http://digbig.com/4gcsg
Courtney Lee
"The Australian pastor that was sued under the country's equivalent to the Racial and Religious Hatred Bill, has commented that the UK's religious hatred laws would be an extremist's charter, and far more damaging than in Australia."
Monday, January 30, 2006
Face and fingerprints swiped in Dutch biometric passport crack / The Register, 30 Jan 2006
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/30/dutch_biometric_passport_crack/John Lettice
"Dutch TV programme Nieuwslicht (Newslight) is claiming that the security of the Dutch biometric passport has already been cracked. As the programme reports here, the passport was read remotely and then the security cracked using flaws built into the system, whereupon all of the biometric data could be read."
"Dutch TV programme Nieuwslicht (Newslight) is claiming that the security of the Dutch biometric passport has already been cracked. As the programme reports here, the passport was read remotely and then the security cracked using flaws built into the system, whereupon all of the biometric data could be read."
ID cards will be "snooper's paradise" say critics / silicon.com, 30 Jan 2006
http://www.silicon.com/publicsector/0,3800010403,39156031,00.htm
Andy McCue
"ID card critics have slammed government plans to include RFID-style tracking tags on the controversial cards, saying they will be a 'snooper's paradise'. Home Office minister Andy Burnham told parliament just before Christmas that ID cards will not contain RFID chips but will contain radio frequency contactless chips."
Andy McCue
"ID card critics have slammed government plans to include RFID-style tracking tags on the controversial cards, saying they will be a 'snooper's paradise'. Home Office minister Andy Burnham told parliament just before Christmas that ID cards will not contain RFID chips but will contain radio frequency contactless chips."
Comments by the UKCRC on "An assessment of the Technologies needed for a National Identity Cards Scheme"
/ UK Computing Research Committee, Dec 2005
PDF - http://www.ukcrc.org.uk/resource/reports/UKCRC-IDcards.pdf
PDF - http://www.ukcrc.org.uk/resource/reports/UKCRC-IDcards.pdf
Turning the corner in young offenders' fight / Leeds Today, 26 Jan 2006
http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=39&ArticleID=1328338
Bruce Smith
"Leeds may have turned a corner in its fight against young criminals, new figures suggest. One of Leeds Youth Offending Service's biggest successes has been its Restorative Justice programme which involves offenders making amends to their victims. A group of priority offenders including young burglars, robbers, car thieves and violent youngsters were found to be 29.4 per cent less likely to reoffend than those not subjected to Restorative Justice. The overall number of 10 to 17-year-olds put before the courts showed an eight per cent decline to 1,917 in 2005 from 2,076 in 2004. The figure had earlier increased by five per cent from 1,983 in 2003 to the 2004 total. "
Bruce Smith
"Leeds may have turned a corner in its fight against young criminals, new figures suggest. One of Leeds Youth Offending Service's biggest successes has been its Restorative Justice programme which involves offenders making amends to their victims. A group of priority offenders including young burglars, robbers, car thieves and violent youngsters were found to be 29.4 per cent less likely to reoffend than those not subjected to Restorative Justice. The overall number of 10 to 17-year-olds put before the courts showed an eight per cent decline to 1,917 in 2005 from 2,076 in 2004. The figure had earlier increased by five per cent from 1,983 in 2003 to the 2004 total. "
Mystery of metallic glass is cracked by Johns Hopkins engineers / Johns Hopkins University, 27 Jan 2006
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/materials_science/report-54466.html
"Sheng, the lead author of the journal article, believes these discoveries will lead to significant advances in the understanding of metallic glass. 'Our findings,' he said, 'should allow the people who make metallic glass to move closer to intelligent design techniques, developing materials with the precise mechanical characteristics needed for specific products. The discoveries also advance our understanding of materials science in general.' "
"Sheng, the lead author of the journal article, believes these discoveries will lead to significant advances in the understanding of metallic glass. 'Our findings,' he said, 'should allow the people who make metallic glass to move closer to intelligent design techniques, developing materials with the precise mechanical characteristics needed for specific products. The discoveries also advance our understanding of materials science in general.' "
War on terror a la francaise / International Herald Tribune, 27 Jan 2006
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/27/opinion/edperelman.php
Marc Perelman
"While France, like most European countries, favors a judicial approach over the 'war on terror,' it is a decidedly muscular version, combining intrusive police and domestic intelligence powers with aggressive prosecution. This is why it could provide some lessons to the Bush administration as it faces growing pressure to amend its antiterrorism policies in light of the controversies over Guantanamo Bay, secret prisons and domestic spying. "
Marc Perelman
"While France, like most European countries, favors a judicial approach over the 'war on terror,' it is a decidedly muscular version, combining intrusive police and domestic intelligence powers with aggressive prosecution. This is why it could provide some lessons to the Bush administration as it faces growing pressure to amend its antiterrorism policies in light of the controversies over Guantanamo Bay, secret prisons and domestic spying. "
Weighing the risks of Tasers / Queen's Journal, 27 Jan 2006
http://www.queensjournal.ca/articlephp/point-vol133/issue28/news/lead2
Part 2 of 2: How lethal is ‘non-lethal’?
Anna Mehler Paperny
Part 2 of 2: How lethal is ‘non-lethal’?
Anna Mehler Paperny
[Japan] Can Japan absorb foreign influx? / The Japan Times, 24 Jan 2006
http://www.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/getarticle.pl5?fl20060124zg.htm
Debito Arudou
"When discussing the recent ethnic riots in France, The Economist newsmagazine ('Minority Reports,' Nov. 10, 2005) posed an important question: How come some countries assimilate immigrants more peacefully than others?It concluded that five basic things are necessary: lingua franca skills; income; mobility; home ownership; political representation; intermarriage. This article will discuss how well Japan does on this scale, and offer suggestions on how it can do better."
Debito Arudou
"When discussing the recent ethnic riots in France, The Economist newsmagazine ('Minority Reports,' Nov. 10, 2005) posed an important question: How come some countries assimilate immigrants more peacefully than others?It concluded that five basic things are necessary: lingua franca skills; income; mobility; home ownership; political representation; intermarriage. This article will discuss how well Japan does on this scale, and offer suggestions on how it can do better."
Brain Scans May Be Used as Lie Detectors / The Washington Times, 29 Jan 2006
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/M/MY_LYING_BRAIN?SITE=DCTMS&SECTION=HOME
Malcolm Ritter
"In the idea of using fMRI to detect lies has started a buzz among scientists, legal experts and ethicists. Many worry about rushing too quickly from the lab to real-world use. Some caution that it may not work as well in the real world as the early lab results suggest. And others worry that it might."
Malcolm Ritter
"In the idea of using fMRI to detect lies has started a buzz among scientists, legal experts and ethicists. Many worry about rushing too quickly from the lab to real-world use. Some caution that it may not work as well in the real world as the early lab results suggest. And others worry that it might."
Colombia holds 19 with alleged al-Qaeda and Hamas links / Monsters 7 Critics, 27 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcpq
"Bogota - Colombia has broken up a false passport ring and arrested 19 suspects with alleged links to al-Qaeda and the radical Islamic group Hamas, a government official said.Eight of the suspects are sought for extradition by the United States, which cooperated closely with Colombian authorities in the raids. The group is suspected of falsifying documents to provide terrorists outside the South American country with false Colombian passports. Four of the suspects are Jordanian nationals and most of the rest are Colombians, including three allegedly working for the country's DAS intelligence agency." [Snippet]
"Bogota - Colombia has broken up a false passport ring and arrested 19 suspects with alleged links to al-Qaeda and the radical Islamic group Hamas, a government official said.Eight of the suspects are sought for extradition by the United States, which cooperated closely with Colombian authorities in the raids. The group is suspected of falsifying documents to provide terrorists outside the South American country with false Colombian passports. Four of the suspects are Jordanian nationals and most of the rest are Colombians, including three allegedly working for the country's DAS intelligence agency." [Snippet]
EU lawmakers blow whistle on sex trade / Monsters & Critics, 29 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcpr
"As part of a strategy paper on human trafficking, European lawmakers drew attention to the appalling situation of young girls from the former communist bloc who are tricked into prostitution with a lurid cocktail of false job promises and threats of retaliation. Once the trafficker`s cover is blown and the young women realize that they are required to service up to 10 customers per day, it is often difficult to return to their homelands as they often have their passports confiscated and are subject to violent intimidation. "
"As part of a strategy paper on human trafficking, European lawmakers drew attention to the appalling situation of young girls from the former communist bloc who are tricked into prostitution with a lurid cocktail of false job promises and threats of retaliation. Once the trafficker`s cover is blown and the young women realize that they are required to service up to 10 customers per day, it is often difficult to return to their homelands as they often have their passports confiscated and are subject to violent intimidation. "
Tagged criminals shun curfews and run amok / Sunday Times , 29 Jan 2006
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2014723,00.html
Daniel Foggo
"TAGGED criminals convicted of assault and burglary are breaking their home curfews unhindered, in some cases illegally staying out for hundreds of hours.Flaws in the tagging system, created in its current form in 1999 to reduce Britain�s prison population, have been exposed in the internal records of a monitoring centre run by Group 4 Securicor. The company is responsible for overseeing most of the 11,000 tagged offenders. "
Daniel Foggo
"TAGGED criminals convicted of assault and burglary are breaking their home curfews unhindered, in some cases illegally staying out for hundreds of hours.Flaws in the tagging system, created in its current form in 1999 to reduce Britain�s prison population, have been exposed in the internal records of a monitoring centre run by Group 4 Securicor. The company is responsible for overseeing most of the 11,000 tagged offenders. "
Revealed: the tags offenders ignore / Sunday Times , 29 Jan 2006
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2014809,00.html
Daniel Foggo and Jack Grimston
Daniel Foggo and Jack Grimston
Legal loophole failing officers tackling human trafficking / Jane's Police Review, 27 Jan 2006
www.policereview.com
Eve Pertile
"OFFICERS do not have proper powers to deal with gangs of human traffickers, a national conference has heard.Delegates at a Met-organised conference on child trafficking in London last week heard that officers have no real power to stop and search people suspected of committing these types of offences. Instead, they are resorting to other ways and means. One Port of Dover Police officer told the conference: 'Officers at ports generally use the Terrorism Act to check documents, but we would be bending the law if we were specifically looking for child-related offences.' " [Sub Required]
Eve Pertile
"OFFICERS do not have proper powers to deal with gangs of human traffickers, a national conference has heard.Delegates at a Met-organised conference on child trafficking in London last week heard that officers have no real power to stop and search people suspected of committing these types of offences. Instead, they are resorting to other ways and means. One Port of Dover Police officer told the conference: 'Officers at ports generally use the Terrorism Act to check documents, but we would be bending the law if we were specifically looking for child-related offences.' " [Sub Required]
News / Jane's Police Review, 27 Jan 2006
http://pr.janes.com/docs/jprcom/news.shtml
[Sub Required]
"Public does not take women officers seriously
WOMEN officers are not taken seriously by the public when dealing with troublemakers in physical public order situations unlike their male colleagues, an independent study ...25-Jan-2006
Officers and staff to be trained together under new scheme
STUDENT officers could find themselves sharing classrooms with trainee Special constables, community support officers and even ACPO level transferees under new guidance issued by Centrex. ...25-Jan-2006
Clarke wants more control of 'poor forces'
HOME Secretary Charles Clarke is aiming to push legislation through Parliament that would allow him to take action against poor performing police forces without first ...25-Jan-2006
Federation vows not to comply with force's ban on its smokers
NORTH Wales Police Federation is refusing to work with its local command team on its 'fair management' policies if the force continues to ban smokers ...25-Jan-2006
Image bank could identify suspects faster
OFFICERS in the UK may soon be able to match CCTV images of suspects' faces to a huge national database of mugshots. Chief officers have...25-Jan-2006
Eco-force
GREATER Manchester Police is using a cleaner fuel in its 1,275 diesel vehicles. It has switched to bi"
[Sub Required]
"Public does not take women officers seriously
WOMEN officers are not taken seriously by the public when dealing with troublemakers in physical public order situations unlike their male colleagues, an independent study ...25-Jan-2006
Officers and staff to be trained together under new scheme
STUDENT officers could find themselves sharing classrooms with trainee Special constables, community support officers and even ACPO level transferees under new guidance issued by Centrex. ...25-Jan-2006
Clarke wants more control of 'poor forces'
HOME Secretary Charles Clarke is aiming to push legislation through Parliament that would allow him to take action against poor performing police forces without first ...25-Jan-2006
Federation vows not to comply with force's ban on its smokers
NORTH Wales Police Federation is refusing to work with its local command team on its 'fair management' policies if the force continues to ban smokers ...25-Jan-2006
Image bank could identify suspects faster
OFFICERS in the UK may soon be able to match CCTV images of suspects' faces to a huge national database of mugshots. Chief officers have...25-Jan-2006
Eco-force
GREATER Manchester Police is using a cleaner fuel in its 1,275 diesel vehicles. It has switched to bi"
Intelligent move / Jane's Police Review, 27 Jan 2006
www.policereview.com
Gary Mason
"The perceived value attached to intelligence information was such that the notion of sharing it with other officers and forces, let alone outside agencies, was completely alien.A number of pivotal developments have changed that view. First, the notion of what constitutes intelligence has widened considerably and the analytical tools available to develop it have grown more sophisticated.Second, the challenges of tackling crime within vulnerable communities, who have a traditional distrust of the police, have resulted in forces sharing operational intelligence through a network of lay advisory groups.Third and most significantly, the National Intelligence Model has enshrined the concept of working with outside agencies to gather information about crime. " [Sub Required]
Gary Mason
"The perceived value attached to intelligence information was such that the notion of sharing it with other officers and forces, let alone outside agencies, was completely alien.A number of pivotal developments have changed that view. First, the notion of what constitutes intelligence has widened considerably and the analytical tools available to develop it have grown more sophisticated.Second, the challenges of tackling crime within vulnerable communities, who have a traditional distrust of the police, have resulted in forces sharing operational intelligence through a network of lay advisory groups.Third and most significantly, the National Intelligence Model has enshrined the concept of working with outside agencies to gather information about crime. " [Sub Required]
[Australia] Call for tougher action on cannabis use / Minister for Health and Ageing, 22 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcrp
"The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, has called for each state government to re-criminalise the possession and consumption of cannabis. Speaking at the National Young Liberal Convention in Sydney, Mr Pyne said there was a growing body of evidence that showed a link between cannabis consumption and serious mental health problems."
"The Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Health and Ageing, Christopher Pyne, has called for each state government to re-criminalise the possession and consumption of cannabis. Speaking at the National Young Liberal Convention in Sydney, Mr Pyne said there was a growing body of evidence that showed a link between cannabis consumption and serious mental health problems."
Guardian Angels leader vows to 'peel away' troubles / The Star Phoenix, 29 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcrs
Linda Slobodian
"The Guardian Angels formula is simple. Unarmed patrols deter crime, alert police when a crime takes place and provide medical attention to a victim when necessary. Local volunteers are put through a three-month training program that includes CPR and martial arts. Then the 'cherry picking' targeting youth involved with gangs begins."
Linda Slobodian
"The Guardian Angels formula is simple. Unarmed patrols deter crime, alert police when a crime takes place and provide medical attention to a victim when necessary. Local volunteers are put through a three-month training program that includes CPR and martial arts. Then the 'cherry picking' targeting youth involved with gangs begins."
[Sweden] Jobs instead of fines for young offenders / The Local, 26 Jan 2006
http://www.thelocal.se/article.php?ID=2934&date=20060126
"'The punishment does not have the rehabilitative effect which the government considers to be fundamental. The youngster is not motivated to abide by the law. On the contrary, higher fines could mean debt which could make it harder for young people to establish themselves in adult life.' Unpaid community service for people aged 15-17 would, believes the ministry, be a far more effective punishment in the long run."
"'The punishment does not have the rehabilitative effect which the government considers to be fundamental. The youngster is not motivated to abide by the law. On the contrary, higher fines could mean debt which could make it harder for young people to establish themselves in adult life.' Unpaid community service for people aged 15-17 would, believes the ministry, be a far more effective punishment in the long run."
