PDF - http://digbig.com/4gtpe
"This document analyzes levels and trends in the number of asylum applications submitted in 44 European and six non-European industrialized countries in 2005. A limited number of those who apply for asylum are granted refugee status and obtain long-term residence status. Statistics on asylum-seekers accepted as refugees, those granted a complementary form of protection or refugees who have been resettled, particularly by Australia, Canada and the United States, are currently being compiled and will be published separately."
SOCIETY, SOCIAL MEDIA, ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE< GOVERNMENT>JUSTICE - a selective newsfeed
society
Monday, April 17, 2006
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/Article.aspx?liArticleID=294176 / The Engineer Online, 13 Apr 2006
http://www.theengineer.co.uk/Articles/Article.aspx?liArticleID=294176
"An emerging technology has helped researchers from the Argonne National Laboratory to develop sensors they say can quickly and effectively detect chemical, biological, nuclear and explosive material. A spectroscopic technique utilising mm/THz frequencies - between microwave and infrared on the electromagnetic spectrum - has enabled the team to detect spectral 'fingerprints' that identify explosives and chemicals. The technology detects the energy levels of a molecule as it vibrates, and the frequency distribution of this energy provides a unique and reproducible spectral pattern - a 'fingerprint' that identifies the material. Supported by the US Department of Defence and NASA, the research achieved three important goals."
"An emerging technology has helped researchers from the Argonne National Laboratory to develop sensors they say can quickly and effectively detect chemical, biological, nuclear and explosive material. A spectroscopic technique utilising mm/THz frequencies - between microwave and infrared on the electromagnetic spectrum - has enabled the team to detect spectral 'fingerprints' that identify explosives and chemicals. The technology detects the energy levels of a molecule as it vibrates, and the frequency distribution of this energy provides a unique and reproducible spectral pattern - a 'fingerprint' that identifies the material. Supported by the US Department of Defence and NASA, the research achieved three important goals."
Guidance does not require mandatory reporting of underage sex -- Mayor 332 (7546): 872 -- BMJ
http://bmj.bmjjournals.com/cgi/content/extract/332/7546/872Susan Mayor
"Health professionals will not have to report teenagers who are having underage sex to the police, says guidance for England on child protection published this week. The guidance advises that decisions on referral to child protection agencies should be considered on a case by case basis.
The guidance was developed by the UK Department for Education and Skills to update previous recommendations after a series of child abuse cases and changes in legislation and policy.
It included a review of the Bichard inquiry, carried out after the murder of two schoolgirls by Ian Huntley, a school caretaker with a history of sex with underage girls. The inquiry report recommended that police should be informed whenever someone aged under 16 was having sex with an older partner. But health professionals were concerned that young people might not consult for medical advice, including contraception, if they thought they would . . ." [Sub Required]
"Health professionals will not have to report teenagers who are having underage sex to the police, says guidance for England on child protection published this week. The guidance advises that decisions on referral to child protection agencies should be considered on a case by case basis.
The guidance was developed by the UK Department for Education and Skills to update previous recommendations after a series of child abuse cases and changes in legislation and policy.
It included a review of the Bichard inquiry, carried out after the murder of two schoolgirls by Ian Huntley, a school caretaker with a history of sex with underage girls. The inquiry report recommended that police should be informed whenever someone aged under 16 was having sex with an older partner. But health professionals were concerned that young people might not consult for medical advice, including contraception, if they thought they would . . ." [Sub Required]
Military Plays Up Role of Zarqawi / Washington Post, 10 Apr 2006
http://digbig.com/4hebd
Thomas E. Ricks
"The U.S. military is conducting a propaganda campaign to magnify the role of the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, according to internal military documents and officers familiar with the program. The effort has raised his profile in a way that some military intelligence officials believe may have overstated his importance and helped the Bush administration tie the war to the organization responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks."
Thomas E. Ricks
"The U.S. military is conducting a propaganda campaign to magnify the role of the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, according to internal military documents and officers familiar with the program. The effort has raised his profile in a way that some military intelligence officials believe may have overstated his importance and helped the Bush administration tie the war to the organization responsible for the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks."
