http://www.jointogether.org/gv/news/alerts/reader/0,2061,574924,00.html
"Programs that rely on 'scare tactics' to prevent children and adolescents from engaging in violent behavior are not only ineffective, but may actually make the problem worse, according to an independent state-of-the-science panel convened this week by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The panel, charged with assessing the available evidence on preventing violence and other health-risking behaviors in adolescents, announced today its assessment of the current research.
The panel found that group detention centers, boot camps, and other 'get tough' programs often exacerbate problems by grouping young people with delinquent tendencies, where the more sophisticated instruct the more na�ve. Similarly, the practice of transferring juveniles to the adult judicial system can be counterproductive, resulting in greater violence among incarcerated youth."
Sunday, October 31, 2004
'Connectedness' a Key to Youth Violence Prevention / Join together, 29 Oct 2004
http://www.jointogether.org/gv/news/features/reader/0%2C2061%2C575036%2C00.html
Dick Dahl
"After examining the data from an exhaustive national study on youth violence, Michael D. Resnick has concluded that the answer to reducing the likelihood of violence among the young is, in a sense, not really that complex. Kids, he says, need to feel connected.
'What we've learned is that this feeling of connectedness -- to family, to school, to their communities -- is extraordinarily important,' says Resnick, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. 'I've come to believe that human beings are hard-wired biologically in this way. When children feel competent, confident, and needed, they sparkle.'"
Dick Dahl
"After examining the data from an exhaustive national study on youth violence, Michael D. Resnick has concluded that the answer to reducing the likelihood of violence among the young is, in a sense, not really that complex. Kids, he says, need to feel connected.
'What we've learned is that this feeling of connectedness -- to family, to school, to their communities -- is extraordinarily important,' says Resnick, a professor at the University of Minnesota School of Medicine. 'I've come to believe that human beings are hard-wired biologically in this way. When children feel competent, confident, and needed, they sparkle.'"
Urban youths' perspectives on violence and the necessity of fighting (October 1 2004, 10 [5])
http://ip.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/10/5/287
"S B Johnson, S Frattaroli, J L Wright, C B Pearson-Fields, and T L Cheng
Inj Prev 2004 10: 287-291"
PDF - http://ip.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/10/5/280
"S B Johnson, S Frattaroli, J L Wright, C B Pearson-Fields, and T L Cheng
Inj Prev 2004 10: 287-291"
PDF - http://ip.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/10/5/280
Firearm related deaths: the impact of regulatory reform (October 1 2004, 10 [5])
http://ip.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/full/10/5/280
J Ozanne-Smith, K Ashby, S Newstead, V Z Stathakis, and A Clapperton
Inj Prev 2004 10: 280-286."
PDF - http://ip.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/10/5/280
J Ozanne-Smith, K Ashby, S Newstead, V Z Stathakis, and A Clapperton
Inj Prev 2004 10: 280-286."
PDF - http://ip.bmjjournals.com/cgi/reprint/10/5/280
New Approach On People-Trafficking Called For By UN Human Rights Chief / Europaworld 29/ Oct 2004
http://www.europaworld.org/week198/newapproach291004.htm
"People-trafficking continues to be largely treated as a law-and-order problem even though it actually should be approached from a human rights and development perspective, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour says in a new report.
In her annual report to the General Assembly, Ms. Arbour says the crime of people-trafficking - 'with large numbers of women and minors tricked, sold or otherwise coerced into situations of exploitation, forced labour or slavery-like practices' - has become one of the world's biggest human rights issues today."
"People-trafficking continues to be largely treated as a law-and-order problem even though it actually should be approached from a human rights and development perspective, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour says in a new report.
In her annual report to the General Assembly, Ms. Arbour says the crime of people-trafficking - 'with large numbers of women and minors tricked, sold or otherwise coerced into situations of exploitation, forced labour or slavery-like practices' - has become one of the world's biggest human rights issues today."
Growing up in a gun culture / ic Croydon, 29 Oct 2004
http://iccroydon.icnetwork.co.uk/news/croydon/tm_objectid=14808817
&method=full&siteid=53340&headline=growing-up-in-a-gun-culture-name_page.html
"A GENERATION of our youngsters are growing up in a culture of guns and knives, a Croydon Advertiser investigation can reveal today.
After a recent period that saw seven people killed in three weeks and a spate of shootings, we asked young people about their experiences of street crime.
And their graphic accounts of gun violence and knife-point muggings lift the lid on the climate of violence that will strike at the heart of every parent in the borough."
&method=full&siteid=53340&headline=growing-up-in-a-gun-culture-name_page.html
"A GENERATION of our youngsters are growing up in a culture of guns and knives, a Croydon Advertiser investigation can reveal today.
After a recent period that saw seven people killed in three weeks and a spate of shootings, we asked young people about their experiences of street crime.
And their graphic accounts of gun violence and knife-point muggings lift the lid on the climate of violence that will strike at the heart of every parent in the borough."
Saturday, October 30, 2004
Lawyers raise concerns about major crime bill / [Australia] The Age, 30 Oct 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/29/1099028208345.html?oneclick=true
Ian Munro
"Shoplifting could be considered organised crime under the state's sweeping major crime legislation, say lawyers, who have called for the bill to be stalled or reviewed.
No other state police force has the powers Victorian police are about to receive, they say, questioning why such powers should be granted when police corruption is a big concern.
In an unprecedented joint attack on the Government's major crime bills, the Law Institute of Victoria, the Bar Council, the Criminal Bar Association and Liberty Victoria said the changes had been rushed into Parliament without proper debate.
The bill allowing witnesses to be interrogated without the right to silence, without protection against self-incrimination, and accompanied by the threat of an unlimited prison sentence for failing to co-operate, was released in the last week of the federal election campaign and will be debated next week."
Ian Munro
"Shoplifting could be considered organised crime under the state's sweeping major crime legislation, say lawyers, who have called for the bill to be stalled or reviewed.
No other state police force has the powers Victorian police are about to receive, they say, questioning why such powers should be granted when police corruption is a big concern.
In an unprecedented joint attack on the Government's major crime bills, the Law Institute of Victoria, the Bar Council, the Criminal Bar Association and Liberty Victoria said the changes had been rushed into Parliament without proper debate.
The bill allowing witnesses to be interrogated without the right to silence, without protection against self-incrimination, and accompanied by the threat of an unlimited prison sentence for failing to co-operate, was released in the last week of the federal election campaign and will be debated next week."
Friday, October 29, 2004
Victim Offender Mediation: Short Notes From Poland / Restoratvie Justice Onine, Oct 2004
http://www.restorativejustice.org/rj3/Feature/2004/Novemeber/poland1.htm
In 2003, laws and regulations concerning victim-offender mediation were modified in Poland. One result of these changes is that more cases are now eligible for VOM than before. Dr. Elżbieta Czwartosz, a professor of psychology at the University of Warsaw, reviews these developments and provides information on the number and types of cases referred to mediation in recent years, as well as the use of mediation agreements in court decisions.
In 2003, laws and regulations concerning victim-offender mediation were modified in Poland. One result of these changes is that more cases are now eligible for VOM than before. Dr. Elżbieta Czwartosz, a professor of psychology at the University of Warsaw, reviews these developments and provides information on the number and types of cases referred to mediation in recent years, as well as the use of mediation agreements in court decisions.
New Restorative Justice Legislation in the Australian Capital Territory. / restoratvie Justice Online, Oct 2004
http://www.restorativejustice.org/rj3/Feature/2004/Novemeber/ACT1.htm
A recently passed bill will expand the use of restorative process in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) beginning in 2005. The Crime (Restorative Justice) Act 2004 allows the use of conferencing in all stages of the criminal justice process from pre-trial diversion to parole. The act, passed in August, grows out of the government’s ACT Criminal Justice Strategic Plan 2002-2005 which included an examination of restorative justice options in the territory.
A recently passed bill will expand the use of restorative process in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) beginning in 2005. The Crime (Restorative Justice) Act 2004 allows the use of conferencing in all stages of the criminal justice process from pre-trial diversion to parole. The act, passed in August, grows out of the government’s ACT Criminal Justice Strategic Plan 2002-2005 which included an examination of restorative justice options in the territory.
Blair announces new push on anti-social behaviour / Politics, 28 Oct 2004
http://www.politics.co.uk/domestic-policy/blair-announces-new-push-on-anti-social-behaviour-$3733253.htm
"The Prime Minister has promised that the Government will continue to refine and improve anti-social behaviour legislation to protect the 'law abiding majority'.
Tony Blair's comments came as he announced an expansion of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) to 50 new areas.
New measures announced include extension of witness support in court - such as being able to give evidence by video link - to those appearing as witnesses in ASBO cases, and legislation to give parish and town councils powers to levy fixed penalty notices.
In a speech to a conference of council leaders and social workers on the anniversary of the Government's establishment of ASBOs, Mr Blair said that issue is all 'about respect to other people and for decency and hard working families who play to the rules'.
He said that such people are 'angry and outraged at the feeling they'd lost control of their own communities and of their lives' - and that he is determined to help such people.
Countering criticisms that ASBOs just deal with surface issues, Mr Blair said that 'some of the causes of this are deep rooted and difficult and will require a lot of working on over a number of years'."
"The Prime Minister has promised that the Government will continue to refine and improve anti-social behaviour legislation to protect the 'law abiding majority'.
Tony Blair's comments came as he announced an expansion of anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) to 50 new areas.
New measures announced include extension of witness support in court - such as being able to give evidence by video link - to those appearing as witnesses in ASBO cases, and legislation to give parish and town councils powers to levy fixed penalty notices.
In a speech to a conference of council leaders and social workers on the anniversary of the Government's establishment of ASBOs, Mr Blair said that issue is all 'about respect to other people and for decency and hard working families who play to the rules'.
He said that such people are 'angry and outraged at the feeling they'd lost control of their own communities and of their lives' - and that he is determined to help such people.
Countering criticisms that ASBOs just deal with surface issues, Mr Blair said that 'some of the causes of this are deep rooted and difficult and will require a lot of working on over a number of years'."
Farmer 'fuming' after thieves he caught red-handed are let off / Telegraph, 28 Oct 2004
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/10/28/nkey28.xml&sSheet=/news/2004/10/28/ixhome.html
David Sapsted
"A Farmer who caught two thieves stealing diesel from his barn is 'boiling with anger' after being told that they will not be prosecuted.
The men were trapped by David Key in the act of pumping diesel from a tank on his farm. There were two independent witnesses and police arrested the suspects at the scene and took possession of the padlock that had been forced - but the Crown Prosecution Service has dropped the case because of 'insufficient evidence'."
David Sapsted
"A Farmer who caught two thieves stealing diesel from his barn is 'boiling with anger' after being told that they will not be prosecuted.
The men were trapped by David Key in the act of pumping diesel from a tank on his farm. There were two independent witnesses and police arrested the suspects at the scene and took possession of the padlock that had been forced - but the Crown Prosecution Service has dropped the case because of 'insufficient evidence'."
Britain: government extends attack on defendants' rights / World Socialist Web site, 28 Oct 2004
http://www.wsws.org/articles/2004/oct2004/jury-o28.shtml
Julie Hyland
"The Blair government has outlined a fresh attack on civil liberties under the guise of �putting victims first.�
Under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, from mid-December judges will have discretion to allow evidence of a defendant�s previous convictions to be put before juries.
The Act makes a fundamental change in law. Previous convictions were usually only revealed at the time of sentencing, as their introduction during trial was regarded as prejudicial to the outcome. Disclosure of such convictions during trial proceedings could lead to the case being stopped and a retrial ordered by the judge."
Julie Hyland
"The Blair government has outlined a fresh attack on civil liberties under the guise of �putting victims first.�
Under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, from mid-December judges will have discretion to allow evidence of a defendant�s previous convictions to be put before juries.
The Act makes a fundamental change in law. Previous convictions were usually only revealed at the time of sentencing, as their introduction during trial was regarded as prejudicial to the outcome. Disclosure of such convictions during trial proceedings could lead to the case being stopped and a retrial ordered by the judge."
Leader: UK ID cards � devil is in the detail - / silicon.com, 27 Oct 2004
http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39125358,00.htm
"Worrying questions still unanswered about Blunkett's controversial plans...
The consultation and political posturing is now officially over. Home Secretary David Blunkett has made some final changes to his ID card proposals that could now see the bill make its way through Parliament starting with its inclusion in the Queen's speech next month.
The consultation summary and response to MPs' criticisms published by the Home Office today are aimed at reassuring Parliament and the public that the concerns have been addressed and changes made.
Indeed, some have - the ID card will now be a standalone compulsory biometric ID card rather than being included on the passport or driving licence, a new executive agency will manage the scheme and an independent watchdog will scrutinise it all. "
"Worrying questions still unanswered about Blunkett's controversial plans...
The consultation and political posturing is now officially over. Home Secretary David Blunkett has made some final changes to his ID card proposals that could now see the bill make its way through Parliament starting with its inclusion in the Queen's speech next month.
The consultation summary and response to MPs' criticisms published by the Home Office today are aimed at reassuring Parliament and the public that the concerns have been addressed and changes made.
Indeed, some have - the ID card will now be a standalone compulsory biometric ID card rather than being included on the passport or driving licence, a new executive agency will manage the scheme and an independent watchdog will scrutinise it all. "
Lessons in policing / [USA] L.A. Daily News - Opinion, 29/10/04
http://www.dailynews.com/Stories/0,1413,200~20951~2493393,00.html
"Bratton cuts response times; Will City Hall cut fat?
BY slashing citywide response times, the Los Angeles Police Department has shown that small reforms can make a huge difference. Let's hope our elected officials in City Hall are paying attention.
In a time when government tells us we need to pay higher taxes in exchange for a lower quality of public services, the LAPD under Chief William Bratton has done just the opposite, giving us better policing without extracting an additional penny.
All it took was a change in policy."
"Bratton cuts response times; Will City Hall cut fat?
BY slashing citywide response times, the Los Angeles Police Department has shown that small reforms can make a huge difference. Let's hope our elected officials in City Hall are paying attention.
In a time when government tells us we need to pay higher taxes in exchange for a lower quality of public services, the LAPD under Chief William Bratton has done just the opposite, giving us better policing without extracting an additional penny.
All it took was a change in policy."
Restorative Justice - Making Justice Work - The New Zealand Experience / Scoop, 27 Oct 2004
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0410/S00465.htm
Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader
Paper presented to International Bar Association Conference
Auckland, New Zealand"
Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader
Paper presented to International Bar Association Conference
Auckland, New Zealand"
Community correction extended to more cities / china View, 27 Oct 2004
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-10/27/content_2145411.htm
"China will extend its two-year-old community rehabilitation projects from 6 pilot provinces to 18 this year, in an effort to cut the prison population.
'The projects help us change ideas from watching these people to correcting and helping them,' said Wang Jue, an official with the Ministry of Justice, Wednesday.
Such services are imposed on five types of offenders: people under surveillance, probation, parole, temporary service out of prison and those released but deprived of political rights.
Despite the best intentions, Wang said that community correction, long common in Western countries, is struggling to integrate with the existing legal system in China. "
"China will extend its two-year-old community rehabilitation projects from 6 pilot provinces to 18 this year, in an effort to cut the prison population.
'The projects help us change ideas from watching these people to correcting and helping them,' said Wang Jue, an official with the Ministry of Justice, Wednesday.
Such services are imposed on five types of offenders: people under surveillance, probation, parole, temporary service out of prison and those released but deprived of political rights.
Despite the best intentions, Wang said that community correction, long common in Western countries, is struggling to integrate with the existing legal system in China. "
Home Secretary Sets Out Next Steps on Id Cards / Sctosman, Oct 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3679094
"HOME OFFICE News Release
The Government is making good progress with its plans for national, compulsory ID cards, the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said today as he published the Home Office�s response to the Home Affairs Select Committee�s report on ID cards.
A national, compulsory ID card scheme will ensure that the UK can meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. It will: help protect the UK against terrorism, organised crime, identity theft, illegal immigration and illegal working; allow UK citizens to travel and carry out everyday transactions easily and securely; and ensure that public services are only used by those entitled to them.
The Government is announcing today, in response to the comments of the Home Affairs Select Committee, some refinements to the scheme"
"HOME OFFICE News Release
The Government is making good progress with its plans for national, compulsory ID cards, the Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said today as he published the Home Office�s response to the Home Affairs Select Committee�s report on ID cards.
