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http://www.lawofficer.com/article/news/two-topeka-kansas-officers-kil
An officer responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle. He called for back up, there were at least two people in the vehicle. Two officers responded as back up and one suspect shot two of the officers in the head, they died soon afterwards. The third officer was not injured, the suspect fled.
Suspicious vehicles are an unknown trouble call. Anything can happen. A suspicious vehicle can be an abandoned stolen car. It can be someone waiting to pick up her husband when he gets off work. It can be a couple having sex in the car, a couple of teenagers drinking alcohol, it can be a car bomb, or a major drug deal going down.
When you have multiple suspects, split them up and interview them one at a time. The same person should interview them all and the other officers should perform security by watching the other suspects and watching the surrounding area. Watch the suspects hands, pat them down if you have probable cause or permission. Don't just chit chat with the other officers because the persons contacted seem young, or non-threatening; that's what the SGT Says.
3 Ocak 2013 Perşembe
Check Cashing
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http://www.policeone.com/drug-interdiction-narcotics/articles/6059733-Career-crook-killed-robbing-undercover-NY-police/
A criminal tried to rob two undercover New York City Police who were arresting a man for drugs. The criminal pulled a pellet gun and the police shot him. Use of force depends on the mindset of the officers at the time of the shooting. What would a reasonable person do in the same situation.
If someone points what appears to be a firearm at you and apparently is intending to rob you, it is not unreasonable to shoot that person. I am a terrible poker player. I don't bluff well and I therefore just assume that no one else is bluffing either. I call their bluff all the time.
I tend to work that way in the field too. When someone tells me they are going to kick my ass, I believe that is there intention. If they assume a karate stance, then I presume they are competent in martial arts. If someone were to act as if they were threatening me with a gun, I would react as if the threat were valid. Suspects should know that they should not let their mouth write checks their body can't cash; that's what the SGT Says.
A criminal tried to rob two undercover New York City Police who were arresting a man for drugs. The criminal pulled a pellet gun and the police shot him. Use of force depends on the mindset of the officers at the time of the shooting. What would a reasonable person do in the same situation.
If someone points what appears to be a firearm at you and apparently is intending to rob you, it is not unreasonable to shoot that person. I am a terrible poker player. I don't bluff well and I therefore just assume that no one else is bluffing either. I call their bluff all the time.
I tend to work that way in the field too. When someone tells me they are going to kick my ass, I believe that is there intention. If they assume a karate stance, then I presume they are competent in martial arts. If someone were to act as if they were threatening me with a gun, I would react as if the threat were valid. Suspects should know that they should not let their mouth write checks their body can't cash; that's what the SGT Says.
Too Fat
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http://fellowshipofminds.wordpress.com/2012/12/11/400-lb-deathrow-inmate-too-fat-for-execution/
An inmate was sentenced to death for murdering a woman. They have had him on death row for over 20 years. Now the criminal has gained so much weight they claim he will suffer physical and psychological pain if they try and execute him now.
Justice delayed is justice denied. The state should have limited his caloric intake to prevent him from gaining this kind of weight. What kind of prison mismanagement is that? The criminal was due for execution his weight should have been controlled if that was an issue.
If the weight gain was voluntary on the part of the inmate, then he made his bed, let him lie in it. Just as voluntary intoxication is not an excuse to commit crimes, then voluntary weight gain should not permit criminals to evade execution. Police unions need to act like police and lobby to insure this type of behavior does not stop the execution of criminals. They need to lobby for issues that police care about, police want murderers to be executed, not escape because they are too fat; that's what the SGT Says.
An inmate was sentenced to death for murdering a woman. They have had him on death row for over 20 years. Now the criminal has gained so much weight they claim he will suffer physical and psychological pain if they try and execute him now.
Justice delayed is justice denied. The state should have limited his caloric intake to prevent him from gaining this kind of weight. What kind of prison mismanagement is that? The criminal was due for execution his weight should have been controlled if that was an issue.
If the weight gain was voluntary on the part of the inmate, then he made his bed, let him lie in it. Just as voluntary intoxication is not an excuse to commit crimes, then voluntary weight gain should not permit criminals to evade execution. Police unions need to act like police and lobby to insure this type of behavior does not stop the execution of criminals. They need to lobby for issues that police care about, police want murderers to be executed, not escape because they are too fat; that's what the SGT Says.
Firearms Training
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When training, train to win the encounter. That means treating firearms training like real life training. Wear your uniform pants, vest and duty belt. Draw the handgun from the holster, with the gun snapped in and the hand off the holster and the weapon. It makes the officer ready for the worst case scenario.
When changing magazines, drop the old, empty magazine. Don't follow it down, just drop it, it's empty and useless. Draw the new magazine and reload without looking at your hands, the magazine, or the weapon. Look at the suspect or scan the area. You need to be able to do these routine procedures without looking, even in the dark.
Practice verbal commands. Police! Draw. Stop! Aim. Drop the Weapon! Fire. Trainer should stand close to the shooter so you can observe his actions. Make corrections and have the officer practice again to master the skill. Keep training sessions short to take the training bit by bit so the officer is not overloaded with new skills to learn. Constant improvement, constantly better skills, that's what the SGT Says.
