http://www.tkb.org
"TKB has created a new System Overview Video. The updated video provides an introduction to the multiple tools, datasets, and terrorism analyses available within the MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base. The TKB video is available here. http://www.tkb.org/tkb.html
TKB analysts have reviewed all historical Patterns of Global Terrorism reports going back to 1980, as well as the most recent version released in April 2005. Country-specific summaries can be found on TKB?s country-overview pages. A full list of the country profiles is available through the Knowledge Base Directory > Countries/Areas. http://www.tkb.org/Category.jsp?catID=9891
TKB?s terrorism-indictment pages have been updated with additional statistical data and background documents. A full list of TKB?s terrorism-indictment profiles is available through the Knowledge Base Directory > Cases. http://www.tkb.org/Category.jsp?catID=9872
TKB has improved the granularity of its incident-data analysis. Using the Incident Analysis Wizard http://www.tkb.org/ChartModule.jsp
and Knowledge Base Directory > Incidents, http://www.tkb.org/Category.jsp?catID=327 users can now analyze the incident outcomes by an expanded list of injury and fatality breakdowns.
TKB CONTINUOUSLY UPDATES ITS COMPREHENSIVE DATASET
The Terrorism Knowledge Base updates its terrorism analysis daily. Due to the constant expansion of terrorism data and analysis, the TKB system now contains an unprecedented body of terrorism information, which includes:
Over 23,000 terrorist-incident profiles
Over 800 terrorist-group profiles
Over 1,100 terrorist-member profiles
Nearly 200 terrorism-related court cases"
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Move to ban violent adult porn on internet / The Guardian, 30 Aug 2005
http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/story/0,8150,1559037,00.html
Julian Glover
"In a consultation document published today the Home Office suggests making illegal 'the possession of a limited range of extreme pornographic material featuring adults'. It cites the depiction of bestiality, sexual interference with a human corpse or certain forms of extreme violence involving serious bodily harm."
Julian Glover
"In a consultation document published today the Home Office suggests making illegal 'the possession of a limited range of extreme pornographic material featuring adults'. It cites the depiction of bestiality, sexual interference with a human corpse or certain forms of extreme violence involving serious bodily harm."
Hoodie ban is dropped from Asbo / The Guardian, 30 Aug 2005
http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/story/0,8150,1558810,00.html
Patrick Barkham
"A teenager who was ordered not to wear a hooded top as part of an antisocial behaviour order has been allowed to don it again after a court heard the ban breached his human rights.
Under the interim Asbo, the 16-year-old was forbidden from wearing a hoodie or a baseball cap that could obscure his face. He was also prevented from entering certain streets in Portsmouth and barred from associating with named youths."
Patrick Barkham
"A teenager who was ordered not to wear a hooded top as part of an antisocial behaviour order has been allowed to don it again after a court heard the ban breached his human rights.
Under the interim Asbo, the 16-year-old was forbidden from wearing a hoodie or a baseball cap that could obscure his face. He was also prevented from entering certain streets in Portsmouth and barred from associating with named youths."
Immigration and Terrorism: Moving Beyond the 9/11 Staff Report on Terrorist Travel, / Center for Immigration Studies, 2005
http://www.cis.org/articles/2005/kephart.html
Janice L. Kephart
'Illustrates how 94 Islamist terrorists used the immigration system to infiltrate and embed in the United States."
PDF - http://www.cis.org/articles/2005/kephart.pdf
Janice L. Kephart
'Illustrates how 94 Islamist terrorists used the immigration system to infiltrate and embed in the United States."
PDF - http://www.cis.org/articles/2005/kephart.pdf
[USA] Suicide and Homicide in State Prisons and Local Jails / Bureau of Justice Statistics
PDF - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/shsplj.pdf
'Describes historical trends in State prison and local jail inmate mortality rates based on inmate death records submitted by local jails (for 2000-2002) and State prisons (for 2001-2002). The report also compares current prison and jail mortality rates by demographic characteristics, offense types, and facility size and jurisdiction and compares the general population mortality rates with mortality rates in correctional facilities. Comparisons are made to both the raw mortality rates for the general population and those standardized to match the demographic makeup of the inmate populations.'"
'Describes historical trends in State prison and local jail inmate mortality rates based on inmate death records submitted by local jails (for 2000-2002) and State prisons (for 2001-2002). The report also compares current prison and jail mortality rates by demographic characteristics, offense types, and facility size and jurisdiction and compares the general population mortality rates with mortality rates in correctional facilities. Comparisons are made to both the raw mortality rates for the general population and those standardized to match the demographic makeup of the inmate populations.'"
Psychological and behavioural reactions to the bombings in London on 7 July 2005: cross sectional survey of a representative sample of Londoners / BMJ
PDF - http://press.psprings.co.uk/bmj/august/London.pdf
'Although the psychological needs of those intimately caught up in the attacks will require further assessment, we found no evidence of a widespread desire for professional counselling. The attacks have inflicted disproportionately high levels of distress among non-white and Muslim Londoners.'"
'Although the psychological needs of those intimately caught up in the attacks will require further assessment, we found no evidence of a widespread desire for professional counselling. The attacks have inflicted disproportionately high levels of distress among non-white and Muslim Londoners.'"
[USA] The Immigration Debate: Politics of Class and Corporations / International Relations Center, 2005
http://americas.irc-online.org/am/224
"'Stark divides mark the American political landscape. Red vs. blue states, the culture war, and the patriots vs. the peaceniks, to say nothing of the deepening economic divides between rich and poor, with the middle class beset with debt and worries about the future. Despite these deep divides, the aphorism that politics makes strange bedfellows holds true - especially in the intensifying debate about immigration.'"
"'Stark divides mark the American political landscape. Red vs. blue states, the culture war, and the patriots vs. the peaceniks, to say nothing of the deepening economic divides between rich and poor, with the middle class beset with debt and worries about the future. Despite these deep divides, the aphorism that politics makes strange bedfellows holds true - especially in the intensifying debate about immigration.'"
[USA] Efficacy and Impact: The Criminal Justice Response to Marijuana Policy in the United States / Justice Policy Institute, 2005
PDF - http://www.justicepolicy.org/downloads/efficacyreport.pdf
"In measures the effectiveness and the consequences of our national drug control policies, highlighting what can be learned from analyzing the leading national indicators of drug use, arrests, the costs and collateral consequences of the current policy.'"
Factsheet - PDF - http://www.justicepolicy.org/downloads/efficacystateinfo.pdf
"In measures the effectiveness and the consequences of our national drug control policies, highlighting what can be learned from analyzing the leading national indicators of drug use, arrests, the costs and collateral consequences of the current policy.'"
Factsheet - PDF - http://www.justicepolicy.org/downloads/efficacystateinfo.pdf
Goths and chavs go to war in the woods in attempt to keep the peace on the streets / Guardian, 31 Aug 2005
http://society.guardian.co.uk/localgovt/news/0,8368,1559719,00.htmlPatrick Barkham
"Council defuses town centre tension with organised BB gun battles between teenagers."
"Council defuses town centre tension with organised BB gun battles between teenagers."
Clarke delays detaining preachers of hate / The Times, 31 Aug 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,22989-1757770,00.html
"THE Home Office is still trying to decide where to detain the first group of Islamic extremists who face arrest in Charles Clarke's promised crackdown on the preachers of hate. There is pressure on the Home Secretary to order the raids to begin but the prison population is at a record level, and officials do not want the suspects held together. "
"THE Home Office is still trying to decide where to detain the first group of Islamic extremists who face arrest in Charles Clarke's promised crackdown on the preachers of hate. There is pressure on the Home Secretary to order the raids to begin but the prison population is at a record level, and officials do not want the suspects held together. "
Muslim official repeats bin Laden view / Financial Times, 22 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ekat
Cathy Newman
"An official at the Muslim Council of Britain has repeated his view that Osama bin Laden was a 'freedom fighter' when he fought the Russians in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
Inayat Bunglawala, the council's media secretary who has been appointed by the Home Office as a 'convener' of a government working group to combat extremism, told the Financial Times: 'He [Mr bin Laden] was a freedom fighter. He was regarded in large sections of the Muslim world before 2001 as a freedom fighter for what he had done in Afghanistan.'"
Cathy Newman
"An official at the Muslim Council of Britain has repeated his view that Osama bin Laden was a 'freedom fighter' when he fought the Russians in Afghanistan in the 1980s.
Inayat Bunglawala, the council's media secretary who has been appointed by the Home Office as a 'convener' of a government working group to combat extremism, told the Financial Times: 'He [Mr bin Laden] was a freedom fighter. He was regarded in large sections of the Muslim world before 2001 as a freedom fighter for what he had done in Afghanistan.'"
Revealed: the Home Office's secret policy of targeting young Brazilians / Independent. 21 Aug 2005
http://www.mggpillai.com/sections.php3?op=viewarticle&artid=11212Andy McSmith
"Immigration officials have been carrying out a secret policy of barring young Brazilians from entering Britain, after a tip-off that gangs of people traffickers were smuggling them in to work in the black economy.
The revelation will add another twist to the UK's relations with Brazil, already thrown into crisis by the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes. The policy of targeting Brazilians has been in force since 2003, and might have prevented the killing of Mr de Menezes if it had been enforced sooner, because he exactly fits the type of young Brazilian that immigration officers have been systematically turning away."
"Immigration officials have been carrying out a secret policy of barring young Brazilians from entering Britain, after a tip-off that gangs of people traffickers were smuggling them in to work in the black economy.
The revelation will add another twist to the UK's relations with Brazil, already thrown into crisis by the killing of Jean Charles de Menezes. The policy of targeting Brazilians has been in force since 2003, and might have prevented the killing of Mr de Menezes if it had been enforced sooner, because he exactly fits the type of young Brazilian that immigration officers have been systematically turning away."
Bangladesh's bomb factories / World Peace Herald, 30 Aug 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050830-100034-5737r
Muazzam Gill
"The usual suspects have been identified -- including the banned Islamic movement, Jamaet-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Political violence, bombings and assassinations are not new to Bangladesh but the sheer audacity, reach and synchronization of the bombings have shaken most citizens out of their complacency. This appears to them to be an omen of more violence. Given the unsettled political situation, which could worsen this winter, more bombings, are likely. There are other, most disturbing aspects of this coordinated operation.
Was this a final initiation rite to qualify a cadre of elite terrorists? If so, will their military competence be restricted to Bangladesh or shared worldwide, like its precursor in Afghanistan? And who are the inheritors of the Mukti Bahini's highly cerebral tradition of deadly efficiency, what is their agenda, who runs them and for what purpose? "
Muazzam Gill
"The usual suspects have been identified -- including the banned Islamic movement, Jamaet-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). Political violence, bombings and assassinations are not new to Bangladesh but the sheer audacity, reach and synchronization of the bombings have shaken most citizens out of their complacency. This appears to them to be an omen of more violence. Given the unsettled political situation, which could worsen this winter, more bombings, are likely. There are other, most disturbing aspects of this coordinated operation.
Was this a final initiation rite to qualify a cadre of elite terrorists? If so, will their military competence be restricted to Bangladesh or shared worldwide, like its precursor in Afghanistan? And who are the inheritors of the Mukti Bahini's highly cerebral tradition of deadly efficiency, what is their agenda, who runs them and for what purpose? "
community justice / ippr - Institute for Public Policy Research, 25 Aug 2005
http://www.ippr.org.uk/articles/?id=1681
Ben Rogers, Associate Director, Democracy
"It's been thirty years since Nils Christie, in a classic article, 'Conflicts as Property' helped usher in the 'community justice' movement, but much of his argument still holds true. Instead of working with the public to reduce crime and repair the damage done by crime, the state and its criminal justice agencies have tended to claim the fight against crime for itself. "
Ben Rogers, Associate Director, Democracy
"It's been thirty years since Nils Christie, in a classic article, 'Conflicts as Property' helped usher in the 'community justice' movement, but much of his argument still holds true. Instead of working with the public to reduce crime and repair the damage done by crime, the state and its criminal justice agencies have tended to claim the fight against crime for itself. "
Prescott to make streets 'women friendly' -/ Sunday times, 21 Aug 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/newspaper/0,,176-1743811,00.html
"Guidelines to be issued by the deputy prime minister's office are principally intended to encourage women to 'reclaim' the streets from rowdy teenagers, which they believe will help curb antisocial behaviour. Through creating friendlier streets, community spirit will be reinvigorated, the department believes. Improved social interaction and relations, knowing your neighbours and those around you, came up [in interviews with the public] as one of the key things to make people feel safer and more secure, someone working on the project said. Women are instrumental in this process."
"Guidelines to be issued by the deputy prime minister's office are principally intended to encourage women to 'reclaim' the streets from rowdy teenagers, which they believe will help curb antisocial behaviour. Through creating friendlier streets, community spirit will be reinvigorated, the department believes. Improved social interaction and relations, knowing your neighbours and those around you, came up [in interviews with the public] as one of the key things to make people feel safer and more secure, someone working on the project said. Women are instrumental in this process."
Google satellite imaging software raises terrorism concerns / GovExec, Aug 2005
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=32093&dcn=e_hsw
ielle Belopotosky, National Journal's Technology Daily
"New Google software that lets users see aerial images of city streets, baseball fields and even Moscow's Red Square has some officials wondering whether freely available satellite images could help terrorists plot attacks.
Google Earth allows users to receive point-to-point directions, mapping their way from the best pizza parlor in Chicago to the Hoover Dam by using the longitude and latitude grid tool.
The amount of detail in the images has alarmed two Dutch parliamentarians, who have publicly expressed their concerns over imagery of government buildings, energy facilities and utilities. They have called for an official inquiry to determine whether it poses a threat. People inside the United States also have expressed concern over the images of military facilities.
ielle Belopotosky, National Journal's Technology Daily
"New Google software that lets users see aerial images of city streets, baseball fields and even Moscow's Red Square has some officials wondering whether freely available satellite images could help terrorists plot attacks.
Google Earth allows users to receive point-to-point directions, mapping their way from the best pizza parlor in Chicago to the Hoover Dam by using the longitude and latitude grid tool.
The amount of detail in the images has alarmed two Dutch parliamentarians, who have publicly expressed their concerns over imagery of government buildings, energy facilities and utilities. They have called for an official inquiry to determine whether it poses a threat. People inside the United States also have expressed concern over the images of military facilities.
Ambulance crews deserve protection / Scotsman, 30 Aug 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=1865532005
David Forbes
"AT a recent conference in Glasgow a debate was launched as to whether or not police should accompany ambulance crews to emergency call-outs for illegal drug over-doses. Unison's response was that, unless the ambulance crews determine otherwise, the presumption must be that they should.
The background to the debate is that there is evidence which suggests that companions of those who overdose on illegal drugs are deterred from calling for help due to fear of their own prosecution and consequently, people are dying who might have been saved."
David Forbes
"AT a recent conference in Glasgow a debate was launched as to whether or not police should accompany ambulance crews to emergency call-outs for illegal drug over-doses. Unison's response was that, unless the ambulance crews determine otherwise, the presumption must be that they should.
The background to the debate is that there is evidence which suggests that companions of those who overdose on illegal drugs are deterred from calling for help due to fear of their own prosecution and consequently, people are dying who might have been saved."
[Australia] Speak no evil: laws to gag support for suicide bombers / sydney Morning Herald, 31 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ekam
Tom Allard and Mike Seccombe
"Groups that support suicide bombings would be outlawed and security authorities given expanded powers to detain terrorism suspects and demand information under proposed laws.
They have strong support in senior Government ranks and are likely to be endorsed at next month's counter-terrorism meeting of state and federal leaders."
Tom Allard and Mike Seccombe
"Groups that support suicide bombings would be outlawed and security authorities given expanded powers to detain terrorism suspects and demand information under proposed laws.
They have strong support in senior Government ranks and are likely to be endorsed at next month's counter-terrorism meeting of state and federal leaders."
[Australia] Warning on 'dangerous' terror laws / The Age, 30 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ekaj
"A day after The Age revealed proposals for new criminal sanctions against people who encourage or 'glorify' terrorism, the Law Council of Australia urged the Government to refrain from introducing 'possibly draconian' laws without full public consultation. The warning came as a new AgePoll revealed growing public anxiety about terrorism in Australia, with more than two-thirds of people now believing an attack on home soil is likely within two years."
"A day after The Age revealed proposals for new criminal sanctions against people who encourage or 'glorify' terrorism, the Law Council of Australia urged the Government to refrain from introducing 'possibly draconian' laws without full public consultation. The warning came as a new AgePoll revealed growing public anxiety about terrorism in Australia, with more than two-thirds of people now believing an attack on home soil is likely within two years."
