Death Investigation: A Guide for the Scene Investigator, 2024 NIJ Publication NIJ and its multidisciplinary partners have released an updated technical guide for conducting collaborative death scene investigations. The 2024 guide accounts for key changes in the field, including:
Advances in DNA technology, communication and documentation technology.
Procedures for drug, child, and infant death investigations.
Collaboration between investigators and professional partners, families, and the media.
This revised edition is a collaborative effort to update the content to ensure the best possible outcome for both death and criminal investigations today. GET THE GUIDE
2024 COPS (Office of Community Oriented Policing Services) Grant Open Solicitations Posted 3/30/24
DHS S&T releases guidance for procurement of UAS for public safety missionsPosted 3/30/24 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T’s) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) recently released two guidance documents to aid public safety agencies with procurement decisions related to commercially available UAS. These two documents were developed as part of NUSTL’s Systems Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders (SAVER) Program.
The Department of Defense (DOD) started a project called Blue UAS in 2020, which rapidly vets and scales commercial UAS technology for the DOD.
Blue UAS Cleared List of approved drones validated as cyber-secure and safe to fly for DOD missions.
The NUSTL plans to conduct operational assessments of “Blue UAS” for public safety missions.
NUSTL’s focus groups identified 18 assessment criteria by which Blue UAS should be assessed operationally. They also recommended several systems and scenarios for NUSTL to consider for inclusion in future operational assessments of commercial UAS for first responders. These included a search and rescue operation, a post-incident damage assessment, a situational awareness exercise, and nighttime operations.
COPS Office releases Recruitment and Retention for the Modern Law Enforcement Agency Posted 11/17/23 The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced the release of a new publication, Recruitment and Retention for the Modern Law Enforcement Agency. The report presents recommendations to address the serious challenges in recruitment and retention law enforcement agencies are facing nationwide.
Some of the report’s recommendations include reconsidering officer eligibility requirements to better reflect modern police work; modernizing and accelerating the hiring process; investing in officer health, safety, and wellbeing; and working with community leaders to target recruitment efforts toward diverse candidates and potential recruits who might otherwise not consider law enforcement as a career. The report is available within the COPS Office Resource Center.
The Research Behind Body Armor Standards NIJ 11/1/23 NIJ will be publishing a revision to the performance standards for ballistic resistant body armor later this month. The revision includes improved test methods for armor designed for women, additional test requirements for both soft and hard body armor, and several standardized procedures and test methods published by ASTM International. Subscribe to be notified when these updated standards are released. Ballistic Resistant Armor
Initial Results Released from MSP 2024 Police Vehicle Testing Article 10/27/23 Police Magazine The 2024 pursuit-rated vehicles--all pickup trucks or SUVs, including two battery electric models the Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD and Ford Mustang Mach-E--were put through their paces.The Michigan State Police released preliminary results from its annual Police Vehicle Evaluation, held Sept. 16-18, and a more detailed analysis will follow in a full report later. The 2024 pursuit-rated vehicles--all pickup trucks or SUVs, including two battery electric models the Chevrolet Blazer EV AWD and Ford Mustang Mach-E--were put through their paces. See article at this link. See the Preliminary Report at this link.
Protocol Supports Investigation of Opioid-related Overdose Deaths Forensic Magazine 2/10/23 Cuyahoga County’s (Ohio) Medical Examiner’s Office developed the Heroin Involved Death Investigation (HIDI) Protocol to support a safe, coordinated, and rapid response to active drug overdose death scenes. Per the protocol, alerts are sent to law enforcement investigators if the medical examiner suspects a death is related to opioid use or overdose. These alerts notify law enforcement of potential dangers (e.g., lethal drugs) and facilitate protection of the scene and collection of evidence.
Zombie Drug Spreads to 48 States, Proposed Bill Seeks Crack Down Forensic Magazine 43/23 The DEA says they have seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 states. In fact, 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the DEA in 2022 contained xylazine.
Vascular Neck Restraints: New Medical Study Information From Force Science Article 11/11/22 "To better inform policy decisions regarding the training and use of VNRs by law enforcement, a group of highly-credentialed emergency medicine doctors published their latest research titled,Safety of Vascular Neck Restraint applied by law enforcement officers." “The absence of fatalities or significant injuries demonstrated by our data, combined with a high success rate and lower overall subject injury rate compared to other force options reported in another recent study, suggest that these bans may be unnecessary when the VNR technique is executed by well-trained LEOs. The researchers continued, “Further, banning a safe and effective force option may be counterproductive by forcing [law enforcement officers] to utilize other force options with higher risks of injury.”
Purchasing Naloxone Under State Contract (Available to all local government entities): You may purchase Naloxone using the state contract (Contract Number 45179). This contract will expire 3/1/23, but will be replaced with another contract currently in the bid process. To purchase under the state contract go to https://mms.mckesson.com and click on "Become a Customer." In the form that opens, select "I'm a Medical Professional or Administrator" option, then complete the information on the form. After this is submitted you will be contacted by a sales rep. Provide them the Kansas Contract information above and tell them you want to buy naloxone for a government agency in Kansas. They will supply you with the price and you can decide if you want to proceed with the purchase. NOTE: This doesn't seem to be a very customer friendly process. Their phone number is 855-571-2100. If you still have problems please let me know (eklumpp@cox.net) so I can try to get the process straightened out. KHP Advised they paid $85 for a 2-pack in Dec 2020. That price has probably come down because generic naloxone is now available.
There is also a new fact sheet out about using naloxone after its expiration date and the effects of storage in a patrol care in high and low temperatures. "Numerous studies have demonstrated that naloxone retains its potency long past its expiration date, even when kept in less-than-ideal conditions. In perhaps the most comprehensive study on the subject, expired naloxone samples – some which expired as early as the early 1990’s - were obtained from fire departments, emergency medical services and law enforcement agencies.7 Upon testing, it was discovered that these samples, which had mostly been stored in ambulances, police cars, and similar environments, retained nearly all of their active ingredient even after nearly 30 years in storage. Only one sample, which was more than 25 years past its expiration date, had fallen to below 90% of its original strength." Click here to see the fact sheet.
The NSA Traffic Safety Committee (TSC) recently completed a roll call video to remind law enforcement officers that traffic enforcement is critical to saving lives every day. Posted 9/28/22 With support from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the NSA worked with Jay Leno, TSC Chair, Sheriff (ret) John Whetsel, Dale Stockton from Below 100, and several sheriffs from across the country to produce this video. All law enforcement can use this resource to support the prevention of crashes, injuries, and fatalities in their communities and within their own agency. Click here to view the NSA LE roll call video and share it with your law enforcement partners or visit the NSA Traffic Safety website here.