When changing magazines, drop the old, empty magazine. Don't follow it down, just drop it, it's empty and useless. Draw the new magazine and reload without looking at your hands, the magazine, or the weapon. Look at the suspect or scan the area. You need to be able to do these routine procedures without looking, even in the dark.
Practice verbal commands. Police! Draw. Stop! Aim. Drop the Weapon! Fire. Trainer should stand close to the shooter so you can observe his actions. Make corrections and have the officer practice again to master the skill. Keep training sessions short to take the training bit by bit so the officer is not overloaded with new skills to learn. Constant improvement, constantly better skills, that's what the SGT Says.
FI Cards
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Field Interview Cards are excellent tools for use by detectives to solve crimes. Detectives can use the information gathered to connect people to each other, people to cars, people to gangs. If a red car used in a robbery and a suspect has been identified, detectives can check Field Interview Cards on that suspect and may be able to connect him to a red car or other suspects.
When completing Field Interview Cards include as much information as possible. It's all about connections. Include the car he is driving or riding inside. Include all the names of the people he is with. Include descriptions of tattoos, scars, marks and unusual features. Include distinctive clothing he may be wearing.
Ask the subject what gang is he in, and what his gang name is, and include it on the card. Many crimes include enhancements when people claim gang affiliation, and gather this information before a subject is a suspect in a particular crime is important. Ask the relationship to people found together. Girlfriends of gang members are good information sources, they like to brag about their man and they like revenge when he does her wrong; that's what the SGT Says.
When completing Field Interview Cards include as much information as possible. It's all about connections. Include the car he is driving or riding inside. Include all the names of the people he is with. Include descriptions of tattoos, scars, marks and unusual features. Include distinctive clothing he may be wearing.
Ask the subject what gang is he in, and what his gang name is, and include it on the card. Many crimes include enhancements when people claim gang affiliation, and gather this information before a subject is a suspect in a particular crime is important. Ask the relationship to people found together. Girlfriends of gang members are good information sources, they like to brag about their man and they like revenge when he does her wrong; that's what the SGT Says.
2 Ocak 2013 Çarşamba
Las Vegas Real Estate Agent Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Her Role in Mortgage Fraud Scheme
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WASHINGTON – A Las Vegas real estate agent was sentenced today to serve 70 months in prison for her participation in a mortgage fraud scheme that netted more than $10 million in fraudulent mortgage loans, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Daniel G. Bogden of the District of Nevada, and Special Agent in Charge Kevin Favreau of the FBI’s Las Vegas Field Office.
Linda Marie Kot, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson in the District of Nevada. In addition to her prison term, Kot was sentenced to serve five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,891,811 in forfeiture.
In May 2012, after a five-day trial, a federal jury in Las Vegas found Kot guilty of three counts of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and bank fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kot participated in a scheme with members of an investment group to submit fraudulent loan documents to lenders that involved “straw buyers,” individuals with good credit scores whose names were put on the properties but who were not intended to be responsible for the payment of the mortgages or other expenses of the properties. The scheme took place in 2006 and involved 13 new home purchases, three existing home sales and several loan applications that were not approved.
According to the evidence at trial and court documents, Kot and her co-conspirators caused material misstatements to be placed on loan applications, including information about the true owners and controllers of the properties; whether the properties would be primary residences; and the level of assets and income of the straw buyers. In some cases, Kot put straw buyers on her bank account to make it appear that the straw buyers had assets that they did not have, in order to help them qualify for mortgage loans for which they otherwise would not have been eligible. Kot made over $276,000 in commissions on the fraudulent sales, the evidence at trial showed.
One of the counts of conviction involved a similar scheme that Kot engaged in with members of her family from 2005 to 2006. The evidence at trial showed that Kot and members of her family used straw buyers and fraudulent loan applications to buy properties. Kot and members of her family paid the straw buyers fees, and any profits on sale of the houses were split among family members.
While Kot and her family members were able to sell most of the properties they bought with straw buyers before the market downturn, the investment group that Kot conspired with was not able to do so, according to evidence presented at trial. As a result, most of the mortgages for the houses that the investment group bought in 2006, where Kot acted as the realtor, ended up in default and foreclosure, with many of the straw buyers ending up in bankruptcy.
Three co-conspirators, Hugo Coutelin, Jeff Thomas and Michael Perry, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud scheme. In September 2012, Coutelin and Perry were each sentenced to 15 months in prison and Thomas was sentenced to time served.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Trial Attorneys Nicholas S. Acker and Fred Medick of the Fraud Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. Fraud Section Trial Attorney Brian Young and former Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Matt Klecka and Joseph Capone also assisted with the investigation.
Today’s sentencing was a result of efforts by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.StopFraud.gov.
Linda Marie Kot, 58, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Kent J. Dawson in the District of Nevada. In addition to her prison term, Kot was sentenced to serve five years of supervised release and ordered to pay $3,891,811 in forfeiture.
In May 2012, after a five-day trial, a federal jury in Las Vegas found Kot guilty of three counts of bank fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and bank fraud.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Kot participated in a scheme with members of an investment group to submit fraudulent loan documents to lenders that involved “straw buyers,” individuals with good credit scores whose names were put on the properties but who were not intended to be responsible for the payment of the mortgages or other expenses of the properties. The scheme took place in 2006 and involved 13 new home purchases, three existing home sales and several loan applications that were not approved.