Key Considerations for Reunifying Adult Sex Offenders and their Families / CSOM Publications, Dec 2005
PDF - http://www.csom.org/pubs/FamilyReunificationDec05.pdf
"This document has been developed for use by probation and parole officers, treatment providers, victim advocates, and others who work with sex offenders or the victims of sexual abuse. It provides an overview of the dynamics and key issues warranting attention when considering reunification and preservation with adult sex offenders as part of a broader, more comprehensive approach to sex offender management. "
"This document has been developed for use by probation and parole officers, treatment providers, victim advocates, and others who work with sex offenders or the victims of sexual abuse. It provides an overview of the dynamics and key issues warranting attention when considering reunification and preservation with adult sex offenders as part of a broader, more comprehensive approach to sex offender management. "
Rendition: the cover-up / New Statesman, 23 Jan 2006
http://www.newstatesman.com/200601230005
Martin Bright
"The scandal of extraordinary rendition, the practice of taking terror suspects to be questioned in countries where interrogation methods may be used that would not be legal in the US, has been brewing for 18 months, since Stephen Grey revealed the scope of the operations in these pages. It reached boiling point late last year when a critical mass of evidence was achieved, involving flight details of CIA planes - often through European countries, including Britain - and testimony from ex-prisoners."
Martin Bright
"The scandal of extraordinary rendition, the practice of taking terror suspects to be questioned in countries where interrogation methods may be used that would not be legal in the US, has been brewing for 18 months, since Stephen Grey revealed the scope of the operations in these pages. It reached boiling point late last year when a critical mass of evidence was achieved, involving flight details of CIA planes - often through European countries, including Britain - and testimony from ex-prisoners."
[USA] Mentors transform lives in state youth prisons / Inside Bay Area - San Mateo County Times, 29 Jan 2006
http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_3449975
Momo Chang
"Juvenile justice experts say the main focus of rehabilitation should be on how to transition out of prison and into society - because almost all young people who are locked up eventually come back to their communities. Taxpayers fund a $450 million system that has continued to fail to rehabilitate youths, yet there are models that work better - not only from other states, but in California. The Mentoring Center, based in Oakland, is an example what many juvenile experts would like to see: regional centers focused on rehabilitation and treatment, with a therapeutic environment, instead of jail cells watched over by uniformed prison guards. The mentors work with young men in the system while they are behind bars, then continue to work with them once they leave. " (Scroll down to read article]
See also: http://digbig.com/4gcsa
Momo Chang
"Juvenile justice experts say the main focus of rehabilitation should be on how to transition out of prison and into society - because almost all young people who are locked up eventually come back to their communities. Taxpayers fund a $450 million system that has continued to fail to rehabilitate youths, yet there are models that work better - not only from other states, but in California. The Mentoring Center, based in Oakland, is an example what many juvenile experts would like to see: regional centers focused on rehabilitation and treatment, with a therapeutic environment, instead of jail cells watched over by uniformed prison guards. The mentors work with young men in the system while they are behind bars, then continue to work with them once they leave. " (Scroll down to read article]
See also: http://digbig.com/4gcsa
State re-examines therapy program for sex offenders / Times Argus:, 29 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcrw
Louis Porter
"In prison, sex offenders undergoing treatment live separately from other inmates, a key component to make therapy work, some experts said. The treatment typically lasts 18 months to several years. Offenders talk about their crimes as part of the program because acknowledging guilt is a requirement of treatment. They also talk about possible situations they may face on the outside that might trigger their sexual urges, and they plan how they will address them. Completion of treatment is a requirement for most offenders before they can be released. After release, an offender must continue treatment on the outside to remain free. Sessions are usually about 90 minutes once a week. Offenders must reveal what situations they have been in that trigger their sexual urges, and polygraph tests are used to monitor the veracity of their statements."
Louis Porter
"In prison, sex offenders undergoing treatment live separately from other inmates, a key component to make therapy work, some experts said. The treatment typically lasts 18 months to several years. Offenders talk about their crimes as part of the program because acknowledging guilt is a requirement of treatment. They also talk about possible situations they may face on the outside that might trigger their sexual urges, and they plan how they will address them. Completion of treatment is a requirement for most offenders before they can be released. After release, an offender must continue treatment on the outside to remain free. Sessions are usually about 90 minutes once a week. Offenders must reveal what situations they have been in that trigger their sexual urges, and polygraph tests are used to monitor the veracity of their statements."
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Social Segregation in Secondary Schools: How Does England Compare With Other Countries / Institute for Social & Economic Research, Jan 2006
PDF - http://www.iser.essex.ac.uk/pubs/workpaps/pdf/2006-02.pdf
Stephen P. Jenkins, John Micklewright, Sylke V. Schnepf"
Stephen P. Jenkins, John Micklewright, Sylke V. Schnepf"
[New Zealand] Jehan Casinader on youth crime / Public Address,27 Jan 2006
http://publicaddress.net/default,2880.sm#post
"Explores new directions for youth justice in New Zealand in the next political term. Casinader goes back and re-examines his interviews with Helen Clark and Don Brash during the campaign. Significant changes to our youth justice infrastructure, proposed by the right, slipped under the carpet. Labour is now back in power and looking to extend its focus on youth justice in the next political term."
"Explores new directions for youth justice in New Zealand in the next political term. Casinader goes back and re-examines his interviews with Helen Clark and Don Brash during the campaign. Significant changes to our youth justice infrastructure, proposed by the right, slipped under the carpet. Labour is now back in power and looking to extend its focus on youth justice in the next political term."
News Analysis: Privacy not the issue in Google case - Technology / International Herald Tribune, 26 Jan 2006
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/26/business/google.php
Adam Liptak
"The government says it needs Google's information to defend a challenge from the civil liberties union to a 1998 law, the Child Online Protection Act, which makes it a crime to make "material that is harmful to minors" commercially available on the Web. "
Adam Liptak
"The government says it needs Google's information to defend a challenge from the civil liberties union to a 1998 law, the Child Online Protection Act, which makes it a crime to make "material that is harmful to minors" commercially available on the Web. "
No justice without equality / IRR, 25 Jan 2006
http://www.irr.org.uk/2006/january/ha000017.html
Herman Ouseley
"The real concern about the CEHR is whether it will make any difference in challenging racism, other forms of prejudice and helping individuals who are the victims of discrimination. When the Bill was first mooted in a White Paper a few years ago, the government stated that the proposed CEHR would have 'a light touch' with the private sector. In other words, there will be 'strong' anti-discrimination legislation but not much enforcement. The lack of enforcement of anti- discrimination legislation is already reflected in the low level of support for individual cases across all the existing Commissions and there is no evidence to suggest that the government wants to upset employers who discriminate."
Herman Ouseley
"The real concern about the CEHR is whether it will make any difference in challenging racism, other forms of prejudice and helping individuals who are the victims of discrimination. When the Bill was first mooted in a White Paper a few years ago, the government stated that the proposed CEHR would have 'a light touch' with the private sector. In other words, there will be 'strong' anti-discrimination legislation but not much enforcement. The lack of enforcement of anti- discrimination legislation is already reflected in the low level of support for individual cases across all the existing Commissions and there is no evidence to suggest that the government wants to upset employers who discriminate."
Report finds scarce evidence on CIA prison claims / Euractiv, 25 Jan 2006
http://www.euractiv.com/Article?tcmuri=tcm:29-151902-16&type=News&Ref=mail
"The Council of Europe's interim report on the claims of CIA rendition of prisoners and secret jails in Europe shows few hard facts. But the investigation continues."
Council of Europe: Alleged secret detentions in Council of Europe member states (22 January 2006)
http://assembly.coe.int/Main.asp?link=/CommitteeDocs/2006/20060124_Jdoc032006_E.htm
"The Council of Europe's interim report on the claims of CIA rendition of prisoners and secret jails in Europe shows few hard facts. But the investigation continues."
Council of Europe: Alleged secret detentions in Council of Europe member states (22 January 2006)
http://assembly.coe.int/Main.asp?link=/CommitteeDocs/2006/20060124_Jdoc032006_E.htm
United Kingdom - Data Protection - �Commissioner Gives International Data Transfers Thumbs Up / Mondaq, 25 Jan 2006
http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=37358&email_access=on
"The Information Commissioner has, for the first time in what may be a landmark decision, allowed personal data held by a company to be transferred abroad on the basis of the Binding Corporate Rules. The Information Commissioner's decision permitting General Electric to legally pass information about their employees to other divisions of the group located outside the European Economic Area represents a significant step forward for companies in their battle to transfer personal data abroad, and may revolutionise the ease with which international data transfers can occur within an organisation. " [Free sign-up may be required]
"The Information Commissioner has, for the first time in what may be a landmark decision, allowed personal data held by a company to be transferred abroad on the basis of the Binding Corporate Rules. The Information Commissioner's decision permitting General Electric to legally pass information about their employees to other divisions of the group located outside the European Economic Area represents a significant step forward for companies in their battle to transfer personal data abroad, and may revolutionise the ease with which international data transfers can occur within an organisation. " [Free sign-up may be required]
10 TIPS FOR KEEP TASERS SAFE, EFFECTIVE AND ACCEPTED IN YOUR COMMUNITY--PLUS ANSWERS TO ACTIVISTS' TROUBLING ACCUSATIONS / Force Science News, Nov 200
http://digbig.com/4gcmm
Part 2 of a 2-Part Series
Part 1 - NEW REPORTS STRESS TASER'S SAFETY & EFFECTIVENESS, YET ACLU DEMANDS GREATER RESTRICTION ON DEPLOYMENT
http://www.forcesciencenews.com/home/detail.html?serial=31
Part 2 of a 2-Part Series
Part 1 - NEW REPORTS STRESS TASER'S SAFETY & EFFECTIVENESS, YET ACLU DEMANDS GREATER RESTRICTION ON DEPLOYMENT
http://www.forcesciencenews.com/home/detail.html?serial=31
[Nigeria] Immigration Sacks 200 Over Passport Fraud / allAfrica.com, 25 Jan 2006
http://allafrica.com/stories/200601260159.html
Kingsley Nwezeh
"Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Joseph Udeh, said yesterday that the service has sacked 200 personnel who were involved in passport racketeering and what he described as 'official touting' in their passport offices. The Immigration boss told newsmen in Abuja that 'Corruption in the passport office is the biggest problem for the Nigerian Immigration Service. Official touts are out there, immigration officers, making things difficult, muddling up things', he said."
Kingsley Nwezeh
"Comptroller General of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Joseph Udeh, said yesterday that the service has sacked 200 personnel who were involved in passport racketeering and what he described as 'official touting' in their passport offices. The Immigration boss told newsmen in Abuja that 'Corruption in the passport office is the biggest problem for the Nigerian Immigration Service. Official touts are out there, immigration officers, making things difficult, muddling up things', he said."
[Netherlands] "Dutch-Only" Bid Stirs Angry Debate / Deutsche Welle25 Jan 2006.2006
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1870753,00.html
"As debate rages in Germany over a school banning students from speaking languages other than German, Holland is grappling with its own controversy sparked by a suggestion that only Dutch be spoken on the streets."
"As debate rages in Germany over a school banning students from speaking languages other than German, Holland is grappling with its own controversy sparked by a suggestion that only Dutch be spoken on the streets."
[Australia] Ministers weigh turning welfare ID into national card / The Australian, 20 Jan 2006]
http://digbig.com/4gcmj
James Riley
"FEDERAL ministers have discussed creating a new identification number for every Australian that would become the backbone for any proposed national identity card scheme. he numbering system would be used to roll out a government services smartcard being prepared by Human Services Minister Joe Hockey to crack down on health and welfare fraud. But the new ID number may also be expanded to drive the national identity card proposal being reviewed by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. "
James Riley
"FEDERAL ministers have discussed creating a new identification number for every Australian that would become the backbone for any proposed national identity card scheme. he numbering system would be used to roll out a government services smartcard being prepared by Human Services Minister Joe Hockey to crack down on health and welfare fraud. But the new ID number may also be expanded to drive the national identity card proposal being reviewed by Attorney-General Philip Ruddock. "
[Indonesia] Closer to Top as JI aides arrested / The Australia, 23 Jan 2006]
http://digbig.com/4gcmh
Natalie O'Brien
"INDONESIAN police are closing in on one of Asia's most wanted terrorists, Bali bombing mastermind Noordin Mohammed Top, after arresting two of his key henchmen in a swoop on a network of Jemaah Islamiah militants. Counter-terrorism officers have closed the net around Top, one of the most senior members of the al-Qa'ida-linked JI, since the death late last year of his Malaysian compatriot Azahari bin Husin. "
Natalie O'Brien
"INDONESIAN police are closing in on one of Asia's most wanted terrorists, Bali bombing mastermind Noordin Mohammed Top, after arresting two of his key henchmen in a swoop on a network of Jemaah Islamiah militants. Counter-terrorism officers have closed the net around Top, one of the most senior members of the al-Qa'ida-linked JI, since the death late last year of his Malaysian compatriot Azahari bin Husin. "
[Australia] Locks on letterboxes the answer to lost passports / The Australian, 27 Janu 2006]
http://digbig.com/4gcmf
Greg Roberts
"AUSTRALIA Post has warned people to lock their letterboxes after federal authorities admitted hundreds of passports are being lost in the mail. Although passport security is regarded as a key anti-terrorism measure, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade often makes no attempt to trace passports reported lost in the mail. In the two years to December, 627 Australian passports were lost in the mail, usually on the way to or from consulates issuing visas to people travelling overseas. "
Greg Roberts
"AUSTRALIA Post has warned people to lock their letterboxes after federal authorities admitted hundreds of passports are being lost in the mail. Although passport security is regarded as a key anti-terrorism measure, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade often makes no attempt to trace passports reported lost in the mail. In the two years to December, 627 Australian passports were lost in the mail, usually on the way to or from consulates issuing visas to people travelling overseas. "
Hungary To Introduce Electronic Passports This Year / Malaysian National News Agency :: B, 26 Jan 2006ERNAMA
http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=177494
"The Hungarian Interior Ministry has started preparations for introducing a unified electronic European Union (EU) passport. Several EU members will roll out the new tamper-proof electronic passports on Aug 29 this year. The hitherto blue passport will be changed to dark red. The new passport's cover will have the letter 'E' clearly visible, indicating that the document contains electronic data.
The parameters of the chip are open and will at first contain personal data and a digital photo, which can only be read electronically using designated uniform technology. The chip can also contain biometric data.
In addition, the document's first page will contain printed personal material and a photo. Introducing the new reading technology will not necessarily mean that the authorities have to change their current passport database system." [Snippet]
"The Hungarian Interior Ministry has started preparations for introducing a unified electronic European Union (EU) passport. Several EU members will roll out the new tamper-proof electronic passports on Aug 29 this year. The hitherto blue passport will be changed to dark red. The new passport's cover will have the letter 'E' clearly visible, indicating that the document contains electronic data.
The parameters of the chip are open and will at first contain personal data and a digital photo, which can only be read electronically using designated uniform technology. The chip can also contain biometric data.
In addition, the document's first page will contain printed personal material and a photo. Introducing the new reading technology will not necessarily mean that the authorities have to change their current passport database system." [Snippet]
Friday, January 27, 2006
Goodbye Breathalyzer / Government Technolog, 2 Jan 2006
http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/97729
Jim McKay
"The Breathalyzer proved an accurate tool to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but is no longer being manufactured, and as parts of the equipment wear out, they are becoming increasingly difficult to replace. That, coupled with the promise of the new test -- Dräger Safety's Alcotest 7110 -- prompted the state to begin integrating the Alcotest county by county. But court hearings loom to determine the product's scientific reliability and whether it will replace the traditional Breathalyzer, used throughout the rest of the state. "
Jim McKay
"The Breathalyzer proved an accurate tool to measure blood alcohol concentration (BAC), but is no longer being manufactured, and as parts of the equipment wear out, they are becoming increasingly difficult to replace. That, coupled with the promise of the new test -- Dräger Safety's Alcotest 7110 -- prompted the state to begin integrating the Alcotest county by county. But court hearings loom to determine the product's scientific reliability and whether it will replace the traditional Breathalyzer, used throughout the rest of the state. "
/ Northwest Indiana News, 26 Dec 2005
http://digbig.com/4gcjm
Bob Kasarda
"A growing number of stories has defense attorneys in the county concerned about the reliability of the mouth swabs, which the probation department reportedly began using several months ago."
Bob Kasarda
"A growing number of stories has defense attorneys in the county concerned about the reliability of the mouth swabs, which the probation department reportedly began using several months ago."