A video resource was created by AAMVA and supported by NSA, IACP, and NOBLE. Posted 9/28/22 Now Available: What to Do and Expect When Pulled Over by Law Enforcement Video AAMVA is pleased to announce the release of a community outreach and education video titled What To Do and Expect When Pulled Over by Law Enforcement. This video is based on content located on our website.
Law Enforcement officers are responsible for conducting traffic stops when they have reasonable suspicion of a traffic violation or a criminal violation. Being stopped by an officer can be a stressful experience for the driver, any passengers, and for the officer, too. Knowing what to do during the stop will help ensure the safety of the driver and the safety of others. AAMVA’s motor vehicle administration and law enforcement members are encouraged to use both the video and information in their driver’s education, community outreach, and general educational activities.
Campus Safety Posted 9/27/22 Campus crime can have long-lasting negative effects on not only the victims but the entire student body, staff, and surrounding community. These effects can include post-traumatic stress disorder, a fear of harm or violence, an inability to focus, and decreased academic performance. Through program funding, research projects, and more, the Office of Justice Programs and its program offices are working to provide information and resources related to school safety. Following are some topical resources:
See the Campus Safety Special Feature webpage for additional information and resources from OJP and other federal agencies.
Trauma-Informed Approach Benefits Entire Criminal Justice System - Posted 9/23/22 People involved in the criminal justice system experience alarming rates of trauma prior to – and as a result of – being incarcerated, under supervision, or in treatment. Yet criminal justice professionals often fail to recognize and respond to trauma among this population – and the professionals who work with them. This brief explores using a trauma-informed approach at each point of contact in the justice system, which can reduce recidivism and incidents of violence while also improving service engagement and recovery.
National Public Safety Partnership’s Virtual Academy - Posted 9/23/22 In an effort to deliver meaningful and effective resources to PSP sites and beyond, the PSP team, in collaboration with leading law enforcement experts and practitioners, has developed interactive, virtual courses on law enforcement topics identified to be of great importance and shared interest to PSP network-wide and beyond. These courses are available nationwide to requesting law enforcement professionals.
If you are a law enforcement professional and are interested in taking any of these virtual courses, please click the “Enroll Now!” button above to request exclusive course access. In addition to the request button on this page, interested law enforcement agencies may also contact their Strategic Site Liaison (if applicable) to request agency-wide access.
Benefits of De-Escalation Training Posted 9/23/22 In Louisville, de-escalation training reduced use-of-force incidents by 28 percent and citizen injuries by 26 percent. Officer injuries were reduced by an even larger margin, 36 percent.
Order or Print Free Copies of NIJ’s Body Armor Poster Posted 9/23/22 NIJ is accepting orders for shipping a body armor poster that provides critical safety information for the care of law enforcement and corrections officer body armor, including where to check for NIJ compliance certification and pointers for armor upkeep. The poster can also be printed by agencies. GET POSTER
NIOSH publishes recommendations for reducing needlesticks and other sharps injuries to law enforcement officers 8/31/22 "If you experience a needlestick from a used or potentially contaminated needle/sharp, wash the needlestick/sharps injury site with soap and water. Report it to your supervisor. Then seek immediate evaluation by a medical professional (emergency department, urgent care, occupational/employee health service, primary care provider)."
New Law Enforcement Journal from Americans for Effective Law Enforcement 8/17/22 AELE released an inaugural edition of their AELE Public Safety Journal. This peer reviewed journal contains practical legal, scientific, and other articles from practicing attorneys, scholars, and scholar practitioners on contemporary public safety issues. This bi-annual digital publication is readable, insightful, understandable, and approachable unlike many law review and scientific journals. To review and download the Journal, click here.Aricles may be submitted for the next edition: March 2023. E-mail your article to: journal@aele.org .
New Research on Broadband Communications Prioritization and Interoperability Guidance for Law Enforcement RAND Corporation 8/23/22 Every law enforcement and first responder agency has legacy systems and equipment for mobile broadband uses and is faced with a complex set of decisions about its broadband communications infrastructure. Several competitors to FirstNet have emerged, causing confusion for end users. In addition, to make decisions regarding broadband communications systems, many agencies need assistance to understand the technical differences between various options. In this report, RAND researchers present practical knowledge to inform agencies about available broadband options and opportunities, governance issues, funding options, costs, and barriers to implementation
Algorithm Uses Time, Location to Predict Crime with 90% Accuracy Forensic Magazine 7/8/22 There’s something to be said for utilizing advanced technology when possible. Scientists from the University of Chicago have done just that with the development of a new algorithm that predicts crime a week in advance with up to 90% accuracy.
Apple Preps 'Lockdown Mode' to Fend Off Targeted Spyware Attacks PC Magazine 7/7/22 Apple is preparing a new “Lockdown Mode” for iPhones, iPads, and Macs that’s designed to stymie hacking attempts from professional spyware companies. The new mode represents “an extreme, optional protection for the very small number of users who face grave, targeted threats to their digital security,” Apple said(Opens in a new window) in the announcement. These users can include government officials, human rights activists, lawyers, and journalists, who mercenary spyware companies have often targeted in the past.
NOTE: I am posting this as information only. I am not endorsing the product, but it appears to be something worth exploring. First Look: Crotega’s Chemical Irritant with No Unwanted Effects Crotega’s Repuls law enforcement spray is water based and can incapacitate violent suspects without affecting officers or unintended targets. Read More
Policy Solutions to Address Mass Shooting NIJ 6/13/22 In this policy brief, we review efforts to evaluate the effect of gun control measures on mass public shootings, including a discussion of our recently published study on therelationship between state gun laws and the incidence and severity of these shootings. The findings of this work point to gun permits and bans on large capacity magazines as having promise in reducing (a) mass public shooting rates and (b) mass public shooting victimization, respectively. Interestingly, however, most gun laws that we examined, including assault weapon bans, do not appear to be causally related to the rate of mass public shootings
Preliminary Findings from Drug-Related Emergency Department Visits, 2021 SAMHSA 6/2/22 The report revealed that marijuana-related emergency department visits were 6.41, 2.34, and 1.59 times more frequent than fentanyl-, cocaine-, and heroin-related visits, respectively. Additionally, marijuana was the most common drug in polysubstance alcohol-related visits, at 30.60%. And alcohol was the most common drug in polysubstance marijuana-related visits, at 52.74%. In total, marijuana was the primary cause of 10.78% of emergency department visits, making it the fourth most cause of drug-related emergency department visits.
Marijuana is by far the leading cause of youth drug-related emergency department visits. There were more than twice as many emergency department visits from marijuana than from opioids, meth, and cocaine combined for those ages 18 and under. This age bracket accounted for 8.86% of marijuana-related visits. In comparison, they only accounted for 1.18% of alcohol-related visits, 1.23% of cocaine-related visits,1.04% of meth-related visits, and 0.39% of heroin-related visits.