Pain taken out of access control upgrades to biometrics / Ferret, 30 Aug 2005
http://www.ferret.com.au/articles/79/0c036079.asp
"Any building, any where, can upgrade to a biometrics access control solution with minimum cost and low administration thanks to a patented technology from an Australian company. The biometrics solution from Microlatch is based on their patented wireless fingerprint platform. The new system enables immediate and relatively easy upgrading of any building or secure environment from a card based access control system to a biometrics solution. "
"Any building, any where, can upgrade to a biometrics access control solution with minimum cost and low administration thanks to a patented technology from an Australian company. The biometrics solution from Microlatch is based on their patented wireless fingerprint platform. The new system enables immediate and relatively easy upgrading of any building or secure environment from a card based access control system to a biometrics solution. "
East Timor: When peace and justice collide / International Herald Tribune, 31 Aug 2004
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/30/news/edthakur.php
Ramesh Thakur
"The purely juridical approach to transitional justice traps communities in past hatreds. Traditional justice systems, however, which are restorative rather than retributive, have a better record than international criminal justice of ending savage cycles of retributive violence in deeply conflicted societies"
Ramesh Thakur
"The purely juridical approach to transitional justice traps communities in past hatreds. Traditional justice systems, however, which are restorative rather than retributive, have a better record than international criminal justice of ending savage cycles of retributive violence in deeply conflicted societies"
An Exploration of the Possibilities and Technological Breakthroughs in the UK CCTV Market / i-Newswire.com, Aug 2005
http://i-newswire.com/pr44621.html
"The United Kingdom heads the world in the use of Closed Circuit Television technology. The CCTV market in the UK has demonstrated rapid growth in the past five years ( 2000-2005 ). During this period, there has been a 20% increase in the sale of CCTV systems. This is a reflection on the strong demand for community application of CCTV, like the government's Crime Reduction Programme. However there are as yet, no coherent, legally enforceable rules or regulations to ensure that the Public CCTV schemes are run correctly. "
"The United Kingdom heads the world in the use of Closed Circuit Television technology. The CCTV market in the UK has demonstrated rapid growth in the past five years ( 2000-2005 ). During this period, there has been a 20% increase in the sale of CCTV systems. This is a reflection on the strong demand for community application of CCTV, like the government's Crime Reduction Programme. However there are as yet, no coherent, legally enforceable rules or regulations to ensure that the Public CCTV schemes are run correctly. "
''Keeping Extremists Out: The History of Ideological Exclusion, and the Need for Its Revival / Center for Immigration Studies, 2005
http://www.cis.org/articles/2005/back1005.html
James R. Edwards, Jr.,
"This paper describes the contribution immigration law has made and can make again in barring and removing ideological enemies from our shores. It is an unavoidable consequence of mass immigration; the higher the level of immigration, the more likely it is that individuals espousing hatred and violence toward America will gain entry. But whatever the level of immigration, excluding or removing noncitizens from the United States based on their promotion of radical beliefs (''ideological exclusion'') can help to protect the country."
PDF - http://www.cis.org/articles/2005/back1005.pdf
James R. Edwards, Jr.,
"This paper describes the contribution immigration law has made and can make again in barring and removing ideological enemies from our shores. It is an unavoidable consequence of mass immigration; the higher the level of immigration, the more likely it is that individuals espousing hatred and violence toward America will gain entry. But whatever the level of immigration, excluding or removing noncitizens from the United States based on their promotion of radical beliefs (''ideological exclusion'') can help to protect the country."
PDF - http://www.cis.org/articles/2005/back1005.pdf
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Concerns of al-Qaida Balkan Link Renewed / Guardian, 29 Aug 2005
http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5240188,00.html
Jovana Gec
"The arrest in Serbia of a top terrorist fugitive has raised fresh concerns of an al-Qaida presence in the volatile Balkans, where thousands of U.S. and other international troops are stationed as peacekeepers. Abdelmajid Bouchar, a 22-year-old Moroccan, sought for involvement in last year's train bombings in the Spanish capital Madrid, that killed nearly 200 people, was caught at the Belgrade railway station in June. The arrest, revealed earlier this month, revived concerns that the Balkans - with its porous borders, unsophisticated security systems, rampant corruption and organized crime - could serve as a haven for al-Qaida-linked terrorist groups. "
Jovana Gec
"The arrest in Serbia of a top terrorist fugitive has raised fresh concerns of an al-Qaida presence in the volatile Balkans, where thousands of U.S. and other international troops are stationed as peacekeepers. Abdelmajid Bouchar, a 22-year-old Moroccan, sought for involvement in last year's train bombings in the Spanish capital Madrid, that killed nearly 200 people, was caught at the Belgrade railway station in June. The arrest, revealed earlier this month, revived concerns that the Balkans - with its porous borders, unsophisticated security systems, rampant corruption and organized crime - could serve as a haven for al-Qaida-linked terrorist groups. "
Early guilty pleas helping to cut jail terms / The Herald, 29 Aug 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/45901.html
Lucy Adams
"Legal experts say a recent court ruling which stated criminals could get up to 30% off their sentence by pleading guilty before going to trial has added to the impact of the new legislation.
Statistics - PDF - http://www.theherald.co.uk/uimages/2908stats.pdf
Lucy Adams
"Legal experts say a recent court ruling which stated criminals could get up to 30% off their sentence by pleading guilty before going to trial has added to the impact of the new legislation.
Statistics - PDF - http://www.theherald.co.uk/uimages/2908stats.pdf
New permit scheme for skilled expats not working / Expatica Netherlands, 29 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejtq
"The accelerated immigration procedure for highly-skilled expats is causing serious problems for companies in the Netherlands because it is so slow and complicated, an employers group has claimed.
The AWVN said in financial newspaper 'Het Financieele Dagblad' on Monday that the accelerated procedure is taking months and not weeks as the government promised."
"The accelerated immigration procedure for highly-skilled expats is causing serious problems for companies in the Netherlands because it is so slow and complicated, an employers group has claimed.
The AWVN said in financial newspaper 'Het Financieele Dagblad' on Monday that the accelerated procedure is taking months and not weeks as the government promised."
Denmark Tries to Act Against Terrorism as Mood in Europe Shifts / Washington Post, 29 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejtn
Kevin Sullivan
"Danish police intend to make Mansour, 45, a Moroccan-born Danish citizen, the first person ever charged under an anti-terrorism law enacted in 2002 that forbids instigation of terrorism or offering advice to terrorists. Police sources said Mansour would probably be charged for distributing CDs that contained the inflammatory jihadist speeches and gruesome images.
The law contains curbs on free speech that are remarkable in a country famous for tolerating all points of view. It illustrates how democracies across Europe are adopting tougher measures in an era of rising extremist violence, despite protests that civil liberties are being sacrificed in the process."
Kevin Sullivan
"Danish police intend to make Mansour, 45, a Moroccan-born Danish citizen, the first person ever charged under an anti-terrorism law enacted in 2002 that forbids instigation of terrorism or offering advice to terrorists. Police sources said Mansour would probably be charged for distributing CDs that contained the inflammatory jihadist speeches and gruesome images.
The law contains curbs on free speech that are remarkable in a country famous for tolerating all points of view. It illustrates how democracies across Europe are adopting tougher measures in an era of rising extremist violence, despite protests that civil liberties are being sacrificed in the process."
Jihadism's roots in political Islam / International Herald Tribune, 30 Aug 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/29/news/edtibi.php
Bassam Tibi
"After any terrorist attack by jihadists - from the Sept. 11 attacks to those in Bali in 2002, Madrid in 2004 and London in July - two contradictory views are usually heard. Some people claim that such religiously legitimated terror has its roots in Islam; others, principally Muslims and politically correct Westerners, say such terrorism has nothing to do with Islam.
The truth can only be reached by putting aside both extreme views and by recognizing the difference between Islam, the religion, and Islamism, the religious-political ideology"
Bassam Tibi
"After any terrorist attack by jihadists - from the Sept. 11 attacks to those in Bali in 2002, Madrid in 2004 and London in July - two contradictory views are usually heard. Some people claim that such religiously legitimated terror has its roots in Islam; others, principally Muslims and politically correct Westerners, say such terrorism has nothing to do with Islam.
The truth can only be reached by putting aside both extreme views and by recognizing the difference between Islam, the religion, and Islamism, the religious-political ideology"
Multiculturalism is not the culprit / International Herald Tribune, 30 Aug 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/29/opinion/edgoldston.php
James A. Goldston
"'The British multicultural model in crisis,' the French newspaper Le Monde trumpeted last week. Many in Britain appeared to agree. Multiculturalism has gone too far, some observers said, leading to 'voluntary apartheid' and 'separate development' of Britain's increasingly numerous ethnic groups.
"
James A. Goldston
"'The British multicultural model in crisis,' the French newspaper Le Monde trumpeted last week. Many in Britain appeared to agree. Multiculturalism has gone too far, some observers said, leading to 'voluntary apartheid' and 'separate development' of Britain's increasingly numerous ethnic groups.
"
Hong Kong airport tunes / FCW.com, 29 Aug 2005
http://www.fcw.com/article90470-08-29-05-Print
Brian Robinson
"Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been touted as a powerful tool in the fight against terrorism, from tracking cargo containers to streamlining border crossings, but questions about its cost and potential applications have clouded its prospects. A project under way at Hong Kong International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, could supply many answers. Perhaps the world's largest single-site RFID implementation, the $50 million project is intended to boost security while improving the airport's baggage-handling efficiency."
Brian Robinson
"Radio frequency identification (RFID) technology has been touted as a powerful tool in the fight against terrorism, from tracking cargo containers to streamlining border crossings, but questions about its cost and potential applications have clouded its prospects. A project under way at Hong Kong International Airport, one of the busiest in the world, could supply many answers. Perhaps the world's largest single-site RFID implementation, the $50 million project is intended to boost security while improving the airport's baggage-handling efficiency."
Israel uses hands-on approach for trusted travelers / FCW.com, 30 Aug 2005
http://www.fcw.com/article90469-08-29-05-Print
Brian Robinson
"As part of the flight check-in process, trusted passengers go to a kiosk and swipe their smart cards through a reader and then place their hands over a biometric scanner. Once the scanner verifies a passenger's identity, the system prints a coupon that allows the passenger to whisk through the rest of the check-in process."
Brian Robinson
"As part of the flight check-in process, trusted passengers go to a kiosk and swipe their smart cards through a reader and then place their hands over a biometric scanner. Once the scanner verifies a passenger's identity, the system prints a coupon that allows the passenger to whisk through the rest of the check-in process."
A new spin on global security / FCW.com, 29 Aug 2005
http://www.fcw.com/article90467-08-29-05-Print
Jennifer Jones
"Because countries define and prioritize security threats differently, international efforts that harness technology to secure borders and combat terrorism must factor in a host of cultural, political and economic issues. Because U.S. homeland security funding is limited and terrorist threats are so vast, the need to spread the workload more equally among other countries is crucial. "
Jennifer Jones
"Because countries define and prioritize security threats differently, international efforts that harness technology to secure borders and combat terrorism must factor in a host of cultural, political and economic issues. Because U.S. homeland security funding is limited and terrorist threats are so vast, the need to spread the workload more equally among other countries is crucial. "
Long arm of the law / FCW.com, 29 Aug 2005
http://www.fcw.com/article90468-08-29-05-Print
Alan Joch
"Enterprising law enforcement agencies use new technologies to spur cross-border data sharing. 'Terrorism is a global problem, and law enforcement agencies have to get rid of the boundaries between domestic anti- terrorism and international anti-terrorism efforts - they're the same thing,' said Paul Wormeli, executive director of the Integrated Justice Information Systems Institute, a nonprofit corporation formed by information technology companies to advocate for better data sharing among public organizations."
Alan Joch
"Enterprising law enforcement agencies use new technologies to spur cross-border data sharing. 'Terrorism is a global problem, and law enforcement agencies have to get rid of the boundaries between domestic anti- terrorism and international anti-terrorism efforts - they're the same thing,' said Paul Wormeli, executive director of the Integrated Justice Information Systems Institute, a nonprofit corporation formed by information technology companies to advocate for better data sharing among public organizations."
[Indonesia] Terrorist attack coming soon, warns Yudhoyono / Sydney Morning Herald, 30 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejtd
Mark Forbes
"Another big terrorist attack is imminent in Indonesia, its President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has warned.
The bombing was likely to happen in Jakarta over the next two months, Dr Yudhoyono told a conference of newspaper editors.
A spokeswoman for the Australian embassy confirmed intelligence indicated an attack was looming, and restated warnings that Australians should not travel to Indonesia. Anyone concerned for their security should leave. 'We believe terrorists are planning an attack at this very moment,' the spokeswoman said."
Mark Forbes
"Another big terrorist attack is imminent in Indonesia, its President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has warned.
The bombing was likely to happen in Jakarta over the next two months, Dr Yudhoyono told a conference of newspaper editors.
A spokeswoman for the Australian embassy confirmed intelligence indicated an attack was looming, and restated warnings that Australians should not travel to Indonesia. Anyone concerned for their security should leave. 'We believe terrorists are planning an attack at this very moment,' the spokeswoman said."
Monday, August 29, 2005
[Japan ] When a family court knows best / The Japan Times Online, 26 Aug 2005
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/geted.pl5?ed20050826a1.htm
"In separate cases recently, family courts in the nation have handed down decisions concerning juvenile crime that appear to contradict each other. While one court committed an offender to a reformatory, two others decided that the offenders should face criminal charges. These decisions should prompt the public to ponder what roles a family court should play in dealing with juvenile offenders."
"In separate cases recently, family courts in the nation have handed down decisions concerning juvenile crime that appear to contradict each other. While one court committed an offender to a reformatory, two others decided that the offenders should face criminal charges. These decisions should prompt the public to ponder what roles a family court should play in dealing with juvenile offenders."
Play and learn / Sydney Morning Herald, 27 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejpq
David Stonehouse
"The game [Grand theft auto] was already well known for its crime-and-prostitution-riddled themes and for the violence that pervades its scenes. But Johnson dismisses the debate over games inciting violence and aggression among young people by arguing they have led to a decrease in violent juvenile crime.
As evidence, he cites the Child Well-Being Index prepared by sociologists at Duke University in North Carolina. The latest index, released in March, shows violent crime amongst teens and adolescents in the US has plunged by almost two-thirds since 1975 - to less than 10 juveniles per 1000 people."
David Stonehouse
"The game [Grand theft auto] was already well known for its crime-and-prostitution-riddled themes and for the violence that pervades its scenes. But Johnson dismisses the debate over games inciting violence and aggression among young people by arguing they have led to a decrease in violent juvenile crime.
As evidence, he cites the Child Well-Being Index prepared by sociologists at Duke University in North Carolina. The latest index, released in March, shows violent crime amongst teens and adolescents in the US has plunged by almost two-thirds since 1975 - to less than 10 juveniles per 1000 people."
ID cards 'dangerous and costly mistake' / Cambridge News, 26 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejjh
"NATIONAL identity cards would waste £5 billion in tax-payers' money without improving security, according to a group of Cambridge campaigners. The group of 30 activists have written to the News warning the money spent introducing ID cards in Britain could instead put 10,000 more police on the streets.
Under fire: The proposed ID cardThey are inviting people throughout the region to sign up to an online petition to register their opposition to the ID card scheme. More than 11,000 people have already signed-up."
"NATIONAL identity cards would waste £5 billion in tax-payers' money without improving security, according to a group of Cambridge campaigners. The group of 30 activists have written to the News warning the money spent introducing ID cards in Britain could instead put 10,000 more police on the streets.
Under fire: The proposed ID cardThey are inviting people throughout the region to sign up to an online petition to register their opposition to the ID card scheme. More than 11,000 people have already signed-up."
Cut crime by a fifth, security chief will be told / icSouthlondon, 26 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejjj
"A SECURITY supremo is being appointed by Croydon Council as part of a drive to cut crime in the borough by 20 per cent over the next three years. The community protection manager, who will be paid about �50,000, will work alongside the police force and will bring together the whole of the council's security set-up."
"A SECURITY supremo is being appointed by Croydon Council as part of a drive to cut crime in the borough by 20 per cent over the next three years. The community protection manager, who will be paid about �50,000, will work alongside the police force and will bring together the whole of the council's security set-up."
[Switzerland] Cities call for changes to asylum policy / swissinfo, 26 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejjn
"Swiss towns and cities have criticised Switzerland's asylum policy, calling on the federal authorities to fund emergency assistance to rejected asylum seekers. At the same time the mayor of Zurich, Elmar Ledergerber, spoke out in favour of a less restrictive migration policy that would allow the job market to recruit workers from non-European countries."
"Swiss towns and cities have criticised Switzerland's asylum policy, calling on the federal authorities to fund emergency assistance to rejected asylum seekers. At the same time the mayor of Zurich, Elmar Ledergerber, spoke out in favour of a less restrictive migration policy that would allow the job market to recruit workers from non-European countries."
