http://www.sundayherald.com/58500
Liam McDougall
A new 265-page report has revealed the grim extent of drug abuse within the Scottish prison system. The result of two years of work by a research team led by Dr David Shewan at Glasgow Caledonian University, it garnered views directly from prison inmates and addiction staff about the scale of the drugs epidemic and how it should be tackled. This week the explosive findings from the study – commissioned by the Scottish Prison Service to inform its policy and considered the most in-depth study of its kind – are made public for the first time by the Sunday Herald."
SOCIETY, SOCIAL MEDIA, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE< GOVERNMENT>JUSTICE - a selective newsfeed
society
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Russian Mob and Human Trafficking / TCV, 13 Oct 2006
http://www.commonvoice.com/article.asp?colid=6047
Jim Kouri
"From Himalayan villages to Eastern European cities, people -- especially women and girls -- are attracted by the prospect of a well-paid job as a domestic servant, waitress or factory worker. Human traffickers recruit victims through fake advertisements, mail-order bride catalogues and casual acquaintances."
Jim Kouri
"From Himalayan villages to Eastern European cities, people -- especially women and girls -- are attracted by the prospect of a well-paid job as a domestic servant, waitress or factory worker. Human traffickers recruit victims through fake advertisements, mail-order bride catalogues and casual acquaintances."
Changing the future of policing / Wimbledon Guardian, 14 Oct 2006
http://tinyurl.com/ymf6rp
Sarah Bell
"A revolution which will change the way the borough is policed has been announced, with plans to create a service fit for the 21st century."
Sarah Bell
"A revolution which will change the way the borough is policed has been announced, with plans to create a service fit for the 21st century."
Saturday, October 14, 2006
The liquid explosives threat / Jane's Terrorism & Security Monitor, 12 Oct 2006
http://jtsm.janes.com
"British and US airports introduced tightened security in August that prevented passengers from carrying liquids, gels, cosmetics and electronic equipment onto aircraft in their hand luggage. The new security measures were introduced to prevent terrorists assembling explosive devices after boarding an aircraft using components that included liquids." [Sub required]
"British and US airports introduced tightened security in August that prevented passengers from carrying liquids, gels, cosmetics and electronic equipment onto aircraft in their hand luggage. The new security measures were introduced to prevent terrorists assembling explosive devices after boarding an aircraft using components that included liquids." [Sub required]
Filming anti-social kids has cut crime, say police / Burnley Citizen, 13 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhmy
Camilla Sutcliffe
"A POLICE operation to crack criminal damage and anti-social behaviour will be repeated, despite causing anger in the local community. The scheme, which saw officers filming teenage children, helped to slash crime in Brierfield. But it led to parents confronting the officers involved in the operation."
Camilla Sutcliffe
"A POLICE operation to crack criminal damage and anti-social behaviour will be repeated, despite causing anger in the local community. The scheme, which saw officers filming teenage children, helped to slash crime in Brierfield. But it led to parents confronting the officers involved in the operation."
New detectors can 'sniff out' drugs / Australian, 13 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhmx
"UNIVERSITY of Newcastle scientists say they could revolutionise border security with new chemical sensors which can detect explosives and illegal drugs. The sensors, which "sniff out" illicit substances, are coated onto walk-through screening devices similar to the metal detectors already in use at airports."
"UNIVERSITY of Newcastle scientists say they could revolutionise border security with new chemical sensors which can detect explosives and illegal drugs. The sensors, which "sniff out" illicit substances, are coated onto walk-through screening devices similar to the metal detectors already in use at airports."
The Relative Effectiveness of 10 Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Programs in the United States / Rand, October 2006
PDF - http://www.rand.org/pubs/technical_reports/2006/RAND_TR346.pdf
Andrew R. Morral, Daniel F. McCaffrey, Greg Ridgeway, Arnab Mukherji, Christopher Beighley
Andrew R. Morral, Daniel F. McCaffrey, Greg Ridgeway, Arnab Mukherji, Christopher Beighley
Number of Filipinos caught with tampered passports rising / MQ7News, 14 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhmt
Volt Contreras
"THE Philippine Embassy in Rome reported a rise in the number of overseas Filipino workers caught attempting to enter Italy with tampered passports."
Volt Contreras
"THE Philippine Embassy in Rome reported a rise in the number of overseas Filipino workers caught attempting to enter Italy with tampered passports."
ASU discovery may aid counter-terrorism efforts / EurekaAlert, 12 Oct 2006
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-10/asu-adm101206.php
"New analytical tool developed for liquid explosives detection. The thwarted 2006 London airline bomb plot not only heightened summer travel fears and created new passenger screening inconveniences, but also greatly underscored the urgent need for improved national security measures. Now, professor Joe Wang, director of the Center for Biosensors and Bioelectronics at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, has developed a highly sensitive technology to rapidly detect liquid peroxide explosives in as little as 15 seconds. The results are published as a research communication online in this week's edition of the leading international analytical journal, The Analyst (www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/an/Article.asp?Type=AdvArticle - Sub Required). "
"New analytical tool developed for liquid explosives detection. The thwarted 2006 London airline bomb plot not only heightened summer travel fears and created new passenger screening inconveniences, but also greatly underscored the urgent need for improved national security measures. Now, professor Joe Wang, director of the Center for Biosensors and Bioelectronics at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, has developed a highly sensitive technology to rapidly detect liquid peroxide explosives in as little as 15 seconds. The results are published as a research communication online in this week's edition of the leading international analytical journal, The Analyst (www.rsc.org/Publishing/Journals/an/Article.asp?Type=AdvArticle - Sub Required). "
A veiled debate / Spiked, 10 Oct 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/earticle/1804
Josie Appleton
" British women who wear the niqab have more in common with hoodies than with Islamic tradition."
End this Muslim-Mania, by Mick Hume
Hijab in the Hood: Religion, Pop Culture and Public Policy, Andrew Calcutt, Rising East no. 4
A symbol of modesty or sign of separation?, Globe and Mail
Josie Appleton
" British women who wear the niqab have more in common with hoodies than with Islamic tradition."
End this Muslim-Mania, by Mick Hume
Hijab in the Hood: Religion, Pop Culture and Public Policy, Andrew Calcutt, Rising East no. 4
A symbol of modesty or sign of separation?, Globe and Mail
Publish, and you can still be damned / Spiked, 13 Oct 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/earticle/1886
Helene Guldberg
"An 'historic' judgement in the House of Lords might make it easier to defend a libel case, but leaves press freedom subject to a bad law. Five UK law lords this week ruled unanimously that the media should be better able to claim a ‘public interest’ defence when sued for libel. The judgement by Britain’s highest court has been hailed as an historic victory for free speech and investigative journalism. But it still leaves the final say on freedom of the press in the hands of judges interpreting a bad law."
Helene Guldberg
"An 'historic' judgement in the House of Lords might make it easier to defend a libel case, but leaves press freedom subject to a bad law. Five UK law lords this week ruled unanimously that the media should be better able to claim a ‘public interest’ defence when sued for libel. The judgement by Britain’s highest court has been hailed as an historic victory for free speech and investigative journalism. But it still leaves the final say on freedom of the press in the hands of judges interpreting a bad law."
A Spanish CSI story? / Spiked, 11 Oct 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/earticle/1840
Robert Latona
"A Spanish CSI story? Recent conspiracy theories about the Madrid bombings are being used to settle scores in politics and the media. What, exactly, is the conspiracy about? In short, the claim is that Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has suppressed hard evidence that the Basque separatist terror group ETA was involved in the massacre, sharing technical and logistic know-how with the Islamists, and possibly some leftover dynamite."
Robert Latona
"A Spanish CSI story? Recent conspiracy theories about the Madrid bombings are being used to settle scores in politics and the media. What, exactly, is the conspiracy about? In short, the claim is that Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has suppressed hard evidence that the Basque separatist terror group ETA was involved in the massacre, sharing technical and logistic know-how with the Islamists, and possibly some leftover dynamite."
Filling fragments can be crime solvers / UB Reporter, Volume 38, Number 7, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhme
LOIS BAKER
"Evidence exists to identify human remains when all else is lost. When an explosion, accidental cremation or a fire set deliberately to cover a crime destroys a body, precious little may remain to link it to a life once lived. Yet even among the ashes, a team of forensic dental researchers at UB has shown that evidence exists that can help identify human remains when all else—flesh, bones, teeth, DNA—is lost. Work by forensic dental researchers Peter and Mary Bush has shown for the first time that inorganic resins that make up the central matrix of tooth-colored dental fillings can withstand temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, be recovered and named by brand or brand groups."
LOIS BAKER
"Evidence exists to identify human remains when all else is lost. When an explosion, accidental cremation or a fire set deliberately to cover a crime destroys a body, precious little may remain to link it to a life once lived. Yet even among the ashes, a team of forensic dental researchers at UB has shown that evidence exists that can help identify human remains when all else—flesh, bones, teeth, DNA—is lost. Work by forensic dental researchers Peter and Mary Bush has shown for the first time that inorganic resins that make up the central matrix of tooth-colored dental fillings can withstand temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, be recovered and named by brand or brand groups."
Arrested Iraqi accused of promoting al-Qaida in Internet chat room / International Herald Tribune, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhmd
"An Iraqi man arrested in Germany on suspicion of supporting a foreign terrorist organization had promoted al-Qaida as the administrator of an Internet chat room."
"An Iraqi man arrested in Germany on suspicion of supporting a foreign terrorist organization had promoted al-Qaida as the administrator of an Internet chat room."
Girls committing more crime in Switzerland / SwissInfo, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkw
"Violence among girls is said to be increasing. The number of girls sentenced by Swiss courts rose last year by more than seven per cent, despite an overall drop in juvenile convictions." [Basic view of all crime stats.]
"Violence among girls is said to be increasing. The number of girls sentenced by Swiss courts rose last year by more than seven per cent, despite an overall drop in juvenile convictions." [Basic view of all crime stats.]
Biometric watchdogs catching illegals entering Singapore / Monsters & Critics, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkt
"More than 1,000 foreigners banned from Singapore were caught when they tried to enter the country using false identities this year, thanks to the biometric database installed last June by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The database stores fingerprints, photographs and personal details of some 146,000 foreigners who had been repatriated for offences committed in Singapore."