National Best Practices forImproving DNA Laboratory Process Efficiency NIJ May 2022 The recommendations in this guide, authored by experts in forensic science and laboratory management, are aimed at improving efficiency in a multitude of essential tasks that DNA forensic laboratories routinely perform. These tasks range from hiring and training personnel to formulating and enforcing case acceptance policies, implementingexisting and new technologies and methodologies, managing casework and tracking laboratory workflows, analyzing data, andcompiling final reports that non-scientists can comprehend. This guide's recommendations are also designed to help laboratories anticipatechanges — including technological advances and new legislation --that may affect their caseloads.
US-DOJ Updated Use of Force Policy for Federal Agencies US-DOJ May/20/22 This policy has beencrafted in consultation with, and has been approved by, the headsofthe ATF, DEA, FBI, andUSMS. With these updates, our Department-wide policy is now more in line with the training and best practices you use every day. Our policy was last updated in 2004 -- eighteen years ago.In the time since, you have all spent countless hours training to the highest standardsoflawenforcement. And you have continued to steadfastly uphold the legal standards set forth inGrahamv.ConnorandTennesseev.Garner. The updated policy draws from the 2020National Consensus Policy onUseofForce,drafted by a coalitionofeleven major law enforcement groups representing federal, state, andlocal law enforcement officers.
Police Killings: Road Map of Research Priorities for Change Rand 5/18/22 In this report, RAND researchers summarize what is currently known about killings committed by police officers in the United States and identify existing evidence about various ways to prevent these killings. Existing studies often suffer from methodological shortcomings, largely stemming from the dearth of available data. Therefore, the authors focused on the development of a research agenda, or a road map, to reduce police killings. The report, based on an extensive literature review as well as interviews with policing experts, contains a series of recommendations for areas in which research efforts may be most effective in helping inform policymaking and decision making aimed at reducing police killings. The authors identified six focus areas—foundational issues (such as racial inequities, police culture, and police unions), data and reporting, training, policies, technology, and consequences for officers. Reviewing the priority research topics in each focus area, similar themes emerged, especially around the need for more-extensive and more-systematic data collection and around the use of agency policies to better govern a range of operations related to police violence, such as data collection and reporting and technology. Download Report at this Link
Department of Justice Launches Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab Resource Hub Designed to Support Constitutional Policing Practices Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, April 27, 2022
The Department of Justice today announced the creation of the National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab, a free training, technical assistance and resource hub for law enforcement, designed to promote constitutional policing, improve public safety and build trust in communities across the country. Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta will make the announcement today at the Los Angeles Police Department headquarters where she will be joined by police leaders, civil rights advocates, researchers and others from across the country dedicated to ensuring that law enforcement has access to the tools, trusted guidance and best practices for fair, impartial policing.
“Providing law enforcement with the tools, resources and support they need to do their jobs effectively and fairly makes our communities safer and stronger,” said Associate Attorney General Gupta. “The Knowledge Lab is the latest step in the Justice Department’s ongoing work to listen, learn and take action to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
Law enforcement agencies nationwide will be able to turn to the Knowledge Lab for free, voluntary resources, including research summaries, profiles of best practices, training curricula and a roster of constitutional policing experts to support their needs.
It will build on multiple Justice Department initiatives designed to support best practices in policing in America, including the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services’ (COPS Office) Collaborative Reform Initiative, which Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced in March. Existing resources from across the department will feed into the Knowledge Lab, making it a one-stop-shop for the latest information, training and guidance on strategies to reduce crime, protect civil rights and build public trust. The Knowledge Lab is managed by the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), a division of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), through a partnership with the National Policing Institute in collaboration with 21st Century Policing Solutions, and a diverse cohort of policing experts from across the country. It is intended to grow and adapt over time to meet the needs of law enforcement agencies and communities. This week’s convening in Los Angeles is bringing together police leaders, civil rights advocates and experts to help build the foundation of the Knowledge Lab and inform what it will look like moving forward.
“Constitutional policing is foundational to a just and equitable society, and it remains the bedrock of effective public safety,” said Director Karhlton F. Moore of the BJA. “America’s law enforcement officers work hard to serve our communities. The Knowledge Lab will assist agencies in their efforts to serve with fairness and integrity, and we are determined to help them live up to the highest ideals of their profession.”
For almost 30 years, the Justice Department has used its enforcement authority and has entered into settlements and consent decrees to remedy systemic patterns or practices of unconstitutional conduct. Along with other resources, the Knowledge Lab will make all Justice Department consent decrees and associated materials available online and allow law enforcement agencies to learn from in-the-field experience, not just theory, about how best to promote a positive and healthy relationship between the police and the communities they serve. The Knowledge Lab will offer free training and technical assistance that adapts this base of information to the needs of individual law enforcement agencies. The National Law Enforcement Knowledge Lab will enable law enforcement agencies to build on a foundation supported by evidence and experience. Associate Attorney General Gupta was joined in today’s announcement by BJA Director Moore, local officials and law enforcement and civil rights experts from across the country.
FACT SHEET: The Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan
White House STATEMENTS AND RELEASES APRIL 25, 2022
Over the last decade, unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or “drones”) have become a regular feature of American life. We use them for recreation, for research, and for commerce. But the proliferation of this new technology has also introduced new risks to public safety, privacy, and homeland security. Malicious actors have increasingly used UAS domestically to commit crimes, conduct illegal surveillance and industrial espionage, and thwart law enforcement efforts at the local, state and Federal level.
Today, the Biden Administration is releasing the first whole-of-government plan to address UAS threats in the Homeland. Through the Domestic Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems National Action Plan, the Administration is working to expand where we can protect against nefarious UAS activity, who is authorized to take action, and how it can be accomplished lawfully. The Plan seeks to achieve this legitimate expansion while safeguarding the airspace, communications spectrums, individual privacy, civil liberties and civil rights. To achieve this balance, the Administration is calling on Congress to adopt legislation to close critical gaps in existing law and policy that currently impede government and law enforcement from protecting the American people and our vital security interests.
UAS serve many beneficial commercial and recreational purposes. As has been the case with many technological advances, they can also be exploited for pernicious purposes. To protect our Homeland and prevent their growing use from threatening the safety and security of our people, our communities, and our institutions, this Counter-UAS National Action Plan will set new ground rules for the expanding uses of UAS and improve our defenses against the exploitation of UAS for inappropriate or dangerous purposes.