Do surveillance cameras make the city safer? / CON: They push crime elsewhere and spy on the rest of us
San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejpk
Nicole A. Ozer
"From Scotland to Sydney, studies have shown that the installation of video cameras does not prevent crime, but simply moves the crime from where the cameras are to where they aren't. As crime moves out of the camera's range, it is inevitable that ever more cameras will have to be installed to keep up with the shifting targets."
http://digbig.com/4ejpk
Nicole A. Ozer
"From Scotland to Sydney, studies have shown that the installation of video cameras does not prevent crime, but simply moves the crime from where the cameras are to where they aren't. As crime moves out of the camera's range, it is inevitable that ever more cameras will have to be installed to keep up with the shifting targets."
Do surveillance cameras make the city safer? / PRO: They can transform 'high crime' neighborhoods
San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejpp
Gregg Fortner
"With varying technologies, many cities have demonstrated the effectiveness of safety cameras in reducing crime or catching criminals and terrorists; at the same time, it is true that other cameras have not been as successful. However, deferring to the least effective experiences of other municipalities is not good enough for our city. San Francisco must be aggressive in our pursuit to protect our communities by testing reasonable policing strategies and best practices of every design. "
http://digbig.com/4ejpp
Gregg Fortner
"With varying technologies, many cities have demonstrated the effectiveness of safety cameras in reducing crime or catching criminals and terrorists; at the same time, it is true that other cameras have not been as successful. However, deferring to the least effective experiences of other municipalities is not good enough for our city. San Francisco must be aggressive in our pursuit to protect our communities by testing reasonable policing strategies and best practices of every design. "
Senior police officer calls for root-and-branch reform of force - /[Sunday Herald, 28 Aug 2005
Senior police officer calls for root-and-branch reform of force - [Sunday Herald]:
Liam McDougall
"Buchan called on Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson to order an independent investigation into the structure and function of the Scottish police service to ensure it was 'fit for purpose' in the 21st century. He said that despite unprecedented change - including the development of anti-social behaviour and domestic violence units, the need to monitor sex offenders and the new al-Qaeda terrorist threat - the service was still operating to a system that was put in place decades ago."
Liam McDougall
"Buchan called on Justice Minister Cathy Jamieson to order an independent investigation into the structure and function of the Scottish police service to ensure it was 'fit for purpose' in the 21st century. He said that despite unprecedented change - including the development of anti-social behaviour and domestic violence units, the need to monitor sex offenders and the new al-Qaeda terrorist threat - the service was still operating to a system that was put in place decades ago."
[Canada] Push to merge sex offender registries / National Post, 28 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejpj
"The Ontario government no longer plans to amalgamate its sex offender registry with a similar one set up by the federal government -- a decision critics say will put public safety at risk."
"The Ontario government no longer plans to amalgamate its sex offender registry with a similar one set up by the federal government -- a decision critics say will put public safety at risk."
Biographer says Blair dissatisfied with Home Secretary / Times Online, 29 Aug 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1755190,00.html
Greg Hurst
"CHARLES CLARKE, the Home Secretary, came under more pressure yesterday amid claims that Tony Blair wants him to be tougher on jailing those responsible for anti- social behaviour and on reforming the police. "
Greg Hurst
"CHARLES CLARKE, the Home Secretary, came under more pressure yesterday amid claims that Tony Blair wants him to be tougher on jailing those responsible for anti- social behaviour and on reforming the police. "
Government warned over UK terror threat / Scotsman, 29 Aug 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1857722005
Micahel Howie
"Key points
� Senior civil servant warned government of terror threat 1 year before July 7
� Foreign Office official cited Iraq war as fuelling increased terror threat
� Warning revealed as Foreign Office document leaked to press
Key quote
'Experience of ministers and officials working in this area suggests that the issue of British foreign policy and the perception of its negative effect on Muslims globally plays a significant role in creating a feeling of anger and impotence among especially the younger generation of British Muslims' - Foreign Office document"
Micahel Howie
"Key points
� Senior civil servant warned government of terror threat 1 year before July 7
� Foreign Office official cited Iraq war as fuelling increased terror threat
� Warning revealed as Foreign Office document leaked to press
Key quote
'Experience of ministers and officials working in this area suggests that the issue of British foreign policy and the perception of its negative effect on Muslims globally plays a significant role in creating a feeling of anger and impotence among especially the younger generation of British Muslims' - Foreign Office document"
Faith and fear / The Age, 28 Aug 2005
http://www.theage.com.au/news/world/faith-and-fear/2005/08/28/1125167550455.html
James Button
"European nations, alarmed by the spectre of terrorism, are feeling uneasy about their Islamic communities � and Muslims are feeling the backlash."
James Button
"European nations, alarmed by the spectre of terrorism, are feeling uneasy about their Islamic communities � and Muslims are feeling the backlash."
Beck: 'Germany is Open to Immigrants' / Deutsche Welle, 28 Aug 2005
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1691133,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html
"At 25 percent, the rate of unemployment among foreigners is double that of native Germans. Despite this, the federal minister for migration, Marieluise Beck, is convinced that she has made significant progress during her almost seven years in office. "
"At 25 percent, the rate of unemployment among foreigners is double that of native Germans. Despite this, the federal minister for migration, Marieluise Beck, is convinced that she has made significant progress during her almost seven years in office. "
Police study British child death law / The Age, 28 Aug 2005
Police study British child death law - National - theage.com.au:
"Laws introduced in England in March under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act. five of that act creates a new offence of causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult. It carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail. According to Britain's Home Office, the law applies to 'the person who caused the death and to other members of the household who stood by and did not take reasonable steps to protect the victim'."
"Laws introduced in England in March under the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act. five of that act creates a new offence of causing or allowing the death of a child or vulnerable adult. It carries a maximum penalty of 14 years' jail. According to Britain's Home Office, the law applies to 'the person who caused the death and to other members of the household who stood by and did not take reasonable steps to protect the victim'."
Sunday, August 28, 2005
In a Corner of Pakistan a Debate Rages: Are Terrorist Camps Still Functioning? / New York Times, 28 Aug 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/28/international/asia/28naradoga.html?th&emc=th
DAVID ROHDE and CARLOTTA GALL
DAVID ROHDE and CARLOTTA GALL
Firms count cost of cocaine culture / Scotsman, 28 Aug 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1855212005
Tom Martin
"MIDDLE class professionals are the target of a new drugs crackdown as evidence grows that Scottish workplaces are in the grip of a cocaine culture that is costing billions of pounds a year.
Scotland Against Drugs (SAD), the government-funded agency, is issuing new guidelines to firms recommending they should test any employee suspected of substance abuse."
Tom Martin
"MIDDLE class professionals are the target of a new drugs crackdown as evidence grows that Scottish workplaces are in the grip of a cocaine culture that is costing billions of pounds a year.
Scotland Against Drugs (SAD), the government-funded agency, is issuing new guidelines to firms recommending they should test any employee suspected of substance abuse."
Judge attacks plans to return failed Iraqi asylum-seekers / Independent, 27 Aug 2005
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/legal/article308467.ece
James Burleigh
"A High Court judge has told the Government that it would be 'improper' to start the enforced return of failed asylum-seekers to Iraq.
Mr Justice Collins, sitting in London yesterday, said the Government should not enforce the removal of individuals pending clarification of a legal ruling which could mean they have the right to stay in the UK.
However a Home Office spokesman said the Government was 'committed to commencing the enforced return of failed asylum-seekers'."
James Burleigh
"A High Court judge has told the Government that it would be 'improper' to start the enforced return of failed asylum-seekers to Iraq.
Mr Justice Collins, sitting in London yesterday, said the Government should not enforce the removal of individuals pending clarification of a legal ruling which could mean they have the right to stay in the UK.
However a Home Office spokesman said the Government was 'committed to commencing the enforced return of failed asylum-seekers'."
Saturday, August 27, 2005
[Itlay] Flow of Muslim Immigrants Strains the Reputation for Tolerance of a Small Italian Town/ New York Times, 27 Aug 2005
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/08/27/international/europe/27cremona.html
"It may not be too late, but Muslim leaders here worry that time is nonetheless running out on Italy's patience with them - and that worry has set off an unusual degree of self-criticism.
It has not happened much in Europe, but Mr. Hassan is now planning for the Muslims of Cremona to show publicly that they are as much against terrorism and violence as Italians are. In coming weeks, Muslims will march - in numbers, Mr. Hassan hopes - against extremism carried out in the name of Islam. "
"It may not be too late, but Muslim leaders here worry that time is nonetheless running out on Italy's patience with them - and that worry has set off an unusual degree of self-criticism.
It has not happened much in Europe, but Mr. Hassan is now planning for the Muslims of Cremona to show publicly that they are as much against terrorism and violence as Italians are. In coming weeks, Muslims will march - in numbers, Mr. Hassan hopes - against extremism carried out in the name of Islam. "
Playing violent video games can heighten aggression - Review of research shows / Medical News Today, 21 Aug 2005
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=29428
"Violent video games can increase aggressive behavior in children and adolescents, both in the short- and long-term, according to an empirical review of the last 20 years of research."
"Violent video games can increase aggressive behavior in children and adolescents, both in the short- and long-term, according to an empirical review of the last 20 years of research."
TURKEY: HUMAN TRAFFICKING UNDER SCRUTINY / ADNKI, 126 Aug 2005
http://www.adnki.com/index_2Level.php?cat=Trends&loid=8.0.200894708&par=0
"The Turkish government has taken a series of steps to fight the problem, including the creation of a national task force. But, one of the most successful measures has been a national telephone hotline (157), financed by the IOM's Ankara offfice, to help victims. It was launched four months ago and to date police have been able to rescue 24 women - mostly from Moldova and Ukraine - after being alerted through phone calls. The women were sent back to their countries."
"The Turkish government has taken a series of steps to fight the problem, including the creation of a national task force. But, one of the most successful measures has been a national telephone hotline (157), financed by the IOM's Ankara offfice, to help victims. It was launched four months ago and to date police have been able to rescue 24 women - mostly from Moldova and Ukraine - after being alerted through phone calls. The women were sent back to their countries."
[South Africa] Cape is child trafficking centre in SA / iArica, 25 Aug 2005
http://iafrica.com/news/sa/476233.htm
"'All humanity must work together to close down trafficking routes, prosecute and convict traffickers, and protect and reintegrate victims into society,' "
"'All humanity must work together to close down trafficking routes, prosecute and convict traffickers, and protect and reintegrate victims into society,' "
Focussing on anti-social behaviour / The Comet, 25 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejea
"Using video equipment in public places is seen as a valuable tool in the fight against street crime and in reducing ant-social behaviour. In the case of young people behaving badly, police say the CCTV recording can be shown to parents or guardians and will bring significant benefits to any discussions about anti-social behaviour as well as being used in evidence in ASBO proceedings."
"Using video equipment in public places is seen as a valuable tool in the fight against street crime and in reducing ant-social behaviour. In the case of young people behaving badly, police say the CCTV recording can be shown to parents or guardians and will bring significant benefits to any discussions about anti-social behaviour as well as being used in evidence in ASBO proceedings."
USATODAY.com - Despite high-profile cases, sex-offense crimes decline, 24 Aug 2005
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-08-24-sex-crimes-cover_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA
Wendy Koch
"Government figures show the rate of sexual assaults against adolescents ages 12 to 17 plunged 79% from 1993 through 2003, and the number of substantiated sex-abuse cases involving kids of all ages fell 39% in the same time period. Finkelhor, who has analyzed the data, sees multiple reasons for the decline: Greater incarceration of offenders, more therapy and use of psychiatric drugs, economic improvement in the 1990s and heightened public concern."
Wendy Koch
"Government figures show the rate of sexual assaults against adolescents ages 12 to 17 plunged 79% from 1993 through 2003, and the number of substantiated sex-abuse cases involving kids of all ages fell 39% in the same time period. Finkelhor, who has analyzed the data, sees multiple reasons for the decline: Greater incarceration of offenders, more therapy and use of psychiatric drugs, economic improvement in the 1990s and heightened public concern."
Expert Witnesses - Can Their Credibility Be Restored? / Mondaq, 25 Aug 2005
http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=34510&email_access=on
Claire Berry
"The 'Civil Justice Council Protocol for the Instruction of Experts to give Evidence in the Civil Courts' comes into force on 5 September 2005. It is hoped that by setting out comprehensively the duties that an expert witness owes to his client and more importantly to the court in a single protocol, it will counteract some of the damage caused to the profile of expert witnesses in recent months. "
Claire Berry
"The 'Civil Justice Council Protocol for the Instruction of Experts to give Evidence in the Civil Courts' comes into force on 5 September 2005. It is hoped that by setting out comprehensively the duties that an expert witness owes to his client and more importantly to the court in a single protocol, it will counteract some of the damage caused to the profile of expert witnesses in recent months. "
Corporate Manslaughter - The New Landscape / Mondaq, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=34424&email_access=on
Kevin Bridges
"The government finally issued, in March 2005, its draft Bill on Corporate Manslaughter together with a consultation document. This comes almost 8 years after it pledged in its first manifesto to introduce a new offence of corporate killing. It is worth noting that the much more emotive title of 'corporate killing' has been abandoned in this draft, the government preferring to stick with an offence of corporate manslaughter. The draft Bill will codify the law and in so doing abolish the common law offence of manslaughter by gross negligence in so far as it applies to corporations."
Kevin Bridges
"The government finally issued, in March 2005, its draft Bill on Corporate Manslaughter together with a consultation document. This comes almost 8 years after it pledged in its first manifesto to introduce a new offence of corporate killing. It is worth noting that the much more emotive title of 'corporate killing' has been abandoned in this draft, the government preferring to stick with an offence of corporate manslaughter. The draft Bill will codify the law and in so doing abolish the common law offence of manslaughter by gross negligence in so far as it applies to corporations."
Employing People with Criminal Records / Mondaq, 23 Aug 2005
http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=34476&email_access=on
Alison Hollingsworth
"There are important public policy reasons for encouraging employers to employ people with criminal records. Statistics show that if a person with a criminal record finds settled employment, the chances of them re-offending are cut by two-thirds. However, it is recognised that in some cases, it is proper for an employer to know whether a job applicant has a criminal record and it was for this purpose that the government set up the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in 2002, under Part V of the Police Act 1997 (the Act). The aim of the CRB is to provide employers with the information they need to make safe recruitment decisions and to put the provision of information concerning a person's criminal record on a statutory footing."
Alison Hollingsworth
"There are important public policy reasons for encouraging employers to employ people with criminal records. Statistics show that if a person with a criminal record finds settled employment, the chances of them re-offending are cut by two-thirds. However, it is recognised that in some cases, it is proper for an employer to know whether a job applicant has a criminal record and it was for this purpose that the government set up the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) in 2002, under Part V of the Police Act 1997 (the Act). The aim of the CRB is to provide employers with the information they need to make safe recruitment decisions and to put the provision of information concerning a person's criminal record on a statutory footing."
Review of conducted energy devices / Candian Police Research Centre, 22 Aug 2005
http://www.cprc.org/tr/tr-2006-01.pdf
Drazen Manojlovic , Christine Hall, Darren Laur, Shawna Goodkey, Chris Lawrence, Rick Shaw, Sylvain St-Amour, Annik Neufeld, Steve Palmer
"As a result of a number of deaths associated with the use of Conductive Energy Devices (CEDs), and growing concern within the public and the law enforcement communities in Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) approached the Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC) in August 2004, to
conduct a comprehensive review of the existing scientific research and data and provide a national perspective on the safety and use of CEDs."
Drazen Manojlovic , Christine Hall, Darren Laur, Shawna Goodkey, Chris Lawrence, Rick Shaw, Sylvain St-Amour, Annik Neufeld, Steve Palmer
"As a result of a number of deaths associated with the use of Conductive Energy Devices (CEDs), and growing concern within the public and the law enforcement communities in Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) approached the Canadian Police Research Centre (CPRC) in August 2004, to
conduct a comprehensive review of the existing scientific research and data and provide a national perspective on the safety and use of CEDs."
[Canada] Questions about Taser use linger / The Star, 25 Aug 2005
http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Render&c=Page&cid=968256290204
"The fight over use of the Taser isn't likely to end, even with the Canadian Police Research Centre report that says there is no 'causal' link between the electric stungun device and death.
Despite the findings of a year-long study into Taser use, the fact remains that several people � an estimated 10 to 15 in Canada, and more than 100 in the United States � have died soon after being hit by the weapon. "
"The fight over use of the Taser isn't likely to end, even with the Canadian Police Research Centre report that says there is no 'causal' link between the electric stungun device and death.
Despite the findings of a year-long study into Taser use, the fact remains that several people � an estimated 10 to 15 in Canada, and more than 100 in the United States � have died soon after being hit by the weapon. "
Anti-money laundering requirements: costs, benefits and perceptions / Corporation of London, 2005
PDF - http://digbig.com/4ejeh
Mark Yeandle, Michael Mainelli, Adrian Berendt and Brian Healy
Mark Yeandle, Michael Mainelli, Adrian Berendt and Brian Healy
Friday, August 26, 2005
Community Service Can Be Restorative / Restorative Practices, Aug 2005
http://www.realjustice.org/library/restcommserv.html
Abbey J. Porter
The Community Service Foundation (CSF), a sister organization of the
IIRP, runs a court-ordered community service program for youth, as part
of the in-home supervision and foster-care programs, that is truly
restorative. The youths perform tasks in the community, from visiting
nursing homes to planting trees, but with a difference. Restorative
practices - the combination of support and accountablity that is the
cornerstone of every CSF program - informs every aspect of the
community service program as well.
