LV writes: Technology exists that would have translated this communication in real-time, understood the information content and sent an alert out to flag that a weapon was at the site of the domestic disturbance.
Mistake by 911 operator is cited
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/20090408_Mistake_by_911_operator_is_cited.html
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
PITTSBURGH - When Richard Poplawski's mother called 911 to ask that her son be removed from their home in the Stanton Heights section of the city, she acknowledged that he had weapons. But that crucial piece of information never was relayed to the three Pittsburgh police officers who responded Saturday and were fatally shot.
"It should have gone out," said Robert A. Full, Allegheny County's chief of emergency services.
"There was human error," Full said Monday. "We are all living this, now, forever and ever."
Full would not identify the 911 call-taker other than to say she had been on the job for less than a year, including training. She was placed on paid administrative leave and has been offered counseling.
Former Fraternal Order of Police President James Malloy described such an omission as "heartbreaking." Officers knowing that someone involved in a domestic dispute has guns would handle the situation with more caution, he said.
Margaret Poplawski called 911 at 7:03 a.m. Saturday asking for police to remove her son from her home.
On a recording of that call, she sounded calm, even irritated, several times when she was asked to repeat basic information. She paused twice to chide her son in the background, saying, "Are you moving or what? Or the police gotta come?"
Poplawski: I'm requesting that he gets out. He came in last night when I was gone. . . . He stays, he comes and goes, but I want him out.
911 call taker: Does he have any weapons or anything?
Poplawski: Yes. They're all legal.
Call taker: OK, but he's not threatening you with anything?
Poplawski: Look, I'm just waking up from a sleep. I want him gone.
Call taker: OK, we'll send 'em over, OK?
Poplawski: Sounds good.
The message went to the police dispatcher: "No weapons."
Wednesday, April 8
DHS Announces Nearly $970 Million in Preparedness Grant Final Allocations
?Transit Security Grant Program (TSGP) ? $388.6 million to protect critical transit infrastructure from terrorism, including:
?Freight Rail Security Grant Program (FRSGP) ? $15 million to target resources for security plans, vulnerability assessments, employee security awareness training and GPS tracking systems for railroad cars transporting toxic inhalation materials.
?Intercity Passenger Rail (Amtrak) ? $25 million for Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies within the Amtrak rail system.
?Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) ? $11.7 million to assist operators of fixed-route intercity and charter bus services to support security plans, facility security upgrades and vehicle and driver protection.
?Trucking Security Program (TSP) ? $2.2 million to implement security improvement measures and policies that focus on the purchase, installation or enhancement of equipment and systems related to tractor and trailer tracking systems; to help develop a system for DHS to monitor, collect and analyze tracking information; and to develop plans to improve the transport and distribution of supplies and commodities during catastrophic events. DHS did not receive enough applications to fully fund the program through the initial solicitation, so only $2.2 million is being announced at this time.
?Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) ? $388.6 million to protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness and risk management capabilities to protect against improvised explosive devices and other non-conventional weapons; and to conduct training and exercises and support implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
?Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) ? $48.6 million to increase preparedness capabilities of jurisdictions responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure sites and key resource assets, such as chemical facilities and nuclear power plants, through planning and equipment acquisition.
?Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program ? $33 million to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure and interoperable EOCs to address identified deficiencies and needs. The grant provides funding for construction or renovation of a state, local or tribal government?s principal EOC.
?Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) ? $48.6 million for planning, training, exercises and equipment to states, territories, local and tribal governments to carry out initiatives identified in Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans, and improve interoperable emergency communications for responding to natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
?Driver?s License Security Grant Program (DLSGP) ? $48.6 million to prevent terrorism, reduce fraud and to improve the reliability and accuracy of personal identification documents that states and territories issue.
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1239203061205.shtm
?Freight Rail Security Grant Program (FRSGP) ? $15 million to target resources for security plans, vulnerability assessments, employee security awareness training and GPS tracking systems for railroad cars transporting toxic inhalation materials.
?Intercity Passenger Rail (Amtrak) ? $25 million for Amtrak to protect critical surface transportation infrastructure and the traveling public from acts of terrorism, major disasters and other emergencies within the Amtrak rail system.
?Intercity Bus Security Grant Program (IBSGP) ? $11.7 million to assist operators of fixed-route intercity and charter bus services to support security plans, facility security upgrades and vehicle and driver protection.
?Trucking Security Program (TSP) ? $2.2 million to implement security improvement measures and policies that focus on the purchase, installation or enhancement of equipment and systems related to tractor and trailer tracking systems; to help develop a system for DHS to monitor, collect and analyze tracking information; and to develop plans to improve the transport and distribution of supplies and commodities during catastrophic events. DHS did not receive enough applications to fully fund the program through the initial solicitation, so only $2.2 million is being announced at this time.