Recommendations The Plan provides eight key recommendations for action:
Work with Congress to enact a new legislative proposal to expand the set of tools and actors who can protect against UAS by reauthorizing and expanding existing counter‑UAS authorities for the Departments of Homeland Security, Justice, Defense, State, as well as the Central Intelligence Agency and NASA in limited situations. The proposal also seeks to expand UAS detection authorities for state, local, territorial and Tribal (SLTT) law enforcement agencies and critical infrastructure owners and operators. The proposal would also create a Federally-sponsored pilot program for selected SLTT law enforcement agency participants to perform UAS mitigation activities and permit critical infrastructure owners and operators to purchase authorized equipment to be used by appropriate Federal or SLTT law enforcement agencies to protect their facilities;
Establish a list of U.S. Government authorized detection equipment, approved by Federal security and regulatory agencies, to guide authorized entities in purchasing UAS detection systems in order to avoid the risks of inadvertent disruption to airspace or the communications spectrum;
Establish oversight and enablement mechanisms to support critical infrastructure owners and operators in purchasing counter-UAS equipment for use by authorized Federal entities or SLTT law enforcement agencies;
Establish a National Counter-UAS Training Center to increase training accessibility and promote interagency cross-training and collaboration;
Create a Federal UAS incident tracking database as a government-wide repository for departments and agencies to have a better understanding of the overall domestic threat;
Establish a mechanism to coordinate research, development, testing, and evaluation on UAS detection and mitigation technology across the Federal government;
Work with Congress to enact a comprehensive criminal statute that sets clear standards for legal and illegal uses, closes loopholes in existing Federal law, and establishes adequate penalties to deter the most serious UAS-related crimes; and
Enhance cooperation with the international community on counter‑UAS technologies, as well as the systems designed to defeat them.
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Child Abuse Resources-Office of Justice Programs 4/18/22 For law enforcement, the investigation of child abuse is a critical and sensitive issue that affects the safety and well-being of children nationwide. Law enforcement personnel often have the difficult task of determining if a child’s injury is accidental or deliberately inflicted. To help law enforcement differentiate between physical abuse and accidental injury, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) published Recognizing When a Child’s Injury or Illness Is Caused by Abuse, which outlines the critical questions to ask when making this judgment. Additionally, the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) has supported a series of research projects characterizing pediatric injuries, modeling injury risk and building an evidence base to help determine the likelihood of abuse as the cause of injuries in children. See details at this link.
SPECIAL REPORT: The Future of Firearms Training 2022 Police Magazine 11/2/21 In the POLICE Special Report: The Future of Firearms Training 2022 read about how virtual reality technology is being used in simulator training, how some agencies are adding scenario training to their live-fire ranges, and what can be done to minimize gunfire noise disturbing people who live near police firing ranges. DOWNLOAD SPECIAL REPORT
Reject the notion of a standardized safe distance. Police interactions with citizens are fluid and it does not seem practical to set a standard distance for such encounters. Having an officer attempt to keep 32 feet from an individual is not practical in most interactions.
Use caution when interpreting these results. This study was not conducted to justify an officer firing their weapon at someone within 21 feet because they have an edged weapon. Distance is only one factor of many that play a role in determining whether to use force. While it is easy to say that 21 feet is not a safe distance, this study does not necessarily imply that officers should draw and fire their weapons sooner. Officers must consider a variety of situational factors when deciding to use force.
The report highlights a series of action steps that OJJDP will take to respond to the concerns raised by tribal representatives during the consultation and in subsequent written comments. The report notes how OJJDP plans to foster ongoing dialogue with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes to support tribal communities' work with their youth. View Report at this Link
Struggling to Recruit, Police Turn to Targeted Ads Wired 8/4/21 The pandemic and the George Floyd protests have made recruiters’ jobs tougher. Now they’re tapping the behavioral profiling power of social media.
Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll: 75% Of Registered Voters Call For Hiring More Police Officers 8/2/21 A new Harvard CAPS-Harris Poll survey of 1,788 registered voters (7/28-7/29) has found 75% “said more police are needed on the street while only 25 percent say they do not need more cops on the beat.” The Hill adds 72% “said they oppose ‘defunding the police,’ and a slim 52 percent majority said they support the controversial practice of stop and frisk in urban areas to “deter gun crime.” Fifty-six percent also say they oppose eliminating cash bail.” However, The Hill states the poll additionally found 57% “say marijuana should be decriminalized.”
Retirement Views of Millennials and Generation X A new report, Generational Views of Retirement in the United States features results from public polling done in December 2020. This research finds that while all generations agree that the United States faces a retirement crisis, Millennials and Generation X are the most concerned about their retirement prospects. Additionally, there is wide support across all generations for expanding Social Security benefits and increasing contributions. Download the report at this link. My Comments: This information seems to support that a solid retirement benefit is becoming more important in the recruiting and retention process among millennials and generation X age groups.
Marijuana Decriminalization Forcing Pot-Sniffing Police Dogs Into Retirement Washington Post 7/14/21 The problem is that certain dogs used by police were trained to alert to several drugs. That includes marijuana, which, depending on the amount, could now be legal. Their human handlers cannot tell which drug the dogs have noticed.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Comprehensive Strategy to Prevent and Respond to Gun Crime and Ensure Public Safety 6/23/21 This strategy will help state, local, territorial, and tribal governments get the money they need to put more police officers on the beat – with the resources, training, and accountability they need to engage in effective community policing – in addition to supporting proven Community Violence Intervention programs, summer employment opportunities, and other investments that we know will reduce crime and make our neighborhoods safer. The strategy will also address the direct link between gun violence and the rise in violent crime by taking immediate steps to keep guns out of the wrong hands, including by strengthening ATF’s efforts to stem the flow of firearms used in crimes, and by launching multijurisdictional firearms trafficking strike forces to stop illegal gun trafficking across state lines.
Wichita catalytic converter thefts skyrocket; palladium prices soar, meth use continues Wichita Eagle 6/16/21 Wichita appears to have set a record for catalytic converter thefts and local authorities are linking the rise to an ongoing methamphetamine epidemic. Police reported 546 cases through Wednesday, or more than three a day. There were 541 such thefts in all of 2020, a record at the time, and some cases can have more than one theft.
Lawmakers celebrate ‘biggest change in mental health in Kansas in 30 years’ The Reflector 6/10/21 One section of the legislation, House Bill 2208, requires state agencies to certify 26 community-based mental health centers as behavioral health clinics within three years and set new rates for the services they provide. The state estimates this investment eventually will total $74 million annually. The bill requires the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to certify six facilities by May 1, 2022, three more by July 1, 2022, an additional nine by July 1, 2023, and an additional eight by July 1, 2024.
Compelled Internal Affairs Interviews and Fifth Amendment Rights FBI Bulletin 6/9/21 Protecting constitutional rights of officers accused of wrongdoing while also preserving departmental internal discipline and officer fitness for duty presents police managers with complex and difficult legal challenges. Law enforcement leaders must understand the legal principles involved in this delicate balance and apply them fairly and effectively. They can do this by creating a policy that protects the Fifth Amendment rights of involved officers while simultaneously meeting the department’s duty to ensure that its officers are suitable to continue performing as public servants.
