Public Safety Technology in the News

Law Enforcement News
Singing Sarasota Police Offer Safety Tips
Herald-Tribune, (12/08/2015), Carlos Munoz
Five officers from the Sarasota (Fla.) Police Department appear in a YouTube video reminding local residents to secure their valuables during this holiday shopping season. Set to the tune of "Jingle Bells," the video was created by the department in response to the 510 vehicle burglaries investigated so far this year, including 426 in cars that appeared to have been left unlocked.
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Surgeon: Paramedics, Body Armor Saved Life of Officer Shot Multiple Times
KWGN.com, (12/08/2015), Will C. Holden
Denver Police Officer Tony Lopez Jr. was protected by his ballistic-resistant vest when he was shot multiple times during a traffic stop on December 8. Lopez, whose father is a commander with the department, underwent several hours of surgery and is expected to recover. Police said one suspect had been shot and taken into custody in fair condition.
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ACPD to Partner With Neighborhood Social Networking Site Nextdoor
ARLNow.com, (12/09/2015)
The Arlington County (Va.) Police Department will partner with Nextdoor, a neighborhood-oriented social networking site built to connect residents in specific communities across the country. The department will use the site to share targeted crime and safety information with residents in specific neighborhoods; according to the company, about 88 percent of neighborhoods in the county are already represented on the network.
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Suspect Who Shot at Metroparks Rangers, Striking One in Bulletproof Vest, Dies; Identified
NewsNet5.com, (12/10/2015)
A suspect who was handcuffed and had been searched pulled a concealed handgun, possibly from his boot, and shot the 27-year-old female Metroparks officer who was driving him to be booked on December 8. Her ballistic-resistant vest saved her from significant injury. The driver and a second officer, who was injured by shattered glass, returned fire, and the suspect later died from his injuries.
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Detroit, Wayne County to Fight Crime on U.S. Border
The Detroit News, (12/09/2015), George Hunter
The Detroit Police Department and the Wayne County Sheriff's Office have pooled Aviation Unit and Harbormaster officers to improve border patrols in the air and on the water. Detroit has the nation's busiest international border for commercial traffic. Detroit's Aviation Unit deploys one helicopter, a 1972 military re-issue and has three boats; Wayne County has four boats. The two agencies plan to work together to obtain additional funding. 
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Facial Recognition Helps Reunite Owners with Lost Dogs
Ventura County Star, (12/10/2015), John Scheibe
The same technology that lies behind the FBI's facial recognition system is also the basis for Finding Rover, an app that may help reunite owners with lost pets. Ventura County has plans for a public launch of the app to kick off a program that encourages owners to upload photos of their pets to the database. When a lost animal is located, facial recognition technology can determine possible matches from the uploaded photos.
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Free Cell Phone App Aims to Reduce Impaired Driving
Watertown Daily Times, (12/13/2015), Susan Mende
The free "Have a Plan" app, which works on Windows, Android and iPhone platforms, allows users to quickly find a taxi service and also estimate whether they've had too much to drink based on weight, age and number of drinks consumed. The app, which is provided by New York State, also allows users to preload a list of phone numbers for potential designated drivers. There have been more than 7,500 downloads of the tool since August 2015.
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This Algorithm Will Try to Predict Which Gang Threats on Twitter Turn into IRL Violence
VICE, (12/11/2015), Alex Zimmerman
Researchers are working on developing an algorithm that can analyze tweets and decode gang member language, possibly determining how likely the messages are to indicate actual violent criminal acts. Plans call for testing the project in New York and Chicago.
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Huntington Police Using New, High-Tech Training Simulator
WOWKTV.com, (12/14/20115), Chelsea Spears
The Huntington (W.Va.) Police Department has used a $70,000 grant to purchase a Ti Training Use-of-Force Simulation System and begin mandatory training on its 600 scenarios. The training also includes emergency medical assistance. The agency has expressed its willingness to help train officers from other agencies as well.
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Corrections News
Over the Wire: Prison Guards Handcuffed in Battle with Drones
Yahoo! Tech, (12/03/2015), Wayne Rash