"More than 1,000 foreigners banned from Singapore were caught when they tried to enter the country using false identities this year, thanks to the biometric database installed last June by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA). The database stores fingerprints, photographs and personal details of some 146,000 foreigners who had been repatriated for offences committed in Singapore."
The war on youth Cover story / New Statesman, 16 Oct 2006
http://www.newstatesman.com/200610160027
Alice O'Keeffe
"Crime rates are falling throughout Britain, yet the number of children being prosecuted just keeps on rising. Why are we turning so many young people into criminals?"
Alice O'Keeffe
"Crime rates are falling throughout Britain, yet the number of children being prosecuted just keeps on rising. Why are we turning so many young people into criminals?"
Bus crash driver fined charity cash / Yarmouth Mercury, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkp
"A bus driver involved in an autobahn crash that claimed the lives of three people, including an off-duty driver from Gorleston, has been ordered to give £700 to charity by a German court. The driver was told by a court in Kerpen, near Cologne, on Tuesday that he could be either jailed or fined six times his annual salary - or pay the money to the Quidenham Children's Hospice in return for there being no further action against him."
"A bus driver involved in an autobahn crash that claimed the lives of three people, including an off-duty driver from Gorleston, has been ordered to give £700 to charity by a German court. The driver was told by a court in Kerpen, near Cologne, on Tuesday that he could be either jailed or fined six times his annual salary - or pay the money to the Quidenham Children's Hospice in return for there being no further action against him."
In-depth study on all forms of violence against women / UN, 9 Oct 2006
PDF - http://digbig.com/4nhkn
Secretary General's Office
Executive summary of the Secretary-General's in-depth study on violence against women[ English French Spanish ]
Background note on "Forms, consequences and costs of violence against women"[ English French Spanish ]
Background note on "Fighting violence against women: What works"[ English French Spanish ]
Background note on "Violence against women: Unmet needs, broken promises"[ English French Spanish ]
Secretary General's Office
Executive summary of the Secretary-General's in-depth study on violence against women[ English French Spanish ]
Background note on "Forms, consequences and costs of violence against women"[ English French Spanish ]
Background note on "Fighting violence against women: What works"[ English French Spanish ]
Background note on "Violence against women: Unmet needs, broken promises"[ English French Spanish ]
On the Ground: eye witness reports from Sack Parliament / IndyMedia, 12 Oct 2006
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/10/353313.html
Oscar Beard
"Then the snatch-and-grabs started, targeting very specific individuals inside the police bubble. A large team of police and FIT officers would enter the cordon, target the individual, make a grab and drag them out whilst the surrounding police pushed back anyone trying to interfere with the operation. This tactic worked at least three times. Then a group of protestors attempted to block the grabs by linking arms and surrounding the next suspected target. This would have worked. But with the police capable of turning to physical force and violence at any time, and get away with it - any protestor acting in a similar manner would be immediately arrested for assault - the advantage clearly went to the yellow-coats." [Public Order]
Oscar Beard
"Then the snatch-and-grabs started, targeting very specific individuals inside the police bubble. A large team of police and FIT officers would enter the cordon, target the individual, make a grab and drag them out whilst the surrounding police pushed back anyone trying to interfere with the operation. This tactic worked at least three times. Then a group of protestors attempted to block the grabs by linking arms and surrounding the next suspected target. This would have worked. But with the police capable of turning to physical force and violence at any time, and get away with it - any protestor acting in a similar manner would be immediately arrested for assault - the advantage clearly went to the yellow-coats." [Public Order]
ID cards: the next steps? / Ideal Government, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkk
Ruth Kennedy
"About 60 or so people squeezed into the conference room at the IPPR to hear the Home Office Minister of State for nationality, citizenship and immigration, Liam Byrne MP, set out the 'next steps' for the re-assessed ID card programme. He carefully explained that the 'all-new' ID card project is intended to do 4 things:- increase border security and decrease illegal immigration - increase protection for the most vulnerable - improved criminal detection rates - prevention of identity fraud and he noted his decision to seek to share existing information and datasets across government where that was appropriate."
Ruth Kennedy
"About 60 or so people squeezed into the conference room at the IPPR to hear the Home Office Minister of State for nationality, citizenship and immigration, Liam Byrne MP, set out the 'next steps' for the re-assessed ID card programme. He carefully explained that the 'all-new' ID card project is intended to do 4 things:- increase border security and decrease illegal immigration - increase protection for the most vulnerable - improved criminal detection rates - prevention of identity fraud and he noted his decision to seek to share existing information and datasets across government where that was appropriate."
Maths provides answer to airport security puzzle / Innovations Report, 13 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkj
"High flyers will enjoy faster and safer travel in the future, thanks to mathematicians at The University of Manchester and airport security specialists Rapiscan Systems. The two parties are joining forces for a research project to provide fast, accurate 3D x-ray images of suitcases and baggage. The project is being funded jointly by the UK-based Rapiscan Systems and the British government's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council."
"High flyers will enjoy faster and safer travel in the future, thanks to mathematicians at The University of Manchester and airport security specialists Rapiscan Systems. The two parties are joining forces for a research project to provide fast, accurate 3D x-ray images of suitcases and baggage. The project is being funded jointly by the UK-based Rapiscan Systems and the British government's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council."
Report reveals ID theft ‘Best buys’ / Innovations Report, 13 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkh
"Insights on the experiences of victims of identity theft have been revealed in a study commissioned by CIFAS the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. Store cards, mobile phone accounts and credit cards are the top three purchases made by fraudsters using other people’s identities, the study found. And, for the first time, the report identifies from the victims’ perspective what should be done in order to best support them."
"Insights on the experiences of victims of identity theft have been revealed in a study commissioned by CIFAS the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. Store cards, mobile phone accounts and credit cards are the top three purchases made by fraudsters using other people’s identities, the study found. And, for the first time, the report identifies from the victims’ perspective what should be done in order to best support them."
Police to pilot new forensics weapon / This is Bradford, 5 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkg
Steve Wright
"Unsolved rapes and murders in West Yorkshire could be detected because of world-first advances in DNA technology. West Yorkshire Police is one of four forces piloting a new computer-based analysis system, DNAboost, which can unravel DNA samples which until now have remained a mystery. The Forensic Science Service, which has made the discovery, claims the technique will boost detection rates by 15 per cent."
Steve Wright
"Unsolved rapes and murders in West Yorkshire could be detected because of world-first advances in DNA technology. West Yorkshire Police is one of four forces piloting a new computer-based analysis system, DNAboost, which can unravel DNA samples which until now have remained a mystery. The Forensic Science Service, which has made the discovery, claims the technique will boost detection rates by 15 per cent."
Councils give ID thieves a helping hand over internet / Yorkshire Post, 11 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhke
Joanne Ginley
"Even signatures are available online! LOCAL authorities in Yorkshire are putting enough personal details on the internet for people to fall victim to identity theft. The UK's Fraud Prevention Service, CIFAS, has demanded action after discovering some councils even published signatures on planning websites. As many as seven local authorities in the Yorkshire region have published copies of planning applications online – all including the applicant's signature. All seven also included details of the applicant's name, address and telephone number. In some cases, mobile telephone numbers and email addresses were also visible in planning documents. One council told the Yorkshire Post it has changed its policy – but it has still left the old applications and all the details online."
Joanne Ginley
"Even signatures are available online! LOCAL authorities in Yorkshire are putting enough personal details on the internet for people to fall victim to identity theft. The UK's Fraud Prevention Service, CIFAS, has demanded action after discovering some councils even published signatures on planning websites. As many as seven local authorities in the Yorkshire region have published copies of planning applications online – all including the applicant's signature. All seven also included details of the applicant's name, address and telephone number. In some cases, mobile telephone numbers and email addresses were also visible in planning documents. One council told the Yorkshire Post it has changed its policy – but it has still left the old applications and all the details online."
New York Teams With The Guardian Angels to Promote Online Safety / GovTech, 10 Oct 2006
http://www.govtech.net/magazine/channel_story.php/101546
"The New York State Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure (CSCIC) will partner with The Alliance of Guardian Angels to promote online safety in New York's classrooms and communities. Forming a "Strike Force on Cyber Safety," CSCIC will combine its technical expertise with The Guardian Angels' decades of experience to empower youth and communities to stay safe and resist criminal influences online. The Guardian Angels' CyberAngels program will bring practical safety lessons to New York schools and communities through school-based workshops, online support and community outreach programs."
"The New York State Office of Cyber Security & Critical Infrastructure (CSCIC) will partner with The Alliance of Guardian Angels to promote online safety in New York's classrooms and communities. Forming a "Strike Force on Cyber Safety," CSCIC will combine its technical expertise with The Guardian Angels' decades of experience to empower youth and communities to stay safe and resist criminal influences online. The Guardian Angels' CyberAngels program will bring practical safety lessons to New York schools and communities through school-based workshops, online support and community outreach programs."
Netherlands, Sweden: Bar Deportations to Torture in Iran / Human Rights News, 6 Oct 2006
http://hrw.org/english/docs/2006/10/06/sweden14361.htm
"Officials Must Not Return Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers to Iran. Human Rights Watch said that states cannot return people to countries where they face torture, ill-treatment or death. “As the Ahmedinejad government cracks down on dissent, this is the wrong time for the European governments to be considering new expulsions of gay or lesbian asylum seekers to Iran."
"Officials Must Not Return Gay and Lesbian Asylum Seekers to Iran. Human Rights Watch said that states cannot return people to countries where they face torture, ill-treatment or death. “As the Ahmedinejad government cracks down on dissent, this is the wrong time for the European governments to be considering new expulsions of gay or lesbian asylum seekers to Iran."
Met criticises local police e-crime response / ZDNet UK, 13 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkd
Tom Espiner
"Plans to set up a central e-crime unit are being welcomed by senior police officers who have expressed concerns about local police responses. Senior police officers have criticised local police responses to reports of e-crime, and have welcomed plans for a national police centre to co-ordinate cybercrime-fighting efforts."
Tom Espiner
"Plans to set up a central e-crime unit are being welcomed by senior police officers who have expressed concerns about local police responses. Senior police officers have criticised local police responses to reports of e-crime, and have welcomed plans for a national police centre to co-ordinate cybercrime-fighting efforts."