Task Force Releases Child-Focused Video to Combat Violent Crime Project Safe Neighborhoods released a public service video to bring attention to combating violent crime. The video emphasizes that, among 751 people who have been murdered in Kansas City, Missouri, in the last five years, 28 victims have been children. “The Project Safe Neighborhoods Task Force hopes that this video will be widely seen and shared over social media, and will inspire its viewers to action against violent crime,” Moore added, “because every kid deserves to be a kid.” The public service video can be viewed online at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmo/video/project-safe-neighborhoods
The Early Warning System Article from Police Magazine 5/19/21 Many law enforcement agencies have an overwhelming amount of data about the performance of their officers. It’s in citations, reports, computer-aided dispatch logs, internal affairs files, and dozens of other primary sources. And most of it cannot easily be analyzed or even read, making if difficult for agencies to reward high-performing officers and identify problems with others.
Ransomware Attacks on Law Enforcement Let’s start with a news article on Ransomware attacks on law enforcement systems. The article summarized below demonstrates that from the smallest to the largest law enforcement agencies we are becoming increasingly subject to ransomware attacks. The new escalated threat is not just to lock you out of your data, but to release information in your data that can jeopardize the safety of your citizens, your informants, your cooperating witnesses, and even your officers. Every agency, large or small, should make sure your data is secure and the passwords to access that data are strong. A related article is in the May edition of the KCJIS Newsletter on page 3.
Ransomware gangs get more aggressive against law enforcement AP News 5/9/21 Police Chief Will Cunningham came to work four years ago to find that his six-officer department was the victim of a crime. Hackers had taken advantage of a weak password to break in and encrypt the files of the department in Roxana, a small town in Illinois near St. Louis, and were demanding $6,000 of bitcoin. Criminal hackers are increasingly using brazen methods to increase pressure on law enforcement agencies to pay ransoms, including leaking or threatening to leak highly sensitive and potentially life-threatening information.
Catalytic Converter Thefts and the Kansas Scrap Metal Database I want to focus on another article in the KCJIS newsletter, the one on page 8 about the scrap metal reporting system. We are all aware of the growing and continuing problem with the theft of catalytic converters along with all the other metal thefts. The KBI Intel Unit operates the Kansas Scrap Metal Reporting System. The article conveys how law enforcement can access the data to search for stolen items. Think of this as an important investigative tool that can alert you to people with suspicious trends of selling metal items to scrap dealers. Our associations, and others, worked hard to get his statewide database. It continues to have its opponents in the legislature. If we don’t use the database to identify our metal thieves and reduce these crimes, it is likely we will lose this tool. All agencies should be familiar with the database and how to use it.
Justice Department Proposes New Regulation to Update Firearm Definitions USDOJ 5/7/21 Proposed Rule Seeks to Close “Ghost Gun” Loophole The proposed rule would modernize the definition of “frame or receiver” and help close a regulatory loophole associated with the un-serialized privately made firearms that are increasingly being recovered at crime scenes across the country. These unmarked firearms, known as “ghost guns,” are often assembled from kits that are sold without background checks, making them easily acquired by criminals who otherwise would not be permitted to possess a firearm. See the proposed rule and additional information at this link.
Reports: Mass exodus of retiring police officers may lead to a national public safety crisis LE Today 4/27/21 There are growing concerns that the mass retirements of police officers throughout the country may lead to a national public safety crisis.Between losing experienced law enforcement personnel and not having enough officers, some are suggesting the mass exodus will compromise people’s safety, especially in major U.S. cities.
See the following articles in the April 2021 edition of Police Chief Magazine 4/17/21 IACP membership and login required to read the articles.
Effective Police-Civilian Collaborations Like many police agencies, the Houston, Texas, Police Department (HPD) has seen an increase in public demands over the past several years in responding to those individuals exhibiting a mental illnes... Read More
Building a Multijurisdictional Deflection Program Kevin had been “involved” with the criminal justice system for his entire adult life. By the time he was 32, he had been incarcerated nine times for offenses ranging from shoplifting to larceny....Read More
Americans for Effective Law Enforcement (AELE) Legal Article--TASER-HANDGUN CONFUSION
Release of "Law Enforcement Officer Suicide: 2020 Report to Congress"
Field Sobriety Tests and THC Levels Unreliable Indicators of Marijuana Intoxication NIJ Study 4/5/21 Researchers investigated how marijuana affects skills required for safe driving and found that biofluid levels of THC did not correlate with field sobriety test performance or marijuana intoxication, regardless of how the cannabis was ingested.
Strengthening Relationships by Managing Biases – FBI Bulletin January 2021 Implicit bias training can help bridge the gaps between police agencies and the diverse communities they serve.
Workers’ compensation law that can have lower rewards upheld by Kansas Supreme Court Wichita Eagle 1/8/21 The Kansas Supreme Court ruled that injured workers can continue to be evaluated for impairment under the Sixth Edition of the AMA. Worker attorneys argued that those guidelines reduced rewards for workers and contributed to a broken workers’ compensation system. But defense attorneys believe it’s the newest edition and helps streamline workers’ compensation in Kansas as part of needed reform. See the opinion at this link.
Use of Oral Fluid to Detect Drugged Drivers National Traffic Law Center October 2020 Data produced in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sponsored National Roadside Surveys (NR2007; 2013/2014) have shown the prevalence of drugs in blood and oral fluid collected voluntarily from drivers increased from 16.3% to 20%, with marijuana detection rates rising from 8.6% to 12%. While oral fluid drug screening technology is not new to the science arena, use of this technology by law enforcement at the roadside is a newer concept prompted by the commercialization of cannabis and the opioid epidemic. Programs have been in place internationally for many years; however, they are relatively new within the United States. Lessons learned from jurisdictions that have piloted and/or utilize oral fluid drug testing are instructive for jurisdictions that are exploring the viability of this approach.
AT&T provides initial insights about FirstNet performance, recovery efforts after Nashville explosion 11/1/21 Although the Christmas-morning explosion caused significant damage to AT&T’s Nashville facility—“including a crater on the east-facing side”—the network hub remained operational for several hours that day on battery power, due to loss of commercial power and damage to generators. Most service was restored within 48 hours of the event. 26 portable cell sites (SatCOLTs) were deployed or staged to support this response, and—at peak—21 were on-air simultaneously. FirstNet customers had prioritized service on all the portable sites.
FBI: Hackers Using Home Cameras To Watch SWAT Teams Washington Times 12/30/20As law enforcement responds to the residence, the offender watches the live stream footage and engages with the responding police through the camera and speakers. Video of the incidents are digitally captured by the culprit and subsequently circulated online. Recently, offenders have been using victims’ smart devices, including video and audio capable home surveillance devices, to carry out swatting attacks, the FBI said in the PSA.
FAA outlines new rules for drones and their operators 12/29/20 KC Star Article: Federal officials say they will allow operators to fly small drones over people and at night, potentially giving a boost to commercial use of the machines. Most drones will need to be equipped so they can be identified remotely by law enforcement officials. The final rules announced Monday by the Federal Aviation Administration “get us closer to the day when we will more routinely see drone operations such as the delivery of packages,” said FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson.
