11/29/11 Missing Person Mary Ann Abdi
Mary Ann Abdi (01-01-85) was last seen when she was dropped off at City College downtown San Diego on 11/29/11 at 9:00am. She is described as a Somalian female, 5'7', 110 lbs, black hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a black traditional Somali robe, unknown color head wrap and a red jacket. Anyone with information call the San Diego Police Department at 619-531-2000.
For full details, view this message on the web
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Stolen Laptop recovered, Suspect's Facebook photo on tracking software
Laptop stolen from home, recovered when detectives see Suspect's Facebook photo on tracking software
A reported burglary of two laptop computers and a Play Station 3 from a home in Rancho Palos Verdes on October 20, 2011 has resulted in the arrest of a suspect.
The homeowners were puzzled and could not figure out how someone was able to get into their home, steal their property, and get away, since there was no sign of forced entry into the house.
The owners reported the thefts to the Lomita Sheriff’s Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
What the suspect didn’t know was that one of the stolen laptop computers was embedded with a “LoJack for Laptops” theft recovery software. The company’s monitoring center was notified of the theft by the owners and the monitoring company kept in close contact with the handling sheriff’s investigator, Sheriff's Detective Chuck Braden.
The monitored laptop was also equipped with photo recognition software. When the suspect in possession of the stolen laptop realized he could not logon to the computer, he had a completely new operating system installed and the photo recognition software removed. He incorrectly thought the embedded monitoring software had been removed, but it is very difficult to remove it.
On November 4, the suspect used the laptop to logon to Facebook. This enabled the monitoring company to gather the suspect’s personal information, including a photo of him, his name, and more. This was given to the sheriff’s investigator.
Detective Braden showed the photo of the suspect to the victims and they immediately recognized him as an unlicensed contractor who had done work at their home two months prior. The victim recalled giving the suspect access to a spare key so he could work in the residence while they were away. They did not know him by his true name, they only knew him as “Pepe.”
It is believed the suspect likely made a duplicate of the spare key and used it to commit the home burglary months later.
Detective Braden was able to locate and identify the suspect as Jose Miguel Ramirez, a 22-year old San Pedro resident. He convinced the suspect to bring the laptop computer to the Lomita Sheriff’s Station on Friday, November 18.
When Suspect Ramirez reported to the station with the stolen laptop computer he was arrested for Residential Burglary (Felony), initially with a $50,000.00 bail. His status was later changed to held without bail due to a felony immigration hold by U.S. Customs.
While the laptop with the tracking software was recovered, investigators are still seeking the other items. “The victims told me that when they bought their laptops, they discussed whether or not they should add tracking software to them,” said Detective Braden. “One got it against the advice of the other. That one got the laptop back.”
A reported burglary of two laptop computers and a Play Station 3 from a home in Rancho Palos Verdes on October 20, 2011 has resulted in the arrest of a suspect.
The homeowners were puzzled and could not figure out how someone was able to get into their home, steal their property, and get away, since there was no sign of forced entry into the house.
The owners reported the thefts to the Lomita Sheriff’s Station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
What the suspect didn’t know was that one of the stolen laptop computers was embedded with a “LoJack for Laptops” theft recovery software. The company’s monitoring center was notified of the theft by the owners and the monitoring company kept in close contact with the handling sheriff’s investigator, Sheriff's Detective Chuck Braden.
The monitored laptop was also equipped with photo recognition software. When the suspect in possession of the stolen laptop realized he could not logon to the computer, he had a completely new operating system installed and the photo recognition software removed. He incorrectly thought the embedded monitoring software had been removed, but it is very difficult to remove it.
On November 4, the suspect used the laptop to logon to Facebook. This enabled the monitoring company to gather the suspect’s personal information, including a photo of him, his name, and more. This was given to the sheriff’s investigator.
Detective Braden showed the photo of the suspect to the victims and they immediately recognized him as an unlicensed contractor who had done work at their home two months prior. The victim recalled giving the suspect access to a spare key so he could work in the residence while they were away. They did not know him by his true name, they only knew him as “Pepe.”
It is believed the suspect likely made a duplicate of the spare key and used it to commit the home burglary months later.
Detective Braden was able to locate and identify the suspect as Jose Miguel Ramirez, a 22-year old San Pedro resident. He convinced the suspect to bring the laptop computer to the Lomita Sheriff’s Station on Friday, November 18.
When Suspect Ramirez reported to the station with the stolen laptop computer he was arrested for Residential Burglary (Felony), initially with a $50,000.00 bail. His status was later changed to held without bail due to a felony immigration hold by U.S. Customs.
While the laptop with the tracking software was recovered, investigators are still seeking the other items. “The victims told me that when they bought their laptops, they discussed whether or not they should add tracking software to them,” said Detective Braden. “One got it against the advice of the other. That one got the laptop back.”
Detectives Use Craigslist to Track Teen Car Burglars
Detectives Use Craigslist to Track Down Saugus Teen Car Burglars. $50K in stolen property recovered.
Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Burglary and Fraud team tracked down two juveniles believed to be responsible for at least sixteen vehicle burglaries in the Saugus area of Santa Clarita over the past two months.
The detectives got the break they needed after they located some of the stolen property on Craiglist, a popular Internet resale Website.
Detectives placed a call indicating they wanted to purchase some of the items. One of the unsuspecting subjects met deputies at a local shopping center. Team members moved in to take him into custody after confirming he was in possession of some of the stolen items. That subject, male age 16, of Saugus was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on felony burglary charges. He was later released to his parents on a citation pending future court proceedings.
Information obtained during the arrest led deputies to a home in the 22800 block of Tamarack Lane, Saugus, where they located dozens of stolen items connected to other Santa Clarita cases. The items included video display systems, studio recording equipment, medical supplies and testing kits, electronics, sunglasses, cameras, GPS systems, and even a stolen gun.
Deputies estimate the value of the property in all the cases at more than $50,000. Deputies were able to return $18,000 worth of video equipment to one victim alone.
Deputies didn't stop there, they developed information on where the second juvenile subject was staying. They went to the 28700 block of Startree Lane in Saugus and arrested the second juvenile, male 17 of Saugus. That subject also had a no bail probation warrant. He was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on the warrant and felony burglary charges. He was transported to Sylmar Juvenile pending future court proceedings.
Detectives hope to bring closure to more victims over the coming days as the investigation continues.
Detectives from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Burglary and Fraud team tracked down two juveniles believed to be responsible for at least sixteen vehicle burglaries in the Saugus area of Santa Clarita over the past two months.
The detectives got the break they needed after they located some of the stolen property on Craiglist, a popular Internet resale Website.
Detectives placed a call indicating they wanted to purchase some of the items. One of the unsuspecting subjects met deputies at a local shopping center. Team members moved in to take him into custody after confirming he was in possession of some of the stolen items. That subject, male age 16, of Saugus was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on felony burglary charges. He was later released to his parents on a citation pending future court proceedings.
Information obtained during the arrest led deputies to a home in the 22800 block of Tamarack Lane, Saugus, where they located dozens of stolen items connected to other Santa Clarita cases. The items included video display systems, studio recording equipment, medical supplies and testing kits, electronics, sunglasses, cameras, GPS systems, and even a stolen gun.
Deputies estimate the value of the property in all the cases at more than $50,000. Deputies were able to return $18,000 worth of video equipment to one victim alone.
Deputies didn't stop there, they developed information on where the second juvenile subject was staying. They went to the 28700 block of Startree Lane in Saugus and arrested the second juvenile, male 17 of Saugus. That subject also had a no bail probation warrant. He was booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station on the warrant and felony burglary charges. He was transported to Sylmar Juvenile pending future court proceedings.
Detectives hope to bring closure to more victims over the coming days as the investigation continues.
Friday, October 28, 2011
1,000 state-licensed facilities match sex offenders' addresses
Los Angeles (CNN) -- The California state auditor has found that more than 1,000 state-licensed facilities -- including more than 600 for kids -- matched addresses in the sex-offender registry, saying oversight mechanisms lag behind state requirements.
The state Department of Social Services "cites the lack of resources as the primary reason why it has not implemented an automated sex offender address match and why its oversight mechanisms are falling short of requirements," said the state auditor's report, released Thursday.
Specifically, the report said that 677 foster and group homes and other state-licensed facilities for children matched sex offenders' addresses, as well as 385 state-licensed facilities for vulnerable adults.
The auditor found that almost 600 of the 1,000 address matches were "high risk and in need of immediate investigation," the report said. It was not clear from the report how many foster and group homes are in California, in total.
This month, the state social services agency and county child welfare agencies investigated 99% of the matches and began legal actions against eight licensees of facilities, including four license revocations, said the report, titled "Child Welfare Services -- California Can and Must Provide Better Protection and Support for Abused and Neglected Children."
In six of those actions, registered sex offenders were living or present in the child facilities, and counties found 36 sex offenders having "some association" with foster homes -- prompting authorities to remove children from the facilities and ordering the offenders out of the homes, the report said.
State costs for housing foster children have also grown dramatically, California State Auditor Elaine M. Howle found.
"The percentage of children placed with private foster family agencies — agencies that recruit and certify foster homes and are compensated at a higher rate than state- or county-licensed foster homes — has dramatically increased over the last 10 years and resulted in an additional $327 million in foster care payments during that time," the report said. "The counties we visited admit to placing children with these agencies out of convenience rather than for elevated treatment needs as originally intended."
The state social services agency "generally agreed" with the auditor's findings and outlined an action plan in response to several recommendations, the auditor said.
In an October 7 response to the report, director Will Lightbourne of the California Department of Social Services wrote he agreed that "address comparison provides an additional protection for vulnerable clients in care, and agrees that prevention should be part of the protection."
"We are concerned, however, that performing matches against every known sex offender address may not be the most effective means of prevention and ensuring protection. The process involved in this audit required CDSS and counties to investigate every known address of sex offenders, including addresses that were years and in some cases, decades, out of date," Lightbourne said.
"The California Sex and Arson Registry (CSAR) includes effective dates of address and identifies active and inactive addresses, and future processes to compare addresses therefore should focus on information technology solutions to minimize the need for staff to manually search through and verify information," the director continued. "The CDSS is exploring solutions that leverage technology and key partners to create an efficient and effective process to provide this additional protection."
The state auditor also recommended that the social service agency "complete comprehensive reviews of agencies' licensing activities more timely as well as on-site reviews of state-licensed foster homes, foster family agencies, and group homes. Moreover, Social Services should ensure that rates paid to private foster family agencies are appropriate and should monitor placements with these agencies," the auditor said.
In 2010, child welfare agencies in California's 58 counties received 480,000 allegations of child abuse or neglect. Each county maintains its own child welfare service program, and the state Department of Social Services provides oversight, the report said.
Monday, October 17, 2011
World Television Premiere of Sin by Silence
World Television Premiere of Sin by Silence
Monday, October 17 at 8:00pm
Location: Discovery ID
SIN BY SILENCE will have its world television premiere on Monday, October 17 at 8pm ET/PT
on Investigation Discovery (ID) -http://www.InvestigationDiscovery.com/Silence
Do something incredible during Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Invite your friends, students or organization to watch and share the film.
Download the step-by-step guide & discussions videos to make your night a success at http://www.currix.com/sinbysilenc...
CNBC to Premiere Documentary Original 'Billions Behind Bars' October 18th
CNBC to Premiere Documentary Original 'Billions Behind Bars' October 18th
MONDAY, 17 OCTOBER 2011 09:07WRITTEN BY NEWSDESK 1 COMMENTSWith more than 2.3 million people locked up, the U.S. has the highest incarceration rate in the world. One out of 100 American adults is behind bars – while a stunning one out of 32 is on probation, parole or in prison.
These staggering numbers have created a thriving prison economy.
The states and the federal government together spend roughly $74 billion a year on corrections, and nearly 800,000 people work in the business. On Tuesday, October 18th at 9PM ET/PT, CNBC’s one-hour documentary, “Billions Behind Bars: Inside America’s Prison Industry,” takes viewers behind the razor wire to investigate the profits and inner-workings of the multi-billion dollar corrections industry. From some of the poorest towns in America to some of the wealthiest investment firms on Wall Street, CNBC’s award-winning Senior Correspondent Scott Cohn travels the country to go inside the big and controversial business of prisons.