PDF - http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/restcommserv.pdf
Abbey J. Porter
The Community Service Foundation (CSF), a sister organization of the
IIRP, runs a court-ordered community service program for youth, as part
of the in-home supervision and foster-care programs, that is truly
restorative. The youths perform tasks in the community, from visiting
nursing homes to planting trees, but with a difference. Restorative
practices - the combination of support and accountablity that is the
cornerstone of every CSF program - informs every aspect of the
community service program as well.
PDF - http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/restcommserv.pdf
Pilot starts for digital systems to help police investigate serious road inciden / PublicTechnology, 22 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejfp
"Hi-tech site-survey equipment to speed up police investigations at the scene of serious road incidents and re-open lanes more quickly is being tested in the West Midlands. It often takes more than six hours to clear a serious road incident. Once any casualties have been removed, the police must gather evidence for their investigation. Only when the police have finished can the Highways Agency repair any damage to the road network before the route can safely re-open. Accident investigation equipment to be tested includes a laser scanner, a digital photogrammetry system, and combined total station and digital photography system."
"Hi-tech site-survey equipment to speed up police investigations at the scene of serious road incidents and re-open lanes more quickly is being tested in the West Midlands. It often takes more than six hours to clear a serious road incident. Once any casualties have been removed, the police must gather evidence for their investigation. Only when the police have finished can the Highways Agency repair any damage to the road network before the route can safely re-open. Accident investigation equipment to be tested includes a laser scanner, a digital photogrammetry system, and combined total station and digital photography system."
ITALIAN GROUP USES 'STREET UNITS' TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF SEX TRAFFICKING / One World, 24 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejfn
"TAMPEP's approach is to send out unita di strada (street units) that include 'cultural mediators' from the same background as the trafficked women and girls. The units seek out likely victims of trafficking, like Jessica, and offer them health education and testing. Once inside the privacy of a health clinic, social workers set out the woman's rights and options."
"TAMPEP's approach is to send out unita di strada (street units) that include 'cultural mediators' from the same background as the trafficked women and girls. The units seek out likely victims of trafficking, like Jessica, and offer them health education and testing. Once inside the privacy of a health clinic, social workers set out the woman's rights and options."
Europe's answer to Londonistan / openDemocracy, 24 Aug 2005
http://www.opendemocracy.net/conflict-terrorism/londonistan_2775.jsp
Gilles Kepel
"The London bombs expose the failure of Britain's multicultural model, but also pose a challenge to Europe's sense of identity"
Gilles Kepel
"The London bombs expose the failure of Britain's multicultural model, but also pose a challenge to Europe's sense of identity"
Open opportunity / Guardian, 24 Aug 2005
http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/comment/0,8146,1554741,00.html
Eric Allison
"The recent report on Blantyre House, a small resettlement jail near Goudhurst in Kent - 'An exceptional prison,' says Owers. She adds that it is 'a beacon from which similar prisons would do well to learn,' and a 'remarkable establishment'. The pity is that there are so few resettlement prisons. Only three - of 126 - are dedicated solely to the task of getting male prisoners into outside work, all three being semi-open jails. In addition, there are eight open prisons in England and Wales, and most of them operate a "working out" scheme in one form or other."
Eric Allison
"The recent report on Blantyre House, a small resettlement jail near Goudhurst in Kent - 'An exceptional prison,' says Owers. She adds that it is 'a beacon from which similar prisons would do well to learn,' and a 'remarkable establishment'. The pity is that there are so few resettlement prisons. Only three - of 126 - are dedicated solely to the task of getting male prisoners into outside work, all three being semi-open jails. In addition, there are eight open prisons in England and Wales, and most of them operate a "working out" scheme in one form or other."
Terror in Europe: Syrian Had Inside Knowledge of 9/11 and London Bombings / SPIEGEL ONLINE, 24 Aug 2005
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,371201,00.html
Holger Stark
"What Sakra told officials during his interrogation suggests a deep jihadist career. The Syrian, who knows weapons as well as he knows his whiskey and wine, has obviously played a far more important role in the terrorist underground than officials first suspected. According to his own testimony, he knew about the London bombings before they happened, and supported the pilots on 9/11."
Holger Stark
"What Sakra told officials during his interrogation suggests a deep jihadist career. The Syrian, who knows weapons as well as he knows his whiskey and wine, has obviously played a far more important role in the terrorist underground than officials first suspected. According to his own testimony, he knew about the London bombings before they happened, and supported the pilots on 9/11."
Some thoughts on reducing reoffending / CjScotland, August 2005
PDF - http://www.cjscotland.org.uk/pdfs/somethoughtsonreducing.pdf
Bernadette Monaghan
"Llooking at reforms needed to bring about a reduction in reoffending"
Bernadette Monaghan
"Llooking at reforms needed to bring about a reduction in reoffending"
NEW SCHEME AIMS TO HELP REFUGEES / Community Newswire, 26 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ejex
Ben Pinder
"A unique refugee mentoring scheme will be introduced in Brighton and Hove this autumn following a successful tender from the Refugee Advice Project. The Time Together scheme, developed by national volunteering charity TimeBank, aims to help refugees settle into British society and to create ambassadors for refugees in UK communities."
Ben Pinder
"A unique refugee mentoring scheme will be introduced in Brighton and Hove this autumn following a successful tender from the Refugee Advice Project. The Time Together scheme, developed by national volunteering charity TimeBank, aims to help refugees settle into British society and to create ambassadors for refugees in UK communities."
Tagging of asylum seekers extended / The Herald, 26 Aug 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/politics/45775.html
Lucy Adams
"MINISTERS have decided to roll out a pilot scheme to tag thousands of asylum seekers across the UK despite the fact that no evaluation has been published. The Home Office plans to use electronic tagging and voice verification technology to keep tabs on asylum seekers across the country despite widespread criticism of the proposals."
Lucy Adams
"MINISTERS have decided to roll out a pilot scheme to tag thousands of asylum seekers across the UK despite the fact that no evaluation has been published. The Home Office plans to use electronic tagging and voice verification technology to keep tabs on asylum seekers across the country despite widespread criticism of the proposals."
Extremist site calls for 'cyber jihad' / World Peace Herald, 25 Aug 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050825-083901-2854r
Shaun Waterman
"A Web forum for Muslim extremists is calling on its members to organize an Islamic hackers' army to carry out internet attacks against the U.S. government and has posted tips, software, and links to other resources to help would-be holy cyber warriors. According to Jeffrey Poole, a researcher for the foundation, the forum 'represents a how-to manual for the disruption and/or destruction of enemy electronic resources, including e-mail, websites and computer hardware.' "
Shaun Waterman
"A Web forum for Muslim extremists is calling on its members to organize an Islamic hackers' army to carry out internet attacks against the U.S. government and has posted tips, software, and links to other resources to help would-be holy cyber warriors. According to Jeffrey Poole, a researcher for the foundation, the forum 'represents a how-to manual for the disruption and/or destruction of enemy electronic resources, including e-mail, websites and computer hardware.' "
National ID cards: The current state in the U.K., U.S., and Australia : CR80 News
http://digbig.com/4ejes
Andy Williams
Terrorist threats, disintegrating national borders, globalization - A myriad of causes have prompted governments around the world to take a closer look at the need for a national identification card. Indeed, some countries are moving forward but citizen's privacy concerns have prevented most large countries from progressing on national ID systems. Recent bombings in London, however, may be a significant catalyst to push a national system through in the United Kingdom. Some of the major English-speaking countries -Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. - have struggled with the national ID card dilemma."
Andy Williams
Terrorist threats, disintegrating national borders, globalization - A myriad of causes have prompted governments around the world to take a closer look at the need for a national identification card. Indeed, some countries are moving forward but citizen's privacy concerns have prevented most large countries from progressing on national ID systems. Recent bombings in London, however, may be a significant catalyst to push a national system through in the United Kingdom. Some of the major English-speaking countries -Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. - have struggled with the national ID card dilemma."
Biometrics not for everywhere / The Star [Malaysia ] 25 Aug 2005
The Star Online : TechCentral - Malaysia Technology:
"BIOMETRIC identification systems are getting popular - so popular that many companies now want to use such systems for access control in all areas of their premises and operations.
That's not a smart move, according to Tricubes Bhd, a provider of identity authentication solutions.
Organisations shouldn't use biometrics for access control in high-traffic areas, the manager for secure access and authentication solutions at Tricubes. A fingerprint reader, for example, may malfunction if a user's finger tip is too oily, has abrasions or is too cold. "
"BIOMETRIC identification systems are getting popular - so popular that many companies now want to use such systems for access control in all areas of their premises and operations.
That's not a smart move, according to Tricubes Bhd, a provider of identity authentication solutions.
Organisations shouldn't use biometrics for access control in high-traffic areas, the manager for secure access and authentication solutions at Tricubes. A fingerprint reader, for example, may malfunction if a user's finger tip is too oily, has abrasions or is too cold. "
Muggers' terror spree confirms fears of police / The Times, 25 Aug 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1749023,00.html
"MUGGINGS rose by 23 per cent in London last month as thousands of police were sent to guard the capital’s transport network after terrorist attacks. In the City of Westminster, where patrols by police and community support officers have been drastically increased, the number of muggings fell by 7 per cent."
"MUGGINGS rose by 23 per cent in London last month as thousands of police were sent to guard the capital’s transport network after terrorist attacks. In the City of Westminster, where patrols by police and community support officers have been drastically increased, the number of muggings fell by 7 per cent."
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Officers Sue Over Use of Hair Drug Tests / Wired News, 24 Aug 2005
Wired News | Officers Sue Over Use of Hair Drug Tests:
Denise Lavore
"Studies have found dark-haired people are more likely to test positive for drugs because they have higher levels of melanin, which allows drug compounds to bind more easily to their hair. The Boston lawsuit says the officers may have had some kind of environmental exposure to cocaine, but that they didn't use the drug themselves. The former officers are seeking reinstatement to their jobs, back pay, and unspecified damages. "
Denise Lavore
"Studies have found dark-haired people are more likely to test positive for drugs because they have higher levels of melanin, which allows drug compounds to bind more easily to their hair. The Boston lawsuit says the officers may have had some kind of environmental exposure to cocaine, but that they didn't use the drug themselves. The former officers are seeking reinstatement to their jobs, back pay, and unspecified damages. "
Law enforcement's attitude may drive development of safer stun gun technology and usage guidelines, says StunGun.com president
http://www.expertclick.com/NewsReleaseWire/default.cfm?Action=ReleaseDetail&ID=9953
News Release Wire, 24 Aug 2005
"Endorsement by CERT of Stinger's weapon is significant, said Siciliano. The organization's obvious interest in responsible guidelines for the use of stun guns that are apparently safer than the market leader's is heartening. It suggests that the law enforcement community's response to the promise of stun guns will follow advice I have been advocating for quite some time: responsible use of the weapons. "
News Release Wire, 24 Aug 2005
"Endorsement by CERT of Stinger's weapon is significant, said Siciliano. The organization's obvious interest in responsible guidelines for the use of stun guns that are apparently safer than the market leader's is heartening. It suggests that the law enforcement community's response to the promise of stun guns will follow advice I have been advocating for quite some time: responsible use of the weapons. "
'Weed and Seed' Program Helps Rebuild US Communities / VOA News, 24 Aug 2005
http://www.voanews.com/english/2005-08-24-voa49.cfm
Mike O'Sullivan
"US police departments and community organizations are working to reduce crime and revitalize neighborhoods under a program of the U.S. Department of Justice. The project, called 'Weed and Seed,' is intended to rebuild communities one block at a time. 1,800 people involved in the effort are meeting in Los Angeles."
Mike O'Sullivan
"US police departments and community organizations are working to reduce crime and revitalize neighborhoods under a program of the U.S. Department of Justice. The project, called 'Weed and Seed,' is intended to rebuild communities one block at a time. 1,800 people involved in the effort are meeting in Los Angeles."
Do your own dirty work / Manchester Evening News, 24 Aug 2005
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/men/news/s/171/171031_do_your_own_dirty_work.html
Paul Britton
"A GROUP of Greater Manchester councils is refusing to impose 'immoral' new asylum legislation under which children could be taken away from parents.
It means they are defying the Home Office. "
Paul Britton
"A GROUP of Greater Manchester councils is refusing to impose 'immoral' new asylum legislation under which children could be taken away from parents.
It means they are defying the Home Office. "
Drugs firms call for more policing / The Times, 24 Aug 2005
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-1748299,00.html
Richard Irving
"THE Home Secretary was accused yesterday of failing to provide police with the necessary funds to protect drug developers from sustained terror attacks by animal rights extremists.
One senior scientist told The Times: "The Home Office has dragged its feet on more than one occasion. It is simply not forthcoming in providing the appropriate funds that police forces need on the ground to protect individuals and companies targeted by extremists." "
Richard Irving
"THE Home Secretary was accused yesterday of failing to provide police with the necessary funds to protect drug developers from sustained terror attacks by animal rights extremists.
One senior scientist told The Times: "The Home Office has dragged its feet on more than one occasion. It is simply not forthcoming in providing the appropriate funds that police forces need on the ground to protect individuals and companies targeted by extremists." "
[India] Biometric national identity cards soon / The Peninsular [Qatar] 24 Aug 2005
The Indian government is planning to issue national identity cards to people living in select areas spread across 13 states to kick-start a mammoth project that will eventually involve the entire country. The ambitious project is aimed at addressing major security concerns including the illegal infiltration into India from neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh. The National Citizen Card will be a multi-purpose one that will also provide details about the holder’s medical and financial details. The card is expected to take recourse to biometric devices such as digitised thumbprint and retina scans. It will contain data of the holder in an info-chip that lists out 20 strands.
[Australia] Howard approves monitoring inside mosques / STUFF New Zealand, 25 Aug 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3388121a12,00.html
"Prime Minister John Howard angered some Australian Muslims yesterday by saying he supported spies monitoring the nation's mosques.
A day after holding a summit with 13 moderate Australian Islamic leaders, Howard said the government had a right to know if parts of the Islamic community supported or preached violence, and he favoured infiltration of mosques and schools if needed. "
"Prime Minister John Howard angered some Australian Muslims yesterday by saying he supported spies monitoring the nation's mosques.
A day after holding a summit with 13 moderate Australian Islamic leaders, Howard said the government had a right to know if parts of the Islamic community supported or preached violence, and he favoured infiltration of mosques and schools if needed. "
ID card 'would not beat terrorism' / The Daily Telegraph, 24 Aug 2005
http://dailytelegraph.news.com.au/story.jsp?sectionid=1274&storyid=3666005
"A NATIONAL identity card would do little to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks, according to a leading UK privacy expert. UK Assistant Privacy Commissioner Jonathon Bamford, who today addressed a seminar on corporate privacy, warned of threats to individual privacy if ID cards were introduced."
"A NATIONAL identity card would do little to reduce the risk of terrorist attacks, according to a leading UK privacy expert. UK Assistant Privacy Commissioner Jonathon Bamford, who today addressed a seminar on corporate privacy, warned of threats to individual privacy if ID cards were introduced."
Radical Muslims asked to leave Australia / Bangladesh News, 25 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehyk
"Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told Wednesday to get out of Australia as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with the prime minister, John Howard, he and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.
Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament."
"Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told Wednesday to get out of Australia as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks. A day after a group of mainstream Muslim leaders pledged loyalty to Australia at a special meeting with the prime minister, John Howard, he and his ministers made it clear that extremists would face a crackdown.
Treasurer Peter Costello, seen as heir apparent to Howard, hinted that some radical clerics could be asked to leave the country if they did not accept that Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament."
Muslim, rights groups slam plans / Bangladesh News, 25 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehyj
"Muslim groups and human rights organisations on Wednesday criticised a new plan by the British government to crack down on Islamist extremists in the wake of the London terrorist attacks. Leading Muslim groups and human rights bodies called the list vague and alarming. They also said a wide-reaching crackdown on Islamic extremism by the government in recent weeks had left deportees open to torture abroad."
"Muslim groups and human rights organisations on Wednesday criticised a new plan by the British government to crack down on Islamist extremists in the wake of the London terrorist attacks. Leading Muslim groups and human rights bodies called the list vague and alarming. They also said a wide-reaching crackdown on Islamic extremism by the government in recent weeks had left deportees open to torture abroad."