[USA] electronic monitoring of Sex Offenders
/ Iowa Legislative Services Agency Fiscal Services, Dec 2005
PDF - http://www.legis.state.ia.us/lsadocs/IssReview/2006/IRBAL000.PDF
PDF - http://www.legis.state.ia.us/lsadocs/IssReview/2006/IRBAL000.PDF
Task Force to Study Criminal Offender Monitoring by Global Positioning Systems :
/ Final Report to the Governor and the General Assembly [Maryland USA] 31 Dec 2005
PDF - http://digbig.com/4gcjg
PDF - http://digbig.com/4gcjg
[Bhutan] New passports to be issued in February / Kuenselonline, 25 Jan 2006
Kuenselonline - New passports to be issued in February:
"The new machine-readable passport with enhanced security features and a new look will be ready to be issued by mid February, according to foreign ministry officials. The issue of the new passports, which was scheduled for May last year, was delayed for several reasons. The project coordinator, Tshewang C Dorji, said that although there was no specific timeframe, detailed study had to be carried out on the feasibility of the available technology and the cost implications. Meanwhile, the ministry is waiting for the new booklets to arrive from Germany early next month. According to the project coordinator, successful trial runs had been carried out with dummy pages swapped onto the machines. Much time had been spent in finalising the translation of Dzongkha words to match the English words in the passport. " [Includes sample]
"The new machine-readable passport with enhanced security features and a new look will be ready to be issued by mid February, according to foreign ministry officials. The issue of the new passports, which was scheduled for May last year, was delayed for several reasons. The project coordinator, Tshewang C Dorji, said that although there was no specific timeframe, detailed study had to be carried out on the feasibility of the available technology and the cost implications. Meanwhile, the ministry is waiting for the new booklets to arrive from Germany early next month. According to the project coordinator, successful trial runs had been carried out with dummy pages swapped onto the machines. Much time had been spent in finalising the translation of Dzongkha words to match the English words in the passport. " [Includes sample]
[Germany] Opinion: Education is the Key to Integration/ Deutsche Welle, 25 Jan 2006
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,1870532,00.html
"The key question is whether you can successfully promote integration with such measures. And the answer is in the affirmative. And the Berlin school with its students who come from 10 nations are showing how it can be done. For starters, we're not talking about a directive that has been imposed dictatorially by the school's headmaster against the wishes of the students and parents. Rather, it's self-imposed, and is supported by a majority of students and parents. "
"The key question is whether you can successfully promote integration with such measures. And the answer is in the affirmative. And the Berlin school with its students who come from 10 nations are showing how it can be done. For starters, we're not talking about a directive that has been imposed dictatorially by the school's headmaster against the wishes of the students and parents. Rather, it's self-imposed, and is supported by a majority of students and parents. "
[Japan] Govt set to pay firms to take on ex-convicts / The Daily Yomiuri, 26 Jan 2006
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/20060126TDY02004.htm
"The government has decided to offer cash incentives to companies that hire people released from prison on parole and young people are released from juvenile reformatories on probation in a bid to reduce the number of reoffenders.
Parolees with a job are much less likely to reoffend. According to 2003 figures released by the Justice Ministry, of the 38,041 people paroled or on probation and employed, only 2,900, or 7.6 percent, reoffended. However, of the 11,858 people on parole or probation who could not find a job, 4,707, or 39.7 percent--a rate five times higher--committed another crime. Although the ministry has designated about 5,700 firms, mainly construction companies, as 'cooperative employers' and has been calling on them to hire those on probation, the companies had not previously been offered financial assistance by the government.
As of April last year, only about 6,000 people were hired by cooperative employers. The government's new cash incentives are an attempt to raise the number of parolees or probationers being hired. " [Snippet]
"The government has decided to offer cash incentives to companies that hire people released from prison on parole and young people are released from juvenile reformatories on probation in a bid to reduce the number of reoffenders.
Parolees with a job are much less likely to reoffend. According to 2003 figures released by the Justice Ministry, of the 38,041 people paroled or on probation and employed, only 2,900, or 7.6 percent, reoffended. However, of the 11,858 people on parole or probation who could not find a job, 4,707, or 39.7 percent--a rate five times higher--committed another crime. Although the ministry has designated about 5,700 firms, mainly construction companies, as 'cooperative employers' and has been calling on them to hire those on probation, the companies had not previously been offered financial assistance by the government.
As of April last year, only about 6,000 people were hired by cooperative employers. The government's new cash incentives are an attempt to raise the number of parolees or probationers being hired. " [Snippet]
Youth crime: Treated like criminals / Young People Now, 25 Jan 2006
http://www.ypnmagazine.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=full_news&ID=9332
Tom LLoyd
"An initiative in Oldham is diverting young people away from crime by showing them what happens if they get caught."
Tom LLoyd
"An initiative in Oldham is diverting young people away from crime by showing them what happens if they get caught."
Man's Asbo lifted after he turns life around / 24dash.com, 24 Jan 2006
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=2567
"Magistrates today lifted an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) from a 19-year-old man after a council said he had dramatically turned away from a life of crime and mended his ways. Leeds City Council said it believed the move was the first time a local authority had applied for an Asbo to be lifted despite making the original application. "
"Magistrates today lifted an anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) from a 19-year-old man after a council said he had dramatically turned away from a life of crime and mended his ways. Leeds City Council said it believed the move was the first time a local authority had applied for an Asbo to be lifted despite making the original application. "
Kicking out local anti-social behaviour with street football / The Buchan Observer, [27] Jan 2006
http://www.buchanie.co.uk/archived/2006/week_04/news/pitch.asp
"The pitch achieved real crime reduction results on Tayside, with calls to Tayside Police regarding youths causing annoyance dropped 50% between June and December 2004."
"The pitch achieved real crime reduction results on Tayside, with calls to Tayside Police regarding youths causing annoyance dropped 50% between June and December 2004."
Britain must deport more failed asylum-seekers, says top judge / Times, 25 Jan 2006
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2-2009088,00.html
Richard Ford
"BRITAIN’S top asylum judge called on ministers to improve efforts to ensure that failed migrants were sent home. He acknowledged the difficulties facing officials in Britain and other parts of Europe in trying to organise removals, particularly where migrants had no travel papers and states were unwilling to accept them. "
Richard Ford
"BRITAIN’S top asylum judge called on ministers to improve efforts to ensure that failed migrants were sent home. He acknowledged the difficulties facing officials in Britain and other parts of Europe in trying to organise removals, particularly where migrants had no travel papers and states were unwilling to accept them. "
[France] Health new grounds to seek entry to France / UPI, 25 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcje
"With asylum options drying up, foreigners are opting for another way to stay in France: medical grounds.
Residency permits have soared from only 1,000 six years ago, to 16,000 in 2004, France's Le Figaro newspaper reported.
Besides top political figures seeking treatment in France recently -- including former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Algerian President Abdel Aziz Boutefliqa -- are thousands of would be immigrants who reportedly find few other ways to enter the country legally.
Foreigners can seek treatment in France for a variety of diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and kidney infections.
But many are scrambling to obtain fake medical documents attesting to bogus diseases, Le Figaro reported.
So dramatically have entries on medical grounds grown in recent years that French authorities are reportedly preparing new directives to avoid abuse. " [Snippet]
"With asylum options drying up, foreigners are opting for another way to stay in France: medical grounds.
Residency permits have soared from only 1,000 six years ago, to 16,000 in 2004, France's Le Figaro newspaper reported.
Besides top political figures seeking treatment in France recently -- including former Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat and Algerian President Abdel Aziz Boutefliqa -- are thousands of would be immigrants who reportedly find few other ways to enter the country legally.
Foreigners can seek treatment in France for a variety of diseases, including HIV/AIDS, cancer and kidney infections.
But many are scrambling to obtain fake medical documents attesting to bogus diseases, Le Figaro reported.
So dramatically have entries on medical grounds grown in recent years that French authorities are reportedly preparing new directives to avoid abuse. " [Snippet]
[Netherlands] Officials see legal problems with integration plan / Expatica, 25 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcjd
"Under Verdonk's plan, residents up to the age of 65 who have spent less than eight years in the Netherlands during their school age are obliged to undergo a course to help them integrate into Dutch society. Gaining a command of the Dutch language is the major requirement of the integration course.
The problem, experts said, arises because Verdonk is making a distinction on the basis of nationality and ethnic background."
"Under Verdonk's plan, residents up to the age of 65 who have spent less than eight years in the Netherlands during their school age are obliged to undergo a course to help them integrate into Dutch society. Gaining a command of the Dutch language is the major requirement of the integration course.
The problem, experts said, arises because Verdonk is making a distinction on the basis of nationality and ethnic background."
Al-Zarqawi Reportedly Moves to New Area of Iraq / Terrorism Focus, Volume 3, Issue 3 (January 25, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369875
Mahan Abedin
"A report by al-Jazeera satellite TV on January 22, citing Iraqi military officials who claim that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq, is in the Diyala province (northeast of Baghdad), runs contrary to the assessments of Iraqi intelligence services and U.S. military intelligence in Iraq. "
Mahan Abedin
"A report by al-Jazeera satellite TV on January 22, citing Iraqi military officials who claim that Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the head of al-Qaeda in Iraq, is in the Diyala province (northeast of Baghdad), runs contrary to the assessments of Iraqi intelligence services and U.S. military intelligence in Iraq. "
Internet Mujahideen Analyze the Latest Bin Laden Audio Tape / Terroriam Focus, Volume 3, Issue 3 (January 25, 2006)
Internet Mujahideen Analyze the Latest Bin Laden Audio Tape: "
Stephen Ulph
"The rarity of an Osama bin Laden commentary (one year after the last broadcast in December 2004) is stirring a wealth of commentary in the world's media. The focus is on its veracity and on the implications for the West of the truce offer coupled with a threat should it be rejected. Yet for the mujahideen, while many of the concerns are similar, there is also both considerable relief at the re-appearance of bin Laden�his absence from the airwaves was causing some distress on the internet forums�and eulogistic celebration of the genius of the 'Artful Arab.'"
Stephen Ulph
"The rarity of an Osama bin Laden commentary (one year after the last broadcast in December 2004) is stirring a wealth of commentary in the world's media. The focus is on its veracity and on the implications for the West of the truce offer coupled with a threat should it be rejected. Yet for the mujahideen, while many of the concerns are similar, there is also both considerable relief at the re-appearance of bin Laden�his absence from the airwaves was causing some distress on the internet forums�and eulogistic celebration of the genius of the 'Artful Arab.'"
Al-Qaeda's Weapons Specialist Killed in Pakistani Airstrike / Terrorism focus, Volume 3, Issue 3 (January 25, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369872
Stephen Ulph
"Abu Khabab al-Masri, the unconventional weapons specialist of al-Qaeda, was killed in the January 13 airstrike at Damadola in Pakistan. His death, reported by the Pakistani daily Dawn (www.dawn.com) quoting security sources, is especially important given Osama bin Laden's January 19 audiotape in which he spoke of operations underway in the United States. Many conceive that a possible attack from bin Laden will take the form of an unconventional device of some sort, and the prospect of such an attack, according to newly-appointed head of counter-terrorism at the U.S. State Department Henry Crumpton, is considered merely 'a question of time.' "
Stephen Ulph
"Abu Khabab al-Masri, the unconventional weapons specialist of al-Qaeda, was killed in the January 13 airstrike at Damadola in Pakistan. His death, reported by the Pakistani daily Dawn (www.dawn.com) quoting security sources, is especially important given Osama bin Laden's January 19 audiotape in which he spoke of operations underway in the United States. Many conceive that a possible attack from bin Laden will take the form of an unconventional device of some sort, and the prospect of such an attack, according to newly-appointed head of counter-terrorism at the U.S. State Department Henry Crumpton, is considered merely 'a question of time.' "
The 2005 Los Angeles Plot: The New Face of Jihad in the U.S./ Terrorism Monitor Volume 4, Issue 2 (January 26, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369880
Jeffrey Cozzens, Ian Conway
"A recent U.S. District Court indictment accused members of a shadowy Islamist gang, Jam'iyyat Ul-Islam As-Saheeh ('Assembly of Authentic Islam,' JIS), of conspiring to strike U.S. military facilities, Israeli national interests and synagogues around Los Angeles sometime during the autumn 2005 Jewish holidays. Most of the defendants are converts to Islam, allegedly loyal to imprisoned JIS leader Kevin James, a self-styled imam to whom at least one defendant allegedly swore bayat (an oath of allegiance) 'until death by martyrdom' [1].
If the allegations stick, this case represents a milestone in American Islamic militancy: it would be the only known large-scale plot directed against U.S. targets to have been planned from within the United States and potentially executed by a predominantly American Radical Islamic Convert (ARIC) cell. Beyond the California modalities of the alleged plot, it raises broader questions about the activities of ARICs in the plan of global jihad and potentially sheds light on broader post-9/11 ideological trends and tactical shifts in jihadi warfare in the West. "
Jeffrey Cozzens, Ian Conway
"A recent U.S. District Court indictment accused members of a shadowy Islamist gang, Jam'iyyat Ul-Islam As-Saheeh ('Assembly of Authentic Islam,' JIS), of conspiring to strike U.S. military facilities, Israeli national interests and synagogues around Los Angeles sometime during the autumn 2005 Jewish holidays. Most of the defendants are converts to Islam, allegedly loyal to imprisoned JIS leader Kevin James, a self-styled imam to whom at least one defendant allegedly swore bayat (an oath of allegiance) 'until death by martyrdom' [1].
If the allegations stick, this case represents a milestone in American Islamic militancy: it would be the only known large-scale plot directed against U.S. targets to have been planned from within the United States and potentially executed by a predominantly American Radical Islamic Convert (ARIC) cell. Beyond the California modalities of the alleged plot, it raises broader questions about the activities of ARICs in the plan of global jihad and potentially sheds light on broader post-9/11 ideological trends and tactical shifts in jihadi warfare in the West. "
Digital Imaging for Safe Schools: A Public Safety Response to Critical Incidents / IACP Research Center, 2006
PDF - http://www.theiacp.org/research/DigitalImageSafeSchools.pdf
"A how-to resource guide for public safety practitioners and school administrators to use in developing their own response plans. which employ digital images taken in schools as the foundation for constructing virtual classrooms to be used during a critical incident. With the photos compiled from each school, first responders arriving on scene have access to school maps and floor plans either through the Internet or on a CD-ROM. They can then use the 360-degree images to quickly ascertain trouble spots and develop a tactical plan even before entering the building."
Digtal Imaging for Safe Schools: Quick Reference Guide for Digital Imaging
PDF - http://www.theiacp.org/research/DigitalImageQuickRef.pdf
"A how-to resource guide for public safety practitioners and school administrators to use in developing their own response plans. which employ digital images taken in schools as the foundation for constructing virtual classrooms to be used during a critical incident. With the photos compiled from each school, first responders arriving on scene have access to school maps and floor plans either through the Internet or on a CD-ROM. They can then use the 360-degree images to quickly ascertain trouble spots and develop a tactical plan even before entering the building."
Digtal Imaging for Safe Schools: Quick Reference Guide for Digital Imaging
PDF - http://www.theiacp.org/research/DigitalImageQuickRef.pdf
[Australia] Vanstone considering Jovicic's return / The Agem 24 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gchm
"Although he had never lived in Serbia, Melbourne man Robert Jovicic was deported there on character grounds by then immigration minister Philip Ruddock in June 2004.
Mr Jovicic declared last November that he was stateless and destitute, and would die on the steps of Australia's embassy in the Serbian capital of Belgrade if he could not return home.
Born in France to Serbian parents, Mr Jovicic arrived in Australia as a toddler in 1968. Though he lived in Australia for 36 of his 38 years, he did not acquire citizenship and his visa was cancelled on character grounds." [Deportation]
"Although he had never lived in Serbia, Melbourne man Robert Jovicic was deported there on character grounds by then immigration minister Philip Ruddock in June 2004.
Mr Jovicic declared last November that he was stateless and destitute, and would die on the steps of Australia's embassy in the Serbian capital of Belgrade if he could not return home.
Born in France to Serbian parents, Mr Jovicic arrived in Australia as a toddler in 1968. Though he lived in Australia for 36 of his 38 years, he did not acquire citizenship and his visa was cancelled on character grounds." [Deportation]
Aliens buy Tanzanian passports / IPPMedia, 24 Jan 2006
http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2006/01/24/58468.html
Bilham Kimati
"A syndicate that involves Immigration officials and security organs in charge of the issuance of Tanzanian travel documents to aliens has been busted.
The multimillion shillings racket was busted last week when a group of 27 Somalis who were in possession of Tanzanian Emergency Travel documents were arrested by Malawian authorities at Mbeya border point.