According to the evidence at trial and court documents, Kot and her co-conspirators caused material misstatements to be placed on loan applications, including information about the true owners and controllers of the properties; whether the properties would be primary residences; and the level of assets and income of the straw buyers. In some cases, Kot put straw buyers on her bank account to make it appear that the straw buyers had assets that they did not have, in order to help them qualify for mortgage loans for which they otherwise would not have been eligible. Kot made over $276,000 in commissions on the fraudulent sales, the evidence at trial showed.
One of the counts of conviction involved a similar scheme that Kot engaged in with members of her family from 2005 to 2006. The evidence at trial showed that Kot and members of her family used straw buyers and fraudulent loan applications to buy properties. Kot and members of her family paid the straw buyers fees, and any profits on sale of the houses were split among family members.
While Kot and her family members were able to sell most of the properties they bought with straw buyers before the market downturn, the investment group that Kot conspired with was not able to do so, according to evidence presented at trial. As a result, most of the mortgages for the houses that the investment group bought in 2006, where Kot acted as the realtor, ended up in default and foreclosure, with many of the straw buyers ending up in bankruptcy.
Three co-conspirators, Hugo Coutelin, Jeff Thomas and Michael Perry, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the fraud scheme. In September 2012, Coutelin and Perry were each sentenced to 15 months in prison and Thomas was sentenced to time served.
This case was investigated by the FBI. Trial Attorneys Nicholas S. Acker and Fred Medick of the Fraud Section in the Justice Department’s Criminal Division prosecuted the case, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Nevada. Fraud Section Trial Attorney Brian Young and former Fraud Section Trial Attorneys Matt Klecka and Joseph Capone also assisted with the investigation.
Today’s sentencing was a result of efforts by President Obama’s Financial Fraud Enforcement Task Force (FFETF) which was created in November 2009 to wage an aggressive, coordinated and proactive effort to investigate and prosecute financial crimes. With more than 20 federal agencies, 94 U.S. attorneys’ offices and state and local partners, it’s the broadest coalition of law enforcement, investigatory and regulatory agencies ever assembled to combat fraud. Since its formation, the task force has made great strides in facilitating increased investigation and prosecution of financial crimes; enhancing coordination and cooperation among federal, state and local authorities; addressing discrimination in the lending and financial markets and conducting outreach to the public, victims, financial institutions and other organizations. Over the past three fiscal years, the Justice Department has filed more than 10,000 financial fraud cases against nearly 15,000 defendants including more than 2,700 mortgage fraud defendants. For more information on the task force, visit www.StopFraud.gov.
Nomination Period for Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Opens
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The Law Enforcement Congressional Badge ofBravery Act, introduced in 2008, honors federal, state, local and tribal lawenforcement officers for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. Thenomination period for the 2013 awards runs from Dec. 14, 2012, through Feb. 15,2013; potential recipients must have performed an exceptional act of braverybetween Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2012. Agency heads may nominate officers whosustained a physical injury during implementation of duties, or performed anact characterized as bravery that put the individual at personal risk of injuryor death. Nominations may be made at www.bja.gov/CBOB.
The Law Enforcement Congressional Badge ofBravery Act, introduced in 2008, honors federal, state, local and tribal lawenforcement officers for exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty. Thenomination period for the 2013 awards runs from Dec. 14, 2012, through Feb. 15,2013; potential recipients must have performed an exceptional act of braverybetween Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2012. Agency heads may nominate officers whosustained a physical injury during implementation of duties, or performed anact characterized as bravery that put the individual at personal risk of injuryor death. Nominations may be made at www.bja.gov/CBOB.
A Simple Lesson: Veteran Cop Shares His Wisdom
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On December 15th, 1989, I graduated from the NewYork City Police Academy. As a member of the now-defunct New York City HousingAuthority Police Department, I was assigned to Police Service Area #6 (P.S.A.6) in the confines of the 32nd precinct in Harlem. My field trainingofficer was a man named Joe Brown. Joe was a twenty-year veteran and along-time field training officer who took his duties seriously. We were gatheredin a classroom in the community center of the Drew Hamilton Houses on 143rdStreet near the PSA for in service training. Joe was the first of the fieldtraining officers to address us. He stood in the front of the room and eyed allof us young rookies with a serious stare.
“Let me start by saying that the only people who areimpressed that you’re a cop are your parents,” he said. “The way you’re goingto get respect and earn the trust of the people in the community is by treatingthe folks you meet the way you’d want another cop to treat your mother. If acop pulled over your mom and talked to her rudely, you’d chew his head off.”Joe paused and observed us. “If someone stops you on the street, talk to them.Help an old woman with her packages. Hold the door for the person behind you.Be nice and don’t act like you’re someone special. You need to give respect to getrespect, and if you run around thinking you’re Dirty Harry, you’re going to getkilled.”
After our lesson in the community room, we went on patrol. Iwas stationed on a foot post at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 125thStreet. Being from Long Island, I was unused tothe hustle and bustle of the city, yet I had an appreciation for theneighborhood I was assigned to protect. A gentleman in his forties approachedme and asked me if I was new. The grin on his face indicated that he knew theanswer. I told him I was in field training, and he said that he could tellbecause I was a “new jacket.” The man referred to my brand new duty jacket withthe clean patches and my shiny, new shield pinned to my chest.
