
Wednesday, November 24, 2004
Op-Ed: Killing Kids / Civil Rights, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.civilrights.org/issues/cj/details.cfm?id=26378
Rachel King
"Since 2000, only five countries have reportedly executed juvenile offenders: Congo, Iran, Pakistan, China and the United States. However, at present, all of these countries except the United States have now renounced the practice. Numerous international treaties prohibit the juvenile death penalty, the most notable being the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which only two countries-Somalia and, embarrassingly, the United States-refused to ratify. In fact, the prohibition is so well established that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights ruled in Domingues v. Nevada that executing those who committed crimes while under the age of 18 is a violation of a "jus cogens "-a sort of universal human rights standard-making it akin to genocide, slavery and apartheid."
Rachel King
"Since 2000, only five countries have reportedly executed juvenile offenders: Congo, Iran, Pakistan, China and the United States. However, at present, all of these countries except the United States have now renounced the practice. Numerous international treaties prohibit the juvenile death penalty, the most notable being the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which only two countries-Somalia and, embarrassingly, the United States-refused to ratify. In fact, the prohibition is so well established that the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights ruled in Domingues v. Nevada that executing those who committed crimes while under the age of 18 is a violation of a "jus cogens "-a sort of universal human rights standard-making it akin to genocide, slavery and apartheid."
UK police face increasing pressure from high-tech crime / ZDnet, 23 Nov 2004
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/internet/0,39020369,39174876,00.htm
Dan Ilett
"Chief police officers say that fighting high-tech crime is one of the factors contributing to a shortfall of £350m needed to fund police work effectively in the UK
Police forces are facing a £350m shortfall in budgets as chief police officers are struggling to juggle funds because of new responsibilities, such as fighting cybercrime."
Dan Ilett
"Chief police officers say that fighting high-tech crime is one of the factors contributing to a shortfall of £350m needed to fund police work effectively in the UK
Police forces are facing a £350m shortfall in budgets as chief police officers are struggling to juggle funds because of new responsibilities, such as fighting cybercrime."
UAE makes major strides in fighting narcotics : UAE official / {United Arab Emirates] Dubai Interact, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.dubaiinteract.com/Media_SectionDisplay.aspx?Sectionid=88DC0EFB-ACD2-48CD-86D3-4B1D2CC0F9B3&Articleid=0231EB80-A7D7-44CF-9BD9-A33F8487EF5B&DisplayObjectMode=Article&DisplayMode=Detail&ObjectId=aebecff3-b27f-4be2-b30c-4f5c2db105f4
"The UAE and the United Nations signed an agreement here today on bilateral cooperation on drugs trafficking and drug-related crimes.
According to the agreement, the UN will set up a sub-office on Drugs and Crime in the UAE, which has undertaken bear the estimated $ 3 million cost of establishing the office. The sub-office will operate under the Cairo-based UN regional Office on Drugs and Crime. The UAE Ministry of Interior also paid an additional 50,000 US dollars as a contribution to the UN anti-narcotics programme.
The establishment of the sub-office in the UAE comes as a recognition of the country?s efforts to combat drugs.
?Although the UAE is used by traffickers as a route to other destinations, its aggressive policy to combat the menace of drug tracking has received international commendations, thanks to the directives of Major General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior? said Major General Saif Abdullah Al Shafaar, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Security Affairs."
"The UAE and the United Nations signed an agreement here today on bilateral cooperation on drugs trafficking and drug-related crimes.
According to the agreement, the UN will set up a sub-office on Drugs and Crime in the UAE, which has undertaken bear the estimated $ 3 million cost of establishing the office. The sub-office will operate under the Cairo-based UN regional Office on Drugs and Crime. The UAE Ministry of Interior also paid an additional 50,000 US dollars as a contribution to the UN anti-narcotics programme.
The establishment of the sub-office in the UAE comes as a recognition of the country?s efforts to combat drugs.
?Although the UAE is used by traffickers as a route to other destinations, its aggressive policy to combat the menace of drug tracking has received international commendations, thanks to the directives of Major General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Interior? said Major General Saif Abdullah Al Shafaar, Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Security Affairs."
Call for innovative solutions to check juvenile delinquency / [United Arab Emirates] Dubai Interact, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.dubaiinteract.com/Media_SectionDisplay.aspx?Sectionid=88DC0EFB-ACD2-48CD-86D3-4B1D2CC0F9B3&Articleid=0231EB80-A7D7-44CF-9BD9-A33F8487EF5B&DisplayObjectMode=Article&DisplayMode=Detail&ObjectId=7f6ab94c-c747-403b-b456-5adf8f024b38
"An increase in juvenile crime has led police to call for more innovative solutions to the problem of delinquency in the UAE.
On the first day of a conference on sports and crime yesterday, Dr Ahmad Sa'ad, a senior UAE social researcher, said juvenile crime had increased by 20 per cent in the past three years, from 190 reported cases in 2001, to 240 in 2003, according to a report in +Gulf News.+ Forty-seven per cent of crimes were committed from 2pm to 8pm, suggesting a strong link between unsupervised free time and criminal behaviour.