Data Torrents and Rivers / IEEE Spectrum, September 2006
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/sep06/4448
Michael Stonebraker
"As the data streaming in from computers, sensors, and other devices swells, new infrastructure will be needed to manage the flood. There is a sea change coming from the plummeting cost of microsensor technology. This change will cause everything of material significance on the planet to be sensor-tagged to report its state or location in real time, which will create a whole new collection of applications to process and monitor streaming data. You have also heard about the possibility of a tsunami early-warning system, but in the U.S., it might be more important to have an alarm system for severe weather, especially wind gusts and tornados. Such a system is readily buildable by adding real-time processing to the current collection of weather sensors on the ground throughout the nation. Lastly, there is considerable interest in performing real-time monitoring of computer networks." [3 pages]
Michael Stonebraker
"As the data streaming in from computers, sensors, and other devices swells, new infrastructure will be needed to manage the flood. There is a sea change coming from the plummeting cost of microsensor technology. This change will cause everything of material significance on the planet to be sensor-tagged to report its state or location in real time, which will create a whole new collection of applications to process and monitor streaming data. You have also heard about the possibility of a tsunami early-warning system, but in the U.S., it might be more important to have an alarm system for severe weather, especially wind gusts and tornados. Such a system is readily buildable by adding real-time processing to the current collection of weather sensors on the ground throughout the nation. Lastly, there is considerable interest in performing real-time monitoring of computer networks." [3 pages]
Netwar! / IEEE Spectrum, September 2006
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/sep06/4441
Ted G. Lewis
"The science of networks analyzes the hidden weaknesses and strengths of critical infrastructures now at risk from terrorist attack. The fall of the Twin Towers on 9/11 cut off Internet service in South Africa. A cyberattack in 2003 shut down a section of the Internet, halting the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant in Ohio. Later that year, an apparently minor fault at FirstEnergy, an electric utility in Ohio, plunged 50 million North Americans into darkness.
Each case posed a problem of particular concern for homeland security: how to guard critical infrastructure that is so vast and complex that we cannot afford to protect every part or anticipate the ultimate effects of a disruption? Modern societies depend on such infrastructure for power, communications, transportation, and public health, yet everywhere governments are still addressing vulnerabilities one component at a time."
Ted G. Lewis
"The science of networks analyzes the hidden weaknesses and strengths of critical infrastructures now at risk from terrorist attack. The fall of the Twin Towers on 9/11 cut off Internet service in South Africa. A cyberattack in 2003 shut down a section of the Internet, halting the Davis-Besse nuclear power plant in Ohio. Later that year, an apparently minor fault at FirstEnergy, an electric utility in Ohio, plunged 50 million North Americans into darkness.
Each case posed a problem of particular concern for homeland security: how to guard critical infrastructure that is so vast and complex that we cannot afford to protect every part or anticipate the ultimate effects of a disruption? Modern societies depend on such infrastructure for power, communications, transportation, and public health, yet everywhere governments are still addressing vulnerabilities one component at a time."
Shrink The Targets / IEEE Spectrum, September 2006
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/sep06/4423
Charles Perrow
"We can't defend everything. So we should take steps that protect against both terrorism and natural disasters. Civilized society is at far greater risk from natural disasters and industrial accidents than from terrorism, yet we behave as if it were the other way around. We spend billions on unproven technical remedies for imagined terrorist threats while skimping on known methods of mitigating the effects of hurricanes, floods, and toxic-waste spills, which occur with remarkable regularity and predictability. We should concentrate instead on defending against these more frequent and disastrous threats. By thus identifying our worst vulnerabilities and reducing them, we would reduce the size of the terrorists’ targets as well.
Charles Perrow
"We can't defend everything. So we should take steps that protect against both terrorism and natural disasters. Civilized society is at far greater risk from natural disasters and industrial accidents than from terrorism, yet we behave as if it were the other way around. We spend billions on unproven technical remedies for imagined terrorist threats while skimping on known methods of mitigating the effects of hurricanes, floods, and toxic-waste spills, which occur with remarkable regularity and predictability. We should concentrate instead on defending against these more frequent and disastrous threats. By thus identifying our worst vulnerabilities and reducing them, we would reduce the size of the terrorists’ targets as well.
Crime prediction possible / Herald Sun, 4 Oct 2006
http://www.heraldsun.com/durham/4-775750.html
BriAnne Dopart
"Can law enforcement predict when and where crime will happen next? Data analyst and behavioral scientist Colleen McCue thinks so. McCue, author of "Data Mining and Predictive Analysis: Intelligence Gathering and Crime Analysis," believes that with the right kind of analytical thinking -- and some "off-the-shelf" software -- law enforcement can use the same strategies as financial analysts and marketing companies to better understand the communities they serve."
BriAnne Dopart
"Can law enforcement predict when and where crime will happen next? Data analyst and behavioral scientist Colleen McCue thinks so. McCue, author of "Data Mining and Predictive Analysis: Intelligence Gathering and Crime Analysis," believes that with the right kind of analytical thinking -- and some "off-the-shelf" software -- law enforcement can use the same strategies as financial analysts and marketing companies to better understand the communities they serve."
Cards won't identify the answers to all our problems / Yorkshire Post, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhkc
Angus Marshall
"WORLD'S FASTEST GROWING CRIME - We may be years away from carrying ID cards, but current plans could threaten national security. "I have severe concerns about the way we currently deal with the problem of identity verification, so it might seem that I'm a big supporter of the current plans for a national identity register and associated identity cards. [..] However, I have serious concerns about the plan, some of them shared by colleagues involved in crime and security research, and partners responsible for checking compliance with relevant legislation, particularly the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act."
Angus Marshall
"WORLD'S FASTEST GROWING CRIME - We may be years away from carrying ID cards, but current plans could threaten national security. "I have severe concerns about the way we currently deal with the problem of identity verification, so it might seem that I'm a big supporter of the current plans for a national identity register and associated identity cards. [..] However, I have serious concerns about the plan, some of them shared by colleagues involved in crime and security research, and partners responsible for checking compliance with relevant legislation, particularly the Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act."
Call for gas law reform / Evening Star, 11 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhka
"A SUFFOLK councillor has called for tighter regulation of nitrous oxide after it emerged youths in Mendlesham are using the gas to “get high”. Alarmingly, The Evening Star has discovered the substance is widely available on the internet."
"A SUFFOLK councillor has called for tighter regulation of nitrous oxide after it emerged youths in Mendlesham are using the gas to “get high”. Alarmingly, The Evening Star has discovered the substance is widely available on the internet."
[Australia] Dark Angel: police alert on 'soft speed' / Sydney Morning Herald, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhjy
David Braithwaite
"The online purchase of a New Zealand-made drug touted as the "strongest energy pill legally available in the world" could land NSW residents in jail, police have warned. The benzylpiperazine-based products are legal in New Zealand and marketed online under names such as "Dark Angel", "Grin", "Red Hearts", "Majik", "Kandi", "Frenzy", "Altitude" and "Humma", police said."
David Braithwaite
"The online purchase of a New Zealand-made drug touted as the "strongest energy pill legally available in the world" could land NSW residents in jail, police have warned. The benzylpiperazine-based products are legal in New Zealand and marketed online under names such as "Dark Angel", "Grin", "Red Hearts", "Majik", "Kandi", "Frenzy", "Altitude" and "Humma", police said."
[USA] Hey bad guys, try finding these new police cameras / Chicago Sun-Times, 4 Oct 2006
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/82289,CST-NWS-cameras04.article
FRAN SPIELMAN
" City Hall Reporter Chicago will spend $1 million next year to install 100 more surveillance cameras on high-crime street corners -- this time, cameras of the stealth variety -- to monitor gang and drug activity."
FRAN SPIELMAN
" City Hall Reporter Chicago will spend $1 million next year to install 100 more surveillance cameras on high-crime street corners -- this time, cameras of the stealth variety -- to monitor gang and drug activity."
Winning the other war on terror / Cambridge Evening News, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhjx
"AS HEAD of a national counterextremist organisation Superintendent Steve Pearl's job is to put an end to the illegal activities of animal rights activists. And although Supt Pearl believes the activists are here to stay he is pleased to have put half of the most persistent offenders out of commission - either behind bars or subject to legal restraints. Supt Pearl was invited to set up the National Extremism Tactical Co-ordination Unit (Nectu) in 2004 because of his experience of dealing with animal rights activities in Cambridgeshire."
"AS HEAD of a national counterextremist organisation Superintendent Steve Pearl's job is to put an end to the illegal activities of animal rights activists. And although Supt Pearl believes the activists are here to stay he is pleased to have put half of the most persistent offenders out of commission - either behind bars or subject to legal restraints. Supt Pearl was invited to set up the National Extremism Tactical Co-ordination Unit (Nectu) in 2004 because of his experience of dealing with animal rights activities in Cambridgeshire."
Friday, October 13, 2006
Nine Cautionary Tales / IEEE Spectrum, September 2006
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/sep06/4422
"If terrorists decide to strike again, are we prepared? Not really, as these scenarios of extremism make clear." [9 pages]
"If terrorists decide to strike again, are we prepared? Not really, as these scenarios of extremism make clear." [9 pages]
Terror: What's Next - Special Report: Technology and Terrorism / IEEE Spectrum, September 2006
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/sep06/4426
"Five years after 9/11, technology's role against terrorism is still murky. The defining conflict of the late 20th century, the Cold War, was all about technology. It revolved around nuclear weapons—specifically, the technology needed to make, store, test, and deploy them. And, of course, to spy on what the other side had. "
"Five years after 9/11, technology's role against terrorism is still murky. The defining conflict of the late 20th century, the Cold War, was all about technology. It revolved around nuclear weapons—specifically, the technology needed to make, store, test, and deploy them. And, of course, to spy on what the other side had. "
Modeling Terrorist / IEEE Spectrum, September 2006
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/sep06/4424
Harry Goldstein
"New simulators could help intelligence analysts think like the enemy.
“There are tools where they build a world in a bottle. They put down every single mosque, river, camel, and school in, say, Saudi Arabia. Then they have millions of software agents who each have desires, grievances, all these different variables. They go about their little lives and then you ask a question: What if we build a McDonald’s in Mecca? Does this lead to more people joining terrorist groups or not?” [5 pages]
Harry Goldstein
"New simulators could help intelligence analysts think like the enemy.