We spoke for several minutes. After exchanging pleasantries,he said goodbye and walked away. Days later, I was given the same post. Inoticed a limousine parked at the curb not too far ahead of me. The limo driveropened the rear door and a man in a tuxedo stepped out. He paused, turnedaround, and took the hand of a beautiful woman wearing a fur coat. The man inthe tuxedo saw me and called out, “Hello Officer, remember me?” I approachedhim and tried to play it off as though I knew exactly who he was.
“You don’t remember me do you? That’s okay, I wasn’t wearingthis.” The man pointed to his attire and smiled wide. It dawned on me that hewas the gentleman I spoke to a few nights before. We shook hands and heintroduced me to his wife and then turned his attention back to me.
“I’m glad you’re here in this neighborhood, officer. We needyoung cops like you who are polite and willing to do the job. I’m a doctor. Igrew up in this building here, and tonight, I took my lovely wife to a Broadwayshow. I feel safer knowing that you’re around when I come home each night.”
When we parted ways, I was impressed that a manof his stature appreciated the presence of motivated police officers in hisneighborhood. If I had been aloof or dismissive during our first encounter, Inot only would have missed out on meeting a remarkable person, but I would havelessened his confidence in the police.
Throughout my career, I treated citizens with dignity and respect.I was impatient with officers who would no adhere to the basic rule of “do untoothers,” and I passed on this insight to rookies who came on the job after me. JoeBrown’s wisdom was proof that courtesy and respect are crucial for police to winthe public trust.
After field training, the officers in my unit and ourinstructors gathered at a local watering hole. Joe was uncharacteristicallybright and cheery. He hugged each of us and wished us all long and healthy careers.It was on that night Joe announced his retirement. We were the last class ofrookies he would ever train. The job would soon be in his past, and it would beour duty to carry on where he left off. Six months later, the sad news came. OfficerJoe Brown had died. Each day on patrol, I recalled Joe and his simple, yet valuablelesson. I’d like to think I made him proud.
On December 15th, 1989, I graduated from the NewYork City Police Academy. As a member of the now-defunct New York City HousingAuthority Police Department, I was assigned to Police Service Area #6 (P.S.A.6) in the confines of the 32nd precinct in Harlem. My field trainingofficer was a man named Joe Brown. Joe was a twenty-year veteran and along-time field training officer who took his duties seriously. We were gatheredin a classroom in the community center of the Drew Hamilton Houses on 143rdStreet near the PSA for in service training. Joe was the first of the fieldtraining officers to address us. He stood in the front of the room and eyed allof us young rookies with a serious stare.
“Let me start by saying that the only people who areimpressed that you’re a cop are your parents,” he said. “The way you’re goingto get respect and earn the trust of the people in the community is by treatingthe folks you meet the way you’d want another cop to treat your mother. If acop pulled over your mom and talked to her rudely, you’d chew his head off.”Joe paused and observed us. “If someone stops you on the street, talk to them.Help an old woman with her packages. Hold the door for the person behind you.Be nice and don’t act like you’re someone special. You need to give respect to getrespect, and if you run around thinking you’re Dirty Harry, you’re going to getkilled.”
After our lesson in the community room, we went on patrol. Iwas stationed on a foot post at the corner of Amsterdam Avenue and 125thStreet. Being from Long Island, I was unused tothe hustle and bustle of the city, yet I had an appreciation for theneighborhood I was assigned to protect. A gentleman in his forties approachedme and asked me if I was new. The grin on his face indicated that he knew theanswer. I told him I was in field training, and he said that he could tellbecause I was a “new jacket.” The man referred to my brand new duty jacket withthe clean patches and my shiny, new shield pinned to my chest.
We spoke for several minutes. After exchanging pleasantries,he said goodbye and walked away. Days later, I was given the same post. Inoticed a limousine parked at the curb not too far ahead of me. The limo driveropened the rear door and a man in a tuxedo stepped out. He paused, turnedaround, and took the hand of a beautiful woman wearing a fur coat. The man inthe tuxedo saw me and called out, “Hello Officer, remember me?” I approachedhim and tried to play it off as though I knew exactly who he was.
“You don’t remember me do you? That’s okay, I wasn’t wearingthis.” The man pointed to his attire and smiled wide. It dawned on me that hewas the gentleman I spoke to a few nights before. We shook hands and heintroduced me to his wife and then turned his attention back to me.
“I’m glad you’re here in this neighborhood, officer. We needyoung cops like you who are polite and willing to do the job. I’m a doctor. Igrew up in this building here, and tonight, I took my lovely wife to a Broadwayshow. I feel safer knowing that you’re around when I come home each night.”
When we parted ways, I was impressed that a manof his stature appreciated the presence of motivated police officers in hisneighborhood. If I had been aloof or dismissive during our first encounter, Inot only would have missed out on meeting a remarkable person, but I would havelessened his confidence in the police.
Throughout my career, I treated citizens with dignity and respect.I was impatient with officers who would no adhere to the basic rule of “do untoothers,” and I passed on this insight to rookies who came on the job after me. JoeBrown’s wisdom was proof that courtesy and respect are crucial for police to winthe public trust.
