http://news.scotsman.com/opinion.cfm?id=427902005
"THE decision by the Scottish Prison Service, with the support of the Executive, to scrap compulsory drug tests in Scottish jails represents an extraordinary management failure.
The ostensible reason for this act of capitulation is that mandatory testing (introduced by Michael Forsyth) merely encourages prisoners to switch to heroin, which is more quickly cleared from the human system and so lowers the chances of being caught. "
Sunday, April 24, 2005
A true crime story / [Australia] Sydeny Morning Herald, 23 Apr 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/news/National/A-true-crime-story/2005/04/22/1114152324678.html
Johnathan Pearlman
"The analysis by the Government's own crime statistician made it clear that the recent drop in crime was due to factors beyond the role of the police.
Advertisement
AdvertisementTo begin with, as the report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research stated, crime was down in all states, not just in NSW. This was a continuing trend - seen in other developed countries - and could not be solely attributed to good policing, bigger prisons or tougher laws."
Johnathan Pearlman
"The analysis by the Government's own crime statistician made it clear that the recent drop in crime was due to factors beyond the role of the police.
Advertisement
AdvertisementTo begin with, as the report by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research stated, crime was down in all states, not just in NSW. This was a continuing trend - seen in other developed countries - and could not be solely attributed to good policing, bigger prisons or tougher laws."
Friday, April 22, 2005
Thursday, April 21, 2005
'Extent of organise crime in SA is unclear' / [South Africa] IOL, 21 Apr 2005
http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=15&art_id=qw1114096684400B262
"There was, for example, no evidence to prove a widely held belief that South Africa was a 'hub' for drug trafficking, or that there was any human trafficking going on. There was, similarly, nothing to back up reports that there were about 35 000 child prostitutes in South Africa."
"There was, for example, no evidence to prove a widely held belief that South Africa was a 'hub' for drug trafficking, or that there was any human trafficking going on. There was, similarly, nothing to back up reports that there were about 35 000 child prostitutes in South Africa."
Sniffer dogs help deter children from drugs -report / Reuters.co.uk, 20 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dfaw
"Deploying sniffer dogs in schools could help reduce drug abuse among children, researchers in Britain said on Wednesday.
Almost all participating pupils, parents and teachers approved of trials in schools in Buckinghamshire, where sniffer dogs roamed school grounds, the John Grieve Centre for Policing and Community Safety said.
'We found that between 95 and 98 percent welcomed the initiative and would support it happening again,' researcher Clive Harfield told Reuters.
Civil liberty groups have criticised using sniffer dogs to police the public but Harfield said such concerns had been taken into account.
'This is not criminalising school children,' he said. 'This is about keeping drugs out of schools, not kids out of schools.'
However, while the overall response was positive, one in five respondents said a fear of dogs might pose a problem.
According to a 2001 survey by Britain's National Centre for Social Research, 12 percent of pupils aged 12-15 said they had used illegal drugs in the last month and 20 percent had used them in the last year"
"Deploying sniffer dogs in schools could help reduce drug abuse among children, researchers in Britain said on Wednesday.
Almost all participating pupils, parents and teachers approved of trials in schools in Buckinghamshire, where sniffer dogs roamed school grounds, the John Grieve Centre for Policing and Community Safety said.
'We found that between 95 and 98 percent welcomed the initiative and would support it happening again,' researcher Clive Harfield told Reuters.
Civil liberty groups have criticised using sniffer dogs to police the public but Harfield said such concerns had been taken into account.
'This is not criminalising school children,' he said. 'This is about keeping drugs out of schools, not kids out of schools.'
However, while the overall response was positive, one in five respondents said a fear of dogs might pose a problem.
According to a 2001 survey by Britain's National Centre for Social Research, 12 percent of pupils aged 12-15 said they had used illegal drugs in the last month and 20 percent had used them in the last year"
Most Secondary Schools Have Drugs Problem - Heads / Scotsman, 20 Apr 2005
http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=4426985
Tim Ross
"Drugs are now a serious problem for the majority of secondary schools in England, according to head teachers.
The country�s biggest heads� union has backed new research calling for sniffer dogs to be used to detect teenagers dealing and taking drugs in school."
Tim Ross
"Drugs are now a serious problem for the majority of secondary schools in England, according to head teachers.
The country�s biggest heads� union has backed new research calling for sniffer dogs to be used to detect teenagers dealing and taking drugs in school."
Promotion for cop who cracked car crime / Midweek Herald, 20 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4deyt
"The unit's success has been based on a co-ordinated strategy of targetting prolific offenders by visiting their homes and leading them away from offending.
The team adopted a problem-solving approach, which saw car crime across East and Mid Devon drop from 1,500 offences a year to just over 1,000.
Identifying specific types of offenders and victims has helped the team build up a profile of people to focus on. A top 10 'most wanted' list of regular offenders in the district was compiled.
Officers focussed on the 10, bringing about a significant reduction in levels of crime." *
"The unit's success has been based on a co-ordinated strategy of targetting prolific offenders by visiting their homes and leading them away from offending.
The team adopted a problem-solving approach, which saw car crime across East and Mid Devon drop from 1,500 offences a year to just over 1,000.
Identifying specific types of offenders and victims has helped the team build up a profile of people to focus on. A top 10 'most wanted' list of regular offenders in the district was compiled.
Officers focussed on the 10, bringing about a significant reduction in levels of crime." *
Promotion for cop who cracked car crime / Midweek Herald, 20 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4deyt
"The unit's success has been based on a co-ordinated strategy of targetting prolific offenders by visiting their homes and leading them away from offending.
The team adopted a problem-solving approach, which saw car crime across East and Mid Devon drop from 1,500 offences a year to just over 1,000.
Identifying specific types of offenders and victims has helped the team build up a profile of people to focus on. A top 10 'most wanted' list of regular offenders in the district was compiled.
Officers focussed on the 10, bringing about a significant reduction in levels of crime." *
"The unit's success has been based on a co-ordinated strategy of targetting prolific offenders by visiting their homes and leading them away from offending.
The team adopted a problem-solving approach, which saw car crime across East and Mid Devon drop from 1,500 offences a year to just over 1,000.
Identifying specific types of offenders and victims has helped the team build up a profile of people to focus on. A top 10 'most wanted' list of regular offenders in the district was compiled.
Officers focussed on the 10, bringing about a significant reduction in levels of crime." *
First ASBO Tackling Prostitution in Leeds / West Yorkshire Police, 20 April 2005
http://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/section-item.asp?sid=12&iid=1448
"Leeds Police are issuing leaflets to local residents in Chapeltown in the coming weeks, asking them to act as their eyes and ears to protect the area from anti social behaviour. In March, a 31-year-old woman was issued with the first Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for prostitution resulting from a criminal case in Leeds, after being found guilty of loitering for the purposes of prostitution, which is believed to have caused harrassment, alarm and distress to local people. "
"Leeds Police are issuing leaflets to local residents in Chapeltown in the coming weeks, asking them to act as their eyes and ears to protect the area from anti social behaviour. In March, a 31-year-old woman was issued with the first Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) for prostitution resulting from a criminal case in Leeds, after being found guilty of loitering for the purposes of prostitution, which is believed to have caused harrassment, alarm and distress to local people. "
Privacy groups slam US passport technology / The Register, 20 April 2005
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/20/privacy_groups_attack_passport_tech/
"The concerns focus on the US government's initiative to create machine-readable passports that will be rolled out to the diplomatic corps this year and to the general public starting in 2006. Privacy and security experts criticized the move as ill-considered, saying that the technology would leak data to those with specialized equipment, allowing Americans to be automatically identified by the passports they are carrying."
"The concerns focus on the US government's initiative to create machine-readable passports that will be rolled out to the diplomatic corps this year and to the general public starting in 2006. Privacy and security experts criticized the move as ill-considered, saying that the technology would leak data to those with specialized equipment, allowing Americans to be automatically identified by the passports they are carrying."
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Open source software can transform government says Demos / PublicTechnology.net, 20 Apr 2005
Open source software can transform government says Demos :: PublicTechnology.net :: e-Government & public sector IT news from
"Open source software and solutions have huge untapped potential to transform government and everyday life, says think-tank DEMOSand the Young Foundation. The principles of ‘open source’ - collaborative forms of creating knowledge pioneered in software development - look set to have a transforming impact on many areas of business, government and daily life."