“There are tools where they build a world in a bottle. They put down every single mosque, river, camel, and school in, say, Saudi Arabia. Then they have millions of software agents who each have desires, grievances, all these different variables. They go about their little lives and then you ask a question: What if we build a McDonald’s in Mecca? Does this lead to more people joining terrorist groups or not?” [5 pages]
Education key to preventing youth offending / Western Mail, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhhh
Aled Blake
"SCHOOLS in Wales have been given guidance on dealing with young offenders.
A booklet, produced by the Children's Services Network together with the Youth Justice Board and the Welsh Assembly Government has been launched at Abersychan Comprehensive School."
Aled Blake
"SCHOOLS in Wales have been given guidance on dealing with young offenders.
A booklet, produced by the Children's Services Network together with the Youth Justice Board and the Welsh Assembly Government has been launched at Abersychan Comprehensive School."
German judge says 9/11 suspect could face third trial / Jurist PaperChase, 12 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhhc
Katerina Ossenova
"Moroccan-born Mounir al-Motassadeq [BBC profile; JURIST news archive], who was convicted by a German court [JURIST report] last year for his involvement with the Sept. 11 attacks [JURIST news archive], could face a third trial. Though Motassadeq was convicted last year, both the prosecution and defendant filed appeals, and Motassadeq was released on bail [JURIST] report] while appeals of the conviction [JURIST report] are pending. German Federal Constitutional Court [in German] Judge Klaus Tolksdorf said that "a preliminary assessment seems to point to the prosecutor's appeal being successful," and that he believes Motassadeq knew his acquaintances were planning the attacks. Prosecutors hope to prove that Motassadeq should also be convicted as an accessory to murder since he knew and accepted that people would die. In his first trial in 2003, Motassadeq was convicted on 3,000 charges of aiding and abetting murder and sentenced to 15-years in prison, but the decision was overturned and a new trial was ordered . In a retrial, the Hamburg Supreme Court convicted Motassadeq in August of belonging to a terrorist organization and sentenced him to seven years in prison, but cleared him of his direct involvement in the attacks. A ruling on the appeals is expected on November 16. Reuters has more." [Brief]
Katerina Ossenova
"Moroccan-born Mounir al-Motassadeq [BBC profile; JURIST news archive], who was convicted by a German court [JURIST report] last year for his involvement with the Sept. 11 attacks [JURIST news archive], could face a third trial. Though Motassadeq was convicted last year, both the prosecution and defendant filed appeals, and Motassadeq was released on bail [JURIST] report] while appeals of the conviction [JURIST report] are pending. German Federal Constitutional Court [in German] Judge Klaus Tolksdorf said that "a preliminary assessment seems to point to the prosecutor's appeal being successful," and that he believes Motassadeq knew his acquaintances were planning the attacks. Prosecutors hope to prove that Motassadeq should also be convicted as an accessory to murder since he knew and accepted that people would die. In his first trial in 2003, Motassadeq was convicted on 3,000 charges of aiding and abetting murder and sentenced to 15-years in prison, but the decision was overturned and a new trial was ordered . In a retrial, the Hamburg Supreme Court convicted Motassadeq in August of belonging to a terrorist organization and sentenced him to seven years in prison, but cleared him of his direct involvement in the attacks. A ruling on the appeals is expected on November 16. Reuters has more." [Brief]
UK top court rules media should not face libel charges for fair reporting / Jurist paperChase, 11 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhgy
Holly Manges Jones
"The Law Lords ruled [opinion] that media in Britain should not be subject to libel charges if they publish allegations against public figures as long as they act responsibly and in the public interest. The case was an appeal brought by the Wall Street Journal Europe challenging a decision by the High Court which was upheld [judgment text] on appeal, ordering the newspaper to pay £40,000 ($74,230) to Mohammed Jameel, a billionaire Saudi Arabian car dealer. The paper had published information in 2002 that the US requested Saudi authorities to monitor Jameel's personal and business bank accounts to ensure no funds were being routed to suspected terrorists. The House of Lords disagreed with the High Court decision, saying it was a perfect situation for the newspaper to use the public interest defense. The judges further said that even if the published information later turned out to be false, the media outlet should not be subject to libel charges, noting that judges should not evaluate in hindsight editing decisions made in busy newsrooms. The test offered by the court to determine whether libel damages should be available was whether the media organization acted fairly and responsibly in receiving and publishing the information." [Brief]
Holly Manges Jones
"The Law Lords ruled [opinion] that media in Britain should not be subject to libel charges if they publish allegations against public figures as long as they act responsibly and in the public interest. The case was an appeal brought by the Wall Street Journal Europe challenging a decision by the High Court which was upheld [judgment text] on appeal, ordering the newspaper to pay £40,000 ($74,230) to Mohammed Jameel, a billionaire Saudi Arabian car dealer. The paper had published information in 2002 that the US requested Saudi authorities to monitor Jameel's personal and business bank accounts to ensure no funds were being routed to suspected terrorists. The House of Lords disagreed with the High Court decision, saying it was a perfect situation for the newspaper to use the public interest defense. The judges further said that even if the published information later turned out to be false, the media outlet should not be subject to libel charges, noting that judges should not evaluate in hindsight editing decisions made in busy newsrooms. The test offered by the court to determine whether libel damages should be available was whether the media organization acted fairly and responsibly in receiving and publishing the information." [Brief]
UK Home Secretary announces prison overcrowding relief plan / Jurist PaperChase, 9 Oct 2006
Joe Shaulis
"British Home Secretary John Reid outlined steps to combat the increasingly urgent problem of prison overcrowding [BBC backgrounder; Guardian Q&A]. Over the weekend, the prison population of England and Wales [JURIST news archive] reached a record of 79,843, theoretically leaving space available for only 125 more prisoners. In a speech to Parliament [BBC recorded video], Reid announced the implementation of Operation Safeguard, which will make space for as many as 500 prisoners in police holding cells - a solution that Reid called "tried and tested," though "not ideal." Reid also unveiled a year-long pilot program that would encourage foreign prisoners to serve their time outside the European Economic Area (EEA) [country list] by offering them £500 to £2,500 (roughly US $1,000-$5,000) in in-kind "reintegration support," such as education, medical care and job training. British prisons now house about 8,000 inmates from outside the EEA, at an average cost of £28,000 a year. In response to Reid's plan, the crime-reduction charity Nacro suggested advising judges to avoid sending less serious offenders to prison. Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales expressed doubts about whether prison rehabilitates nonviolent offenders [JURIST report]. The Guardian has more. BBC News has additional coverage." [Brief]
"British Home Secretary John Reid outlined steps to combat the increasingly urgent problem of prison overcrowding [BBC backgrounder; Guardian Q&A]. Over the weekend, the prison population of England and Wales [JURIST news archive] reached a record of 79,843, theoretically leaving space available for only 125 more prisoners. In a speech to Parliament [BBC recorded video], Reid announced the implementation of Operation Safeguard, which will make space for as many as 500 prisoners in police holding cells - a solution that Reid called "tried and tested," though "not ideal." Reid also unveiled a year-long pilot program that would encourage foreign prisoners to serve their time outside the European Economic Area (EEA) [country list] by offering them £500 to £2,500 (roughly US $1,000-$5,000) in in-kind "reintegration support," such as education, medical care and job training. British prisons now house about 8,000 inmates from outside the EEA, at an average cost of £28,000 a year. In response to Reid's plan, the crime-reduction charity Nacro suggested advising judges to avoid sending less serious offenders to prison. Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales expressed doubts about whether prison rehabilitates nonviolent offenders [JURIST report]. The Guardian has more. BBC News has additional coverage." [Brief]
UK AG says written constitution for Britain warrants 'serious' study / Jurist PaperChase NewBurst, 9 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhgx
Joshua Pantesco
UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith [official profile] voiced tentative support for a formal, written UK constitution, saying that the possibility merited "serious" consideration. Goldsmith, however, rejected a proposal by Conservative leader David Cameron for a written bill of rights to replace the UK Human Rights Act, Britain's codification of the European Convention on Human Rights [PDF]. In June, Cameron proposed a US-style bill of rights [JURIST report] to replace the Human Rights Act to balance the protection of civil rights with the responsibility to defend the country against terrorist acts and other threats. Cameron initially called for revisions to the Act [JURIST report], or for the Act to be scrapped altogether, in reaction to a May 2005 High Court decision to allow nine Afghani airplane hijackers to remain in the United Kingdom rather than deport the convicts back to Afghanistan for fear they would be tortured in their home country. Last year, UK jurists warned that Blair's efforts to pressure the judiciary to favorably interpret the Human Rights Act, coupled with restrictions on traditional civil liberties in anti-terror legislation, risked turning the country into a police state [JURIST report]. [Brief]
Joshua Pantesco
UK Attorney General Lord Goldsmith [official profile] voiced tentative support for a formal, written UK constitution, saying that the possibility merited "serious" consideration. Goldsmith, however, rejected a proposal by Conservative leader David Cameron for a written bill of rights to replace the UK Human Rights Act, Britain's codification of the European Convention on Human Rights [PDF]. In June, Cameron proposed a US-style bill of rights [JURIST report] to replace the Human Rights Act to balance the protection of civil rights with the responsibility to defend the country against terrorist acts and other threats. Cameron initially called for revisions to the Act [JURIST report], or for the Act to be scrapped altogether, in reaction to a May 2005 High Court decision to allow nine Afghani airplane hijackers to remain in the United Kingdom rather than deport the convicts back to Afghanistan for fear they would be tortured in their home country. Last year, UK jurists warned that Blair's efforts to pressure the judiciary to favorably interpret the Human Rights Act, coupled with restrictions on traditional civil liberties in anti-terror legislation, risked turning the country into a police state [JURIST report]. [Brief]
[USA] Tech.gov: Real ID's Real Problems / PC World, 11 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhgw
Anush Yegyazarian
"As the deadline for national identification cards approaches, questions about their true costs, privacy, and security remain unanswered. Part 1 of a special five-part series. -->
More than a year has passed since the Real ID Act of 2005 became law. And in a little over 18 months, the first new driver's licenses mandated by the legislation are supposed to debut. That may seem like a long time, but given the issues that remain unresolved, it's not. Chief among the questions: Which machine-readable technology will the new IDs use?"