After decades of tough-on-crime policies, prisons across the country have become so overcrowded, some states send inmates out of state to prisons thousands of miles away. This severe overcrowding has created an opportunity for a booming private prison industry that promises taxpayers significant cost-savings and state-of-the-art facilities. But for all the cost-savings, the practice of locking people up for profits can, in some cases, be highly controversial. Cohn looks into a private prison in Idaho dubbed the “gladiator school” by inmates and former prison employees who cite its high level of violence. This Idaho facility, run by the Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), one of the top publicly traded prison management corporations, has been the target of critics who’ve cited issues there concerning understaffing, overcrowding, and inadequate training of personnel. Though CCA disputes these claims, the company has agreed to continue efforts to improve conditions at the facility.
CNBC examines the newest growth area for private prison companies: immigration detention. On any given day, the number of immigrant detainees in the U.S. exceeds 30,000, and roughly half of those are held in private-run facilities. Cohn profiles one such detainee and examines this expanding part of the prison industry that’s benefited from tougher immigration laws and brought hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue to private companies.
Traditionally, “Not in My Backyard” was the resounding response small towns gave to developers proposing a new prison for their town. But today, in some areas that are hard-pressed for jobs, welcome mats are being rolled out to prison companies. In some cases new prisons have brought new jobs and new hope; in other cases the results have been disappointing. CNBC profiles the town of Hardin, Montana, which accepted an appealing sales pitch to build a private prison that was supposed to bring jobs and much-needed revenue. Completed in 2007, Two Rivers Detention Center sits fully stocked but has never housed a single prisoner, leaving the desperate town of Hardin even worse off. Meanwhile, the prison developer and its hand-picked construction company were paid nearly 20 million dollars for their work.
The U.S. is among the largest users of prison labor in the world and putting inmates to work has become a huge moneymaker. In Colorado, CNBC goes behind the bars and inside a little-known prison workforce creating products that have seeped into our everyday lives ― even some of the food we eat. Supporters of inmate labor programs point out the taxpayer and inmate rehabilitation benefits, but critics argue that the prison business is muscling out traditional business and taking jobs away from people on the outside.
CNBC also travels to Texas, the one-time prison capital of America, which has become a leader of prison reform. Cohn meets a tough-talking judge in this law-and-order state who’s actually trying to keep offenders out of prison and save taxpayer money through an innovative and apparently successful rehabilitation program. Since the Community Corrections Continuum of Care Court program began in 2009, 87% of the participants have met all the requirements and have gone on to graduate from the program.
For more information including slideshows and web extras, log onto: prisonindustry.cnbc.com.
Mitch Weitzner is the Senior Executive Producer of “Billions Behind Bars: Inside America’s Prison Industry.” Mary Noonan is the Senior Producer. Na Eng, Ruth Chenetz and Lauren Farrelly are producers. Ray Borelli is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Research, Scheduling and Long Form Programming.
The one-hour Documentary Reported by Scott Cohn Premieres on Tuesday, October 18th at 9PM ET/PT on CNBC, and will re-air on Tuesday, October 18th 10PM ET/PT, Friday, October 21st at 8PM ET and Sunday, October 23rd at 10PM ET.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Members of the public are being tricked by jail inmates and others through a telephone scam
Fraud Alert: Members of the public are being tricked by jail inmates and others through a telephone scam
The public is being tricked by jail inmates and others through a phone scam. This fraud has occurred off and on for many years in different parts of the country. This notice was shared with the public by the LASD earlier this year and resulted in a major decrease in victims and potential victims contacting the LASD. There has again been a sudden increase in reports of this scam.
Members of the public have been calling the Sheriff's Department and asking to talk to a specific deputy, detective, or sergeant who had just called them. The real deputy who answers the phone explains they are mistaken, as the named deputy does not exist or is not on duty.
The scam begins by the victim caller receiving a call from a person claiming to be a deputy. This imposter tells the victim that one of their family member's has been incarcerated or involved in an accident. The imposter then informs the victim caller that their family member provided the victim caller's name as an emergency contact.
The victim caller is then instructed to call a number that begins with *72 (Example: *72-323-555-1212) to get the information they will need. When the victim caller hangs up and dials the number provided, they are told they have a wrong number.
Concerned for the safety of their family member, the victim caller then calls an information line (4-1-1) and asks for a number to the Sheriff's Department. They are then connected with a real deputy.
However, since the victim caller used the prefix *72 to initiate their last phone call, they have just automatically forwarded all their incoming calls to the scammer's phone number (These include collect calls from inmates who want to avoid paying for collect calls). The billing for these forwarded calls goes to the victim caller until they turn off call forwarding on their phone (usually by dialing *73).
If not careful, Victims can be scammed out of a lot of money in collect-call fees before they find this out.
Do Not Dial *72 unless you want to forward your calls.
If you have been involved in this scam, and you have already dialed a number beginning with *72, contact your phone service provider to learn how to shut off automatic call forwarding.
For more information regarding this scam, please read the below alert from the California Public Utilities Commission for further details, recommendations and recourse.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Tips to Help Protect Your Kids + Neighborhood Watch
October is National Crime Prevention Month: Tips to Help Protect Your Kids + Neighborhood Watch
Safety Tips For Your Kids:
Unfortunately no neighborhood is completely immune to crime. However, there are steps you can take to help keep your family and your neighborhood safe.
• Know where your children are. Have your children tell you or ask permission before leaving the house and give them a time to check in or be home. When possible, have them leave a phone number of where they will be.
• Help children learn important phone numbers. Have your children practice reciting their home phone number and address, and your work and cell phone numbers. If they have trouble memorizing these, write them down on a card and have them carry it at all times. Tell your children where you will be and the best way to reach you.
• Set limits on where your children can go in your neighborhood. Do you want them crossing busy roads? Playing in alleys or abandoned buildings? Are there certain homes in your neighborhood that you don't want your children to go to?
• Get to know your children's friends. Meet their parents before letting your children to go to their home and keep a list of their phone numbers. If you can't meet their parents, call and talk to them. Ask what your children might do at their house and if they will be supervised.
• Choose a safe house in your neighborhood. Pick a neighbor's house where your children can go if they need help. Point out other places they can go for help, like stores, libraries, and police stations.
• Teach children to settle arguments with words, not fists. Role-play talking out problems, walking away from fist fights, and what to do when confronted with bullies. Remind them that taunting and teasing can hurt friends and make enemies.
• Work together with your neighbors. Watch out for suspicious and unusual behavior in your neighborhood. Get to know your neighbors and their children so you can look out for one another.
• Start a new Neighborhood Crime Watch Group or re-activate an old one.
Neighborhood Crime Watch (NCW) is a partnership between residents and law enforcement to improve safety and prevent crime. What you can learn with NCW:
• Who your neighbors are and how to work with them
• How to use a neighborhood map and roster to communicate
• How and why crime happens
• How to improve home security and personal safety
• How to recognize and report suspicious activity
• Active NCW groups with visible NCW signs can deter crime
Contact your local sheriff's station or police station for more information:
National Crime Prevention Council go to http://www.ncpc.org/
In 1984, the National Crime Prevention Council designated October Crime Prevention Month.
Every year since then, government agencies, civic groups, schools, businesses, and youth organizations have reached out to educate the public, showcase their accomplishments, and explore new partnerships during this special month.
October has become the official month for recognizing and celebrating the practice of crime prevention, while promoting awareness of important issues such as victimization, volunteerism, and creating safer, more caring communities. The month-long celebration spotlights successful crime prevention efforts on the local, state, and national levels.
Alert: Everyone near 805 & Carmel Valley should be aware of shooting suspect.
Alert: Everyone near 805 & Carmel Valley should be aware of shooting suspect.
SDPD and CHP are alerting residents to a dangerous situation.
A man in a white Chev Malibu driving north on I-805 has fired shots at several persons on the freeway. Possible vehicle lic is 5POM917. The man is described as a H/M and was last seen at Del Mar Hts Rd north on I-5. The man is considered armed and very dangerous and people are asked to avoid contact with the suspect. If seen, please call 911 without hesitation.
Sent by San Diego Police Department, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
California Puts Into Motion Alternative Custody for Incarcerated Moms
California Puts Into Motion Alternative Custody for Incarcerated Moms
California is set to implement a law passed last year that will allow some female inmates in state prisons who are pregnant or who are the primary caregivers for their kids to finish their sentences outside of prison. Criminal justice reform and inmate advocates say, though, that the plan has been mistakenly touted as an early release program, and that in fact, many women may simply be shuffled to other facilities where they’ll still be locked up.
The move has been spurred in part by the Supreme Court order to the state to deal with the current prison overcrowding problems by reducing the prison populations from their current 200 percent capacity to 137.5 percent capacity. California state prisons currently house 146,000 inmates in facilities that were meant for just 80,000 people.
Part of the hope is that the money the state will save incarcerating women in state prisons will go to social services and treatment programs to make sure inmates do not return to prison again. As of 2009, the California Legislative Analyst’s Office estimated it cost California $47,000 a year to incarcerate someone in a state prison.
The law, authored by California state Sen. Carol Liu, allows for women who have less than two years left of their sentence to serve; have not been convicted of sex offenses; have no current or prior felony convictions and who haven’t attempted to escape from prison in the last ten years to be eligible for a program where they could serve the remainder of their time under house arrest, in a residential drug treatment program, or in what’s called a “transitional care facility.”
Prison inmate advocates say there are many open questions about what those transitional care facilities will look like, but that given the passage of other recent laws that call for the expansion of reentry prisons, it’s likely that the facilities women will be transferred to will mean that they’ll still incarcerated.
“There’s been a history of the Department of Corrections saying they’ve identified four to 5,000 inmates who pose no threat and should go home and have only non-violent property related offenses on their record, who are mothers, who really just need vocational training and drug treatment and shouldn’t be in prison,” said Cynthia Chandler, director of the human rights organization JusticeNow, that advocates for the rights of incarcerated women and transgender folks.
“But when we delve into the language of the bills and the policy, the plan turns out to actually be to construct new prisons that are run by the Department of Corrections and are staffed by guards but are just not called prisons but which are, for all intents and purposes, prisons.”
Chandler said that during the conversations surrounding the state’s massive billion-dollar prison expansion bill AB 900 passed in 2007, there was talk of building 4,000 beds for so-called female rehabilitative community correctional centers where women would be housed in smaller, guarded facilities closer to the communities they came from. The Supreme Court ruling didn’t necessarily order for the release of inmates, it simply demanded that the prison system reduce overcrowding. If the Department of Corrections accomplished that by building more prisons or alternative facilities, that would be legally permissible.
The reach of the program could also be curtailed by Gov. Jerry Brown’s realignment plan that could result in county jails being given more discretion about where people serve their sentences.
Emily Harris, the statewide coordinator for Californians United for a Responsible Budget, agreed that the current plan is vague on details about what will actually happen to women who qualify to participate in the program. “One of the things we know is the devil is in the details,” Harris said, pointing to some questions around the law’s language.
“What does ‘release’ really mean?” Harris said, “Does it mean that people are released into a treatment center, or into their homes but that their home will be surveilled, and do you need to have a home address in order to go home?”
Harris and Chandler said that while many women may technically qualify to leave state prisons, other extenuating circumstances will likely keep many women for participating. In a sense, the very people the law attempts to help may be barred from taking part in the alternative custody arrangements.
“What we know is that it’s disproportionately poor women of color who will not be able to go home,” Chandler said.
Chandler said, for instance, that people with felony drug convictions, even if that’s not why they’re in prison now, are barred from living in Section 8 housing. So if the home a woman would intend to serve her house arrest under was classified as Section 8, she’d be unable to participate in the program. And while 80 percent of women in prison are mothers, they are more likely to be the primary caregivers for their kids than men are, but because of the harshness of child welfare laws, mothers often get their parental rights terminated if they cannot reunify with their child in 18 months.
If a woman has lost her parental rights and her child put in foster care, she will no longer be classified as a primary caregiver, and therefore would not be able to take part in the program, either.
“In our experience working with people to defend their parental rights, it tends to be poor women of color who don’t have additional family or monetary resources who end up facing the removal of their parental rights altogether,” Chandler said, adding that still, “this group is the most highly likely people thought of when this program was established.”
Lawmakers estimate that some 4,000 of the 9,500 female California state prison inmate population could potentially qualify to be moved to alternative facilities. It may turn out to be far fewer who actually go home.