Open source methods and their future potential
Geoff Mulgan, Omar Salem, Tom Steinberg
PDF - http://www.demos.co.uk/WideOpen_pdf_media_public.aspx
"Open source software and solutions have huge untapped potential to transform government and everyday life, says think-tank DEMOSand the Young Foundation. The principles of ‘open source’ - collaborative forms of creating knowledge pioneered in software development - look set to have a transforming impact on many areas of business, government and daily life."
Open source methods and their future potential
Geoff Mulgan, Omar Salem, Tom Steinberg
PDF - http://www.demos.co.uk/WideOpen_pdf_media_public.aspx
Racist violence in 15 EU member states / April 2005
PDF - http://www.statewatch.org/news/2005/apr/raxen-racial-violence.pdfA Comparative Overview of Findings from the RAXEN National Focal Points Reports 2001-2004
Arabs Bear Brunt of French Police Racism: Report / Islam Online, 19 Apr 2005
http://www.islam-online.net/English/News/2005-04/19/article03.shtml
"Racist acts by French police have dramatically risen in 2004, particularly against French citizens of Moroccan origin, according to a report by an independent French committee."
"Racist acts by French police have dramatically risen in 2004, particularly against French citizens of Moroccan origin, according to a report by an independent French committee."
New terrorism response plan takes effect / GovExec, 15 Apr 2005
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0405/041505gsn1.htm
"A host of U.S. plans for responding to terrorist attacks were officially replaced yesterday by the new National Response Plan."
"A host of U.S. plans for responding to terrorist attacks were officially replaced yesterday by the new National Response Plan."
Officials disagree over effectiveness of passport chip / GoveExec [USA] Apr 2005
http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/0405/041305tdpm2.htm
Sarah Lai Stirland
"A government official last week downplayed the privacy implications of a new wireless chip technology that soon will be embedded into American passports, but a civil liberties advocate disagreed with his stance. The State Department is installing chips that can be read wirelessly by machines when Americans pass through U.S. immigration. The chips contain the information that American passports currently display, such as name, identification number and photograph, enhanced by facial-recognition technology."
Sarah Lai Stirland
"A government official last week downplayed the privacy implications of a new wireless chip technology that soon will be embedded into American passports, but a civil liberties advocate disagreed with his stance. The State Department is installing chips that can be read wirelessly by machines when Americans pass through U.S. immigration. The chips contain the information that American passports currently display, such as name, identification number and photograph, enhanced by facial-recognition technology."
'End war on drugs'/ Socialist Worker, 23 Apr 2005
http://www.socialistworker.co.uk/article.php4?article_id=6293
"There is a radical alternative to drugs prohibition, says Steve Rolles of think tank Transform, but the mainstream parties are ignoring it. Only a few decades ago, problematic drug users were treated in the UK for what they were, people desperately in need of help. Prohibition, in contrast, turns the majority of those without substantial private means into criminal outcasts."
"There is a radical alternative to drugs prohibition, says Steve Rolles of think tank Transform, but the mainstream parties are ignoring it. Only a few decades ago, problematic drug users were treated in the UK for what they were, people desperately in need of help. Prohibition, in contrast, turns the majority of those without substantial private means into criminal outcasts."
Family Group Conferences aren't reducing crime / New Zealand, 19 April 2005
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0504/S00409.htm
"New figures show repeat Family Group Conferences with young offenders are not reducing crime, ACT Deputy Leader and police spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today.
Answers to parliamentary questions show the number of Family Group Conferences increased by 1,500, from 6,196 in 2002 to 7,656 in 2004, yet Ministry of Justice figures show the overall rate of youth offending increased by 4% with some classes of youth crime increasing significantly. In particular property crime rose 24% while violent crime jumped 9%. "
"New figures show repeat Family Group Conferences with young offenders are not reducing crime, ACT Deputy Leader and police spokesman Dr Muriel Newman said today.
Answers to parliamentary questions show the number of Family Group Conferences increased by 1,500, from 6,196 in 2002 to 7,656 in 2004, yet Ministry of Justice figures show the overall rate of youth offending increased by 4% with some classes of youth crime increasing significantly. In particular property crime rose 24% while violent crime jumped 9%. "
Car crime drops as drugs targeted / icWales, 19 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4deth
"'These annual figures highlight the efforts we, and the communities of South Wales, have made to improve the safety of South Wales.
'Such work has had a major impact on the number of victims of crime, and we continue to be committed to reducing crime year on year.
'We have found that in fighting common causes of violent crimes, for example drug trafficking and alcohol related crime, we have brought instances of violence against the person and robbery down.'"
"'These annual figures highlight the efforts we, and the communities of South Wales, have made to improve the safety of South Wales.
'Such work has had a major impact on the number of victims of crime, and we continue to be committed to reducing crime year on year.
'We have found that in fighting common causes of violent crimes, for example drug trafficking and alcohol related crime, we have brought instances of violence against the person and robbery down.'"
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Law Enforcement, Race, and Reconciliation / [USA] National Crime Prevention Council, 2005
http://www.ncpc.org/ncpc/ncpc/?pg=2088-14434
"In King County, Washington, there were nine police officer-involved shootings of people of color in as many years. When each shooting was ruled justified, minority leaders in the community raised questions of bias, institutional racism, and racial insensitivity within law enforcement. But through the efforts of Dave Reichert, sheriff of King County, and Rev. Donovan Rivers, founder of the Apostolic Clergy Advisory Council, a summit on race and reconciliation was held. "
"In King County, Washington, there were nine police officer-involved shootings of people of color in as many years. When each shooting was ruled justified, minority leaders in the community raised questions of bias, institutional racism, and racial insensitivity within law enforcement. But through the efforts of Dave Reichert, sheriff of King County, and Rev. Donovan Rivers, founder of the Apostolic Clergy Advisory Council, a summit on race and reconciliation was held. "
'Cleaning' projects target drugs, gangs, graffiti / Chicago Sun-Times, 17 Apr 2005
http://www.suntimes.com/output/news/cst-nws-spring17.html
MONIFA THOMAS
"Each year as part of Operation Spring Cleaning, Chicago Police officers step up patrols in specific areas with the help of state, county and federal law enforcement agencies to bust drug dealers and gang members. Around the same time, CAPS, the city's community policing program, usually kicks off a separate project called Operation Clean, which deploys a variety of city crews each week to remove graffiti, repair potholes and otherwise improve the infrastructure of high-crime neighborhoods.
Despite their similar goals, this is one of the first times the two initiatives have been executed simultaneously, CAPS director Vance Henry said Saturday.
'It's a tremendous one-two punch for addressing the concerns expressed by residents of these communities,' Henry said. 'In no way can the police or the city resolve these issues by themselves.'"
MONIFA THOMAS
"Each year as part of Operation Spring Cleaning, Chicago Police officers step up patrols in specific areas with the help of state, county and federal law enforcement agencies to bust drug dealers and gang members. Around the same time, CAPS, the city's community policing program, usually kicks off a separate project called Operation Clean, which deploys a variety of city crews each week to remove graffiti, repair potholes and otherwise improve the infrastructure of high-crime neighborhoods.
Despite their similar goals, this is one of the first times the two initiatives have been executed simultaneously, CAPS director Vance Henry said Saturday.
'It's a tremendous one-two punch for addressing the concerns expressed by residents of these communities,' Henry said. 'In no way can the police or the city resolve these issues by themselves.'"
Police shrink as drug gangs get bigger / The New Zealand Herald, 18 Apr 2005
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10121044
"As international gangsters develop the $1-billion-a-year illicit drugs trade in New Zealand, the number of police assigned to gang intelligence has shrunk from 40 in the mid-1990s to just a dozen today, a Herald investigation has learned.
In that time gangs have become more sophisticated and entrenched in the drug business and frontline police believe senior officers and the Government are doing too little to crack down on the growing problem. "
"As international gangsters develop the $1-billion-a-year illicit drugs trade in New Zealand, the number of police assigned to gang intelligence has shrunk from 40 in the mid-1990s to just a dozen today, a Herald investigation has learned.
In that time gangs have become more sophisticated and entrenched in the drug business and frontline police believe senior officers and the Government are doing too little to crack down on the growing problem. "
Team approach to beating crime / Cambridge News, 15 Apr 2005
http://www.cambridge-news.co.uk/news/ely/2005/04/15/c38175fe-fb15-45e9-b078-89ffd4a9ccb8.lpf
"NEIGHBOURHOOD teams have been formed in East Cambridgeshire to tackle crime more effectively.
Ely police have set up a new crime team and split the surrounding area between two neighbourhood teams in an attempt to combat anti-social behaviour, vandalism and theft.