Juveniles commit crime at twice the rate of adults, said Dr Jeremy Prichard, from the Australian Institute of Criminology, according to one Australian study.
A small group of juvenile offenders carry on criminal activities into adulthood, "while the rate and seriousness of crime also increases," he said."
Police want to target this group while they are young. Researchers at the conference also showed links between youths taking up sports and crime reduction.
"An increase in juvenile crime has led police to call for more innovative solutions to the problem of delinquency in the UAE.
On the first day of a conference on sports and crime yesterday, Dr Ahmad Sa'ad, a senior UAE social researcher, said juvenile crime had increased by 20 per cent in the past three years, from 190 reported cases in 2001, to 240 in 2003, according to a report in +Gulf News.+ Forty-seven per cent of crimes were committed from 2pm to 8pm, suggesting a strong link between unsupervised free time and criminal behaviour.
Juveniles commit crime at twice the rate of adults, said Dr Jeremy Prichard, from the Australian Institute of Criminology, according to one Australian study.
A small group of juvenile offenders carry on criminal activities into adulthood, "while the rate and seriousness of crime also increases," he said."
Police want to target this group while they are young. Researchers at the conference also showed links between youths taking up sports and crime reduction.
Netherlands: Dutch Immigration -- The Death Of Multiculturalism (Part 1) / [Netherlands] RFE/RL, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.rferl.org/featuresarticle/2004/11/922941AB-4DF5-47EF-87DA-1D726D9F1DB0.html
Mark Baker
For 30 years, from the 1960s through the 1990s, the official Dutch policy toward its growing population of unskilled Islamic "guest workers" was one of "multiculturalism."
That is, the government actively encouraged diverse groups -- from Morocco, Turkey, and other countries -- to maintain their linguistic and cultural identities.
Political scientist Andre Krouwel says the emphasis is on 'integration' not 'multiculturalism'
Andre Krouwel, a political scientist at Amsterdam's Free University, says the policy was not based on any idealistic notion of the virtues of diversity, but rather a cold calculation that the new immigrants should not be encouraged to stay.
"Ever since the 1960s, the subsequent Dutch governments took an approach toward minorities by which they assumed that these people were temporary workers, would stay here a limited period of time, and would go back to their country of origin. They always denied the Netherlands was an immigration country."
Mark Baker
For 30 years, from the 1960s through the 1990s, the official Dutch policy toward its growing population of unskilled Islamic "guest workers" was one of "multiculturalism."
That is, the government actively encouraged diverse groups -- from Morocco, Turkey, and other countries -- to maintain their linguistic and cultural identities.
Political scientist Andre Krouwel says the emphasis is on 'integration' not 'multiculturalism'
Andre Krouwel, a political scientist at Amsterdam's Free University, says the policy was not based on any idealistic notion of the virtues of diversity, but rather a cold calculation that the new immigrants should not be encouraged to stay.
"Ever since the 1960s, the subsequent Dutch governments took an approach toward minorities by which they assumed that these people were temporary workers, would stay here a limited period of time, and would go back to their country of origin. They always denied the Netherlands was an immigration country."
Imams face Swiss integration test / SwissInfo, 24 Nov 2004
http://www.swissinfo.org/sen/swissinfo.html?siteSect=106&sid=5358106
"Islamic preachers and other spiritual leaders from abroad could soon have to take courses to help them integrate better into Swiss society. The government proposal comes at a time of growing public debate about the role of Muslims in a multicultural society such as Switzerland’s."
"Islamic preachers and other spiritual leaders from abroad could soon have to take courses to help them integrate better into Swiss society. The government proposal comes at a time of growing public debate about the role of Muslims in a multicultural society such as Switzerland’s."
Group proposes system to "connect the dots" about terrorist attacks / GovExec, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1104/111804h1.htm
Shane Harris
A Defense Department-funded think tank has designed a concept for a computer system that could help U.S. intelligence agencies identify and interpret clues of an impending terrorist attack.
The RAND Corp. of Santa Monica, Calif., last week proposed a multifaceted system of networks and electronic databases to sift through huge volumes of information—including information about people, places, events and financial transactions already obtained by the government—in order to discover the most relevant signals of a planned attack.
"An information search that could take dozens of intelligence analysts days to complete could be carried out within hours" by the system, which RAND calls Atypical Signal Analysis and Processing , said John Hollywood, the lead researcher. "This is like giving someone who is looking for a needle in a haystack an incredibly powerful magnet."
Shane Harris
A Defense Department-funded think tank has designed a concept for a computer system that could help U.S. intelligence agencies identify and interpret clues of an impending terrorist attack.
The RAND Corp. of Santa Monica, Calif., last week proposed a multifaceted system of networks and electronic databases to sift through huge volumes of information—including information about people, places, events and financial transactions already obtained by the government—in order to discover the most relevant signals of a planned attack.
"An information search that could take dozens of intelligence analysts days to complete could be carried out within hours" by the system, which RAND calls Atypical Signal Analysis and Processing , said John Hollywood, the lead researcher. "This is like giving someone who is looking for a needle in a haystack an incredibly powerful magnet."