FAA Rules Announcement:The new rules will require Remote Identification (Remote ID) of drones and allow operators of small drones to fly over people and at night under certain conditions. These rules come at a time when drones represent the fastest-growing segment in the entire transportation sector – with currently over 1.7 million drone registrations and 203,000 FAA-certificated remote pilots. Remote ID will help mitigate risks associated with expanded drone operations, such as flights over people and at night, and both rules support technological and operational innovation and advancements.
Department of Justice Establishes Community of Practice for Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness 12/22/20 The Department of Justice’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) has established the first-ever Community of Practice for state, local and tribal grantees to connect, learn, share experiences, and network in an effort to continue the growth of law enforcement mental health and wellness work.
Wichita police say photo-taking license plate readers are helping solve crimes Wichita Eagle 12/17/20 November 9 they have recovered 68 stolen cars — the value of all those vehicles was about $580,000 — 39 stolen license plates, we have made 39 felony arrests, we have seized 13 guns and also seized methamphetamine, cocaine, narcotic bills and marijuana.
The Fifth Edition of the IPSA Journal, an executive level publication of public safety relevant researched and peer-reviewed papers. Click here for current and past Journals. IPSA 12/11/20 The 5th Edition includes:
The Push of Disasters and Pull of Pandemics: Law Enforcement Officers’ Perspectives on Crime and Policing During Disasters and the COVID-19 Pandemic by Daniel Augusto, EdD, Northcentral University; Elizabeth Davenport Pollock, PhD, Northcentral University; and Steven Flick, MS
Illuminating Firefighter Awareness Within a Dangerous Lived Experience: A Single Case Study by Eric J. Russell, Utah Valley College; Rodger E. Broomé, Utah Valley College; and Jamie L. Russell, Utah Valley College
The Nature of Disciplinary Processes in Police Organizations: The Disciplinary Continuum by Brad J. Castle, Marion Technical College; Eric J. Russell, Utah Valley College; and Rodger E. Broomé, Utah Valley College
Interest Based Bargaining: A Review of Ohio Fire, Police and Teacher Collective Bargaining Agreements by Gregory L. Walterhouse, Bowling Green State University
Final Report of the National Consortium on Preventing Law Enforcement Suicide 12/9/20 The report outlines recommendations and considerations for the profession to prevent officer suicide. This report is part of the suicide prevention toolkit, which compiles information that agencies need to develop and implement a customized agency approach to prevent officer suicide and strengthen officer mental health. Explore the toolkit here.
Perspectives on Body-Worn Cameras IACP 12/8/20 Video series presents perspectives from law enforcement officers, attorneys, and academic scholars from around the country about how body-worn cameras can impact police departments and the communities they serve.
Active Bystandership Can Be Taught and Learned FBI Bulletin 12/8/20 Active bystandership training to prevent harm to others is not new. Other professions have used it as a powerful tool for years. The medical profession uses it to teach and empower nurses to intervene to prevent harm caused by inadvertent doctor errors in the operating room.6 The military and the airline industry use it to empower aircraft crews to intervene to prevent pilot error in the cockpit. Notwithstanding these successes, active bystandership never has been systematically taught to law enforcement officers.
Perceptions of Increased U.S. Crime at Highest Since 1993 Gallup 11/13/20 Americans are more likely to perceive crime in the U.S. as having increased over the prior year (78%) than they have been at any point since 1993. Meanwhile, they are less likely to perceive more crime in their local area (38%) than at any point in Gallup's trend since 2004.
Recruiting and Retaining Officers in Small and Rural AgenciesOffice of Community Oriented Policing Services 2020 NEW REPORT: The decisions agencies make to help them retain their top talent are the same ones that help them attract top applicants. And it was noteworthy not only that many of the leaders conducted exit interviews with officers who resigned to better understand why they leave, but also that some made a point to regularly talk with their existing staff to understand why they stay. Without this second piece, it can become easy to dismiss departures as something the agency cannot control—especially when many relate to external factors such as family or promotional opportunities. But the officers who stay, especially those who could be successful elsewhere, provide critical information on what makes an agency a good place to work, and that information can likely be leveraged for recruitment purposes.
Perception, Recall & Use of Force Incidents Lexipol Why do officers’ accounts of use of force incidents sometimes not match video evidence? Why do two officers provide conflicting accounts of the same OIS? These discrepancies are often attributed to officer deception or collusion, when in fact they are much more likely to be the effects of the way humans perceive and recall stressful incidents. Includes link to downloadable guide.
Study: Demolishing Abandoned Houses Does Not Reduce Nearby Crime Forensic Magazine Article 11/13/20 While millions of dollars have been spent on the efforts, a recent University of Kansas study found a program demolishing more than 500 abandoned residential properties in Kansas City, Missouri, did not significantly reduce nearby violent or property crime. Link to study publication.
Wandering Officers Yale Law Journal Posted on 8/25/20; Published 5/4/20 We report three principal findings. First, wandering officers—defined as officers who have been fired from a position in law enforcement or corrections before landing a law-enforcement job at another agency—are fairly common in absolute terms. Second, they seem to face difficulty finding employment. Fired officers also take much longer to start another job and typically move to smaller agencies with fewer resources in communities with slightly higher proportions of residents of color. Interestingly, most of these discrepancies disappear for officers who were fired earlier in their career rather than from their immediately preceding job. We hypothesize that agencies view these officers as having redeemed themselves. Third, wandering officers are far more likely—than both rookies and veterans who have never been fired—to be fired from their next job.
Should Your Agency Resurrect the Use-of-Force Continuum? Police Magazine 8/25/20 Does societal pressure have you considering placing a diagram of the use-of-force continuum back into your use-of-force policy? You don’t want to do that.
Axon Announces Technology for Quick Review and Release of Controversial Video Police Magazine 8/25/20 Axon has announced several new technology solutions to address the issues now confronting police and the people they serve and protect.The technology includes a feature called Transcription Assistant which uses AI to generate an initial redaction of the faces of innocent bystanders and determinations about what is worthy of release so the user only has to focus on making corrections—versus editing from scratch.
FAA Announces Drone Line-of-Sight Waiver for Public Safety GovTech 8/24/20 In the past, public safety agencies have always had to maintain visual line of sight with any drones that they fly. The FAA released the BVLOS waiver guide for first responders last week during its annual Unmanned Aircraft Systems Symposium. If the waiver is granted to an organization, BVLOS flights must comply with a variety of spatial regulations and only be performed when absolutely necessary. The guide opens with a description of a few situations that can justify BVLOS.