A national, compulsory ID card scheme will ensure that the UK can meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. It will: help protect the UK against terrorism, organised crime, identity theft, illegal immigration and illegal working; allow UK citizens to travel and carry out everyday transactions easily and securely; and ensure that public services are only used by those entitled to them.
The Government is announcing today, in response to the comments of the Home Affairs Select Committee, some refinements to the scheme"
Juries to hear defendants' criminal history / Daily Mail, 26 Oct 2004
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=323482&in_page_id=1770
JAMES CHAPMAN
"David Blunkett is facing another row with the judiciary over plans to allow defendants' previous convictions to be revealed to juries.
The Home Secretary's reforms, due to come into force in six weeks' time, will mean criminal records being disclosed as a matter of course during trials.
In most cases, convictions will only be made known if they are similar to the current charge.
Look here too...Skip gossip links to more articles Vote: Should jurors be told of previous convictions?
However, in child sex and theft trials, judges will be able to order that a much broader range of previous offences are revealed to the jury. In exceptional cases, they will even be told if a defendant has been acquitted of a 'strikingly similar' offence in the past. "
JAMES CHAPMAN
"David Blunkett is facing another row with the judiciary over plans to allow defendants' previous convictions to be revealed to juries.
The Home Secretary's reforms, due to come into force in six weeks' time, will mean criminal records being disclosed as a matter of course during trials.
In most cases, convictions will only be made known if they are similar to the current charge.
Look here too...Skip gossip links to more articles Vote: Should jurors be told of previous convictions?
However, in child sex and theft trials, judges will be able to order that a much broader range of previous offences are revealed to the jury. In exceptional cases, they will even be told if a defendant has been acquitted of a 'strikingly similar' offence in the past. "
SHOT BURGLAR JAILED / Sky News, 28 Oct 2004
http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30100-13240789,00.html
"The Crown Prosecution Service ruled that no charges should be brought against Mr Faulkner after deciding he had acted in 'legitimate defence' of his property.
The case has sparked calls from victim support organisations for clearer guidelines for householders on what constitutes reasonable force when protecting their homes against intruders."
"The Crown Prosecution Service ruled that no charges should be brought against Mr Faulkner after deciding he had acted in 'legitimate defence' of his property.
The case has sparked calls from victim support organisations for clearer guidelines for householders on what constitutes reasonable force when protecting their homes against intruders."
Thursday, October 28, 2004
Blunkett sets out store on compulsory ID cards | The Register, 27 )ct 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/27/blunkett_hac_response/"The Home Office today confirmed, as first reported here, that the UK national ID card is to be issued alongside passports.* This effectively pre-empts a future Parliamentary decision on whether or not they should be made compulsory, because anyone who needs to renew their passport will be 'volunteered'.
The move, which comes alongside the announcement of a new executive agency to run and deliver the ID scheme, the publication of the results of the latest consultation and David Blunkett's riposte to the Home Affairs Committee, was made in order to 'simplify the operation of the scheme, and reflects public support for a universal card.'"
The move, which comes alongside the announcement of a new executive agency to run and deliver the ID scheme, the publication of the results of the latest consultation and David Blunkett's riposte to the Home Affairs Committee, was made in order to 'simplify the operation of the scheme, and reflects public support for a universal card.'"
Prisons need needle exchange programs, OMA says CBC News:, 27 Oct 2004
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/10/27/prison_needles041027.html
"One of the largest doctors organizations in Canada on Tuesday called for needle exchange programs in prisons and jails across the country.
The Ontario Medical Association made the call as the HIV/AIDS Legal Network, an international think-tank, released a comprehensive report on HIV and other injection drug-related infections among prisoners, including hepatitis C.
The general population is put at risk when infected prisoners are released from jail, said John Rapin, OMA president. "
"One of the largest doctors organizations in Canada on Tuesday called for needle exchange programs in prisons and jails across the country.
The Ontario Medical Association made the call as the HIV/AIDS Legal Network, an international think-tank, released a comprehensive report on HIV and other injection drug-related infections among prisoners, including hepatitis C.
The general population is put at risk when infected prisoners are released from jail, said John Rapin, OMA president. "
Blunkett firms up definite plans for compulsory UK biometric ID cards :: PublicTechnology, 28 Oct 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1984"Home Office Home Secretary, David Blunkett, said yesterday that the Government is making good progress with its plans for national, compulsory ID cards.
He spoke as he published the Home Office's response to the Home Affairs Select Committee's report on ID cards.
A national, compulsory ID card scheme is expected by Blunkett (but not the opponents of the scheme) to ensure that the UK can meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. He says its aims are to help protect the UK against terrorism, organised crime, identity theft, illegal immigration and illegal working; allow UK citizens to travel and carry out everyday transactions easily and securely; and ensure that public services are only used by those entitled to them.
It's not a view held by all - check out some of the opposing views at links at the bottom of this article.. "
He spoke as he published the Home Office's response to the Home Affairs Select Committee's report on ID cards.
A national, compulsory ID card scheme is expected by Blunkett (but not the opponents of the scheme) to ensure that the UK can meet the challenges of the twenty-first century. He says its aims are to help protect the UK against terrorism, organised crime, identity theft, illegal immigration and illegal working; allow UK citizens to travel and carry out everyday transactions easily and securely; and ensure that public services are only used by those entitled to them.
It's not a view held by all - check out some of the opposing views at links at the bottom of this article.. "
Blunkett revises ID card plans / Politics.co, 28 Oct 2004
http://www.politics.co.uk/party-politics/blunkett-revises-id-card-plans-$6090233.htm"The Home Office has pulled back from plans to combine a nationwide compulsory identity card with passports and driving licences.
Home Secretary David Blunkett is to opt for a stand alone ID card directly linked to a central database of names and address.
The Government says ID cards are a vital tool in the fight against illegal immigration and terrorism.
The ID card scheme will collate biometric data including scans of the iris and face and the fingerprints for all 59 million people in the UK. The cards will eventually be compulsory to have, though not to carry. "
Home Secretary David Blunkett is to opt for a stand alone ID card directly linked to a central database of names and address.
The Government says ID cards are a vital tool in the fight against illegal immigration and terrorism.
The ID card scheme will collate biometric data including scans of the iris and face and the fingerprints for all 59 million people in the UK. The cards will eventually be compulsory to have, though not to carry. "
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Reducing re-offending: consultation analysis report / Scottish Executive, Oct 2004
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2004/10/18120750
"An independent analysis of responses to a consultation (Reducing Re-offending in Scotland). The analysis report highlights a number of concerns and suggestions for improvement, including:
Perceived gaps in provision, appropriateness and effectiveness of some services, and difficulties of access.
Difficulties in liaison between service providers and concerns about a lack of continuity of throughcare from prison into the community.
Perceived slowness in the criminal justice process, affecting offenders' progress and the likelihood of re-offending.
Concern about the lack of a victim's perspective, and that the system was increasingly punitive and custody-focused.
High use of custodial sentences, particularly short term sentences with an associated lack of benefit for some offenders. This was coupled with a lack of consistent availability or use of community disposals.
Other issues raised, included a call for good quality research, evaluation and monitoring about what is effective and the impact of those interventions to inform future developments."
"An independent analysis of responses to a consultation (Reducing Re-offending in Scotland). The analysis report highlights a number of concerns and suggestions for improvement, including:
Perceived gaps in provision, appropriateness and effectiveness of some services, and difficulties of access.
Difficulties in liaison between service providers and concerns about a lack of continuity of throughcare from prison into the community.
Perceived slowness in the criminal justice process, affecting offenders' progress and the likelihood of re-offending.
Concern about the lack of a victim's perspective, and that the system was increasingly punitive and custody-focused.
High use of custodial sentences, particularly short term sentences with an associated lack of benefit for some offenders. This was coupled with a lack of consistent availability or use of community disposals.
Other issues raised, included a call for good quality research, evaluation and monitoring about what is effective and the impact of those interventions to inform future developments."
Crime, persistent offenders and the justice gap / CSF report, Oct 2004
Richard Garside
http://policyhub.gov.uk/home/crime_CSF2004.asp
"Warns that serious offences such as domestic violence, sexual assaults, offences against children and white collar crime are not adequately measured by official statistics. As a result the government's strategy to focus on known offenders is likely to see their crimes being ignored.
The paper argues that claims suggesting 5,000 prolific offenders commit nearly 10 per cent of all crime is "manifestly incorrect" and based on information about those convicted of crime, not those who commit it. Less than three per cent of known crime results in an offender being successfully prosecuted.
The paper goes on to criticise the government's use of the authoritative British Crime Survey (BCS). Though a more accurate measure of some crime than statistics recorded by the police, the BCS tells us little or nothing about a range of crimes, including sexual assaults, crimes against children, and white collar crime."
PDF - http://www.crimeandsociety.org.uk/pdfs/DPDP1Oct04E.pdf
http://policyhub.gov.uk/home/crime_CSF2004.asp
"Warns that serious offences such as domestic violence, sexual assaults, offences against children and white collar crime are not adequately measured by official statistics. As a result the government's strategy to focus on known offenders is likely to see their crimes being ignored.
The paper argues that claims suggesting 5,000 prolific offenders commit nearly 10 per cent of all crime is "manifestly incorrect" and based on information about those convicted of crime, not those who commit it. Less than three per cent of known crime results in an offender being successfully prosecuted.
The paper goes on to criticise the government's use of the authoritative British Crime Survey (BCS). Though a more accurate measure of some crime than statistics recorded by the police, the BCS tells us little or nothing about a range of crimes, including sexual assaults, crimes against children, and white collar crime."
PDF - http://www.crimeandsociety.org.uk/pdfs/DPDP1Oct04E.pdf
Cross-National Studies in Crime and Justice
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/cnscj.pdf
"Summarizes the results from a study that documents crime and criminal punishment trends from 1981 to 1999 in eight countries: Australia, Canada, England, the Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. To enhance comparability, each paper deals with six crimes that are similarly defined across the eight countries: murder, rape, non-commercial robbery, serious assault, household burglary, and completed motor vehicle theft. Each paper uses the same set of measures of criminal punishment. Measures include sentence length imposed, percent of sentence served, and probabilities of arrest, of conviction, and of incarceration." 09/04 NCJ 200988
Text file - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/ascii/cnscj.txt
"Summarizes the results from a study that documents crime and criminal punishment trends from 1981 to 1999 in eight countries: Australia, Canada, England, the Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. To enhance comparability, each paper deals with six crimes that are similarly defined across the eight countries: murder, rape, non-commercial robbery, serious assault, household burglary, and completed motor vehicle theft. Each paper uses the same set of measures of criminal punishment. Measures include sentence length imposed, percent of sentence served, and probabilities of arrest, of conviction, and of incarceration." 09/04 NCJ 200988
Text file - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/ascii/cnscj.txt
Characteristics of Arrestees at Risk for Co-Existing Substance Abuse and Mental Disorder. 10/2004, NCJ 207142.
http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/grants/207142.pdf
Victims of Violent Juvenile Crime
http://www.ncjrs.org/html/ojjdp/201628/contents.html
Carl McCurley and Howard N. Snyder
Violent crime is always disturbing, but this is especially true when its perpetrators are youth.
About one in five nonfatal violent victimizations involves a juvenile offender, acting either alone or with others—adult or juvenile. Most victims of juvenile violence are juveniles, including 95% of the victims of sexual assaults. Nearly all victims of juvenile violence know the offender."
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/ojjdp/201628.pdf
Carl McCurley and Howard N. Snyder
Violent crime is always disturbing, but this is especially true when its perpetrators are youth.
About one in five nonfatal violent victimizations involves a juvenile offender, acting either alone or with others—adult or juvenile. Most victims of juvenile violence are juveniles, including 95% of the victims of sexual assaults. Nearly all victims of juvenile violence know the offender."
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/ojjdp/201628.pdf
Blueprints for Violence Prevention. 7/2004, NCJ 204274.
http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/ojjdp/204274.pdf
Assessing the Mental Health Status of Youth in Juvenile Justice Settings
http://www.ncjrs.org/html/ojjdp/202713/contents.html
Gail A. Wasserman, Susan J. Ko, and Larkin S. McReynolds
"Serious mental health and substance use disorders can interfere with the rehabilitation of youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system and increase their risk for recidivism. Too often, the needs of these youth have gone unrecognized and untreated because of inadequate screening and assessment."
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/ojjdp/202713.pdf
Gail A. Wasserman, Susan J. Ko, and Larkin S. McReynolds
"Serious mental health and substance use disorders can interfere with the rehabilitation of youth who come into contact with the juvenile justice system and increase their risk for recidivism. Too often, the needs of these youth have gone unrecognized and untreated because of inadequate screening and assessment."
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/ojjdp/202713.pdf
Specialized Gang Units: Form and Function in Community Policing. 10/2004, NCJ 207204.
http://www.ncjrs.org/pdffiles1/nij/grants/207204.pdf
Doping up the rabble : Drugs, microwaves, and the future of policing. / San Franciso Bay Guardian, 25 Oct 2004
A.C. Thompson
A decade from now, protesters who mass outside a global trade meeting may find themselves zapped by high-voltage land mines, pacified by wafting clouds of tranquilizing drugs, blasted by incapacitating microwaves, or burned by lasers.
All of these weapons – "less-lethal" or "nonlethal" armaments designed to incapacitate without killing – are under development by the U.S. military. With the increasing crossover between soldiering and policing – witness the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq, where troops spend a good chunk of their time acting like beat cops – you should expect the sci-fi-inspired techno-toys the Pentagon is dreaming up today to become standard-issue equipment for U.S. law enforcers tomorrow. In fact, many of the companies engineering the weapons for the Defense Department also supply weaponry to police departments.
Already, dissidents are learning that today's less-lethal weapons can seriously maim or even kill, not to mention quell a demonstration in a matter of seconds. So, with the use of less-lethal force on the rise and scary new weapons in the pipeline, the Bay Guardian figured this was a prime time to take a quick look at the gadgetry used for herding humans – both now, and, possibly, in the future.
A decade from now, protesters who mass outside a global trade meeting may find themselves zapped by high-voltage land mines, pacified by wafting clouds of tranquilizing drugs, blasted by incapacitating microwaves, or burned by lasers.
All of these weapons – "less-lethal" or "nonlethal" armaments designed to incapacitate without killing – are under development by the U.S. military. With the increasing crossover between soldiering and policing – witness the situations in Afghanistan and Iraq, where troops spend a good chunk of their time acting like beat cops – you should expect the sci-fi-inspired techno-toys the Pentagon is dreaming up today to become standard-issue equipment for U.S. law enforcers tomorrow. In fact, many of the companies engineering the weapons for the Defense Department also supply weaponry to police departments.
Already, dissidents are learning that today's less-lethal weapons can seriously maim or even kill, not to mention quell a demonstration in a matter of seconds. So, with the use of less-lethal force on the rise and scary new weapons in the pipeline, the Bay Guardian figured this was a prime time to take a quick look at the gadgetry used for herding humans – both now, and, possibly, in the future.
Prison reform borrows foreign ideas / China View, 25 Oct 2004
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2004-10/25/content_2138047.htm
China, which has approximately 1.5million prison inmates, including some 19,000 juveniles, is borrowing ideas from other countries to reform its penal system.
"We have introduced psychological treatment into Chinese prisons, borrowing ideas from Singapore and Canada," said Vice Minister of Justice Fan Fangping at the annual general meeting of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), which opened here Monday.
Most of the 670 prisons in China are now equipped with facilities and personnel to give psychological treatment to inmates, and some of them are working with universities and research institutes on treatment and research programs.
"This is an example of how China is combining its reality with advanced ideas from other countries," Fan noted. "Many countries in the world are trying to turn more criminals into law-abiding citizens through prisons and corrections, which is also the policy of the Chinese government. We have much to exchange and share with them."
China, which has approximately 1.5million prison inmates, including some 19,000 juveniles, is borrowing ideas from other countries to reform its penal system.
"We have introduced psychological treatment into Chinese prisons, borrowing ideas from Singapore and Canada," said Vice Minister of Justice Fan Fangping at the annual general meeting of the International Corrections and Prisons Association (ICPA), which opened here Monday.
Most of the 670 prisons in China are now equipped with facilities and personnel to give psychological treatment to inmates, and some of them are working with universities and research institutes on treatment and research programs.
"This is an example of how China is combining its reality with advanced ideas from other countries," Fan noted. "Many countries in the world are trying to turn more criminals into law-abiding citizens through prisons and corrections, which is also the policy of the Chinese government. We have much to exchange and share with them."