After field training, the officers in my unit and ourinstructors gathered at a local watering hole. Joe was uncharacteristicallybright and cheery. He hugged each of us and wished us all long and healthy careers.It was on that night Joe announced his retirement. We were the last class ofrookies he would ever train. The job would soon be in his past, and it would beour duty to carry on where he left off. Six months later, the sad news came. OfficerJoe Brown had died. Each day on patrol, I recalled Joe and his simple, yet valuablelesson. I’d like to think I made him proud.
DOD Heightens Training, Prevention to Target Human Trafficking
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By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2013 – To spark awareness and vigilance against a growing global human rights crisis, President Barack Obama has proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Linda Dixon, the Defense Department’s program manager for combating trafficking in persons, told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service in a recent interview that DOD has strengthened training modules and reporting avenues to combat trafficking in persons, a criminal enterprise that generates roughly $32 billion per year worldwide.
“That’s the second-largest source of revenue for criminal enterprises, and it’s growing,” Dixon said. “Trafficking is a zero-tolerance policy; it’s not only immoral, but it is illegal.”
The United Nations International Labor organization estimates more than 12 million human trafficking victims worldwide, with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 new victims each year.
Some victims are Americans, Dixon said, but most victims come from elsewhere. “Source countries are usually areas that are poverty-stricken,” she said, “but trafficking is everywhere.”
The Trafficking Victim Protection Act defines trafficking in persons as the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person to provide labor or services or commercial sex.
The crime, Dixon explained, can run the gamut of exploitation, and includes elements of recruiting, harboring, transportation, providing or obtaining a person for the purpose of exploitation.
State Department officials said the three most common forms of trafficking are labor trafficking, sex trafficking and child soldiering.
Child soldiering entails the unlawful recruitment of minors who, as young as age 7, are sexually and physically abused and forced to commit atrocities in more than 57 armed conflicts worldwide, according to State Department officials.
DOD’s demand-reduction and prevention program is a mechanism to report violations and thwart offenses, Dixon said.
In addition to a general awareness training module, she added, the program also includes law enforcement, contractor and leadership-specific training modules.
“We have put together training modules … [and] a clause in our contracts to prohibit contractors from being involved in trafficking,” Dixon said. “All of the agencies have a [trafficking in persons] point of contact -- the services, the combatant commands [and] defense agencies.”
Indicators include heavily guarded areas where workers appear intimidated or are being escorted from a facility to their home, or who lack personal documents such as passports or other identification, Dixon explained.
“You should report it to your local authorities; report it through your chain of command,” Dixon said.
If DOD personnel are involved in trafficking offenses, she added, the inspector general investigates the type and scope of the offense to determine a course of action.
Noting that 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, Dixon said the year will feature summits, events and conferences to sharpen awareness and eradicate trafficking.
“In DOD, we’re charged with making sure that we protect our country’s security, and trafficking in persons is a threat to that security,” she said.
Dixon said great strides have been made at the highest level to stop this modern-day slavery and restore human dignity.
“There’s an education process that’s taking place, not only with people in general, but with our law enforcement, to recognize it, understand and know that it is a chargeable offense,” Dixon said. “It is a danger to our troops. It’s a danger to national security.”
By Amaani Lyle
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Jan. 2, 2013 – To spark awareness and vigilance against a growing global human rights crisis, President Barack Obama has proclaimed January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Linda Dixon, the Defense Department’s program manager for combating trafficking in persons, told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service in a recent interview that DOD has strengthened training modules and reporting avenues to combat trafficking in persons, a criminal enterprise that generates roughly $32 billion per year worldwide.
“That’s the second-largest source of revenue for criminal enterprises, and it’s growing,” Dixon said. “Trafficking is a zero-tolerance policy; it’s not only immoral, but it is illegal.”
The United Nations International Labor organization estimates more than 12 million human trafficking victims worldwide, with an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 new victims each year.
Some victims are Americans, Dixon said, but most victims come from elsewhere. “Source countries are usually areas that are poverty-stricken,” she said, “but trafficking is everywhere.”
The Trafficking Victim Protection Act defines trafficking in persons as the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person to provide labor or services or commercial sex.
The crime, Dixon explained, can run the gamut of exploitation, and includes elements of recruiting, harboring, transportation, providing or obtaining a person for the purpose of exploitation.
State Department officials said the three most common forms of trafficking are labor trafficking, sex trafficking and child soldiering.
Child soldiering entails the unlawful recruitment of minors who, as young as age 7, are sexually and physically abused and forced to commit atrocities in more than 57 armed conflicts worldwide, according to State Department officials.
DOD’s demand-reduction and prevention program is a mechanism to report violations and thwart offenses, Dixon said.
In addition to a general awareness training module, she added, the program also includes law enforcement, contractor and leadership-specific training modules.
“We have put together training modules … [and] a clause in our contracts to prohibit contractors from being involved in trafficking,” Dixon said. “All of the agencies have a [trafficking in persons] point of contact -- the services, the combatant commands [and] defense agencies.”
Indicators include heavily guarded areas where workers appear intimidated or are being escorted from a facility to their home, or who lack personal documents such as passports or other identification, Dixon explained.