Parliamentary Bills: Home Office ID Cards take centre stage / Public Technology, 24 Nov 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2124
Home Office
The Home office unveiled some of the highest profile Parliamentary activity with an IT and e-Government slant yesterday, with a range of bills in the run-up to the general election.
At the State Opening of Parliament, Her Majesty the Queen set out the Government’s legislative programme for the coming year, including the following Home Office legislation:
Measures to tackle serious, organised and drug-related crime, reform the police and offender management service and set up an identity cards scheme form the Home Office's legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session.
This will be underpinned by a number of other measures – including the long-awaited reform of charity law.
Home Office
The Home office unveiled some of the highest profile Parliamentary activity with an IT and e-Government slant yesterday, with a range of bills in the run-up to the general election.
At the State Opening of Parliament, Her Majesty the Queen set out the Government’s legislative programme for the coming year, including the following Home Office legislation:
Measures to tackle serious, organised and drug-related crime, reform the police and offender management service and set up an identity cards scheme form the Home Office's legislative programme for the next Parliamentary session.
This will be underpinned by a number of other measures – including the long-awaited reform of charity law.
Suicide pigs fly to support Blunkett's War on Terror / The Register, 23 Nov 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/11/23/terror_scare_spin/
John Lettice
"In an amazing coincidence, news of a thwarted 911-style terror attack on the UK emerged just hours before the Government was due to unveil a legislative programme chock-full of security-related goodies. The strangely fact-free story, available from the Mail, ITN and The Scotsman, among others, is attributed to a "senior authoritative source", and Downing Street, the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police "declined to comment."
As journalistic constructs designed to distance government from responsibility for the junk the spin doctors are handing out go, "senior authoritative source" is pretty esoteric. It's not 'Home Office sources', nor is 'sources close to the Home Office' - maybe it's not even 'informed sources', and our confidence in it is further undermined by the apparent need to say in the story that the source "who has no axe to grind, said that the threats were real and were not deliberately exaggerated for political purposes." When you have to put in your story, 'look, I know you're all going to think this is junk made up by the Government to coincide with the Queens speech, but it's not, OK?', you are in bad shape."
John Lettice
"In an amazing coincidence, news of a thwarted 911-style terror attack on the UK emerged just hours before the Government was due to unveil a legislative programme chock-full of security-related goodies. The strangely fact-free story, available from the Mail, ITN and The Scotsman, among others, is attributed to a "senior authoritative source", and Downing Street, the Home Office and the Metropolitan Police "declined to comment."
As journalistic constructs designed to distance government from responsibility for the junk the spin doctors are handing out go, "senior authoritative source" is pretty esoteric. It's not 'Home Office sources', nor is 'sources close to the Home Office' - maybe it's not even 'informed sources', and our confidence in it is further undermined by the apparent need to say in the story that the source "who has no axe to grind, said that the threats were real and were not deliberately exaggerated for political purposes." When you have to put in your story, 'look, I know you're all going to think this is junk made up by the Government to coincide with the Queens speech, but it's not, OK?', you are in bad shape."
Tuesday, November 23, 2004
Europe Focuses Anti-Terror Efforts / Deutsche Welle, 22 Nov 2004
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1402022,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html
Andreas Tzortzis
"Fighting terrorism in Europe is as varied as the continent's cultures and legal systems. And that, say investigators, could become a major problem. Hitches in intelligence sharing, and the flow of information between national law enforcement and security agencies on the European level is mirroring similar problems within each country. German security officials, for example, have been at pains to improve data-sharing since the Sept. 11 attacks, with only marginal success, say critics."
Andreas Tzortzis
"Fighting terrorism in Europe is as varied as the continent's cultures and legal systems. And that, say investigators, could become a major problem. Hitches in intelligence sharing, and the flow of information between national law enforcement and security agencies on the European level is mirroring similar problems within each country. German security officials, for example, have been at pains to improve data-sharing since the Sept. 11 attacks, with only marginal success, say critics."
Port Hueneme looks for gang solutions / [USA] Ventura County Star, 22 Nov 2004
http://www.venturacountystar.com/vcs/ox/article/0,1375,VCS_238_3346388,00.html
Sylvia Moore
"The injunction imposed in June against the Colonia Chiques street gang in Oxnard caused an uproar. Opponents of the injunction complained that the Oxnard Police Department should have consulted residents before asking a judge to take such a drastic action to combat street crime.
Port Hueneme, however, is taking a different tack. Rather than going with an injunction right away to deal with the city's gang problem, the Port Hueneme Police Department wants city officials to look at other options, such as establishing a violent crimes task force, a nuisance abatement program and educational programs for gang members. "
Sylvia Moore
"The injunction imposed in June against the Colonia Chiques street gang in Oxnard caused an uproar. Opponents of the injunction complained that the Oxnard Police Department should have consulted residents before asking a judge to take such a drastic action to combat street crime.
Port Hueneme, however, is taking a different tack. Rather than going with an injunction right away to deal with the city's gang problem, the Port Hueneme Police Department wants city officials to look at other options, such as establishing a violent crimes task force, a nuisance abatement program and educational programs for gang members. "
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