The Somalis, pausing as Tanzania businessmen, were apprehended at Naronga border post as they attempted to cross into Mozambique. Following the January 14 incident, it is feared that hundreds of foreigners could be in possession and use of Tanzanian passports and other travel documents. "
Bilham Kimati
"A syndicate that involves Immigration officials and security organs in charge of the issuance of Tanzanian travel documents to aliens has been busted.
The multimillion shillings racket was busted last week when a group of 27 Somalis who were in possession of Tanzanian Emergency Travel documents were arrested by Malawian authorities at Mbeya border point.
The Somalis, pausing as Tanzania businessmen, were apprehended at Naronga border post as they attempted to cross into Mozambique. Following the January 14 incident, it is feared that hundreds of foreigners could be in possession and use of Tanzanian passports and other travel documents. "
MPs lobbied over police merger plans / ePolitix.com, 25 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gchg
"The home secretary has insisted his plans to merge police forces do have support among officers.
The comments came as the Association of Police Authorities (APA) put forward a compromise plan on the reforms, which have faced widespread criticisms.
The APA is urging MPs to back their call for changes to the Home Office plans to rationalise existing force structures."
"The home secretary has insisted his plans to merge police forces do have support among officers.
The comments came as the Association of Police Authorities (APA) put forward a compromise plan on the reforms, which have faced widespread criticisms.
The APA is urging MPs to back their call for changes to the Home Office plans to rationalise existing force structures."
Twin study shows cannabis makes moving to hard drugs more likely / Sheldon 332 (7535): 197 -- BMJ
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/extract/332/7535/197-b
"The chance of Dutch teenagers using hard drugs later in life is six times greater among those who use cannabis than among those who don't. This is the conclusion of a study from Amsterdam's Free University. Preventing teenagers under 18 using cannabis can be important in ensuring that they don't move to hard drugs later. The study casts doubt on one of the main arguments underpinning the tolerant policy towards cannabis in the Netherlands. This policy is designed to separate the markets of soft and hard drugs, thus protecting cannabis users from the criminal environment of hard drugs. "
Early Onset Cannabis Use and Progression to other Drug Use in a Sample of Dutch Twins / Behavior Genetics
Michael T. Lynskey1, 3 , Jacqueline M. Vink2 and Dorret I. Boomsma2 - [Sub Required]
"The chance of Dutch teenagers using hard drugs later in life is six times greater among those who use cannabis than among those who don't. This is the conclusion of a study from Amsterdam's Free University. Preventing teenagers under 18 using cannabis can be important in ensuring that they don't move to hard drugs later. The study casts doubt on one of the main arguments underpinning the tolerant policy towards cannabis in the Netherlands. This policy is designed to separate the markets of soft and hard drugs, thus protecting cannabis users from the criminal environment of hard drugs. "
Early Onset Cannabis Use and Progression to other Drug Use in a Sample of Dutch Twins / Behavior Genetics
Michael T. Lynskey1, 3 , Jacqueline M. Vink2 and Dorret I. Boomsma2 - [Sub Required]
Making Sense of Chemical Stories / Sense about Science, 26 Jan 2006
PDF - http://www.senseaboutscience.org.uk/PDF/MakingSenseofChemicalStories.pdf
"A briefing document for the lifestyle sector on misconceptions about chemicals. In the briefing document, chemical scientists identify and address six of the most prevalent misconceptions about chemicals in lifestyle commentary. This is the first time that chemists have addressed themselves to the lifestyle sector. The briefing is not a 'here's the science' bit; rather, it is intended to open a conversation that promotes a stronger connection between lifestyle commentary and chemical realities."
"A briefing document for the lifestyle sector on misconceptions about chemicals. In the briefing document, chemical scientists identify and address six of the most prevalent misconceptions about chemicals in lifestyle commentary. This is the first time that chemists have addressed themselves to the lifestyle sector. The briefing is not a 'here's the science' bit; rather, it is intended to open a conversation that promotes a stronger connection between lifestyle commentary and chemical realities."
The world's lost people: neither refugees nor citizens / The Christian Science Monitor, 27 Jan 2006
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0127/p09s03-coop.html
Donald Steinberg
"Beyond the moral and humanitarian imperatives, mass internal displacement brings chaos that may serve as breeding grounds for terrorism; trafficking in drugs, arms, and persons; pandemic diseases; and other threats to international order. The failure to rapidly return IDPs to their homes can doom peace agreements and reconstruction."
Donald Steinberg
"Beyond the moral and humanitarian imperatives, mass internal displacement brings chaos that may serve as breeding grounds for terrorism; trafficking in drugs, arms, and persons; pandemic diseases; and other threats to international order. The failure to rapidly return IDPs to their homes can doom peace agreements and reconstruction."
In Africa, Islam and Christianity are growing - and blending / The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Jan 2006
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0126/p01s04-woaf.html
Abraham McLaughlin
"Worshipers at 'The True Message of God Mission' say it's entirely natural for Christianity and Islam to cexist, even overlap. They begin their worship by praying at the Jesus alcove and then 'running their deliverance' - sprinting laps around the mosque's mosaic-tiled courtyard, praying to the one God for forgiveness and help. They say it's akin to Israelites circling the walls of Jericho - and Muslims swirling around the Ka'ba shrine in Mecca."
Abraham McLaughlin
"Worshipers at 'The True Message of God Mission' say it's entirely natural for Christianity and Islam to cexist, even overlap. They begin their worship by praying at the Jesus alcove and then 'running their deliverance' - sprinting laps around the mosque's mosaic-tiled courtyard, praying to the one God for forgiveness and help. They say it's akin to Israelites circling the walls of Jericho - and Muslims swirling around the Ka'ba shrine in Mecca."
[Scotland] Reforms for early release from prison / Scottish Executive, 23 Jan 2006
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/01/23103057
"An independent report on early release and the supervision of prisoners on their release has been published. The Sentencing Commission for Scotland's recommendations will make a significant contribution to the Executive's proposed reforms to the current system. Ministers will now consider the detailed implications of the recommendations and publish their proposals in the late Spring - ahead of the introduction of a Sentencing Bill later this year. The Commission's Chairman, the Rt Hon Lord Macfadyen, said the package of proposed reforms represented an opportunity to bring much-needed clarity and transparency in sentencing - but he warned that the proposals were not intended to increase the severity of sentencing and should not be regarded as a 'back door' opportunity to make Scotland a more penal society."
"An independent report on early release and the supervision of prisoners on their release has been published. The Sentencing Commission for Scotland's recommendations will make a significant contribution to the Executive's proposed reforms to the current system. Ministers will now consider the detailed implications of the recommendations and publish their proposals in the late Spring - ahead of the introduction of a Sentencing Bill later this year. The Commission's Chairman, the Rt Hon Lord Macfadyen, said the package of proposed reforms represented an opportunity to bring much-needed clarity and transparency in sentencing - but he warned that the proposals were not intended to increase the severity of sentencing and should not be regarded as a 'back door' opportunity to make Scotland a more penal society."
[Australia] Howard claims victory in national culture wars - National / The Age, 26 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcgd
Michelle Grattan
"John Howard (PM, Australia) said in his Australia Day Eve speech that Australia had now successfully rebalanced national identity and ethnic diversity. 'We've drawn back from being too obsessed with diversity to a point where Australians are now better able to appreciate the enduring values of the national character that we proudly celebrate and preserve,' he said." [Integration]
Michelle Grattan
"John Howard (PM, Australia) said in his Australia Day Eve speech that Australia had now successfully rebalanced national identity and ethnic diversity. 'We've drawn back from being too obsessed with diversity to a point where Australians are now better able to appreciate the enduring values of the national character that we proudly celebrate and preserve,' he said." [Integration]
Let unskilled workers in, Australia told / Sydney Morning Herald, 27 Jan 2006
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2006/01/26/1138066921519.html?from=rss
Cynthia Banham
"AUSTRALIA will have to open its doors to potentially tens of thousands of unskilled migrants to save its smaller Pacific island neighbours from economic ruin, a report commissioned by the Federal Government has found."
Cynthia Banham
"AUSTRALIA will have to open its doors to potentially tens of thousands of unskilled migrants to save its smaller Pacific island neighbours from economic ruin, a report commissioned by the Federal Government has found."
Bush Taking Bin Laden Threat Seriously / The Washington Times, 26 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcga
Nedra Pickler
"President Bush, defending the government's secret surveillance program, said that Americans should take Osama bin Laden seriously when he says he's going to attack again. 'When he says he's going to hurt the American people again, or try to, he means it,' Bush told reporters after visiting the top-secret National Security Agency where the surveillance program is based. 'I take it seriously, and the people of NSA take it seriously.'"
Nedra Pickler
"President Bush, defending the government's secret surveillance program, said that Americans should take Osama bin Laden seriously when he says he's going to attack again. 'When he says he's going to hurt the American people again, or try to, he means it,' Bush told reporters after visiting the top-secret National Security Agency where the surveillance program is based. 'I take it seriously, and the people of NSA take it seriously.'"
Police reveal a rogues' gallery of drug dealers / Hampstead and Highgate Express, 27 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcfx
Matt Eley
"CLASS A drug dealers who have been jailed for their crimes have been named and shamed by Camden Police.
Officers who have been attempting to break up the crack cocaine and heroin networks in Camden Town have released images of dealers caught in the act. The publication of the pictures coincides with the police and council launching further offensives against the drug market. "
Matt Eley
"CLASS A drug dealers who have been jailed for their crimes have been named and shamed by Camden Police.
Officers who have been attempting to break up the crack cocaine and heroin networks in Camden Town have released images of dealers caught in the act. The publication of the pictures coincides with the police and council launching further offensives against the drug market. "
Gang feuds drive up Mersey killings r27 Jan 2006ate to worst in UK / icLiverpool,
http://digbig.com/4gcfw
Deborah James Daily Post Staff
"Matrix's success is also reflected by a drop in overall shootings, from 79 in 2004, to 66 in 2005. Of those, 23 people were injured by a firearm in 2004, against 21 in 2005. Twelve attempted murders were committed using firearms in 2004, compared to four in 2005."
Deborah James Daily Post Staff
"Matrix's success is also reflected by a drop in overall shootings, from 79 in 2004, to 66 in 2005. Of those, 23 people were injured by a firearm in 2004, against 21 in 2005. Twelve attempted murders were committed using firearms in 2004, compared to four in 2005."
Ethical code for scientists consultation conclusions / CST, Jan 2006
http://www.cst.gov.uk/cst/reports/files/ethical-code/conclusionsfromconsultations.doc
"We approached our consultation on whether there is a useful role for the proposed universal ethical code for scientists with a genuinely open mind. We were pleased to receive a good number and range of responses, and are grateful to all those who took the time to respond. A list of respondents and a copy of the universal ethical code for scientists itself are attached in the Annex. "
PDF - http://www.cst.gov.uk/cst/business/files/ethical-code-letter.pdf
"We approached our consultation on whether there is a useful role for the proposed universal ethical code for scientists with a genuinely open mind. We were pleased to receive a good number and range of responses, and are grateful to all those who took the time to respond. A list of respondents and a copy of the universal ethical code for scientists itself are attached in the Annex. "
PDF - http://www.cst.gov.uk/cst/business/files/ethical-code-letter.pdf
Thursday, January 26, 2006
NewsTrack - New U.S. citizenship test planned / United Press International, 22 Jan 2006
http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20060122-113553-9626r
"The federal government is planning to change the U.S. citizenship test to reflect better the understanding of government by immigrants. Gone will be the questions: What color are the stars on our flag? (white); How many representatives are in Congress? (435); Who becomes president if the president and the vice president should die? (the speaker of the House of Representatives); Who wrote 'The Star-Spangled Banner?' (Francis Scott Key); Which U.S. citizenship and immigration form is used to apply to become a naturalized citizen? (Form N-400).
Instead, government officials want to ask immigrants about freedom of speech and religion and democratic concepts. However, some fear the teat might become too difficult and will demand better English skills than the current test requires." [Snippet]
"The federal government is planning to change the U.S. citizenship test to reflect better the understanding of government by immigrants. Gone will be the questions: What color are the stars on our flag? (white); How many representatives are in Congress? (435); Who becomes president if the president and the vice president should die? (the speaker of the House of Representatives); Who wrote 'The Star-Spangled Banner?' (Francis Scott Key); Which U.S. citizenship and immigration form is used to apply to become a naturalized citizen? (Form N-400).
Instead, government officials want to ask immigrants about freedom of speech and religion and democratic concepts. However, some fear the teat might become too difficult and will demand better English skills than the current test requires." [Snippet]
Gangs Topic - National Criminal Justice Reference Service
"Street Gangs and Interventions: Innovative Problem Solving with Network Analysis, COPS, 11/2005, NCJ 211993. (34 pages).
PDF - http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1616
Highlights of the 2002-2003 National Youth Gang Surveys, OJJDP, 2005, NCJ 210490. (2 pages).
PDF http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200501.pdf
Evaluation of the Bloomington-Normal Comprehensive Gang Program, NIJ-Sponsored, 5/2005, NCJ 209186. (446 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209186.pdf
Evaluation of the Mesa Gang Intervention Program (MGIP), NIJ-Sponsored, 5/2005. (518 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209187.pdf
Evaluation of the Riverside Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention and Suppression, NIJ-Sponsored, 5/2005. (380 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209188.pdf
Evaluation of the San Antonio Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention and Suppression Program, OJJDP, 5/2005, NCJ 209189. (230 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209189.pdf
PDF - http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/mime/open.pdf?Item=1616
Highlights of the 2002-2003 National Youth Gang Surveys, OJJDP, 2005, NCJ 210490. (2 pages).
PDF http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/ojjdp/fs200501.pdf
Evaluation of the Bloomington-Normal Comprehensive Gang Program, NIJ-Sponsored, 5/2005, NCJ 209186. (446 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209186.pdf
Evaluation of the Mesa Gang Intervention Program (MGIP), NIJ-Sponsored, 5/2005. (518 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209187.pdf
Evaluation of the Riverside Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention and Suppression, NIJ-Sponsored, 5/2005. (380 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209188.pdf
Evaluation of the San Antonio Comprehensive Community-Wide Approach to Gang Prevention, Intervention and Suppression Program, OJJDP, 5/2005, NCJ 209189. (230 pages).
PDF - http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/209189.pdf
BCSC issues a Guidance Note on Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) / Security Park. 23 Jan 2006
http://www.securitypark.co.uk/article.asp?articleid=24847&CategoryID=1"Working with the authorities, shopping centre owners and managers can use ABCs and ASBOs as very useful additional tools in combating nuisance individuals or groups in shopping centres who may be intimidating members of the public and possibly deterring shoppers from continuing to use the centre, as well as intimidating tenants and centre staff."
Report: Build management networks, not hierarchies GovExec, 20 Jan 2006
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=33196&dcn=e_gvet
Jenny Mandel
"Management structures that blend hierarchies with networks of affected parties will be most effective in meeting challenges facing the federal government in the 21st century, according to a recent report. "
The Next Government of the United States: Challenges for
Performance in the 21st Century - PDF http://www.businessofgovernment.org/pdfs/KettlReport.pdf
Jenny Mandel
"Management structures that blend hierarchies with networks of affected parties will be most effective in meeting challenges facing the federal government in the 21st century, according to a recent report. "
The Next Government of the United States: Challenges for
Performance in the 21st Century - PDF http://www.businessofgovernment.org/pdfs/KettlReport.pdf
Qaeda said to call shots in Pakistan tribal lands / International Herald Tribune, 22 Jan 2006
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/22/news/pakistan.phpCarlotta Gall and Mohammad Khan - The New York Times
"The Pakistani officials said that bin Laden and Zawahiri had been joined by foreign militants from Arab countries, Central Asia and the Caucasus, possibly in the hundreds, who present a continuing threat to the authorities within the region. The Pakistani officials, and former residents said the militants now dispense their own justice, run their own private jails, rob banks, shell military and civilian government compounds and attack convoys at will. They are recruiting men from the local tribes and have gained a hold over the population through a mix of fear and religion, the officials and former residents said. "
"The Pakistani officials said that bin Laden and Zawahiri had been joined by foreign militants from Arab countries, Central Asia and the Caucasus, possibly in the hundreds, who present a continuing threat to the authorities within the region. The Pakistani officials, and former residents said the militants now dispense their own justice, run their own private jails, rob banks, shell military and civilian government compounds and attack convoys at will. They are recruiting men from the local tribes and have gained a hold over the population through a mix of fear and religion, the officials and former residents said. "
High cost of reclassifying cannabis / The Herald, 23 Jan 2006
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/54730.html
Tom gordon
"The number of people detained in hospital for mental and behavioural problems due to cannabis use has soared since the drug was reclassified. Data released by the Scottish Executive in a parliamentary answer this week will show 494 discharges from acute hospitals last year after a 'cannabinoid'- related diagnosis, compared with 285 in 2003, the year before cannabis was downgraded from a class B to a class C drug."