Asylum Act needs 'urgent review' / BBC, 24 Aug 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/manchester/4181700.stm
"A government policy which allows failed asylum seekers' benefits to be withdrawn needs urgent review, local authorities have said. "
"A government policy which allows failed asylum seekers' benefits to be withdrawn needs urgent review, local authorities have said. "
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Canadian police research report says Taser advantages outweigh risks / National Post, 23 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehqn
Stephen Thorne
"The advantages of Tasers and other so-called 'conducted energy devices' used by police far outweigh the risks, despite a lack of definitive research on the subject, concludes a report for Canadian police chiefs. "
Stephen Thorne
"The advantages of Tasers and other so-called 'conducted energy devices' used by police far outweigh the risks, despite a lack of definitive research on the subject, concludes a report for Canadian police chiefs. "
[Australia] Praise be - at the table the ice is finally broken / Sydney Morning Herald, 23 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehqm
"The summit with Islamic leaders hosted yesterday by the Prime Minister, John Howard, was a small, positive step - and one that should have been taken at least three years ago.
Running for just two hours, the meeting was the first time Muslim representatives, the Government and senior security officials had sat down together to confront the difficult issues of Islamic extremism and the threat of terrorism it carries."
"The summit with Islamic leaders hosted yesterday by the Prime Minister, John Howard, was a small, positive step - and one that should have been taken at least three years ago.
Running for just two hours, the meeting was the first time Muslim representatives, the Government and senior security officials had sat down together to confront the difficult issues of Islamic extremism and the threat of terrorism it carries."
Will the real ID card please stand up? / - On Line Opinion, 23 Aug 2005
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=3770
Peter Chen
"The centralisation of biometric data means that each government transaction we have - getting welfare, being arrested, buying a dog permit, getting your licence, or lodging your building application - can be identified by the authoritative record of your unique identity. This is validation. More powerfully, these unique identifiers can be employed across government to bind all the diverse bureaucratic information systems together. It�s likely that key private sector organisations, such as banks, will require this information also. This is interoperability."
Peter Chen
"The centralisation of biometric data means that each government transaction we have - getting welfare, being arrested, buying a dog permit, getting your licence, or lodging your building application - can be identified by the authoritative record of your unique identity. This is validation. More powerfully, these unique identifiers can be employed across government to bind all the diverse bureaucratic information systems together. It�s likely that key private sector organisations, such as banks, will require this information also. This is interoperability."
Al Qaeda claims responsibility for rocket attack - Aug 23, 2005 / CNN.com, 23 Aug 2005
http://edition.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/08/23/jordan.attack.alqaeda/
"Al Qaeda in Iraq has issued a claim of responsibility for a rocket attack in Jordan just hours after Jordanian authorities said they had arrested the 'prime suspect' in the attack on two U.S. warships that left a Jordanian soldier dead. The claim of responsibility, dated Tuesday and posted on web sites and distributed by e-mail, said al Qaeda in Iraq -- believed headed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi -- waited to issue its claim until its fighter had returned safely to Iraq."
"Al Qaeda in Iraq has issued a claim of responsibility for a rocket attack in Jordan just hours after Jordanian authorities said they had arrested the 'prime suspect' in the attack on two U.S. warships that left a Jordanian soldier dead. The claim of responsibility, dated Tuesday and posted on web sites and distributed by e-mail, said al Qaeda in Iraq -- believed headed by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi -- waited to issue its claim until its fighter had returned safely to Iraq."
Virginia State Police Post Counter-Terrorism Information on the Web / Government Technology, 23 Aug 2005
http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/96347
"The Virginia State Police website now features a way for the public to access critical intelligence and information concerning terrorism-related issues. The Virginia Critical Information Shared System (VCISS) is a tiered, secure bulletin board that provides messages and documentation for everyone from the Governor to the interested citizen."
Virginia Critical Information Shared System - https://apps.vsp.virginia.gov/vciss/public/
"The Virginia State Police website now features a way for the public to access critical intelligence and information concerning terrorism-related issues. The Virginia Critical Information Shared System (VCISS) is a tiered, secure bulletin board that provides messages and documentation for everyone from the Governor to the interested citizen."
Virginia Critical Information Shared System - https://apps.vsp.virginia.gov/vciss/public/
[Australia] PM to 'get inside' mosques and schools / The Age, 24 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehqd
"Mosques and Islamic schools will come under scrutiny as the Federal Government works to prevent terrorist behaviour, Prime Minister John Howard says. His comments come as Education Minister Brendan Nelson has said Muslims in Australia who don't want to accept local values should leave the country. Dr Nelson today said he would meet with the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils to discuss programs that ensure students understand Australia's history, culture and values."
"Mosques and Islamic schools will come under scrutiny as the Federal Government works to prevent terrorist behaviour, Prime Minister John Howard says. His comments come as Education Minister Brendan Nelson has said Muslims in Australia who don't want to accept local values should leave the country. Dr Nelson today said he would meet with the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils to discuss programs that ensure students understand Australia's history, culture and values."
Robots to help fire crews seeking survivors / Scotsman, 23 Aug 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=1826342005
"ROBOTS that can work together as a team to search collapsed buildings for trapped casualties are being developed by researchers at Glasgow University. The robots would enable them to do this far more thoroughly and could also allow rescuers to talk to anyone trapped inside and get water to them. "
"ROBOTS that can work together as a team to search collapsed buildings for trapped casualties are being developed by researchers at Glasgow University. The robots would enable them to do this far more thoroughly and could also allow rescuers to talk to anyone trapped inside and get water to them. "
No cover-up in London shooting, Brazil says / Sydney Morning Herald, 24 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehqb
"Brazil's ambassador to Britain said today he saw no evidence to suggest British police had staged a cover-up over the killing of an innocent Brazilian whom they mistook for a would-be suicide bomber.
Ambassador Mancel Gomes Pereira said that, at present, he and Brazilian investigators believed police who shot 27-year-old Jean Charles de Menezes on a London underground train a month ago had acted in good faith."
"Brazil's ambassador to Britain said today he saw no evidence to suggest British police had staged a cover-up over the killing of an innocent Brazilian whom they mistook for a would-be suicide bomber.
Ambassador Mancel Gomes Pereira said that, at present, he and Brazilian investigators believed police who shot 27-year-old Jean Charles de Menezes on a London underground train a month ago had acted in good faith."
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Methodists say terror should not overcome justice / ekklesia, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_050819terror.shtml
"In the wake of July's bomb attacks in London, the Methodist Church in Britain has reaffirmed its commitment to inter-faith cooperation and questioned proposals which may push extremism underground or require closing down places of worship."
"In the wake of July's bomb attacks in London, the Methodist Church in Britain has reaffirmed its commitment to inter-faith cooperation and questioned proposals which may push extremism underground or require closing down places of worship."
Hardline rhetoric blamed for rise in prison suicides / Independent, 23 Aug 2005
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/crime/article307420.ece
Politicians have been warned by the prisons watchdog that their hardline rhetoric on crime is leading to chronic overcrowding and more prison suicides. Anne Owers, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said demands for longer sentences had led to a prisons "crisis" which was boosting the suicide rate.
Politicians have been warned by the prisons watchdog that their hardline rhetoric on crime is leading to chronic overcrowding and more prison suicides. Anne Owers, the Chief Inspector of Prisons, said demands for longer sentences had led to a prisons "crisis" which was boosting the suicide rate.
At breaking point / Independent, 22 Aug 2005
http://comment.independent.co.uk/leading_articles/article307417.ece
"Britain's prison service has been seriously overstretched for years. Now it is at breaking point. Last week, the number of people behind bars reached 77,000. And as the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, makes clear in The Independent today, this is making it impossible for our prisons to operate in an efficient or a humane fashion. "
"Britain's prison service has been seriously overstretched for years. Now it is at breaking point. Last week, the number of people behind bars reached 77,000. And as the Chief Inspector of Prisons, Anne Owers, makes clear in The Independent today, this is making it impossible for our prisons to operate in an efficient or a humane fashion. "
[Denmark] Integration summit offers plan / Denmark.dk, 22 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehkj
"A number of top leaders isolate themselves for two days in a hotel to identify new ways to improve integration of the country's immigrants. Take 48 prominent leaders, lock them up for 48 hours in a hotel, and ask them to find five ways to improve immigration for the country's immigrants. That was the plan for 'Integration Summit 05', a conference organised by the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI) to address faltering efforts to integrate immigrants."
"A number of top leaders isolate themselves for two days in a hotel to identify new ways to improve integration of the country's immigrants. Take 48 prominent leaders, lock them up for 48 hours in a hotel, and ask them to find five ways to improve immigration for the country's immigrants. That was the plan for 'Integration Summit 05', a conference organised by the Confederation of Danish Industries (DI) to address faltering efforts to integrate immigrants."
Women's lib for immigrants is key to better integration / Denmark.dk, 22 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehkk
"Traditional gender patterns in immigrant families from non-Western countries are one of the biggest barriers to integration, says a Danish demographics expert. He says that Muslim women need to free themselves from gender patterns that keep them at home."
"Traditional gender patterns in immigrant families from non-Western countries are one of the biggest barriers to integration, says a Danish demographics expert. He says that Muslim women need to free themselves from gender patterns that keep them at home."
Politics & Policies: Jordan's terrorists / World Peace Herald, 22 Aug 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050822-104034-1115r
Claude Salhani
" Was last week's attempted triple rocket attack on U.S. warships in the southern Jordanian Red Sea port of Aqaba and on neighboring Eilat in Israel a harbinger of more violence to come? With the number of terrorist attacks in neighboring Iraq on the rise, the danger of violence spreading outside its unguarded borders is a matter of grave concern. "
Claude Salhani
" Was last week's attempted triple rocket attack on U.S. warships in the southern Jordanian Red Sea port of Aqaba and on neighboring Eilat in Israel a harbinger of more violence to come? With the number of terrorist attacks in neighboring Iraq on the rise, the danger of violence spreading outside its unguarded borders is a matter of grave concern. "
FBI Agents' 'Wedding' Is a Bust for Guests / Los Angeles Times, 23 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehkg
"After their wedding guests had streamed into Atlantic City, N.J., for the festivities Sunday aboard the yacht Royal Charm, the happy couple surprised them all - by having them arrested as part of an alleged international Asia-based organized crime syndicate.
Unbeknown to the attendees, many of whom came from China for the occasion, the supposed bride and groom were FBI agents. The government said Monday that the pair had spent four years investigating a sophisticated racketeering enterprise suspected of smuggling into the United States vast quantities of black-market cigarettes, high-tech weapons, Ecstasy, counterfeit Viagra and virtually undetectable counterfeit $100 bills."
"After their wedding guests had streamed into Atlantic City, N.J., for the festivities Sunday aboard the yacht Royal Charm, the happy couple surprised them all - by having them arrested as part of an alleged international Asia-based organized crime syndicate.
Unbeknown to the attendees, many of whom came from China for the occasion, the supposed bride and groom were FBI agents. The government said Monday that the pair had spent four years investigating a sophisticated racketeering enterprise suspected of smuggling into the United States vast quantities of black-market cigarettes, high-tech weapons, Ecstasy, counterfeit Viagra and virtually undetectable counterfeit $100 bills."
[Australia] Meeting unanimously rejects terrorism: Howard / Sydney Morning Herald, 23 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4ehkf
"A meeting of Muslim leaders has unanimously repudiated terrorism in all its forms and committed to working within the laws of Australia.
Prime Minister John Howard said today's summit involving Australia's Islamic leaders had a positive and forward looking attitude about tackling terrorism."
"A meeting of Muslim leaders has unanimously repudiated terrorism in all its forms and committed to working within the laws of Australia.
Prime Minister John Howard said today's summit involving Australia's Islamic leaders had a positive and forward looking attitude about tackling terrorism."
Monday, August 22, 2005
Country Reports on Terrorism 2004 / US Dept of Stae, 2005
http://www.state.gov/s/ct/rls/c14813.htm
Sections in PDF available from above link, or full report, PDF - http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/45313.pdf
Report - Overview ; Global Jihad: Evolving and Adapting ; Building International Will and Capacity to Counter Terrorism ; Country Reports ; Terrorist Groups
Sections in PDF available from above link, or full report, PDF - http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/45313.pdf
Report - Overview ; Global Jihad: Evolving and Adapting ; Building International Will and Capacity to Counter Terrorism ; Country Reports ; Terrorist Groups
Islamist Extremism in Europe / Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists), 2005
PDF - http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/terror/RS22211.pdf
"Although the vast majority of Muslims in Europe are not involved in radical activities, Islamist extremists and vocal fringe communities that advocate terrorism exist and reportedly have provided cover for terrorist cells. Germany and Spain were identified as key logistical and planning bases for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid have been attributed to an Al Qaeda-inspired group of North Africans. And UK authorities suspect four young British nationals with possible Al Qaeda ties of carrying out the July 7, 2005 terrorist attacks on London. This report provides an overview of Islamist extremism in Europe, possible terrorist links, European responses, and implications for the United States. It will be updated as needed.'"
"Although the vast majority of Muslims in Europe are not involved in radical activities, Islamist extremists and vocal fringe communities that advocate terrorism exist and reportedly have provided cover for terrorist cells. Germany and Spain were identified as key logistical and planning bases for the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. The March 2004 terrorist bombings in Madrid have been attributed to an Al Qaeda-inspired group of North Africans. And UK authorities suspect four young British nationals with possible Al Qaeda ties of carrying out the July 7, 2005 terrorist attacks on London. This report provides an overview of Islamist extremism in Europe, possible terrorist links, European responses, and implications for the United States. It will be updated as needed.'"
Exploring Religious Conflict / Rand corp., 2005
PDF - http://www.rand.org/publications/CF/CF211/index.html
"Reports the result of a workshop that brought together intelligence analysts and experts on religion with the goal of providing background and a frame of reference for assessing religious motivations in international politics and discovering what causes religiously rooted violence and how states have sought to take advantage of or contain religious violence � with emphasis on radical Islam.'"
"Reports the result of a workshop that brought together intelligence analysts and experts on religion with the goal of providing background and a frame of reference for assessing religious motivations in international politics and discovering what causes religiously rooted violence and how states have sought to take advantage of or contain religious violence � with emphasis on radical Islam.'"
Young people’s access to tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs / BMJ, Aug 2005
PDF - http://press.psprings.co.uk/bmj/august/cr393.pdf
"'Young people in the United Kingdom can easily obtain cigarettes and alcoholic drinks from a range of social and illicit commercial sources before they reach the legal minimum age for such purchases; many also report having access to illicit drugs.'"
"'Young people in the United Kingdom can easily obtain cigarettes and alcoholic drinks from a range of social and illicit commercial sources before they reach the legal minimum age for such purchases; many also report having access to illicit drugs.'"
[USA] National Survey of American Attitudes on Substance Abuse X: Teens and Parents / Columbia University , 2005
PDF - http://www.casacolumbia.org/Absolutenm/articlefiles/Teen_Survey_Report_2005.pdf
"'The most troubling discovery from this year�s survey is the extent to which our nation�s schools are awash in illegal and prescription drugs. Since 2002, the proportion of middle schoolers who say there are drugs in their schools is up by a startling 47 percent, and the proportion of high schoolers attending schools with drugs is up by 41 percent. Teens who attend schools where drugs are used, kept or sold are three times likelier to have tried marijuana, three times likelier to get drunk in a typical month, and twice as likely to have tried alcohol, compared to teens who attend drug-free schools.'"
"'The most troubling discovery from this year�s survey is the extent to which our nation�s schools are awash in illegal and prescription drugs. Since 2002, the proportion of middle schoolers who say there are drugs in their schools is up by a startling 47 percent, and the proportion of high schoolers attending schools with drugs is up by 41 percent. Teens who attend schools where drugs are used, kept or sold are three times likelier to have tried marijuana, three times likelier to get drunk in a typical month, and twice as likely to have tried alcohol, compared to teens who attend drug-free schools.'"
Data Mining - an overview / Congressional Research Service (via Federation of American Scientists), 2005
PDF - http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/intel/RL31798.pdf
"'Data mining is emerging as one of the key features of many homeland security initiatives. Often used as a means for detecting fraud, assessing risk, and product retailing, data mining involves the use of data analysis tools to discover previously unknown, valid patterns and relationships in large data sets. In the context of homeland security, data mining is often viewed as a potential means to identify terrorist activities, such as money transfers and communications, and to identify and track individual terrorists themselves, such as through travel and immigration records.'"
"'Data mining is emerging as one of the key features of many homeland security initiatives. Often used as a means for detecting fraud, assessing risk, and product retailing, data mining involves the use of data analysis tools to discover previously unknown, valid patterns and relationships in large data sets. In the context of homeland security, data mining is often viewed as a potential means to identify terrorist activities, such as money transfers and communications, and to identify and track individual terrorists themselves, such as through travel and immigration records.'"