Anush Yegyazarian
"As the deadline for national identification cards approaches, questions about their true costs, privacy, and security remain unanswered. Part 1 of a special five-part series. -->
More than a year has passed since the Real ID Act of 2005 became law. And in a little over 18 months, the first new driver's licenses mandated by the legislation are supposed to debut. That may seem like a long time, but given the issues that remain unresolved, it's not. Chief among the questions: Which machine-readable technology will the new IDs use?"
Cyber crime gangs are learning to work together / ZDNet, 13 Oct 2006
http://blogs.zdnet.com/threatchaos/index.php?p=420
Richard Stiennon
According to the just released Exploit Prevalence Survey for the month of September, web based exploits against the IE VML flaw are the most widely distributed exploit ever. The report is put together by Exploit Prevention Labs (XPL). They use a distributed network of computers to scan the web for sites that have malicious intent. In the interview I did this morning with Roger Thompson, the Founder of XPL, he calls it a “ hunter pot network” (as opposed to honey pot)."
Richard Stiennon
According to the just released Exploit Prevalence Survey for the month of September, web based exploits against the IE VML flaw are the most widely distributed exploit ever. The report is put together by Exploit Prevention Labs (XPL). They use a distributed network of computers to scan the web for sites that have malicious intent. In the interview I did this morning with Roger Thompson, the Founder of XPL, he calls it a “ hunter pot network” (as opposed to honey pot)."
Scourge of the ice age / The Australian, 12 Oct 2006
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,20566179-36398,00.html
Cameron Stewart
The latest party drug is having a frightening fallout inour society.
Cameron Stewart
The latest party drug is having a frightening fallout inour society.
[USA] Drug Use and Dependence, State and Federal Prisoners, 2004
Bureau of Justice Statistics , Special Report, October 2006, NCJ 213530
U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs
Christopher J. Mumola and Jennifer C. Karberg
PDF - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/dudsfp04.pdf
U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs
Christopher J. Mumola and Jennifer C. Karberg
PDF - http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/dudsfp04.pdf
Report reveals ID theft ‘Best buys’ / Innovations, 13 Oct 2006
http://www.innovations-report.com/html/reports/studies/report-72008.html
"Insights on the experiences of victims of identity theft have been revealed by PRCI Ltd - a spin-out company from the University of Leicester, in a study commissioned by CIFAS the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. Store cards, mobile phone accounts and credit cards are the top three purchases made by fraudsters using other people’s identities, the study found.
And, for the first time, the report identifies from the victims’ perspective what should be done in order to best support them."
"Insights on the experiences of victims of identity theft have been revealed by PRCI Ltd - a spin-out company from the University of Leicester, in a study commissioned by CIFAS the UK’s Fraud Prevention Service. Store cards, mobile phone accounts and credit cards are the top three purchases made by fraudsters using other people’s identities, the study found.
And, for the first time, the report identifies from the victims’ perspective what should be done in order to best support them."
Drug classifications change ruled out / Reuters, 13 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhfq
"The government has ruled out changing the system of classifying illegal drugs, which was deemed by MPs earlier this year to be "not fit for purpose". The Home Office said on Friday that, "after careful consideration", it had decided the current system which rates substances in A, B or C categories according to their medical and social harm, did not need to be reviewed.
The decision came as the latest study by the British Crime Survey (BCS), which examined trends in drug use, reported that overall drug use, particularly cannabis use, had fallen significantly. [2 pages]
"The government has ruled out changing the system of classifying illegal drugs, which was deemed by MPs earlier this year to be "not fit for purpose". The Home Office said on Friday that, "after careful consideration", it had decided the current system which rates substances in A, B or C categories according to their medical and social harm, did not need to be reviewed.
The decision came as the latest study by the British Crime Survey (BCS), which examined trends in drug use, reported that overall drug use, particularly cannabis use, had fallen significantly. [2 pages]
Tagging: Criminal idea or a useful tool? / York Press, 13 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhfm
Stephen Lewis
"FIVE killings, 56 woundings and more than 700 assaults. That is the shocking tally of violent crimes committed by prisoners released early under electronic tagging schemes. The figures have sparked Conservative claims that the Government, which introduced tagging, is showing a "shocking disregard for public safety" in its attempts to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons.
The North Yorkshire Probation service today strongly backed tagging, however, insisting it worked. The county's chief probation officer Pete Brown said figures provided by Home Office minister Gerry Sutcliffe showed that fewer than four per cent of prisoners released early on a Home Detention Curfew electronic tagging scheme since 1999 had re-offended. That compared to a 67.4 per cent re-offending rate among those released from prison generally - a massive difference."
Stephen Lewis
"FIVE killings, 56 woundings and more than 700 assaults. That is the shocking tally of violent crimes committed by prisoners released early under electronic tagging schemes. The figures have sparked Conservative claims that the Government, which introduced tagging, is showing a "shocking disregard for public safety" in its attempts to ease pressure on overcrowded prisons.
The North Yorkshire Probation service today strongly backed tagging, however, insisting it worked. The county's chief probation officer Pete Brown said figures provided by Home Office minister Gerry Sutcliffe showed that fewer than four per cent of prisoners released early on a Home Detention Curfew electronic tagging scheme since 1999 had re-offended. That compared to a 67.4 per cent re-offending rate among those released from prison generally - a massive difference."
How effective is offender tagging? / BBC, 12 Oct 2006
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6044924.stm
Jon Silverman Legal affairs analyst
"The use of tagging raises a lot of important issues for criminal justice. Tagging is cheaper than prisonDoes it represent value for money? Does it provide a safety valve for a prison service struggling to cope with rising numbers? Does it offer a measure of public protection? Does it have an impact on re-offending?"
Jon Silverman Legal affairs analyst
"The use of tagging raises a lot of important issues for criminal justice. Tagging is cheaper than prisonDoes it represent value for money? Does it provide a safety valve for a prison service struggling to cope with rising numbers? Does it offer a measure of public protection? Does it have an impact on re-offending?"
Overcrowded prisons: A predictable crisis / The Economist 14/10/06
"Why the home secretary is scrabbling to find more prison placesJOHN REID became home secretary because of a prison scandal. His predecessor, Charles Clarke, was forced to resign in May after admitting that some 1,000 foreign prisoners who ought to have been considered for deportation had been freed. This week Mr Reid faced a prison crisis of his own, made worse by new figures showing that offenders released early from jail on electronic tags have committed more than 1,000 serious crimes." [Sub Required]
ACPO PROPOSES RADICAL CHANGE TO COUNTER-TERRORISM STRUCTURE / ACPO, 29 Sep 2006
http://digbig.com/4nhde
"The Committee of senior police officers responsible for setting the strategic direction of police counter-terrorism activity, ACPO TAM, is proposing a radical change to the way forces operate and to the capacity and capability of counter-terrorism policing."
"The Committee of senior police officers responsible for setting the strategic direction of police counter-terrorism activity, ACPO TAM, is proposing a radical change to the way forces operate and to the capacity and capability of counter-terrorism policing."
Guidance on the Use of Handcuffs / ACPO, 19 Sep 2006
Word Doc: http://digbig.com/4nhdb
"This Guidance is published by the Self-Defence, Arrest & Restraint Working Group of the Uniformed Operations Business Area. It is disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Has been audited in line with ACPO
Requirements and is subject to Copyright."
"This Guidance is published by the Self-Defence, Arrest & Restraint Working Group of the Uniformed Operations Business Area. It is disclosable under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Has been audited in line with ACPO
Requirements and is subject to Copyright."
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Social Exclusion, Refugee Integration, and the Right to Work for Asylum Seekers / Refugee Council, September 2006
PDF - http://digbig.com/4ngxm
"The Refugee Council believes that everyone has a right not to live in poverty and to contribute to the community in which they live. Having a job plays an important role in being able to achieve this. At present, a majority of asylum seekers are prevented from working. Although they are able to do voluntary work, the Refugee Council is concerned that excluding asylum seekers from paid employment leads to them becoming socially isolated. It also damages their longer term chances of successfully integrating as refugees. This policy paper outlines the current context as it relates to the work concession for asylum seekers. It provides a response to each policy before making a set of recommendations."
"The Refugee Council believes that everyone has a right not to live in poverty and to contribute to the community in which they live. Having a job plays an important role in being able to achieve this. At present, a majority of asylum seekers are prevented from working. Although they are able to do voluntary work, the Refugee Council is concerned that excluding asylum seekers from paid employment leads to them becoming socially isolated. It also damages their longer term chances of successfully integrating as refugees. This policy paper outlines the current context as it relates to the work concession for asylum seekers. It provides a response to each policy before making a set of recommendations."
ECRE Gives its Verdict on the Asylum Procedures DirectiveInformation / ECRE, Ocobert 2006
http://www.ecre.org/statements/Infnotprocdir.pdf
"Note on the Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status. Member States must transpose this Directive into national legislation by 1 December 2007."
"Note on the Council Directive 2005/85/EC of 1 December 2005 on minimum standards on procedures in Member States for granting and withdrawing refugee status. Member States must transpose this Directive into national legislation by 1 December 2007."
World's fastest growing crime- ID Fraud /Yorkshire Post, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4ngxh
Joanne Ginley
"3,400 Yorkshire victims fleeced ; Offences up 17pc already this year ; Only 1pc of cases investigated
AT least 3,400 people in Yorkshire became victims last year of identity theft – the world's fastest growing crime. A leading expert warned that extra Government resources were needed as the epidemic of fraud grew by a staggering 17 per cent in the first three months of this year alone. But only one per cent of all identity theft crimes are investigated by police, according to Britain's fraud prevention service."
Joanne Ginley
"3,400 Yorkshire victims fleeced ; Offences up 17pc already this year ; Only 1pc of cases investigated
AT least 3,400 people in Yorkshire became victims last year of identity theft – the world's fastest growing crime. A leading expert warned that extra Government resources were needed as the epidemic of fraud grew by a staggering 17 per cent in the first three months of this year alone. But only one per cent of all identity theft crimes are investigated by police, according to Britain's fraud prevention service."