Even terrorists worry about Net security / Washington Post, 13 Apr 2006
http://digbig.com/4hebk
Yuki Noguchi and Sara Kehaulani Goo
"Terrorist groups, which for years have used the Internet and its various tools to organize and communicate, are paying more attention to addressing security and privacy concerns similar to those of other Web users, counterterrorism experts say. Through online chat, e-mail and Web postings, communities of people have relied on one another for advice, political debate, even movie reviews and biographical information on suicide bombers and religious leaders.
Recently, postings on jihadist Web sites have expressed increasing concern about spyware, password protection, and surveillance on chat rooms and instant-messaging systems."
Yuki Noguchi and Sara Kehaulani Goo
"Terrorist groups, which for years have used the Internet and its various tools to organize and communicate, are paying more attention to addressing security and privacy concerns similar to those of other Web users, counterterrorism experts say. Through online chat, e-mail and Web postings, communities of people have relied on one another for advice, political debate, even movie reviews and biographical information on suicide bombers and religious leaders.
Recently, postings on jihadist Web sites have expressed increasing concern about spyware, password protection, and surveillance on chat rooms and instant-messaging systems."
Judge assesses Madrid attacks / The Christian Science Monitor, 13 Apr 2006
http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0413/p06s02-woeu.html
Geoff Pingree and Lisa Abend
"A report released this week by a Spanish judge illuminates one of the most pressing questions arising from both the bombings in Madrid and, later, in London: Did Al Qaeda operatives direct these assaults on Europe, or simply inspire them? The 1,470-page summary by investigative magistrate Juan del Olmo indicates that the Madrid bombers were actually members of an independent network of Salafist radicals active in North Africa, and that Osama bin Laden's organization merely exercised a kind of guiding influence. This week it was reported that British officials have determined the London bombers were also an autonomous cell that drew little more than inspiration from Al Qaeda."
Geoff Pingree and Lisa Abend
"A report released this week by a Spanish judge illuminates one of the most pressing questions arising from both the bombings in Madrid and, later, in London: Did Al Qaeda operatives direct these assaults on Europe, or simply inspire them? The 1,470-page summary by investigative magistrate Juan del Olmo indicates that the Madrid bombers were actually members of an independent network of Salafist radicals active in North Africa, and that Osama bin Laden's organization merely exercised a kind of guiding influence. This week it was reported that British officials have determined the London bombers were also an autonomous cell that drew little more than inspiration from Al Qaeda."
A Fifth Column in the Prisons? / City Journal Spring 2006
http://www.city-journal.org/html/16_2_sndgs04.html
Paul Howard
"U.S. counterterrorism officials have known for several years that al-Qaida views the U.S. prison population as a fertile source for recruiting homegrown terrorists - the kind that slip through security measures designed to catch foreign jihadi. Would-be 'dirty bomber' Jose Padilla, for instance, was a former Chicago gangbanger who converted to radical Islam in prison and traveled to Afghanistan for jihad training. Many observers believe Islam to be the fastest-growing religion behind bars, particularly among black convicts; Muslim prison gangs are proliferating. On some estimates, as much as 20 percent of the New York state prison population may be Muslim."
Paul Howard
"U.S. counterterrorism officials have known for several years that al-Qaida views the U.S. prison population as a fertile source for recruiting homegrown terrorists - the kind that slip through security measures designed to catch foreign jihadi. Would-be 'dirty bomber' Jose Padilla, for instance, was a former Chicago gangbanger who converted to radical Islam in prison and traveled to Afghanistan for jihad training. Many observers believe Islam to be the fastest-growing religion behind bars, particularly among black convicts; Muslim prison gangs are proliferating. On some estimates, as much as 20 percent of the New York state prison population may be Muslim."
Methadone for prisoners 'saves money' /| The Australian, 17 Apr 2006
http://theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,20867,18832472-601,00.html
Adam Cresswell
"METHADONE programs in the nation's jails save taxpayers much more money than they cost and should be dramatically expanded in every state, experts say.