The move is part of a major restructuring of the county's resources, codenamed Operation Civitas, to make policing more community-focused by increasing the accountability of police to local people.
The new teams consist of police constables, police community support officers (PCSOs), special constables and crime investigators who will work alongside each other and have responsibility for specific areas.
Serious offences or priority crime such as drugs, robbery and burglary will still be investigated by specialist teams, but special crime investigators will tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour, vandalism and theft."
"NEIGHBOURHOOD teams have been formed in East Cambridgeshire to tackle crime more effectively.
Ely police have set up a new crime team and split the surrounding area between two neighbourhood teams in an attempt to combat anti-social behaviour, vandalism and theft.
The move is part of a major restructuring of the county's resources, codenamed Operation Civitas, to make policing more community-focused by increasing the accountability of police to local people.
The new teams consist of police constables, police community support officers (PCSOs), special constables and crime investigators who will work alongside each other and have responsibility for specific areas.
Serious offences or priority crime such as drugs, robbery and burglary will still be investigated by specialist teams, but special crime investigators will tackle issues such as antisocial behaviour, vandalism and theft."
Police stun gun can kill, secret report says / [Australia] The Age, 18 Apr 2005
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Police-stun-gun-can-kill-secret-report-says/2005/04/17/1113676645588.html?oneclick=true
Gary Hughes and Fergus Shiel
"A secret Victoria Police report on the safety of controversial Taser stun guns warns they pose 'immediate risks and potentially fatal dangers' to people on whom they are used."
Gary Hughes and Fergus Shiel
"A secret Victoria Police report on the safety of controversial Taser stun guns warns they pose 'immediate risks and potentially fatal dangers' to people on whom they are used."
"What's Going On?" A study into destitution and poverty faced by asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland / rst.org.uk, 2005
rst.org.uk:
"The Refugee Survival Trust launched its research into destitution of asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland on 11th April. The report shows that RST provided over 1000 grants between January 200 and May 2004 to prevent the destitution and/or homelessness of people seeking asylum in Scotland. Of these grants, nearly half were for families with children, and a third for people with no fixed address. The research must be read by people in all organisations who work for asylum seekers and refugees: those who make and implement policy - including the Home Office, the Scottish Executive and local authorities - and more broadly by all those concerned with the rights of people seeking asylum in the UK"
PDF - Summary
http://webs.workwithus.org/rst/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/ExecutiveSummary.pdf
"The Refugee Survival Trust launched its research into destitution of asylum seekers and refugees in Scotland on 11th April. The report shows that RST provided over 1000 grants between January 200 and May 2004 to prevent the destitution and/or homelessness of people seeking asylum in Scotland. Of these grants, nearly half were for families with children, and a third for people with no fixed address. The research must be read by people in all organisations who work for asylum seekers and refugees: those who make and implement policy - including the Home Office, the Scottish Executive and local authorities - and more broadly by all those concerned with the rights of people seeking asylum in the UK"
PDF - Summary
http://webs.workwithus.org/rst/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/ExecutiveSummary.pdf
Hate crime up in Toronto / Canadian Jewish News, 14 Apr 2005
http://www.cjnews.com/viewarticle.asp?id=6123
PAUL LUNGEN
The number of reported incidents of hate crimes in Toronto increased by nine per cent last year, with the Jewish community the single most targeted group, according to the Toronto Police Service�s 2004 Annual Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report."
2004 Annual. Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report.
PDF - http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/publications/files/reports/2004hatecrimereport.pdf
PAUL LUNGEN
The number of reported incidents of hate crimes in Toronto increased by nine per cent last year, with the Jewish community the single most targeted group, according to the Toronto Police Service�s 2004 Annual Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report."
2004 Annual. Hate/Bias Crime Statistical Report.
PDF - http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/publications/files/reports/2004hatecrimereport.pdf
Bhangra tunes help ease racial tension / Bucks Free Press, April 2005
Bucks Free Press: News: Local News: "Julian Howson
BHANGRA music will be used to help ease racial tensions and promote the work of the police.
Bhangra musician Indy Nan-dha has joined forces with Tha-mes Valley Police on his latest album to promote their drive to combat racist incidents.
Mr Nandha, 31, who works full time as a community and race relations officer for Tha-mes Valley Police, writes, produces and plays music in his spare time under the name Popsy.
His latest album, entitled 'Bangin', displays the Thames Valley Police logo on the front cover and contains an insert giving information on the work of the Race Relations Depart-ment.
The idea of using music to help race relations came from Steve Baker, crime reduction and partnership manager for Thames Valley Police in Ayles-bury.
He said: 'The police can sometimes have a credibility gap when trying to get messages across to the younger members of the Asian community.
'I hope that by teaming up with Indy we can reassure people that we take racist incidents extremely seriously and that we have people and procedures in place to deal with them.
'As a community and race rel-ations officer for Thames Valley Police, Indy is an excellent role model. He is working everyday to promote the Thames Valley Police promise to listen carefu-lly to any allegation of a racist incident, treat the victim with respect and then fully investigate that allegation.'"
BHANGRA music will be used to help ease racial tensions and promote the work of the police.
Bhangra musician Indy Nan-dha has joined forces with Tha-mes Valley Police on his latest album to promote their drive to combat racist incidents.
Mr Nandha, 31, who works full time as a community and race relations officer for Tha-mes Valley Police, writes, produces and plays music in his spare time under the name Popsy.
His latest album, entitled 'Bangin', displays the Thames Valley Police logo on the front cover and contains an insert giving information on the work of the Race Relations Depart-ment.
The idea of using music to help race relations came from Steve Baker, crime reduction and partnership manager for Thames Valley Police in Ayles-bury.
He said: 'The police can sometimes have a credibility gap when trying to get messages across to the younger members of the Asian community.
'I hope that by teaming up with Indy we can reassure people that we take racist incidents extremely seriously and that we have people and procedures in place to deal with them.
'As a community and race rel-ations officer for Thames Valley Police, Indy is an excellent role model. He is working everyday to promote the Thames Valley Police promise to listen carefu-lly to any allegation of a racist incident, treat the victim with respect and then fully investigate that allegation.'"
Salford ASBO war takes to the Air / Manchester ONline, 14 April 2005
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/business/media/s/154/154847_salford_asbo_war_takes_to_the_air.html
Simon Donohue
THE battle against anti-social behaviour has been delivered to the streets of Salford by Air Advertising.
Salford council has hired Chapel Street-based Air to mount a poster campaign aimed at raising awareness of the measures available through anti-social behaviour orders.
Air's campaign reveals that by phoning the `Together' phoneline, the people of Salford 'can take a stand against those who affect their lives, whether it be through noise nuisance, graffiti, fly-tipping or other types of behaviour that causes fear and distress or that which affects the appearance of their neighbourhood'.
The phoneline has been set up by the government to take reports of anti-social behaviour and enable them to respond quickly and effectively.
Air's brief involves creating a hard-hitting campaign that will be rolled out across 6-sheets, buses, posters and local press advertising.
Paul Barnes, managing and creative director with Air, said: 'It's great to be working closely with the council on tackling such important issues that affect all of us within Salford!'"
Simon Donohue
THE battle against anti-social behaviour has been delivered to the streets of Salford by Air Advertising.
Salford council has hired Chapel Street-based Air to mount a poster campaign aimed at raising awareness of the measures available through anti-social behaviour orders.
Air's campaign reveals that by phoning the `Together' phoneline, the people of Salford 'can take a stand against those who affect their lives, whether it be through noise nuisance, graffiti, fly-tipping or other types of behaviour that causes fear and distress or that which affects the appearance of their neighbourhood'.
The phoneline has been set up by the government to take reports of anti-social behaviour and enable them to respond quickly and effectively.
Air's brief involves creating a hard-hitting campaign that will be rolled out across 6-sheets, buses, posters and local press advertising.
Paul Barnes, managing and creative director with Air, said: 'It's great to be working closely with the council on tackling such important issues that affect all of us within Salford!'"
CBC News: Calgary police stir controversy with road-rage campaign
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/04/16/calgary-rage-050416.html
"Calgary police are trying to curb road rage with a controversial new method: instead of writing tickets, they're writing letters."
"Calgary police are trying to curb road rage with a controversial new method: instead of writing tickets, they're writing letters."
Drugs of Abuse / Drug Enforcement Administration, US Dept of Justice, 2005
http://www.dea.gov/pubs/abuse/index.htm
"Delivers clear, scientific information about drugs in a factual, straightforward way, combined with scores of precise photographs shot to scale."