Field Kit Can Distinguish Hemp from Marijuana in 10 Minutes Forensic Magazine 8/21/20 An officer simply needs to obtain a small sample from the individual and insert it into a vial in the device where it comes into contact with the reagents, which begin to mix. The sample’s exposure to the reagents triggers a colorimetric panel that provides an identification and semi-quantitation of Delta-9 THC and Delta-9 THCA. “From that, the officer can glean whether it’s above or below the legal level of THC, thereby differentiating between hemp and marijuana,” Christian Westring, director of the Center for Crime, Forensics, and Security Analysis, explained to Forensic.In addition to taking less than 10 minutes, each test costs approximately $14 dollars. See more information at: https://hempsynergistics.com/tru-thc-recognition-unit-for-law-enforcement/ Remember field test devices in Kansas must be state approved.
Feds release nationwide sex offender registry regulation AP Article 8/17/20 While the law required that sex offenders provide personal information, the regulation codifies precisely what information must be provided, including name, birth date, Social Security number and specific information about travel, vehicles and professional licenses. The regulation also sets out the time required to remain on a sex offender registry, ranging from 15 years to life, depending on the offense. See more information at this link.
Participating in Early Family/Parent Training Programs Reduces Problem Behaviors NIJ Early family/parent training programs are designed to provide families and parents with training and skills to help promote their children’s physical, mental, and social skills. The goal is to improve child outcomes (such as reducing problem behaviors) by helping parents successfully socialize their children. These types of programs generally target parents and families with children under the age of 5 years.
Removing Officers from Schools is a Bad Idea Police Magazine 8/3/20 There’s really no “upside” in the effort to pull SROs from schools, other than to make people who have a predisposition to despise law enforcement feel like they’ve “won” an argument. In the end, that “victory” will ring hollow for them. The harm done to millions of kids may not be immediately visible, but it will be real, and it will be lasting. That harm could be easily prevented if clearer heads prevailed in these weird and wobbly times. Editorial: Endangering Students and Teachers Police Magazine 7/17/20
Update to National Consensus Policy and Discussion Paper on the Use of Force 7/10/20 In 2017, leading law enforcement management and labor organizations joined together to develop a National Consensus Policy and Discussion Paper on the Use of Force. The Consensus Policy makes clear that it is the policy of law enforcement agencies to value and preserve human life. The consensus policy sets forth guidelines to govern the police use of force, the responsibilities of officers when using force, de-escalation techniques, the use of less than lethal force, the duty to render aid/provide medical treatment once it is safe to do so, and that all officers have a duty to intervene to prevent or stop the use of excessive force by another officer. After review and discussion, 11 participating organizations agreed to a proposed revision to the Consensus Policy. View the 2020 Use of Force Consensus Policy Statement and revised National Consensus Policy on Use of Force.
IACP Statement on Misguided Approach to Police Reform 7/16/20 As elected officials, police leaders, and community members work to develop and implement solutions regarding concerns over policing practices and operations, it is imperative that these efforts reflect a balanced, strategic approach to combating crime and prioritizing community safety.
National Consensus Policy and Discussion Paper on Use of Force The combined National Consensus Policy and Discussion Paper on Use of Force represents a 2017 collaborative effort to advance the police profession, while upholding the commitment and duty to serve the public and preserve all human life.
Use of In Silico Methods to Study Crime FBI Bulletin 8/8/20A model or simulation is only as good as its weakest assumptions and no model--in silico or otherwise—can account for all factors that define a problem. Moreover, models and simulations never should be trusted to tell the whole story. However, when a model is explicitly implemented in silico, users can view it outside of themselves, where they can refine it; correct it; and, ideally, agree on its purpose and usefulness. In silico methods do not involve risk to personnel or the community because they shift threats to life and property into a virtual world, where they are a matter of 1s and 0s. These methods reduce the necessary resources to make interesting and powerful observations and have the potential to increase the efficient use of real-world resources. Ultimately, in silico methods are meant to be shared and provide a means to test assumptions and open minds through collaboration.
KS DOC/Juvenile Services: Crossover Youth Practice Model 6/11/20 Recognizing the need for early identification and intervention of youth and families crossing over between the juvenile justice and child welfare systems, the Kansas Department of Corrections – Juvenile Services (KDOC-JS) entered into a contract with Georgetown University’s Center for Juvenile Justice Reform (CJJR) to implement the Crossover Youth Practice Model (CYPM). KDOC-JS has partnered with the Department for Children and Families (DCF) and the Office of Judicial Administration (OJA) on CYPM implementation in two Kansas pilot sites, with goals of expanding the work to other areas of the state. See 2 page summary flyer at this link.
IACP Statement on Qualified Immunity6/10/20 The IACP is gravely concerned by and fervently opposed to efforts to change the qualified immunity protections for police officers. Qualified immunity is a foundational protection for the policing profession and any modification to this legal standard will have a devastating impact on the police’s ability to fulfill its public safety mission.
IACP Policy Framework for Improved Community-Police Engagement 6/10/20 While significant progress has been made in policing in recent years, the International Association of Chiefs of Police(IACP)agrees that much work remains to be done.As elected officials begin to work on police-related legislation, such as the Justice in Policing Act,we look forward to working with members of the U.S. House and Senate and the Administration to pass meaningful legislation that will have a positive impact on policing and enhance the public’s trust and faith in the profession. As the discussions continue regarding police reform, the IACP offers the following framework of key policy considerations.
Restorative Justice Programs for Juveniles Re-reviewed, New Outcomes Rated NIJ 6/9/20 The practice is rated Promising for reducing juveniles' recidivism rates, increasing victims' perceptions of fairness, and increasing juveniles' completion of restitution and reparation. It is rated No Effects for juveniles' recognition of wrongdoing or remorse, and victim or young offender satisfaction. This practice has been updated to reflect findings from new meta-analysis added to the evidence base (Livingstone et al. 2013). With the inclusion of the new meta-analysis, the Promising rating for reducing general recidivism was maintained. In addition, four new outcomes were added to the practice evidence base: young offender satisfaction (with the restorative justice process), victims' satisfaction, remorse (among young offenders), and recognition of wrongdoing. All four outcomes were rated No Effects, based on the results of the meta-analysis by Livingstone and colleagues (2013).
IACP Statement on “Defunding the Police” 6/8/20 While IACP agrees there is a need to provide additional resources to social services, education, and mental health services, fulfilling this need should not come at the expense of police funding. By the very nature of the profession, the police remain the only entity of government that consistently and constantly responds to every situation where immediate help is needed. In an already underfunded profession, resources should not be taken away from the police, but rather, additional resources given to these areas. Successfully moving forward will require a comprehensive, nuanced, determined, and informed policy effort that will involve all aspects of society. This solution will not be simple or cheap, but it is what is necessary to effectively address the challenges that confront us.