A study by drug researchers found that giving strictly controlled doses of methadone to inmates addicted to heroin not only cut reoffending rates but also cost a fraction of the expense of locking up prisoners for a year."
Adam Cresswell
"METHADONE programs in the nation's jails save taxpayers much more money than they cost and should be dramatically expanded in every state, experts say.
A study by drug researchers found that giving strictly controlled doses of methadone to inmates addicted to heroin not only cut reoffending rates but also cost a fraction of the expense of locking up prisoners for a year."
Saturday, April 15, 2006
'Last resort' refugees may settle here - National - theage.com.au
http://digbig.com/4hdrs
Nrendan Nicholson
"AUSTRALIA may accept asylum seekers who are found to be genuine refugees when a third country cannot be found to take them, the Federal Government said yesterday.
Under changes announced by Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone on Thursday, anyone entering Australia illegally by boat - whether they reach the mainland or not - would be sent to one of three offshore migration detention centres for processing."
Nrendan Nicholson
"AUSTRALIA may accept asylum seekers who are found to be genuine refugees when a third country cannot be found to take them, the Federal Government said yesterday.
Under changes announced by Immigration Minister Amanda Vanstone on Thursday, anyone entering Australia illegally by boat - whether they reach the mainland or not - would be sent to one of three offshore migration detention centres for processing."
Norwegian and Danish passports help LTTE to smuggle terrorists across borders / Asian Tribune, 15 Apr 2006
http://www.asiantribune.com/show_news.php?id=17642
"The LTTE intelligence unit has become experts in finding corrupt officials to take advantage of their weaknesses. Corrupt Norwegian officials have enabled the LTTE to get visas, travel documents and passports. With a Norwegian passport a terrorist can travel without any visa problems for entry into most countries in the world. Besides, Norwegian embassies have been active in helping LTTE agents operating abroad."
"The LTTE intelligence unit has become experts in finding corrupt officials to take advantage of their weaknesses. Corrupt Norwegian officials have enabled the LTTE to get visas, travel documents and passports. With a Norwegian passport a terrorist can travel without any visa problems for entry into most countries in the world. Besides, Norwegian embassies have been active in helping LTTE agents operating abroad."
Norwegian passports stolen for terrorists / United Press International, 14 Apr 2006
http://digbig.com/4hdrr
" A Norwegian police officer has admitted to selling nine passports to a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam member.
Because of its terrorist activities the LTTE been proscribed by a number of countries, including the U.S. Britain, Canada, India, Australia and Malaysia.
The policeman admitted stealing six passports in 2004 and three passports in 2005 and selling them for more than $3,000 to a 37-year-old LTTE agent living in Norway.
The Asian Tribune reported on Friday the police officer told investigators he had borrowed money from the Sri Lankan and had to steal the passports to pay off his debt.
The investigation has widened, with a Sri Lankan in Paris and one in Frankfurt being arrested. At the time that they were detained both men had one of the 'stolen' Norwegian passports. Thus far only three of the purloined passports have been recovered.
A Norwegians Against Terrorism spokesman said, 'Norwegian police officers selling passports and providing sensitive information to sympathizers of the LTTE terrorist organization is a major scandal. Earlier, the CIA had officially ridiculed the Norwegian police and we assume this will be an eye opener for everyone involved in the war against terrorism. The war against terrorism will fail when Norway continues to provide terrorist with passports, information, funds and political support.'" [Snippet]
" A Norwegian police officer has admitted to selling nine passports to a Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam member.
Because of its terrorist activities the LTTE been proscribed by a number of countries, including the U.S. Britain, Canada, India, Australia and Malaysia.
The policeman admitted stealing six passports in 2004 and three passports in 2005 and selling them for more than $3,000 to a 37-year-old LTTE agent living in Norway.
The Asian Tribune reported on Friday the police officer told investigators he had borrowed money from the Sri Lankan and had to steal the passports to pay off his debt.