Still, inmate advocates say they are optimistic, and the work now is to pressure the Department of Corrections to put its savings into social services. “We want to be supporting the release of people and reducing the number of people in prisons but it’s important that we’re actually releasing them and not just shuffling them from state prisons to county jails,” Harris said.
http://colorlines.com/archives/2011/09/california_puts_into_motion_alternative_custody_for_incarcerated_moms.html
Chowchilla Women’s Prison Could Be Converted Into a Men’s Prison
Chowchilla Women’s Prison Could Be Converted Into a Men’s Prison
'Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Chowchilla - It's not a done deal yet, but Madera County officials believe as early as October, the Valley State Prison for Women could be transitioned into a prison for men.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation says a final decision on the transition to a men's prison has not been made yet.
Potentially, 4,000 men could be moving into the facility that currently houses about 3,500 low level female inmates.
CDCR says the female inmates currently at the prison would be released through attrition, or those with 2 years left to serve would be monitored with electronic ankle bracelets.
The conversion is a rumor that's inching closer to reality.
State lawmakers just passed a bill that gives the state Department of Corrections the legal go-ahead, without considering any public input.
Local leaders call the legislation, sneaky.
"I would call it a bureaucratic dictatorship, moving forward without the input of locals...a total disregard for the community itself," said David Rogers, Madera County Supervisor.
Rogers says Chowchilla is not ready for the influx of male prisoners and their families who would move into town.
He wants the state to pay for extra resources like police and prosecutors.
"The crime rate, the drug trafficking, the gang activity, all of those things are very real," said Rogers.
Chowchilla is a small town of about 11,000 people. Many are not in favor of the switch. In fact, they're worried that their police department can't handle the crime.
"Scared of the crimes and the people. Because they have done some deadly crimes that are in there," said Chowchilla resident, Ernestine Sullivan.
"My daughter lives here, my granddaughter, I guess that would be a concern if they're not going to step up here. Because they've really pulled back. You used to see 4 or 5 cars running around, now you might see 2 if you're lucky," said Chowchilla resident Linda Van Houwelingen.
Chowchilla only has 14 sworn officers, and that includes the police chief.
Local leaders, along with residents, are left to wonder if they'll get any help from the state.
In May, the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the state to reduce its prison population over the next two years.
http://www.kmph.com/story/15501303/chowchilla-womens-prison-could-be-converted-into-a-mens-prison?clienttype=printable
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Be on the lookout for a man posing as untility worker
Be on the lookout for a man posing as untility worker
An elderly woman was the victim of a burglary by a man posing as a city worker. The suspect (H/M/40’s 6ft/200 lbs) was dressed in all gray and told the woman he was investigating a sewer break. He had the woman wait outside while he worked alone inside her house. After a while, the woman entered the house and discovered the man was gone. She checked her home and discovered her property was missing. Area Detectives responded to the scene and are investigating the incident. Any persons with information are asked to call Eastern Investigators at 858-495-7900
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
DA Participates in Human Trafficking Film Premiere
DA Participates in Human Trafficking Film Premiere
A powerful Hollywood film about human trafficking had its San Diego primiere last month and local law enforcement used the opportunity to educate the public about the issue. The movie sheds light on the brutal but often unnoticed reality of sex trafficking.
The San Diego Regional Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children Advisory Council hosted the special screening, at which San Diego County Supervisor Dianne Jacob and District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis spoke about the effects of this type of crime.
After the film premiere, Deputy District Attorney Gretchen Means of the Sex Crimes and Stalking Unit, participated in a panel discussion about human trafficking in San Diego.
The film centers on Kathy, (Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz) an American police officer whouncovers an extensive United Nations cover-up of a sex trafficking scandal.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
rapper ‘The Game’ - Hundreds of Flashcalls overwhelm Sheriff's phone system
Hundreds of Flashcalls overwhelm phone service to Compton Sheriff's Station on Friday night
The apology by the rapper ‘The Game’ Wednesday on CNN about the Flashcalls incident of August 12 involving Compton Sheriff’s Station is relevant and well received. His willingness to help share with the media and the community that the safety of the public is what is most important, is a great message.
Freedom of speech is part of what has made this country great. Peace officers are sworn to uphold and protect that right, and we welcome that responsibility. The challenge is that law enforcement, the news media, and celebrities are also facing the challenge of how to address each new social media issue that arises.
Based upon our investigation, as well as consultation with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the LASD considers the criminal investigation into this matter closed. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will not be seeking criminal charges.
While there are various laws that could be applicable in this case, there are certain aspects that have not quite caught up with the rapid pace of new media and all that it brings, which includes a lot of good as well as some rough edges.
We are working with legal experts to address what type of legislation may be considered to specifically address the new and ongoing media issues that may cause harm to public safety, while respecting each individual’s right to freedom of speech.
The apology by the rapper ‘The Game’ Wednesday on CNN about the Flashcalls incident of August 12 involving Compton Sheriff’s Station is relevant and well received. His willingness to help share with the media and the community that the safety of the public is what is most important, is a great message.
Freedom of speech is part of what has made this country great. Peace officers are sworn to uphold and protect that right, and we welcome that responsibility. The challenge is that law enforcement, the news media, and celebrities are also facing the challenge of how to address each new social media issue that arises.
Based upon our investigation, as well as consultation with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the LASD considers the criminal investigation into this matter closed. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will not be seeking criminal charges.
While there are various laws that could be applicable in this case, there are certain aspects that have not quite caught up with the rapid pace of new media and all that it brings, which includes a lot of good as well as some rough edges.
We are working with legal experts to address what type of legislation may be considered to specifically address the new and ongoing media issues that may cause harm to public safety, while respecting each individual’s right to freedom of speech.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
DrPrison On FOX 11-Cops Kicking ass!
See Rick from DrPrison on FOX 11 at 10PM tomorrow. He will be discussing Cops kicking ass!
Craigslist Sellers & Buyers BEWARE!
Home burglary victims spot their stolen stuff on Craigslist. Deputies sting the suspect, get gun, drugs, stolen ppty. LASD
(See photos by clicking on the hyperlink at the bottom of this message)
A home was burglarized in Lancaster on June 26, 2011, during which a firearm, computers, and tattoo equipment were stolen.
Toward the end of July, 2011, while the burglary victims browsed through the Craigslist website list to replace their stolen property, they saw what they believed to be their stolen tattoo equipment for sale, posted by a person residing in Los Angeles.
The victims contacted members of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Burglary Suppression Team, who opened an investigation based upon this information.
A sting operation was conducted on Monday, August 1, 2011, and the person advertising the tattoo equipment for sale agreed to bring the items to the Lancaster area.
The tattoo equipment was located and positively identified as the victims’ stolen property. The seller, identified as Suspect Dennis Hyde, a 40 year old male from Los Angeles, was arrested for felony Receiving Known Stolen Property.
A search warrant was served Thrusday at Hayes’ home located in the 900 block of West 42nd St., Los Angeles, by the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Burglary Suppression Team, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Marijuana packaged for sale, an electronic scale, and other evidence of drug sales were recovered from the location. Additionally, numerous items including electronics, jewelry, camera, and musical equipment valued at $10,000 –all believed to be stolen- were recovered from the location.
(See photos)
Investigators learned that, at the time of this arrest, Hayes was out on bail for a recent arrest for Possession of Marijuana.
Hayes is being held in a Los Angeles County jail in lieu of $45,000 bail.
Additional narcotics and Receiving Known Stolen Property charges are pending. The investigation is continuing.
For questions or information, please contact:
Sergeant Mark Machanic
Lancaster Sheriff’s Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
661-948-8466
http://www.lasd.org
(See photos by clicking on the hyperlink at the bottom of this message)
A home was burglarized in Lancaster on June 26, 2011, during which a firearm, computers, and tattoo equipment were stolen.
Toward the end of July, 2011, while the burglary victims browsed through the Craigslist website list to replace their stolen property, they saw what they believed to be their stolen tattoo equipment for sale, posted by a person residing in Los Angeles.
The victims contacted members of the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Burglary Suppression Team, who opened an investigation based upon this information.
A sting operation was conducted on Monday, August 1, 2011, and the person advertising the tattoo equipment for sale agreed to bring the items to the Lancaster area.
The tattoo equipment was located and positively identified as the victims’ stolen property. The seller, identified as Suspect Dennis Hyde, a 40 year old male from Los Angeles, was arrested for felony Receiving Known Stolen Property.
A search warrant was served Thrusday at Hayes’ home located in the 900 block of West 42nd St., Los Angeles, by the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Burglary Suppression Team, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
Marijuana packaged for sale, an electronic scale, and other evidence of drug sales were recovered from the location. Additionally, numerous items including electronics, jewelry, camera, and musical equipment valued at $10,000 –all believed to be stolen- were recovered from the location.
(See photos)
Investigators learned that, at the time of this arrest, Hayes was out on bail for a recent arrest for Possession of Marijuana.
Hayes is being held in a Los Angeles County jail in lieu of $45,000 bail.
Additional narcotics and Receiving Known Stolen Property charges are pending. The investigation is continuing.
For questions or information, please contact:
Sergeant Mark Machanic
Lancaster Sheriff’s Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
661-948-8466
http://www.lasd.org
Monday, July 18, 2011
Preventing Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
A public advertising campaign aimed at preventing cyberbullying:
http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying/
If you’re like most teenagers, you spend a lot of time on a cell phone or instant messenger chatting with friends and uploading photos, videos, and music to websites. You may have online friends whom you’ve never met in person, with whom you play games and exchange messages.
Teens’ lives exist in a variety of places such as school hallways, part-time jobs, and friends’ houses. Now many teens also have lives on the Internet. And bullying has followed teens online.
Online bullying, called cyberbullying, happens when teens use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens.
Whether you’ve been a victim of cyberbullying, know someone who has been cyberbullied, or have even cyberbullied yourself, there are steps you and your friends can take to stop cyberbullying and stay cyber-safe.
* How Are Teens Cyberbullied?
* How Do Victims React?
* How Can I Prevent Cyberbullying?
* What Else Can I Do To Stay Cyber-safe?
http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying/
For More Information
Check out the following resources to learn more about preventing cyberbullying:
^ Internet Safety - Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
https://www.ncjrs.gov/internetsafety/cyber.html
^ http://www.ncpc.org provides information about stopping cyberbullying before it starts.
^ Stop Cyberbullying Before It Starts (PDF) provides useful information for parents:
http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/bullying/cyberbullying.pdf
^ http://www.cyberbullying.us/ provides cyberbullying research, stories, cases, downloads, fact sheets, tips and strategies, news headlines, a blog, and a number of other helpful resources on their comprehensive public service website.
^ http://www.stopcyberbullying.org has a fun quiz to rate your online behavior, information about why some people cyberbully, and how to stop yourself from cyberbullying.
^ http://www.wiredsafety.com provides information about what to do if you are cyberbullied.
^ http://www.stopbullyingnow.com has information about what you can do to stop bullying.
For more information, contact your local sheriff''s station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC)
A public advertising campaign aimed at preventing cyberbullying:
http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying/
If you’re like most teenagers, you spend a lot of time on a cell phone or instant messenger chatting with friends and uploading photos, videos, and music to websites. You may have online friends whom you’ve never met in person, with whom you play games and exchange messages.
Teens’ lives exist in a variety of places such as school hallways, part-time jobs, and friends’ houses. Now many teens also have lives on the Internet. And bullying has followed teens online.
Online bullying, called cyberbullying, happens when teens use the Internet, cell phones, or other devices to send or post text or images intended to hurt or embarrass another person. Cyberbullying is a problem that affects almost half of all American teens.
Whether you’ve been a victim of cyberbullying, know someone who has been cyberbullied, or have even cyberbullied yourself, there are steps you and your friends can take to stop cyberbullying and stay cyber-safe.
* How Are Teens Cyberbullied?
* How Do Victims React?
* How Can I Prevent Cyberbullying?
* What Else Can I Do To Stay Cyber-safe?
http://www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying/
For More Information
Check out the following resources to learn more about preventing cyberbullying:
^ Internet Safety - Cyberbullying and Cyberstalking
National Criminal Justice Reference Service
https://www.ncjrs.gov/internetsafety/cyber.html
^ http://www.ncpc.org provides information about stopping cyberbullying before it starts.
^ Stop Cyberbullying Before It Starts (PDF) provides useful information for parents:
http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/bullying/cyberbullying.pdf
^ http://www.cyberbullying.us/ provides cyberbullying research, stories, cases, downloads, fact sheets, tips and strategies, news headlines, a blog, and a number of other helpful resources on their comprehensive public service website.
^ http://www.stopcyberbullying.org has a fun quiz to rate your online behavior, information about why some people cyberbully, and how to stop yourself from cyberbullying.
^ http://www.wiredsafety.com provides information about what to do if you are cyberbullied.