[India] Preparations on for issuing national identity cards / The Hindu, 22 Aug 2005
http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2005/08/22/stories/2005082202440500.htm
"EVERY Indian national will now have to carry a national ID card. For security reasons, the Centre plans to allocate national ID cards with a pilot project of three million cards being rolled out in the next few months. Labelled the National Citizen Card, the pilot project has been approved by the Home Ministry and the Union Cabinet. The prototype of the Citizen Card has been designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. "
"EVERY Indian national will now have to carry a national ID card. For security reasons, the Centre plans to allocate national ID cards with a pilot project of three million cards being rolled out in the next few months. Labelled the National Citizen Card, the pilot project has been approved by the Home Ministry and the Union Cabinet. The prototype of the Citizen Card has been designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. "
A Pyrrhic victory? Mandatory and minimum sentences in South Africa - ISS Paper No 111, July 2005
http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/papers/111/Paper111.htm
Julia Sloth-Nielsen & Louise Ehlers
"Examines some of the arguments that have been raised for and against the present sentencing regime, and highlights the need for comprehensive sentencing reform in South Africa . Also examines some key questions: Are mandatory minimum sentences constitutional? Have they deterred or prevented crime? Do they afford better protection to victims? What is the relationship between minimum sentences and prison overcrowding? Finally, the paper questions whether South Africa needs a more comprehensive sentencing reform strategy."
Julia Sloth-Nielsen & Louise Ehlers
"Examines some of the arguments that have been raised for and against the present sentencing regime, and highlights the need for comprehensive sentencing reform in South Africa . Also examines some key questions: Are mandatory minimum sentences constitutional? Have they deterred or prevented crime? Do they afford better protection to victims? What is the relationship between minimum sentences and prison overcrowding? Finally, the paper questions whether South Africa needs a more comprehensive sentencing reform strategy."
The threat of gangs and anti-gangs policy - ISS Paper No 116, August 2005
http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/papers/116/Paper116.htm
Andre Standing
"Gangs in the Western Cape continue to generate a g reat deal of concern among senior politicians, law enforcement officials and civil society groups. This concern has led to numerous workshops, special meetings and consultations with gang experts from overseas to develop effective anti-gang strategies. The aim of this paper is to describe and critically evaluate the most recent of the anti-gang policies that have been adopted by the authorities in the Western Cape ."
Andre Standing
"Gangs in the Western Cape continue to generate a g reat deal of concern among senior politicians, law enforcement officials and civil society groups. This concern has led to numerous workshops, special meetings and consultations with gang experts from overseas to develop effective anti-gang strategies. The aim of this paper is to describe and critically evaluate the most recent of the anti-gang policies that have been adopted by the authorities in the Western Cape ."
[Australia] Life is extra risky for women in immigration detention - On Line Opinion - 17/8/2005
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=2840
Eva Cox and Terry Priest
"Argues the welfare of the diminishing population of women in immigration facilities is a problem. Our report on women in immigration detention facilities confirms that being female puts some detainees at additional risks. While women face similar issues to the men, they may also face assumptions about gender appropriate behaviours and prejudices. There are also the questions of meeting their differing needs relating to contraception, reproduction, mothering, healthcare and possible harassment or violence."
Eva Cox and Terry Priest
"Argues the welfare of the diminishing population of women in immigration facilities is a problem. Our report on women in immigration detention facilities confirms that being female puts some detainees at additional risks. While women face similar issues to the men, they may also face assumptions about gender appropriate behaviours and prejudices. There are also the questions of meeting their differing needs relating to contraception, reproduction, mothering, healthcare and possible harassment or violence."
One Nation, one culture / On Line Opinion - 26/7/2005
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=3713
John Stone
"Since the London bombings several columnists - from Tariq Ali in The Guardian to Phillip Adams in The Australian - have argued that the British brought them on themselves because of Britain's intervention in Iraq. Well, they're half right. The British (more precisely, their ineffectual governments) did bring those bombings on themselves.
The Blair Government's intervention in Iraq is not to blame. Rather, successive British governments have persisted in the multiculturalist folly that a nation can be built on separate but equal cultures. Moreover, under Tony Blair in particular, Britain's immigration policies and border controls against illegal immigrants have become international jokes, and now a national tragedy."
John Stone
"Since the London bombings several columnists - from Tariq Ali in The Guardian to Phillip Adams in The Australian - have argued that the British brought them on themselves because of Britain's intervention in Iraq. Well, they're half right. The British (more precisely, their ineffectual governments) did bring those bombings on themselves.
The Blair Government's intervention in Iraq is not to blame. Rather, successive British governments have persisted in the multiculturalist folly that a nation can be built on separate but equal cultures. Moreover, under Tony Blair in particular, Britain's immigration policies and border controls against illegal immigrants have become international jokes, and now a national tragedy."
The Case for assimilation / On Line Opinion - 19/8/2005
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=2719
John Stone
Since London's July 7 bombings, the Federal Government has been under pressure to address Australia's rapidly growing Muslim problem. But it clearly still wants to avoid the real issues: the need to abandon outright our official multiculturalism policies and the need to sharply reduce, to the point of virtually halting, further inflow of people whose culture (Islam) is such that there can be no realistic hope of them ever integrating into Australian society."
John Stone
Since London's July 7 bombings, the Federal Government has been under pressure to address Australia's rapidly growing Muslim problem. But it clearly still wants to avoid the real issues: the need to abandon outright our official multiculturalism policies and the need to sharply reduce, to the point of virtually halting, further inflow of people whose culture (Islam) is such that there can be no realistic hope of them ever integrating into Australian society."
[South Africa] Policing Domestic Violence / Crime Quarterly No 12, 2005
http://www.iss.co.za/pubs/CrimeQ/No.12/Altbeker.htm
Antony Altbeker
"A project aimed at understanding how ordinary cops police South Africa's streets concludes that part of the problem with this conclusion is a failure to grasp the real limitations - legal, logistical and emotional � under which policing operates. These limitations, combined with the sheer volume of cases, affect the way in which ordinary officers handle these incidents. "
Antony Altbeker
"A project aimed at understanding how ordinary cops police South Africa's streets concludes that part of the problem with this conclusion is a failure to grasp the real limitations - legal, logistical and emotional � under which policing operates. These limitations, combined with the sheer volume of cases, affect the way in which ordinary officers handle these incidents. "
[Australia] Cocaine: Gangs dive Down Under / Herald Sun: 22 Aug 05
http://digbig.com/4ehcq
"GLOBAL organised crime gangs are increasingly earmarking Australia for cocaine smuggling operations. The latest Australian Federal Police intelligence reveals Italian, West African, Israeli and Russian syndicates see Australia as a lucrative market. "
"GLOBAL organised crime gangs are increasingly earmarking Australia for cocaine smuggling operations. The latest Australian Federal Police intelligence reveals Italian, West African, Israeli and Russian syndicates see Australia as a lucrative market. "
Sunday, August 21, 2005
[USA ]A national plan for the R&D needed to protect U.S. critical infrastructure is released / Medical News Today, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=29350
"Along with the likelihood of human tragedy, an attack on any of the Nation's infrastructures would disrupt the smooth functioning of our business and government activities, and chip away at our national sense of security and well-being. In 2003, the President mandated a national strategy for the science research and development needed to help protect the Nation's infrastructures. That Plan is now in print and available to interested media and the public."
National Critical Infrastructure Protection Research and Development Plan - PDF - http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interweb/assetlibrary/ST_2004_NCIP_RD_PlanFINALApr05.pdf
"Along with the likelihood of human tragedy, an attack on any of the Nation's infrastructures would disrupt the smooth functioning of our business and government activities, and chip away at our national sense of security and well-being. In 2003, the President mandated a national strategy for the science research and development needed to help protect the Nation's infrastructures. That Plan is now in print and available to interested media and the public."
National Critical Infrastructure Protection Research and Development Plan - PDF - http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interweb/assetlibrary/ST_2004_NCIP_RD_PlanFINALApr05.pdf
Thugs made me a prisoner / icWales, 20 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egys
Mark Stead, South Wales Echo
"When I asked the anti-social behaviour unit for help, they provided it. They are my heroes. just wanted to be allowed to get on with my life, and it shows communities affected by this sort of behaviour must do something about it. At the end of the day, we were not the ones doing anything wrong. Why should we have had to move?''"
Mark Stead, South Wales Echo
"When I asked the anti-social behaviour unit for help, they provided it. They are my heroes. just wanted to be allowed to get on with my life, and it shows communities affected by this sort of behaviour must do something about it. At the end of the day, we were not the ones doing anything wrong. Why should we have had to move?''"
LESSONS FROM THE U.S.: LOCK UP YOUR CHILDREN / The Globe and Mail, 20 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egyr
Unnati Gandhi
"After a bloody month of gun violence -- and different strategies proposed to curb it -- it may be time to look beyond the boundaries of Toronto and see what other major cities have done to reduce their crime rates. Here are some of the programs that have shown positive results in preventing and responding to spikes in violence in the United States."
Unnati Gandhi
"After a bloody month of gun violence -- and different strategies proposed to curb it -- it may be time to look beyond the boundaries of Toronto and see what other major cities have done to reduce their crime rates. Here are some of the programs that have shown positive results in preventing and responding to spikes in violence in the United States."
[USA] Expanded DNA Database Solves New York Crime / Government Technology, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/96322
"'DNA is a powerful crime-fighting tool that helps convict the guilty, exonerate the innocent and bring justice to victims. Expanding the DNA Databank has long been a priority of ours and passing this legislation will be another step in the right direction,' said Pataki. 'The bottom line is that requiring more convicted criminals to submit a DNA sample will allow our law enforcement professionals to solve more tough cases and catch criminals before they murder and rape again. Every time New York's databank is expanded, more heinous crimes are solved and prevented. In the last 12 months, since the databank was last expanded, the Databank has had 447 hits linking evidence to a suspect, 82 of which were results of the new DNA qualifying offenses added last year. "
"'DNA is a powerful crime-fighting tool that helps convict the guilty, exonerate the innocent and bring justice to victims. Expanding the DNA Databank has long been a priority of ours and passing this legislation will be another step in the right direction,' said Pataki. 'The bottom line is that requiring more convicted criminals to submit a DNA sample will allow our law enforcement professionals to solve more tough cases and catch criminals before they murder and rape again. Every time New York's databank is expanded, more heinous crimes are solved and prevented. In the last 12 months, since the databank was last expanded, the Databank has had 447 hits linking evidence to a suspect, 82 of which were results of the new DNA qualifying offenses added last year. "
Teens advise Scotland Yard on policing practices / The Globe and Mail: [Canada] 20 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egyq
Unnati Ghandi
"The young people themselves have a significant impact on policing. They tell us what's working and what isn't working and how we can help people like them. So they have a voice and it has been very successful,' said Det. Insp. Rhoden, who also sits as chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association in Britain."
Unnati Ghandi
"The young people themselves have a significant impact on policing. They tell us what's working and what isn't working and how we can help people like them. So they have a voice and it has been very successful,' said Det. Insp. Rhoden, who also sits as chair of the Metropolitan Black Police Association in Britain."
We pass the Tebbit test / Guardian, 21 Aug 2005
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/comment/story/0,9115,1553416,00.html
Sarfraz Manzoor
"For those individuals who exploit the rights that come with being British but deny that there are any responsibilities, I have no problem suggesting that they relocate to somewhere they find less offensive. Living in Britain ought not to require a blind willingness to sign up to everything - we should be free to criticise - but there is a difference between an honest disagreement and an utter disdain for everything that this country is said to represent."
Sarfraz Manzoor
"For those individuals who exploit the rights that come with being British but deny that there are any responsibilities, I have no problem suggesting that they relocate to somewhere they find less offensive. Living in Britain ought not to require a blind willingness to sign up to everything - we should be free to criticise - but there is a difference between an honest disagreement and an utter disdain for everything that this country is said to represent."
Whites claim racial discrimination / HindustanTimes, 23 August 2005
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_965453,00430018.htm
Nabanita Sircar
"Ray Powell, a black police leader and the president of the National Black Police Association, warned that moves to end the culture of casual prejudice were backfiring. He called it 'a ridiculous' pressure to hit strict targets for recruiting black officers and said there was a risk of undeserving candidates being hired to boost the force's record on race."
Nabanita Sircar
"Ray Powell, a black police leader and the president of the National Black Police Association, warned that moves to end the culture of casual prejudice were backfiring. He called it 'a ridiculous' pressure to hit strict targets for recruiting black officers and said there was a risk of undeserving candidates being hired to boost the force's record on race."
[Belgium] Indians in Belgium: A success story : HindustanTimes, 20 Aug 2005
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/5983_1467461,00430005.htm
"The Indian community in Belgium may be small - it numbers around 9,000, out of a total population of some 10 million - but its experience is very different from that of the Indian and other South Asian immigrant communities in Britain. 'Indian immigrants are living very peacefully with Belgians. Their capacity to integrate is one of the reasons for their success in all fields.'"
"The Indian community in Belgium may be small - it numbers around 9,000, out of a total population of some 10 million - but its experience is very different from that of the Indian and other South Asian immigrant communities in Britain. 'Indian immigrants are living very peacefully with Belgians. Their capacity to integrate is one of the reasons for their success in all fields.'"
Muslim radicals should quit UK says Moderator / Scotsman on sunday, 21 Aug 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1818182005
"'If we are their enemies they should have nothing to do with us, but they don't. They speak out against us from within and get heart operations and care on our system. And we are happy to do that for them, to have rights and care, but we expect them to love us in return and accept our right to be who we are.'
Lacy also criticised civil liberties campaigners, whom he accused of stressing rights while underplaying the need for individual responsibility. "
"'If we are their enemies they should have nothing to do with us, but they don't. They speak out against us from within and get heart operations and care on our system. And we are happy to do that for them, to have rights and care, but we expect them to love us in return and accept our right to be who we are.'
Lacy also criticised civil liberties campaigners, whom he accused of stressing rights while underplaying the need for individual responsibility. "
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Graffiti, greenery, and obesity in adults: secondary analysis of European cross sectional survey / BMJ -- Online First, 19 Aug 2005
BMJ, doi:10.1136/bmj.38575.664549.F7
Anne Ellaway, Sally Macintyre, Xavier Bonnefoy
PDF - http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/rapidpdf/bmj.38575.664549.F7v1.pdf
Anne Ellaway, Sally Macintyre, Xavier Bonnefoy
PDF - http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/rapidpdf/bmj.38575.664549.F7v1.pdf
Putting new citizens to 'Britishness test' / International Herald Tribune, 20 Aug 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/19/news/citizen.php
"'I think Britain has steered a path of multiculturalism which has probably gone too far,' Andrew Dennis, head of Migration Watch said, expressing his personal view rather than that of the organization. 'It has been almost sort of separate development that has been sanctioned. It's a voluntary apartheid.'"
"'I think Britain has steered a path of multiculturalism which has probably gone too far,' Andrew Dennis, head of Migration Watch said, expressing his personal view rather than that of the organization. 'It has been almost sort of separate development that has been sanctioned. It's a voluntary apartheid.'"
Deporting Radical Imams: A Viable Strategy to Combat Attacks Against the West? / Terrorism Focus, Volume 2, Issue 16 (August 19, 2005)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369775
Michael Scheuer
"After three attacks by Islamist fighters in June 2005�two in London, one in Egypt�Western officials and the media have become focused on identifying specific mosques and madrasas, and the 'Preachers of Hate' who run them, as the means of stopping additional attacks. The assumption is that the clerics running certain Islamist institutions instill hatred against Western society in their young congregants, and these young men and women in turn stage suicide attacks in an attempt to destroy Western civilization. Indeed, Western leaders have repeatedly stated that radical Imams hold a mindless hatred for our democratic society, our freedoms, and our cultural values; they hate the West, supposedly, for what it is and not for what it does. However, removing these individuals from their positions of influence will do little to counteract the burgeoning movement that al-Qaeda inspires, because, as Zawahiri has recently restated, the message of the global Jihadist movement is centered around Western policies in the Islamic world, not reshaping or destroying Western civilization. "
Michael Scheuer
"After three attacks by Islamist fighters in June 2005�two in London, one in Egypt�Western officials and the media have become focused on identifying specific mosques and madrasas, and the 'Preachers of Hate' who run them, as the means of stopping additional attacks. The assumption is that the clerics running certain Islamist institutions instill hatred against Western society in their young congregants, and these young men and women in turn stage suicide attacks in an attempt to destroy Western civilization. Indeed, Western leaders have repeatedly stated that radical Imams hold a mindless hatred for our democratic society, our freedoms, and our cultural values; they hate the West, supposedly, for what it is and not for what it does. However, removing these individuals from their positions of influence will do little to counteract the burgeoning movement that al-Qaeda inspires, because, as Zawahiri has recently restated, the message of the global Jihadist movement is centered around Western policies in the Islamic world, not reshaping or destroying Western civilization. "
Anti-gang policing endangers teen girls / Salford Advertiser, 18 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egwx
"TEENAGE girls in Swinton are choosing to risk walking home alone at night because of a controversial police policy which breaks up groups of two or more youths.
Under current rules, police have the right to stop and question any group and order them to disperse in designated areas of Swinton between 9pm and 6am.
The emergency measures were brought in to tackle a spate of violent street crime in the area"
"TEENAGE girls in Swinton are choosing to risk walking home alone at night because of a controversial police policy which breaks up groups of two or more youths.