Military to help young offenders / BBC, 27 Oct 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/3955605.stm
Military bases will open their doors to young criminals and children who are at risk of offending for voluntary day and weekend camps next year.
The venture aims to help youngsters aged between eight and 17 get their lives back on track.
Three pilot projects, run by the Youth Justice Board and Ministry of Defence, will include exercise and education.
Organisers say the format is expected to be similar to Outward Bound courses rather than harsh American boot camps.
Military bases will open their doors to young criminals and children who are at risk of offending for voluntary day and weekend camps next year.
The venture aims to help youngsters aged between eight and 17 get their lives back on track.
Three pilot projects, run by the Youth Justice Board and Ministry of Defence, will include exercise and education.
Organisers say the format is expected to be similar to Outward Bound courses rather than harsh American boot camps.
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
A Librarian's ISBN FAQ
http://www.niso.org/standards/resources/ISBN.html#FAQ"The new 13-digit ISBN has been approved and plans are underway to transition to the new number industry-wide, world-wide by January 1, 2007. Find out how the expansion of the ISBN from 10-digits to 13-digits will impact your business and operations"
UK Health minister announces new steps to aid victims of domestic violence / Medical News Today, 20 Oct 2004
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/?newsid=15248
"Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson announced plans to help identify victims of domestic abuse earlier. 30% of domestic violence either starts or will intensify during pregnancy. An advisory group will be set up to suggest possible ways to include routine enquiries during ante-natal appointments to establish whether they are at risk of domestic violence. The aim will be to ensure pregnant women feel comfortable discussing domestic violence and to enable them to get appropriate help and support. "
"Public Health Minister Melanie Johnson announced plans to help identify victims of domestic abuse earlier. 30% of domestic violence either starts or will intensify during pregnancy. An advisory group will be set up to suggest possible ways to include routine enquiries during ante-natal appointments to establish whether they are at risk of domestic violence. The aim will be to ensure pregnant women feel comfortable discussing domestic violence and to enable them to get appropriate help and support. "
Call for randomised criminal-justice trials / Medical News Today, 17 Oct 2004
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/?newsid=15080
"A scientific approach to test the validity of criminal-justice interventions before they become implemented is proposed by the author of a Viewpoint in this week's issue of THE LANCET (p 1457). The article provides details of how court-based randomisation could be put into practice.
Sheila Bird (UK Medical Research Council/University of Strathclyde, Scotland) focuses on the lack of true scientific evidence that has been used as a basis for implementing UK criminal justice policy on drug-dependent offenders.
She outlines the ideal scientific approach for the criminal justice system: �Formal experiments, including the randomisation of sufficient numbers of offenders, are needed to inform judicial approval or �licensing� of new criminal-justice disposals before they are implemented nationally. "
"A scientific approach to test the validity of criminal-justice interventions before they become implemented is proposed by the author of a Viewpoint in this week's issue of THE LANCET (p 1457). The article provides details of how court-based randomisation could be put into practice.
Sheila Bird (UK Medical Research Council/University of Strathclyde, Scotland) focuses on the lack of true scientific evidence that has been used as a basis for implementing UK criminal justice policy on drug-dependent offenders.
She outlines the ideal scientific approach for the criminal justice system: �Formal experiments, including the randomisation of sufficient numbers of offenders, are needed to inform judicial approval or �licensing� of new criminal-justice disposals before they are implemented nationally. "
Central government managers must manage risk better says National Audit Office / PublicTechnology,26 Oct 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1963
"The National Audit Office reported to Parliament yesterday that good progress has been made by departments to improve their risk management capacity since his previous report in August 2000, although departments have further to go to demonstrate that they have made effective risk management a central part of their day to day management processes.
Effective risk management can help departments avoid failures in service delivery. Parliament's committees over the past few months have identified all-too-numerous examples of failure in IT projects with resultant risk and impact on government services.
Well managed risk taking also presents opportunities to deliver better public services, make more reliable decisions, improve efficiency and support innovation. The announcement in the Government�s July 2004 Spending Review of its intention to achieve savings of �21.5 billion a year, staff reductions of 84,000 in support functions by 2008 and sales of �30 billion of assets by 2010 makes effective risk management even more critical. If these targets are to be successfully met whilst also achieving Public Service Agreement targets risks will need to be successfully managed. "
"The National Audit Office reported to Parliament yesterday that good progress has been made by departments to improve their risk management capacity since his previous report in August 2000, although departments have further to go to demonstrate that they have made effective risk management a central part of their day to day management processes.
Effective risk management can help departments avoid failures in service delivery. Parliament's committees over the past few months have identified all-too-numerous examples of failure in IT projects with resultant risk and impact on government services.
Well managed risk taking also presents opportunities to deliver better public services, make more reliable decisions, improve efficiency and support innovation. The announcement in the Government�s July 2004 Spending Review of its intention to achieve savings of �21.5 billion a year, staff reductions of 84,000 in support functions by 2008 and sales of �30 billion of assets by 2010 makes effective risk management even more critical. If these targets are to be successfully met whilst also achieving Public Service Agreement targets risks will need to be successfully managed. "
Fingerprints to become compulsory for all EU passports | The Register, 25 Oct 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/25/eu_adds_passport_fingerprints/
John Lettice
"EU interior ministers are today likely to sign off regulations making fingerprinting a second compulsory biometric for passports. The latest proposed draft regulation will effectively overturn a decision made earlier this year to make only facial image compulsory, and fingerprint optional, and comes in the face of opposition from Sweden Finland, Estonia and Latvia, 'could not accept this re-opening of discussions on the second biometric identifier to become mandatory.'
The UK has the ability to opt out, but has apparently been supporting a German proposal for a third, 'optional' identifier - iris scan. The EU proposal, which can be read at Statewatch, here, ostensibly addresses compliance with ICAO and US requirements for biometric passports and the security of the passport itself. For example, Article 4 (3) specifies that the biometric features shall only be used for verifying 'the authenticity of the document' and 'the identity of the holder by means of directly available comparable features when the passport or other travel documents are required to be produced by law.'"
John Lettice
"EU interior ministers are today likely to sign off regulations making fingerprinting a second compulsory biometric for passports. The latest proposed draft regulation will effectively overturn a decision made earlier this year to make only facial image compulsory, and fingerprint optional, and comes in the face of opposition from Sweden Finland, Estonia and Latvia, 'could not accept this re-opening of discussions on the second biometric identifier to become mandatory.'
The UK has the ability to opt out, but has apparently been supporting a German proposal for a third, 'optional' identifier - iris scan. The EU proposal, which can be read at Statewatch, here, ostensibly addresses compliance with ICAO and US requirements for biometric passports and the security of the passport itself. For example, Article 4 (3) specifies that the biometric features shall only be used for verifying 'the authenticity of the document' and 'the identity of the holder by means of directly available comparable features when the passport or other travel documents are required to be produced by law.'"
Blunkett, Blair and the wonderful world of EU opt ins | The Register, 25 Oct 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/25/eu_opt_ins_explained/
John Lettice
"While in the background the EU's interior ministers hatched plans to fingerprint all 450 million of us, the foregrounded story in the UK was our opt-out/opt-in/veto. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis claimed that actual Home Secretary (arguably the shadowier one) David Blunkett was selling the UK down the river by accepting qualified majority voting and losing the veto, while Blunkett insisted that we were getting the best of both worlds.
Blunkett's claim appears to be based, more or less, on the view that majority voting will make it a lot easier to bring in new security wheezes without having to bother too much about objections from lily-livered Scandinavians, but that by retaining the ability to just say no, the UK doesn't have to get involved in 'federalist' stuff like EU border police and an EU consular service and common visa. As Blunkett himself put it so clearly on Radio 4's Today this morning, 'we don't have an opt-in, we have an opt-out.'"
John Lettice
"While in the background the EU's interior ministers hatched plans to fingerprint all 450 million of us, the foregrounded story in the UK was our opt-out/opt-in/veto. Shadow Home Secretary David Davis claimed that actual Home Secretary (arguably the shadowier one) David Blunkett was selling the UK down the river by accepting qualified majority voting and losing the veto, while Blunkett insisted that we were getting the best of both worlds.
Blunkett's claim appears to be based, more or less, on the view that majority voting will make it a lot easier to bring in new security wheezes without having to bother too much about objections from lily-livered Scandinavians, but that by retaining the ability to just say no, the UK doesn't have to get involved in 'federalist' stuff like EU border police and an EU consular service and common visa. As Blunkett himself put it so clearly on Radio 4's Today this morning, 'we don't have an opt-in, we have an opt-out.'"
A balance of power over investigation - Editorial - / The Age, 26 Oct 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/25/1098667688189.html?oneclick=true
"In Australia, the rights of citizens amount to what is left after legislation and common law have nibbled away at the freedom of individuals to do as they like. There is no bill of rights or capacity, as in the United States, to 'plead the Fifth Amendment' against self-incrimination in the face of hostile interrogation. More positively, parliaments and the courts in Australia have historically taken the rights of citizens seriously and protected them more effectively than in many countries where, on paper at least, civil liberties appear firmly enshrined. For these very different reasons, changes to the law that infringe further upon the residual rights of Australians must be considered carefully.
The Victorian Government is proposing to appoint a chief examiner, a US-style special prosecutor with the status of a Supreme Court judge. Coupled with the introduction of unprecedented police powers, the move is aimed at pursuing organised crime. Among the powers contained in the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Bill before State Parliament, the chief examiner will have the power to call suspects to secret interrogation, imprison uncooperative witnesses indefinitely for contempt and jail organised crime suspects who refuse to take the oath, avoid questions or miss hearings. In addition, those who report or publish accounts of secret hearings are liable to imprisonment for five years."
"In Australia, the rights of citizens amount to what is left after legislation and common law have nibbled away at the freedom of individuals to do as they like. There is no bill of rights or capacity, as in the United States, to 'plead the Fifth Amendment' against self-incrimination in the face of hostile interrogation. More positively, parliaments and the courts in Australia have historically taken the rights of citizens seriously and protected them more effectively than in many countries where, on paper at least, civil liberties appear firmly enshrined. For these very different reasons, changes to the law that infringe further upon the residual rights of Australians must be considered carefully.
The Victorian Government is proposing to appoint a chief examiner, a US-style special prosecutor with the status of a Supreme Court judge. Coupled with the introduction of unprecedented police powers, the move is aimed at pursuing organised crime. Among the powers contained in the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Bill before State Parliament, the chief examiner will have the power to call suspects to secret interrogation, imprison uncooperative witnesses indefinitely for contempt and jail organised crime suspects who refuse to take the oath, avoid questions or miss hearings. In addition, those who report or publish accounts of secret hearings are liable to imprisonment for five years."
Gambling Reforms won't Spark Addiction and Crime, Insists Blair / Scotsman, 25 Oct 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3671737
Jamie Lyons
"Tony Blair today defended plans for a massive shake-up of gambling laws denying it would lead to spiralling addiction and organised crime.
The Prime Minister said the vast majority of the changes were aimed at improved regulation and protecting children from gambling.
And he dismissed claims the Government had been in talks with casinos on slashing taxes as �nonsense�.
However, Home Secretary David Blunkett hinted at Cabinet divisions over the plans saying ministers should deal with disagreements in private.
Mr Blair said 90% of the Gambling Bill published last week was about �better regulation�.
It also paved the way for huge new leisure complexes with Las Vegas-style casinos.
�When this measure goes through, in a few years� time people will be asking what all the fuss was about,� he said.
�It is very important that we modernise the regulation of gambling for today�s world. Ninety per cent of the Gambling Bill is actually about better regulation, better protection for children, removing slot machines from around 6,000 premises where children might get access to it."
Jamie Lyons
"Tony Blair today defended plans for a massive shake-up of gambling laws denying it would lead to spiralling addiction and organised crime.
The Prime Minister said the vast majority of the changes were aimed at improved regulation and protecting children from gambling.
And he dismissed claims the Government had been in talks with casinos on slashing taxes as �nonsense�.
However, Home Secretary David Blunkett hinted at Cabinet divisions over the plans saying ministers should deal with disagreements in private.
Mr Blair said 90% of the Gambling Bill published last week was about �better regulation�.
It also paved the way for huge new leisure complexes with Las Vegas-style casinos.
�When this measure goes through, in a few years� time people will be asking what all the fuss was about,� he said.
�It is very important that we modernise the regulation of gambling for today�s world. Ninety per cent of the Gambling Bill is actually about better regulation, better protection for children, removing slot machines from around 6,000 premises where children might get access to it."
EU asylum plan 'best of both worlds' / Guardian, 25 Oct 2004
http://www.guardian.co.uk/eu/story/0,7369,1335533,00.html
"'We are not obliged to have any of the European rules here. But where we decide in a particular area, for example to halt the trafficking in people, for example to make sure that there are proper restrictions on some of the European borders that end up affecting our country, it allows us to opt in and take part in these measures.'"
"'We are not obliged to have any of the European rules here. But where we decide in a particular area, for example to halt the trafficking in people, for example to make sure that there are proper restrictions on some of the European borders that end up affecting our country, it allows us to opt in and take part in these measures.'"
Police Win Award for Internet Gun Tracking System / Scotsman, 25 Oct 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3671368
Alex Thompson
"A British police force has won international recognition after developing a hi-tech system to track the illegal sale of firearms on the internet, it emerged today.
The process, devised by West Midlands Police, allowed officers to establish how weapons were being brought into the country and where they were destined.
The force’s Hi-Tech Crime Unit worked closely with the internet auction site eBay UK to develop the system, which is being adopted by police nationwide.
"
Alex Thompson
"A British police force has won international recognition after developing a hi-tech system to track the illegal sale of firearms on the internet, it emerged today.
The process, devised by West Midlands Police, allowed officers to establish how weapons were being brought into the country and where they were destined.
The force’s Hi-Tech Crime Unit worked closely with the internet auction site eBay UK to develop the system, which is being adopted by police nationwide.
"
Pending Legislation Addresses Mental Health Treatment in Prisons / [USA] Psychiatric Times,
http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/p041001b.html
Kenneth J. Bender, Pharm.D., M.A.
Psychiatric Times October 2004 Vol. XXI Issue 11
"'Unfortunately, however,' DeWine said on the Senate floor, 'the reality of our criminal justice system is that jails and prisons do not provide a therapeutic environment for the mentally ill and are unlikely to do so anytime soon.'
DeWine explained that offenders with mental illness are often preyed on by other inmates and are likely to become sicker in jail. After release, they have little capacity to access limited treatment resources and are likely, according to DeWine, to enter a revolving door of future offenses and incarceration.
The 'Crime Reduction' portion of the bill's title reflects the intent to interrupt this revolving pattern, which DeWine characterized as 'costly and disruptive for all involved.' It is this component for which the bill was referred to the House's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security."
Kenneth J. Bender, Pharm.D., M.A.
Psychiatric Times October 2004 Vol. XXI Issue 11
"'Unfortunately, however,' DeWine said on the Senate floor, 'the reality of our criminal justice system is that jails and prisons do not provide a therapeutic environment for the mentally ill and are unlikely to do so anytime soon.'
DeWine explained that offenders with mental illness are often preyed on by other inmates and are likely to become sicker in jail. After release, they have little capacity to access limited treatment resources and are likely, according to DeWine, to enter a revolving door of future offenses and incarceration.
The 'Crime Reduction' portion of the bill's title reflects the intent to interrupt this revolving pattern, which DeWine characterized as 'costly and disruptive for all involved.' It is this component for which the bill was referred to the House's Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security."
Monday, October 25, 2004
US-style powers to hit crime - / [Australia] the Age, 25 Oct 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/24/1098556293557.html?oneclick=true
John Silvester
"A US-style special prosecutor and unprecedented police powers will be used to attack organised crime in Victoria, but civil liberties groups claim the proposal is dangerously flawed.
The new officer, with the title chief examiner, will have coercive powers and can demand answers from organised crime suspects. Self-incrimination will no longer be accepted as a reason for not answering questions.
As part of the new laws in the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act now before State Parliament the chief examiner will have the power to call suspects to secret interrogations.
Police Minister Andre Haermeyer said unco-operative witnesses could be jailed indefinitely for contempt until they agree to talk. 'In effect, they can be held until they provide answers,' he said.
Under the new laws, organised crime suspects who refuse to take the oath, avoid questions or miss hearing appointments can be jailed for up to five years.