Bolton Is A Good Multicultural Model Says Bishop / This Is Lancashire, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4ngxg
"THE Bishop of Bolton has added his weight to claims that the Government is favouring Islam over other religions -and told ministers they should follow the lead of Bolton in bringing different faith groups together. He hailed Bolton as a 'model example' of a successful multi-cultural society which has avoided the sort of divisions the report claims have been deepened by Government policy."
"THE Bishop of Bolton has added his weight to claims that the Government is favouring Islam over other religions -and told ministers they should follow the lead of Bolton in bringing different faith groups together. He hailed Bolton as a 'model example' of a successful multi-cultural society which has avoided the sort of divisions the report claims have been deepened by Government policy."
Windsor: A town divided by race hate? / spiked, 10 Oct 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/1802/
Nathalie Rothschild
"The media spotlight has left the royal town but the portrayal of minor skirmishes as race riots has left behind resentment."
Nathalie Rothschild
"The media spotlight has left the royal town but the portrayal of minor skirmishes as race riots has left behind resentment."
CONGO: Human rights report on illegal detentions / Reuters AlertNet, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4ngxe
"Several military personnel and civilians are being held illegally for prolonged periods and often under inhumane conditions, according to the human-rights watchdog (L'observatoire congolais des droits de l'homme) in the Republic of Congo. "
"Several military personnel and civilians are being held illegally for prolonged periods and often under inhumane conditions, according to the human-rights watchdog (L'observatoire congolais des droits de l'homme) in the Republic of Congo. "
End this Muslim-Mania / Spiked, 10 Oct 2006
http://www.spiked-online.com/index.php?/site/article/1803/
Mick Hume
"The frenzied obsession with veils and all things Islamic looks like a distraction from facing up to some home truths about our society. We hear a lot about ‘Islamophobia’ in Britain today.
But to judge by events of the past week, the country seems to be more in the grip of Muslim-Mania - a sort of frenzied obsession with all things Islamic."
Mick Hume
"The frenzied obsession with veils and all things Islamic looks like a distraction from facing up to some home truths about our society. We hear a lot about ‘Islamophobia’ in Britain today.
But to judge by events of the past week, the country seems to be more in the grip of Muslim-Mania - a sort of frenzied obsession with all things Islamic."
Zimbabweans resort to Malawian passports / Zimbabwe's Independent News Agency, 11 Oct 2006
http://www.zimonline.co.za/Article.aspx?ArticleId=263
"Zimbabweans are said to be using Malawian travel documents to escape scrutiny by immigration officials in the United Kingdom and other Western countries, ZimOnline has learnt. Some 3 000 Zimbabweans had been deported from the UK to Malawi during the past few months. While Zimbabweans are required to secure visas to visit the UK, such a requirement was not needed for their Malawian counterparts forcing some Zimbabweans to acquire Malawian passports fraudulently."
"Zimbabweans are said to be using Malawian travel documents to escape scrutiny by immigration officials in the United Kingdom and other Western countries, ZimOnline has learnt. Some 3 000 Zimbabweans had been deported from the UK to Malawi during the past few months. While Zimbabweans are required to secure visas to visit the UK, such a requirement was not needed for their Malawian counterparts forcing some Zimbabweans to acquire Malawian passports fraudulently."
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
[Australia] Corporate Paedophilia: Sexualisation of children in Australia / The Australia Institute, October 2006
PDF - http://www.tai.org.au/Publications_Files/DP_Files/DP90%20Sum.pdf
E Rush and A La Nauze
"This report gives the first comprehensive overview of the ways in which Australian children are being sexualised by advertising and marketing from a very young age. It also describes in detail the risks children face as a result of this corporate paedophilia." [Summary only - 9 pages]
E Rush and A La Nauze
"This report gives the first comprehensive overview of the ways in which Australian children are being sexualised by advertising and marketing from a very young age. It also describes in detail the risks children face as a result of this corporate paedophilia." [Summary only - 9 pages]
[Canada] Adult correctional services, 2004/2005 / The Daily, 11 Oct 2006
http://www.statcan.ca/Daily/English/061011/d061011a.htm
"The composition of adults in custody in provincial and territorial jails has shifted dramatically during the past decade as the number of adults held in remand or other temporary detention increased and those in sentenced custody declined."
"The composition of adults in custody in provincial and territorial jails has shifted dramatically during the past decade as the number of adults held in remand or other temporary detention increased and those in sentenced custody declined."
Sci-Fi Tech - Editorial / CIO, 1 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4ngpy
MICHAEL FITZGERALD
"Sci-Fi Tech Bendable displays? Mind-reading PCs? Some futuristic technologies are closer to fact than fiction. Today's science fiction often becomes tomorrow's reality. Science fiction writers presaged flight, nuclear weapons, cyberspace and computer viruses, among other changes."
MICHAEL FITZGERALD
"Sci-Fi Tech Bendable displays? Mind-reading PCs? Some futuristic technologies are closer to fact than fiction. Today's science fiction often becomes tomorrow's reality. Science fiction writers presaged flight, nuclear weapons, cyberspace and computer viruses, among other changes."
F.B.I. Struggling to Reinvent Itself to Fight Terror - New York Times
http://digbig.com/4ngpp
"Last February, top F.B.I. officers from across the nation gathered in a high-security auditorium for the latest plan to reinvent the crime-fighting agency to take on terrorism.
Philip Mudd, who had just joined the bureau from the rival Central Intelligence Agency, was pitching a program called Domain Management, designed to get agents to move beyond chasing criminal cases and start gathering intelligence.
Drawing on things like commercial marketing software and the National Security Agency's eavesdropping without warrants, the program is supposed to identify threats. Mr. Mudd displayed a map of the San Francisco area, pocked with data showing where Iranian immigrants were clustered - and where, he said, an F.B.I. squad was 'hunting.'" [3 pages & links to video, etc.]
"Last February, top F.B.I. officers from across the nation gathered in a high-security auditorium for the latest plan to reinvent the crime-fighting agency to take on terrorism.
Philip Mudd, who had just joined the bureau from the rival Central Intelligence Agency, was pitching a program called Domain Management, designed to get agents to move beyond chasing criminal cases and start gathering intelligence.
Drawing on things like commercial marketing software and the National Security Agency's eavesdropping without warrants, the program is supposed to identify threats. Mr. Mudd displayed a map of the San Francisco area, pocked with data showing where Iranian immigrants were clustered - and where, he said, an F.B.I. squad was 'hunting.'" [3 pages & links to video, etc.]
Report reveals public need greater reassurance about internet crimeSource: Get Safe Online campaign / E-Gov Monitor, 10 Oct 2006
http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/8014
"Get Safe Online research reveals people fear online crime more than mugging or burglary. Fear of internet crime is on the increase, according to Get Safe Online’s second annual report[1]. At the start of Get Safe Online Week, the report, which was released today, reveals 21% of people think e-crime is the type of crime they are most likely to encounter, up from 17% last year, and they fear it more than mugging, car theft and burglary. The new research from www.getsafeonline.org suggests growing fear of internet crime is deterring the public from using the internet for everyday activities." [Cybercrime; SOCA]
"Get Safe Online research reveals people fear online crime more than mugging or burglary. Fear of internet crime is on the increase, according to Get Safe Online’s second annual report[1]. At the start of Get Safe Online Week, the report, which was released today, reveals 21% of people think e-crime is the type of crime they are most likely to encounter, up from 17% last year, and they fear it more than mugging, car theft and burglary. The new research from www.getsafeonline.org suggests growing fear of internet crime is deterring the public from using the internet for everyday activities." [Cybercrime; SOCA]
Electronically Stored Documents Increasingly Subject of Court Concern / GovTech, Oct 07, 2006
http://www.govtech.net/news/news.php?id=101528
"As pointed out in the overview of Guidelines for State Trial Courts Regarding Discovery of Electronically Stored Documents [pdf] a terabyte of electronically stored information is the equivalent of 500 million typewritten pages of plain text. One document may have more than a thousand versions or copies in a networked environment. E-mail systems generate thousands of unorganized documents which may contain 'potentially embarrassing or inappropriate comments.'"
"As pointed out in the overview of Guidelines for State Trial Courts Regarding Discovery of Electronically Stored Documents [pdf] a terabyte of electronically stored information is the equivalent of 500 million typewritten pages of plain text. One document may have more than a thousand versions or copies in a networked environment. E-mail systems generate thousands of unorganized documents which may contain 'potentially embarrassing or inappropriate comments.'"
EU project to protect electricity supplies from security threats / Engineer Live!, 11 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4ngns
"The EU has launched a Euro 7m research project aimed at preventing security threats to European electricity distribution networks. A major part of this involves developing a better understanding of the interdependencies between the different networks and their associated technologies." [Security]
"The EU has launched a Euro 7m research project aimed at preventing security threats to European electricity distribution networks. A major part of this involves developing a better understanding of the interdependencies between the different networks and their associated technologies." [Security]
[USA] Immigration and National Security / Orbis, 2005
PDF - http://digbig.com/4ngng
Jan Ting
"The greatest threat to U.S. homeland security comes from illegals who enter the country through its porous borders in order to attack. The tide of illegal immigration must be stemmed in order to secure the United States against
terrorism. It is all too easy for illegal immigrants to slip in beneath the radar, eschewing the legalization process and never being detected and deported. And as long as the benefits of illegally immigrating outweigh the costs, the
influx will continue. Legal immigration itself needs reform, too; particularly the visa-waiver program and the rules governing dual citizenship, which pose further security challenges. Federal government officials must overcome their
fear of alienating ethnic voters and American business, enhance border security, and reform the nation’s immigration policies."
Jan Ting
"The greatest threat to U.S. homeland security comes from illegals who enter the country through its porous borders in order to attack. The tide of illegal immigration must be stemmed in order to secure the United States against
terrorism. It is all too easy for illegal immigrants to slip in beneath the radar, eschewing the legalization process and never being detected and deported. And as long as the benefits of illegally immigrating outweigh the costs, the
influx will continue. Legal immigration itself needs reform, too; particularly the visa-waiver program and the rules governing dual citizenship, which pose further security challenges. Federal government officials must overcome their
fear of alienating ethnic voters and American business, enhance border security, and reform the nation’s immigration policies."