Under current rules, police have the right to stop and question any group and order them to disperse in designated areas of Swinton between 9pm and 6am.
The emergency measures were brought in to tackle a spate of violent street crime in the area"
Alpha Micro Brings Biometrics To UK & Ireland BIOS, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.biosmagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=1979
"AuthenTec utilises its TruePrint technology, which makes its sensors practical for nearly every device and capable of reading virtually any finger. With TruePrint technology, AuthenTec's sensors are able to read fingerprint patterns from everyone, under a wide range of conditions. AuthenTec's sensors are apparently the only ones in production that use small radio frequency signals to detect an image of the fingerprint ridge and valley pattern underneath the surface of the skin, to the live layer below."
"AuthenTec utilises its TruePrint technology, which makes its sensors practical for nearly every device and capable of reading virtually any finger. With TruePrint technology, AuthenTec's sensors are able to read fingerprint patterns from everyone, under a wide range of conditions. AuthenTec's sensors are apparently the only ones in production that use small radio frequency signals to detect an image of the fingerprint ridge and valley pattern underneath the surface of the skin, to the live layer below."
Drink and drugs fuel young drivers | This is London, 19 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egww
"Some young drivers are getting behind the wheel after taking a lethal cocktail of drinks and drugs, according to a new survey. As many as 14% of 17 to 25-year-old motorists admit to driving after taking illegal drugs, a survey by road safety charity Brake found.
Of these, 10% said they did so after consuming alcohol as well. And 90% of the drug-taking drivers said they carried passengers while on drink or drugs."
"Some young drivers are getting behind the wheel after taking a lethal cocktail of drinks and drugs, according to a new survey. As many as 14% of 17 to 25-year-old motorists admit to driving after taking illegal drugs, a survey by road safety charity Brake found.
Of these, 10% said they did so after consuming alcohol as well. And 90% of the drug-taking drivers said they carried passengers while on drink or drugs."
Australia seeks workers in new immigration campaign / National Post, [Canada] 19 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egwt
Anne Marie Owens
"Almost half a century after wooing boatloads of Britons to Australia with little more than a promise of sunshine and beaches, Australia is embarking on a new immigration campaign to resolve the country's dire labour shortage."
Anne Marie Owens
"Almost half a century after wooing boatloads of Britons to Australia with little more than a promise of sunshine and beaches, Australia is embarking on a new immigration campaign to resolve the country's dire labour shortage."
[Australia] Asylum seeker kids lose right to stay / The Age, 19 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egws
"Sixteen young children born in Australia to asylum seeker parents have lost their Federal Court battle to stay in the country.
The children, aged between one and nine, were born in Australia to parents who sought asylum here after arriving from countries including Colombia, Korea, Indonesia and Fiji. The full bench of the Federal Court dismissed the children's appeal against an amendment to the Australian Citizenship Act that says a child is recognised as a citizen only if their parents are residents or citizens."
"Sixteen young children born in Australia to asylum seeker parents have lost their Federal Court battle to stay in the country.
The children, aged between one and nine, were born in Australia to parents who sought asylum here after arriving from countries including Colombia, Korea, Indonesia and Fiji. The full bench of the Federal Court dismissed the children's appeal against an amendment to the Australian Citizenship Act that says a child is recognised as a citizen only if their parents are residents or citizens."
Anti-crime plan to put police in schools / The Herald, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/45328.html
Lucy Admas
"POLICE officers and social workers could be posted in every school under new proposals to tackle growing concerns about violent crime in Scotland.
Education staff and officers are planning to pilot a Danish model of crime reduction to try to prevent young people from becoming offenders. Denmark"
Lucy Admas
"POLICE officers and social workers could be posted in every school under new proposals to tackle growing concerns about violent crime in Scotland.
Education staff and officers are planning to pilot a Danish model of crime reduction to try to prevent young people from becoming offenders. Denmark"
Yob behaviour costs British businesses over �1.3 billion / Easier Business News, 19 Aug 2005
Business News | Yob behaviour costs British businesses over �1.3 billion:
"37% of Britain's businesses have fallen victim to yob behaviour. On average, the businesses affected say that yob behaviour has cost them £2,300 during the last year - an estimated annual cost of over £1.3 billion, according to research"
"37% of Britain's businesses have fallen victim to yob behaviour. On average, the businesses affected say that yob behaviour has cost them £2,300 during the last year - an estimated annual cost of over £1.3 billion, according to research"
'Yob culture' fuelling crime fears for a third of public, says report / Scotsman, 19 Aug 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/uk.cfm?id=1807912005
Shan Ross
"THE rise of so-called 'yob culture' is the major concern in the UK and is the single biggest factor most responsible for fuelling fear about crime, according to a new report out today.
Research found a third of the public were worried about street thugs and anti-social behaviour, with four in ten women claiming they never feel safe enough to walk the streets at night.
The findings also revealed members of Neighbourhood Watch schemes who had a detailed picture of crime in local areas were most concerned about anti-social behaviour by teenagers - 64 per cent regarded it as the main concern for police. "
PO NW survey report - http://neighbourhoodwatch.net/news/PO%20NW%20survey%20report%20.doc
Shan Ross
"THE rise of so-called 'yob culture' is the major concern in the UK and is the single biggest factor most responsible for fuelling fear about crime, according to a new report out today.
Research found a third of the public were worried about street thugs and anti-social behaviour, with four in ten women claiming they never feel safe enough to walk the streets at night.
The findings also revealed members of Neighbourhood Watch schemes who had a detailed picture of crime in local areas were most concerned about anti-social behaviour by teenagers - 64 per cent regarded it as the main concern for police. "
PO NW survey report - http://neighbourhoodwatch.net/news/PO%20NW%20survey%20report%20.doc
Friday, August 19, 2005
A Schizophrenic War: Peace in Afghanistan Is a Boon for Drug Lords / SPIEGEL, 17 Aug 2005
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,370130,00.html
Dirk Kurbjuweit
"While the drug squads and social workers continue their desperate battle against heroin on the home front, German troops stationed in Afghanistan can do little more than stand by and watch as poppy cultivation expands dramatically. Almost 90 percent of the world's opium comes from the fields of the Hindu Kush region where the Bundeswehr is stationed."
Dirk Kurbjuweit
"While the drug squads and social workers continue their desperate battle against heroin on the home front, German troops stationed in Afghanistan can do little more than stand by and watch as poppy cultivation expands dramatically. Almost 90 percent of the world's opium comes from the fields of the Hindu Kush region where the Bundeswehr is stationed."
A Schizophrenic War: Germany Turns a Blind Eye to Afghanistan's Growing Opium Trade / SPIEGEL, 19 Aug 2005
http://service.spiegel.de/cache/international/0,1518,370355,00.html
Dirk Kurbjuweit
"In the international community's plan for Afghanistan everyone has a role to play. The British advise the government on how to combat drugs, the Germans assist in training the police force, and the Italians work on setting up a fair justice system -- all the institutions the Afghanis need to combat the opium trade. But so far, those institutions is failing at the task. "
Dirk Kurbjuweit
"In the international community's plan for Afghanistan everyone has a role to play. The British advise the government on how to combat drugs, the Germans assist in training the police force, and the Italians work on setting up a fair justice system -- all the institutions the Afghanis need to combat the opium trade. But so far, those institutions is failing at the task. "
The age of intolerant tolerance / Spiked, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAD0A.htm
Mick Hume
"The government must have a different dictionary than I do. Mine defines tolerance as 'broad-mindedness' or 'permitting free expression of views one does not share'. In the Whitehall Newspeak edition, however, tolerance appears to mean the opposite. In order to defend our tolerant society we apparently have to ban views that most people do not share. Welcome to the age of intolerant tolerance."
Mick Hume
"The government must have a different dictionary than I do. Mine defines tolerance as 'broad-mindedness' or 'permitting free expression of views one does not share'. In the Whitehall Newspeak edition, however, tolerance appears to mean the opposite. In order to defend our tolerant society we apparently have to ban views that most people do not share. Welcome to the age of intolerant tolerance."
Warning from Australia: don�t legislate against hate / Spikedm, 16 Aug 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAD01.htm
Amir Butler
"An Australian Muslim says that Victoria's laws against incitement to religious hatred have sown division, and undermined freedom of speech, thought and conscience. At the heart of such laws lies the fallacious idea that the state can regulate human emotions. Hatred, we are assured, can be struck from the hearts of men with the stroke of a legislator's pen. If people can only be prevented from saying hateful things, then hatred will just dissipate. This is, of course, pure fantasy. Governments might criminalise the public expression of hateful ideas, but they cannot ban the ideas themselves."
Amir Butler
"An Australian Muslim says that Victoria's laws against incitement to religious hatred have sown division, and undermined freedom of speech, thought and conscience. At the heart of such laws lies the fallacious idea that the state can regulate human emotions. Hatred, we are assured, can be struck from the hearts of men with the stroke of a legislator's pen. If people can only be prevented from saying hateful things, then hatred will just dissipate. This is, of course, pure fantasy. Governments might criminalise the public expression of hateful ideas, but they cannot ban the ideas themselves."
Self-loathing over Stockwell / Spiked, 19 Aug 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAD0B.htm
Brendan O'Neill
"Far be it from me to doubt the good intentions of the Daily Mail, but since when has that paper been interested in defending 'innocent' immigrants against the 'bungling' forces of the state? In the handwringing over the killing of de Menezes we see the influence of fear and defeatism over sections of British society. This does nothing whatever to challenge the 'war on terror' or the creeping authoritarianism that has accompanied it; rather, it seems likely to nurture precisely the kind of conditions in which fear and authoritarianism can flourish."
Brendan O'Neill
"Far be it from me to doubt the good intentions of the Daily Mail, but since when has that paper been interested in defending 'innocent' immigrants against the 'bungling' forces of the state? In the handwringing over the killing of de Menezes we see the influence of fear and defeatism over sections of British society. This does nothing whatever to challenge the 'war on terror' or the creeping authoritarianism that has accompanied it; rather, it seems likely to nurture precisely the kind of conditions in which fear and authoritarianism can flourish."
Unprecedented Muslim Community Response to Proposed Anti-Terrorism Measures / OneWorld, 16 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egry
" Leading Muslim groups and personalities in the UK have come together in an unprecedented way, formulating and issuing a six point statement in response to some of the recently proposed anti-terrorism measures in the aftermath of the London bombings "
Full Text Statement - PDF - http://www.blink.org.uk/docs/Muslim_Statement15082005.pdf
" Leading Muslim groups and personalities in the UK have come together in an unprecedented way, formulating and issuing a six point statement in response to some of the recently proposed anti-terrorism measures in the aftermath of the London bombings "
Full Text Statement - PDF - http://www.blink.org.uk/docs/Muslim_Statement15082005.pdf
Tony Blair's Antiterrorism Package / New York Times, 19 Aug 2005
Tony Blair's Antiterrorism Package - New York Times:
"Terrorism typically prompts democratic societies to sacrifice some liberty in the name of more security, and Britain, after the deadly July 7 subway and bus bombings in London, has been no exception. The problems come when hastily considered security measures damage essential democratic rights or consign whole communities - the law-abiding along with the dangerous - to second-class citizenship. That kind of broad-brush profiling is not only unjust but also unwise, because it tends to dry up the cooperation from community leaders that is essential to isolating the terrorist fringe. "
"Terrorism typically prompts democratic societies to sacrifice some liberty in the name of more security, and Britain, after the deadly July 7 subway and bus bombings in London, has been no exception. The problems come when hastily considered security measures damage essential democratic rights or consign whole communities - the law-abiding along with the dangerous - to second-class citizenship. That kind of broad-brush profiling is not only unjust but also unwise, because it tends to dry up the cooperation from community leaders that is essential to isolating the terrorist fringe. "
Police to watch sex offenders 24 hours a day / Sunday Herald, 14 Aug 2005
http://www.sundayherald.com/51291
Liam McDougall
"PAEDOPHILES and violent criminals are to be targeted by police in an unprecedented surveillance operation across Scotland.
More than 3000 registered sex offenders and the country�s most dangerous non-registered sexual predators are to be effectively put under 24-hour surveillance in a bid to dramatically cut the number of rapes, child abductions and murders.
Under the scheme, which will be piloted in five police force areas in a matter of weeks, all information held on an individual by the police, their social work sex offender team and the Scottish Prison Service will be shared between the agencies and held in a new national intelligence database.
As part of the pilots, the registration number of their car will be stored in a network of cameras around the country that will alert the police if their vehicle passes, revealing undisclosed trips or journeys to areas they are banned from visiting."
Liam McDougall
"PAEDOPHILES and violent criminals are to be targeted by police in an unprecedented surveillance operation across Scotland.
More than 3000 registered sex offenders and the country�s most dangerous non-registered sexual predators are to be effectively put under 24-hour surveillance in a bid to dramatically cut the number of rapes, child abductions and murders.
Under the scheme, which will be piloted in five police force areas in a matter of weeks, all information held on an individual by the police, their social work sex offender team and the Scottish Prison Service will be shared between the agencies and held in a new national intelligence database.
As part of the pilots, the registration number of their car will be stored in a network of cameras around the country that will alert the police if their vehicle passes, revealing undisclosed trips or journeys to areas they are banned from visiting."
Offenders database 'to cut crime' / BBC, 19 Aug 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4163764.stm
"A computer system allowing police to share details of dangerous offenders is to be unveiled by the Home Office. The £10m Violent and Sex Offenders Register (Visor) is intended to help reduce re-offending and contains information on 47,000 people. It controversially includes details on people who have not been convicted, but are still considered a public danger."
"A computer system allowing police to share details of dangerous offenders is to be unveiled by the Home Office. The £10m Violent and Sex Offenders Register (Visor) is intended to help reduce re-offending and contains information on 47,000 people. It controversially includes details on people who have not been convicted, but are still considered a public danger."
There's no such thing as total security / The Guardian, 19 Aug 2005
http://politics.guardian.co.uk/terrorism/story/0,15935,1552359,00.html
Richard Norton-Taylor
"Scarcely a day goes by without reports of a new terrorist attack being planned and hyped-up claims about the bombings in London last month. Yet there is no evidence of a 'mastermind' behind the July 7 suicide bombings and no evidence of any link between those attacks and the attempted bombings of July 21. There is certainly no evidence of any link between the attacks and the nonviolent Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, which Tony Blair now wants to proscribe, or to the cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed, now banned from returning to Britain.
No, what evidence there is existed already. Whatever one's view about these and other organisations and individuals, there was no new intelligence to trigger new action against them."
Richard Norton-Taylor
"Scarcely a day goes by without reports of a new terrorist attack being planned and hyped-up claims about the bombings in London last month. Yet there is no evidence of a 'mastermind' behind the July 7 suicide bombings and no evidence of any link between those attacks and the attempted bombings of July 21. There is certainly no evidence of any link between the attacks and the nonviolent Islamist group Hizb ut-Tahrir, which Tony Blair now wants to proscribe, or to the cleric Omar Bakri Mohammed, now banned from returning to Britain.
No, what evidence there is existed already. Whatever one's view about these and other organisations and individuals, there was no new intelligence to trigger new action against them."
For Addicts, Killer Dope Must Be Good Dope / New York Times, 18 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egqy
"Public-health officials dutifully put out warnings when a wave of overdose deaths hit New York City, but some heroin users say the publicity only makes them more interested in using a deadly -- but also potentially more powerful -- batch of drugs." [Join Together]
"Public-health officials dutifully put out warnings when a wave of overdose deaths hit New York City, but some heroin users say the publicity only makes them more interested in using a deadly -- but also potentially more powerful -- batch of drugs." [Join Together]
Cards: Biometrics Stalled Amid The Hype / Bank Tech News, Aug 2005
http://www.banktechnews.com/article.html?id=20050729VXE0TOO4Glen Fest
"Shortfalls in fingerprint technology are curbing widespread adoption of new card projects. However, a handful of small projects are moving forward, thanks to the technology's buzz.
Despite biometrics' growing impact and hype in the public sector, biometric-based payment systems could remain on the back burner of financial services companies for awhile. Standards issues, technical difficulties and low-tech hurdles-like a finger cut or a cough-ravaged voice-can play havoc with biometrics systems, raising the bar further for wide adoption of biometric options. "From an open-loop perspective, whether we're talking about bank cards or ATMs, we're a long way from [biometrics] becoming a reality," says TowerGroup senior analyst Ed Kountz.
"Shortfalls in fingerprint technology are curbing widespread adoption of new card projects. However, a handful of small projects are moving forward, thanks to the technology's buzz.
Despite biometrics' growing impact and hype in the public sector, biometric-based payment systems could remain on the back burner of financial services companies for awhile. Standards issues, technical difficulties and low-tech hurdles-like a finger cut or a cough-ravaged voice-can play havoc with biometrics systems, raising the bar further for wide adoption of biometric options. "From an open-loop perspective, whether we're talking about bank cards or ATMs, we're a long way from [biometrics] becoming a reality," says TowerGroup senior analyst Ed Kountz.