^ http://www.stopbullyingnow.com has information about what you can do to stop bullying.
For more information, contact your local sheriff''s station of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
Sunday, July 17, 2011
405 freeway over Sepulveda Pass has reopened 17+ hours ahead of schedule
405 freeway over Sepulveda Pass has reopened 17+ hours ahead of schedule http://bit.ly/pIkgDD @I_405 #405Official #Carmageddon
Metro News Release
http://thesource.metro.net/2011/07/17/405-freeway-over-sepulveda-pass-to-reopen-about-1130-a-m-sunday-17-plus-hours-ahead-of-schedule/
Forwarded by:
Captain Mike Parker
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
(323) 267-4800
http://www.lasd.org
SHBNewsroom@lasd.org
Twitter @LASD_News http://twitter.com/#!/LASD_News
http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Metro News Release
http://thesource.metro.net/2011/07/17/405-freeway-over-sepulveda-pass-to-reopen-about-1130-a-m-sunday-17-plus-hours-ahead-of-schedule/
Forwarded by:
Captain Mike Parker
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
(323) 267-4800
http://www.lasd.org
SHBNewsroom@lasd.org
Twitter @LASD_News http://twitter.com/#!/LASD_News
http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Law Enforcement Will not Ticket Expired Registration in California
News Release from the California Department of Motor Vehicles
Changes Impacting Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees Due July 1, 2011 & Later:
"...Law enforcement is aware and will not cite vehicles until the first day of the second month after the vehicle registration expires. For example: A vehicle with a registration expiration date of July 10th would not be cited for delinquent registration prior to September 1, 2011."
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm
***
News Release - California Department of Motor Vehicles
DMV has resumed normal processing timeframes for July 1, 2011, and later registration renewals. Vehicle registrations due in July, August and September, can be renewed now using DMV's online renewal program without waiting for a billing notice from DMV.
Billing notices are being mailed out as quickly as possible. NOTE: The late payment penalty amounts described on the notices do not apply. Vehicle owners are being provided a 30-day grace period for the remainder of the year. A special insert (see http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm#ISD94image ) in the billing notice provides more information about the grace period.
Fee changes include:
Vehicle License Fee rate decreased from 1.15% to 0.65%, and,
A $12 increase in the registration fee (from $34 to $46).
Customers are encouraged to utilize the renewal by mail or online Internet renewal program to renew their registration. These alternative service delivery options will automatically waive late fees for first 30 days after expiration date. New registration cards and stickers will be issued as quickly as possible.
Law enforcement is aware and will not cite vehicles until the first day of the second month after the vehicle registration expires. For example: A vehicle with a registration expiration date of July 10th would not be cited for delinquent registration prior to September 1, 2011.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm
***
Cambios en la renovación de las matrÃculas de vehÃculos que se vencerán el 1º de julio de 2011 y después de tal fecha
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm?lang=es
El DMV ha reanudado los plazos normales de trámites para las renovaciones de matrÃcula de vehÃculos que se vencen a partir del 1º de julio de 2011. Las matrÃculas de vehÃculos que se vencen en julio, agosto y septiembre pueden ser renovadas ahora usando el programa de renovación en el sitio de Internet del DMV sin tener que esperar por un aviso de cobro del DMV.
Los avisos de cobro están siendo enviados por correo lo más pronto posible. NOTA: Las multas por pagos atrasados publicadas en los avisos no corresponden. A los dueños de vehÃculos se les está dando 30 dÃas de perÃodo de gracia por el resto del año. Un aviso especial http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm?lang=es en la factura de cobro le proveerá más información sobre el perÃodo de gracia.
Los cambios en los pagos incluyen lo siguiente:
Reducción de la tasa de pago de la licencia vehicular de 1.15% a 0.65% y
Aumento de $12 en el pago de matrÃcula (de $34 a $46).
Se les recomienda a los clientes utilizar la renovación por correo o el programa de renovación por Internet para renovar su matrÃcula. Estas opciones alternativas de servicio perdonarán automáticamente las multas por pagos atrasados durante los primeros 30 dÃas después de la fecha de vencimiento. Nuevas tarjetas de matrÃcula y calcomanÃas serán expedidas lo más pronto posible.
Las autoridades policiales están conscientes y no multarán a los vehÃculos hasta el primer dÃa del segundo mes después que la renovación de la matrÃcula se haya vencido. Por ejemplo: la renovación de una matrÃcula de vehÃculo que se venza el 10 de julio no estará sujeta a multas antes del 1º de septiembre de 2011.
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
(323) 267-4800
http://www.lasd.org
SHBNewsroom@lasd.org
Twitter @LASD_News http://twitter.com/#!/LASD_News
http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Changes Impacting Vehicle Registration Renewal Fees Due July 1, 2011 & Later:
"...Law enforcement is aware and will not cite vehicles until the first day of the second month after the vehicle registration expires. For example: A vehicle with a registration expiration date of July 10th would not be cited for delinquent registration prior to September 1, 2011."
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm
***
News Release - California Department of Motor Vehicles
DMV has resumed normal processing timeframes for July 1, 2011, and later registration renewals. Vehicle registrations due in July, August and September, can be renewed now using DMV's online renewal program without waiting for a billing notice from DMV.
Billing notices are being mailed out as quickly as possible. NOTE: The late payment penalty amounts described on the notices do not apply. Vehicle owners are being provided a 30-day grace period for the remainder of the year. A special insert (see http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm#ISD94image ) in the billing notice provides more information about the grace period.
Fee changes include:
Vehicle License Fee rate decreased from 1.15% to 0.65%, and,
A $12 increase in the registration fee (from $34 to $46).
Customers are encouraged to utilize the renewal by mail or online Internet renewal program to renew their registration. These alternative service delivery options will automatically waive late fees for first 30 days after expiration date. New registration cards and stickers will be issued as quickly as possible.
Law enforcement is aware and will not cite vehicles until the first day of the second month after the vehicle registration expires. For example: A vehicle with a registration expiration date of July 10th would not be cited for delinquent registration prior to September 1, 2011.
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm
***
Cambios en la renovación de las matrÃculas de vehÃculos que se vencerán el 1º de julio de 2011 y después de tal fecha
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm?lang=es
El DMV ha reanudado los plazos normales de trámites para las renovaciones de matrÃcula de vehÃculos que se vencen a partir del 1º de julio de 2011. Las matrÃculas de vehÃculos que se vencen en julio, agosto y septiembre pueden ser renovadas ahora usando el programa de renovación en el sitio de Internet del DMV sin tener que esperar por un aviso de cobro del DMV.
Los avisos de cobro están siendo enviados por correo lo más pronto posible. NOTA: Las multas por pagos atrasados publicadas en los avisos no corresponden. A los dueños de vehÃculos se les está dando 30 dÃas de perÃodo de gracia por el resto del año. Un aviso especial http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/newsrel/newsrel11/julyrenewals.htm?lang=es en la factura de cobro le proveerá más información sobre el perÃodo de gracia.
Los cambios en los pagos incluyen lo siguiente:
Reducción de la tasa de pago de la licencia vehicular de 1.15% a 0.65% y
Aumento de $12 en el pago de matrÃcula (de $34 a $46).
Se les recomienda a los clientes utilizar la renovación por correo o el programa de renovación por Internet para renovar su matrÃcula. Estas opciones alternativas de servicio perdonarán automáticamente las multas por pagos atrasados durante los primeros 30 dÃas después de la fecha de vencimiento. Nuevas tarjetas de matrÃcula y calcomanÃas serán expedidas lo más pronto posible.
Las autoridades policiales están conscientes y no multarán a los vehÃculos hasta el primer dÃa del segundo mes después que la renovación de la matrÃcula se haya vencido. Por ejemplo: la renovación de una matrÃcula de vehÃculo que se venza el 10 de julio no estará sujeta a multas antes del 1º de septiembre de 2011.
Forwarded by:
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
(323) 267-4800
http://www.lasd.org
SHBNewsroom@lasd.org
Twitter @LASD_News http://twitter.com/#!/LASD_News
http://www.facebook.com/LosAngelesCountySheriffsDepartment
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Grandma Scam on the Rise; Seniors Warned to Take Care
Grandma Scam on the Rise; Seniors Warned to Take Care
The District Attorney's Office is warning the public about an ongoing scam targeting the elderly. Law enforcement has seen an increase in the number of reported victims in the so-called "Grandma Scam."
Crooks prey on grandparents by pretending to be a grandchild in trouble in a foreign country who needs money right away. The scam is
DA Dumanis warns seniors about the "Grandma Scam." Anna (right) is a recent victim. She wired about $3,000 to Mexico.
effective because it catches seniors off guard and tugs at their heartstrings.
"It may be hard to believe that someone would fall for this despicable scam," DA Dumanis said. "But, it happens all too often. Our office urges the public to spread the word on how the scam works so we can reduce the number of victims."
Click here to follow the DA on Facebook!
DA CRIMINAL
CASE FILES
Thomas Everett Taylor, 65, was sentenced to 22 years in state prison for beating his sleeping wife to death with a "police-style'' flashlight.
Mark Kaczmarczyk, 59, who was found guilty in March of felony child abuse and lewd act on a child, was sentenced to eight years in prison. His wife Anita Kaczmarczyk, 45, was convicted of misdemeanor and felony child abuse and was sentenced to six years in prison. The couple operated an in-home day care.
David Thomas Blood, 51, pleaded guilty theft, burglary assault and other charges for his role in in tackling a woman in Hillcrest and trying to rape her. Blood is facing up to 48 years-to-life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced this month.
Mark Anthony Diaz, 50, was convicted of first-degree murder and
other charges, and faces up to 96 years to life in prison, after fatally shooting another trainer and two others at a Vista gym. He will be sentenced at the end of the month.
The District Attorney's Office is warning the public about an ongoing scam targeting the elderly. Law enforcement has seen an increase in the number of reported victims in the so-called "Grandma Scam."
Crooks prey on grandparents by pretending to be a grandchild in trouble in a foreign country who needs money right away. The scam is
DA Dumanis warns seniors about the "Grandma Scam." Anna (right) is a recent victim. She wired about $3,000 to Mexico.
effective because it catches seniors off guard and tugs at their heartstrings.
"It may be hard to believe that someone would fall for this despicable scam," DA Dumanis said. "But, it happens all too often. Our office urges the public to spread the word on how the scam works so we can reduce the number of victims."
Click here to follow the DA on Facebook!
DA CRIMINAL
CASE FILES
Thomas Everett Taylor, 65, was sentenced to 22 years in state prison for beating his sleeping wife to death with a "police-style'' flashlight.
Mark Kaczmarczyk, 59, who was found guilty in March of felony child abuse and lewd act on a child, was sentenced to eight years in prison. His wife Anita Kaczmarczyk, 45, was convicted of misdemeanor and felony child abuse and was sentenced to six years in prison. The couple operated an in-home day care.
David Thomas Blood, 51, pleaded guilty theft, burglary assault and other charges for his role in in tackling a woman in Hillcrest and trying to rape her. Blood is facing up to 48 years-to-life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced this month.
Mark Anthony Diaz, 50, was convicted of first-degree murder and
other charges, and faces up to 96 years to life in prison, after fatally shooting another trainer and two others at a Vista gym. He will be sentenced at the end of the month.
Monday, July 4, 2011
Drive defensively: Experts say 11% to 14% of drivers tested positive for drug use. The driver next to you may be impaired @NHTSAgov
Drive defensively: Experts say 11% to 14% of drivers tested positive for drug use. The driver next to you may be impaired @NHTSAgov
Drive defensively: The driver next to you may be impaired. Experts say 11% of drivers tested positive for drug use during the daytime, and 14% during nighttime.
1. The value of defensive driving: The driver next to you may be impaired
By Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times / News from the health world, June 23, 2011
"Drunk or impaired drivers cause plenty of problems on the nation's roadways. And, according to the first study of its kind, a frightening number of drivers are not fit to drive. Researchers... set out to randomly sample drivers' sobriety... Among daytime drivers, 11% were positive for drug use based on saliva tests... In contrast, 14.4% of nighttime drivers tested positive for drugs... Alcohol was found more than any other drug, with marijuana coming in second...
(Click on the link below to read the article. Note: News media articles are provided for your convenience. The LASD does not endorse products or services):
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/23/news/la-heb-impaired-driving-20110623
2. Stoned driving is uncharted territory: Experts say they don't know what level of marijuana impairs a driver, but statistics show that fatal crashes involving drugged drivers have jumped. Law enforcement puts much of the blame on the growth of medical marijuana use.