?Port Security Grant Program (PSGP) ? $388.6 million to protect critical port infrastructure from terrorism, enhance maritime domain awareness and risk management capabilities to protect against improvised explosive devices and other non-conventional weapons; and to conduct training and exercises and support implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
?Buffer Zone Protection Program (BZPP) ? $48.6 million to increase preparedness capabilities of jurisdictions responsible for safeguarding critical infrastructure sites and key resource assets, such as chemical facilities and nuclear power plants, through planning and equipment acquisition.
?Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Grant Program ? $33 million to improve emergency management and preparedness capabilities by supporting flexible, sustainable, secure and interoperable EOCs to address identified deficiencies and needs. The grant provides funding for construction or renovation of a state, local or tribal government?s principal EOC.
?Interoperable Emergency Communications Grant Program (IECGP) ? $48.6 million for planning, training, exercises and equipment to states, territories, local and tribal governments to carry out initiatives identified in Statewide Communication Interoperability Plans, and improve interoperable emergency communications for responding to natural disasters and acts of terrorism.
?Driver?s License Security Grant Program (DLSGP) ? $48.6 million to prevent terrorism, reduce fraud and to improve the reliability and accuracy of personal identification documents that states and territories issue.
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1239203061205.shtm
Homeland Security shifts policy to target employers with illegal workers
By Josh Meyer and Anna Gorman Chicago Tribune Washington Bureau March 31, 2009
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-immigration_tuesmar31,0,5809124.story
WASHINGTON ? Stepping into the political minefield of Immigration reform, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will soon direct federal agents to emphasize targeting American employers for arrest and prosecution over the laborers who enter the country illegally to work for them, department officials said Monday. The shift in emphasis will be outlined in revamped field guidelines issued to agents of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement division as early as this week, according to several officials familiar with the change in policy. It is in keeping with comments that President Barack Obama made during last year's campaign, when he said past enforcement efforts have failed because they focused on illegal immigrants rather than the companies that hire them?
www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-immigration_tuesmar31,0,5809124.story
WASHINGTON ? Stepping into the political minefield of Immigration reform, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano will soon direct federal agents to emphasize targeting American employers for arrest and prosecution over the laborers who enter the country illegally to work for them, department officials said Monday. The shift in emphasis will be outlined in revamped field guidelines issued to agents of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement division as early as this week, according to several officials familiar with the change in policy. It is in keeping with comments that President Barack Obama made during last year's campaign, when he said past enforcement efforts have failed because they focused on illegal immigrants rather than the companies that hire them?
Alleged Money Scam Roils Islamic Center
Charges, Countercharges at Mosque
By Del Quentin Wilber and Michelle Boorstein Washington Post Tuesday, March 31, 2009; B01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033002925.html?
In the Islamic Center of Washington, beneath the 160-foot minaret that towers over Embassy Row, a tale of intrigue has simmered for years. It is marked by bitter recriminations between two men who are credited with rehabilitating its reputation as a prominent symbol of Islam in the United States. The center's business manager has been accused of stealing $430,000 from the mosque in a complicated check scam. The key witness against him is the center's director and imam, a Saudi who says he noticed the crime when he spotted too many checks being written to a gardener. The Iranian-born business manager has a different story. He says the imam told him to take the money. About half was used to pay off debts and living expenses of two women who were close to the imam, and the rest was used to pay informants for tips about the mosque's security, he said. It was enough to confound a jury, which deadlocked 9 to 3 after the business manager's three-week trial last May. Now prosecutors are attempting to retry him, and the manager is firing back. He has accused the imam of committing perjury and obstructing justice. A federal judge is expected to rule in coming weeks on whether to drop the charges or prevent the imam from testifying?
By Del Quentin Wilber and Michelle Boorstein Washington Post Tuesday, March 31, 2009; B01
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/30/AR2009033002925.html?
In the Islamic Center of Washington, beneath the 160-foot minaret that towers over Embassy Row, a tale of intrigue has simmered for years. It is marked by bitter recriminations between two men who are credited with rehabilitating its reputation as a prominent symbol of Islam in the United States. The center's business manager has been accused of stealing $430,000 from the mosque in a complicated check scam. The key witness against him is the center's director and imam, a Saudi who says he noticed the crime when he spotted too many checks being written to a gardener. The Iranian-born business manager has a different story. He says the imam told him to take the money. About half was used to pay off debts and living expenses of two women who were close to the imam, and the rest was used to pay informants for tips about the mosque's security, he said. It was enough to confound a jury, which deadlocked 9 to 3 after the business manager's three-week trial last May. Now prosecutors are attempting to retry him, and the manager is firing back. He has accused the imam of committing perjury and obstructing justice. A federal judge is expected to rule in coming weeks on whether to drop the charges or prevent the imam from testifying?