Anyone who reports or publishes material from the hearings also faces a five-year jail term.
Advertisement
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The bill states: 'The chief examiner is not bound by the rules of evidence in conducting an examination and may regulate the conduct of the proceedings as he or she thinks fit.'"
John Silvester
"A US-style special prosecutor and unprecedented police powers will be used to attack organised crime in Victoria, but civil liberties groups claim the proposal is dangerously flawed.
The new officer, with the title chief examiner, will have coercive powers and can demand answers from organised crime suspects. Self-incrimination will no longer be accepted as a reason for not answering questions.
As part of the new laws in the Major Crime (Investigative Powers) Act now before State Parliament the chief examiner will have the power to call suspects to secret interrogations.
Police Minister Andre Haermeyer said unco-operative witnesses could be jailed indefinitely for contempt until they agree to talk. 'In effect, they can be held until they provide answers,' he said.
Under the new laws, organised crime suspects who refuse to take the oath, avoid questions or miss hearing appointments can be jailed for up to five years.
Anyone who reports or publishes material from the hearings also faces a five-year jail term.
Advertisement
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The bill states: 'The chief examiner is not bound by the rules of evidence in conducting an examination and may regulate the conduct of the proceedings as he or she thinks fit.'"
Private prisons have public benefits / Pasadena Star-News, 23 Oct 2004
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/Stories/0,1413,206~11851~2487768,00.htmlAlexander Tabarrok
"More than two decades of experience with private prisons in the United States, Great Britain, Australia and elsewhere attest to the fact that private prisons can be built and operated at lower cost than public prisons.
Cost savings of 15 to 25 percent on construction and 10 to 15 percent on management are common. These are modest but significant cost savings in a $5.7 billion state system that continues to grow more expensive every year.
Private prisons not only have lower costs than public prisons: by introducing competition they encourage public prisons to also innovate and lower costs."
"More than two decades of experience with private prisons in the United States, Great Britain, Australia and elsewhere attest to the fact that private prisons can be built and operated at lower cost than public prisons.
Cost savings of 15 to 25 percent on construction and 10 to 15 percent on management are common. These are modest but significant cost savings in a $5.7 billion state system that continues to grow more expensive every year.
Private prisons not only have lower costs than public prisons: by introducing competition they encourage public prisons to also innovate and lower costs."
Drunk, drugs not an excuse / NEWS.com.au, 25 Oct 2004
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11173300%5E13569,00.html
GREG McLEAN
"Being drunk or high on drugs will no longer be a criminal defence, the Northern Territory News learned last night.
The Territory Government is amending Section 31 of the Criminal Responsibility Provision of the Criminal Code to make people responsible for their actions.
This will mean being drunk or high on drugs will not be an excuse for people who commit serious offences of violence.
Attorney-General Peter Toyne hailed the amendment as the most important change to the Criminal Code since he was appointed to the position in 2001. "
GREG McLEAN
"Being drunk or high on drugs will no longer be a criminal defence, the Northern Territory News learned last night.
The Territory Government is amending Section 31 of the Criminal Responsibility Provision of the Criminal Code to make people responsible for their actions.
This will mean being drunk or high on drugs will not be an excuse for people who commit serious offences of violence.
Attorney-General Peter Toyne hailed the amendment as the most important change to the Criminal Code since he was appointed to the position in 2001. "
How U.S. rewrote its laws on terrorism / Internatinal Herald Tribune, 25 Oct 2004
http://www.iht.com/articles/2004/10/24/news/terror.html
Tim golden
"In early November 2001, with Americans still staggered by the Sept. 11 attacks, a small group of White House officials worked in great secrecy to devise a new system of justice for the new war they had declared on terrorism.
.
Determined to deal aggressively with the terrorists they expected to capture, the officials bypassed the federal courts and their constitutional guarantees, giving the military the authority to detain foreign suspects indefinitely and prosecute them in tribunals not used since World War II.
But three years later not a single terrorist has been prosecuted."
Tim golden
"In early November 2001, with Americans still staggered by the Sept. 11 attacks, a small group of White House officials worked in great secrecy to devise a new system of justice for the new war they had declared on terrorism.
.
Determined to deal aggressively with the terrorists they expected to capture, the officials bypassed the federal courts and their constitutional guarantees, giving the military the authority to detain foreign suspects indefinitely and prosecute them in tribunals not used since World War II.
But three years later not a single terrorist has been prosecuted."
COMPULSORY FINGERPRINTING FOR ALL PASSPORTS / Stewatch, Oct 2004
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/10eu-biometrics-fp.htm- EU to back demand by Italy, Germany, France, Greece, Spain, Malta,
Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia for mandatory fingerprinting
- only Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Latvia oppose move
Report and documentation:
Lithuania, Poland and Slovenia for mandatory fingerprinting
- only Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Latvia oppose move
Report and documentation:
Sunday, October 24, 2004
An opportunity 'to be human' / MercuryNews, 22 Oct 2004
http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/9985246.htm?1c
Karen de Sá
"In Missouri's lock-ups for its toughest juvenile offenders, stuffed animals, smiley-face bedspreads and fresh sunflowers take the place of the handcuffs, Mace and isolation cells common in California's youth prisons.
Treatment prevails over punishment. ``Students'' and ``clients'' -- not wards or inmates -- move freely around homey cottages. They choose their own clothing, attend classes, and rarely fight or threaten suicide. The program's success is evident in their lengths of stay: After an average of eight months, Missouri youths are considered safe for release. In California, young offenders spend an average of about three years -- and as many as seven -- in custody."
Karen de Sá
"In Missouri's lock-ups for its toughest juvenile offenders, stuffed animals, smiley-face bedspreads and fresh sunflowers take the place of the handcuffs, Mace and isolation cells common in California's youth prisons.
Treatment prevails over punishment. ``Students'' and ``clients'' -- not wards or inmates -- move freely around homey cottages. They choose their own clothing, attend classes, and rarely fight or threaten suicide. The program's success is evident in their lengths of stay: After an average of eight months, Missouri youths are considered safe for release. In California, young offenders spend an average of about three years -- and as many as seven -- in custody."
Friday, October 22, 2004
Indymedia: the tale of the servers 'nobody' seized | The Register,
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/21/indymedia_home_office_denial/
John Lettice
"The Home Office's apparent lack of interest in court orders from non-UK jurisidictions being enforced on UK soil without the involvement of UK law enforcement agencies would however seem a fertile area for further questions."<
John Lettice
"The Home Office's apparent lack of interest in court orders from non-UK jurisidictions being enforced on UK soil without the involvement of UK law enforcement agencies would however seem a fertile area for further questions."<
Police withhold mugshots and argue 'human rights'/ Holdthefrontpage, 22 Oct 2004
http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/behind/analysis/041022blank.shtml
"Warwickshire Police have refused to supply pictures to the press of three men jailed for attempted murder because it would 'infringe their human rights'.
Readers of the Leamington and Warwick Courier were outraged at the decision to conceal the identities of the three men who were each jailed for 14 years at Birmingham Crown Court.
But pressure from the paper has resulted in a change of heart by the force. "
"Warwickshire Police have refused to supply pictures to the press of three men jailed for attempted murder because it would 'infringe their human rights'.
Readers of the Leamington and Warwick Courier were outraged at the decision to conceal the identities of the three men who were each jailed for 14 years at Birmingham Crown Court.
But pressure from the paper has resulted in a change of heart by the force. "
Crooks slither into Net's shady nooks and crannies / USATODAY.com, 21 Oct 2004
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2004-10-20-cyber-crime_x.htm
Jon Swartz
"Organized crime rings and petty thieves are flocking to the Internet like start-ups in the go-go '90s, federal authorities say establishing a multibillion-dollar underground economy in just a few years.
'Willie Sutton used to say he robbed banks because that's where the money is,' says FBI Agent Keith Lourdeau, an expert on cybercrime. 'The same applies today to crooks and the Internet.'
The Internet's growth as an economic engine, particularly for financial transactions, is feeding the felonious frenzy"
Jon Swartz
"Organized crime rings and petty thieves are flocking to the Internet like start-ups in the go-go '90s, federal authorities say establishing a multibillion-dollar underground economy in just a few years.
'Willie Sutton used to say he robbed banks because that's where the money is,' says FBI Agent Keith Lourdeau, an expert on cybercrime. 'The same applies today to crooks and the Internet.'
The Internet's growth as an economic engine, particularly for financial transactions, is feeding the felonious frenzy"
Can't just lock kids up, says top judge / [Canada] The Halifax Herald , 21 Oct 2004
http://www.herald.ns.ca/stories/2004/10/21/f170.raw.html
SHERRI BORDEN COLLEY
"Chief Justice Joseph Kennedy, the top judge of Nova Scotia's Supreme Court, hears the public's cry for harsher incarceration for young offenders. But he says that's not the answer.
'Let's think about that in the broader context: Are we going to start to build huge correctional facilities to lock up a generation of children in this province?' Chief Justice Kennedy asked Thursday.
'I think it's fair to say that most of the public would be very pleased if judges would sentence more, would incarcerate more people more of the time on the basis of what they see. We could lock up a whole generation. Is that what they want us to do?' "
SHERRI BORDEN COLLEY
"Chief Justice Joseph Kennedy, the top judge of Nova Scotia's Supreme Court, hears the public's cry for harsher incarceration for young offenders. But he says that's not the answer.
'Let's think about that in the broader context: Are we going to start to build huge correctional facilities to lock up a generation of children in this province?' Chief Justice Kennedy asked Thursday.
'I think it's fair to say that most of the public would be very pleased if judges would sentence more, would incarcerate more people more of the time on the basis of what they see. We could lock up a whole generation. Is that what they want us to do?' "
Company stands by Taser's safety / The Herald , 22 Oct 2004
http://www.heraldonline.com/local/story/4126768p-3892570c.html
"The company that made the electric stun gun used last week on a 75-year-old Rock Hill woman said Wednesday the device is not dangerous, even to the elderly.
'Medical testing and field results have shown that ... electrical discharge is not harmful to either pregnant females, their fetus, or to elderly people,' Taser International said in a written statement. The devices 'save lives every day, and numerous medical and scientific studies have concluded that Taser devices are among the safest use-of-force options available.'"
"The company that made the electric stun gun used last week on a 75-year-old Rock Hill woman said Wednesday the device is not dangerous, even to the elderly.
'Medical testing and field results have shown that ... electrical discharge is not harmful to either pregnant females, their fetus, or to elderly people,' Taser International said in a written statement. The devices 'save lives every day, and numerous medical and scientific studies have concluded that Taser devices are among the safest use-of-force options available.'"
Secret police searches in the pipeline - Sydney Morning Herald, 22 Oct 2004
Secret police searches in the pipeline - Anti-Terror Watch - www.smh.com.au:
Sean Nicholls
"NSW police will be vested with unprecedented 'sneak and peek' powers to combat terrorism, including warrants to search properties without telling the occupant they have done so.
Under plans announced yesterday, police will not have to notify the occupant for six months that they had searched the premises. They would also be able to bug terror suspects continuously for up to three months."
Sean Nicholls
"NSW police will be vested with unprecedented 'sneak and peek' powers to combat terrorism, including warrants to search properties without telling the occupant they have done so.
Under plans announced yesterday, police will not have to notify the occupant for six months that they had searched the premises. They would also be able to bug terror suspects continuously for up to three months."
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Intelligence expectations 'unrealistic' / [Australia] The Age, 20 Oct 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/20/1097951750713.html?oneclick=true
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
Intelligence expectations 'unrealistic' / [Australia] The Age, 20 Oct 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/20/1097951750713.html?oneclick=true
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
Intelligence expectations 'unrealistic' / [Australia] The Age, 20 Oct 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/20/1097951750713.html?oneclick=true
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
Intelligence expectations 'unrealistic' / [Australia] The Age, 20 Oct 2004
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/10/20/1097951750713.html?oneclick=true
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
"Intelligence agencies faced unrealistic community expectations because of heightened fears of terrorism, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said on Wednesday.
Mr Keelty told the two-day Australian Institute of Professional Intelligence Officers conference in Melbourne that there was an onerous expectation that intelligence on terrorism and organised crime would always prevent incidents such as the Bali bombing.
'While both the intelligence and law enforcement communities want to be able to live up to the heightened expectations created by the security environment, I think there also need to be a realistic understanding of the limitations of the environment in which we operate,' Mr Keelty said."
Wednesday, October 20, 2004
Call for "smart" US ID cards / Silicon.com, 19 Oct 2004
http://software.silicon.com/security/0,39024655,39125076,00.htm
Robert Lemos
"But no national ID card, says ex-presidential advisor Clarke. More effective identity cards are necessary to defend the US against terrorists, former US presidential advisor Richard Clarke said on Monday, during a speech at a conference focused on smart-card technology - but he stopped short of advocating a national ID card."
Robert Lemos
"But no national ID card, says ex-presidential advisor Clarke. More effective identity cards are necessary to defend the US against terrorists, former US presidential advisor Richard Clarke said on Monday, during a speech at a conference focused on smart-card technology - but he stopped short of advocating a national ID card."
Devil's Advocate: Does the UK need ID cards? Or is there some greater goal here? / Silicon.com, 19 Oct 2004
http://management.silicon.com/government/0,39024677,39125057,00.htm
Martin Brampton
"Whether or not you believe in the benefits of ID cards, the campaign for them in the UK may well be a cover-up for deeper seated agendas such as a national database - and a redefinition of all public sector services.
UK Home Secretary David Blunkett figures in this year's silicon.com Agenda Setters poll because of his advocacy for schemes such as ID cards for all. A question worth asking is whether the ID card is driving the need for a database of all citizens, or vice versa.
Usually, the assumption is that ID cards are justified and that to make them practical, a huge database has to be built. IT people then run around thinking about the practical issues. Ian Watmore, recently appointed head of the new e-government unit, thinks there should be an end to information silo culture in government."
Martin Brampton
"Whether or not you believe in the benefits of ID cards, the campaign for them in the UK may well be a cover-up for deeper seated agendas such as a national database - and a redefinition of all public sector services.
UK Home Secretary David Blunkett figures in this year's silicon.com Agenda Setters poll because of his advocacy for schemes such as ID cards for all. A question worth asking is whether the ID card is driving the need for a database of all citizens, or vice versa.
Usually, the assumption is that ID cards are justified and that to make them practical, a huge database has to be built. IT people then run around thinking about the practical issues. Ian Watmore, recently appointed head of the new e-government unit, thinks there should be an end to information silo culture in government."
Director hopes to keep kids out of prison / The Associated Press, 10 Oct 2004
http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20041019/APN/410190750&cachetime=3&template=dateline
"The best way, I think, to teach the kids here how to behave in normal society is by trying to make this place as normal as possible, within reason," said Bill Byars, director of the state Juvenile Justice Department. "You raise a kid in prison and you're going to raise a criminal."
For the past year and a half, Byars has led an effort to change the culture of juvenile justice. "The Community Behind the Fence," program is an attempt at normal life.
The inmates go to school, to church and work in a small restaurant for agency employees and other inmates.
They take courses that prepare them for jobs in the real world and are required to work toward an equivalency high school diploma.
For cooperating and being good inmates, the kids get perks, like playing sports."
"The best way, I think, to teach the kids here how to behave in normal society is by trying to make this place as normal as possible, within reason," said Bill Byars, director of the state Juvenile Justice Department. "You raise a kid in prison and you're going to raise a criminal."
For the past year and a half, Byars has led an effort to change the culture of juvenile justice. "The Community Behind the Fence," program is an attempt at normal life.
The inmates go to school, to church and work in a small restaurant for agency employees and other inmates.
They take courses that prepare them for jobs in the real world and are required to work toward an equivalency high school diploma.
For cooperating and being good inmates, the kids get perks, like playing sports."
Skills plan to help refugees into work / Evening Times, 19 Oct 2004
http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5031653.html
"REFUGEES and asylum seekers in Glasgow are to be given the chance to access new skills with the launch of a timebank initiative.
The £173,000 two-year project allows new Glaswegians to undertake voluntary work in exchange for free literacy, numeracy and other training which could help them secure work."
"REFUGEES and asylum seekers in Glasgow are to be given the chance to access new skills with the launch of a timebank initiative.
The £173,000 two-year project allows new Glaswegians to undertake voluntary work in exchange for free literacy, numeracy and other training which could help them secure work."