Drugs Prblem Data (Scotland) Link to PDF : http://www.theherald.co.uk/uimages/2301drugs.PDF
Tom gordon
"The number of people detained in hospital for mental and behavioural problems due to cannabis use has soared since the drug was reclassified. Data released by the Scottish Executive in a parliamentary answer this week will show 494 discharges from acute hospitals last year after a 'cannabinoid'- related diagnosis, compared with 285 in 2003, the year before cannabis was downgraded from a class B to a class C drug."
Drugs Prblem Data (Scotland) Link to PDF : http://www.theherald.co.uk/uimages/2301drugs.PDF
Mums' Army on the streets / East London and West Essex Guardian, 23 Jan 2006
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/display.var.674931.0.0.php?utag=12692
Naomi Wright
"Mrs Westlake first appeared in the Guardian in November 2004 after she was attacked and left unconscious by two muggers while out shopping in Leytonstone. She spent four days in hospital and suffered cuts to the head and bruising.
But instead of becoming a prisoner in her own home, she has now decided to tackle yob culture head on and stamp out anti-social behaviour.
Mums' Army was recently launched by national magazine Take a Break and so far it says the party has 54 candidates standing in local elections across England, Scotland and Wales."
Naomi Wright
"Mrs Westlake first appeared in the Guardian in November 2004 after she was attacked and left unconscious by two muggers while out shopping in Leytonstone. She spent four days in hospital and suffered cuts to the head and bruising.
But instead of becoming a prisoner in her own home, she has now decided to tackle yob culture head on and stamp out anti-social behaviour.
Mums' Army was recently launched by national magazine Take a Break and so far it says the party has 54 candidates standing in local elections across England, Scotland and Wales."
[Australia - NSW] Iemma plays the race card on crime / Sydney Morning Herald, 22 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gcdaAnne Davies.
"Having gone from a statesman-like position of not labelling offenders by their ethnicity, Iemma repeatedly referred to the revenge attackers as 'grubs', and changed the name of Taskforce Gain - which has been dealing for four years with organised crime in south-west Sydney - to the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad. He was unable to explain how Middle Eastern crime differs from other forms of organised crime, which might justify this title. Nor, it seems, will this squad be dealing with the revenge attacks, as these did not come within the definition of organised crime proffered by Iemma: murder, supply of drugs and other serious offences."
"Having gone from a statesman-like position of not labelling offenders by their ethnicity, Iemma repeatedly referred to the revenge attackers as 'grubs', and changed the name of Taskforce Gain - which has been dealing for four years with organised crime in south-west Sydney - to the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad. He was unable to explain how Middle Eastern crime differs from other forms of organised crime, which might justify this title. Nor, it seems, will this squad be dealing with the revenge attacks, as these did not come within the definition of organised crime proffered by Iemma: murder, supply of drugs and other serious offences."
Drug gangs turn to hydroponics / The Courier-Mail:, 23 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gccw Paula Doneman,
"VIETNAMESE crime groups have emerged as one of the nation's major suppliers of hydroponically grown marijuana.
Police sources said the Australian-based groups' move into hydroponics was a shift from their long-standing involvement in the heroin trade. Hydroponics is now the biggest form of cannabis production in Queensland and growers are developing increasingly sophisticated methods. Drug Squad Detective Inspector Gordon Thompson said crops had been found mostly in suburban houses and to a lesser extent, on small farms. Drug growers were renting private homes from unsuspecting landlords and converting them to cannabis hothouses, he said. "
"VIETNAMESE crime groups have emerged as one of the nation's major suppliers of hydroponically grown marijuana.
Police sources said the Australian-based groups' move into hydroponics was a shift from their long-standing involvement in the heroin trade. Hydroponics is now the biggest form of cannabis production in Queensland and growers are developing increasingly sophisticated methods. Drug Squad Detective Inspector Gordon Thompson said crops had been found mostly in suburban houses and to a lesser extent, on small farms. Drug growers were renting private homes from unsuspecting landlords and converting them to cannabis hothouses, he said. "
Dutch Introduce Exams for Immigrants, Consider Army Drill for Youths / Canada Free Press, 22 Jan 2006
http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/brussels012206a.htm
Paul Belien
"Fearing the occurrence of �French situations� such as the widespread rioting by immigrant youths in France in November last year, politicians from the Right and the Left have embraced the proposal to send young people to a military drill camp. The proposal was made this week by the former entrepreneur Hans de Boer, who was recently appointed by the government to head the Taskforce for Youth Unemployment. De Boer said in Thursday�s papers that young dropouts, who have no jobs or qualifications, have to be sent to �prep camps� in order to be drilled and prepared to go back to school. He called upon the army to encourage decent and responsible behaviour in the youths. One of the sites for such training is a former army barracks in Budel, near the Belgian border."
Paul Belien
"Fearing the occurrence of �French situations� such as the widespread rioting by immigrant youths in France in November last year, politicians from the Right and the Left have embraced the proposal to send young people to a military drill camp. The proposal was made this week by the former entrepreneur Hans de Boer, who was recently appointed by the government to head the Taskforce for Youth Unemployment. De Boer said in Thursday�s papers that young dropouts, who have no jobs or qualifications, have to be sent to �prep camps� in order to be drilled and prepared to go back to school. He called upon the army to encourage decent and responsible behaviour in the youths. One of the sites for such training is a former army barracks in Budel, near the Belgian border."
French hip-hoppers speak for a displaced, ghettoized generation Santa Cruz Sentinel, 22 Jan 2006
http://www.santacruzsentinel.com/archive/2006/January/22/edit/stories/02edit.htm"The similarities between the ghettoized neighborhoods of France and those of the U.S. are often cited as the main reason that hip-hop culture, and rap music in particular, have become so popular here. Salient discrimination, police violence and grinding poverty provide a deep sense of identification that is largely responsible for hip-hop's ongoing popularity."
R-e-s-p-e-c-t, find out what it means to England / The Christian Science Monitor, 23 Jan 2006
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0123/p01s02-woeu.html
Mark Rice-Oxley
"Earlier this month, there was a volley of new proposals many of which - if approved by Parliament - would give police and local authorities special powers that circumvent the criminal justice system."
Mark Rice-Oxley
"Earlier this month, there was a volley of new proposals many of which - if approved by Parliament - would give police and local authorities special powers that circumvent the criminal justice system."
Clean streets should be 'top priority' for all councils / 24dash.com, 26 Jan 2006
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=2&newsID=2617
"Over the course of the next two years, all districts in England will be scrutinised on everything from the number of weed-ridden and litter-strewn streets, to the quality of the litter bin collections. "
"Over the course of the next two years, all districts in England will be scrutinised on everything from the number of weed-ridden and litter-strewn streets, to the quality of the litter bin collections. "
Britain's non-white population grows by over half a million in two years / 24dash.com, 26 Jan 2006
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=2626
"The non-white British population grew by more than half a million over two years, according to new figures. In the same period the white British population fell by more than 100,000, according to the Office for National Statistics."
"The non-white British population grew by more than half a million over two years, according to new figures. In the same period the white British population fell by more than 100,000, according to the Office for National Statistics."
City highlights sexual exploitation of boys /| 24dash.com, 25 Jan 2006
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=2605
"A northern city is raising awareness on the sexual exploitation of boys and young men. Research suggests much of the sexual exploitation happens 'behind closed doors' and that is reflected in cases found in Sheffield. Sheffield Safeguarding Children Board has identified that some boys are at risk of being exploited."
"A northern city is raising awareness on the sexual exploitation of boys and young men. Research suggests much of the sexual exploitation happens 'behind closed doors' and that is reflected in cases found in Sheffield. Sheffield Safeguarding Children Board has identified that some boys are at risk of being exploited."
[Scotland] Police to work in schools to deter youth crime / Scotsman, 26 Jan 2006
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=129752006
Ian Swanson
"POLICE are to be sent into primary and secondary schools in Scotland in a bid to stop children becoming involved in crime.
Officers will work with teachers and social workers to offer children additional support at an earlier age and parents of problem pupils will also be offered help and training. A two-year pilot scheme will be launched in April and if it is a success, it could be rolled out across the country. "
Ian Swanson
"POLICE are to be sent into primary and secondary schools in Scotland in a bid to stop children becoming involved in crime.
Officers will work with teachers and social workers to offer children additional support at an earlier age and parents of problem pupils will also be offered help and training. A two-year pilot scheme will be launched in April and if it is a success, it could be rolled out across the country. "
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Center for Technology in Government Releases Capability Assessment Toolkit For Sharing Justice Information /GovTech, 23 Jan 23 2006
http://www.govtech.net/news/news.php?id=97978
"The Toolkit helps those responsible for planning and implementing information sharing and integration initiatives to answer two key questions: What is our current capability for sharing and integrating information among the organizations involved? and How can these organizations build higher levels of sharing and integration capability? The Toolkit defines sixteen basic capability dimensions and provides a detailed survey for those involved in the initiative to assess organizational, technical, and policy-related aspects of capability. The results of the assessment can help determine how to fill gaps in capability both within and across organizations."
Sharing Justice Information: A Capability Assessment Toolkit
PDF - http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/guides/sharing_justice_info/sharing_justice_info.pdf
"The Toolkit helps those responsible for planning and implementing information sharing and integration initiatives to answer two key questions: What is our current capability for sharing and integrating information among the organizations involved? and How can these organizations build higher levels of sharing and integration capability? The Toolkit defines sixteen basic capability dimensions and provides a detailed survey for those involved in the initiative to assess organizational, technical, and policy-related aspects of capability. The results of the assessment can help determine how to fill gaps in capability both within and across organizations."
Sharing Justice Information: A Capability Assessment Toolkit
PDF - http://www.ctg.albany.edu/publications/guides/sharing_justice_info/sharing_justice_info.pdf
[Netherlands] Dutch Immigration Restrictions Draw Fire / Islam Online, 22 Jan 2006
http://www.islamonline.org/English/News/2006-01/22/article05.shtml
Nasreddine Djebbi,
"From next March, foreigners seeking to immigrate to the Netherlands will have to sit, in their countries of origin, a test costing 350 euros ($425) before being granted a residence permit. This also applies to scholars and imams. The law further obliges any immigrant who wants to bring a relative into the country to have a salary exceeding the lowest rate of wages in the Netherlands. 'This violates international law on rights of minorities and right to family reunion and marriage,' Boujoufi said.
He asserted that the new rules would make it almost impossible for foreigners to marry except native Dutch."
Nasreddine Djebbi,
"From next March, foreigners seeking to immigrate to the Netherlands will have to sit, in their countries of origin, a test costing 350 euros ($425) before being granted a residence permit. This also applies to scholars and imams. The law further obliges any immigrant who wants to bring a relative into the country to have a salary exceeding the lowest rate of wages in the Netherlands. 'This violates international law on rights of minorities and right to family reunion and marriage,' Boujoufi said.
He asserted that the new rules would make it almost impossible for foreigners to marry except native Dutch."
Please speak Dutch after the tone / Radio Netherlands, 23 Jan 2006
http://www2.rnw.nl/rnw/en/currentaffairs/region/netherlands/11350313
Paul Hazebroek
"From 1 March this year, people from outside the European Union hoping to come and live in the Netherlands will have to take a Dutch language test - over the telephone. The exam will be carried out using an automatic speech recognition system and has just been approved by the Dutch Parliament, but the idea also has plenty of critics. The computer decides whether the potential migrant speaks fluently enough and can use everyday language, but if they make mistakes in pronouncing their Dutch (and the language is notoriously difficult to pronounce) the application can be refused. "
Paul Hazebroek
"From 1 March this year, people from outside the European Union hoping to come and live in the Netherlands will have to take a Dutch language test - over the telephone. The exam will be carried out using an automatic speech recognition system and has just been approved by the Dutch Parliament, but the idea also has plenty of critics. The computer decides whether the potential migrant speaks fluently enough and can use everyday language, but if they make mistakes in pronouncing their Dutch (and the language is notoriously difficult to pronounce) the application can be refused. "
Refining the Tests That Confer Citizenship / New York Times, 23 Jan 2006
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/23/arts/23conn.html
Edward Rothstein
"Where does Father Christmas come from? How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket? If your adult son declares he's a homosexual, what do you do? If a film or a book insults your religious feelings, what is your reaction? Why are aboriginal peoples seeking self-government? Who has the power to declare war? Sample Questions Answering such questions appropriately may not define you as a citizen of the world, even in this era of supposed globalization, but it would help get you citizenship in Britain (the first two questions), Germany (the second two), Canada (the next) or the United States (the last). Perhaps never before in human history has so much energy been devoted to trying to establish citizenship tests to define national identity. Judging from the debates raging and the confused choices made, there is as little agreement within each country as there is between them."
Edward Rothstein
"Where does Father Christmas come from? How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket? If your adult son declares he's a homosexual, what do you do? If a film or a book insults your religious feelings, what is your reaction? Why are aboriginal peoples seeking self-government? Who has the power to declare war? Sample Questions Answering such questions appropriately may not define you as a citizen of the world, even in this era of supposed globalization, but it would help get you citizenship in Britain (the first two questions), Germany (the second two), Canada (the next) or the United States (the last). Perhaps never before in human history has so much energy been devoted to trying to establish citizenship tests to define national identity. Judging from the debates raging and the confused choices made, there is as little agreement within each country as there is between them."
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
Overview - Current Biometric Implementations in European Union Member States / European Biometrics Portal, Sep 2005
PDF - http://www.europeanbiometrics.info/images/resources/93_338_file.pdf
Sebastien Baque
also
A Hyperlinked Listing of Other documents Available at the EBPWebsite as of November 22 2oo5
Euorpean Biometrics Portal - Website
http://www.europeanbiometrics.info/index.php
Sebastien Baque
also
A Hyperlinked Listing of Other documents Available at the EBPWebsite as of November 22 2oo5
Euorpean Biometrics Portal - Website
http://www.europeanbiometrics.info/index.php
Mums and dads reap benefits of Youth Offending Team's parenting programme / 24dash.com, 23 Jan 2006
http://www.24dash.com/content/news/viewNews.php?navID=7&newsID=2536
"A group of parents have successfully completed a number of courses run by Newcastle City Council's Youth Offending Team designed to give them confidence in dealing with their children."
"A group of parents have successfully completed a number of courses run by Newcastle City Council's Youth Offending Team designed to give them confidence in dealing with their children."
Sunday, January 22, 2006
North American Transnational Youth Gangs: Breaking the Chain of Violence / Heritage foundation, 2005
http://www.heritage.org/Research/UrbanIssues/bg1834.cfm
Backgrounder #1834
Stephen Johnson and David B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D.
"Youth gangs are nothing new. They appeared in New York City and Philadelphia at the end of the American Revolution. Their numbers and violence correspond to peak levels of immigration and population shifts that occurred in the early 1800s, 1920s, 1960s, and late 1990s. Entrenched in American culture, gangs are romanticized in movies while rap artists copy their dress and jargon. However, because of their growing membership and globalization, gangs have become a public security threat that must be addressed."
Backgrounder #1834
Stephen Johnson and David B. Muhlhausen, Ph.D.
"Youth gangs are nothing new. They appeared in New York City and Philadelphia at the end of the American Revolution. Their numbers and violence correspond to peak levels of immigration and population shifts that occurred in the early 1800s, 1920s, 1960s, and late 1990s. Entrenched in American culture, gangs are romanticized in movies while rap artists copy their dress and jargon. However, because of their growing membership and globalization, gangs have become a public security threat that must be addressed."
Scottish police will be allowed to store DNA profiles / Scotland on Sunday, 22 Jan 2006
http://news.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=106482006
Murdo MacLeod
"A huge row has erupted south of the Border after it emerged English police are holding the details of 24,000 young people on their DNA database despite none of them having criminal convictions. Scotland on Sunday can reveal that following a consultation exercise, the Scottish Executive is determined to allow police north of the Border the right to keep the DNA profiles of people they arrested but who were not subsequently convicted.
Under present rules, DNA samples can only be permanently added to the database in the event of a conviction.