Miami Drug Case Has Hezbollah Tie
by IPT News Mon, 30 Mar 2009 at 11:17 AM
http://www.investigativeproject.org/blog/2009/03/miami-drug-case-has-hezbollah-tie.html
An arrest in Colombia earlier this month seems to support concerns that Hezbollah is working with Mexican and South American drug cartels to establish a better foothold in the West. El Nuevo Herald, the Spanish-language edition of the Miami Herald, reported on the arrest of Jose Alberto Henao Jaramillo, who is wanted in a drug and money laundering case in Miami. That case already netted more than 100 arrests http://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/america_latina/story/409615.html by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, El Nuevo Herald reported. Among them is Chekri Mahmoud Harb, who goes by the name "Taliban," and has alleged Hezbollah connections. The paper cites a Colombian government intelligence report which said "part of the money was presumably distributed for terrorist activities of groups like Hezbollah." Harb is charged with four conspiracy counts related to drug trafficking. It's a tangible sign http://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/misc/261.pdf amid growing concerns that Hezbollah is tapping South and Central American drug routes to extend its reach http://www.investigativeproject.org/blog/2009/03/a-journalists-chilling-call-for-competition.html closer to the American border.
http://www.investigativeproject.org/blog/2009/03/miami-drug-case-has-hezbollah-tie.html
An arrest in Colombia earlier this month seems to support concerns that Hezbollah is working with Mexican and South American drug cartels to establish a better foothold in the West. El Nuevo Herald, the Spanish-language edition of the Miami Herald, reported on the arrest of Jose Alberto Henao Jaramillo, who is wanted in a drug and money laundering case in Miami. That case already netted more than 100 arrests http://www.elnuevoherald.com/noticias/america_latina/story/409615.html by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, El Nuevo Herald reported. Among them is Chekri Mahmoud Harb, who goes by the name "Taliban," and has alleged Hezbollah connections. The paper cites a Colombian government intelligence report which said "part of the money was presumably distributed for terrorist activities of groups like Hezbollah." Harb is charged with four conspiracy counts related to drug trafficking. It's a tangible sign http://www.investigativeproject.org/documents/misc/261.pdf amid growing concerns that Hezbollah is tapping South and Central American drug routes to extend its reach http://www.investigativeproject.org/blog/2009/03/a-journalists-chilling-call-for-competition.html closer to the American border.
Dead bird in black soap seized at BWI Airport
March 31, 2009 - 12:19pm
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1637737
(Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
BALTIMORE - Security officials at BWI Airport are still shaking their heads over what they found in the luggage of a traveler from Nigeria. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered a bird encrusted in black homemade soap while conducting a baggage inspection Friday. The traveler, who arrived from London, repeatedly denied having any animal products. "During the inspection, we uncovered something that looked like black soap," CBP Spokesman Steve Sapp says. "But upon further inspection, it turned out to be a dead bird encrusted inside that black soap. The traveler told us the bird was sacrificed, and she was bringing it in for a friend." Sapp says the concealed bird was a potential threat to American poultry since Nigeria has the bird flu. Investigators also found nearly four pounds of beef and three pounds of chicken bullion in the passenger's luggage?.
http://www.wtop.com/?nid=25&sid=1637737
(Photo courtesy of U.S. Customs and Border Protection)
BALTIMORE - Security officials at BWI Airport are still shaking their heads over what they found in the luggage of a traveler from Nigeria. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) discovered a bird encrusted in black homemade soap while conducting a baggage inspection Friday. The traveler, who arrived from London, repeatedly denied having any animal products. "During the inspection, we uncovered something that looked like black soap," CBP Spokesman Steve Sapp says. "But upon further inspection, it turned out to be a dead bird encrusted inside that black soap. The traveler told us the bird was sacrificed, and she was bringing it in for a friend." Sapp says the concealed bird was a potential threat to American poultry since Nigeria has the bird flu. Investigators also found nearly four pounds of beef and three pounds of chicken bullion in the passenger's luggage?.