The investigation has widened, with a Sri Lankan in Paris and one in Frankfurt being arrested. At the time that they were detained both men had one of the 'stolen' Norwegian passports. Thus far only three of the purloined passports have been recovered.
A Norwegians Against Terrorism spokesman said, 'Norwegian police officers selling passports and providing sensitive information to sympathizers of the LTTE terrorist organization is a major scandal. Earlier, the CIA had officially ridiculed the Norwegian police and we assume this will be an eye opener for everyone involved in the war against terrorism. The war against terrorism will fail when Norway continues to provide terrorist with passports, information, funds and political support.'" [Snippet]
"Electronic control device safe": Can you trust the label? / Police One,l14 Apr 2006
http://www.policeone.com/less-lethal/articles/128036/
Chris Myers ; Tom Burns
"In the early 1990's, portable less-lethal chemical agents became standard issue for patrol operations(1). In many cases, these agents have been successful in helping to control resistive or violent subjects without serious injury or an escalation of force. With the re-introduction of Electronic Control Devices in the late 1990's, there is a growing concern of flammability issues when these two less-lethal devices are used simultaneously. We recently conducted forensic testing to determine which brands of OC spray would ignite in combination with Electronic Control Devices under our testing protocol."
Chris Myers ; Tom Burns
"In the early 1990's, portable less-lethal chemical agents became standard issue for patrol operations(1). In many cases, these agents have been successful in helping to control resistive or violent subjects without serious injury or an escalation of force. With the re-introduction of Electronic Control Devices in the late 1990's, there is a growing concern of flammability issues when these two less-lethal devices are used simultaneously. We recently conducted forensic testing to determine which brands of OC spray would ignite in combination with Electronic Control Devices under our testing protocol."
Money laundering special report - Special report / Accountancy Age, 2006
http://digbig.com/4hdrp
Money laundering: your questions answered How are the new regulations affecting the profession? Here, the most common questions are answered…
Growing pains for money laundering regulations As the money laundering regulations hit the terrible twos, what exactly have they achieved?
After Enron: doing the detective work It's four years since Enron sent shock waves through the profession. Kicking off our look at the fallout from this momentous scandal, we look at the rise of the forensic accountant
HMRC: avoiding the issues What is the rationale behind HMRC plans to keep tax advisers in check?
Bankers plea for cultural understanding Egyption banker calls for money laundering rules to reflect cultural differences
Government 'accountant' gets four years Former employee stole nearly £1m from deputy PM's office
IBM rings up name spelling checker How to know if Bin Laden and Bin Ladin are the same guy?
Permalink for this story View trackbacks to this story
Money laundering: your questions answered How are the new regulations affecting the profession? Here, the most common questions are answered…
Growing pains for money laundering regulations As the money laundering regulations hit the terrible twos, what exactly have they achieved?
After Enron: doing the detective work It's four years since Enron sent shock waves through the profession. Kicking off our look at the fallout from this momentous scandal, we look at the rise of the forensic accountant
HMRC: avoiding the issues What is the rationale behind HMRC plans to keep tax advisers in check?
Bankers plea for cultural understanding Egyption banker calls for money laundering rules to reflect cultural differences
Government 'accountant' gets four years Former employee stole nearly £1m from deputy PM's office
IBM rings up name spelling checker How to know if Bin Laden and Bin Ladin are the same guy?
Permalink for this story View trackbacks to this story
New crime agency is armed to the teeth / Accountancy Age, 13 Apr 2006
New crime agency is armed to the teeth - Accountancy Age: Alex Hawkes
"SOCA officers will be able to strike deals with criminals to get valuable evidence, it was boasted, though others say that is nothing new for serious crime agencies. One new set of powers, the Act implementing the agency has introduced, has attracted rather less attention - those relating to disclosure."
"SOCA officers will be able to strike deals with criminals to get valuable evidence, it was boasted, though others say that is nothing new for serious crime agencies. One new set of powers, the Act implementing the agency has introduced, has attracted rather less attention - those relating to disclosure."