Londonistan is still with us Spero News, 11 Oct 2006
http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=6011
Michael Radu
"Indian Muslims and Bangladesh are also more and more attracted by Islamist fundamentalism - and all of them maintain close family, social, ethnic and ideological ties with their relatives in the UK."
Michael Radu
"Indian Muslims and Bangladesh are also more and more attracted by Islamist fundamentalism - and all of them maintain close family, social, ethnic and ideological ties with their relatives in the UK."
Gordon Brown speaks out role of biometrics & iris recognition to fight terrorist / PublicTechnology, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4ngmj
"Gordon Brown speaks out role of biometrics & iris recognition to fight terrorist. Gordon Brown MP, HM Treasury Chancellor of the Exchequer spoke yesterday about 'meeting the terrorist challenge' at Chatham House - and highlighted the important role that technology will play in future. This is the text of his speech: 'There should be no safe haven anywhere in the world for terrorists. Equally there should be no hiding place anywhere for those who finance terrorism. And today I want to announce the framework of a new regime we are developing nationally and internationally for rooting out terrorist finance. And I want to set out the framework too that Tony Blair and I have agreed for how our Comprehensive Spending Review will give priority to discharging what is the first task of government - the security and safety of the British people."
"Gordon Brown speaks out role of biometrics & iris recognition to fight terrorist. Gordon Brown MP, HM Treasury Chancellor of the Exchequer spoke yesterday about 'meeting the terrorist challenge' at Chatham House - and highlighted the important role that technology will play in future. This is the text of his speech: 'There should be no safe haven anywhere in the world for terrorists. Equally there should be no hiding place anywhere for those who finance terrorism. And today I want to announce the framework of a new regime we are developing nationally and internationally for rooting out terrorist finance. And I want to set out the framework too that Tony Blair and I have agreed for how our Comprehensive Spending Review will give priority to discharging what is the first task of government - the security and safety of the British people."
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
TAKING AIM AT RECIDIVISTS / Philadelphia Daily News, 10 Oct 2006
http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/15720669.htm
DANA DiFILIPPO
"To police and prosecutors, Slight epitomizes one of the biggest frustrations associated with Philly's violent-crime wave: He seems to have found the revolving door out of the justice system. Slight, and hundreds of alleged repeat lawbreakers like him, continue to commit gun crime after gun crime - not necessarily the big ones that make the headlines, but ones that can turn serious, and ones that terrify neighborhoods. Yet in some cases, they spend relatively little time behind bars.
Why?
Because witnesses are too scared or crooked to come forward. Because cops and prosecutors are overworked by the smaller crimes that they commit. And because bail and sentencing guidelines can be inconsistent, experts say. However, some ideas are circulating in Philly to get these repeat gun offenders off the streets."
DANA DiFILIPPO
"To police and prosecutors, Slight epitomizes one of the biggest frustrations associated with Philly's violent-crime wave: He seems to have found the revolving door out of the justice system. Slight, and hundreds of alleged repeat lawbreakers like him, continue to commit gun crime after gun crime - not necessarily the big ones that make the headlines, but ones that can turn serious, and ones that terrify neighborhoods. Yet in some cases, they spend relatively little time behind bars.
Why?
Because witnesses are too scared or crooked to come forward. Because cops and prosecutors are overworked by the smaller crimes that they commit. And because bail and sentencing guidelines can be inconsistent, experts say. However, some ideas are circulating in Philly to get these repeat gun offenders off the streets."
CSIRO progress on security imaging / Australian IT, 10 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4ngha
Selina Mitchell
"THE CSIRO is developing millimetre wave imaging technology that could revolutionise security screening and medical procedures. The technology can detect metal objects hidden under a person's clothes from 5m away, and often detects hidden plastic and ceramic objects from a similar distance. Like infrared night vision technology, the CSIRO system uses other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to define objects, rather than light."
Selina Mitchell
"THE CSIRO is developing millimetre wave imaging technology that could revolutionise security screening and medical procedures. The technology can detect metal objects hidden under a person's clothes from 5m away, and often detects hidden plastic and ceramic objects from a similar distance. Like infrared night vision technology, the CSIRO system uses other parts of the electromagnetic spectrum to define objects, rather than light."
Free Boxing Lessons As Penalty For Young Offenders / NIS News Bulletin, 10 Oct 2006
http://www.nisnews.nl/public/101006_1.htm
"Youngsters committing crimes in The Hague will receive boxing lessons instead of a sentence. The project consists of boxing and behavioural training at a sports school in The Hague. 'In the boxing ring, the youngsters learn to keep to the rules, so they can be both 'cool' and social,' according to Dekker's spokesman. The project was set up by the municipality in partnership with the Salvation Army, the Child Protection Council and the justice ministry. The boxing lessons, totalling 40 hours, will serve as an alternative to a prison or community service sentence. The combination of physical activity and learning rules works well, according to the city council spokesman. 'The youngsters enjoy themselves, but also get rules of the game with which they can do something outside the ring. They learn how to solve situations sensibly and not to play the judge themselves.'
The aim of the project is to prevent recidivism. During the boxing lessons, professional behavioural trainers will be present, to support the youngsters where necessary. Sixteen youngsters will start their 'sentence' today." [Brief]
"Youngsters committing crimes in The Hague will receive boxing lessons instead of a sentence. The project consists of boxing and behavioural training at a sports school in The Hague. 'In the boxing ring, the youngsters learn to keep to the rules, so they can be both 'cool' and social,' according to Dekker's spokesman. The project was set up by the municipality in partnership with the Salvation Army, the Child Protection Council and the justice ministry. The boxing lessons, totalling 40 hours, will serve as an alternative to a prison or community service sentence. The combination of physical activity and learning rules works well, according to the city council spokesman. 'The youngsters enjoy themselves, but also get rules of the game with which they can do something outside the ring. They learn how to solve situations sensibly and not to play the judge themselves.'
The aim of the project is to prevent recidivism. During the boxing lessons, professional behavioural trainers will be present, to support the youngsters where necessary. Sixteen youngsters will start their 'sentence' today." [Brief]
EU and US agree on new passenger data deal / Expatica, 6 Oct 2006
http://www.expatica.com/actual/article.asp?subchannel_id=102&story_id=33558
" The US and the European Union have struck a new deal for sharing transatlantic airline passenger data.
The new interim agreement replaces a 2004 deal ruled illegal for technical reasons by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in May. The agreement followed a transatlantic video conference lasting at least seven hours. EU justice ministers will meet later on Friday to discuss and back the deal. Negotiations were primarily over which information will be shared with the American counter-terrorist organisations such as the FBI or the CIA."
" The US and the European Union have struck a new deal for sharing transatlantic airline passenger data.
The new interim agreement replaces a 2004 deal ruled illegal for technical reasons by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in May. The agreement followed a transatlantic video conference lasting at least seven hours. EU justice ministers will meet later on Friday to discuss and back the deal. Negotiations were primarily over which information will be shared with the American counter-terrorist organisations such as the FBI or the CIA."
Monday, October 09, 2006
Health and Safety and migrant workers in England and Wales / HSE, 9 Oct 2006
PDF - http://www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr502.pdf
London Metropolitan University on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
"New research revealing the risks faced by migrant workers in England and Wales outlines the potential for exploitation of migrants and other workers in sectors where attention to health and safety is poor, and highlights the challenges to employers, HSE and other agencies in tackling the problems."
London Metropolitan University on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
"New research revealing the risks faced by migrant workers in England and Wales outlines the potential for exploitation of migrants and other workers in sectors where attention to health and safety is poor, and highlights the challenges to employers, HSE and other agencies in tackling the problems."
TASER International Announces TASERNET Remote Area Denial and Facilities Protection System Concept / Press Release, 9 Oct 2006
http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/news.html?d=106450
"T-RAD uses our life-saving TASER technology and combines this with an intelligent network and human control to provide a coordinated non-lethal area denial network," said Tom Smith, President of TASER International. "Technology like this is revolutionary in protecting soldiers and civilians in both military and non-military settings. To integrate the network and create an operator friendly interface, we have teamed with AVAI, a company with an established history for providing facility networks, security, and control system integration," said Smith. "This will truly be a cost effective method of force multiplication that incorporates multiple proven technologies to create a powerful, new, non-lethal capability which is scalable for the U.S. military and security arenas," added Smith. Although capable of operating autonomously, T-RAD units will be network ready, allowing the integration of multiple units with a command and control station such as TASERNET to provide comprehensive situational awareness of a T-RAD protected area, extended T-RAD operation via networked power, and man-in-the-loop oversight and control."
"T-RAD uses our life-saving TASER technology and combines this with an intelligent network and human control to provide a coordinated non-lethal area denial network," said Tom Smith, President of TASER International. "Technology like this is revolutionary in protecting soldiers and civilians in both military and non-military settings. To integrate the network and create an operator friendly interface, we have teamed with AVAI, a company with an established history for providing facility networks, security, and control system integration," said Smith. "This will truly be a cost effective method of force multiplication that incorporates multiple proven technologies to create a powerful, new, non-lethal capability which is scalable for the U.S. military and security arenas," added Smith. Although capable of operating autonomously, T-RAD units will be network ready, allowing the integration of multiple units with a command and control station such as TASERNET to provide comprehensive situational awareness of a T-RAD protected area, extended T-RAD operation via networked power, and man-in-the-loop oversight and control."
ROSIE, Findings 1 / NACD, October 2006
PDF - http://www.nacd.ie/publications/ROSIE_Findings_Final.pdf
"The Research Outcome Study in Ireland evaluating drug treatment effectiveness (ROSIE) is the first national, prospective, longitudinal, multi-site drug treatment outcome study in the country. The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) commissioned this study in 2002 as required by the National Drugs Strategy Action 99. The aim of the Study is to recruit
and follow opiate users entering treatment over a period of time documenting the changes observed. The Study recruited 404 opiate users entering treatment. The outcomes at 1-year for drug use, involvement in crime, injecting-related risk behaviour, physical and mental health among others are presented in this paper. Statistically significant1 differences are given emphasis in this document. Behaviour changes relate to the 90 days prior to interviews,
unless otherwise stated."