Survival Skills: using life skills to tackle social exclusion / Demos 2004
http://www.demos.co.uk/Survivalskillsfinal_pdf_media_public.aspx
Sarah Gillinson, Hannah Lownsbrough, Gillian Thomas
"Helping people develop life skills is increasingly recognised as a successful way to tackle social exclusion. But attempts to ‘teach’ life skills are often based on a misunderstanding of how people actually learn. We all have life skills that enable us to deal with everyday social and workplace situations without thinking. Life skills enable us to plan our lives, negotiate compromises with others, control our tempers and project a sense of who we are."
Sarah Gillinson, Hannah Lownsbrough, Gillian Thomas
"Helping people develop life skills is increasingly recognised as a successful way to tackle social exclusion. But attempts to ‘teach’ life skills are often based on a misunderstanding of how people actually learn. We all have life skills that enable us to deal with everyday social and workplace situations without thinking. Life skills enable us to plan our lives, negotiate compromises with others, control our tempers and project a sense of who we are."
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
Centre to focus fight against organised crime / Scotsman, 18 Oct 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1209442004
JOHN INNES
"SCOTLAND is to get the UK's first dedicated institute to fight organised crime, it emerged yesterday, with a new campus to be built at the site of the former Gartcosh steel mill in Lanarkshire.
The Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, which is leading the project, believes it would help the fight against organised crime to bring all similar agencies together at the same site.
Graeme Pearson, director of the agency, said that concentrating expertise in a single place would make combating organised crime more effective. Mr Pearson said: 'We�ll bring together all the experts from the different departments and organisations onto one site.
'They have similar targets; they gather together the intelligence they have on these targets and we�re able more effectively to answer the threat that serious and organised crime presents in Scotland.'
Mr Pearson said the move would send a message to crime bosses. "
JOHN INNES
"SCOTLAND is to get the UK's first dedicated institute to fight organised crime, it emerged yesterday, with a new campus to be built at the site of the former Gartcosh steel mill in Lanarkshire.
The Scottish Drugs Enforcement Agency, which is leading the project, believes it would help the fight against organised crime to bring all similar agencies together at the same site.
Graeme Pearson, director of the agency, said that concentrating expertise in a single place would make combating organised crime more effective. Mr Pearson said: 'We�ll bring together all the experts from the different departments and organisations onto one site.
'They have similar targets; they gather together the intelligence they have on these targets and we�re able more effectively to answer the threat that serious and organised crime presents in Scotland.'
Mr Pearson said the move would send a message to crime bosses. "
Over 75s to get free passports / Politics, 13 Oct 2004
http://www.politics.co.uk/domestic-policy/over-75s-get-free-passports-$3607952.htm
"The Home Office has announced that all British citizens born before September 2nd 1929 will be entitled to free passports.
The Home Secretary today said that the decision had been made in recognition of the sacrifices made by the war time generation.
Speaking today, David Blunkett, said: 'I want to thank and honour every adult who helped us defeat the Nazis and their allies - not just those in our brave armed forces, but those who played their part on the home front. Now the wartime generation - some 4.5 million people - will receive free passports for life in recognition of what they gave to secure our nation's liberty and democracy."
"The Home Office has announced that all British citizens born before September 2nd 1929 will be entitled to free passports.
The Home Secretary today said that the decision had been made in recognition of the sacrifices made by the war time generation.
Speaking today, David Blunkett, said: 'I want to thank and honour every adult who helped us defeat the Nazis and their allies - not just those in our brave armed forces, but those who played their part on the home front. Now the wartime generation - some 4.5 million people - will receive free passports for life in recognition of what they gave to secure our nation's liberty and democracy."
Blears defends British Crime Survey / Politics, 18 Oct 2004
http://www.politics.co.uk/public-services/blears-defends-british-crime-survey-$3646170.htm
"The Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has strongly defended the Government's use of the British Crime Survey (BCS).
Her comments come in response to a report from the Crime and Society Foundation, which sharply criticises the Government's usage of the measure.
The BCS is an annual survey of around 40,000 individuals, in which participants are asked whether they have been a victim of certain crimes over the past year. It is widely used as an authoritative measure of crime, as it covers those crimes which were not reported to the police.
However, today's report argues that the BCS says little about 'a range of crimes, including sexual assaults, crimes against children, and white collar crime'.
As such, it also claims that the Government's focus on tackling prolific offenders risks ignoring other crimes, like domestic violence and sexual assaults, which do not often come to the attention of authorities. "
"The Home Office Minister Hazel Blears has strongly defended the Government's use of the British Crime Survey (BCS).
Her comments come in response to a report from the Crime and Society Foundation, which sharply criticises the Government's usage of the measure.
The BCS is an annual survey of around 40,000 individuals, in which participants are asked whether they have been a victim of certain crimes over the past year. It is widely used as an authoritative measure of crime, as it covers those crimes which were not reported to the police.
However, today's report argues that the BCS says little about 'a range of crimes, including sexual assaults, crimes against children, and white collar crime'.
As such, it also claims that the Government's focus on tackling prolific offenders risks ignoring other crimes, like domestic violence and sexual assaults, which do not often come to the attention of authorities. "
Human Effects Center of Excellence (HECOE) Report Concludes TASER(R) Technology is Generally Safe and Effective
http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/10-18-2004/0002284194&EDATE=
"TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq: TASR), a market leader in advanced non-lethal weapons, announced today that a Department of Defense (DoD) study by the Human Effects Center of Excellence (HECOE) concludes that TASER technology is generally effective without significant risk of unintended results. HECOE, established by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program, conducted a Human Effectiveness and Risk Characterization (HERC) of TASER Electromuscular Disruption (EMD) devices. 'The HECOE study is the latest chapter in a series of comprehensive medical and scientific studies which conclude that TASER technology is safe
and effective,' said Rick Smith, CEO of TASER International, Inc. 'This study re-affirms the life-saving value of TASER technology and is consistent with the recent independent findings of researchers in the United Kingdom and Canada,' stated Mr. Smith."
HECOE EMI Report Summary - Word Format - http://www.taser.com/documents/EMI_Report_Summary_JTD_23_Sept_04.doc
HECOE EMI Report Summary - Adobe PDF Format - http://www.taser.com/documents/EMI_Report_Summary_JTD_23_Sept_04.pdf
"TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq: TASR), a market leader in advanced non-lethal weapons, announced today that a Department of Defense (DoD) study by the Human Effects Center of Excellence (HECOE) concludes that TASER technology is generally effective without significant risk of unintended results. HECOE, established by the Air Force Research Laboratory and the Joint Non-Lethal Weapons Program, conducted a Human Effectiveness and Risk Characterization (HERC) of TASER Electromuscular Disruption (EMD) devices. 'The HECOE study is the latest chapter in a series of comprehensive medical and scientific studies which conclude that TASER technology is safe
and effective,' said Rick Smith, CEO of TASER International, Inc. 'This study re-affirms the life-saving value of TASER technology and is consistent with the recent independent findings of researchers in the United Kingdom and Canada,' stated Mr. Smith."
HECOE EMI Report Summary - Word Format - http://www.taser.com/documents/EMI_Report_Summary_JTD_23_Sept_04.doc
HECOE EMI Report Summary - Adobe PDF Format - http://www.taser.com/documents/EMI_Report_Summary_JTD_23_Sept_04.pdf
Franco-Spanish Alliance Vetoes African Asylum Camps / Scotsman, 18 Oct 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=3640955
"French and Spanish interior ministers today shot down a German proposal to set up transit camps in North Africa that would process asylum seekers before they reach Europe.
The issue was at the centre of two days of talks in Florence.
French Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin said that �for France, it�s out of the question to accept transit camps or shelters of any kind.�
Spanish Interior Minister Jose Antonio Alonso also expressed opposition, saying the camps would not give humanitarian guarantees."
"French and Spanish interior ministers today shot down a German proposal to set up transit camps in North Africa that would process asylum seekers before they reach Europe.
The issue was at the centre of two days of talks in Florence.
French Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin said that �for France, it�s out of the question to accept transit camps or shelters of any kind.�
Spanish Interior Minister Jose Antonio Alonso also expressed opposition, saying the camps would not give humanitarian guarantees."
Government FOI Act chief trails Data Act 'reform' | The Register, 18 Oct 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/18/falconer_flagpoles_dpa_reform/
"Government constitutional affairs secretary Lord Falconer has described the Data Protection Act as 'almost incomprehensible' and says that there are 'medium term' plans to simplify the Act and its treatment of personal information. The Act was brought in in 1998 by the then-new Blair government, but its near incomprehensibility seems not to have been a major issue at the time.
Today, the Information Commissioner's Office issued a statement saying it was unaware of any specific government plans, but that it would welcome any steps to to make it simpler to understand. A spokeswoman told The Register that describing it as almost incomprehensible was perhaps 'putting it a bit strong.'"
"Government constitutional affairs secretary Lord Falconer has described the Data Protection Act as 'almost incomprehensible' and says that there are 'medium term' plans to simplify the Act and its treatment of personal information. The Act was brought in in 1998 by the then-new Blair government, but its near incomprehensibility seems not to have been a major issue at the time.
Today, the Information Commissioner's Office issued a statement saying it was unaware of any specific government plans, but that it would welcome any steps to to make it simpler to understand. A spokeswoman told The Register that describing it as almost incomprehensible was perhaps 'putting it a bit strong.'"
Child pornography laws to change - [Australia] Sydney Morning Herald, 19 Oct 2004
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/19/1097951681732.html?from=storylhs
"The NSW government has announced it will retrospectively amend child pornography laws so police can lay charges without first having the material officially classified as pornography.
The move comes after pressure from the NSW opposition to have the laws amended to prevent any remote possibility of child pornography perpetrators getting off on a technicality.
NSW Attorney-General Bob Debus at first denied the amendments were in response to opposition leader John Brogden's push, instead saying they were being made on the advice of the Crown Advocate, the government's chief legal adviser.
'The Crown Advocate has advised NSW Police that the charges have been correctly laid, and that a court would be unlikely to accept the argument that a person cannot be charged before classification,'' Mr Debus said."
"The NSW government has announced it will retrospectively amend child pornography laws so police can lay charges without first having the material officially classified as pornography.
The move comes after pressure from the NSW opposition to have the laws amended to prevent any remote possibility of child pornography perpetrators getting off on a technicality.
NSW Attorney-General Bob Debus at first denied the amendments were in response to opposition leader John Brogden's push, instead saying they were being made on the advice of the Crown Advocate, the government's chief legal adviser.
'The Crown Advocate has advised NSW Police that the charges have been correctly laid, and that a court would be unlikely to accept the argument that a person cannot be charged before classification,'' Mr Debus said."
Requests under Freedom of Information mainly free says Government
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1929
"The vast majority of requests made under the new Freedom of Information rights will be free, the Government announced has said. About 100,000 public sector organisations are subject to the Act.
For information which costs public bodies less than �450 to retrieve and collate, there will be no charge. This is roughly equivalent to two and a half days of work, for free. Government departments will only be able to charge where costs rise above �600 (which equates to about three and a half days work).
Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer, who made the announcement at the Society of Editors annual conference in Newcastle yesterday, said:
'This Government introduced the legislation to change the culture of official information, and we believe it should be free. A fees structure which is simple to understand and easy to operate follows the spirit of the legislation.
'We don't want cost to deter people from asking about the policy discussions which influence their children's education, the way hospitals treat and care for their parents or the way police patrol their neighbourhoods.' "
"The vast majority of requests made under the new Freedom of Information rights will be free, the Government announced has said. About 100,000 public sector organisations are subject to the Act.
For information which costs public bodies less than �450 to retrieve and collate, there will be no charge. This is roughly equivalent to two and a half days of work, for free. Government departments will only be able to charge where costs rise above �600 (which equates to about three and a half days work).
Constitutional Affairs Secretary Lord Falconer, who made the announcement at the Society of Editors annual conference in Newcastle yesterday, said:
'This Government introduced the legislation to change the culture of official information, and we believe it should be free. A fees structure which is simple to understand and easy to operate follows the spirit of the legislation.
'We don't want cost to deter people from asking about the policy discussions which influence their children's education, the way hospitals treat and care for their parents or the way police patrol their neighbourhoods.' "
Monday, October 18, 2004
Govt biometric ID cards could be vulnerable to fraud, warn experts / Computer Weekly, 15 Oct 2004
http://www.computerweekly.com/articles/article.asp?liArticleID=134258&liArticleTypeID=1&liCategoryID=2&liChannel
ID=22&liFlavourID=1&sSearch=&nPage=1
"A leading biometrics expert has warned the government that biometric ID cards, due to be rolled out from 2007, could be vulnerable to fraud unless it invests in more sophisticated iris recognition technology.
Professor John Daugman, who pioneered the developed of iris recognition at Cambridge University said that the biometric systems under test by the government were not sophisticated enough to distinguish between real and fake eye images."
Child victims & witnesses in 85 youth courts can give evidence via video / PublicTechnology, 14 Oct 2004
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=1905
"Child victims and witnesses in 85 youth courts across England and Wales will no longer have to appear in person to give evidence, but will be able to do so via video link, Department for Constitutional Affairs Courts Minister Christopher Leslie said yesterday.
It's an important development for the UK justice system, which will save vulnerable people stress and heartache, and save costs.
Mr Leslie was speaking at the Victims Support Office (VSO) in Leicester where he launched the latest video link, and the first to be located in a separate building to the court. The Leicester launch brings to a close a year-long project to install video links in youth courts. "
"Child victims and witnesses in 85 youth courts across England and Wales will no longer have to appear in person to give evidence, but will be able to do so via video link, Department for Constitutional Affairs Courts Minister Christopher Leslie said yesterday.
It's an important development for the UK justice system, which will save vulnerable people stress and heartache, and save costs.
Mr Leslie was speaking at the Victims Support Office (VSO) in Leicester where he launched the latest video link, and the first to be located in a separate building to the court. The Leicester launch brings to a close a year-long project to install video links in youth courts. "
'Faster, fairer' asylum appeal system to be in place next year / [Ireland] 4NI - 14 Oct 2004
http://www.4ni.co.uk/nationalnews.asp?id=34127
"A new asylum appeals system will be introduced next year which will see a 'fast, fair and efficient service', according to the government.
The new asylum and immigration appeals system will begin April 4, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) announced today.
The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) will deal with immigration and asylum appeals. It will be formed by merging the Immigration Adjudicators and Immigration Appeal Tribunal. "
"A new asylum appeals system will be introduced next year which will see a 'fast, fair and efficient service', according to the government.
The new asylum and immigration appeals system will begin April 4, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) announced today.
The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) will deal with immigration and asylum appeals. It will be formed by merging the Immigration Adjudicators and Immigration Appeal Tribunal. "
'Faster, fairer' asylum appeal system to be in place next year / [Ireland] 4NI - 14 Oct 2004
http://www.4ni.co.uk/nationalnews.asp?id=34127
"A new asylum appeals system will be introduced next year which will see a 'fast, fair and efficient service', according to the government.
The new asylum and immigration appeals system will begin April 4, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) announced today.
The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) will deal with immigration and asylum appeals. It will be formed by merging the Immigration Adjudicators and Immigration Appeal Tribunal. "
"A new asylum appeals system will be introduced next year which will see a 'fast, fair and efficient service', according to the government.
The new asylum and immigration appeals system will begin April 4, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) announced today.
The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) will deal with immigration and asylum appeals. It will be formed by merging the Immigration Adjudicators and Immigration Appeal Tribunal. "
'Faster, fairer' asylum appeal system to be in place next year / [Ireland] 4NI - 14 Oct 2004
4NI - Northern Ireland On The Internet: "A new asylum appeals system will be introduced next year which will see a 'fast, fair and efficient service', according to the government.
The new asylum and immigration appeals system will begin April 4, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) announced today.
The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) will deal with immigration and asylum appeals. It will be formed by merging the Immigration Adjudicators and Immigration Appeal Tribunal. "
The new asylum and immigration appeals system will begin April 4, the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) announced today.
The Asylum and Immigration Tribunal (AIT) will deal with immigration and asylum appeals. It will be formed by merging the Immigration Adjudicators and Immigration Appeal Tribunal. "
ID cards urged in terror war / NEWS.com.au, 15 Oct 2004
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,11078178%5E421,00.html
James Riley
"SENIOR federal police are urging the Howard Government to consider introducing a national identity card to help combat terrorism.
Australian Federal Police chief Mick Keelty said identity-related crime - which costs the country about $1.1 billion a year - was an 'enabler' for almost every form of domestic and international organised crime, including terrorism.