“You should report it to your local authorities; report it through your chain of command,” Dixon said.
If DOD personnel are involved in trafficking offenses, she added, the inspector general investigates the type and scope of the offense to determine a course of action.
Noting that 2013 marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, Dixon said the year will feature summits, events and conferences to sharpen awareness and eradicate trafficking.
“In DOD, we’re charged with making sure that we protect our country’s security, and trafficking in persons is a threat to that security,” she said.
Dixon said great strides have been made at the highest level to stop this modern-day slavery and restore human dignity.
“There’s an education process that’s taking place, not only with people in general, but with our law enforcement, to recognize it, understand and know that it is a chargeable offense,” Dixon said. “It is a danger to our troops. It’s a danger to national security.”
On the Job: Cops Staying Fit and Active
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The nature of police work requires that officers remainphysically fit, not just to avoid disease and other pitfalls of aging, but to withstandthe rigors of uniformed patrol. It takes strength and agility to pursuesuspects on foot or subdue a violent perpetrator. For these reasons, it isparamount the cops take care of themselves. On routine patrol, however, it isdifficult to make the choices necessary to stay in shape.
Police officers eat in fast food restaurants, drink a lot ofcoffee and sugary beverages, and smoke cigarettes. Cops spend long hours in asector car, or perform lengthy observations and that equals a lack of exercise.This routine is not conducive to healthy living and eventually makes the jobharder. A physically fit officer has the energy to make arrests and is able todefend themselves more easily than a cop who is out of shape. Officers do notset out to become overweight and less active, but the nature of their work oftenleads to this.
In the course of an eight hour tour of duty, an officer will haveat least one meal period. Food choices in many neighborhoods consist of mostly fast foodeateries or small restaurants. The quality of the food can be poor, at best.Fatty burgers, take out dinners, and other greasy dishes eaten on a regularbasis take their toll. The best an officer can do is to bring their own lunchfrom home. It is difficult to “brown bag it” as a cop because the vagaries ofthe job often dictate that officers make arrests, investigate crime scenes,guard prisoners in the hospital, or engage in dozens of other time-consuming activities. Thesandwich or leftovers a cop brings to work can sit in a break room refrigeratoror in the back seat of a squad car for many hours. By the time the officer hasa chance to eat, their food will be unpalatable. As a result, fast food becomesan unhealthy alternative for most officers of patrol.
So, what are cops to do as they succumb to poor diets andthe grind of law enforcement? Quitting smoking is a no-brainer; much has beendone in recent years in the way of public education to explain the risksassociated with tobacco intake. As for eating, officers can still bring healthyfood to their precinct if they have a reasonable expectation they will be ableto have a meal period during their shift.
In the event that police activity keeps one from away fromthe station house, opt to eat from the healthier selections on a fast foodmenu. Many burger chains offer salads or low-calorie wraps which are preferableto burgers and fries. While on patrol, seek out eateries with take-out menusconducive to a proper diet. Drink water instead of coffee or soft drinks, andget out of the squad car and walk when the radio is quiet. Use the stairs whenresponding to non-emergencies as opposed to the elevator. Many precincts nowhave gym equipment and officers should take advantage of treadmills or otheraerobic machines to maintain stamina for foot pursuits. A gym membership isbeneficial as well, and finding fellow officers to work out with will makevisits to the gym a social experience.
Police work will always be physically demanding, andofficers will continue to suffer the strains of the job. But making an effortto eat healthfully and maintaining a steady workout regimen can help officersmaintain their productivity.
About the Author: Michael J.Kannengieser is the author of the police thriller, TheDaddy Rock. He is a retired New York City police officer who liveson Long Island with his wife and two children. Michael worked as the ManagingEditor for Fiction at The View from Here magazine, a U.K. based literarypublication and is a contributor to Criminal Justice News.Currently, he is employed at a performing arts college as an InstructionalTechnology Administrator. He has been published at The View from Here, and inNewsday, a Long Island newspaper. Michael speaks as a guest lecturer oncampus. ClickHere to buy a copy of Michael J. Kannengieser's new novel "The DaddyRock."
The nature of police work requires that officers remainphysically fit, not just to avoid disease and other pitfalls of aging, but to withstandthe rigors of uniformed patrol. It takes strength and agility to pursuesuspects on foot or subdue a violent perpetrator. For these reasons, it isparamount the cops take care of themselves. On routine patrol, however, it isdifficult to make the choices necessary to stay in shape.
Police officers eat in fast food restaurants, drink a lot ofcoffee and sugary beverages, and smoke cigarettes. Cops spend long hours in asector car, or perform lengthy observations and that equals a lack of exercise.This routine is not conducive to healthy living and eventually makes the jobharder. A physically fit officer has the energy to make arrests and is able todefend themselves more easily than a cop who is out of shape. Officers do notset out to become overweight and less active, but the nature of their work oftenleads to this.