Isotonitazene Could Be the New Fentanyl Forensic Magazine 6/5/20 Thus far, isotonitazene has been detected in the blood of people who died of overdoses in Illinois, Indiana and Tennessee. It was first detected in August 2019 in Belgium and Canada. The drug, which comes in a white/off-white powder form or pressed into counterfeit opioid pills, appears to be entering the United States from international avenues.
Chinese Made Drones Used by LE May Allow Chinese Access to Data National Review 5/13/20 U.S. intelligence agencies have warned that drones made by Da Jiang Innovations, a Chinese company that manufactures about 80 percent of drones in the U.S., could be used by the Chinese government to spy on American infrastructure. But local law-enforcement agencies have nevertheless been using DJI drones to enforce social-distancing measures during the coronavirus pandemic.
Tips for the First Responder Parent 4/23/20 International Public Safety Association has released a printable poster with tips on helping children cope with First Responder family challenges. Download at this link. They also have a Staying Healthy Together Poster for First Responder families at this link. Other posters can be seen at this link.
The Opioid Crisis and the Black/African American Population: An Urgent Issue Report presents recent data on prevalence of opioid misuse and death rates in the Black/AA population; contextual factors & challenges to prevention & treatment; innovative outreach & engagement strategies to connect people to evidence-based treatment; and the importance of community voice. See SAMHSA Article at this linkSee Report at this link
Alcohol Policies and Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths Involving Blood Alcohol Concentrations Below 0.08% 4/16/20 Of 612,030 motor vehicle crash fatalities, 223,471 (37%) died in alcohol-involved crashes, of which 33,965 (15% of alcohol-involved fatalities or 6% of all fatalities) had a blood alcohol concentration <0.08%. American Journal of Preventative Medicine Hazardous Duty Pay Proposed as part of Federal COVID-19 Support 4/13/20 It is being proposed that the next round of Federal Financial Aid for the COVID-19 Response to include some form of hazardous duty compensation for first responders. It is not decided yet the form of compensation or the amount. There are differences of opinions in Congress at this time on the details. Another proposal would offer a federally paid $15,000 recruiting bonus paid to new first responders hiring on during the COVID-19 Crisis. Don't spend the money yet, it may or may not become reality. Fox News Article COVID-19: Stress Awareness, Management 4/1/20 COVID-19: Stress Awareness, Management. An Officer.com article
New Federal School Safety Website Launched 3/23/20 The Department of Justice recently announced the launch of the federal school safety website SchoolSafety.gov.
Rand Study: Fostering Innovation Across the U.S. Criminal Justice System 3/23/20 Fostering Innovation Across the U.S. Criminal Justice System: Identifying Opportunities to Improve Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Fairness
Church Security Resource 12/31/19 With the recent active shooter in the church in Texas, there will likely be requests to local law enforcement agencies about church security. Here is a good resource document on the topic:
Active shooter drills in schools and harsh punishment for students who threaten violence may be counterproductive in preventing mass killings on school grounds according to a recent study by The Violence Project, a National Institute of Justice-funded analysis of U.S. mass shootings.
The study was not limited to mass killings at schools and universities. “The most common mass shootings are in workplaces (28.1%), followed by restaurants/bars/nightclubs (14%), retail establishments (12.9%), houses of worship (6.4%), K-12 Schools (7.6%), colleges/universities (5.3%), government buildings/places of civic importance (2.9%). 22.8% are in other public spaces, like neighborhoods and campsites,” the researchers wrote.
Suicide and Mental Health Help for First Responders 10/22/19
Emotional, Financial, and Spiritual Assistance: 1stHelp is the first tool of its kind: a searchable database dedicated to finding emotional, financial, and spiritual assistance for first responders. It is free and easy use, and completely confidential. http://1alliance.org/
Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act: Report to Congress, includes 22 recommendations to Congress ranging from supporting programs to embed mental health professionals in law enforcement agencies to supporting the development of model policies and implementation guidance for law enforcement agencies to make substantial efforts to reduce suicide.
Cities Addicted to Fine Revenue 8/25/19 Governing Magazine reports on cities who are addicted to fine revenue. Their data includes several cities in Kansas exceeding their "thresholds" of fines per resident or fines as share of general revenues.
Homegrown Violent Extremist Report-FBI 7/21/19 The FBI has released their 2019 edition of "Homegrown Violent Extremist Mobilization Indicators." A guide to indicators that may demonstrate an individual's likelihood of engaging in terrorist activity. Available at this link.
Body Cameras: Effect on Officer and Citizen Behavior 4/8/19 Police body cameras have little effect on officer, citizen behavior. Washington Times Article. The article is about a research report from George Mason University summarizing numerous studies on BWC. "Data on police use of force was mixed. Six of the reviewed studies found that police with body-worn cameras were less likely to use force and eight other studies found no statistically significant impact." Link to the George Mason Report (click on the "Research Paper" Link for the document. A Big Test of Police Body Cameras Defies Expectations 10/20/17 Researchers tracked use-of-force incidents, civilian complaints, charging decisions and other outcomes to see if the cameras changed behavior. But on every metric, the effects were too small to be statistically significant. Officers with cameras used force and faced civilian complaints at about the same rates as officers without cameras.
Seattle is Dying: Political oppression of Law Enforcement Authority 4/8/19
Seattle is Dying This documentary video about Seattle is powerful. It is about how when law and order is suppressed by political correctness, about when politicians take away the authority of law enforcement, society breaks down into a hopeless spiral. It is about an hour long. But it is worth your time. It documents the frustration most of us see daily in our profession.
Undocumented Immigrants and Gun Purchases 12/31/19
FBI: Record Number Of Undocumented Immigrants Tried To Buy Guns This Year. “The FBI this year has turned away a record number of illegal immigrants trying to buy guns, according to a new report of background checks.” The National Instant Criminal Background Check System “said that it rejected 7,836,600 planned purchases from ‘illegal/unlawful alien’ in 2018,” and “that was at the end of November.” Christmas purchases of guns “are typically high and were not included.” The Examiner adds, “That number has been increasing in recent years.” In 2017, “it was 7.3 million,” and “the year before, it was 7 million rejections.” In 2015, “it hit 6.6 million.”
National Use-Of-Force Data 1/25/19 FBI Announces the Official Launch of the National Use-Of-Force Data Collection See News Release See Program Details The KBI has announced they will provide a mechanism for local agencies to report data to feed to the FBI Use of Force Data Base.
Guilty Until Proven Innocent: Police Perceptions Jeopardize Investigations "We found police officers' evaluations of evidence were related to their initial beliefs in a suspect's guilt," Charman said. "The more likely they were to believe the suspect was guilty, the more incriminating they perceived subsequent ambiguous evidence to be, creating a bias snowball effect." The study was published in the Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition.
Trauma Informed Policing is respecting and addressing the trauma victims and witnesses experience. A 2016 COPS/VERA Institute Document briefly explains what it is. Pulse Nightclub Shooting Report 12/19/17