PDF - http://www.dea.gov/pubs/abuse/doa-p.pdf
"Delivers clear, scientific information about drugs in a factual, straightforward way, combined with scores of precise photographs shot to scale."
PDF - http://www.dea.gov/pubs/abuse/doa-p.pdf
Monday, April 18, 2005
Restorative justice may increase as charities run prisons / ekklesia, 18 Apr 2005
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_050418vorps.shtml
"New opportunities for Christian agencies to pioneer restorative justice programmes may be opening up, with the news that charities may soon be entrusted with running jails. Ministers have conceded that new plans mean charities could eventually be put in charge of some of Britain�s most dangerous criminals. "
"New opportunities for Christian agencies to pioneer restorative justice programmes may be opening up, with the news that charities may soon be entrusted with running jails. Ministers have conceded that new plans mean charities could eventually be put in charge of some of Britain�s most dangerous criminals. "
US lethal injection scandal challenges Christians / ekklesia, 15 Apr 2005
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/news_syndication/article_050415death.shtml
"Christians and human rights activists opposed to the death penalty are vowing to continue the struggle against what they see as a degrading and inhuman policy in the light of fresh research published in the international medical journal The Lancet. This shows that people executed by lethal injection in the United States may have suffered terrible pain because they were not properly anaesthetised."
"Christians and human rights activists opposed to the death penalty are vowing to continue the struggle against what they see as a degrading and inhuman policy in the light of fresh research published in the international medical journal The Lancet. This shows that people executed by lethal injection in the United States may have suffered terrible pain because they were not properly anaesthetised."
Christians to tackle morality of immigration control / ekklesia, 11 Apr 2005
http://www.ekklesia.co.uk/content/events/article_050411imm.shtml
"The morality and ethics of immigration control is to come under the Christian spotlight at an event in Westminster marking the launch of a new initiative for those interested in relating Christian spirituality to public life."
"The morality and ethics of immigration control is to come under the Christian spotlight at an event in Westminster marking the launch of a new initiative for those interested in relating Christian spirituality to public life."
Friday, April 15, 2005
Skills shortage prompts increase in migrant intake / [Australia] Sydney Morning Herald, 15 Apr 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/04/14/1113251743235.html?oneclick=true
Joseph Kerr
"Working visa holders will be able to stay in Australia for an extra year if they have spent at least three months picking fruit or other seasonal harvest work, under a federal plan allowing in an extra 20,000 skilled migrants next year."
Joseph Kerr
"Working visa holders will be able to stay in Australia for an extra year if they have spent at least three months picking fruit or other seasonal harvest work, under a federal plan allowing in an extra 20,000 skilled migrants next year."
Other cities to adopt Dundee shoplift policy / Evening Telegraph: News, 11 Apr 2005
http://www.eveningtelegraph.co.uk/output/2005/04/14/story7017950t0.shtm
Steven Bell
"It is understood that councils around the country, including Edinburgh, are monitoring the use of specific retail Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) by the DUNCAN crime-fighting partnership."
Steven Bell
"It is understood that councils around the country, including Edinburgh, are monitoring the use of specific retail Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (ASBOs) by the DUNCAN crime-fighting partnership."
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Printing 'could lead to ID cards' / BBC, 13 Apr 2005
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/4440819.stm
"Plans to fingerprint new passport applicants could lead to ID cards by stealth, a human rights group warns. "
"Plans to fingerprint new passport applicants could lead to ID cards by stealth, a human rights group warns. "
French may have to buy compulsory biometric ID cards / GNN, 13 Apr 2005
http://www.gnn.tv/headlines/2149/French_may_have_to_buy_compulsory_biometric_ID_cards
Peter Sayer
"French citizens will have to pay for new identity cards that hold their biometric information in electronic format �and carrying the cards will become compulsory, if the minister of the interior gets his way.
Last month, the government outlined its plan to replace the identity cards and passports offered to French citizens with new ones that carry a microchip containing digitized photographs and fingerprints. The plan is to introduce the passports in 2006, and the identity cards a year later."
Peter Sayer
"French citizens will have to pay for new identity cards that hold their biometric information in electronic format �and carrying the cards will become compulsory, if the minister of the interior gets his way.
Last month, the government outlined its plan to replace the identity cards and passports offered to French citizens with new ones that carry a microchip containing digitized photographs and fingerprints. The plan is to introduce the passports in 2006, and the identity cards a year later."
Saturday, April 09, 2005
US unready for rising threat of 'moles' / The Christian Science Monitor , 8 Apr 2005
http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0408/p01s01-usfp.html?s=hns
Faye Bowers
"Amid all the criticism of the US's faulty intelligence-gathering, a new concern is surfacing about America's premier national-security agencies - their vulnerability to counterespionage.
Because the US has reached such lone, superpower status, government officials say, at least 90 countries - in addition to Al Qaeda - are attempting to steal some of the nation's most sacred secrets."
Faye Bowers
"Amid all the criticism of the US's faulty intelligence-gathering, a new concern is surfacing about America's premier national-security agencies - their vulnerability to counterespionage.
Because the US has reached such lone, superpower status, government officials say, at least 90 countries - in addition to Al Qaeda - are attempting to steal some of the nation's most sacred secrets."
Changing the face of drug addiction treatment, Rockefeller University researchers / Medical News Today
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=22157
"People addicted to heroin, alcohol and other drugs of abuse often fail to stay clean because they won't go to or won't stay in treatment. A treatment approach called contingency management improves patients' motivation to stay in treatment and increases their therapeutic progress."
The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, Jan 2005
"People addicted to heroin, alcohol and other drugs of abuse often fail to stay clean because they won't go to or won't stay in treatment. A treatment approach called contingency management improves patients' motivation to stay in treatment and increases their therapeutic progress."
The Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, Jan 2005
Weissport OKs Youth Aid program for juveniles / The Morning Call, 8 Apr 2005
http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b7_1weissyouthapr08,0,3286259.story?coll=all-newslocal-hed
Sharon Stanley
"Weissport Borough Council unamimously approved a program that will have first-time juvenile offenders doing service projects, such as picking up trash, instead of serving time in an institution. The Youth Aid program has worked well in Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties, with a 92 percent success rate for juveniles completing assignments and not committing other offenses"
Sharon Stanley
"Weissport Borough Council unamimously approved a program that will have first-time juvenile offenders doing service projects, such as picking up trash, instead of serving time in an institution. The Youth Aid program has worked well in Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties, with a 92 percent success rate for juveniles completing assignments and not committing other offenses"
Good, the bad & the ugly / The Sun, Apr 2005
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005161086,00.html
Nic Cecil
"EVERY day The Sun is examining a big issue in the great Sun Election Decider. this focus is on crime. "
Nic Cecil
"EVERY day The Sun is examining a big issue in the great Sun Election Decider. this focus is on crime. "
New ID cards could be used to sign e-contracts / Expatica Belgium, 8 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dcwx
"Belgians could soon be signing contracts electronically, thanks to the country�s new hi-tech ID cards. The Belgian government is one of the first to pioneer mass ID cards in this way and is also working with Microsoft to use them to combat internet fraud. "
"Belgians could soon be signing contracts electronically, thanks to the country�s new hi-tech ID cards. The Belgian government is one of the first to pioneer mass ID cards in this way and is also working with Microsoft to use them to combat internet fraud. "
Home Office ignores Afshin asylum plea / Hampstead and Highgate Express, 8 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dcww
"HOME Office officials have admitted to washing their hands of asylum seeker Afshin Azizian. The Ham&High has been running a campaign seeking a review of the 36-year-old's case after his claim was rejected despite living in the UK for 10 years and fearing he will be executed if returned to Iran. "
"HOME Office officials have admitted to washing their hands of asylum seeker Afshin Azizian. The Ham&High has been running a campaign seeking a review of the 36-year-old's case after his claim was rejected despite living in the UK for 10 years and fearing he will be executed if returned to Iran. "
Christians call on politicians not to exploit asylum issue / Leeds Today, Apr 2005
http://www.leedstoday.net/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=39&ArticleID=994527
Peter Lazenby
"WEST Yorkshire church leaders are calling on politicians to 'avoid raiding false fears and misleading voters' over the issue of asylum seekers. In a strongly worded statement to coincide with the announcement of the election on May 5, the West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council (WYEC), which represents all major Christian denominations in the county, has called for more humane treatment of asylum seekers and has challenged candidates of all political parties to 'refrain from exploiting the plight of asylum seekers' during campaigning."