In the course of an eight hour tour of duty, an officer will haveat least one meal period. Food choices in many neighborhoods consist of mostly fast foodeateries or small restaurants. The quality of the food can be poor, at best.Fatty burgers, take out dinners, and other greasy dishes eaten on a regularbasis take their toll. The best an officer can do is to bring their own lunchfrom home. It is difficult to “brown bag it” as a cop because the vagaries ofthe job often dictate that officers make arrests, investigate crime scenes,guard prisoners in the hospital, or engage in dozens of other time-consuming activities. Thesandwich or leftovers a cop brings to work can sit in a break room refrigeratoror in the back seat of a squad car for many hours. By the time the officer hasa chance to eat, their food will be unpalatable. As a result, fast food becomesan unhealthy alternative for most officers of patrol.
So, what are cops to do as they succumb to poor diets andthe grind of law enforcement? Quitting smoking is a no-brainer; much has beendone in recent years in the way of public education to explain the risksassociated with tobacco intake. As for eating, officers can still bring healthyfood to their precinct if they have a reasonable expectation they will be ableto have a meal period during their shift.
In the event that police activity keeps one from away fromthe station house, opt to eat from the healthier selections on a fast foodmenu. Many burger chains offer salads or low-calorie wraps which are preferableto burgers and fries. While on patrol, seek out eateries with take-out menusconducive to a proper diet. Drink water instead of coffee or soft drinks, andget out of the squad car and walk when the radio is quiet. Use the stairs whenresponding to non-emergencies as opposed to the elevator. Many precincts nowhave gym equipment and officers should take advantage of treadmills or otheraerobic machines to maintain stamina for foot pursuits. A gym membership isbeneficial as well, and finding fellow officers to work out with will makevisits to the gym a social experience.
Police work will always be physically demanding, andofficers will continue to suffer the strains of the job. But making an effortto eat healthfully and maintaining a steady workout regimen can help officersmaintain their productivity.
About the Author: Michael J.Kannengieser is the author of the police thriller, TheDaddy Rock. He is a retired New York City police officer who liveson Long Island with his wife and two children. Michael worked as the ManagingEditor for Fiction at The View from Here magazine, a U.K. based literarypublication and is a contributor to Criminal Justice News.Currently, he is employed at a performing arts college as an InstructionalTechnology Administrator. He has been published at The View from Here, and inNewsday, a Long Island newspaper. Michael speaks as a guest lecturer oncampus. ClickHere to buy a copy of Michael J. Kannengieser's new novel "The DaddyRock."
1 Ocak 2013 Salı
Ambush
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http://www.lawofficer.com/article/news/gunman-opens-fire-inside-alaba
An officer in Alabama was in the hospital assisting EMS. A lone gunman showed up and shot the officer and several others. A second officer shot and killed the gunman. The officer and the other people did not suffer life threatening injuries.
As soon as you put your uniform on and leave the station you are on duty. The whole time until you return to the locker room you must consider that you are subject to attack by a suspect who might want to attack an officer. This can happen anywhere, in jail, in the hospital, on the street or in a restaurant.
You have to keep your guard up all the time. You have to keep an eye out for your fellow officers too. If there are two of you, try to stand or sit so that you face in opposite directions. Try an select a location where you can see the door if you are inside a room. Wear your armor, wear your seat belt, and take care of yourself; that's what the SGT Says.
An officer in Alabama was in the hospital assisting EMS. A lone gunman showed up and shot the officer and several others. A second officer shot and killed the gunman. The officer and the other people did not suffer life threatening injuries.
As soon as you put your uniform on and leave the station you are on duty. The whole time until you return to the locker room you must consider that you are subject to attack by a suspect who might want to attack an officer. This can happen anywhere, in jail, in the hospital, on the street or in a restaurant.
You have to keep your guard up all the time. You have to keep an eye out for your fellow officers too. If there are two of you, try to stand or sit so that you face in opposite directions. Try an select a location where you can see the door if you are inside a room. Wear your armor, wear your seat belt, and take care of yourself; that's what the SGT Says.
School Security
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There has been a lot of press in recent weeks about mass school shootings. The most important factor is to keep the children safe. There are two ways to do that. One way is to make the schools a secure area. Putting up a little sign and passing a law does not provide a secure area for schools anymore than it did for airports. That means lots of guards, police, guns, metal detectors and fences. This is very expensive. The other way is to recognize that people have a right to self defense and allow the school employees to be armed if they so desire to carry a weapon. It works in Israel and they are under greater terrorist threat than any other place on earth.
In the meantime, what can we do to help keep the kids safe? My agency has started paying Reserve Officers to work at the schools. They get paid up to 20 hours per week and have to still contribute their reserve time for free. One officer at a large high school is not going to catch every criminal, still it is better than doing nothing.
I suspect it is much better than nothing because it will create uncertainty in the mind of a potential attacker. The officer could be off duty, or could be just around the next corner. It creates a significant risk factor for the criminal. It may be enough to deter the criminal so he either does not strike the school or he selects another target. Our schools are physically not very large so even one officer on site would be very close to any attack, and would almost certainly be able to respond to the sound of gunfire. A giant campus, like Virginia Tech, did not have that advantage; that's what the SGT Says.
There has been a lot of press in recent weeks about mass school shootings. The most important factor is to keep the children safe. There are two ways to do that. One way is to make the schools a secure area. Putting up a little sign and passing a law does not provide a secure area for schools anymore than it did for airports. That means lots of guards, police, guns, metal detectors and fences. This is very expensive. The other way is to recognize that people have a right to self defense and allow the school employees to be armed if they so desire to carry a weapon. It works in Israel and they are under greater terrorist threat than any other place on earth.
