Criminal Justice Technology in the News

Law Enforcement News

Eagle Scout Aiden Smyrnios' Scent Wall Project Helps Train K-9s
CBS4 Denver, (08/16/2019), Mekialaya White
As an Eagle Scout project, 18-year-old Aiden Smyrnios has created a "scent wall" for the Arapahoe County (Colo.) Sheriff's Office to use in training K-9s. The wall has a number of "scent holes" containing illegal substances, and as part of their training, dogs must alert on these scents.
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Nine NYPD Officers Have Died by Suicide This Year. The Department Thinks It Has a Plan.
VICE, (08/16/2019), Trone Dowd
In the aftermath of the eighth and ninth suicides among active officers this year, the New York Police Department has taken steps to set up an independent service to give officers anonymous access to mental health services. NYPD also plans to expand insurance coverage to address more mental health issues. The department also plans to preinstall an anti-suicide app on department-issued smartphones.
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Mount Airy Police Department Is the First in Maryland to Launch "CrimeWatch"
WDVM, (08/16/2019), Stephanie Duprey
The Mount Airy (Md.) Police Department has begun using CrimeWatch, a social media platform that allows the same post to simultaneously be pushed out to multiple platforms. CrimeWatch also provides a secure network that helps law enforcement manage sensitive criminal justice information.
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Consider This: It's Not Hard to Keep Police Dogs Cool
Riverdale Press, (08/16/2019), Heather J. Smith
This article explains the various measures and safeguards that the New York State Police takes to ensure that its canine officers can safely remain in vehicles while their human partners are away. In addition to the primary concern of protecting the dog's life, keeping the trained canines cool also enables them to better do their jobs: Overheated dogs cannot smell as well, if at all.
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Corrections News

A Better Return for Older Prisoners
U.S. News and World Report, (08/14/2019), Gabby Galvin
This article profiles an elder inmate reentry initiative run by the Osborne Association, a criminal justice-focused services provider and advocacy group. The initiative has served 388 New Yorkers since its inception in 2015. Older prisoners released into today's world are often bewildered by advances in technology, further complicating their reintegration into society.
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Is Music Effective Rehab for California Inmates?
KCRW, (08/14/2019), Steve Chiotakis
Jail Guitar Doors, a California nonprofit, uses performances by rock musicians, along with workshops that encourage prisoners to become involved in music, as part of inmate rehabilitation efforts. Following concerts by outside artists, inmates also perform, sometimes in sets featuring their own original music.
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