Peter Lazenby
"WEST Yorkshire church leaders are calling on politicians to 'avoid raiding false fears and misleading voters' over the issue of asylum seekers. In a strongly worded statement to coincide with the announcement of the election on May 5, the West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council (WYEC), which represents all major Christian denominations in the county, has called for more humane treatment of asylum seekers and has challenged candidates of all political parties to 'refrain from exploiting the plight of asylum seekers' during campaigning."
School Stands By Drugs Dog Decision / [ New Zealand] / XtraMSN, 8 Apr 2005
http://xtramsn.co.nz/news/0,,11964-4270780,00.html
"An Auckland intermediate school is standing by its decision to have random drug checks by sniffer dogs.
North Shore's Birkdale Intermediate claims it does not have a problem with drugs but is just taking a precautionary measure. "
"An Auckland intermediate school is standing by its decision to have random drug checks by sniffer dogs.
North Shore's Birkdale Intermediate claims it does not have a problem with drugs but is just taking a precautionary measure. "
Immigration softens refugee stance / [Japan] asahi.com, 8 Apr 2005
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200504080148.html
TARO KARASAKI
"Japan bows to UNHCR demands not to deport asylum seekers. esponding to requests from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the Justice Ministry has decided not to detain asylum seekers recognized by the United Nations as refugees."
TARO KARASAKI
"Japan bows to UNHCR demands not to deport asylum seekers. esponding to requests from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, the Justice Ministry has decided not to detain asylum seekers recognized by the United Nations as refugees."
Asylum seekers in Scotland to benefit from £500,000 package - The Herald, 6 Apr 2005
http://www.theherald.co.uk/news/36766.html
STEPHEN STEWART
Refugees and asylum seekers across Scotland have been given £500,000 to access advice, learn new skills and find work. Malcolm Chisholm, communities minister, said the funding package would support the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into wider society. "
STEPHEN STEWART
Refugees and asylum seekers across Scotland have been given £500,000 to access advice, learn new skills and find work. Malcolm Chisholm, communities minister, said the funding package would support the integration of refugees and asylum seekers into wider society. "
Will DNA profiling fuel prejudice? / New Scientist, 8 Apr 2005
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg18624944.900
Anna Gosline
"The rise of DNA profilingIT HAS revolutionised policing. In 10 years, the England and Wales National DNA Database (NDNAD) - the largest in the world - has matched nearly 600,000 suspects to crimes. This extraordinary success has been possible because police have unprecedented powers to retain samples from suspects, and other countries are following suit. But some experts argue that NDNAD's size and power mean it poses a serious threat to civil liberties."
Anna Gosline
"The rise of DNA profilingIT HAS revolutionised policing. In 10 years, the England and Wales National DNA Database (NDNAD) - the largest in the world - has matched nearly 600,000 suspects to crimes. This extraordinary success has been possible because police have unprecedented powers to retain samples from suspects, and other countries are following suit. But some experts argue that NDNAD's size and power mean it poses a serious threat to civil liberties."
TV may turn four-year-olds into bullies / New Scientist, 5 Apr 2005
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7229
"Young children who watch a lot of television are more likely to become bullies, a new study reveals. The authors suggest the increasingly violent nature of children�s cartoons may be to blame.
Previous studies have linked television to aggressive behaviour in older children and adolescents. But a team led by Frederick Zimmerman, an economist at the University of Washington in Seattle, US, has now traced the phenomenon to four-year-olds."
"Young children who watch a lot of television are more likely to become bullies, a new study reveals. The authors suggest the increasingly violent nature of children�s cartoons may be to blame.
Previous studies have linked television to aggressive behaviour in older children and adolescents. But a team led by Frederick Zimmerman, an economist at the University of Washington in Seattle, US, has now traced the phenomenon to four-year-olds."
School calls in drug sniffer dogs / STUFF New Zealand, 8 Apr 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3241256a11,00.html
"An intermediate school is calling in sniffer dogs to search children as young as 11 for fear that drugs are finding their way into the playground.
The school has warned its parents and pupils that 'drug dogs' will come to the school to carry out random checks. "
"An intermediate school is calling in sniffer dogs to search children as young as 11 for fear that drugs are finding their way into the playground.
The school has warned its parents and pupils that 'drug dogs' will come to the school to carry out random checks. "
Calls grow to split off traffic duty / STUFF New Zealand, 8 Apr 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3241207a11,00.html
JARROD BOOKER and COLIN ESPINER
"Calls for traffic duties to be removed from New Zealand's overworked police force are growing. Revelations in The Press this week show detectives and general duties officers are being required to do traffic work at the expense of crime investigation.
Police Minister George Hawkins said the Government had not considered splitting traffic duties from the police because the current system was working. "
JARROD BOOKER and COLIN ESPINER
"Calls for traffic duties to be removed from New Zealand's overworked police force are growing. Revelations in The Press this week show detectives and general duties officers are being required to do traffic work at the expense of crime investigation.
Police Minister George Hawkins said the Government had not considered splitting traffic duties from the police because the current system was working. "
The price of a new life / Expatica Netherlands, 7 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dcwt
Aaron Gray-Block
"The lucrative business of human smuggling has global and historical roots, but why is the Netherlands a vital junction in the modern trade of human cargo? "
Aaron Gray-Block
"The lucrative business of human smuggling has global and historical roots, but why is the Netherlands a vital junction in the modern trade of human cargo? "
Burglary policy is mistaken / Yorkshire Post, Apr 2005
http://www.yorkshiretoday.co.uk/ViewArticle2.aspx?SectionID=104&ArticleID=991426
"Ministers must cut the paper chase - in announcing that officers may no longer take statements from some burglary victims, the South Yorkshire force has highlighted how day-to-day policing is now being hindered by reams of bureaucracy. It appears that this unacceptable situation has been brought about by new crime-recording guidelines which require every offence, even the most minor of public order incidents, to be fully recorded and investigated.
As a consequence of the resulting demands and paperwork, it appears that many police forces may face significant difficulties meeting this Government-imposed requirement without making other sacrifices which are difficult to justify."
"Ministers must cut the paper chase - in announcing that officers may no longer take statements from some burglary victims, the South Yorkshire force has highlighted how day-to-day policing is now being hindered by reams of bureaucracy. It appears that this unacceptable situation has been brought about by new crime-recording guidelines which require every offence, even the most minor of public order incidents, to be fully recorded and investigated.
As a consequence of the resulting demands and paperwork, it appears that many police forces may face significant difficulties meeting this Government-imposed requirement without making other sacrifices which are difficult to justify."
Malaysia: The future of policing - protectors not violators / Amnesty International, 7 Apr 2005
http://news.amnesty.org/index/ENGASA280042005
"Malaysian police are being offered a critical opportunity to increase their effectiveness and restore public trust with the upcoming publication of an official review. A pattern of human rights abuses such as fatal shootings, torture and deaths in custody will be addressed in the review. An Amnesty International report released today contributes recommendations and underlines the need for police accountability."
Malaysia: Towards Human Rights-Based Policing: http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa280012005
"Malaysian police are being offered a critical opportunity to increase their effectiveness and restore public trust with the upcoming publication of an official review. A pattern of human rights abuses such as fatal shootings, torture and deaths in custody will be addressed in the review. An Amnesty International report released today contributes recommendations and underlines the need for police accountability."
Malaysia: Towards Human Rights-Based Policing: http://web.amnesty.org/library/index/engasa280012005
Homes are made safe as houses / icCheshireOnline, 7 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dcws
"The scheme, which has been christened 'Secured by Design', has sparked a positive response from tenants who have suffered youth nuisance problems, burglaries and arson attacks in their former dilapidated high-rise properties."
"The scheme, which has been christened 'Secured by Design', has sparked a positive response from tenants who have suffered youth nuisance problems, burglaries and arson attacks in their former dilapidated high-rise properties."
Finns Fear Cross-Border Human Trafficking / The St. Petersburg Times, 8 Apr 2005
http://www.sptimes.ru/archive/times/1059/top/t_15389.htm
Vladimir Kovalev
"The Finnish Foreign Ministry has set up a working group on human trafficking across its land border with Russia that has produced a draft action plan. 'In the assessment of the working group, each year Finland is a country of transit and a target country for hundreds of victims of human trafficking,' the ministry says in a report posted on its web site last week."