In the meantime, what can we do to help keep the kids safe? My agency has started paying Reserve Officers to work at the schools. They get paid up to 20 hours per week and have to still contribute their reserve time for free. One officer at a large high school is not going to catch every criminal, still it is better than doing nothing.
I suspect it is much better than nothing because it will create uncertainty in the mind of a potential attacker. The officer could be off duty, or could be just around the next corner. It creates a significant risk factor for the criminal. It may be enough to deter the criminal so he either does not strike the school or he selects another target. Our schools are physically not very large so even one officer on site would be very close to any attack, and would almost certainly be able to respond to the sound of gunfire. A giant campus, like Virginia Tech, did not have that advantage; that's what the SGT Says.
Peacemakers
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7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Did you go to church today? Your authority as a peace officer comes from God. This is a nation founded on Christian principles. Remember, you work for not only a city or county or state, but for God.
That's what the SGT Says.
Isaiah 9:6-7
King James Version (KJV)6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
John 1
King James Version (KJV)1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 The same was in the beginning with God.3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.
7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.
9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.
11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not.
12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.
Did you go to church today? Your authority as a peace officer comes from God. This is a nation founded on Christian principles. Remember, you work for not only a city or county or state, but for God.
Matthew 5:9
King James Version (KJV)9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.That's what the SGT Says.
Police Operations
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http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/11/30/city-attorney-tells-san-bernardino-residents-to-lock-their-doors-load-their-guns-because-of-police-downsizing/
This is a disgrace. There are many ways that communities can keep themselves safe and laying off their police is not one of them. The first thing they have to do is look at their retired officers compensation package. If they are paying a high retirement then they need to consider a renegotiation. The purpose of a police department is to provide safety to the citizens, not a retirement for the police.
Then look at police pay and benefits. Can they be cut to a lower level? It is better to cut pay 15% than to cut officer strength by 10%. The officers still have a job and public safety is not endangered. Cut police administrators and staff positions. Make your captains into lieutenants and your lieutenants into sergeants. Freeze promotions or limit them to only a few per year and don't replace all your positions with people of equal rank when a position becomes open.
Look at moving jail operations to a private company or contracting with another agency. Jail operations can even become a income producer. Have a small upscale jail and invite rich people to stay there at their own expense. It's worth a couple thousand dollars a day to avoid the general jail population to some people. Drunk drivers serving weekends and other similar offenders might be willing to pay for a room upgrade. Don't lay off officers, it's bad for the department and it's bad for the community; that's what the SGT Says.
This is a disgrace. There are many ways that communities can keep themselves safe and laying off their police is not one of them. The first thing they have to do is look at their retired officers compensation package. If they are paying a high retirement then they need to consider a renegotiation. The purpose of a police department is to provide safety to the citizens, not a retirement for the police.
Then look at police pay and benefits. Can they be cut to a lower level? It is better to cut pay 15% than to cut officer strength by 10%. The officers still have a job and public safety is not endangered. Cut police administrators and staff positions. Make your captains into lieutenants and your lieutenants into sergeants. Freeze promotions or limit them to only a few per year and don't replace all your positions with people of equal rank when a position becomes open.
Look at moving jail operations to a private company or contracting with another agency. Jail operations can even become a income producer. Have a small upscale jail and invite rich people to stay there at their own expense. It's worth a couple thousand dollars a day to avoid the general jail population to some people. Drunk drivers serving weekends and other similar offenders might be willing to pay for a room upgrade. Don't lay off officers, it's bad for the department and it's bad for the community; that's what the SGT Says.
New Years Resolutions
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It's a new year. Time for some resolutions.
Wear your seat belt every day, every shift, on and off duty, every time.
Wear your body armor, every day, every shift, whenever you are on duty.
Carry your gun, every day, on and off duty, every time you leave the house.
Carry a back up gun whenever you are at work, every day, no matter what your assigned duty.
Watch your partners' back, even if you don't like him, he's still your partner.
Call for back-up whenever you think you might need it, and wait for them before you proceed.
Attend at least one training class outside your own agency.
Don't get killed, hurt, fired, sued, demoted, disciplined because you did something you know better than to do on duty.
Survive to retirement, but recognize the job is inherently dangerous and sometimes we have to put ourselves at risk.
Go to church at least once a week and tell your wife you love her at least every day.
That's what the SGT Says.
Wear your seat belt every day, every shift, on and off duty, every time.
Wear your body armor, every day, every shift, whenever you are on duty.
Carry your gun, every day, on and off duty, every time you leave the house.
Carry a back up gun whenever you are at work, every day, no matter what your assigned duty.
Watch your partners' back, even if you don't like him, he's still your partner.
Call for back-up whenever you think you might need it, and wait for them before you proceed.
Attend at least one training class outside your own agency.
Don't get killed, hurt, fired, sued, demoted, disciplined because you did something you know better than to do on duty.
Survive to retirement, but recognize the job is inherently dangerous and sometimes we have to put ourselves at risk.
Go to church at least once a week and tell your wife you love her at least every day.
That's what the SGT Says.
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