Friday, April 14, 2006
Bureaucrats in Uniform: The Politicization and Decline of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police / Fraser Institute, April 2006
PDF - http://www.fraserinstitute.ca/admin/books/files/BureaucratsInUniform.pdf
Barry Cooper
"Political and administrative institutions can fail but they can also be restored. The first step in restoration, however, is acknowledging that there is a problem and what the problem is. Most of this publication provides documentation of the problem. We conclude by indicating several administrative steps that can be taken to restore the RCMP to its proper purpose. One way or another, however, it is our contention that de-politicization is the key to halting the decline of the RCMP."
Barry Cooper
"Political and administrative institutions can fail but they can also be restored. The first step in restoration, however, is acknowledging that there is a problem and what the problem is. Most of this publication provides documentation of the problem. We conclude by indicating several administrative steps that can be taken to restore the RCMP to its proper purpose. One way or another, however, it is our contention that de-politicization is the key to halting the decline of the RCMP."
The Jerry Lee Program Research on Restorative Justice: Promising Results / RealJustice, April 2006
http://www.realjustice.org/library/jerryleeresearch.html
Laura Mirsky
"The Jerry Lee Program on Randomized Controlled Experiments in Restorative Justice (http://www.sas.upenn.edu/jerrylee/research/rj.htm) is comparing restorative conference outcomes, for both victims and offenders, to those of conventional criminal justice practices in numerous criminal cases in Australia and the United Kingdom. Results to date confirm many conference participants’ perceptions: Restorative justice produces substantial and statistically significant benefits for victims of crime. "
PDF - http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/jerryleeresearch.pdf
Laura Mirsky
"The Jerry Lee Program on Randomized Controlled Experiments in Restorative Justice (http://www.sas.upenn.edu/jerrylee/research/rj.htm) is comparing restorative conference outcomes, for both victims and offenders, to those of conventional criminal justice practices in numerous criminal cases in Australia and the United Kingdom. Results to date confirm many conference participants’ perceptions: Restorative justice produces substantial and statistically significant benefits for victims of crime. "
PDF - http://fp.enter.net/restorativepractices/jerryleeresearch.pdf
Terrorists Seen Turning to Campuses for Skills / Los Angeles Times, 13 Apr 2006
http://digbig.com/4hdmt
Sebastian Rotella
"France's arrests of students with alleged ties to militants point to new kind of training camp. Officials say the case of the students, several of whom are under arrest, also illustrates a wider effort by terrorist networks to use universities and the Internet to replace former training camps in Afghanistan."
Sebastian Rotella
"France's arrests of students with alleged ties to militants point to new kind of training camp. Officials say the case of the students, several of whom are under arrest, also illustrates a wider effort by terrorist networks to use universities and the Internet to replace former training camps in Afghanistan."
Illegal samples / Jane's Police Review, 14 Apr 2006
Terry Homer
"Children under ten are deemed by the law to be below the age of criminality and the retention of their DNA samples and fingerprints by the police could be illegal." [Sub Required]
"Children under ten are deemed by the law to be below the age of criminality and the retention of their DNA samples and fingerprints by the police could be illegal." [Sub Required]
Mental health needs of adolescent refugees and asylum seekers - IRR:
http://www.irr.org.uk/2006/may/fq000002.html
Mental health needs of adolescent refugees and asylum seekers
17 May 2006
A presentation to introduce research on unaccompanied asylum-seeking adolescents and refugees with severe mental health needs.
Wednesday 17 May 2006, 6 - 8.30pm
ACAMH, St Saviour's House, 39 - 41 Union Street, London, SE1 1SD
Speaker: Dr Matthew Hodes- Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Imperial College
Mental health needs of adolescent refugees and asylum seekers
17 May 2006
A presentation to introduce research on unaccompanied asylum-seeking adolescents and refugees with severe mental health needs.
Wednesday 17 May 2006, 6 - 8.30pm
ACAMH, St Saviour's House, 39 - 41 Union Street, London, SE1 1SD
Speaker: Dr Matthew Hodes- Senior Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Imperial College
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)