"The Research Outcome Study in Ireland evaluating drug treatment effectiveness (ROSIE) is the first national, prospective, longitudinal, multi-site drug treatment outcome study in the country. The National Advisory Committee on Drugs (NACD) commissioned this study in 2002 as required by the National Drugs Strategy Action 99. The aim of the Study is to recruit
and follow opiate users entering treatment over a period of time documenting the changes observed. The Study recruited 404 opiate users entering treatment. The outcomes at 1-year for drug use, involvement in crime, injecting-related risk behaviour, physical and mental health among others are presented in this paper. Statistically significant1 differences are given emphasis in this document. Behaviour changes relate to the 90 days prior to interviews,
unless otherwise stated."
UK top judge questions efficacy of crowded prisons / Jurist NewsBurst, 9 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nfxa
Caitlin Price
"Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers [BBC profile] expressed doubts about whether non-violent offenders are actually rehabilitated in prison during an interview [text] published Sunday in the British newspaper The Observer. In light of serious overpopulation of British prisons [Times report], the Lord Chief Justice questioned traditional prison sentences' ability to thwart recidivism: "Those interventions are rendered difficult or impossible if prisons are as full as now."
Caitlin Price
"Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers [BBC profile] expressed doubts about whether non-violent offenders are actually rehabilitated in prison during an interview [text] published Sunday in the British newspaper The Observer. In light of serious overpopulation of British prisons [Times report], the Lord Chief Justice questioned traditional prison sentences' ability to thwart recidivism: "Those interventions are rendered difficult or impossible if prisons are as full as now."
English-only debate: It helps unify us / Des Moines register, 9 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nfwx
LARRY McKIBBEN
"Repealing the law would provide a severe disservice to immigrants themselves because it lowers the expectation for successful integration into American life. Diversity with integration is a society enriched. Diversity without integration is a society divided. In promoting English as our official language, state government is promoting an integrated society. Iowans deserve nothing less."
LARRY McKIBBEN
"Repealing the law would provide a severe disservice to immigrants themselves because it lowers the expectation for successful integration into American life. Diversity with integration is a society enriched. Diversity without integration is a society divided. In promoting English as our official language, state government is promoting an integrated society. Iowans deserve nothing less."
[USA] Muslim Integration A Bar To Extremism / Forbes, 9 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nfww
Oxford Analytica
"It is difficult to obtain accurate demographic and population data on U.S. Muslims, but certain broad trends are visible."
Oxford Analytica
"It is difficult to obtain accurate demographic and population data on U.S. Muslims, but certain broad trends are visible."
[Taiwan] Protect Taiwan passports / The China Post, 9 Oct 2006
http://www.chinapost.com.tw/editorial/detail.asp?onNews=&GRP=i&id=92353
"Two armed men stole more than 500 passports from a travel agency employee who was taking them to the airport on behalf of tourists planning to travel abroad for the long holiday. On the surface, this incident appears to be just another case of identity theft. But actually, this incident demonstrates that ROC passports are becoming an increasingly valuable commodity in the multi-billion U.S. dollar business of smuggling human beings across international borders.
It is widely known that stolen and fraudulently obtained ROC passports are commonly used by "snake heads" who smuggle mainland Chinese into the United States and other countries."
"Two armed men stole more than 500 passports from a travel agency employee who was taking them to the airport on behalf of tourists planning to travel abroad for the long holiday. On the surface, this incident appears to be just another case of identity theft. But actually, this incident demonstrates that ROC passports are becoming an increasingly valuable commodity in the multi-billion U.S. dollar business of smuggling human beings across international borders.
It is widely known that stolen and fraudulently obtained ROC passports are commonly used by "snake heads" who smuggle mainland Chinese into the United States and other countries."
Bomber on the line / Australian, 9 Oct 2006
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,20546219-28737,00.html
Martin Chulov
"Australian and Indonesian authorities captured the 2002 Bali bombers but the bomb maker continued to elude them. Reveals how Jemaah Islamiah's most feared operative was hunted to his death - but only after explosives he made killed 40 more people."
Martin Chulov
"Australian and Indonesian authorities captured the 2002 Bali bombers but the bomb maker continued to elude them. Reveals how Jemaah Islamiah's most feared operative was hunted to his death - but only after explosives he made killed 40 more people."
'Not just a sticking plaster for anti-social behaviour' / South Wales Echo, 7 Oct 2006
Anna Hammond
"Improved quality of life, more Bobbies on the beat and less crime were all promised when neighbourhood policing was launched. Improvements have been made in communities across South Wales, thanks to South Wales Police's monthly Partnership and Communities Together (Pact) meetings."
"Improved quality of life, more Bobbies on the beat and less crime were all promised when neighbourhood policing was launched. Improvements have been made in communities across South Wales, thanks to South Wales Police's monthly Partnership and Communities Together (Pact) meetings."
A guide to public order for Sack Parliament / Indymedia, 8 Oct 2006
http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2006/10/352904.html
"Doubtless a lot of people will already have read, be familiar with the following advice on public order situations. However, it's a useful text to read, even if certain bits are slightly outdated (thanks to the recent SOCPA legislation). Still a good guide for outwitting the cops, and might be useful for people coming to 'sack parliament'. Guide To Public Order Situations What we present here is a brief guide to surviving public order situations and slowing down or preventing the police from gaining the upper hand once a situation has occurred."
PDF - http://www.indymedia.org.uk/media/2006/10//352905.pdf
"Doubtless a lot of people will already have read, be familiar with the following advice on public order situations. However, it's a useful text to read, even if certain bits are slightly outdated (thanks to the recent SOCPA legislation). Still a good guide for outwitting the cops, and might be useful for people coming to 'sack parliament'. Guide To Public Order Situations What we present here is a brief guide to surviving public order situations and slowing down or preventing the police from gaining the upper hand once a situation has occurred."
PDF - http://www.indymedia.org.uk/media/2006/10//352905.pdf
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Captive market: The sexual slave traffic in children / Canada Free Press, 2006
http://www.canadafreepress.com/2006/thomas100806.htm
Gordon Thomas
"The profits come from child sexual trafficking in all its forms: white slavery, sex rings, pornography, the sex tourism industry, lap dancing, bogus adoption schemes and procuring the victims -- the untold millions of children globally entrapped in the sex trade industry who are forced to allow their bodies to be used in exchange for food, money, shelter, alcohol and drugs."
Gordon Thomas
"The profits come from child sexual trafficking in all its forms: white slavery, sex rings, pornography, the sex tourism industry, lap dancing, bogus adoption schemes and procuring the victims -- the untold millions of children globally entrapped in the sex trade industry who are forced to allow their bodies to be used in exchange for food, money, shelter, alcohol and drugs."
Analysis maps law enforcement Taser use / Post & Courier, 8 Oct 2006
http://digbig.com/4nfnp
TONY BARTELME
"In interviews with more than a dozen people who were hit by Taser stuns, some said that officers could have used other means to control them, and that officers stunned them as punishment for running away or disobeying their directions. Others said they deserved the jolts they got. In the end, an examination of Taser use provides a window into a world of conflict, where police and suspects often end up in a perilous dance."
TONY BARTELME
"In interviews with more than a dozen people who were hit by Taser stuns, some said that officers could have used other means to control them, and that officers stunned them as punishment for running away or disobeying their directions. Others said they deserved the jolts they got. In the end, an examination of Taser use provides a window into a world of conflict, where police and suspects often end up in a perilous dance."
[New Zealand] Fears grow over US gang influence in NZ / Stuff, 8 Oct 2006
http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3822174a11,00.html
"Polynesian street gangsters' fascination with American "thug life" is threatening to turn New Zealand suburbs into violent ghettos. That's the warning from police youth officer Nick Tuitasi, just back from a conference in New York about youth at risk. "In the (American) projects, they live in their own world. That is what is happening to our young Maori and Pacific Island kids. They believe they live in ghettos, and behave that way. They have a them-and-us mentality.
"Everyone in the projects is 'Us', and everyone outside is 'The other team'."
"Polynesian street gangsters' fascination with American "thug life" is threatening to turn New Zealand suburbs into violent ghettos. That's the warning from police youth officer Nick Tuitasi, just back from a conference in New York about youth at risk. "In the (American) projects, they live in their own world. That is what is happening to our young Maori and Pacific Island kids. They believe they live in ghettos, and behave that way. They have a them-and-us mentality.
"Everyone in the projects is 'Us', and everyone outside is 'The other team'."
A life of ermine and Asbos / The Sunday Times, 8 Oct 2006
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2090-2391728,00.html
Gillian Bowditch
"Baroness Helena Kennedy is a stranger to failure, but the renowned lawyer is prepared to plead guilty to her part in the birth of the Asbo. While in Edinburgh last week to give the inaugural lecture of Children 1st, the Scottish charity, the Red Baroness, as she is known, publicly revealed for the first time her sense of guilt about her part in the creation of antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos), that blunt instrument in the criminal justice tool box and one she despises. "
Gillian Bowditch
"Baroness Helena Kennedy is a stranger to failure, but the renowned lawyer is prepared to plead guilty to her part in the birth of the Asbo. While in Edinburgh last week to give the inaugural lecture of Children 1st, the Scottish charity, the Red Baroness, as she is known, publicly revealed for the first time her sense of guilt about her part in the creation of antisocial behaviour orders (Asbos), that blunt instrument in the criminal justice tool box and one she despises. "
Spread of race ghettos fuels gang warfare / Sunday Telegraph, 8 Oct 2006
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-2393806,00.html
Shiv Malik
"AN east London teenager who became a drug dealer and a knife-wielding member of a street gang lays the blame on the transformation of his neighbourhood into an ethnic minority “ghetto” where turf warfare flourishes. “I fell in with the wrong crowd,” said Syed Miah, 19, who regrets his life of crime. “Before, it was mixed and you would get to know other people, but now no one meets anyone. You grow up with this mentality that ‘we’re Bangladeshis, whites are whites and blacks are blacks’.”
Shiv Malik
"AN east London teenager who became a drug dealer and a knife-wielding member of a street gang lays the blame on the transformation of his neighbourhood into an ethnic minority “ghetto” where turf warfare flourishes. “I fell in with the wrong crowd,” said Syed Miah, 19, who regrets his life of crime. “Before, it was mixed and you would get to know other people, but now no one meets anyone. You grow up with this mentality that ‘we’re Bangladeshis, whites are whites and blacks are blacks’.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)