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) appear to have become a new means of smuggling contraband into correctional facilities, and they're causing a significant problem because they're hard to spot and hard to trace back to their operators. To cope with this growing problem, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has issued a request for information looking for a solution to the issue.
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States Encouraged to Mull South Dakota Sobriety Program
KOAA 5, (12/05/2015), James Nord for the Associated Press
Offering an alternative to jail for those convicted of an alcohol-related crime, South Dakota's 24-7 sobriety program has reduced rates of drunken driving and domestic violence. Participants must have their alcohol levels measured twice a day, with remaining out of prison as the incentive to remain sober. President Barack Obama recently signed a $305 billion transportation law that includes incentives for other states to adopt this model program.
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Windham County Sheriff Touts Electronic Monitoring Program for Inmates
VTDigger.org, (12/08/2015), Mike Faher
Prison overpopulation, a nationwide problem, is causing states to look at alternatives to mandatory incarceration. In Vermont's Windham County, Sheriff Keith Clark is looking to continue a pilot program that places greater emphasis on the use of electronic monitoring as an alternative to incarceration. The state legislature invested $200,000 in the pilot program in 2014, and halfway through its trial period, Clark is touting the project as a success.
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Dogs, Inmates Learn From Each Other in Jacksonville Prison Program
Jacksonville.Com, (12/09/2015), Beth Reese Cravey
Teaching Animals and Inmates Life Skills (TAILS) pairs rescue dogs and inmates in a partnership that corrects animal behavioral issues and allows them be eligible for adoption. In its two years of existence, the program has placed 200 healthy dogs in Florida homes. Each dog is cared for and trained by two inmates, who also benefit by learning skills and obtaining a sense of accomplishment.
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Marijuana and Cell Phones Arrive With Prison Food
Detroit Free Press, (12/09/2015), Paul Egan
A delivery truck brought more than food to Saginaw Correctional Facility recently: the Sun Valley Foods vehicle's contents also included marijuana and cell phones. Prison officials received a tip about the contraband and after locating it, turned the case over to the Michigan State Police for investigation.
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Richmond County Sheriff's Office Unveils New Body Scanner
The Augusta Chronicle, (12/09/2015), Bianca Cain Johnson
The jail in Georgia's Richmond County recently implemented use of the SafeView imaging system, which uses millimeter wave technology and no X-rays or radiation. In its first three weeks of use, the facility recovered approximately 10 contraband items carried by arriving inmates. The scanner, which is the same technology commonly used at airports, takes only 1.5 seconds to detect foreign objects and guide users to their location.
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Wisconsin DOC Orders Body Cameras at Youth Prison
Wisconsin Public Radio, (12/11/2015), from the Associated Press
The Wisconsin Department of Corrections has ordered security staff at the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake juvenile facilities to wear body cameras and activate them during all interactions that involve acts of aggression and crisis intervention. The two facilities are under FBI investigation for alleged abuse by both staff and inmates.
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Santa Clara County Bans Plastic Bullets Following Inmate Death
San Jose Mercy News, (12/11/2015), Tracey Kaplan
Santa Clara County, Calif., has stopped the use of plastic bullets by jail guards who need to subdue - and possibly remove from their cells - unruly prisoners. The ban follows the death of a mentally ill inmate who was struck by three of the plastic bullets during a September 2015 cell extraction. Although his cause of death has not been determined, it is possible the resulting injuries were a contributing factor.
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How to Shoot Down a Drone: Ray Guns, Nets and Malware Are Being Used to Knock Drones Out of the Sky
International Business Times, (12/11/2015), Jeff Stone
Drones are a hot-ticket Christmas present this holiday season, with the Federal Aviation Administration saying 1 million new drones will be purchased in the United States. There's also a growing counter-industry of devices dedicated to removing drones from the sky, as this article describes.
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Commander, ACC visits Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