Ministers want to fall into line with the English system, under which chief constables have the discretion to keep DNA data regardless of the court outcome. Police say holding on to the information has helped solve thousands of crimes. "
Murdo MacLeod
"A huge row has erupted south of the Border after it emerged English police are holding the details of 24,000 young people on their DNA database despite none of them having criminal convictions. Scotland on Sunday can reveal that following a consultation exercise, the Scottish Executive is determined to allow police north of the Border the right to keep the DNA profiles of people they arrested but who were not subsequently convicted.
Under present rules, DNA samples can only be permanently added to the database in the event of a conviction.
Ministers want to fall into line with the English system, under which chief constables have the discretion to keep DNA data regardless of the court outcome. Police say holding on to the information has helped solve thousands of crimes. "
Labour threat to Strathclyde police revealed / Scotland on Sunday, 22 Jan 2006
http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=106452006
"SCOTLAND'S biggest police force will be broken up under a controversial Labour plan aimed at boosting the local accountability of law enforcement. Strathclyde Police - which covers nearly half the population - would be drastically cut in size, with large areas hived off to other existing forces, under the Scottish Labour plan. Critics warn that if the break-up goes ahead, Scotland will lose all the expertise and benefits of having a large force, such as anti-terror, crowd control and helicopters. "
"SCOTLAND'S biggest police force will be broken up under a controversial Labour plan aimed at boosting the local accountability of law enforcement. Strathclyde Police - which covers nearly half the population - would be drastically cut in size, with large areas hived off to other existing forces, under the Scottish Labour plan. Critics warn that if the break-up goes ahead, Scotland will lose all the expertise and benefits of having a large force, such as anti-terror, crowd control and helicopters. "
UCD teaches first degree in cybercrime - Sunday Times / Sunday Times, 22 Jan 2006
UCD teaches first degree in cybercrime - Sunday Times - Times Online:
Enda Leahy
"The secret files on dozens of international criminal investigations have been handed to UCD's department of computing science to be used as case studies in the world's first masters degree course in cybercrime investigation.
The degree is restricted to accredited law enforcement officers from around the world and 10 police officers from as far afield as Hong Kong and South Africa have enrolled for the classes which start this month. "
Enda Leahy
"The secret files on dozens of international criminal investigations have been handed to UCD's department of computing science to be used as case studies in the world's first masters degree course in cybercrime investigation.
The degree is restricted to accredited law enforcement officers from around the world and 10 police officers from as far afield as Hong Kong and South Africa have enrolled for the classes which start this month. "
Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs: Further consideration of the classification of cannabis under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
/ Home Office, 19 Jan 2006
http://www.drugs.gov.uk/publication-search/acmd/cannabis_reclass_2005?view=Binary
"Following the Home Secretary's request in March 2005, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has reviewed its position on the classification of cannabis products. In particular, it has examined recent evidence (published since its last report in 2002) on the effects of cannabis on mental health and claims of increased prevalence of cannabis with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol."
http://www.drugs.gov.uk/publication-search/acmd/cannabis_reclass_2005?view=Binary
"Following the Home Secretary's request in March 2005, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs has reviewed its position on the classification of cannabis products. In particular, it has examined recent evidence (published since its last report in 2002) on the effects of cannabis on mental health and claims of increased prevalence of cannabis with high levels of tetrahydrocannabinol."
Saturday, January 21, 2006
IT industry prepares for the worst over ID cards / The Register, 20 Feb 2006
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/01/20/intellect_id_cards/Mark Ballard
"After years in which suppliers have absorbed most of the blame for government IT failures, the case for there being equal measures of ineptitude in the civil service is gaining momentum behind the concerted campaign against ID Cards.
The latest evidence was submitted as a statement this week by Intellect, the UK's IT trade association, in a thinly veiled case of passing the blame. It followed a machine-gun of criticism about the feasibility of ID Cards this week, from the opposition, the Lords and anti-corporate campaigners."
"After years in which suppliers have absorbed most of the blame for government IT failures, the case for there being equal measures of ineptitude in the civil service is gaining momentum behind the concerted campaign against ID Cards.
The latest evidence was submitted as a statement this week by Intellect, the UK's IT trade association, in a thinly veiled case of passing the blame. It followed a machine-gun of criticism about the feasibility of ID Cards this week, from the opposition, the Lords and anti-corporate campaigners."
Violence on the brain / Spiked, 17 Jan 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAF1F.htm
Graham Barnfield
"Yet another link has been 'suggested' between violence and computer gaming. 'Violent computer games may make people more likely to act aggressively', a new study says (1). A team from the University of Missouri-Columbia said their study, monitoring the brain activity of 39 game players, suggests a causal link. Newspapers for whom the world is continually going to hell in a handcart welcomed this new breakthrough, with the UK Daily Mail building on last year's grim prognosis that 'Violent video games damage brain' (2)."
Graham Barnfield
"Yet another link has been 'suggested' between violence and computer gaming. 'Violent computer games may make people more likely to act aggressively', a new study says (1). A team from the University of Missouri-Columbia said their study, monitoring the brain activity of 39 game players, suggests a causal link. Newspapers for whom the world is continually going to hell in a handcart welcomed this new breakthrough, with the UK Daily Mail building on last year's grim prognosis that 'Violent video games damage brain' (2)."
Violence on the brain / Spiked, 17 Jan 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CAF1F.htm
Graham Barnfield
"Yet another link has been 'suggested' between violence and computer gaming. 'Violent computer games may make people more likely to act aggressively', a new study says (1). A team from the University of Missouri-Columbia said their study, monitoring the brain activity of 39 game players, suggests a causal link. Newspapers for whom the world is continually going to hell in a handcart welcomed this new breakthrough, with the UK Daily Mail building on last year's grim prognosis that 'Violent video games damage brain' (2)."
Graham Barnfield
"Yet another link has been 'suggested' between violence and computer gaming. 'Violent computer games may make people more likely to act aggressively', a new study says (1). A team from the University of Missouri-Columbia said their study, monitoring the brain activity of 39 game players, suggests a causal link. Newspapers for whom the world is continually going to hell in a handcart welcomed this new breakthrough, with the UK Daily Mail building on last year's grim prognosis that 'Violent video games damage brain' (2)."
Policing diversity / Jane's Police Review, 20 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gaxm
John Coxhead and Simon Leckie
"For decades, the service has grappled with how best to approach the issues of race and diversity. Argues that occupational standards in diversity are simply about good policing "
John Coxhead and Simon Leckie
"For decades, the service has grappled with how best to approach the issues of race and diversity. Argues that occupational standards in diversity are simply about good policing "
PERSONAL VIEW - Armed and dangerous / Jane's Police Review, 20 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gaxk
Damian Warburton
"The murder of a police officer on duty is extremely rare in the UK. But when it does happen, the shock is so great there are inevitably calls for officers to be routinely armed. Examines the case for not arming all officers "
Damian Warburton
"The murder of a police officer on duty is extremely rare in the UK. But when it does happen, the shock is so great there are inevitably calls for officers to be routinely armed. Examines the case for not arming all officers "
Zawahiri: Foreshadowing Attacks on Israel and America? / Terrorism focus, Volume 3, Issue 2 (January 18, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369871
Michael Scheuer
"The last three months have been a busy media season for al-Qaeda deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. He has released a number of lengthy statements addressing the earthquake in Pakistan, the perfidy of President Musharraf�s government, elections in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, and the military situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The core of the two most recent statements, however, seems more ominous. Released on January 6 and 7, 2006, the statements focus on three items: the coming mujahideen victory in Iraq, a new warning to the American people and an updated version of a warning to Americans first issued in 2002."
Michael Scheuer
"The last three months have been a busy media season for al-Qaeda deputy leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. He has released a number of lengthy statements addressing the earthquake in Pakistan, the perfidy of President Musharraf�s government, elections in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, and the military situations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The core of the two most recent statements, however, seems more ominous. Released on January 6 and 7, 2006, the statements focus on three items: the coming mujahideen victory in Iraq, a new warning to the American people and an updated version of a warning to Americans first issued in 2002."
Islamists Pose a Growing Threat to Stability in Bangladesh / Terrorism Focus, Volume 3, Issue 2 (January 18, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369870
Andrew Holt
"Two main militant organizations currently exist in Bangladesh: Jama'at ul-Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB, or the Bangladesh Assembly of Holy Warriors) [1] and Harakat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (HuJI-B, or Movement of Islamic Holy war-Bangladesh)."
Andrew Holt
"Two main militant organizations currently exist in Bangladesh: Jama'at ul-Mujahedeen Bangladesh (JMB, or the Bangladesh Assembly of Holy Warriors) [1] and Harakat-ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (HuJI-B, or Movement of Islamic Holy war-Bangladesh)."
Internet Mujahideen Intensify Research on U.S. Economic Targets / Terrorism Focus, Volume 3, Issue 2 (January 18, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369869
Stephen Ulph
"A series of documents recently (re)circulating on the internet continue to underline a pressing jihadist interest in targeting U.S. economic assets. Some of these documents are quite explicit and detailed, giving indications of specific pipelines and facilities to attack�not only in the Gulf, but wherever in the world such assets can be targeted. Terrorism Focus highlighted last month (Volume II, Issue 23) how Ayman al-Zawahiri has been urging the targeting of oil installations in the Gulf States as part of the 'bleed-until-bankruptcy' strategy against the United States. More broadly, this strategy was underlined in posting last October on the forum Minbar Suriya al-Islami of Abu Musab al-Najdi's Al-Qaeda's Battle is an Economic Battle, Not a Military One, in which the targeting was extended to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela (www.nnuu.org.vb)."
Stephen Ulph
"A series of documents recently (re)circulating on the internet continue to underline a pressing jihadist interest in targeting U.S. economic assets. Some of these documents are quite explicit and detailed, giving indications of specific pipelines and facilities to attack�not only in the Gulf, but wherever in the world such assets can be targeted. Terrorism Focus highlighted last month (Volume II, Issue 23) how Ayman al-Zawahiri has been urging the targeting of oil installations in the Gulf States as part of the 'bleed-until-bankruptcy' strategy against the United States. More broadly, this strategy was underlined in posting last October on the forum Minbar Suriya al-Islami of Abu Musab al-Najdi's Al-Qaeda's Battle is an Economic Battle, Not a Military One, in which the targeting was extended to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Venezuela (www.nnuu.org.vb)."
Bajaur: Tribe and Custom Continue to Protect al-Qaeda / Terrorism Focus, Volume 3, Issue 2 (January 18, 2006)
http://www.jamestown.org/terrorism/news/article.php?articleid=2369868
"What is the significance of Banjaur agency and its relation with the central government? What is the connection if any of Bajaur to the Al-Qaeda terrorists and why would one, of all places, look for Ayman al-Zawahiri, the number two man in the al-Qaeda hierarchy, in Bajaur? Who is Mawlawi Faqir Mohammad, who appeared briefly to eulogize the bombing victims, and then disappeared into thin air? What about Bajaur makes it so tempting for the terrorists to hide there?"
"What is the significance of Banjaur agency and its relation with the central government? What is the connection if any of Bajaur to the Al-Qaeda terrorists and why would one, of all places, look for Ayman al-Zawahiri, the number two man in the al-Qaeda hierarchy, in Bajaur? Who is Mawlawi Faqir Mohammad, who appeared briefly to eulogize the bombing victims, and then disappeared into thin air? What about Bajaur makes it so tempting for the terrorists to hide there?"
Bin Laden in New Audiocassette / MEMRI, No 1074, 20 Jan 2006
http://www.memri.org/bin/opener_latest.cgi?ID=SD107406
"On January 19, 2006, Al-Jazeera TV broadcast excerpts from a new audiocassette by Osama bin Laden, in which the Al-Qaeda leader threatens further attacks on the U.S., 'immediately with the completion of the preparations.'
At the same time, bin Laden makes a plea to accept and uphold a long term truce under fair conditions [if America offers it to him], which will provide security and stability to both sides and will make it possible to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan. 'We are a nation forbidden by Allah to betray and lie,' promises bin Laden. Contrary to mistranslations in the media, from Al-Jazeera for example, [1] bin Laden did not offer a truce, but made a plea to genuinely uphold one if America offers it to him. "
"On January 19, 2006, Al-Jazeera TV broadcast excerpts from a new audiocassette by Osama bin Laden, in which the Al-Qaeda leader threatens further attacks on the U.S., 'immediately with the completion of the preparations.'
At the same time, bin Laden makes a plea to accept and uphold a long term truce under fair conditions [if America offers it to him], which will provide security and stability to both sides and will make it possible to rebuild Iraq and Afghanistan. 'We are a nation forbidden by Allah to betray and lie,' promises bin Laden. Contrary to mistranslations in the media, from Al-Jazeera for example, [1] bin Laden did not offer a truce, but made a plea to genuinely uphold one if America offers it to him. "
Fines will target Americans who smuggle humans / San Diego
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/mexico/tijuana/20060120-9999-1n20fines.html
Leslie Berestein
"The goal is also to punish smugglers who generally would go unpunished. Federal prosecutors in San Diego are overburdened with human-and drug-smuggling cases, making it difficult for border security officials to prosecute most human-smuggling offenders. Only the worst cases, such as those involving the endangerment of the people being smuggled, are typically prosecuted.
Non-citizens who aren't prosecuted are subject to punishment: Foreign nationals caught smuggling can be repatriated, and legal residents can be stripped of their green cards. But until now, there have been no administrative penalties for U.S. citizens who get caught, a loophole that recruiters for smuggling organizations exploit."
Leslie Berestein
"The goal is also to punish smugglers who generally would go unpunished. Federal prosecutors in San Diego are overburdened with human-and drug-smuggling cases, making it difficult for border security officials to prosecute most human-smuggling offenders. Only the worst cases, such as those involving the endangerment of the people being smuggled, are typically prosecuted.
Non-citizens who aren't prosecuted are subject to punishment: Foreign nationals caught smuggling can be repatriated, and legal residents can be stripped of their green cards. But until now, there have been no administrative penalties for U.S. citizens who get caught, a loophole that recruiters for smuggling organizations exploit."
[Germany] Berlin school bans languages other than German / Expatica, 20 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gaxc
"A Berlin school has banned its students from speaking languages other than German while on school grounds.
'The language of our school is German, the official language of the Federal Republic of Germany,' reads the 'house rules' of the Herbert-Hoover Realschule, which every pupil is required to sign. The rules go on to say that, 'Every pupil is obliged to only communicate in this language [German] within the jurisdiction of the house rules.' The rules' jurisdiction is defined as including not only the school itself and its grounds, but also school excursions."
"A Berlin school has banned its students from speaking languages other than German while on school grounds.
'The language of our school is German, the official language of the Federal Republic of Germany,' reads the 'house rules' of the Herbert-Hoover Realschule, which every pupil is required to sign. The rules go on to say that, 'Every pupil is obliged to only communicate in this language [German] within the jurisdiction of the house rules.' The rules' jurisdiction is defined as including not only the school itself and its grounds, but also school excursions."
Shooting, but not to kill / Star-Gazette.COM, 21 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gaxb
Jim Pfiffer
"Less-than-lethal weapons pose another problem. Because they're a low-intensity alternative to lethal force, they can be used more casually and often than necessary, said Argetsinger. Worse, officers who fear the use of justified deadly force may depend too much on less-than-lethal options and get hurt or killed, say police. Less-than-lethal alternatives can be lethal when used improperly or targeted at people with hidden health problems - like heart or respiratory conditions. Beanbag and pepper ball guns are never supposed to be fired at a suspect's face, groin or vital organs. Instead police target the legs or lower abdomen."
Jim Pfiffer
"Less-than-lethal weapons pose another problem. Because they're a low-intensity alternative to lethal force, they can be used more casually and often than necessary, said Argetsinger. Worse, officers who fear the use of justified deadly force may depend too much on less-than-lethal options and get hurt or killed, say police. Less-than-lethal alternatives can be lethal when used improperly or targeted at people with hidden health problems - like heart or respiratory conditions. Beanbag and pepper ball guns are never supposed to be fired at a suspect's face, groin or vital organs. Instead police target the legs or lower abdomen."
Friday, January 20, 2006
He's back / Economist.com, 20 Jan 2006
http://www.economist.com/agenda/displayStory.cfm?story_id=5430889&fsrc=RSS
"T IS not surprising when two press outlets have different takes on a piece of news. But it is harder than usual to square two headlines from Thursday, January 19th. " [Sub Required]
"T IS not surprising when two press outlets have different takes on a piece of news. But it is harder than usual to square two headlines from Thursday, January 19th. " [Sub Required]
Judge slams police on domestic violence / Preston today, 20 Jan 2006
http://www.prestontoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?sectionid=73&articleid=1322650
"A top Preston judge has severely criticised police treatment of domestic violence cases. District Judge Nigel Law told members of Preston Domestic Abuse Forum that he believes some officers are not doing all they can to ensure successful convictions. And he urged police bosses to tackle the problem and train their officers in the best way to approach such incidents."