Vladimir Kovalev
"The Finnish Foreign Ministry has set up a working group on human trafficking across its land border with Russia that has produced a draft action plan. 'In the assessment of the working group, each year Finland is a country of transit and a target country for hundreds of victims of human trafficking,' the ministry says in a report posted on its web site last week."
Electro-Muscular Disruption Technology ‘A Nine-Step Strategy For Effective Deployment' / IACP, 2005
http://www.iacp.org/research/rcdcuttingedgetech.htm
"To address taser deployment concerns, the IACP, with developed an Executive Brief to inform law enforcement leadership on deployment challenges surrounding EMDT technology. The brief offers a systematic guide to aid Law Enforcement Agencies in selecting, acquiring, and using EMDT. Additionally the brief assists law enforcement leadership in developing policies, procedures, and training curricula for the communities they serve by focusing on technology management, rather than EMDT technology itself. "
PDF - http://www.iacp.org/research/CuttingEdge/EMDT9Steps.pdf
"To address taser deployment concerns, the IACP, with developed an Executive Brief to inform law enforcement leadership on deployment challenges surrounding EMDT technology. The brief offers a systematic guide to aid Law Enforcement Agencies in selecting, acquiring, and using EMDT. Additionally the brief assists law enforcement leadership in developing policies, procedures, and training curricula for the communities they serve by focusing on technology management, rather than EMDT technology itself. "
PDF - http://www.iacp.org/research/CuttingEdge/EMDT9Steps.pdf
America's Most Livable Communities / Website
http://www.mostlivable.org/livability.html
"What exactly is meant by 'livability' today? Partners for Livable Communities has been persistent in its attempts to define livability. But the particulars of livability have proven to be elusive, subjective, local.
The shifting role of livability in American communities! - PDF http://www.mostlivable.org/livabilitytoday.pdf
"What exactly is meant by 'livability' today? Partners for Livable Communities has been persistent in its attempts to define livability. But the particulars of livability have proven to be elusive, subjective, local.
The shifting role of livability in American communities! - PDF http://www.mostlivable.org/livabilitytoday.pdf
No change to asylum policy / [Australia] NEWS.com, 7 Apr 2005
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,10117,12782842-29277,00.html
Paul Osborne
"Australia has told the UN it stands by the country's mandatory detention system for asylum seekers, saying it is just and fair."
Paul Osborne
"Australia has told the UN it stands by the country's mandatory detention system for asylum seekers, saying it is just and fair."
Knowledge Centre - Transparency International website
http://www.transparency.org/knowl_intro.html
"The effective use of knowledge is perhaps the most potent of all the weapons we can use in the fight against corruption. The right information in the right hands is a formidable combination. The Knowledge Centre sets out to make necessary knowledge readily available - to activists, policy-makers, journalists, lawyers, parliamentarians, private sector interests, law enforcers and law reformers. It facilitates the drafting of new instruments and the appraisal of reforms proposed by others. "
"The effective use of knowledge is perhaps the most potent of all the weapons we can use in the fight against corruption. The right information in the right hands is a formidable combination. The Knowledge Centre sets out to make necessary knowledge readily available - to activists, policy-makers, journalists, lawyers, parliamentarians, private sector interests, law enforcers and law reformers. It facilitates the drafting of new instruments and the appraisal of reforms proposed by others. "
Election sparks calls for cybercrime minister / ZDNet UK, 9 Apr 2005
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/internet/security/0,39020375,39194001,00.htm
"The future of cybercrime fighting in the UK is up in the air, as next month's election could derail the creation of the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Tony Blair's decision to call a general election on 5 May has sparked a debate among delegates at the e-Crime Congress 2005 in London, with some arguing that the government should create an e-crime minister. "
"The future of cybercrime fighting in the UK is up in the air, as next month's election could derail the creation of the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Tony Blair's decision to call a general election on 5 May has sparked a debate among delegates at the e-Crime Congress 2005 in London, with some arguing that the government should create an e-crime minister. "
Clarke pledges to push on with ID cards / ZDNet UK, 6 Apr 2005
http://news.zdnet.co.uk/business/legal/0,39020651,39194132,00.htm
"The home secretary has pledged to stand by the ID cards bill if re-elected as opposition parties reject claims they have 'killed' the legislation. The government's identity card bill, which will not become law ahead of the general election, would be resurrected should Labour win"
"The home secretary has pledged to stand by the ID cards bill if re-elected as opposition parties reject claims they have 'killed' the legislation. The government's identity card bill, which will not become law ahead of the general election, would be resurrected should Labour win"
Addiction can have many causes / The Citizen, 6 Apr 2005
http://www4.citizen.com/april_2005/04.06.05/news/laconia_040605e.asp
"One of a series on the impact of drugs in the Lakes Region and American society in general, with links to other title, including decriminalisation, addiction in prisons, crime, treatment etc., on the page. "
"One of a series on the impact of drugs in the Lakes Region and American society in general, with links to other title, including decriminalisation, addiction in prisons, crime, treatment etc., on the page. "
Clarke confirms disappearance, and reappearance, of ID cards / The Register, 6 Apr 2005
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/06/clarke_ditches_cards/
ohn Oates
"Home Secretary Charles Clarke has confirmed that controversial legislation to introduce ID cards has been shelved.
But he said the ID card bill would be included in the Labour Party's manifesto, published early next week, and would be an early priority for the next Parliament should Labour win the election.
Clarke blamed the Tories for the failure of the bill. He said their lack of support forced him to ditch the bill. The Tories rejected this and pointed out that the government chose how much legislation to include in the Queen's speech as well as the date of the General Election.�"
ohn Oates
"Home Secretary Charles Clarke has confirmed that controversial legislation to introduce ID cards has been shelved.
But he said the ID card bill would be included in the Labour Party's manifesto, published early next week, and would be an early priority for the next Parliament should Labour win the election.
Clarke blamed the Tories for the failure of the bill. He said their lack of support forced him to ditch the bill. The Tories rejected this and pointed out that the government chose how much legislation to include in the Queen's speech as well as the date of the General Election.�"
Charities Bill fails to become law / Charity Times, 5 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dcwr
"The Charities Bill will not receive royal assent before the election, it has been confirmed. A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The Government had proposed that the bill be dealt with during Wash Up, however, this was blocked by the opposition on the basis that the bill had received insufficient parliamentary scrutiny." The sector has expressed its dismay at the news and is calling on the political parties to commit to introducing a new bill in the first session of the new parliament."
"The Charities Bill will not receive royal assent before the election, it has been confirmed. A spokesperson for the Home Office said: "The Government had proposed that the bill be dealt with during Wash Up, however, this was blocked by the opposition on the basis that the bill had received insufficient parliamentary scrutiny." The sector has expressed its dismay at the news and is calling on the political parties to commit to introducing a new bill in the first session of the new parliament."
Grappling with Graffiti's Darker Side / Deutsche Welle, 7 Apr 2005
http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,1545450,00.html?maca=en-bulletin-433-html
"When it comes to graffiti, one man's art is another man's vandalism. Berlin hosted the first International Anti-Graffiti Conference where participants looked at ways to put a lid on the spray cans."
"When it comes to graffiti, one man's art is another man's vandalism. Berlin hosted the first International Anti-Graffiti Conference where participants looked at ways to put a lid on the spray cans."
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Auditor says Canada's security systems still too weak / CBC, 5 Apr 2005
http://www.cbc.ca/story/canada/national/2005/04/05/fraser-security050405.html
"Canada continues to be vulnerable to attack from terrorists, despite spending billions of dollars to strengthen security, the auditor general said "
"Canada continues to be vulnerable to attack from terrorists, despite spending billions of dollars to strengthen security, the auditor general said "
Youth justice: Young men at work / Young People Now, 6 Apr 2005
http://www.ypnmagazine.com/news/index.cfm?fuseaction=full_news&ID=6904
"National Grid Transco's Young Offender Programme, which the company has persuaded some 50 other firms to adopt, also incorporates mentoring support for the young people once they are in the job."
"National Grid Transco's Young Offender Programme, which the company has persuaded some 50 other firms to adopt, also incorporates mentoring support for the young people once they are in the job."
Jail terms to be slashed to clear clogged courts / Sydney Morning Herald, 6 Apr 2005
http://www.smh.com.au/articles/2005/04/05/1112489491935.html?oneclick=true
Michael Pelly
"Most criminals who plead guilty before going on trial will automatically receive a 25 per cent reduction on their sentence under radical reforms aimed at tackling late pleas and lawyers' tricks.
The NSW Government plans, outlined yesterday in the Supreme Court, include compulsory face-to-face, court-ordered conferences and early advice to police on what charges can be laid."