by Lee Casillas
Headquarters Air Combat Command Public Affairs

12/16/2015 - LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va.  -- Gen. Hawk Carlisle, commander of Air Combat Command, visited the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore California recently. He reviewed technologies offering potential enhancements to ACC mission needs.

Carlisle's visit allowed him to see developing technologies designed to enhance air superiority, global integration of information, surveillance and reconnaissance, personnel recovery and command and control. LLNL is a federally funded research and development center designed to tie industry, academia, scientists and government. Since 1952, LLNL has offered potential scientific solutions to emerging needs.

"Rapid changes in technology continue to change the face of global security, so we need to explore innovations that can help us design the force of the future," Carlisle said.  "Our ability to integrate emerging technology into ACC operations quickly assures the Air Force that follows us is better than it is today."

During the visit, Carlisle toured the National Ignition Facility (NIF) and the Terrascale High Performance computing facility.  He was briefed on defense department advancements across ACC mission needs as well as energy and laser developments.

"LLNL develops expertise in new technology.  They have a history of providing significantly useful tools once mature. I explore to see if ACC can use these new technologies now in infant stages," said Col. Peter Ford, Carlisle's liaison to the director of LLNL.

"If ACC can make use of it, fly it supersonic, or apply it to our mission needs...we do not need more delay. There are timely, innovative solutions here," said Ford.
In addition to finding technologies enhancing ACC missions, another goal of the collaboration with LLNL is examining how industry and research practices might help Airmen use ACC capabilities more efficiently.

This ACC collaboration ties innovation efforts at LLNL with the Air Force Research Laboratory, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Defense Industrial Partners and the Defense Innovation Unit experiment (DIUx). These agencies and many others are pursuing timely solutions to warfighter needs.

Ford, an experienced group commander and combat leader, works as the ACC liaison providing mission perspectives and requirements to LLNL and many of these other organizations. 

"My primary job in this endeavor is to pioneer a fresh perspective into what innovation offers," he said.

Former Bold Tiger prepares for space

by Senior Airman Jeremy L. Mosier
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

12/16/2015 - MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho  -- From F-15E Strike Eagle to space shuttle, Col. Jack Fischer, former 391st Fighter Squadron Bold Tiger, was selected for a flight to the International Space Station, where he will be staying for approximately six months.

Fischer was stationed at Mountain Home AFB from 2000 to 2003. During his tenure here he deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, providing close air support for U.S. Special Forces and conducting strikes against Taliban and Al-Qaeda targets.

"We absolutely loved our time as Bold Tigers and Gunfighters," Fischer said. "I felt so proud to be a Gunfighter, and would never trade the memories we have of the amazing base, squadron, and life-long brothers and sisters in arms."

While at Mountain Home, Fischer lived down the street from his wingman from flight school, Col. Brian McCarthy, 366th Operations Group commander.

"He was a great pilot here at Mountain Home, very smart and a very funny guy," McCarthy said. "Everything he did here was geared towards achieving the goal of becoming an astronaut."

Moving forward from being a fighter pilot, Fischer explained becoming an astronaut has always been a dream of his.

"I wanted to be an Air Force fighter pilot and astronaut as long as I can remember," Fischer said. "All of my choices for schools, career path, and direction were always geared for those long term goals."

While preparing for space, Fischer found many similarities between the Air Force mission and his mission as an astronaut. The two simple words that describe them both, "Aim high."

"From its first days, the Air Force was comprised of visionaries looking for the next step," he said. "Whether in air or in space, we have aimed higher and changed the world around us, and not only in the art of war."

He explained the space program is amidst an evolution of exploration, new engines, new rockets, new vehicles and ultimately new possibilities for how space can be used.

"I can't imagine the Air Force not being an integral part of this process," Fischer said. "Air Force Space Command, of which I am a proud member, ensures that the Air Force continues to lead our country, and the world, in our shared future in space."

Being part of Air Force Space Command has given him the opportunity to work alongside members from other countries for his first mission as an astronaut.

"My crew of three, including a Russian commander and Italian crewmate, will carry out a wide variety of scientific experiments, maintenance tasks, and spacewalks as needed," Fischer explained. "One thing I am extremely excited about, is welcoming aboard the first test flights of the commercial crew vehicles from Boeing and Space-X during our mission onboard the ISS."

Even after being presented with the opportunity to join the elite and travel to space, Fischer still maintains a level head.

"It is the dawn of a new age in space travel and I feel humbled to be a part of it at the start," Fischer said.

Conquering his goal to make it to space has taken time and dedication. His determination stemmed from advice from his late father. Fischer recalled his father telling him, 'if you love what you do, you won't work a day in your life, you'll just follow your passion.'

Keeping those wise words in mind he shares his advice for airmen across the globe.

"Find something to love about every assignment, put your all into everything you do and take your experiences to build a foundation upon which any dream is possible," he said. "I dare you to dream."

DoD Extends Technological, Operational Edge Into the Future

By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News Features, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, December 14, 2015 — The Defense Department’s civilian and military leadership is pursuing a significant and enduring effort to extend its military, technological and operational edge well into the future, Deputy Defense Secretary Bob Work said today.