By Ralph Vartabedian, Los Angeles Times, July 2, 2011
(Click on the link below to read the article. Note: News media articles are provided for your convenience. The LASD does not endorse products or services):
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-pot-drivers-20110703,0,5540871,full.story
Drive defensively: The driver next to you may be impaired. Experts say 11% of drivers tested positive for drug use during the daytime, and 14% during nighttime.
1. The value of defensive driving: The driver next to you may be impaired
By Shari Roan, Los Angeles Times / News from the health world, June 23, 2011
"Drunk or impaired drivers cause plenty of problems on the nation's roadways. And, according to the first study of its kind, a frightening number of drivers are not fit to drive. Researchers... set out to randomly sample drivers' sobriety... Among daytime drivers, 11% were positive for drug use based on saliva tests... In contrast, 14.4% of nighttime drivers tested positive for drugs... Alcohol was found more than any other drug, with marijuana coming in second...
(Click on the link below to read the article. Note: News media articles are provided for your convenience. The LASD does not endorse products or services):
http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jun/23/news/la-heb-impaired-driving-20110623
2. Stoned driving is uncharted territory: Experts say they don't know what level of marijuana impairs a driver, but statistics show that fatal crashes involving drugged drivers have jumped. Law enforcement puts much of the blame on the growth of medical marijuana use.
By Ralph Vartabedian, Los Angeles Times, July 2, 2011
(Click on the link below to read the article. Note: News media articles are provided for your convenience. The LASD does not endorse products or services):
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-pot-drivers-20110703,0,5540871,full.story
Friday, July 1, 2011
Prison terms for crack cocaine offenses reduced
Prison terms for crack cocaine offenses reduced
The U.S. Sentencing Commission brings such sentences in line with the shorter terms given to powder cocaine offenders.
By Richard A. Serrano, Washington Bureau July 1, 2011
Reporting from Washington
About 12,000 federal prisoners nationwide may soon be going home, some as much as three years early, under a U.S. Sentencing Commission decision to allow retroactive reductions in prison terms for inmates convicted of crack cocaine offenses.
The commission voted unanimously Thursday to bring "unfairly long sentences" for crack offenders, mostly African Americans, more in line with the shorter terms given to powder cocaine offenders, often white and sometimes affluent.
Patti B. Saris, the panel's chairwoman, said that when Congress passed the Fair Sentencing Act last year, it "recognized the fundamental unfairness of federal cocaine sentencing policy," and the commission sought to bridge the disparity between the two prison sentences.
"Justice demands this result," added Ketanji Brown Jackson, the commission's vice chairman.
When the reductions go into effect in November, the average crack sentence will be cut by about 37 months, and the federal Bureau of Prisoners said the reductions could save more than $200 million in the next five years. Nearly 6% of the federal inmate population would be released.
The reductions are not automatic. Prisoners must file a petition, and will be required to show they are no longer a risk to society. Inmates who used weapons in their crimes or have lengthy criminal histories may not be eligible.
The commission's mail, about 43,500 letters and emails, ran overwhelmingly in favor of the reductions. The Sentencing Project, a Washington group that pushes for reform in sentencing laws, also strongly encouraged approval of the reductions.
Kara Gotsch, director of advocacy for the Sentencing Project, said the panel's vote "confirms that fairness and equal treatment under the law are fundamental principles of our criminal justice system."
But Republicans, most notably Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, opposed the reductions. He had lobbied the commission not to grant the early releases, warning it "merely gets criminals back into action faster."
The vote came after a divided U.S. Supreme Court ordered California to reduce its prison population by more than 30,000 inmates, a ruling that also drew criticism from many prominent conservatives. But California may not see that many prison term reductions for crack offenders, as officials said only 138 inmates would be eligible for relief in the seven counties in the Los Angeles area.
The harsher punishments for crack offenders began in the mid-1980s, when the epidemic swept much of the nation. Legislation was rushed through to try to stop the trend by enacting tough prison sentences. When Congress changed the sentencing law last year, it did not address the fate of thousands of prisoners sentenced under the old system or those arrested just before the law was changed.
richard.serrano@latimes.com
The U.S. Sentencing Commission brings such sentences in line with the shorter terms given to powder cocaine offenders.
By Richard A. Serrano, Washington Bureau July 1, 2011
Reporting from Washington
About 12,000 federal prisoners nationwide may soon be going home, some as much as three years early, under a U.S. Sentencing Commission decision to allow retroactive reductions in prison terms for inmates convicted of crack cocaine offenses.
The commission voted unanimously Thursday to bring "unfairly long sentences" for crack offenders, mostly African Americans, more in line with the shorter terms given to powder cocaine offenders, often white and sometimes affluent.
Patti B. Saris, the panel's chairwoman, said that when Congress passed the Fair Sentencing Act last year, it "recognized the fundamental unfairness of federal cocaine sentencing policy," and the commission sought to bridge the disparity between the two prison sentences.
"Justice demands this result," added Ketanji Brown Jackson, the commission's vice chairman.
When the reductions go into effect in November, the average crack sentence will be cut by about 37 months, and the federal Bureau of Prisoners said the reductions could save more than $200 million in the next five years. Nearly 6% of the federal inmate population would be released.
The reductions are not automatic. Prisoners must file a petition, and will be required to show they are no longer a risk to society. Inmates who used weapons in their crimes or have lengthy criminal histories may not be eligible.
The commission's mail, about 43,500 letters and emails, ran overwhelmingly in favor of the reductions. The Sentencing Project, a Washington group that pushes for reform in sentencing laws, also strongly encouraged approval of the reductions.
Kara Gotsch, director of advocacy for the Sentencing Project, said the panel's vote "confirms that fairness and equal treatment under the law are fundamental principles of our criminal justice system."
But Republicans, most notably Rep. Lamar Smith of Texas, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, opposed the reductions. He had lobbied the commission not to grant the early releases, warning it "merely gets criminals back into action faster."
The vote came after a divided U.S. Supreme Court ordered California to reduce its prison population by more than 30,000 inmates, a ruling that also drew criticism from many prominent conservatives. But California may not see that many prison term reductions for crack offenders, as officials said only 138 inmates would be eligible for relief in the seven counties in the Los Angeles area.
The harsher punishments for crack offenders began in the mid-1980s, when the epidemic swept much of the nation. Legislation was rushed through to try to stop the trend by enacting tough prison sentences. When Congress changed the sentencing law last year, it did not address the fate of thousands of prisoners sentenced under the old system or those arrested just before the law was changed.
richard.serrano@latimes.com
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Be Smart with Your Smartphone’s Security: Stop. Think. Connect. @DHSSecurity
Be Smart with Your Smartphone’s Security: Stop. Think. Connect. @DHSSecurity
Smartphones and other mobile devices have transformed our use of the Internet, which now touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Nearly half of all Americans are expected to own a mobile device by the end of this year. While these tools provide users with convenient access to information and communications, they also carry risk.
Mobile users have recently captured the attention of cyber criminals who seek to take advantage of everyday citizens. In fact, experts predict that within three years, smartphones and mobile devices will surpass computers as the primary target for cyber crime. If a hacker can gain access to a mobile device, they can easily find e-mail addresses, stored passwords, banking information, social media accounts, and phone numbers – allowing them to steal your information, your money, and even your identity. That’s why practicing good cyber habits is so important.
You can protect yourself from cyber criminals by following the same safety rules you follow on your computer when using your smartphone. These include:
* Access the Internet over a secure network: Only browse the web through your service provider’s network (e.g., 3G) or a secure Wi-Fi network.
* Be suspicious of unknown links or requests sent through email or text message: Do not click on unknown links or answer strange questions sent to your mobile device, regardless of who the sender appears to be.
* Download only trusted applications: Download “apps” from trusted sources or marketplaces that have positive reviews and feedback.
* Be vigilant about online security: Keep anti-virus and malware software up to date, use varying and strong passwords, and never provide your personal or financial information without knowing who’s asking and why they need it.
* STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Protect yourself and help keep the web a safer place for everyone.
For more information on Stop.Think.Connect., please visit the United States Department of Homeland Security: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Campaign
www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect
Smartphones and other mobile devices have transformed our use of the Internet, which now touches nearly every aspect of our lives. Nearly half of all Americans are expected to own a mobile device by the end of this year. While these tools provide users with convenient access to information and communications, they also carry risk.
Mobile users have recently captured the attention of cyber criminals who seek to take advantage of everyday citizens. In fact, experts predict that within three years, smartphones and mobile devices will surpass computers as the primary target for cyber crime. If a hacker can gain access to a mobile device, they can easily find e-mail addresses, stored passwords, banking information, social media accounts, and phone numbers – allowing them to steal your information, your money, and even your identity. That’s why practicing good cyber habits is so important.
You can protect yourself from cyber criminals by following the same safety rules you follow on your computer when using your smartphone. These include:
* Access the Internet over a secure network: Only browse the web through your service provider’s network (e.g., 3G) or a secure Wi-Fi network.
* Be suspicious of unknown links or requests sent through email or text message: Do not click on unknown links or answer strange questions sent to your mobile device, regardless of who the sender appears to be.
* Download only trusted applications: Download “apps” from trusted sources or marketplaces that have positive reviews and feedback.
* Be vigilant about online security: Keep anti-virus and malware software up to date, use varying and strong passwords, and never provide your personal or financial information without knowing who’s asking and why they need it.
* STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Protect yourself and help keep the web a safer place for everyone.
For more information on Stop.Think.Connect., please visit the United States Department of Homeland Security: STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Campaign
www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect
Monday, June 27, 2011
Adulterated Cocaine Causing Serious Skin Reactions; With Up to 70 Percent Contaminated
Adulterated cocaine causing serious skin reactions (PHOTO); with up to 70% contaminated, Doctors warning
Adulterated Cocaine Causing Serious Skin Reactions; With Up to 70 Percent Contaminated, Doctors Warn of Potential Public Health Epidemic
(Photo: Click on hyperlink at the bottom of this message to see photo)
ScienceDaily (June 21, 2011) — Doctors warned of a potential public health epidemic in a recent report on patients in Los Angeles and New York who developed serious skin reactions after smoking or snorting cocaine believed to be contaminated with a veterinary medication drug dealers are using to dilute, or "cut," up to 70% of the cocaine in the U.S. The report, published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, said six patients developed purple-colored patches of necrotic skin on their ears, nose, cheeks and other parts of their body and...
Read more in Science Daily: (Note: This information is being provided as a public service. The LASD does not endorse products or services.)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110620094427.htm
Story Source:
The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) http://www.labiomed.org/, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
http://www.labiomed.org/
Journal Reference:
Catherine Chung, Paul C. Tumeh, Ron Birnbaum, Belinda H. Tan, Linda Sharp, Erin McCoy, Mary Gail Mercurio, Noah Craft. Characteristic purpura of the ears, vasculitis, and neutropenia–a potential public health epidemic associated with levamisole-adulterated cocaine. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2011; DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.08.024
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962210009928
Adulterated Cocaine Causing Serious Skin Reactions; With Up to 70 Percent Contaminated, Doctors Warn of Potential Public Health Epidemic
(Photo: Click on hyperlink at the bottom of this message to see photo)
ScienceDaily (June 21, 2011) — Doctors warned of a potential public health epidemic in a recent report on patients in Los Angeles and New York who developed serious skin reactions after smoking or snorting cocaine believed to be contaminated with a veterinary medication drug dealers are using to dilute, or "cut," up to 70% of the cocaine in the U.S. The report, published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, said six patients developed purple-colored patches of necrotic skin on their ears, nose, cheeks and other parts of their body and...
Read more in Science Daily: (Note: This information is being provided as a public service. The LASD does not endorse products or services.)
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/06/110620094427.htm
Story Source:
The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed) http://www.labiomed.org/, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.
http://www.labiomed.org/
Journal Reference:
Catherine Chung, Paul C. Tumeh, Ron Birnbaum, Belinda H. Tan, Linda Sharp, Erin McCoy, Mary Gail Mercurio, Noah Craft. Characteristic purpura of the ears, vasculitis, and neutropenia–a potential public health epidemic associated with levamisole-adulterated cocaine. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2011; DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.08.024
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190962210009928
Sunday, June 26, 2011
81-yr old sex offender attempt kidnap 12-yr old girl
81-yr old sex offender attempt kidnap 12-yr old girl, Littlerock. Mom gets lic. plate. Palmdale deps get susp.