"A top Preston judge has severely criticised police treatment of domestic violence cases. District Judge Nigel Law told members of Preston Domestic Abuse Forum that he believes some officers are not doing all they can to ensure successful convictions. And he urged police bosses to tackle the problem and train their officers in the best way to approach such incidents."
Nigeria moves to outlaw gay marriage / Monsters & Critics, 20 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gapm
"Nigeria`s Federal Executive Council has approved a bill baning same-sex marriages, and penalizing those who participate in them and those who perform them.
The Anglican Church is a strong backer of the proposal, which now goes to Parliament. In five northern provinces governed by Muslim Sharia law, all adulterous sexual relationships are a crime, punishable by being stoned to death.
'The Anglican Church in Nigeria has been in the forefront of condemning the attitude because the church sees it as an aberration, in other words, we see it as against the norm. We see it as an abomination,' the Rev. Tunde Popoola, a spokesman for the Anglican Church of Nigeria, told Voice of America.
Under the bill, anyone engaging in homosexual acts or marrying a same-sex partner would be eligible for a five-year prison sentence, as would anyone who presides at a same-sex wedding. Even participating in a homosexual rally or demonstration would be a criminal act. Justice Minister Bayo Ojo said Nigerian officials became concerned after the South African Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage in December."[Snippet]
"Nigeria`s Federal Executive Council has approved a bill baning same-sex marriages, and penalizing those who participate in them and those who perform them.
The Anglican Church is a strong backer of the proposal, which now goes to Parliament. In five northern provinces governed by Muslim Sharia law, all adulterous sexual relationships are a crime, punishable by being stoned to death.
'The Anglican Church in Nigeria has been in the forefront of condemning the attitude because the church sees it as an aberration, in other words, we see it as against the norm. We see it as an abomination,' the Rev. Tunde Popoola, a spokesman for the Anglican Church of Nigeria, told Voice of America.
Under the bill, anyone engaging in homosexual acts or marrying a same-sex partner would be eligible for a five-year prison sentence, as would anyone who presides at a same-sex wedding. Even participating in a homosexual rally or demonstration would be a criminal act. Justice Minister Bayo Ojo said Nigerian officials became concerned after the South African Supreme Court ruled in favor of gay marriage in December."[Snippet]
Officials see no indication of impending terror attack / USATODAY.com, 20 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gapb
"Counterterror officials said they have seen no specific or credible intelligence to indicate an upcoming al-Qaeda attack on the United States. Nor have they noticed an uptick in terrorist communications "chatter" — although that can dramatically increase or decrease immediately before an attack. The Homeland Security Department said it would not raise the national threat alert at this time. But the tape prompted increased security at Los Angeles International Airport and other precautions at the city's port and water and power facilities. "
"Counterterror officials said they have seen no specific or credible intelligence to indicate an upcoming al-Qaeda attack on the United States. Nor have they noticed an uptick in terrorist communications "chatter" — although that can dramatically increase or decrease immediately before an attack. The Homeland Security Department said it would not raise the national threat alert at this time. But the tape prompted increased security at Los Angeles International Airport and other precautions at the city's port and water and power facilities. "
U.S. rejects�bin Laden tape's 'truce' offer / CNN.com, 20 Jan 2006
http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/01/20/binladen.tape/index.html?section=cnn_topstories
"A CIA official believes an audiotaped message threatening the United States is from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who warns that plans for terror attacks are under way -- and also offers a 'long-term truce.'"
WATCH
CIA is assessing threats made on bin Laden tape (2:09)
A new tape warns of more attacks against America (1:34)
Hunt still on for al Qaeda leaders, says U.S. military (2:40)
RELATED
Timeline: Bin Laden's terror tapes
• Timeline: Chasing al Qaeda
• Robertson: Al Qaeda fights back
• TIME.com: Retaking top billing
"A CIA official believes an audiotaped message threatening the United States is from al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, who warns that plans for terror attacks are under way -- and also offers a 'long-term truce.'"
WATCH
CIA is assessing threats made on bin Laden tape (2:09)
A new tape warns of more attacks against America (1:34)
Hunt still on for al Qaeda leaders, says U.S. military (2:40)
RELATED
Timeline: Bin Laden's terror tapes
• Timeline: Chasing al Qaeda
• Robertson: Al Qaeda fights back
• TIME.com: Retaking top billing
Bin Laden warns of attacks on the U.S. / International Herald Tribune, 20 Jan 2006
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/19/news/qaeda.php
Hassan M. Fattah The New York Times
" United Arab Emirates Breaking more than a year's silence, Osama bin Laden warned Americans in an audiotape released on Thursday that Al Qaeda was planning more attacks on the United States, but he offered a 'long truce' on undefined terms. "
Hassan M. Fattah The New York Times
" United Arab Emirates Breaking more than a year's silence, Osama bin Laden warned Americans in an audiotape released on Thursday that Al Qaeda was planning more attacks on the United States, but he offered a 'long truce' on undefined terms. "
Excerpts from the tape / International Herald Tribune, 19 Jan 2006
http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/01/19/news/web.0119laden.text.php
"The text of the excerpts aired by Al-Jazeera television from a new audiotape purportedly from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The excerpts were translated from the Arabic by The Associated Press. The speaker appears to be addressing the American people"
"The text of the excerpts aired by Al-Jazeera television from a new audiotape purportedly from al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden. The excerpts were translated from the Arabic by The Associated Press. The speaker appears to be addressing the American people"
Now let the real drugs debate begin / The Herald, 20 Jan 2006
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/54653.html
Neil McKeganey
"Leaving cannabis as a Class C drug unquestionably sends out the message to young people that they need not be as concerned about using the drug as they might have been. It also sends out the message that the government itself is less concerned with cannabis than it has been in the past. "
Neil McKeganey
"Leaving cannabis as a Class C drug unquestionably sends out the message to young people that they need not be as concerned about using the drug as they might have been. It also sends out the message that the government itself is less concerned with cannabis than it has been in the past. "
Canadian police arrest 27 organized crime group members / Xinhua20 Jan 2006
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-01/20/content_4075167.htm
"Last year, 45 members or associates were charged or convicted in a major operation in British Columbia, and Quebec has also successfully prosecuted several leading members of the gang. Canadian authorities estimate there are about 1,200 motorcycle gang members in Canada, most of whom belong to the Hells Angels, the Outlaws and the Bandidos."
See also: PROJECT HUSKY - 27 Charged in relation to Organized Crime, Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2006/19/c4028.html
"Last year, 45 members or associates were charged or convicted in a major operation in British Columbia, and Quebec has also successfully prosecuted several leading members of the gang. Canadian authorities estimate there are about 1,200 motorcycle gang members in Canada, most of whom belong to the Hells Angels, the Outlaws and the Bandidos."
See also: PROJECT HUSKY - 27 Charged in relation to Organized Crime, Conspiracy and Drug Trafficking
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/January2006/19/c4028.html
'Monster' on the Block / ABC News, 19 Jan 2006
http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/story?id=1522571
"A 42-year-old convicted child molester was about to be released from Atascadero State Mental Hospital, where 500 of California's most high-risk sex offenders are forced to live. He was sent there eight years ago, after he violated parole. He had previously served six years in prison. Even he said he understands the community's fears. "I understand people say, 'Oh, the monsters,'" he said. "There's no way I could sit here and say that it's wrong, the community's wrong. I understand they don't want me out there. Why take the chance? Leave him in."
The question is: What are we, as a society, to do with convicted child molesters who have served their prison terms?" [Case study]
"A 42-year-old convicted child molester was about to be released from Atascadero State Mental Hospital, where 500 of California's most high-risk sex offenders are forced to live. He was sent there eight years ago, after he violated parole. He had previously served six years in prison. Even he said he understands the community's fears. "I understand people say, 'Oh, the monsters,'" he said. "There's no way I could sit here and say that it's wrong, the community's wrong. I understand they don't want me out there. Why take the chance? Leave him in."
The question is: What are we, as a society, to do with convicted child molesters who have served their prison terms?" [Case study]
Hundreds Of Fake Passports Seized In Raids - UK News Headlines / Life Style Extra, 19 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gant
"More than 300 counterfeit passports were seized the majority of which British, plus Belgian, French, Spanish and Greek passports. Also seized were up to 1,000 counterfeit driving licences, thousands of blank ID cards awaiting processing, numerous computers, five card printers, a number of laminators, an electric embosser, passport paper, counterfeit national insurance cards and other material connected with the production of counterfeit documents."
"More than 300 counterfeit passports were seized the majority of which British, plus Belgian, French, Spanish and Greek passports. Also seized were up to 1,000 counterfeit driving licences, thousands of blank ID cards awaiting processing, numerous computers, five card printers, a number of laminators, an electric embosser, passport paper, counterfeit national insurance cards and other material connected with the production of counterfeit documents."
Crime and anti-social behaviour / The Socialist 12 - 18 Jan 2006
http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/2006/423/index.html?id=pp6.htm
Mike forster
"TONY BLAIR'S well-publicised ideas on 'respect' in the community have pushed his views on crime and anti-social behaviour onto the political agenda again. Asks what attitude should socialists take on this issue?"
Mike forster
"TONY BLAIR'S well-publicised ideas on 'respect' in the community have pushed his views on crime and anti-social behaviour onto the political agenda again. Asks what attitude should socialists take on this issue?"
Universal Guardian to Receive Patent on OC Canister Design: / Yahoo! , 19 Jan 2006
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060119/lath053.html?.v=40
"Universal Guardian Holdings, Inc. (UGHO) and its subsidiaries provide a comprehensive range of security products, systems, and services designed to mitigate terrorist and security threats worldwide. Universal Guardian Global Security Group comprises everything from strategic and tactical security services, business risk solutions, integrated and interoperable security systems, to non-lethal defense products. Universal Guardian companies features a wide variety of security applications for transportation and global supply chain security, maritime security and critical infrastructure protection for government and multi-national businesses on every continent. www.UniversalGuardian.com"
"Universal Guardian Holdings, Inc. (UGHO) and its subsidiaries provide a comprehensive range of security products, systems, and services designed to mitigate terrorist and security threats worldwide. Universal Guardian Global Security Group comprises everything from strategic and tactical security services, business risk solutions, integrated and interoperable security systems, to non-lethal defense products. Universal Guardian companies features a wide variety of security applications for transportation and global supply chain security, maritime security and critical infrastructure protection for government and multi-national businesses on every continent. www.UniversalGuardian.com"
Antisocial behaviour: the construction of a crime / Spiked, 19 Jan 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/Printable/0000000CAF28.htm
Stuart Waiton
"This essay examines the construction of the social problem of antisocial behaviour, by focusing, not on the behaviour of young people, but on the role of the political elite. It may be understandable for a tenants' association or local councillor to be engaged by the issue of noisy neighbours and rowdy children - but for the prime minister to prioritise this issue as one of his main concerns for the future of the nation seems rather strange. What is it that has put 'antisocial behaviour' so high up on the political agenda?"
Stuart Waiton
"This essay examines the construction of the social problem of antisocial behaviour, by focusing, not on the behaviour of young people, but on the role of the political elite. It may be understandable for a tenants' association or local councillor to be engaged by the issue of noisy neighbours and rowdy children - but for the prime minister to prioritise this issue as one of his main concerns for the future of the nation seems rather strange. What is it that has put 'antisocial behaviour' so high up on the political agenda?"
Hands-free police in control / The Boston Globe, 15 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4ganh
Tom Long
"The voice-activated system was developed by Project 54, a program at the University of New Hampshire, named after the '60s TV show ''Car 54, Where Are You?' About 450 police cars in 65 departments are now equipped with the system. Most are in New Hampshire, though police cars in Boston, Maryland, and California are also equipped. At the command of ''pursuit,' the cruiser's computer can activate the siren and blue lights, flash headlights, and send a message to the dispatch center with the officer's position, freeing the officer from fiddling with switches and buttons as he or she weaves through traffic. ''You can keep your hands on the wheel when you're in hot pursuit, when a split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death, particularly for a pedestrian,' said Poulin, whose cruiser is equipped with a laptop computer that controls the system." [Free registration may be required, or contact your Library]
Tom Long
"The voice-activated system was developed by Project 54, a program at the University of New Hampshire, named after the '60s TV show ''Car 54, Where Are You?' About 450 police cars in 65 departments are now equipped with the system. Most are in New Hampshire, though police cars in Boston, Maryland, and California are also equipped. At the command of ''pursuit,' the cruiser's computer can activate the siren and blue lights, flash headlights, and send a message to the dispatch center with the officer's position, freeing the officer from fiddling with switches and buttons as he or she weaves through traffic. ''You can keep your hands on the wheel when you're in hot pursuit, when a split-second decision can mean the difference between life and death, particularly for a pedestrian,' said Poulin, whose cruiser is equipped with a laptop computer that controls the system." [Free registration may be required, or contact your Library]
Firearms tracking device urged / The Boston Globe, 12 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gang
"Saying gun manufacturers should take steps to track guns, a Boston city councilor is proposing that global positioning technology be installed in firearms. Councilor Rob Consalvo wants to put a tracking device into newly manufactured guns and have legal gun owners retrofit their firearms so owners and police can locate and retrieve stolen guns the same way police use a computer chip to locate stolen cars."
"Saying gun manufacturers should take steps to track guns, a Boston city councilor is proposing that global positioning technology be installed in firearms. Councilor Rob Consalvo wants to put a tracking device into newly manufactured guns and have legal gun owners retrofit their firearms so owners and police can locate and retrieve stolen guns the same way police use a computer chip to locate stolen cars."
Police put a face on crime / The Courier-Journal, 10 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4ganf
Mark Coomes
"The LMPD -- and thousands of other law-enforcement agencies, including the FBI and CIA -- create facial images of criminal suspects using a program called FACES 4.0. The software contains a database of 4,400 different eyes, ears, noses, mouths, hairstyles and such. Guided by a victim's memory of a perpetrator's face, police trained in this discipline of video forensics repeatedly combine different features until the victim is satisfied with the result.
They rarely have to say so. Actions speak louder than words. "
Mark Coomes
"The LMPD -- and thousands of other law-enforcement agencies, including the FBI and CIA -- create facial images of criminal suspects using a program called FACES 4.0. The software contains a database of 4,400 different eyes, ears, noses, mouths, hairstyles and such. Guided by a victim's memory of a perpetrator's face, police trained in this discipline of video forensics repeatedly combine different features until the victim is satisfied with the result.
They rarely have to say so. Actions speak louder than words. "
Mobile providers resisting SOS alerts - Print Version / International Herald Tribune, 10 Jan 2006
http://www.iht.com/bin/print_ipub.php?file=/articles/2006/01/10/business/warnings.php
Kevin J. O'Brien
"In October, the Netherlands became the first country in Europe to require cell operators to transmit government text warnings via cell broadcasts. The government paid about E2.5 million, or $3 million, to three operators - Vodafone, KPN and Telfort - to equip their networks for cellular broadcasts.
So far, the Dutch system has sent only test messages. But starting Feb. 1, the national weather service will warn cellphone users of imminent flooding or rising ocean tides in threatened areas, said Wim van Setten, executive director of the Dutch Mobile Messaging Platform Association, the public-private organization that is running the program."
Kevin J. O'Brien
"In October, the Netherlands became the first country in Europe to require cell operators to transmit government text warnings via cell broadcasts. The government paid about E2.5 million, or $3 million, to three operators - Vodafone, KPN and Telfort - to equip their networks for cellular broadcasts.
So far, the Dutch system has sent only test messages. But starting Feb. 1, the national weather service will warn cellphone users of imminent flooding or rising ocean tides in threatened areas, said Wim van Setten, executive director of the Dutch Mobile Messaging Platform Association, the public-private organization that is running the program."
Protecting Corporate Britain from Fraud - Research Report 2005 - Executive summary / Mondaq, 12 Jan 2006
http://www.mondaq.com/article.asp?articleid=37102&email_access=on
"In the last fiscal year, the Serious Fraud Office investigated cases estimated to have cost Corporate Britain more than £2 billion. More worryingly, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that companies lose 6% of their annual revenue to fraud. Put in terms of the UK's GDP, that is equivalent to undetected and unreported fraud costing businesses over £72 billion every year3.