In a speech at the Center for a New American Security’s National Security Forum, Work noted that this push into the future is driven by a pressing need to modify the defense program to meet evolving threats in the national security environment.

The effort includes new approaches to evaluating and offsetting the conventional strengths of potential adversaries, a commitment to U.S. allies and friends, and a drive to innovate.

The Only Great Power

During the period between 1999 and 2014, Work said, the United States was the world’s only great power and the sole military superpower.

“This gave us enormous freedom of action, but the circumstance is changing” he said, “The unipolar world is starting to fade and we have a more multipolar world in which U.S. global leadership is likely to be increasingly challenged.”

For the United States, Work added, “the most stressing [challenge] is the reemergence of great power competition.”

For the purposes of building a defense program focused on the capabilities of potential adversaries, the deputy secretary said he uses international relations theorist John Mearsheimer’s definition of a great power -- a state having sufficient military assets to put up a serious fight in an all-out conventional war against the dominant power, and possessing a nuclear deterrent that could survive a first strike against it.

On Their Way

By that narrow definition, Work said, “[and] from a defense program perspective, if Russia and China are not yet great powers, they're well on their way.

“We've been trying for 25 years to include Russia within the European community and we want to partner with it on a wide variety of global issues,” Work said, adding that the United States still seeks both outcomes.

But Russia, he explained, is modernizing its nuclear and conventional forces, sharpening its warfighting doctrine aimed at NATO, rattling its nuclear saber, seeking to undermine NATO and intimidate the Baltic States, and trying to rewrite the international rule book.

As a result, the department is adapting its operational posture, contingency plans and programs to deter further aggression, the deputy secretary said.

The Bottom Line

“China, a rising power with impressive latent military technological capabilities, probably embodies a more enduring strategic challenge as its ambitions and objectives expand in Asia, [the] Western Pacific, littoral Africa, Latin America and elsewhere,” Work said.

China's words have been about peaceful rise and about defense, he added, but its actions will be the true test of its commitment to peace and stability in the current international order.

The department continues to pursue military-to-military cooperation and a wide range of confidence-building measures with China “to make sure we never come to blows, but … we can't overlook the competitive aspects of our relationship, especially in the realm of military capabilities. And that's the bottom line,” Work said.

A Focus on Capabilities

DoD focuses on the capabilities of potential challengers, and Russia and China present the United States and its allies and partners with unique and increasingly stressing military capabilities and operational challenges, the deputy secretary said.

The department understands the importance of engaging with potential competitors but it does so cognizant of its central purpose “to reassure our allies and partners … and to protect U.S. forces and our allies from direct attack," he added, "and, should deterrence fail, make sure that we are able to roll back any aggression that occurs.”

The best way to prevent great-power competition from becoming great-power conflict, the deputy secretary said, is for the United States to maintain a safe, reliable and secure nuclear arsenal for so long as those weapons exist, coupled with strong conventional deterrent capabilities.

Offset Strategies

The United States has historically strengthened its conventional deterrence by pursuing a combination of superior technological capabilities and innovative operational and organizational constructs that offset the strengths of its potential adversaries, Work noted.

In the 1950s, the first offset strategy sought to blunt Soviet numerical and geographical advantage along the inner German border by introducing, demonstrating and developing the operational and organizational constructs to use battlefield nuclear weapons, he said.

After the Soviets achieved strategic nuclear parity in the 1970s, the second offset strategy included precision-guided munitions with near-zero miss.

Today, the department is pursuing a third offset strategy that includes the following five kinds of technological advances:

1. Learning Systems

2. Human-machine collaboration

3. Human-machine combat teaming

4. Assisted human operations

5. Network-enabled, cyber-hardened weapons

Deterrent Posture

Work said the first priority in trying to build a strong deterrent posture is "to try to achieve a technological overmatch against potential adversaries."

The department needs new technological capabilities to try to achieve the technological overmatch important to an offset strategy, the deputy secretary said, but “you need new organizational and operational constructs to make them real and to gain operational advantage.”

Such capabilities also must be demonstrated, Work added, so an adversary can see that any attempt to achieve operational success in the warfighting campaign is likely to fail, even if they were to achieve an initial advantage in time and space.