Palmdale Sheriff's deputies responded to a public street after a mother called to report a male adult had attempted to entice her 12-year old daughter into his vehicle at 10:50AM, Saturday, June 25.
The child was walking alone in a business district at Pearblossom Highway and 85th St., in Littlerock, with her parents watching from a distance.
The suspect pulled beside her and asked if she wanted a ride. When she declined, the suspect continued to drive slowly beside her. The child’s mother contacted the suspect to determine what he wanted. At this time, the suspect sped away at a high rate of speed, but stopped for a red light a short distance away. The mother was able to get a description of the suspect and his vehicle, including the license plate, and report the same to Palmdale Sheriff's Station deputies.
Palmdale Sheriff's Station Deputy J. Bisantz found the suspect's vehicle and made a traffic stop a short distance away in Pearblossom. After the suspect was detained, the mother and daughter responded to where the suspect was detained and identifed the suspect. Items consistent with intent to kidnap were discovered in Suspect Holmes’ vehicle. Based on the circumstances, the suspect was arrested for felony attempted kidnapping of a child under 14 years old.
Suspect Keith Holmes is an White male 81-year old resident of nearby Pearblossom. He is a registered sex offender and has been arrested by Palmdale Sheriff's Station deputies and convicted for annoying or molesting a child twice since December of 2009. Suspect Holmes is currently on probation for those convictions. His bail is set at $1 million.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives with the Special Victims Bureau are handling this investigation. Anyone with additional information or possible similar contacts can call (877) 710-5273
Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Palmdale Sheriff's deputies responded to a public street after a mother called to report a male adult had attempted to entice her 12-year old daughter into his vehicle at 10:50AM, Saturday, June 25.
The child was walking alone in a business district at Pearblossom Highway and 85th St., in Littlerock, with her parents watching from a distance.
The suspect pulled beside her and asked if she wanted a ride. When she declined, the suspect continued to drive slowly beside her. The child’s mother contacted the suspect to determine what he wanted. At this time, the suspect sped away at a high rate of speed, but stopped for a red light a short distance away. The mother was able to get a description of the suspect and his vehicle, including the license plate, and report the same to Palmdale Sheriff's Station deputies.
Palmdale Sheriff's Station Deputy J. Bisantz found the suspect's vehicle and made a traffic stop a short distance away in Pearblossom. After the suspect was detained, the mother and daughter responded to where the suspect was detained and identifed the suspect. Items consistent with intent to kidnap were discovered in Suspect Holmes’ vehicle. Based on the circumstances, the suspect was arrested for felony attempted kidnapping of a child under 14 years old.
Suspect Keith Holmes is an White male 81-year old resident of nearby Pearblossom. He is a registered sex offender and has been arrested by Palmdale Sheriff's Station deputies and convicted for annoying or molesting a child twice since December of 2009. Suspect Holmes is currently on probation for those convictions. His bail is set at $1 million.
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department detectives with the Special Victims Bureau are handling this investigation. Anyone with additional information or possible similar contacts can call (877) 710-5273
Partner to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. Or if you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
1st Day of summer. Remember that HEAT is the # 1 weather-related killer
1st Day of summer. Remember that HEAT is the # 1 weather-related killer. Don't leave kids or pets in car. More...
Read below about several heat related topics:
* Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s
Watch, Warning, and Advisory Products for Extreme Heat
* Each National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) can issue the following heat-related products as conditions warrant: Excessive Heat Outlook; Excessive Heat Watch; and Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory
* How Forecasters Decide Whether to Issue Excessive Heat Products and National Weather Service Heat Index Based Guidance
* The "Heat Index" (HI) is sometimes referred to as the "apparent temperature". The HI, given in degrees F, is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature and Heat Health Watch/Warning System
* The Hazards of Excessive Heat
* How Heat Affects the Body Human
* Too Much Heat
* Cities Pose Special Hazards
* Children, Adults, and Pets Enclosed in Parked Vehicles Are at Great Risk
* Excessive Heat Cautions and Safety Tips
* Preventing Heat-Related Illness
* Heat Wave Safety Tips
* Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
* Community Guidance: Preparing for and Responding to Excessive Heat Events
---
Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer
Heat is the number one weather-related killer. On average, more than 1,500 people in the U.S. die each year from excessive heat. This number is greater than the 30-year mean annual number of deaths due to tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation.
In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died. In the heat wave of 1995 more than 700 deaths in the Chicago, Illinois area were attributed to this event. And in August 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives.
North American summers are hot; most summers see heat waves in one section or another of the United States. East of the Rockies, they tend to combine both high temperature and high humidity although some of the worst have been catastrophically dry. Additional detail on how heat impacts the human body is provided under "The Hazards of Excessive Heat" heading.
NOAA's Watch, Warning, and Advisory Products for Extreme Heat
Each National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) can issue the following heat-related products as conditions warrant:
Excessive Heat Outlook: when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3 to 7 days. An outlook is used to indicate that a heat event may develop. It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utilities, emergency management and public health officials.
Excessive Heat Watch: when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 12 to 48 hours. A watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so, such as established individual city excessive heat event mitigation plans.
Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory: when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours. These products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life and/or property.
How Forecasters Decide Whether to Issue Excessive Heat Products
National Weather Service Heat Index Based Guidance
The "Heat Index" (HI) is sometimes referred to as the "apparent temperature". The HI, given in degrees F, is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature.
To find the HI, look at the Heat Index Chart. As an example, if the air temperature is 96°F (found on the top of the table) and the RH is 65% (found on the left of the table), the HI-or how hot it really feels-is 121°F. This is at the intersection of the 96° column and the 65% row.
IMPORTANT: Since HI values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, EXPOSURE TO FULL SUNSHINE CAN INCREASE HI VALUES BY UP TO 15°F. Also, STRONG WINDS, PARTICULARLY WITH VERY HOT, DRY AIR, CAN BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS.
Note on the Heat Index Chart shaded zone above 105°F. This corresponds to a level of HI that may cause increasingly severe heat disorders with continued exposure and/or physical activity.
NOAA's Heat Alert Procedures based mainly on Heat Index Values
The National Weather Service will initiate alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105°- 110°F (depending on local climate) for at least two consecutive days. The procedures are:
· Include Heat Index values in zone and city forecasts.
· Issue Special Weather Statements and/or Public Information Statements presenting a detailed discussion of: Extent of the hazard including Heat Index values, who is most at risk, and safety rules for reducing the risk.
· Assist state/local health officials in preparing Civil Emergency Messages in severe heat waves. Meteorological information from Special Weather Statements will be included as well as more detailed medical information, advice, and names and telephone numbers of health officials.
· Release all of the above information to the media and over NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio
Heat Health Watch/Warning System
Recent research has shown that a heat index threshold does not fully account for a variety of factors which impact health including the impact of consecutive stressful days on human health, the time of year, or the location where excessive heat events occur. For example, studies indicate large urban areas are particularly sensitive to heat early in the summer season. Based on this research, NOAA/NWS has supported the implementation of new Heat Health Watch/Warning System (HHWS) that its forecasters use as guidance in producing their daily warning and forecast products. This system was developed in conjunction with researchers at the University of Delaware.
As of summer 2007, about 20 Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) now utilize the HHWS as additional guidance in their forecast decision-making process. The NWS goal is to expand the HHWS coverage to include approximately 70 vulnerable urban cities across the continental U.S. with mostly populations of 500,000 or more.
The HHWS, tailored for each urban locale, is the first and only meteorological tool based upon the occurrence of certain air masses that have historically been associated with elevated mortality levels. Air masses consider the entire "umbrella" of air over a region, rather than a single meteorological variable such as the heat index. HHWS consider numerous meteorological, seasonal, and social factors, and are based upon actual human health responses. Through the use of, it is possible to predict the likelihood of excess mortality given the synoptic conditions present at specific cities, the number of consecutive days an oppressive air mass is present, and the time of year the event occurs.
Currently, those urban areas with HHWS coverage include Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. TX; Phoenix and Yuma, AZ; Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; St. Louis, MO Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe, LA.; Memphis, TN; Jackson, Meridian and Tupelo, MS; Little Rock and Pine Bluff, AR; Portland, OR; Minneapolis, MN; San Francisco and San Jose, CA.
The NWS forecaster analyzes the HHWS guidance, as well as heat index values, time of year and expected length of the heat event, collaborate with neighboring WFOs as needed, and then decide which, if any, excessive heat product to issue. If an Outlook, Watch, Warning, or Advisory will be issued, the forecaster will notify the local health department and/or emergency management agency to insure that they are aware of the excessive heat forecast.
The Hazards of Excessive Heat
How Heat Affects the Body Human
Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and-as the last extremity is reached-by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6 degrees. The heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased flow, and the bundles of tiny capillaries threading through the upper layers of skin are put into operation. The body's blood is circulated closer to the skin's surface, and excess heat drains off into the cooler atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through the skin as perspiration. The skin handles about 90 percent of the body's heat dissipating function.
Sweating, by itself, does nothing to cool the body, unless the water is removed by evaporation, and high relative humidity retards evaporation. The evaporation process itself works this way: the heat energy required to evaporate the sweat is extracted from the body, thereby cooling it. Under conditions of high temperature (above 90 degrees) and high relative humidity, the body is doing everything it can to maintain 98.6 degrees inside. The heart is pumping a torrent of blood through dilated circulatory vessels; the sweat glands are pouring liquid-including essential dissolved chemicals, like sodium and chloride onto the surface of the skin.
Too Much Heat
Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body's ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop.
Ranging in severity, heat disorders share one common feature: the individual has overexposed or over exercised for his age and physical condition in the existing thermal environment.
Sunburn, with its ultraviolet radiation burns, can significantly retard the skin's ability to shed excess heat. Studies indicate that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age-heat cramps in a 17-year-old may be heat exhaustion in someone 40, and heat stroke in a person over 60.
Acclimatization has to do with adjusting sweat-salt concentrations, among other things. The idea is to lose enough water to regulate body temperature, with the least possible chemical disturbance.
Cities Pose Special Hazards
The stagnant atmospheric conditions of the heat wave trap pollutants in urban areas and add the stresses of severe pollution to the already dangerous stresses of hot weather, creating a health problem of undiscovered dimensions. A map of heat-related deaths in St. Louis during 1966, for example, shows a heavier concentration in the crowded alleys and towers of the inner city, where air quality would also be poor during a heat wave.
The high inner-city death rates also can be read as poor access to air-conditioned rooms. While air conditioning may be a luxury in normal times, it can be a lifesaver during heat wave conditions.
The cost of cool air moves steadily higher, adding what appears to be a cruel economic side to heat wave fatalities. Indications from the 1978 Texas heat wave suggest that some elderly people on fixed incomes, many of them in buildings that could not be ventilated without air conditioning, found the cost too high, turned off their units, and ultimately succumbed to the stresses of heat
Children, Adults, and Pets Enclosed in Parked Vehicles Are at Great Risk
Each year children die from hyperthermia as a result of being left enclosed in parked vehicles. This can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly to a dangerous level for children, adults, and pets. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.
Excessive Heat Cautions and Safety Tips
Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.
Heat Wave Safety Tips
Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult
Never leave persons, especially children, and pets in a closed, parked vehicle
Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
*For more information contact your local American Red Cross Chapter. Ask to enroll in a first aid course.
Community Guidance: Preparing for and Responding to Excessive Heat Events
The "Excessive Heat Events Guidebook" was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006, in collaboration with NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This guidebook provides best practices that have been employed to save lives during heat waves in different urban areas, and provides a menu of options that communities can use in developing their own mitigation plans.
Worker Safety: Outdoor workers can be especially vulnerable to excessive heat. See Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) resources and recommended practices (planning, prevention, and response) when working under hot conditions, such as drinking fluids, changing work/rest schedules to lengthen breaks, cooling down in shade, and looking out for co-workers, particularly those who work alone. Check weather forecasts ahead of time so that you can be better prepared.
Produced as a cooperative effort of NOAA's National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Center for Disease Control, and the American Red Cross.