TSA's Secure Flight Begins Vetting Passengers
US Transportation and Security Administration (TSA) Press Release
Contact: TSA Public Affairs (571) 227-2829
http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2009/0331.shtm
WASHINGTON ? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the implementation of the Secure Flight program, which shifts pre-departure watch list matching responsibilities from individual aircraft operators to TSA and carries out a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. To date TSA has assumed the watch list matching responsibility for passengers on domestic commercial flights with four volunteer aircraft operators and will add more carriers in the coming months. "The implementation of Secure Flight is a critical step towards mitigating threats we know exist in our aviation system," said TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. "Secure Flight improves security and protects passenger privacy and civil liberties by ensuring the confidentiality of government watch list matching protocols." Under Secure Flight, airlines will gather a passenger's full name, date of birth, and gender when making an airline reservation to determine if the passenger is a match to the No Fly or Selectee lists. By providing the additional data elements of gender and date of birth, Secure Flight will more effectively help prevent misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch list?
Contact: TSA Public Affairs (571) 227-2829
http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2009/0331.shtm
WASHINGTON ? The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the implementation of the Secure Flight program, which shifts pre-departure watch list matching responsibilities from individual aircraft operators to TSA and carries out a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission. To date TSA has assumed the watch list matching responsibility for passengers on domestic commercial flights with four volunteer aircraft operators and will add more carriers in the coming months. "The implementation of Secure Flight is a critical step towards mitigating threats we know exist in our aviation system," said TSA Acting Administrator Gale Rossides. "Secure Flight improves security and protects passenger privacy and civil liberties by ensuring the confidentiality of government watch list matching protocols." Under Secure Flight, airlines will gather a passenger's full name, date of birth, and gender when making an airline reservation to determine if the passenger is a match to the No Fly or Selectee lists. By providing the additional data elements of gender and date of birth, Secure Flight will more effectively help prevent misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch list?
Electricity Grid in U.S. Penetrated by Spies
By SIOBHAN GORMAN TECHNOLOGY APRIL 8, 2009 Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123914805204099085.html
WASHINGTON -- Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, according to current and former national-security officials. The spies came from China, Russia and other countries, these officials said, and were believed to be on a mission to navigate the U.S. electrical system and its controls. The intruders haven't sought to damage the power grid or other key infrastructure, but officials warned they could try during a crisis or war. "The Chinese have attempted to map our infrastructure, such as the electrical grid," said a senior intelligence official. "So have the Russians." The espionage appeared pervasive across the U.S. and doesn't target a particular company or region, said a former Department of Homeland Security official. "There are intrusions, and they are growing," the former official said, referring to electrical systems. "There were a lot last year." Many of the intrusions were detected not by the companies in charge of the infrastructure but by U.S. intelligence agencies, officials said. Intelligence officials worry about cyber attackers taking control of electrical facilities, a nuclear power plant or financial networks via the Internet. uthorities investigating the intrusions have found software tools left behind that could be used to destroy infrastructure components, the senior intelligence official said. He added, "If we go to war with them, they will try to turn them on." Officials said water, sewage and other infrastructure systems also were at risk?
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123914805204099085.html
WASHINGTON -- Cyberspies have penetrated the U.S. electrical grid and left behind software programs that could be used to disrupt the system, according to current and former national-security officials. The spies came from China, Russia and other countries, these officials said, and were believed to be on a mission to navigate the U.S. electrical system and its controls. The intruders haven't sought to damage the power grid or other key infrastructure, but officials warned they could try during a crisis or war. "The Chinese have attempted to map our infrastructure, such as the electrical grid," said a senior intelligence official. "So have the Russians." The espionage appeared pervasive across the U.S. and doesn't target a particular company or region, said a former Department of Homeland Security official. "There are intrusions, and they are growing," the former official said, referring to electrical systems. "There were a lot last year." Many of the intrusions were detected not by the companies in charge of the infrastructure but by U.S. intelligence agencies, officials said. Intelligence officials worry about cyber attackers taking control of electrical facilities, a nuclear power plant or financial networks via the Internet. uthorities investigating the intrusions have found software tools left behind that could be used to destroy infrastructure components, the senior intelligence official said. He added, "If we go to war with them, they will try to turn them on." Officials said water, sewage and other infrastructure systems also were at risk?
President Obama Announces His Intent to Nominate Rand Beers as Homeland Security Under Secretary for National Protection and Programs Directorate
Beers? responsibilities at NPPD will include continued operations leadership, as well as oversight on intelligence, cybersecurity, technology and coordination with state, local and tribal partners. IP leads a complex national mission to protect the country?s critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) from threats by analyzing intelligence and executing public and private coordination in order to mitigate risks and effects. CS&C works to prevent or minimize disruptions to our critical cyber and communications infrastructure to protect the overall security of the United States.
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1239207536374.shtm
http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1239207536374.shtm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
PartnerForSecurity