Identity crimes were commonly used to finance and facilitate subsequent crimes involving drugs, weapons, people smuggling and fraud.
The AFP's national manager for economic and special operations, Shane Connelly, told an Asia-Pacific conference in Canberra yesterday there was evidence that identity theft and identity fraud had been used to support terrorist operations, including the September 11 attacks in the US and the Bali bombing two years ago. "
James Riley
"SENIOR federal police are urging the Howard Government to consider introducing a national identity card to help combat terrorism.
Australian Federal Police chief Mick Keelty said identity-related crime - which costs the country about $1.1 billion a year - was an 'enabler' for almost every form of domestic and international organised crime, including terrorism.
Identity crimes were commonly used to finance and facilitate subsequent crimes involving drugs, weapons, people smuggling and fraud.
The AFP's national manager for economic and special operations, Shane Connelly, told an Asia-Pacific conference in Canberra yesterday there was evidence that identity theft and identity fraud had been used to support terrorist operations, including the September 11 attacks in the US and the Bali bombing two years ago. "
Blunkett 'arrogant' over ID cards / BBC NEWS, 13 Oct 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3738760.stm
"David Blunkett has come under fire for recruiting people to promote ID cards before MPs have approved them.
Lib Dem spokesman Mark Oaten branded the government 'arrogant' after it emerged the Home Office was advertising for a marketing manager.
The Home Office said more needed to be done 'to improve understanding' of the plans amongst the general public.
Mr Oaten said: 'I would like to remind the home secretary that ID cards are not universally popular.' "
"David Blunkett has come under fire for recruiting people to promote ID cards before MPs have approved them.
Lib Dem spokesman Mark Oaten branded the government 'arrogant' after it emerged the Home Office was advertising for a marketing manager.
The Home Office said more needed to be done 'to improve understanding' of the plans amongst the general public.
Mr Oaten said: 'I would like to remind the home secretary that ID cards are not universally popular.' "
Fingertip Policing Information Via Futuristic Kiosk System / West Yorkshire Police, 13 Oct 2004
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=911
"Key Policing information is now available at the touch of a button in mosques, libraries and other public venues thanks to innovative electronic kiosks provided by Calderdale council.
Up to the minute news, recruitment, crime prevention and Crimestoppers appeals can be accessed free of charge on the futuristic Calderdale Information Points.
�Direct-to-the-public information systems like this give local police important opportunities to improve our contact with residents, and explain the issues,� "
"Key Policing information is now available at the touch of a button in mosques, libraries and other public venues thanks to innovative electronic kiosks provided by Calderdale council.
Up to the minute news, recruitment, crime prevention and Crimestoppers appeals can be accessed free of charge on the futuristic Calderdale Information Points.
�Direct-to-the-public information systems like this give local police important opportunities to improve our contact with residents, and explain the issues,� "
Germany, Italy Push Ahead on Asylum Centers | Deutsche Welle, 13 Oct 2004
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,1564,1360015,00.html
"Despite a lukewarm reception in the EU, Berlin and Rome intend to press ahead with a controversial plan to create holding asylum camps for European-bound migrants in North Africa as a means to combat illegal immigration.
Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu has described a proposal to set up North African transit camps for illegal immigrants as a humane solution in the fight against human trafficking. Italy, which has been swamped by a recent wave of would-be asylum seekers landing on its southern shores, has joined forces with Germany to hammer out a plan for combating what the two governments see as a major European issue."
"Despite a lukewarm reception in the EU, Berlin and Rome intend to press ahead with a controversial plan to create holding asylum camps for European-bound migrants in North Africa as a means to combat illegal immigration.
Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu has described a proposal to set up North African transit camps for illegal immigrants as a humane solution in the fight against human trafficking. Italy, which has been swamped by a recent wave of would-be asylum seekers landing on its southern shores, has joined forces with Germany to hammer out a plan for combating what the two governments see as a major European issue."
From Documents to Information: A New Model for Information Retrieval KM, 2004
http://www.kmworld.com/i.cfm?SPID=inxight101304
Explores the promise of new KM technologies to deliver a direct path to the data that users really need, such as Information Extraction, and Temporal, Trend and Relational Visualization, illustrating this promise with two practical case examples. [Free log on needed]
Explores the promise of new KM technologies to deliver a direct path to the data that users really need, such as Information Extraction, and Temporal, Trend and Relational Visualization, illustrating this promise with two practical case examples. [Free log on needed]
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Healthcare of detainees in police stations, 2nd edition, UK
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/?newsid=14718
"Guidance from the British Medical Association's Ethics Department and from the Association of Forensic Physicians July 2004"
Read the guidance in full text using the links in the right hand menu or download as a pdf - http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Detainees/$file/Detainees.pdf
"Guidance from the British Medical Association's Ethics Department and from the Association of Forensic Physicians July 2004"
Read the guidance in full text using the links in the right hand menu or download as a pdf - http://www.bma.org.uk/ap.nsf/Content/Detainees/$file/Detainees.pdf
Reducing the potential for terrorist misuse of life science research / Medical News Today, 11 Oct 2004
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/?newsid=14778
"Can terrorists utilise the findings of life science research to engineer deadly viruses that could be unleashed on the world? Can valuable new cures for deadly diseases be turned into more sinister applications?
Recent incidents involving anthrax and ricin have been relatively low-tech, but scientists recognise that one day the results of cutting-edge research in the life sciences may be utilised in more harmful ways. This potential threat will be tackled today (Thursday 7 October 2004) at a meeting of scientists and policymakers at the Royal Society."
"Can terrorists utilise the findings of life science research to engineer deadly viruses that could be unleashed on the world? Can valuable new cures for deadly diseases be turned into more sinister applications?
Recent incidents involving anthrax and ricin have been relatively low-tech, but scientists recognise that one day the results of cutting-edge research in the life sciences may be utilised in more harmful ways. This potential threat will be tackled today (Thursday 7 October 2004) at a meeting of scientists and policymakers at the Royal Society."
Harm on Removal: Excessive Force against Failed Asylum Seekers / Statewatch, Oct 2004
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/Harm-on-Removal.pdf
Report by the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
Report by the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture
Statewatch's "ASBOwatch" - use of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders throughout the UK
http://www.statewatch.org/asbo/ASBOwatch.html
"ASBOs criminalise non-criminal behaviour. Their use is being actively promoted to all local authorities throughout England and Wales by the Home Office which has now begun to deploy 'ASBO ambassadors' to speed up their adoption. For the authorities with whom the ASBO has already found favour, it has not taken long for them to push the parameters for which it was originally intended. This stems largely from the vagueness of the government's definition of what constitutes 'anti-social behaviour' (see above).
From an original remit of tackling low-level nuisance behaviour such as vandalism and abusive neighbours, local authorities and police forces have found ASBOs to be a hugely effective tool for quashing many other challenges to authority. Here environmental and political protesters, in particular, have found themselves subject to temporary orders and other powers introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour Act. Protesting now appears to be both an anti-social and potentially criminal act. "
"ASBOs criminalise non-criminal behaviour. Their use is being actively promoted to all local authorities throughout England and Wales by the Home Office which has now begun to deploy 'ASBO ambassadors' to speed up their adoption. For the authorities with whom the ASBO has already found favour, it has not taken long for them to push the parameters for which it was originally intended. This stems largely from the vagueness of the government's definition of what constitutes 'anti-social behaviour' (see above).
From an original remit of tackling low-level nuisance behaviour such as vandalism and abusive neighbours, local authorities and police forces have found ASBOs to be a hugely effective tool for quashing many other challenges to authority. Here environmental and political protesters, in particular, have found themselves subject to temporary orders and other powers introduced under the Anti-social Behaviour Act. Protesting now appears to be both an anti-social and potentially criminal act. "
TASER Danger? | CBS News ,October 12, 2004
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/10/12/earlyshow/main648859.shtml
" When CBS News Correspondent Wyatt Andews first started looking into police use of the TASER stun gun a year ago, the weapon had been connected to more than 40 deaths. The company that makes the weapon insisted that none of the deaths was the TASER's fault.
So, says Andrews, 'We began asking, simply, how could that be? What was the real safety record of this weapon?'
'Today, in what clearly is a law-enforcement revolution, tens of thousands of police officers see the TASER as a godsend. "
" When CBS News Correspondent Wyatt Andews first started looking into police use of the TASER stun gun a year ago, the weapon had been connected to more than 40 deaths. The company that makes the weapon insisted that none of the deaths was the TASER's fault.
So, says Andrews, 'We began asking, simply, how could that be? What was the real safety record of this weapon?'
'Today, in what clearly is a law-enforcement revolution, tens of thousands of police officers see the TASER as a godsend. "
£3.5m prison unit for young offenders / ic SurreyOnline, 12 Oct 2004
http://
icsurreyonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200surrey
headlines/tm_objectid=14747340&method=full&siteid=
53340&headline=-3-5m-prison-unit-for-young-offenders
-name_page.html
Joan Mulcaster
"JUVENILE offenders are due to detained in a new ?3.5m unit at Downview women's prison.
They will be moved out of Holloway to the Banstead jail as part of a ?16m Youth Justice Board initiative for housing increasing numbers of young female offenders.
The teenage inmates will be kept in their specialist separate unit while doing time for their crime within a programme designed to keep them out of trouble when released.
Home Secretary David Blunkett does not believe offenders barely out of childhood should be kept in high-profile women's prisons like Holloway."
icsurreyonline.icnetwork.co.uk/0100news/0200surrey
headlines/tm_objectid=14747340&method=full&siteid=
53340&headline=-3-5m-prison-unit-for-young-offenders
-name_page.html
Joan Mulcaster
"JUVENILE offenders are due to detained in a new ?3.5m unit at Downview women's prison.
They will be moved out of Holloway to the Banstead jail as part of a ?16m Youth Justice Board initiative for housing increasing numbers of young female offenders.
The teenage inmates will be kept in their specialist separate unit while doing time for their crime within a programme designed to keep them out of trouble when released.
Home Secretary David Blunkett does not believe offenders barely out of childhood should be kept in high-profile women's prisons like Holloway."
'Joined up approach needed for young offenders'/ ePolitix.com, 12 Oct 2004
http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/200410/9fe28a03-47a9-4595-be26-d6b589e77052.htm
"The Youth Justice Board should do more to ensure its programmes are effective in reducing re-offending, MPs have concluded.
A report published on Tuesday by the Commons public accounts committee also warned the proportion of young offenders given custodial sentences varies significantly across the country.
The committee said that of the seven per cent of young offenders sentenced to custody, eight out of ten re-offend despite planned expenditure of �283 million on providing custodial sentences."
"The Youth Justice Board should do more to ensure its programmes are effective in reducing re-offending, MPs have concluded.
A report published on Tuesday by the Commons public accounts committee also warned the proportion of young offenders given custodial sentences varies significantly across the country.
The committee said that of the seven per cent of young offenders sentenced to custody, eight out of ten re-offend despite planned expenditure of �283 million on providing custodial sentences."
Positive Images: Young People Now campaign wins backing from ministers / 13 Oct 2004
http://www.ypnmagazine.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=full_news&ID=5188
Charlotte Goddard
"MPs, youth organisations, journalists and young people have expressed their support for Positive Images, Young People Now's campaign to improve the portrayal of young people in the media.
The Positive Images campaign was launched at Westminster on Tuesday.
It aims to encourage the media to report on young people in a balanced way. It is also asking youth workers and young people to be more proactive in promoting positive stories.
As part of the campaign, Young People Now has created a draft media code that will be sent out for consultation with journalists, young people and youth groups (see p16). "
Charlotte Goddard
"MPs, youth organisations, journalists and young people have expressed their support for Positive Images, Young People Now's campaign to improve the portrayal of young people in the media.
The Positive Images campaign was launched at Westminster on Tuesday.
It aims to encourage the media to report on young people in a balanced way. It is also asking youth workers and young people to be more proactive in promoting positive stories.
As part of the campaign, Young People Now has created a draft media code that will be sent out for consultation with journalists, young people and youth groups (see p16). "
Sniffing out the cyber Hannibals - Sydney Morning Herald,
http://smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/11/1097406487106.html
Helen Meredith
"There's been an incredible technical investment in cybercrime, but how much is asking who are the bad guys, what are they after?' Kilger says.
He believes that by maintaining enforcement and other legal types of pressure on the Black Hat community, it makes it harder for them to organise, co-ordinate activities and form alliances. But to do this you need to understand what motivates them. And once you've worked this out, you have a better chance of identifying them."
Honeypot Project - http://project.honeynet.org/
Helen Meredith
"There's been an incredible technical investment in cybercrime, but how much is asking who are the bad guys, what are they after?' Kilger says.
He believes that by maintaining enforcement and other legal types of pressure on the Black Hat community, it makes it harder for them to organise, co-ordinate activities and form alliances. But to do this you need to understand what motivates them. And once you've worked this out, you have a better chance of identifying them."
Honeypot Project - http://project.honeynet.org/
Home Office seeks spin doctor to sell cuddly ID card brand | / The Register, 13 Oct 2004
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/10/13/id_marketeer_sought/
John Lettice
The Home Office is hiring a head of spin in order to sell ID cards to the British public, despite the fact that it has not yet published the response to the 'consultation' earlier this year, and has yet to put a bill before parliament, far less get parliament to pass it. Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman Mark Oaten has cried foul to both the BBC and Telegraph (registration required, life's too short), but while it's nice to see MPs starting to notice that the Home Office regards them as a tiresome formality, it's not exactly news."
John Lettice
The Home Office is hiring a head of spin in order to sell ID cards to the British public, despite the fact that it has not yet published the response to the 'consultation' earlier this year, and has yet to put a bill before parliament, far less get parliament to pass it. Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman Mark Oaten has cried foul to both the BBC and Telegraph (registration required, life's too short), but while it's nice to see MPs starting to notice that the Home Office regards them as a tiresome formality, it's not exactly news."
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Cash boost for Scottish police / E-Politix, 12 Oct 2004
http://www.epolitix.com/EN/News/200410/9c1ccb1b-98fc-4230-a01a-3d33a0001f31.htm
The Scottish executive has announced a 17 per cent increase in police funding over the next three years.
The move will lead to a police budget north of the border of £1.1 billion by 2007/08.
Following publication of the report from the police working group, ministers also said the way funding is distributed is to be changed.
The new formula seeks to ensure allocations are more closely related to local policing needs.
In future a range of additional factors such as local crime, deprivation and population, will be taken into account - unlike the current incremental system which was less responsive to changes in local circumstances.
The Scottish executive has announced a 17 per cent increase in police funding over the next three years.
The move will lead to a police budget north of the border of £1.1 billion by 2007/08.
Following publication of the report from the police working group, ministers also said the way funding is distributed is to be changed.
The new formula seeks to ensure allocations are more closely related to local policing needs.
In future a range of additional factors such as local crime, deprivation and population, will be taken into account - unlike the current incremental system which was less responsive to changes in local circumstances.
Monday, October 11, 2004
Unwanted dogs bring criminals to heel / The Guardian, 8 Oct 2004
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,3604,1322393,00.html
Gerard Seenan
"For a project designed to fight recidivism among some of the worst young offenders in the United States, it has a somewhat unexpected title. Project Pooch is not the sort of name destined to make concerned citizens sleep easier in their beds at night.
Moreover, the theory behind Positive Opportunities, Obvious Change with Hounds does not, on the surface at least, inspire utmost confidence.
Give juvenile murderers, rapists and armed robbers a badly behaved dog to look after and see if it improves their behaviour.
But, a conference was told yesterday, the project at Oregon's MacLaren youth correctional facility has had a 100% success rate in cutting reoffending. In the period studied, between 1993 and 1999, around 100 young offenders aged between 18 and 24 cared for wayward dogs. So far, not one is back behind bars. "
Gerard Seenan
"For a project designed to fight recidivism among some of the worst young offenders in the United States, it has a somewhat unexpected title. Project Pooch is not the sort of name destined to make concerned citizens sleep easier in their beds at night.
Moreover, the theory behind Positive Opportunities, Obvious Change with Hounds does not, on the surface at least, inspire utmost confidence.
Give juvenile murderers, rapists and armed robbers a badly behaved dog to look after and see if it improves their behaviour.