The above is a News Release from:
United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php#heat_hazards
Read below about several heat related topics:
* Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer
* National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)'s
Watch, Warning, and Advisory Products for Extreme Heat
* Each National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) can issue the following heat-related products as conditions warrant: Excessive Heat Outlook; Excessive Heat Watch; and Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory
* How Forecasters Decide Whether to Issue Excessive Heat Products and National Weather Service Heat Index Based Guidance
* The "Heat Index" (HI) is sometimes referred to as the "apparent temperature". The HI, given in degrees F, is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature and Heat Health Watch/Warning System
* The Hazards of Excessive Heat
* How Heat Affects the Body Human
* Too Much Heat
* Cities Pose Special Hazards
* Children, Adults, and Pets Enclosed in Parked Vehicles Are at Great Risk
* Excessive Heat Cautions and Safety Tips
* Preventing Heat-Related Illness
* Heat Wave Safety Tips
* Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
* Community Guidance: Preparing for and Responding to Excessive Heat Events
---
Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer
Heat is the number one weather-related killer. On average, more than 1,500 people in the U.S. die each year from excessive heat. This number is greater than the 30-year mean annual number of deaths due to tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and lightning combined. In the 40-year period from 1936 through 1975, nearly 20,000 people were killed in the United States by the effects of heat and solar radiation.
In the disastrous heat wave of 1980, more than 1,250 people died. In the heat wave of 1995 more than 700 deaths in the Chicago, Illinois area were attributed to this event. And in August 2003, a record heat wave in Europe claimed an estimated 50,000 lives.
North American summers are hot; most summers see heat waves in one section or another of the United States. East of the Rockies, they tend to combine both high temperature and high humidity although some of the worst have been catastrophically dry. Additional detail on how heat impacts the human body is provided under "The Hazards of Excessive Heat" heading.
NOAA's Watch, Warning, and Advisory Products for Extreme Heat
Each National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Office (WFO) can issue the following heat-related products as conditions warrant:
Excessive Heat Outlook: when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3 to 7 days. An outlook is used to indicate that a heat event may develop. It is intended to provide information to those who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event, such as public utilities, emergency management and public health officials.
Excessive Heat Watch: when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 12 to 48 hours. A watch is used when the risk of a heat wave has increased, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so those who need to set their plans in motion can do so, such as established individual city excessive heat event mitigation plans.
Excessive Heat Warning/Advisory: when an excessive heat event is expected in the next 36 hours. These products are issued when an excessive heat event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurrence. The warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property. An advisory is for less serious conditions that cause significant discomfort or inconvenience and, if caution is not taken, could lead to a threat to life and/or property.
How Forecasters Decide Whether to Issue Excessive Heat Products
National Weather Service Heat Index Based Guidance
The "Heat Index" (HI) is sometimes referred to as the "apparent temperature". The HI, given in degrees F, is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature.
To find the HI, look at the Heat Index Chart. As an example, if the air temperature is 96°F (found on the top of the table) and the RH is 65% (found on the left of the table), the HI-or how hot it really feels-is 121°F. This is at the intersection of the 96° column and the 65% row.
IMPORTANT: Since HI values were devised for shady, light wind conditions, EXPOSURE TO FULL SUNSHINE CAN INCREASE HI VALUES BY UP TO 15°F. Also, STRONG WINDS, PARTICULARLY WITH VERY HOT, DRY AIR, CAN BE EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS.
Note on the Heat Index Chart shaded zone above 105°F. This corresponds to a level of HI that may cause increasingly severe heat disorders with continued exposure and/or physical activity.
NOAA's Heat Alert Procedures based mainly on Heat Index Values
The National Weather Service will initiate alert procedures when the Heat Index is expected to exceed 105°- 110°F (depending on local climate) for at least two consecutive days. The procedures are:
· Include Heat Index values in zone and city forecasts.
· Issue Special Weather Statements and/or Public Information Statements presenting a detailed discussion of: Extent of the hazard including Heat Index values, who is most at risk, and safety rules for reducing the risk.
· Assist state/local health officials in preparing Civil Emergency Messages in severe heat waves. Meteorological information from Special Weather Statements will be included as well as more detailed medical information, advice, and names and telephone numbers of health officials.
· Release all of the above information to the media and over NOAA All-Hazard Weather Radio
Heat Health Watch/Warning System
Recent research has shown that a heat index threshold does not fully account for a variety of factors which impact health including the impact of consecutive stressful days on human health, the time of year, or the location where excessive heat events occur. For example, studies indicate large urban areas are particularly sensitive to heat early in the summer season. Based on this research, NOAA/NWS has supported the implementation of new Heat Health Watch/Warning System (HHWS) that its forecasters use as guidance in producing their daily warning and forecast products. This system was developed in conjunction with researchers at the University of Delaware.
As of summer 2007, about 20 Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) now utilize the HHWS as additional guidance in their forecast decision-making process. The NWS goal is to expand the HHWS coverage to include approximately 70 vulnerable urban cities across the continental U.S. with mostly populations of 500,000 or more.
The HHWS, tailored for each urban locale, is the first and only meteorological tool based upon the occurrence of certain air masses that have historically been associated with elevated mortality levels. Air masses consider the entire "umbrella" of air over a region, rather than a single meteorological variable such as the heat index. HHWS consider numerous meteorological, seasonal, and social factors, and are based upon actual human health responses. Through the use of, it is possible to predict the likelihood of excess mortality given the synoptic conditions present at specific cities, the number of consecutive days an oppressive air mass is present, and the time of year the event occurs.
Currently, those urban areas with HHWS coverage include Philadelphia, PA; Seattle, WA; Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. TX; Phoenix and Yuma, AZ; Baltimore, MD; Washington, D.C.; Chicago, IL; St. Louis, MO Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio; New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Alexandria, Shreveport and Monroe, LA.; Memphis, TN; Jackson, Meridian and Tupelo, MS; Little Rock and Pine Bluff, AR; Portland, OR; Minneapolis, MN; San Francisco and San Jose, CA.
The NWS forecaster analyzes the HHWS guidance, as well as heat index values, time of year and expected length of the heat event, collaborate with neighboring WFOs as needed, and then decide which, if any, excessive heat product to issue. If an Outlook, Watch, Warning, or Advisory will be issued, the forecaster will notify the local health department and/or emergency management agency to insure that they are aware of the excessive heat forecast.
The Hazards of Excessive Heat
How Heat Affects the Body Human
Human bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and-as the last extremity is reached-by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6 degrees. The heart begins to pump more blood, blood vessels dilate to accommodate the increased flow, and the bundles of tiny capillaries threading through the upper layers of skin are put into operation. The body's blood is circulated closer to the skin's surface, and excess heat drains off into the cooler atmosphere. At the same time, water diffuses through the skin as perspiration. The skin handles about 90 percent of the body's heat dissipating function.
Sweating, by itself, does nothing to cool the body, unless the water is removed by evaporation, and high relative humidity retards evaporation. The evaporation process itself works this way: the heat energy required to evaporate the sweat is extracted from the body, thereby cooling it. Under conditions of high temperature (above 90 degrees) and high relative humidity, the body is doing everything it can to maintain 98.6 degrees inside. The heart is pumping a torrent of blood through dilated circulatory vessels; the sweat glands are pouring liquid-including essential dissolved chemicals, like sodium and chloride onto the surface of the skin.
Too Much Heat
Heat disorders generally have to do with a reduction or collapse of the body's ability to shed heat by circulatory changes and sweating, or a chemical (salt) imbalance caused by too much sweating. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, or when the body cannot compensate for fluids and salt lost through perspiration, the temperature of the body's inner core begins to rise and heat-related illness may develop.
Ranging in severity, heat disorders share one common feature: the individual has overexposed or over exercised for his age and physical condition in the existing thermal environment.
Sunburn, with its ultraviolet radiation burns, can significantly retard the skin's ability to shed excess heat. Studies indicate that, other things being equal, the severity of heat disorders tend to increase with age-heat cramps in a 17-year-old may be heat exhaustion in someone 40, and heat stroke in a person over 60.
Acclimatization has to do with adjusting sweat-salt concentrations, among other things. The idea is to lose enough water to regulate body temperature, with the least possible chemical disturbance.
Cities Pose Special Hazards
The stagnant atmospheric conditions of the heat wave trap pollutants in urban areas and add the stresses of severe pollution to the already dangerous stresses of hot weather, creating a health problem of undiscovered dimensions. A map of heat-related deaths in St. Louis during 1966, for example, shows a heavier concentration in the crowded alleys and towers of the inner city, where air quality would also be poor during a heat wave.
The high inner-city death rates also can be read as poor access to air-conditioned rooms. While air conditioning may be a luxury in normal times, it can be a lifesaver during heat wave conditions.
The cost of cool air moves steadily higher, adding what appears to be a cruel economic side to heat wave fatalities. Indications from the 1978 Texas heat wave suggest that some elderly people on fixed incomes, many of them in buildings that could not be ventilated without air conditioning, found the cost too high, turned off their units, and ultimately succumbed to the stresses of heat
Children, Adults, and Pets Enclosed in Parked Vehicles Are at Great Risk
Each year children die from hyperthermia as a result of being left enclosed in parked vehicles. This can occur even on a mild day. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise rapidly to a dangerous level for children, adults, and pets. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies warm at a faster rate than adults.
Excessive Heat Cautions and Safety Tips
Preventing Heat-Related Illness
Elderly persons, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anticholinergics), and persons with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to heat reactions, especially during heat waves in areas where a moderate climate usually prevails.
Heat Wave Safety Tips
Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Lightweight light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods (like proteins) that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, (2) are on fluid restrictive diets or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment affords some protection.
Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult
Never leave persons, especially children, and pets in a closed, parked vehicle
Know These Heat Disorder Symptoms
SUNBURN: Redness and pain. In severe cases swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches. First Aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by physician.
HEAT CRAMPS: Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating. First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting. First Aid: Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke): High body temperature (106° F or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First Aid: HEAT STROKE IS A SEVERE MEDICAL EMERGENCY. SUMMON EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE OR GET THE VICTIM TO A HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY. DELAY CAN BE FATAL. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. Persons on salt restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
*For more information contact your local American Red Cross Chapter. Ask to enroll in a first aid course.
Community Guidance: Preparing for and Responding to Excessive Heat Events
The "Excessive Heat Events Guidebook" was developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2006, in collaboration with NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This guidebook provides best practices that have been employed to save lives during heat waves in different urban areas, and provides a menu of options that communities can use in developing their own mitigation plans.
Worker Safety: Outdoor workers can be especially vulnerable to excessive heat. See Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) resources and recommended practices (planning, prevention, and response) when working under hot conditions, such as drinking fluids, changing work/rest schedules to lengthen breaks, cooling down in shade, and looking out for co-workers, particularly those who work alone. Check weather forecasts ahead of time so that you can be better prepared.
Produced as a cooperative effort of NOAA's National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Center for Disease Control, and the American Red Cross.
The above is a News Release from:
United States Department of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
http://www.noaawatch.gov/themes/heat.php#heat_hazards
Thursday, June 9, 2011
12 Identity Theft Prevention Tips
12 Identity Theft Prevention Tips
(See the bottom of this message for hyperlinks for more details and brochures you can print out and share)
1. Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personal identifying information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information.
2. Check your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year.
3. Open your credit card bills and bank statements right away. Review your statements and close unused accounts. Be aware if bills don’t arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.
4. Don’t carry your Social Security card or PIN numbers in your purse or wallet because of what can happen if they fall into the wrong hands.
5. Avoid giving any personal information over the phone, mail, or Internet unless you know who you are dealing with. Give it to them in person instead.
6. Criminals pretend they are collecting money for victims of a natural disaster. Sometimes they claim to be police officers and ask for donations.
7. Elderly people are frequently targeted in money scams. Keep a helpful eye for elderly family members and vulnerable neighbors.
8. Make sure that you disconnect your laptop from a broadband or a shared connection when you are not using it.
9. Avoid offers and pop-ups that sound too good to be true. They want you to enter your information so they can access all of your personal information.
10. Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit offers. Pre-approved credit card offers are a target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from credit
bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688).
11. Only enter personal information on secure Web pages that encrypt your data in transit. You can often tell if a page is secure if "https" is in URL or if there is a padlock icon on the browser window.
12. If you’re going to use a mail box, do so during or close to the posted pick up hours. Better yet, drop your mail off at your local post office. Retrieve mail promptly and discontinue delivery while out of town.
Identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your information, including;
1. Skimming-thieves steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device attached to ATM machines. The device reads the magnetic strip on your card which thieves use to commit fraud.
2. Phishing-by pretending to be financial institutions or companies, thieves can send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information. Be sure your firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software is up to date. Use identity theft protection. Never click on links in pop-up windows or in spam e-mail.
3. Changing Your Address-thieves divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
4. Old-Fashioned Stealing-wallets and purses, mail, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, tax information, personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
5. Pretexting-thieves use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.
6. Fishing-thieves use string to lower pieces of cardboard covered with glue down blue mail boxes and open envelopes that stick looking for personal information they can steal.