Major corporate collapses such as Parmalat, WorldCom, Enron, BCCI and Barings, arising out of a range of circumstances, should have been a wake up call for Corporate Britain to recognise that it is facing a serious risk of major fraud.When you combine this with the introduction of the most comprehensive worldwide anti-money laundering and corporate governance regime, you would expect Corporate Britain to be fully equipped to protect itself." [Free log in required]
"In the last fiscal year, the Serious Fraud Office investigated cases estimated to have cost Corporate Britain more than £2 billion. More worryingly, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners estimates that companies lose 6% of their annual revenue to fraud. Put in terms of the UK's GDP, that is equivalent to undetected and unreported fraud costing businesses over £72 billion every year3.
Major corporate collapses such as Parmalat, WorldCom, Enron, BCCI and Barings, arising out of a range of circumstances, should have been a wake up call for Corporate Britain to recognise that it is facing a serious risk of major fraud.When you combine this with the introduction of the most comprehensive worldwide anti-money laundering and corporate governance regime, you would expect Corporate Britain to be fully equipped to protect itself." [Free log in required]
BBC NEWS | UK | Sham marriage law faces challenge
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4626494.stm
Dominic Casciani
"Tough government rules on whether some immigrants can marry in the UK are being challenged in the High Court. Immigration campaigners say the law is discriminatory and want it overturned on human rights grounds. The Home Office introduced the rules last year saying they were essential to crack down on sham marriages for immigration."
Dominic Casciani
"Tough government rules on whether some immigrants can marry in the UK are being challenged in the High Court. Immigration campaigners say the law is discriminatory and want it overturned on human rights grounds. The Home Office introduced the rules last year saying they were essential to crack down on sham marriages for immigration."
[Netherlands] Dutch Closer to Immigrant Admissions Test / Washington Post, 19 Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4ganc
"The test is primarily a language test, but it will also test familiarity with basic aspects of Dutch culture. Many Turkish and Moroccan immigrants feel unfairly targeted by this and other recent measures by the center-right governing coalition, which was elected on an anti-crime, anti-immigration platform. Anti-immigration steps include the ongoing deportation of 26,000 illegal immigrants, the interning of asylum-seekers at prison camps while they apply and raising visa and work permit fees by hundreds of euros."
"The test is primarily a language test, but it will also test familiarity with basic aspects of Dutch culture. Many Turkish and Moroccan immigrants feel unfairly targeted by this and other recent measures by the center-right governing coalition, which was elected on an anti-crime, anti-immigration platform. Anti-immigration steps include the ongoing deportation of 26,000 illegal immigrants, the interning of asylum-seekers at prison camps while they apply and raising visa and work permit fees by hundreds of euros."
Thursday, January 19, 2006
ID cards - a fiasco waiting to happen / silicon.com, 16 Jan 2006
http://www.silicon.com/research/specialreports/idcards/0,3800010140,39155640,00.htmBrian White"Then there is the question of who will do the testing and where. Will we have roadside ID card checks? Will the private sector have access to the technology? At what level will these testers be in their organisation? And what analysis has been done into how the use of this technology will affect the way organisations operate?"
New delay to gun register/ vnunet.com, 19 Jan 2006
http://www.vnunet.com/computing/news/2148820/delay-gun-register
Emma Nash, Computing 19 Jan 2006
"Technical problems have once again delayed the national firearms register, nine years after it was first proposed (Computing, 27 July). The National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS) is intended to provide a searchable, national register of all firearms certificate holders. "
Emma Nash, Computing 19 Jan 2006
"Technical problems have once again delayed the national firearms register, nine years after it was first proposed (Computing, 27 July). The National Firearms Licensing Management System (NFLMS) is intended to provide a searchable, national register of all firearms certificate holders. "
Police Performance Assessments 2004/2005 / Home Office, Jan 2006
http://digbig.com/4gagm
HMIC - Baseline Assessment of Professional Standards
"In 2004/05, police forces have been assessed in seven key performance areas: Reducing Crime; Investigating Crime; Promoting Safety; Providing Assistance; Citizen Focus; Resource Use; and Local Policing (see FAQs). A national overview of all force assessments is available, whilst more detailed information can be found for each force (via the links below). Additionally, the national performance area assessments provide an overview on the national spread of grades awarded."
HMIC - Baseline Assessment of Professional Standards
"In 2004/05, police forces have been assessed in seven key performance areas: Reducing Crime; Investigating Crime; Promoting Safety; Providing Assistance; Citizen Focus; Resource Use; and Local Policing (see FAQs). A national overview of all force assessments is available, whilst more detailed information can be found for each force (via the links below). Additionally, the national performance area assessments provide an overview on the national spread of grades awarded."
Guardian Unlimited | Special reports | Dutch open Big Brother-style prison
http://www.guardian.co.uk/prisons/story/0,,1689763,00.html
Toby Sterling
"A hi-tech jail where inmates wear electronic wristbands to track their movements and guards are armed with emotion recognition software to monitor trouble opened in the Netherlands. Dutch authorities are convinced the newly dubbed 'big brother prison' is the future of correctional facilities: cheap and efficient, while not coddling criminals or violating their fundamental rights."
Toby Sterling
"A hi-tech jail where inmates wear electronic wristbands to track their movements and guards are armed with emotion recognition software to monitor trouble opened in the Netherlands. Dutch authorities are convinced the newly dubbed 'big brother prison' is the future of correctional facilities: cheap and efficient, while not coddling criminals or violating their fundamental rights."
Pito to research uses for facial biometrics / vnunet.com, 18 Jan 2006
http://www.vnunet.com/2148788
Sarah Arnott, Computing 18 Jan 2006
"The Pito team will focus on potential uses of the technology in conjunction with the Facial Images National Database (Find), the national mugshot system already being developed. Possibilities include comparing CCTV images with information held on the database, or even looking for links with photofit images created by victims and witnesses.
"We are not necessarily looking for evidential identification, we are looking for useful intelligence leads," said Moore."
Sarah Arnott, Computing 18 Jan 2006
"The Pito team will focus on potential uses of the technology in conjunction with the Facial Images National Database (Find), the national mugshot system already being developed. Possibilities include comparing CCTV images with information held on the database, or even looking for links with photofit images created by victims and witnesses.
"We are not necessarily looking for evidential identification, we are looking for useful intelligence leads," said Moore."
Unlocking Solutions to Crime / SmartJustice Press Release, 16 Jan 2006
http://www.smartjustice.org/pressvictimssurvey.shtml
"A new survey published today from SmartJustice and Victim Support gives a unique insight into how victims think the criminal justice system should deal with people who commit non-violent crimes. The findings, published in the Mirror today, challenge many pre-conceived ideas that victims always want heavy penalties such as prison. Instead, they support a range of measures which they believe are more effective in stopping further offending. The most striking finding of the research, conducted by ICM, was that 8 out of 10 (80%) victims think that more constructive activities for young people in the community and better supervision by parents would be effective in stopping re-offending."
"A new survey published today from SmartJustice and Victim Support gives a unique insight into how victims think the criminal justice system should deal with people who commit non-violent crimes. The findings, published in the Mirror today, challenge many pre-conceived ideas that victims always want heavy penalties such as prison. Instead, they support a range of measures which they believe are more effective in stopping further offending. The most striking finding of the research, conducted by ICM, was that 8 out of 10 (80%) victims think that more constructive activities for young people in the community and better supervision by parents would be effective in stopping re-offending."
Lost in a pavement crack / ippr - Institute for Public Policy Research, 9 Jan 2006
ippr - Institute for Public Policy Research:
Nick Pearce
"For the most disadvantaged - those who lack stable family lives and live in poverty or care - the experience of young adulthood can be traumatic and abortive. The consequent dysfunctions are visible in some of our most profound social problems: mental ill health, youth crime, teenage pregnancy, public disorder, binge drinking and all the rest."
Nick Pearce
"For the most disadvantaged - those who lack stable family lives and live in poverty or care - the experience of young adulthood can be traumatic and abortive. The consequent dysfunctions are visible in some of our most profound social problems: mental ill health, youth crime, teenage pregnancy, public disorder, binge drinking and all the rest."
Restorative Practice - call for presenters, IRRP
CALL FOR PRESENTERS The Next Step: Developing Restorative Communities, Part 2 International Conference October 18-20, 2006, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA Pre-conference workshops: October 15-17------------------------------------------------------------------------The IIRP invites you to submit a proposal to present at "The Next Step:Developing Restorative Communities, Part 2," the IIRP's EighthInternational Conference on Conferencing, Circles and other RestorativePractices.For the first time, the IIRP's international conference will be held inits hometown, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania USA.The conference will bring together people from a variety of fields andbackgrounds. We will explore the development of "restorativecommunities," where restorative practices are the primary modality fordealing with wrongdoing and conflict.Submit a proposal to present a 40-minute or 80-minute session, sharingyour knowledge and experiences. No formal written papers are required.A reduced conference rate is available to presenters. The deadline forsubmissions is April 17, 2006.To view the Call for Presenters and to submit a proposal, go to:http://www.iirp.org/beth06To download a PDF version of the Call for Presenters, go to:http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/beth06/iirp_beth06call.pdf
Nationwide alert over deadly crystal meth hitting UK streets / Independent, 15 Jan 2006
http://news.independent.co.uk/uk/crime/article338684.ece
Sophie Goodchild and Francis Elliott
"Ministers are planning to tighten the laws on the highly addictive drug crystal meth amid fears that its use is on the increase in Britain. Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, will this week highlight the dangers of the drug and promise a review of its class B status in response to warnings from police and health experts. This crackdown on 'ice', as the drug is also known, comes as the Government is also expected to announce its decision on the classification of cannabis." [Sub Required] OR see http://deathbymeth.blogspot.com/2006/01/meth-is-now-problem-in-uk.html
Sophie Goodchild and Francis Elliott
"Ministers are planning to tighten the laws on the highly addictive drug crystal meth amid fears that its use is on the increase in Britain. Charles Clarke, the Home Secretary, will this week highlight the dangers of the drug and promise a review of its class B status in response to warnings from police and health experts. This crackdown on 'ice', as the drug is also known, comes as the Government is also expected to announce its decision on the classification of cannabis." [Sub Required] OR see http://deathbymeth.blogspot.com/2006/01/meth-is-now-problem-in-uk.html
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
England and Wales lead the pack on European imprisonment rates / Howard League for Penal Reform, Jan 2006
PDF - http://www.howardleague.org/press/2006/international%20imprisonment%20rates.pdf
"Not only do we send a higher proportion of our own citizens to prison than any other western European country, we also trump Turkey, Armenia and Bulgaria in the imprisonment stakes. Is this really where we want to be? We have to end this country’s obsession with custody. Prison should be reserved for serious and dangerous offenders. If we are to end the seemingly indiscriminate use of prison then the government has to promote positive efforts to deal with crime, such as community sentences, which make people take responsibility for their offending and live a law-abiding life."
"Not only do we send a higher proportion of our own citizens to prison than any other western European country, we also trump Turkey, Armenia and Bulgaria in the imprisonment stakes. Is this really where we want to be? We have to end this country’s obsession with custody. Prison should be reserved for serious and dangerous offenders. If we are to end the seemingly indiscriminate use of prison then the government has to promote positive efforts to deal with crime, such as community sentences, which make people take responsibility for their offending and live a law-abiding life."
[Spain] Foreign population in Spain rises by 23pc in a year / Expatica, 17 Jan 2006
http://www.expatica.com/source/site_article.asp?subchannel_id=81&story_id=26869
"Foreigners now make up 8.5 percent of the Spanish population of just over 44 million, according to the latest figures. The population has risen by 910,000 in just under a year - an increase of 2.1 percent. There are now 3,730,610 foreigners registered in the country out of a total population of 44,108,530 people. The number of foreigners has risen by 696,284 since February last year, an increase of 22.9 percent. In comparison, the number of Spaniards has only gone up by 214,562 or 0.5 percent."
"Foreigners now make up 8.5 percent of the Spanish population of just over 44 million, according to the latest figures. The population has risen by 910,000 in just under a year - an increase of 2.1 percent. There are now 3,730,610 foreigners registered in the country out of a total population of 44,108,530 people. The number of foreigners has risen by 696,284 since February last year, an increase of 22.9 percent. In comparison, the number of Spaniards has only gone up by 214,562 or 0.5 percent."
The US Patriot Act - "A Proven Homeland Security Tool" /Government Technology, 20 Dec 2005
http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/97668
"The Patriot Act breaks down barriers to information sharing, said DHS, enabling law enforcement and intelligence personnel to share information that is needed to help connect the dots and disrupt potential terror and criminal activity before they can carry out their plots. The broad information sharing provisions better enables U.S. Customs and Border Protection to screen international visitors and determine whether an apprehended alien presents a threat to security or public safety.
The Patriot Act also enhances DHS investigations into the international movement of illicit funds through money transmittal businesses, bulk cash smuggling and cyber crimes. "
"The Patriot Act breaks down barriers to information sharing, said DHS, enabling law enforcement and intelligence personnel to share information that is needed to help connect the dots and disrupt potential terror and criminal activity before they can carry out their plots. The broad information sharing provisions better enables U.S. Customs and Border Protection to screen international visitors and determine whether an apprehended alien presents a threat to security or public safety.
The Patriot Act also enhances DHS investigations into the international movement of illicit funds through money transmittal businesses, bulk cash smuggling and cyber crimes. "
Reeducation of Extremists in Saudi Arabia / MEMRI, 18 Jan 2006
http://memri.org/bin/latestnews.cgi?ID=IA26006
Y. Yehoshua
"In its efforts against domestic terrorism, the Saudi regime is attempting to fight Islamist ideas such as tafkir (accusing other Muslims of apostasy) against the regime and its clerics. One method being used is 'reeducation' of extremists. Two large-scale projects using this approach are underway. The first is a counseling program, supported by the Saudi Interior Ministry, for outreach to Saudi security prisoners. The second is the Al-Sakinah Campaign for online dialogue with extremists, which is supported by the Saudi Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
This report will review these two projects."
Y. Yehoshua
"In its efforts against domestic terrorism, the Saudi regime is attempting to fight Islamist ideas such as tafkir (accusing other Muslims of apostasy) against the regime and its clerics. One method being used is 'reeducation' of extremists. Two large-scale projects using this approach are underway. The first is a counseling program, supported by the Saudi Interior Ministry, for outreach to Saudi security prisoners. The second is the Al-Sakinah Campaign for online dialogue with extremists, which is supported by the Saudi Ministry of Religious Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
This report will review these two projects."
[USA] Fact Sheet: Rice-Chertoff Joint Vision: Secure Borders and Open Doors in the Information Age / Department of Homeland Security, Jan 2006
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5347
"Since 9/11, the Bush Administration has set many changes in motion to improve border security while still welcoming visitors to the United States. There have been two great challenges: to harmonize all these changes for maximum effect while maintaining the right balance between stronger security and facilitating travel. The result is a three part vision to guide the current and future development of solutions that ensure the best use of new technologies and the most efficient processes—all of which will ensure that our joint facilitation and security objectives are met."
"Since 9/11, the Bush Administration has set many changes in motion to improve border security while still welcoming visitors to the United States. There have been two great challenges: to harmonize all these changes for maximum effect while maintaining the right balance between stronger security and facilitating travel. The result is a three part vision to guide the current and future development of solutions that ensure the best use of new technologies and the most efficient processes—all of which will ensure that our joint facilitation and security objectives are met."
Bureaucracy hinders 9/11 commission recommendations / GovExec, 13 Jan 2006
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=33166&dcn=e_hsw:
"Why hasn't the government implemented its recommendations? To get answers, National Journal looked at 14 of the 17 most-important commission recommendations that scored the worst grades -- the D's and F's -- and examined the roadblocks to their implementation. The causes behind the failing and near-failing grades fall into six categories: a Congress resistant to institutional change; a bureaucracy that bucks new ideas; lack of money; lack of leadership; special interests that have the ear of Congress or the White House; and, finally, an inability to accurately see how the United States is perceived abroad. "
"Why hasn't the government implemented its recommendations? To get answers, National Journal looked at 14 of the 17 most-important commission recommendations that scored the worst grades -- the D's and F's -- and examined the roadblocks to their implementation. The causes behind the failing and near-failing grades fall into six categories: a Congress resistant to institutional change; a bureaucracy that bucks new ideas; lack of money; lack of leadership; special interests that have the ear of Congress or the White House; and, finally, an inability to accurately see how the United States is perceived abroad. "
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)