But, a conference was told yesterday, the project at Oregon's MacLaren youth correctional facility has had a 100% success rate in cutting reoffending. In the period studied, between 1993 and 1999, around 100 young offenders aged between 18 and 24 cared for wayward dogs. So far, not one is back behind bars. "
Irish government consults refugees on integration for the first time / WorldNews:, 7 Oct 2004
http://www.dublinpost.com/p/7a/619697ca976c7c.html?id=WNAT1392bbc04589f12fb804c6ac1ce610d8
"A milestone in Ireland's effort to integrate refugees was reached earlier this week when the government's Reception & Integration Agency held direct consultations with 50 refugees for the first time on steps to support their integration.
The Reception & Integration Agency, which operates under the aegis of Ireland's Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, launched the initiative to tap into 'the direct experiences of refugees, their identification of the issues, their views on emerging integration policy, the barriers which they continue to face and how the Agency can best help to achieve a common goal of integration into Irish society.'
Expressing UNHCR's concern over the lack of integration initiatives, the agency's Representative in Ireland, Pia Pr�tz Phiri, said, 'While Ireland's positive integration policy, 'A Two-way Process', launched in 1999, remains essential to what we wish to achieve, it is time to move forward to the next phase, to produce real 'on the ground' opportunities for refugee integration.'
Pr�tz Phiri told refugees at the forum, 'You are in the best position to identify your own needs. Integration is important for you as individuals, for Ireland, and for the continued protection of refugees here. You and your communities will bear the heaviest brunt for the failure of integration.'
Recalling that in several European countries, steps are being taken to designate ministers solely responsible for the portfolio of integration, Pr�tz Phiri said, 'This demonstrates the level of seriousness integration is being dealt with in the EU, not because integration has been a success, but because it has been a failure in so many countries.' "
"A milestone in Ireland's effort to integrate refugees was reached earlier this week when the government's Reception & Integration Agency held direct consultations with 50 refugees for the first time on steps to support their integration.
The Reception & Integration Agency, which operates under the aegis of Ireland's Department of Justice, Equality & Law Reform, launched the initiative to tap into 'the direct experiences of refugees, their identification of the issues, their views on emerging integration policy, the barriers which they continue to face and how the Agency can best help to achieve a common goal of integration into Irish society.'
Expressing UNHCR's concern over the lack of integration initiatives, the agency's Representative in Ireland, Pia Pr�tz Phiri, said, 'While Ireland's positive integration policy, 'A Two-way Process', launched in 1999, remains essential to what we wish to achieve, it is time to move forward to the next phase, to produce real 'on the ground' opportunities for refugee integration.'
Pr�tz Phiri told refugees at the forum, 'You are in the best position to identify your own needs. Integration is important for you as individuals, for Ireland, and for the continued protection of refugees here. You and your communities will bear the heaviest brunt for the failure of integration.'
Recalling that in several European countries, steps are being taken to designate ministers solely responsible for the portfolio of integration, Pr�tz Phiri said, 'This demonstrates the level of seriousness integration is being dealt with in the EU, not because integration has been a success, but because it has been a failure in so many countries.' "
Sentencing Reform for Nonviolent Offenses: Benefits and Estimated Savings for Illinois / [USA]CIR, Oct 2004
http://www.impactresearch.org/documents/sentencingreformreport.pdf
"Examines alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses. The report discusses the potential cost savings and the social benefits of sentencing nonviolent drug offenders to mandated substance abuse treatment and intensive community supervision instead of prison."
"Examines alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses. The report discusses the potential cost savings and the social benefits of sentencing nonviolent drug offenders to mandated substance abuse treatment and intensive community supervision instead of prison."
Sentencing Reform for Nonviolent Offenses: Benefits and Estimated Savings for Illinois / [USA]CIR, Oct 2004
http://www.impactresearch.org/documents/sentencingreformreport.pdf
"Examines alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses. The report discusses the potential cost savings and the social benefits of sentencing nonviolent drug offenders to mandated substance abuse treatment and intensive community supervision instead of prison."
"Examines alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenses. The report discusses the potential cost savings and the social benefits of sentencing nonviolent drug offenders to mandated substance abuse treatment and intensive community supervision instead of prison."
Was the seizure of Indymedia's servers unlawful or did the UK government collude? / Statewatch News, Oct 2004
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/04uk-usa-indymedia.htm
"'Rackspace may be a US company but Rackspace in London is subject to UK law not US law. If they took down and handed over Indymedia's servers simply on the basis of a US subpoena communicated to them this would not be lawful in the UK.
However it seems more likely that the US subpoena was the subject of a request for mutual legal assistance from the US Attorney General to the UK Home Secretary under the MLA Treaty. It would be for the Metropolitan Police, probably accompanied by the FBI, to enforce the request and take possession of the servers.
This begs the questions: Why did the Home Office agree? What grounds did the USA give for the seizure of the servers? Were these grounds of a 'political' nature? Has the Home Office requested that the servers be returned? What does this action say about freedom of expression and freedom of the press?
A trail that started in Switzerland and Italy has now ended fairly and squarely in the lap of the UK Home Secretary to justify.'"
"'Rackspace may be a US company but Rackspace in London is subject to UK law not US law. If they took down and handed over Indymedia's servers simply on the basis of a US subpoena communicated to them this would not be lawful in the UK.
However it seems more likely that the US subpoena was the subject of a request for mutual legal assistance from the US Attorney General to the UK Home Secretary under the MLA Treaty. It would be for the Metropolitan Police, probably accompanied by the FBI, to enforce the request and take possession of the servers.
This begs the questions: Why did the Home Office agree? What grounds did the USA give for the seizure of the servers? Were these grounds of a 'political' nature? Has the Home Office requested that the servers be returned? What does this action say about freedom of expression and freedom of the press?
A trail that started in Switzerland and Italy has now ended fairly and squarely in the lap of the UK Home Secretary to justify.'"
Was the seizure of Indymedia's servers unlawful or did the UK government collude? / Statewatch News, Oct 2004
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/04uk-usa-indymedia.htm
"'Rackspace may be a US company but Rackspace in London is subject to UK law not US law. If they took down and handed over Indymedia's servers simply on the basis of a US subpoena communicated to them this would not be lawful in the UK.
However it seems more likely that the US subpoena was the subject of a request for mutual legal assistance from the US Attorney General to the UK Home Secretary under the MLA Treaty. It would be for the Metropolitan Police, probably accompanied by the FBI, to enforce the request and take possession of the servers.
This begs the questions: Why did the Home Office agree? What grounds did the USA give for the seizure of the servers? Were these grounds of a 'political' nature? Has the Home Office requested that the servers be returned? What does this action say about freedom of expression and freedom of the press?
A trail that started in Switzerland and Italy has now ended fairly and squarely in the lap of the UK Home Secretary to justify.'"
"'Rackspace may be a US company but Rackspace in London is subject to UK law not US law. If they took down and handed over Indymedia's servers simply on the basis of a US subpoena communicated to them this would not be lawful in the UK.
However it seems more likely that the US subpoena was the subject of a request for mutual legal assistance from the US Attorney General to the UK Home Secretary under the MLA Treaty. It would be for the Metropolitan Police, probably accompanied by the FBI, to enforce the request and take possession of the servers.
This begs the questions: Why did the Home Office agree? What grounds did the USA give for the seizure of the servers? Were these grounds of a 'political' nature? Has the Home Office requested that the servers be returned? What does this action say about freedom of expression and freedom of the press?
A trail that started in Switzerland and Italy has now ended fairly and squarely in the lap of the UK Home Secretary to justify.'"
Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Addiction Implicated in Four of Five Crimes Committed by Juvenile Arrestees
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041007/nyth042_1.html
"Four of every five children and teen arrestees in state juvenile justice systems are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing their crimes, test positive for drugs, are arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense, admit having substance abuse and addiction problems, or share some combination of these characteristics, according to a new report released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University.
The 177-page report of the five year study, Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and The Children Left Behind, is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of substance abuse and state juvenile justice systems. The report found that 1.9 million of 2.4 million juvenile arrests had substance abuse and addiction involvement and that only 68,600 juveniles receive substance abuse treatment."
"Four of every five children and teen arrestees in state juvenile justice systems are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing their crimes, test positive for drugs, are arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense, admit having substance abuse and addiction problems, or share some combination of these characteristics, according to a new report released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University.
The 177-page report of the five year study, Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and The Children Left Behind, is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of substance abuse and state juvenile justice systems. The report found that 1.9 million of 2.4 million juvenile arrests had substance abuse and addiction involvement and that only 68,600 juveniles receive substance abuse treatment."
Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Addiction Implicated in Four of Five Crimes Committed by Juvenile Arrestees
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041007/nyth042_1.html
"Four of every five children and teen arrestees in state juvenile justice systems are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing their crimes, test positive for drugs, are arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense, admit having substance abuse and addiction problems, or share some combination of these characteristics, according to a new report released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University.
The 177-page report of the five year study, Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and The Children Left Behind, is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of substance abuse and state juvenile justice systems. The report found that 1.9 million of 2.4 million juvenile arrests had substance abuse and addiction involvement and that only 68,600 juveniles receive substance abuse treatment."
"Four of every five children and teen arrestees in state juvenile justice systems are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing their crimes, test positive for drugs, are arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense, admit having substance abuse and addiction problems, or share some combination of these characteristics, according to a new report released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University.
The 177-page report of the five year study, Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and The Children Left Behind, is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of substance abuse and state juvenile justice systems. The report found that 1.9 million of 2.4 million juvenile arrests had substance abuse and addiction involvement and that only 68,600 juveniles receive substance abuse treatment."
Alcohol and Drug Abuse and Addiction Implicated in Four of Five Crimes Committed by Juvenile Arrestees
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041007/nyth042_1.html
"Four of every five children and teen arrestees in state juvenile justice systems are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing their crimes, test positive for drugs, are arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense, admit having substance abuse and addiction problems, or share some combination of these characteristics, according to a new report released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University.
The 177-page report of the five year study, Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and The Children Left Behind, is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of substance abuse and state juvenile justice systems. The report found that 1.9 million of 2.4 million juvenile arrests had substance abuse and addiction involvement and that only 68,600 juveniles receive substance abuse treatment."
"Four of every five children and teen arrestees in state juvenile justice systems are under the influence of alcohol or drugs while committing their crimes, test positive for drugs, are arrested for committing an alcohol or drug offense, admit having substance abuse and addiction problems, or share some combination of these characteristics, according to a new report released today by The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA*) at Columbia University.
The 177-page report of the five year study, Criminal Neglect: Substance Abuse, Juvenile Justice and The Children Left Behind, is the most comprehensive analysis ever undertaken of substance abuse and state juvenile justice systems. The report found that 1.9 million of 2.4 million juvenile arrests had substance abuse and addiction involvement and that only 68,600 juveniles receive substance abuse treatment."
Was the seizure of Indymedia's servers unlawful or did the UK government collude? / Statewatch News, Oct 2004
http://www.statewatch.org/news/2004/oct/04uk-usa-indymedia.htm
"'Rackspace may be a US company but Rackspace in London is subject to UK law not US law. If they took down and handed over Indymedia's servers simply on the basis of a US subpoena communicated to them this would not be lawful in the UK.
However it seems more likely that the US subpoena was the subject of a request for mutual legal assistance from the US Attorney General to the UK Home Secretary under the MLA Treaty. It would be for the Metropolitan Police, probably accompanied by the FBI, to enforce the request and take possession of the servers.
This begs the questions: Why did the Home Office agree? What grounds did the USA give for the seizure of the servers? Were these grounds of a 'political' nature? Has the Home Office requested that the servers be returned? What does this action say about freedom of expression and freedom of the press?
A trail that started in Switzerland and Italy has now ended fairly and squarely in the lap of the UK Home Secretary to justify.'"
"'Rackspace may be a US company but Rackspace in London is subject to UK law not US law. If they took down and handed over Indymedia's servers simply on the basis of a US subpoena communicated to them this would not be lawful in the UK.
However it seems more likely that the US subpoena was the subject of a request for mutual legal assistance from the US Attorney General to the UK Home Secretary under the MLA Treaty. It would be for the Metropolitan Police, probably accompanied by the FBI, to enforce the request and take possession of the servers.
This begs the questions: Why did the Home Office agree? What grounds did the USA give for the seizure of the servers? Were these grounds of a 'political' nature? Has the Home Office requested that the servers be returned? What does this action say about freedom of expression and freedom of the press?
A trail that started in Switzerland and Italy has now ended fairly and squarely in the lap of the UK Home Secretary to justify.'"
Thursday, October 07, 2004
Legal to lock up children, rules High Court - Immigration / Sydney Morning Herald, 7 Oct 2004- www.smh.com.au
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/10/07/1097089465121.html
"It is legal to lock children in immigration detention, the High Court ruled today.
The court dismissed an application by four Afghani children, aged between seven and 15, to be released from the Baxter immigration detention centre in South Australia because they claimed they were being held there unlawfully.
The court found the children were lawfully detained under the Migration Act."
Full Judgement - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/high_ct/2004/49.html
"It is legal to lock children in immigration detention, the High Court ruled today.
The court dismissed an application by four Afghani children, aged between seven and 15, to be released from the Baxter immigration detention centre in South Australia because they claimed they were being held there unlawfully.
The court found the children were lawfully detained under the Migration Act."
Full Judgement - http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/cases/cth/high_ct/2004/49.html
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Reforms And the Prisoner's Lot in Nigeria / 5 Oct 2004
http://allafrica.com/stories/200410050733.html
Stanley Ibe
"Every October, when the nation marks its independence anniversary various governments in the federation routinely free prisoners from the nation's overcrowded jails and grant them amnesty. Last week was no exception, but beyond this annual cosmetic ritual release of prisoners lies a very urgent need for radical reforms of Nigeria's penal institutions.
A renowned criminologist, Professor Adedokun Adeyemi described the Nigerian prison system as lacking "both deterrent and reformative value." Accordingly, " it has become very costly to the economy, it is physiologically, psychologically and emotionally destructive, it is socially damaging, it is culturally abhorrent, and it is penologically disastrous."
Those scathing but frank remarks about the Nigerian Prison system reinforce the position of penal reform enthusiasts on the state of Nigerian prisons and the imperatives for reform. It is instructive to note that the distribution of our prison population shows that the greater majority of these inmates fall within the productive age bracket. In the words of H.S Labo "...the vast majority of prison inmates belong to the 16-50 year old economically productive bracket most of whom remain in prison awaiting trial for many years, in a most de-humanizing condition...immense emotional and psychological stress are common antecedents of the custodial circumstances of imprisonment." This does have far-reaching implications for our commitment to improving the economy."
Stanley Ibe
"Every October, when the nation marks its independence anniversary various governments in the federation routinely free prisoners from the nation's overcrowded jails and grant them amnesty. Last week was no exception, but beyond this annual cosmetic ritual release of prisoners lies a very urgent need for radical reforms of Nigeria's penal institutions.
A renowned criminologist, Professor Adedokun Adeyemi described the Nigerian prison system as lacking "both deterrent and reformative value." Accordingly, " it has become very costly to the economy, it is physiologically, psychologically and emotionally destructive, it is socially damaging, it is culturally abhorrent, and it is penologically disastrous."
Those scathing but frank remarks about the Nigerian Prison system reinforce the position of penal reform enthusiasts on the state of Nigerian prisons and the imperatives for reform. It is instructive to note that the distribution of our prison population shows that the greater majority of these inmates fall within the productive age bracket. In the words of H.S Labo "...the vast majority of prison inmates belong to the 16-50 year old economically productive bracket most of whom remain in prison awaiting trial for many years, in a most de-humanizing condition...immense emotional and psychological stress are common antecedents of the custodial circumstances of imprisonment." This does have far-reaching implications for our commitment to improving the economy."
Real Justice Website Features New Restorative Justice Library / Restorative Justice Online, Oct 2004
http://www.realjustice.org/library/index.html
"The IIRP's Real Justice website now has a restorative justice
library. The library includes links to articles that focus on
restorative justice research, theory and practice, from the past two
years of the eForum.
The Real Justice library also has links to several other restorative
justice websites, as well as a link to the IIRP library, which features
articles on restorative practices in various fields, including justice,
education, child welfare and social work."
"The IIRP's Real Justice website now has a restorative justice
library. The library includes links to articles that focus on
restorative justice research, theory and practice, from the past two
years of the eForum.
The Real Justice library also has links to several other restorative
justice websites, as well as a link to the IIRP library, which features
articles on restorative practices in various fields, including justice,
education, child welfare and social work."