[USA] Identix gets $2M deal for homeland security - The Business Journal, 18 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egqx
John Vomhof Jr.
"Identix Inc. has received an order from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for more than $2 million worth of its fingerprint scanners, the company announced. The DHS will use the Identix TouchPrint 3000 series live-scan systems at Immigration Customs Enforcement sites to assist in the electronic scanning of fingerprints and to facilitate simultaneous verification from both DHS and FBI fingerprint databases. "
John Vomhof Jr.
"Identix Inc. has received an order from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for more than $2 million worth of its fingerprint scanners, the company announced. The DHS will use the Identix TouchPrint 3000 series live-scan systems at Immigration Customs Enforcement sites to assist in the electronic scanning of fingerprints and to facilitate simultaneous verification from both DHS and FBI fingerprint databases. "
Russian mafia crimes rise, says police chief / Reuters AlertNet, 18 Aug 2005
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L1883718.htm
"Crimes blamed on Russia's mafia groups have risen sharply over the past year and police cannot claim to be winning the battle against them, a top policeman said. Nikolai Ovchinnikov, head of the interior ministry's department for fighting organised crime and terrorism, said the complex structure of mafia groups, where bosses masquerade as respectable businessmen, made them a tough target for police."
"Crimes blamed on Russia's mafia groups have risen sharply over the past year and police cannot claim to be winning the battle against them, a top policeman said. Nikolai Ovchinnikov, head of the interior ministry's department for fighting organised crime and terrorism, said the complex structure of mafia groups, where bosses masquerade as respectable businessmen, made them a tough target for police."
Judge: Lock up less crims / The Sun, [19] Aug 2005
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005380338,00.html
"The judge said prison should be reserved only for the worst crimes. These included murder, violent assault and white collar offences plus fine defaulters. Fraudsters not muggers, he suggested, should experience the 'clang of the prison door'.
Experts believe the judge's shake-up call - made as he prepares to retire - would mean paedophiles, sex offenders and burglars escaping jail. "
"The judge said prison should be reserved only for the worst crimes. These included murder, violent assault and white collar offences plus fine defaulters. Fraudsters not muggers, he suggested, should experience the 'clang of the prison door'.
Experts believe the judge's shake-up call - made as he prepares to retire - would mean paedophiles, sex offenders and burglars escaping jail. "
[USA] Drug dealer must forfeit lottery cash / CBB, 18 Aug 2005
http://money.cnn.com/2005/08/18/news/funny/drug_dealer.reut/
"A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the trial court judge's ruling that Betancourt bought his share of the ticket with drug proceeds because that was his only apparent source of income"
"A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with the trial court judge's ruling that Betancourt bought his share of the ticket with drug proceeds because that was his only apparent source of income"
TERRORISM: ID CARD COMPULSORY FOR INTERNET POINT CUSTOMERS / Agenzia Giornalistica Italia, 18 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egqp
"Starting from today, internet point customers will only be able to check their e-mails or surf the net on production of a valid ID card. This is the main consequence of a new anti-terror decree jointly signed by Italy's Interior Minister Pisanu, Communications Minister Landolfi and Innovation and Technology Minister Stanca. The decree aims to improve the government's monitoring of internet points, which are increasingly used by terrorists to exchange information. The most obvious consequence, however, is that both customers and owners will have to change their habits, as up until now it was only the larger venues which required an ID card from their customers. Elsewhere, users were simply asked to enter an ID code as they logged in. (AGI) - "[Complete article]
"Starting from today, internet point customers will only be able to check their e-mails or surf the net on production of a valid ID card. This is the main consequence of a new anti-terror decree jointly signed by Italy's Interior Minister Pisanu, Communications Minister Landolfi and Innovation and Technology Minister Stanca. The decree aims to improve the government's monitoring of internet points, which are increasingly used by terrorists to exchange information. The most obvious consequence, however, is that both customers and owners will have to change their habits, as up until now it was only the larger venues which required an ID card from their customers. Elsewhere, users were simply asked to enter an ID code as they logged in. (AGI) - "[Complete article]
[Nigeria] Puzzles of the ID Card Project / allAfrica.com: 18 Aug 2005 [editorial]:
http://allafrica.com/stories/200508180149.html
"THE decision of the Federal Government to redesignate, and up-grade the hitherto moribund national identity card scheme into a 'universal I.D. card' project, must rank as one of the most curious emanations from the Obasanjo-led government in recent times.
Rising from a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting last week, government had announced that plans are on to up-grade the 'present' National Identification, which has been in the making for almost 30 years. The new improved contraption will be a one-stop 'universal' I.D. card that would contain more than the conventionally legal and acceptable personal records of individual holders."
"THE decision of the Federal Government to redesignate, and up-grade the hitherto moribund national identity card scheme into a 'universal I.D. card' project, must rank as one of the most curious emanations from the Obasanjo-led government in recent times.
Rising from a Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting last week, government had announced that plans are on to up-grade the 'present' National Identification, which has been in the making for almost 30 years. The new improved contraption will be a one-stop 'universal' I.D. card that would contain more than the conventionally legal and acceptable personal records of individual holders."
Al-Qaida leader in Saudi killed / World Peace Herald, 18 Aug 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050818-105335-7146r
"Saudi police reported Thursday they killed al-Qaida's top representative in the kingdom in clashes north of Riyadh. Saleh al-Oufi, al-Qaida's No. 1 leader in Saudi Arabia, is one of two wanted terrorists. An Interior Ministry source told United Press international 'investigators proved through identity verification that one of the two gunmen killed in the clash is indeed wanted terrorist Saleh al-Oufi.' "
"Saudi police reported Thursday they killed al-Qaida's top representative in the kingdom in clashes north of Riyadh. Saleh al-Oufi, al-Qaida's No. 1 leader in Saudi Arabia, is one of two wanted terrorists. An Interior Ministry source told United Press international 'investigators proved through identity verification that one of the two gunmen killed in the clash is indeed wanted terrorist Saleh al-Oufi.' "
Israelis warn of al-Qaida attack on U.S. / World Peace Herald, 18 Aug 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050818-034230-5342r
" Israeli intelligence sources say al-Qaida may be preparing a major teror strike against the United States. Debka.com, an Israeli web-site claiming strong intelligence sources reported a volume and heightened sense of anticipation in al-Qaida's internal communications, signals, publications and Websites -- mostly in code -- that recalled its electronic traffic in the months leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. "
" Israeli intelligence sources say al-Qaida may be preparing a major teror strike against the United States. Debka.com, an Israeli web-site claiming strong intelligence sources reported a volume and heightened sense of anticipation in al-Qaida's internal communications, signals, publications and Websites -- mostly in code -- that recalled its electronic traffic in the months leading up to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. "
UK: ID cards may herald mass surveillance / World Peace Herald, 18 Aug 2005
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20050818-113721-2648r"The British government is creating a 'mass public surveillance' system capable of tracking every citizen without their consent, senior lawmakers have warned. Under the proposed national identity cards scheme, currently before Parliament, authorities will be able to electronically monitor individuals -- even those who have never committed a crime -- without their knowledge, they said. Biometric facial scans, compulsory with every identity card, will be stored on a national database along with fingerprints and iris scans. Police and security services will be able to cross-reference images of every adult in Britain with footage from CCTV cameras in streets, shops and malls."
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Transplanted Jihadi - Newsweek, 17 Aug 2005
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8987716/site/newsweek/
Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball
"Bakri associate Abu Yahya, a Briton who described himself as a former Al Muhajiroun spokesman, told NEWSWEEK that when Bakri left for Lebanon, he 'never planned to come back to the U.K. in the first place.' Bakri's 'ultimate aim' was to go to Pakistan, said Abu Yahya, who said that he and other British followers of Bakri were 'in contact' with the imam."
Michael Isikoff and Mark Hosenball
"Bakri associate Abu Yahya, a Briton who described himself as a former Al Muhajiroun spokesman, told NEWSWEEK that when Bakri left for Lebanon, he 'never planned to come back to the U.K. in the first place.' Bakri's 'ultimate aim' was to go to Pakistan, said Abu Yahya, who said that he and other British followers of Bakri were 'in contact' with the imam."
[Pakistan] Muslims tell Blair not to demonise Islamic values /Daily Times, 18 ug 2005
http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=story_17-8-2005_pg4_1
"Thirty-eight Muslim groups issued a joint protest Tuesday against anti-terrorist measures set out by Prime Minister Tony Blair in the wake of the London bombings, saying they risked demonising Islam.
The groups, including the Islamic Human Rights Commission and the Muslim Association of Britain, also condemned plans to ban the Islamist political organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir in Britain."
"Thirty-eight Muslim groups issued a joint protest Tuesday against anti-terrorist measures set out by Prime Minister Tony Blair in the wake of the London bombings, saying they risked demonising Islam.
The groups, including the Islamic Human Rights Commission and the Muslim Association of Britain, also condemned plans to ban the Islamist political organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir in Britain."
Child porn rising on Web / The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Aug 2005
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0818/p01s01-stct.html?s=hns
Ron Scherer
"Over the past four years, the number of reports of child pornography sites to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has grown by almost 400 percent. Law-enforcement officials are particularly disturbed by the increased number of commercial sites that offer photos of exploited children in return for a credit-card number. Those fighting child porn say it has become a global multibillion-dollar industry."
Ron Scherer
"Over the past four years, the number of reports of child pornography sites to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) has grown by almost 400 percent. Law-enforcement officials are particularly disturbed by the increased number of commercial sites that offer photos of exploited children in return for a credit-card number. Those fighting child porn say it has become a global multibillion-dollar industry."
From Orange to Red Light / TOL, 17 Aug 2005
http://digbig.com/4egmc
Martin Fisher
"Anti-trafficking organizations are getting the key message out – but how can the traffic be stopped?
"I think that the biggest barrier that must be overcome is people who characterize victims of trafficking as being prostitutes who willingly get into these situations,� says Labovitz, who points out that most victims are neither na�ve (most are educated) nor extremely young (their average age is 26). �And somehow, even with heightened awareness, that's what people still think. I think we are making some progress, but it's still a perception and at times even talking to counterparts in the government, they raise this.�"
Martin Fisher
"Anti-trafficking organizations are getting the key message out – but how can the traffic be stopped?
"I think that the biggest barrier that must be overcome is people who characterize victims of trafficking as being prostitutes who willingly get into these situations,� says Labovitz, who points out that most victims are neither na�ve (most are educated) nor extremely young (their average age is 26). �And somehow, even with heightened awareness, that's what people still think. I think we are making some progress, but it's still a perception and at times even talking to counterparts in the government, they raise this.�"
[Netherlands ] Asylum seekers battle for residence in Netherlands /: Mail & Guardian [South Africa] 17 Aug 2005
http://www.mg.co.za/articlePage.aspx?articleid=248389&area=/insight/insight__international/
Elvira van Noort
"After 47 days on a hunger strike, Iranians Azita Aslami and Mohammad Mehdi Neshat may finally get what they want: a residence permit to stay in The Netherlands. The Dutch government says Iran is a safe country, but Aslami and Neshat don't agree. "
Elvira van Noort
"After 47 days on a hunger strike, Iranians Azita Aslami and Mohammad Mehdi Neshat may finally get what they want: a residence permit to stay in The Netherlands. The Dutch government says Iran is a safe country, but Aslami and Neshat don't agree. "
'Biobandage' test aids burn victims / International Herald Tribune, 17 Aug 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/17/news/stem.php
"Using human fetal cells, Swiss scientists have developed a new type of 'biological bandage' for severe burns that appears to dramatically speed and improve the healing process and may well prove an effective treatment for other serious skin wounds, according to a new preliminary study being published"
"Using human fetal cells, Swiss scientists have developed a new type of 'biological bandage' for severe burns that appears to dramatically speed and improve the healing process and may well prove an effective treatment for other serious skin wounds, according to a new preliminary study being published"
111 simultaneous bombs explode in Bangladesh / International Herald Tribune, 17 Aug 2005
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/08/17/news/bangla.php
"Copies of a leaflet found at bomb sites carried a call by a banned Islamic group, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, for Islamic rule in Bangladesh. 'It is the third call to establish Islamic rule in the country. If ignored and our people are arrested or persecuted, Jaamat-ul-Mujahideen will take the counter action,' the leaflet said"
"Copies of a leaflet found at bomb sites carried a call by a banned Islamic group, Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen, for Islamic rule in Bangladesh. 'It is the third call to establish Islamic rule in the country. If ignored and our people are arrested or persecuted, Jaamat-ul-Mujahideen will take the counter action,' the leaflet said"
IBM works toward replacable biometrics / Techworld.com, 17 Aug 2005
http://www.techworld.com/security/news/index.cfm?NewsID=4238
Stacy Cowley
"Biometric systems have one particularly critical vulnerability: how do you replace your finger if a hacker figures out how to duplicate it? IBM's idea for navigating that obstacle is to construct a kind of technological screen separating a user's actual biological identification information from the records stored in profile databases. The company is developing software to transform biometric data such as fingerprints into distorted models that still preserve enough actual identification markers to make the distortion repeatable."
Stacy Cowley
"Biometric systems have one particularly critical vulnerability: how do you replace your finger if a hacker figures out how to duplicate it? IBM's idea for navigating that obstacle is to construct a kind of technological screen separating a user's actual biological identification information from the records stored in profile databases. The company is developing software to transform biometric data such as fingerprints into distorted models that still preserve enough actual identification markers to make the distortion repeatable."
Biometric flaws mar start of ID card plan / vnunet.com, 17 Aug 2005
http://www.vnunet.com/computing/news/2141259/biometric-flaws-mar-start-id
Sarah Arnott
"The formal tender will include the creation of a national identity register, biometric technology, and the production and distribution of cards.
The scheme will create a gold standard of identification to help fight fraud, terrorism and illegal immigration, according to the government.
But biometric technology is not accurate enough to support such a claim, says Neil Fisher, director of security solutions at defence technology supplier QinetiQ."
Sarah Arnott
"The formal tender will include the creation of a national identity register, biometric technology, and the production and distribution of cards.
The scheme will create a gold standard of identification to help fight fraud, terrorism and illegal immigration, according to the government.
But biometric technology is not accurate enough to support such a claim, says Neil Fisher, director of security solutions at defence technology supplier QinetiQ."
[New Zealand] Schools to teach respect, honesty / STUFF New Zealand, 18 Aug 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3381046a10,00.html
SOPHIE NEVILLE
"The Education Ministry will introduce values to the national curriculum, as parents fail to teach them at home. The introduction comes as teachers struggle with increasing numbers of badly behaved kids.
As part of a ministry curriculum review, a comprehensive list of values to be taught in schools has been put together. It is bringing the 10-year-old curriculum into line with what is already being taught � including honesty, respect and responsibility � in many schools. "
SOPHIE NEVILLE
"The Education Ministry will introduce values to the national curriculum, as parents fail to teach them at home. The introduction comes as teachers struggle with increasing numbers of badly behaved kids.
As part of a ministry curriculum review, a comprehensive list of values to be taught in schools has been put together. It is bringing the 10-year-old curriculum into line with what is already being taught � including honesty, respect and responsibility � in many schools. "
Police squads to blitz street yob culture / Scotsman, 17 Aug 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=1796972005
"NEW police squads dedicated to tackling antisocial behaviour are to hit the streets of the Capital in a £1.4 million initiative.
The youth action teams will provide a rapid response to reports of youth disorder and mount extra patrols in problem areas. "
"NEW police squads dedicated to tackling antisocial behaviour are to hit the streets of the Capital in a £1.4 million initiative.
The youth action teams will provide a rapid response to reports of youth disorder and mount extra patrols in problem areas. "
Model Programs Guide - Website / OJJDP
http://www.dsgonline.com/mpg2.5/mpg_index.htm
"The MPG database of evidence-based programs covers the entire continuum of youth services from prevention through sanctions to reentry. The MPG can be used to assist juvenile justice practitioners, administrators, and researchers to enhance accountability, ensure public safety, and reduce recidivism. The MPG is an easy-to-use tool that offers the first and only database of scientifically-proven programs across the spectrum of youth services."
"The MPG database of evidence-based programs covers the entire continuum of youth services from prevention through sanctions to reentry. The MPG can be used to assist juvenile justice practitioners, administrators, and researchers to enhance accountability, ensure public safety, and reduce recidivism. The MPG is an easy-to-use tool that offers the first and only database of scientifically-proven programs across the spectrum of youth services."
Chief justice calls for new approach to law and order / Guardian, 17 Aug 2005
http://society.guardian.co.uk/crimeandpunishment/story/0,8150,1550585,00.html
"The retiring lord chief justice, Lord Woolf, makes a passionate plea for a new approach to law and order which would see a major shift away from punishment towards the solution of problems which generate crime"
"The retiring lord chief justice, Lord Woolf, makes a passionate plea for a new approach to law and order which would see a major shift away from punishment towards the solution of problems which generate crime"
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