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Collage of safety items for emergencies while driving.

The Wheels of Justice October 9, 2023

The Wheels of Justice Sept/Oct 2023

SERGEANT JAMES POST COPS, CRIMES, CRASHES, AND CRUISERS Welcome to the latest installment of “The Wheels of Justice,” originating from the hot, hot Ozarks (I know, it’s hot everywhere). Sit down, pour yourself a cool anything and take a break while you catch up on the latest in our world of the four Cs. Crime and Crashes We’ve talked before about the huge problem across the US of catalytic converter thefts. Despite numerous federal and local agency task forces making…

Police officer standing on city sidewalk

Technology October 5, 2023

Traffic Safety and Enforcement Fundamentals

Ron LaPedis While many local departments might consider traffic safety and enforcement to be the bread and butter of the state police or highway patrol, it is an important topic for every jurisdiction. Traffic encompasses a broad range of topics. While speeding might come to mind, it also encompasses traffic calming; street and lane closures; special event and temporary parking layouts; construction zones; parking zone and meter enforcement; funeral processions; checkpoints; and first day of school confusion. It doesn’t matter…

Technology October 4, 2023

Key Steps to Managing a Cybercrime Scene

Ron LaPedis A cybercrime scene is much more challenging for investigators to manage than a physical crime scene. To address these challenges, law enforcement needs to continuously adapt and innovate to effectively combat cyber threats and ensure justice is served in the digital age. Cops receive training in the academy, as well as guidance by their FTO and senior partner on how to handle a physical crime scene. For example, before entering a suspected bomb builder’s lair, you already know…

Cover of publication

News October 4, 2023

SROs Play a Critical Role in Combatting Human Trafficking

Published by the Office for Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), this article discusses how young people may be particularly vulnerable to human trafficking simply because they are young and may be less equipped to make informed and sound decisions. This is why School Resource Officers (SROs) are in a unique position to recognize and respond to potential victims. As an SRO, you may be able to notice signs that something is wrong in a student’s life during your daily job…

Map of USA

News October 2, 2023

Free Online Guide to Legislation Affecting Police

In the past few years, there’s been a significant increase in state bills which impact law enforcement agencies. Bills have included everything from the procurement of new early intervention systems to de-escalation training to new data transparency laws. It can be hard to keep up with what’s been approved, what’s pending, and what the bills include. Vector Solutions is now offering a free online guide to recently approved law enforcement legislation in each state. The online guide is an interactive Web…

Cover of publication

News September 25, 2023

2023 Trafficking in Persons Report

Published by the United States Department of State, this report offers a thorough summary of the global situation regarding human trafficking, as well as the strategies employed to strengthen the response and cooperation. This year’s report features a special section, “Survivor Insights: Perspectives from Those with Lived Experience of Human Trafficking.” Survivors of human trafficking share their stories of overcoming cultures of victimization and their journeys to success. Visit https://tinyurl.com/44febrxj to read the full report.

Man with curly hair wearing sunglasses.

Legal Update September 25, 2023

Legal Update September/October 2023

Larry E. Holtz, Esq. True Threats of Violence True threats of violence are “outside the bounds of First Amendment protection and punishable as crimes.” Counterman v. Colorado, 600 US ___ (2023). Historically, “true threats” of violence have been an unprotected category of communications. See Virginia v. Black, 538 US 343, 359, 123 S.Ct. 1536 (2003). The “true” in that term distinguishes what is at issue from jests, “hyperbole” or other statements which, when taken in context, do not convey a…

Cover page of Law Enforcement Officers Fatalities Report

News September 21, 2023

2023 Law Enforcement Fatalities Report Reveals Overall Reduction in Line-of-Duty Deaths

The number of law enforcement professionals nationwide who have died in the line of duty in the first half of 2023 decreased a dramatic 66% compared to the same period last year, according to preliminary data provided by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), the leading authority on officer fatalities. While much of the decrease is driven by substantial reductions in COVID-19 related deaths, line of duty deaths are down across the board. As reported in their official “2023 Mid-Year…

Technology September 19, 2023

How to Avert the Severe Consequences of Ransomware Attacks

Carl Mazzanti, eMazzanti Technologies Public safety authorities have been grappling with a surge in criminal activity while contending with limited resources. Now, they are confronting an additional challenge: sophisticated ransomware attacks. These malicious schemes initiate when hackers infiltrate and seize control of an agency’s computer system. Subsequently, they threaten to either permanently block access to files or expose sensitive data unless a ransom is paid. The frequency of ransomware attacks has been steadily rising. However, agencies which team up with…

Poodle in drivers seat of car

Busted September 15, 2023

BUSTED! Real Stories of Genuine Absurdity September/October 2023

James L. McClinton, Ph.D. I’m glad the officer quickly worked out who was a good boy and who wasn’t… A Colorado man is in the doghouse for attempting to switch places with his pooch after he was pulled over on suspicion of drunken driving. The Springfield Police Department posted on social media that the suspect was pulled over after allegedly driving 52 mph in a 30 mph zone. Police stated, “The driver attempted to switch places with his dog who…