Electronic records toolkits / National Audit Office, 2004
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/electronicrecords/advice/default.htm#toolkits
NAO produces free guide to help prepare for Freedom of Information Act / Public Technology, 5 Oct 2004
http://www.nao.org.uk/publications/foiguidance.pdf
"The National Audit Office has published a guide to help government and other public bodies in their preparations for the coming into force in three months time of the Freedom of Information Act.
The new guide, Counting Down: moving from need to know to right to know, prepared in association with the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Information Commissioner’s Office, concludes that, in general, government bodies have made good progress: for example, in putting in place and maintaining their publication schemes; and in setting up project teams to implement the Act.
However, the guide also identifies significant challenges which will have to be met if requests for information are to be dealt with promptly, efficiently and correctly from 1 January 2005."
"The National Audit Office has published a guide to help government and other public bodies in their preparations for the coming into force in three months time of the Freedom of Information Act.
The new guide, Counting Down: moving from need to know to right to know, prepared in association with the Department for Constitutional Affairs and the Information Commissioner’s Office, concludes that, in general, government bodies have made good progress: for example, in putting in place and maintaining their publication schemes; and in setting up project teams to implement the Act.
However, the guide also identifies significant challenges which will have to be met if requests for information are to be dealt with promptly, efficiently and correctly from 1 January 2005."
Family ties can set prisoners free / Scotsman, 4 Oct 2004
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=1157622004
Angela Morgan
"170 delegates, amongst them family members, prison officers and managers, social workers and representatives of the police, the legal profession and the voluntary sector were gathering to hear the voices of families as they described their experience of being in a "prison without bars".
Their stories will reinforce research evidence which has consistently shown - over 50 years - how maintaining family relationships reduces the likelihood of re-offending by up to six times.
Yet despite the individual testimony of lives destroyed and the hard evidence, families affected by imprisonment have been neglected by the criminal justice system and by broader policy and services for vulnerable families."
Families Outside is the only Scottish organisation with an exclusive focus on families affected by imprisonment. Through our helpline we hear of the emotional, social, economic and, for children, educational damage sustained when a relative is imprisoned. For children of inmates, the research shows that a short sentence can be as damaging to their emotional health and development as a longer one.
Angela Morgan
"170 delegates, amongst them family members, prison officers and managers, social workers and representatives of the police, the legal profession and the voluntary sector were gathering to hear the voices of families as they described their experience of being in a "prison without bars".
Their stories will reinforce research evidence which has consistently shown - over 50 years - how maintaining family relationships reduces the likelihood of re-offending by up to six times.
Yet despite the individual testimony of lives destroyed and the hard evidence, families affected by imprisonment have been neglected by the criminal justice system and by broader policy and services for vulnerable families."
Families Outside is the only Scottish organisation with an exclusive focus on families affected by imprisonment. Through our helpline we hear of the emotional, social, economic and, for children, educational damage sustained when a relative is imprisoned. For children of inmates, the research shows that a short sentence can be as damaging to their emotional health and development as a longer one.
Illegal drug trade value doubles in decade / Massey News, 6 Oct 2004
http://masseynews.massey.ac.nz/2004/Press_Releases/10_04_04a.html
"Massey’s SHORE researchers have uncovered important new information on the social and economic impact of Amphetamine Type Stimulants in New Zealand.
The research commissioned by Police, indicates the illicit trade in ATS drugs may have effectively doubled the dollar value of New Zealand’s total illegal drug trade in less than ten years.
The study on the socio-economic impact of ATS was done by Dr Chris Wilkins and other researchers at Massey University’s Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research Evaluation in collaboration with the Office of the Police Commissioner.
From new research Dr Wilkins calculates the illicit market for amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA/Ecstasy in New Zealand to be worth approximately $168 million dollars a year – the same value attributed to the cannabis market. In the light of that figure, authorities are currently seizing about 10% of drug stocks. They also report that the proceeds from the sale of ATS drugs are likely to be particularly concentrated among a relatively small number of local organized criminal gangs who were instrumental in the introduction of methamphetamine manufacture to New Zealand."
"Massey’s SHORE researchers have uncovered important new information on the social and economic impact of Amphetamine Type Stimulants in New Zealand.
The research commissioned by Police, indicates the illicit trade in ATS drugs may have effectively doubled the dollar value of New Zealand’s total illegal drug trade in less than ten years.
The study on the socio-economic impact of ATS was done by Dr Chris Wilkins and other researchers at Massey University’s Centre for Social and Health Outcomes Research Evaluation in collaboration with the Office of the Police Commissioner.
From new research Dr Wilkins calculates the illicit market for amphetamine, methamphetamine and MDMA/Ecstasy in New Zealand to be worth approximately $168 million dollars a year – the same value attributed to the cannabis market. In the light of that figure, authorities are currently seizing about 10% of drug stocks. They also report that the proceeds from the sale of ATS drugs are likely to be particularly concentrated among a relatively small number of local organized criminal gangs who were instrumental in the introduction of methamphetamine manufacture to New Zealand."
Shelter 'hang-out' for youths / BBC News, 4 Oct 2004
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/wales/south_east/3713648.stm
"A shelter where no buses will ever stop at is being set up as a dedicated youth 'hang-out' in a south Wales town.
Young people living in Talbot Green near Llantrisant are being given a special shelter where they can congregate safely.
It is hoped that the new shelter will encourage them not to loiter in gangs outside shops which is sometimes seen as intimidating to other people.
But local businesses say more needs to be done for youngsters in the town.
Councillor Paul Baccara who is supporting the proposals said that a similar scheme in the Thames Valley area is credited with reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
"It is like a bus shelter but will be circular and is sectioned into three," he said. "This is somewhere where the young people can call their own."
"A shelter where no buses will ever stop at is being set up as a dedicated youth 'hang-out' in a south Wales town.
Young people living in Talbot Green near Llantrisant are being given a special shelter where they can congregate safely.
It is hoped that the new shelter will encourage them not to loiter in gangs outside shops which is sometimes seen as intimidating to other people.
But local businesses say more needs to be done for youngsters in the town.
Councillor Paul Baccara who is supporting the proposals said that a similar scheme in the Thames Valley area is credited with reducing crime and anti-social behaviour.
"It is like a bus shelter but will be circular and is sectioned into three," he said. "This is somewhere where the young people can call their own."
Deal With Youth Offenders Before It's Too Late / Scoop New Zealand, 4 Oct 2004
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/PA0410/S00047.htm
"ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today urged the Government to catch and deal with young offenders now, before it is too late and they grow into hardened adult criminals who end up spending their lives in and out of prison.
"Fresh research has shown that two thirds of young offenders dealt with by Family Group Conferences reoffend, with 20 percent ending up in prison. Perhaps this will show the Government that FGCs do not work for repeat offenders," Dr Newman said.
"Further, answers to my written Parliamentary Questions have revealed that, between 1999-2003, youth apprehensions rose 10 percent from 30,665 to 33,994. These are the latest statistics the Government holds and numbers would have increased further by now."
"This means that more and more young offenders are being dealt with by a process that fails to alter their behaviour and attitude.
"ACT New Zealand Deputy Leader and Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today urged the Government to catch and deal with young offenders now, before it is too late and they grow into hardened adult criminals who end up spending their lives in and out of prison.
"Fresh research has shown that two thirds of young offenders dealt with by Family Group Conferences reoffend, with 20 percent ending up in prison. Perhaps this will show the Government that FGCs do not work for repeat offenders," Dr Newman said.
"Further, answers to my written Parliamentary Questions have revealed that, between 1999-2003, youth apprehensions rose 10 percent from 30,665 to 33,994. These are the latest statistics the Government holds and numbers would have increased further by now."
"This means that more and more young offenders are being dealt with by a process that fails to alter their behaviour and attitude.
Greed drives new breed of Mr Bigs / [Australia] News.com, 5 Oct 2004
http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,10968966%255E3102,00.html
Natalie Gregg and Paula Doneman
"ORGANISED crime groups are fragmenting and becoming more difficult to investigate as a new landscape of criminal activity emerges in Queensland, a Crime and Misconduct Commission report has found.
It said the lines that identified the organised crime groups had blurred during the past five years in favour of sophisticated criminal networks based on trust and "pragmatic (illicit) business decisions".
CMC chairman Brendan Butler said the state's watchdog had found that traditional group such as Asian gangs and the Mafia no longer held power. Instead, organised crime groups contained people motivated by profit."
Natalie Gregg and Paula Doneman
"ORGANISED crime groups are fragmenting and becoming more difficult to investigate as a new landscape of criminal activity emerges in Queensland, a Crime and Misconduct Commission report has found.
It said the lines that identified the organised crime groups had blurred during the past five years in favour of sophisticated criminal networks based on trust and "pragmatic (illicit) business decisions".
CMC chairman Brendan Butler said the state's watchdog had found that traditional group such as Asian gangs and the Mafia no longer held power. Instead, organised crime groups contained people motivated by profit."
Who Gets What Sentence? / [Kenya] Nation, 4 Oct 2004
http://allafrica.com/stories/200410040832.html
Gichinga Ndirangu
"Kenyan courts have persistently shown a lack of uniformity in the sentencing of even similar offences. Whereas a petty offender may end up with years in prison, big time offenders have got off the hook with relatively light sentences. There is need for a clear jurisprudence in this regard.
Recently, a decision by the High Court to enhance a sentence against a lawyer convicted of stealing more than Sh52 million awarded as compensation to the families of 37 prison warders who perished in a road accident, has brought into focus, the sentencing policy of Kenyan courts."
Gichinga Ndirangu
"Kenyan courts have persistently shown a lack of uniformity in the sentencing of even similar offences. Whereas a petty offender may end up with years in prison, big time offenders have got off the hook with relatively light sentences. There is need for a clear jurisprudence in this regard.
Recently, a decision by the High Court to enhance a sentence against a lawyer convicted of stealing more than Sh52 million awarded as compensation to the families of 37 prison warders who perished in a road accident, has brought into focus, the sentencing policy of Kenyan courts."
Crime Bulletin No. 6: Organised crime markets in Queensland: a strategic assessment / [Australia]QLD. Crime & Misconduct Commission, Sep 2004
http://www.cmc.qld.gov.au/library/CMCWEBSITE/CrimeBulletin_06_OrganisedCrimeMarketsinQld.pdf
Describes the organised crime landscape and discusses the main illicit markets that drive organised criminal activity in Queensland.
Describes the organised crime landscape and discusses the main illicit markets that drive organised criminal activity in Queensland.
Police winning crime-fight 'poker game' / Expatica Netherlands, 30 Sep 2004
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=13&story_id=12419&name=Police+winning+crime%2Dfight+%27poker+game%27
"Amsterdam police issued with packs of cards similar to the ones used by US soldiers in Iraq have successfully collared 18 of the Dutch capital's most notorious offenders in the past month.
The 600 officers who patrol Amsterdam's streets were issued in September with the packs that bear the photos of the 52 most wanted criminals in the city.
The cards help officers to quickly identify people sought for theft, drug-dealing, weapon possession and other repeat offences."
"Amsterdam police issued with packs of cards similar to the ones used by US soldiers in Iraq have successfully collared 18 of the Dutch capital's most notorious offenders in the past month.
The 600 officers who patrol Amsterdam's streets were issued in September with the packs that bear the photos of the 52 most wanted criminals in the city.
The cards help officers to quickly identify people sought for theft, drug-dealing, weapon possession and other repeat offences."
All Dutch Hells Angels under investigation / Expatica Netherlands, 1 Oct 2004
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=13&story_id=12448&name=All+Dutch+Hells+Angels+under+investigation+
"The national prosecution department is investigating every Hells Angels chapter in the Netherlands on suspicion the bikers' club is a cover for a criminal organisation.
A prosecution spokesman said the investigation has been going for several months, but he refused to reveal the present state of inquires. Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen was informed about the investigation on Thursday.
Amsterdam City Council announced soon afterwards that it had broken off all contact with the Angels. Mayor Cohen said he was "exceptionally concerned" about reports in the media about the club and the criminal investigation."
"The national prosecution department is investigating every Hells Angels chapter in the Netherlands on suspicion the bikers' club is a cover for a criminal organisation.
A prosecution spokesman said the investigation has been going for several months, but he refused to reveal the present state of inquires. Amsterdam Mayor Job Cohen was informed about the investigation on Thursday.
Amsterdam City Council announced soon afterwards that it had broken off all contact with the Angels. Mayor Cohen said he was "exceptionally concerned" about reports in the media about the club and the criminal investigation."
Monday, October 04, 2004
Criminals escaping parole, committing crimes: Corrections report / [Canada] CBC News, 3 Oct 2004
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2004/10/03/Halfwayhouses
_041003.html
"A study examined what happened when prisoners were sent to serve their parole in halfway houses. The investigators discovered more than a third of these prisoners were escaping, violating their parole and committing other crimes. "
_041003.html
"A study examined what happened when prisoners were sent to serve their parole in halfway houses. The investigators discovered more than a third of these prisoners were escaping, violating their parole and committing other crimes. "
Program easing reentry into school / [USA] Philadelphia Inquirer, 3 Oct 2004
http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/local/states/pennsylvania/9819627.htm
Susan Snyder
"Juvenile offenders who return to Philadelphia public schools through a new transitional program are prospering much better than their predecessors, who went right back into regular schools.
They are dropping out less often. Their attendance is up. They are much less likely to get in trouble again.
And those who go into smaller disciplinary schools after a 10-day transition program - rather than into larger mainstream schools - do better all the way around, including academically.
That is according to a new report by the Philadelphia School District. 'This 10 days is just giving me a chance to think about what I want to do with my life once I get into school,' said the pregnant Klubah Lakie, 19, one of 60 students in the transition program one day last week. 'I think I'm ready to change, and now I have a baby on the way.'
The school district report provides the first glimpse at the impact of a 2002 state law, known as Act 88. The law requires students who commit violent acts, possess a weapon, or possess or deal drugs to spend up to a month in a transitional program and then to attend a disciplinary school. Those who commit nonviolent offenses, such as theft, must complete the transition program, but then can return to a regular school."
Susan Snyder
"Juvenile offenders who return to Philadelphia public schools through a new transitional program are prospering much better than their predecessors, who went right back into regular schools.
They are dropping out less often. Their attendance is up. They are much less likely to get in trouble again.
And those who go into smaller disciplinary schools after a 10-day transition program - rather than into larger mainstream schools - do better all the way around, including academically.
That is according to a new report by the Philadelphia School District. 'This 10 days is just giving me a chance to think about what I want to do with my life once I get into school,' said the pregnant Klubah Lakie, 19, one of 60 students in the transition program one day last week. 'I think I'm ready to change, and now I have a baby on the way.'
The school district report provides the first glimpse at the impact of a 2002 state law, known as Act 88. The law requires students who commit violent acts, possess a weapon, or possess or deal drugs to spend up to a month in a transitional program and then to attend a disciplinary school. Those who commit nonviolent offenses, such as theft, must complete the transition program, but then can return to a regular school."
Detained youths are given books: / [USA] South Florida Sun-Sentinel, 3 Oct 2004
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-bb03gatewaysoct03,0,5288074.story?coll=sfla-news-palm
Sally J. Ling
"Gateways was started by Kim Hale, a trial court investigator who walked into the juvenile holding cell in the basement of the Suffolk County Juvenile Court in downtown Boston and handed out books.
The guards scoffed at her. But they changed their minds when the girls became quiet, then interested. Now based in Boca Raton, the program provides uplifting reading materials to children in prison.
Hale started Gateways in 1998 and launched its Palm Beach County debut Aug. 19 at the Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center by donating books.
'I think we need to give children from troubled homes as much of a fresh start as we can,' she said. 'What better way than providing them with books with positive and inspiring content to renew their minds and their lives?' "
Sally J. Ling
"Gateways was started by Kim Hale, a trial court investigator who walked into the juvenile holding cell in the basement of the Suffolk County Juvenile Court in downtown Boston and handed out books.
The guards scoffed at her. But they changed their minds when the girls became quiet, then interested. Now based in Boca Raton, the program provides uplifting reading materials to children in prison.
Hale started Gateways in 1998 and launched its Palm Beach County debut Aug. 19 at the Palm Beach Regional Juvenile Detention Center by donating books.
'I think we need to give children from troubled homes as much of a fresh start as we can,' she said. 'What better way than providing them with books with positive and inspiring content to renew their minds and their lives?' "
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