Michael Pelly
"Most criminals who plead guilty before going on trial will automatically receive a 25 per cent reduction on their sentence under radical reforms aimed at tackling late pleas and lawyers' tricks.
The NSW Government plans, outlined yesterday in the Supreme Court, include compulsory face-to-face, court-ordered conferences and early advice to police on what charges can be laid."
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Paint.NET -
http://www.eecs.wsu.edu/paint.net/
"Paint.NET is image and photo manipulation software designed to be used on computers that run Windows XP or 2000. Paint.NET is jointly developed at Washington State University with additional help from Microsoft, and is meant to be a free replacement for the MS Paint software that comes with all Windows operating systems. The programming language used to create Paint.NET is C#, with GDI+ extensions. "
"Paint.NET is image and photo manipulation software designed to be used on computers that run Windows XP or 2000. Paint.NET is jointly developed at Washington State University with additional help from Microsoft, and is meant to be a free replacement for the MS Paint software that comes with all Windows operating systems. The programming language used to create Paint.NET is C#, with GDI+ extensions. "
Angst over immigration inspires changes in policy, law in Europe / The Seattle Times, 3 Apr 2005
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002229976_euimmig03.html
Jill Lawless
"A U.N. study estimates Europe will need 1.6 million migrants a year for the next 45 years to maintain its work force, yet in a poll of 25,000 EU residents last fall, 54 percent disagreed with the statement that Europe needs immigrants. "
Jill Lawless
"A U.N. study estimates Europe will need 1.6 million migrants a year for the next 45 years to maintain its work force, yet in a poll of 25,000 EU residents last fall, 54 percent disagreed with the statement that Europe needs immigrants. "
Flying Squads to Check City Police Doing Their Job / [Moscow] - The St. Petersburg Times, 5 Apr 2005
http://www.sptimes.ru/archive/times/1058/news/n_15338.htm
Vladimir Kovalev
"On the orders of Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov, the City Prosecutor's Office has launched a campaign to stop the police from reporting misleading crime statistics.
Ustinov last month confirmed that law enforcement bodies' official records are extremely far from reality."
Vladimir Kovalev
"On the orders of Prosecutor General Vladimir Ustinov, the City Prosecutor's Office has launched a campaign to stop the police from reporting misleading crime statistics.
Ustinov last month confirmed that law enforcement bodies' official records are extremely far from reality."
Sensing voter fears, European governments get tough on immigration / CJAD 800, 3 Apr 2005
http://www3.cjad.com/content/cp_article.asp?id=/global_feeds/CanadianPress/WorldNews/w040355A.htm
"Sensing voter fears, European governments get tough on immigration." An overview.
"Sensing voter fears, European governments get tough on immigration." An overview.
Security and interop issues cause EU biometric passport delays | The Register, 1 Apr 2005
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/04/01/eu_bio_passport_delay/
"The European Union has asked the US to put back its biometric passport deadline for another year, citing 'data security and interoperability of reading devices' as issues that still needed to be resolved. Meanwhile, data security is becoming a major issue in the run up to the planned rollout of US biometric passports later this year. The current deadline, after which the US will require biometric passports for non-visa travellers, is 26th October 2005, but EU Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini has asked for this to be put back to August 28th 2006."
"The European Union has asked the US to put back its biometric passport deadline for another year, citing 'data security and interoperability of reading devices' as issues that still needed to be resolved. Meanwhile, data security is becoming a major issue in the run up to the planned rollout of US biometric passports later this year. The current deadline, after which the US will require biometric passports for non-visa travellers, is 26th October 2005, but EU Justice and Home Affairs Commissioner Franco Frattini has asked for this to be put back to August 28th 2006."
Home Office will fund a 'Centre for Child Protection on the Internet' / PublicTechnology, 4 Apr 2005
http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=2687
"As part of 'Connecting the UK: the digital strategy' the Home Office has announced that the Government is to set up a new Centre for Child Protection on the Internet to support the police and child protection agencies. "
Connecting the UK: the Digital Strategy - PDF - http://www.strategy.gov.uk/downloads/work_areas/digital_strategy/digital_strategy.pdf
"As part of 'Connecting the UK: the digital strategy' the Home Office has announced that the Government is to set up a new Centre for Child Protection on the Internet to support the police and child protection agencies. "
Connecting the UK: the Digital Strategy - PDF - http://www.strategy.gov.uk/downloads/work_areas/digital_strategy/digital_strategy.pdf
Intelligence agents warn visas still being abused / Expatica Germany, 4 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbyx
"German intelligence agencies have warned that controversial fast-track visa regulations have caused a rise in illegal immigrants from China and may be aiding Islamist terrorists, according to German media reports "
"German intelligence agencies have warned that controversial fast-track visa regulations have caused a rise in illegal immigrants from China and may be aiding Islamist terrorists, according to German media reports "
Expatica Belgium, April 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbyw
Jean O'Connor
"The trafficking of adults and minors for sexual exploitation has been of growing concern to Belgium for the past decade and has become a priority for the police and the judiciary alike."
Jean O'Connor
"The trafficking of adults and minors for sexual exploitation has been of growing concern to Belgium for the past decade and has become a priority for the police and the judiciary alike."
Expatica Belgium, 4 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbyt
"Belgium has signed up to a plan to share criminal records, it emerged on Monday.
Le Soir reported that justice ministers from Belgium, France, Germany and Spain have agreed to swap information about previous convictions with each other.
At a presentation in Paris, the ministers said the project would be up and running by the end of this year, costing Belgium EUR 70,000.
Judicial authorities will have rapid, automatic access to computer information on Belgian, French, German and Spanish residents. Other European countries have also been invited to join.
However, while advocates say the scheme will make crime detection within Europe more efficient, analyst
argue some civil rights campaigners are likely to argue suspects may be too easily extradited from one country to another as a result."
"Belgium has signed up to a plan to share criminal records, it emerged on Monday.
Le Soir reported that justice ministers from Belgium, France, Germany and Spain have agreed to swap information about previous convictions with each other.
At a presentation in Paris, the ministers said the project would be up and running by the end of this year, costing Belgium EUR 70,000.
Judicial authorities will have rapid, automatic access to computer information on Belgian, French, German and Spanish residents. Other European countries have also been invited to join.
However, while advocates say the scheme will make crime detection within Europe more efficient, analyst
argue some civil rights campaigners are likely to argue suspects may be too easily extradited from one country to another as a result."
Which way is the wind blowing for Holland? / Expatica Netherlands, 1 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbys
"As the Dutch face a Cabinet crisis and debate continues about immigration problems, crime and economic security, we look at where the Netherlands is today. What makes the country tick and where is it heading? "
"As the Dutch face a Cabinet crisis and debate continues about immigration problems, crime and economic security, we look at where the Netherlands is today. What makes the country tick and where is it heading? "
US refuses delay on biometric passport / Expatica Netherlands, 1 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbyr
"Europeans who wish to travel to the US will probably need to apply for a visa from 26 October following a refusal by the US government to allow an extension on the deadline for the introduction of biometric passports."
"Europeans who wish to travel to the US will probably need to apply for a visa from 26 October following a refusal by the US government to allow an extension on the deadline for the introduction of biometric passports."
City opts for zero toleration on racism / Expatica Netherlands, 30 Mar 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbyq
"Two arson attacks at an Islamic school in recent months have sparked alarm in the Brabant city of Uden, where tougher measures were implemented on Tuesday night to combat problem youth."
"Two arson attacks at an Islamic school in recent months have sparked alarm in the Brabant city of Uden, where tougher measures were implemented on Tuesday night to combat problem youth."
Sunday, April 03, 2005
Passport fee stays, says Immigration / Tanzania, 2 Apr 2005
http://www.ippmedia.com/ipp/guardian/2005/04/02/36134.html
Bilal Abdul-Aziz
"The Immigration Department has ignored public calls to revise downwards the recently introduced 50,000/- fee charged for the new electronically coded passports. "
Bilal Abdul-Aziz
"The Immigration Department has ignored public calls to revise downwards the recently introduced 50,000/- fee charged for the new electronically coded passports. "
New Zealand rubbishes US claims of child trafficking / Stuff New Zealand, 3 Apr 2005
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3236096a11,00.html
Andrea Hotere
"A diplomatic stoush appears to be brewing between the government and the United States after American claims that New Zealand has a child trafficking problem.
A US State Department report made the allegation last month - for the second time in a year - despite claims it had misrepresented prostitution data.
Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff was scathing about the statement.
'If the United States were to judge itself by the same standards it is applying to New Zealand, it would be found to be wanting,' Goff said.
'Of course we don't have a problem in trafficking in children.' "
Andrea Hotere
"A diplomatic stoush appears to be brewing between the government and the United States after American claims that New Zealand has a child trafficking problem.
A US State Department report made the allegation last month - for the second time in a year - despite claims it had misrepresented prostitution data.
Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff was scathing about the statement.
'If the United States were to judge itself by the same standards it is applying to New Zealand, it would be found to be wanting,' Goff said.
'Of course we don't have a problem in trafficking in children.' "
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Japanese at immigration crossroads / Australian Financial Review , 1 Apr 2005
http://afr.com/articles/2005/03/31/1111862525788.html
Niels Planel
"With one of the lowest birthrates in the world, Japan has been forced to look at accepting wide-scale immigration, a prospect which may keep its economy running but makes much of the public uneasy.
A justice ministry report has asked the cabinet to 'firmly consider' bringing unskilled foreign workers to historically homogenous Japan in a bid to ward off a looming demographic crisis."
Niels Planel
"With one of the lowest birthrates in the world, Japan has been forced to look at accepting wide-scale immigration, a prospect which may keep its economy running but makes much of the public uneasy.
A justice ministry report has asked the cabinet to 'firmly consider' bringing unskilled foreign workers to historically homogenous Japan in a bid to ward off a looming demographic crisis."
Rough justice, EU-style / spiked-online, 1 Apr 2005
http://www.spiked-online.com/articles/0000000CA97C.htm
David Chandler
"By forcing countries to trade alleged war criminals for accession rights, the EU puts politics at the heart of the Hague Tribunal."
David Chandler
"By forcing countries to trade alleged war criminals for accession rights, the EU puts politics at the heart of the Hague Tribunal."
Tackling alcohol misuse - What works best? / Medical News Today, 30 Mar 2005
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=21998
"The UK Health Development Agency today publishes its report on the prevention of alcohol misuse. The updated edition of the briefing document ‘Prevention and reduction of alcohol misuse' highlights what works in tackling alcohol misuse, any gaps in the evidence and puts forward recommendations for policy and research commissioners"
Prevention and reduction of alcohol misuse, 2nd edition' - http://www.hda.nhs.uk/Documents/alcoholEB2ndedition.pdf
"The UK Health Development Agency today publishes its report on the prevention of alcohol misuse. The updated edition of the briefing document ‘Prevention and reduction of alcohol misuse' highlights what works in tackling alcohol misuse, any gaps in the evidence and puts forward recommendations for policy and research commissioners"
Prevention and reduction of alcohol misuse, 2nd edition' - http://www.hda.nhs.uk/Documents/alcoholEB2ndedition.pdf
Police Being Extra Vigilant in Major Greek Cities / southeast european times, 1 Apr 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbne
"More than 6,000 police officers are conducting random checks in major cities under a new anti-crime effort known as the POLIS project. Authorities say the programme is producing results, but some critics charge the programme is intrusive and does not tackle the most serious types of crime."
"More than 6,000 police officers are conducting random checks in major cities under a new anti-crime effort known as the POLIS project. Authorities say the programme is producing results, but some critics charge the programme is intrusive and does not tackle the most serious types of crime."
Human trafficking 'more hidden and better organised' since clampdown / Financial times, 1 apr 2005
FT.com / World / Europe - Human trafficking 'more hidden and better organised' since clampdown:
Frances Williams ;Kerin Hope
"A clampdown on human trafficking in south-east Europe has driven the problem underground rather than reduced it"
Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe – 2004: Focus on Prevention - http://www.unicef.org/media/files/2004Focus_on_Prevention_in_SEE.pdf
Frances Williams ;Kerin Hope
"A clampdown on human trafficking in south-east Europe has driven the problem underground rather than reduced it"
Trafficking in Human Beings in South Eastern Europe – 2004: Focus on Prevention - http://www.unicef.org/media/files/2004Focus_on_Prevention_in_SEE.pdf
UN shines attention on fighting human trafficking in Europe and Asia,/ Kerala Next, 1 Apr 2005
http://www.keralanext.com/news/indexread.asp?id=169806
"United Nations agencies cast a spotlight today on fighting human trafficking at opposite ends of the Earth, warning that the root causes are not being adequately addressed in South Eastern Europe while praising government moves in Southeast Asia to forge a concrete, detailed strategy to combat the problem. "
"United Nations agencies cast a spotlight today on fighting human trafficking at opposite ends of the Earth, warning that the root causes are not being adequately addressed in South Eastern Europe while praising government moves in Southeast Asia to forge a concrete, detailed strategy to combat the problem. "
Lilley accused on immigration / This Is Hertfordshire, Mar 2005
http://digbig.com/4dbnd
Owen Morris
"In a pamphlet entitled Too Much of a Good Thing Mr Lilley warned that government forecasts showed some 5.2 million immigrants arriving in the country in 2031 84 per cent of the total population increase that year."
Owen Morris
"In a pamphlet entitled Too Much of a Good Thing Mr Lilley warned that government forecasts showed some 5.2 million immigrants arriving in the country in 2031 84 per cent of the total population increase that year."
The Economic Benefits of Drug Treatment: A Critical Review of the Evidence for Policy Makers /TRI Treatment Research Institute: Science Over Addiction
http://www.tresearch.org/resources/specials/2005Feb_EconomicBenefits.pdf
"The Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, the National Rural Alcohol and Drug Abuse Network (NRADAN) and the Alcohol and Drug Problems Association of North America (ADPA) have joined together to publish this document."
"The Treatment Research Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, the National Rural Alcohol and Drug Abuse Network (NRADAN) and the Alcohol and Drug Problems Association of North America (ADPA) have joined together to publish this document."
Injecting crack cocaine is surprisingly common / New Scientist, 30 Mar 2005
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7207
Maggie McKee
"Crack cocaine is being injected - not just smoked - by a significant number of US drug users, reveals the first large survey of the practice. The phenomenon is particularly worrisome because it is associated with more high-risk behaviour, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex, than other intravenous drugs."
Maggie McKee
"Crack cocaine is being injected - not just smoked - by a significant number of US drug users, reveals the first large survey of the practice. The phenomenon is particularly worrisome because it is associated with more high-risk behaviour, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex, than other intravenous drugs."
Call for a balanced approach to immigration - CPS pamphlet
http://www.policyhub.gov.uk/home/immigration_cps05.asp
"On 23 March 2005, the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) published a pamphlet which says that fear of accusations of racism stifles serious debate about immigration."
Too much of a good thing? Towards a balanced approach to immigration - http://www.cps.org.uk/pdf/pub/409.pdf
"On 23 March 2005, the Centre for Policy Studies (CPS) published a pamphlet which says that fear of accusations of racism stifles serious debate about immigration."
Too much of a good thing? Towards a balanced approach to immigration - http://www.cps.org.uk/pdf/pub/409.pdf
Friday, April 01, 2005
Cops get cybercrime help from Microsoft / ZDNet Australia, 30 Mar 2005
http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1009_22-5647254.html
Munir Kotadia
"Microsoft is developing analytical tools to help international law enforcement agencies track and fight cybercrime.
Microsoft unveiled the tools development program at the kickoff on Wednesday of three days of technical training for Australian law enforcement agencies."
Munir Kotadia
"Microsoft is developing analytical tools to help international law enforcement agencies track and fight cybercrime.
Microsoft unveiled the tools development program at the kickoff on Wednesday of three days of technical training for Australian law enforcement agencies."
UK street scum face wrath of shouting lamppost / The Register, 30 Mar 2005
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/03/30/shouting_lampposts/
Lester Haines
"Graffiti artists, prostitutes, drug dealers and miscellaneous street scum across the UK face a new challenge to their nefarious activities today - the Q Star FlashCam-530 shouting lamppost currently being deployed across the nation.
The vociferous US-developed FlashCam has already been attached to street furniture in 52 locations in London, Glasgow and Birmingham, where it has apparently been successful in holding back the tide of al fresco criminality."
Lester Haines
"Graffiti artists, prostitutes, drug dealers and miscellaneous street scum across the UK face a new challenge to their nefarious activities today - the Q Star FlashCam-530 shouting lamppost currently being deployed across the nation.
The vociferous US-developed FlashCam has already been attached to street furniture in 52 locations in London, Glasgow and Birmingham, where it has apparently been successful in holding back the tide of al fresco criminality."
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