7. Dumpster Diving-thieves will go through your trash looking for bills, credit cards and other nformation. Shred anything containing your personal information including credit card offers and “convenience checks” that you don’t use.
8. Information retrieval-thieves desire your hard drive with personal information on it. Have your hard drive professionally erased before disposing it.
9. Victim research-thieves access government registers, Internet search engines, and public records to gain pieces of your personal information.
10. Remote thievery-thieves can read contactless or smartcard credit cards remotely with a compact radio frequency device.
11. Shoulder surfing-the thief simply eavesdrops on transactions you make in public and pick up whatever useful information you disclose.
12. Computer identity theft-with the use of computer viruses, hacking, and zer-day attacks, thieves can get personal information from your computer.
13. Employment scams-these scams advertise a bogus job and request personal information. Never give out personal identification information without knowing whom you are dealing with.
14. Social networking-thieves regularly troll social networking sites to steal personal information so they can use to commit fraud.
From the CRIME PREVENTION AND INFORMATION page of www.lasd.org
Click on the following links for further information on IDENTITY THEFT:
http://sheriff.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lasd/crimeprevention/
From there, click on the FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT INFORMATION page, or access the information through these links:
Victim’s Guide to ID Theft, LASD
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145188.pdf
Identity Theft-A growing concern
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145194.pdf
Identity Theft (Spanish)
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145186.pdf
Preventing Identity Theft
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145196.pdf
Protecting Your Privacy
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145220.pdf
Identity Theft
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145192.pdf
Who’s Calling-Recognize and report Phone Fraud (English)
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145216.pdf
Who’s Calling-Recognize and report Phone Fraud (Spanish)
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145217.pdf
Use Common Sense to Spot a Con, NCPC
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145262.pdf
Stopfraud.gov
http://www.stopfraud.gov/protect-massmarket.html
Victim’s guide to Real Estate Fraud
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145248.pdf
(See the bottom of this message for hyperlinks for more details and brochures you can print out and share)
1. Identity theft starts with the misuse of your personal identifying information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card numbers, or other financial account information.
2. Check your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year.
3. Open your credit card bills and bank statements right away. Review your statements and close unused accounts. Be aware if bills don’t arrive on time. It may mean that someone has changed contact information to hide fraudulent charges.
4. Don’t carry your Social Security card or PIN numbers in your purse or wallet because of what can happen if they fall into the wrong hands.
5. Avoid giving any personal information over the phone, mail, or Internet unless you know who you are dealing with. Give it to them in person instead.
6. Criminals pretend they are collecting money for victims of a natural disaster. Sometimes they claim to be police officers and ask for donations.
7. Elderly people are frequently targeted in money scams. Keep a helpful eye for elderly family members and vulnerable neighbors.
8. Make sure that you disconnect your laptop from a broadband or a shared connection when you are not using it.
9. Avoid offers and pop-ups that sound too good to be true. They want you to enter your information so they can access all of your personal information.
10. Remove your name from mailing lists for pre-approved credit offers. Pre-approved credit card offers are a target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from credit
bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688).
11. Only enter personal information on secure Web pages that encrypt your data in transit. You can often tell if a page is secure if "https" is in URL or if there is a padlock icon on the browser window.
12. If you’re going to use a mail box, do so during or close to the posted pick up hours. Better yet, drop your mail off at your local post office. Retrieve mail promptly and discontinue delivery while out of town.
Identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your information, including;
1. Skimming-thieves steal credit/debit card numbers by using a special storage device attached to ATM machines. The device reads the magnetic strip on your card which thieves use to commit fraud.
2. Phishing-by pretending to be financial institutions or companies, thieves can send spam or pop-up messages to get you to reveal your personal information. Be sure your firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software is up to date. Use identity theft protection. Never click on links in pop-up windows or in spam e-mail.
3. Changing Your Address-thieves divert your billing statements to another location by completing a change of address form.
4. Old-Fashioned Stealing-wallets and purses, mail, bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, tax information, personnel records, or bribe employees who have access.
5. Pretexting-thieves use false pretenses to obtain your personal information from financial institutions, telephone companies, and other sources.
6. Fishing-thieves use string to lower pieces of cardboard covered with glue down blue mail boxes and open envelopes that stick looking for personal information they can steal.
7. Dumpster Diving-thieves will go through your trash looking for bills, credit cards and other nformation. Shred anything containing your personal information including credit card offers and “convenience checks” that you don’t use.
8. Information retrieval-thieves desire your hard drive with personal information on it. Have your hard drive professionally erased before disposing it.
9. Victim research-thieves access government registers, Internet search engines, and public records to gain pieces of your personal information.
10. Remote thievery-thieves can read contactless or smartcard credit cards remotely with a compact radio frequency device.
11. Shoulder surfing-the thief simply eavesdrops on transactions you make in public and pick up whatever useful information you disclose.
12. Computer identity theft-with the use of computer viruses, hacking, and zer-day attacks, thieves can get personal information from your computer.
13. Employment scams-these scams advertise a bogus job and request personal information. Never give out personal identification information without knowing whom you are dealing with.
14. Social networking-thieves regularly troll social networking sites to steal personal information so they can use to commit fraud.
From the CRIME PREVENTION AND INFORMATION page of www.lasd.org
Click on the following links for further information on IDENTITY THEFT:
http://sheriff.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/lasd/crimeprevention/
From there, click on the FRAUD AND IDENTITY THEFT INFORMATION page, or access the information through these links:
Victim’s Guide to ID Theft, LASD
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145188.pdf
Identity Theft-A growing concern
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145194.pdf
Identity Theft (Spanish)
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145186.pdf
Preventing Identity Theft
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145196.pdf
Protecting Your Privacy
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145220.pdf
Identity Theft
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145192.pdf
Who’s Calling-Recognize and report Phone Fraud (English)
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145216.pdf
Who’s Calling-Recognize and report Phone Fraud (Spanish)
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145217.pdf
Use Common Sense to Spot a Con, NCPC
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145262.pdf
Stopfraud.gov
http://www.stopfraud.gov/protect-massmarket.html
Victim’s guide to Real Estate Fraud
http://file.lacounty.gov/lasd/cms1_145248.pdf
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Calls on Legislature to Protect Public Safety by Funding Realignment
Calls on Legislature to Protect Public Safety by Funding Realignment
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today submitted a report to the federal Three-Judge Court updating it on prison crowding reduction measures that the state has taken, or plans to take, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on May 23, 2011. This decision requires California to reduce inmate crowding within its 33 adult institutions to 137.5 percent of design capacity within two years, or by May 24, 2013.
“California has already reduced its prison population significantly over the past several years. Today, we have the lowest crowding levels in California’s prisons since 1995,” said CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate. “Our goal is to meet the Court’s order by continuing to reduce prison crowding while still holding offenders accountable.
“Our current reduction plan does not include the early release of inmates. But it is absolutely critical that the Legislature understand the seriousness of the Supreme Court’s decision and support a variety of measures that will allow us to lower our inmate population in the safest possible way,” Cate added. “AB 109 is the cornerstone of the solution, and the Legislature must act to protect public safety by funding Realignment.”
On May 23, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Three-Judge Court’s determination that medical and mental health care for inmates falls below a constitutional level of care and that the only way to meet the requirements is by reducing prison crowding. Complying with the Court’s decision will require implementing and funding of Realignment, as well as new prison construction, to achieve the 137.5 percent goal set by the Court.
Crowding Reduction Deadlines
Today, the number of inmates in the state’s 33 prisons is approximately 143,000 inmates—a reduction of about 19,000 inmates since plaintiffs filed their motions to convene the Three-Judge Court on November 13, 2006. At that time, California’s prisons were at 202 percent of design capacity. Today, the state’s 33 prisons operate at approximately 179 percent of design capacity. California’s 33 prisons were designed to hold 79,858 inmates.
According to the Supreme Court’s decision, effective May 24, 2011, the inmate population statewide in California’s 33 adult prisons must be no more than:
• 167 percent of design capacity by November 28, 2011,
• 155 percent of design capacity by May 24, 2012,
• 147 percent of design capacity by November 26, 2012,
• 137.5 percent of design capacity by May 24, 2013.
Today’s filing outlines the following measures to reduce prison crowding:
Realignment – The Cornerstone of California’s Solution
On April 4, 2011, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed Assembly Bill 109, historic legislation that will enable California to close the revolving door of low-level inmates cycling in and out of prison.
Under Realignment, the state will continue to incarcerate offenders who commit serious, violent, or sexual crimes and counties will supervise, rehabilitate and manage low-level offenders using a variety of tools. It is anticipated that realignment will reduce the prison population by tens of thousands of low-level offenders over the next three years.
As Governor Brown said in his AB 109 signing message, Realignment cannot and will not be implemented without necessary funding. The Governor also signed Assembly Bill 111, which gives counties additional flexibility to access funding to increase local jail capacity for the purpose of implementing Realignment.
Realignment is supported by law enforcement including the California Police Chiefs Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, California Peace Officers’ Association, California State Sheriffs’ Association, Chief Probation Officers of California, Association for Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs and Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officers Union and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.
Legislative Reforms
Legislative reforms already implemented include the passage of Senate Bill (SB) x3 18, which, in part, established the California Community Corrections Performance Incentives Act, created credit-earning enhancements for inmates who complete certain rehabilitation programs, and reformed parole supervision by creating a Non-Revocable Parole category for low-level, lower-risk offenders.
CDCR also transferred about 10,000 inmates to out-of-state facilities. This program would continue as operationally needed. Since 2009, the department has also discharged more than 27,000 parolees who were deported to foreign countries by the federal government.
Increasing Capacity
CDCR has made efforts to increase prison capacity through Assembly Bill 900, passed in a bipartisan vote of the Legislature and signed into law on May 3, 2007. The department has increased design capacity by adding beds as well as treatment space.
Under AB 900, the state is currently planning, designing or constructing:
• A new 1.2 million-square-foot health-care facility in Stockton.
• New high-security prison facilities to be built on existing prison sites.
• New mental health facilities at the California Medical Facility and the California Institution for Women.
• Conversions of former juvenile facilities to adult facilities.
• New re-entry facilities.
In addition to projects that will add design capacity, under AB 900, the state has completed and is planning upgrades that add health care treatment and clinical space.
The full report filed with the Three-Judge Court, as well as other information regarding population reduction measures, is available on CDCR’s web site at http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/
####
?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 7, 2011
CONTACT: OSCAR HIDALGO (916) 445-4950
SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) today submitted a report to the federal Three-Judge Court updating it on prison crowding reduction measures that the state has taken, or plans to take, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision on May 23, 2011. This decision requires California to reduce inmate crowding within its 33 adult institutions to 137.5 percent of design capacity within two years, or by May 24, 2013.
“California has already reduced its prison population significantly over the past several years. Today, we have the lowest crowding levels in California’s prisons since 1995,” said CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate. “Our goal is to meet the Court’s order by continuing to reduce prison crowding while still holding offenders accountable.
“Our current reduction plan does not include the early release of inmates. But it is absolutely critical that the Legislature understand the seriousness of the Supreme Court’s decision and support a variety of measures that will allow us to lower our inmate population in the safest possible way,” Cate added. “AB 109 is the cornerstone of the solution, and the Legislature must act to protect public safety by funding Realignment.”
On May 23, 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Three-Judge Court’s determination that medical and mental health care for inmates falls below a constitutional level of care and that the only way to meet the requirements is by reducing prison crowding. Complying with the Court’s decision will require implementing and funding of Realignment, as well as new prison construction, to achieve the 137.5 percent goal set by the Court.
Crowding Reduction Deadlines
Today, the number of inmates in the state’s 33 prisons is approximately 143,000 inmates—a reduction of about 19,000 inmates since plaintiffs filed their motions to convene the Three-Judge Court on November 13, 2006. At that time, California’s prisons were at 202 percent of design capacity. Today, the state’s 33 prisons operate at approximately 179 percent of design capacity. California’s 33 prisons were designed to hold 79,858 inmates.
According to the Supreme Court’s decision, effective May 24, 2011, the inmate population statewide in California’s 33 adult prisons must be no more than:
• 167 percent of design capacity by November 28, 2011,
• 155 percent of design capacity by May 24, 2012,
• 147 percent of design capacity by November 26, 2012,
• 137.5 percent of design capacity by May 24, 2013.
Today’s filing outlines the following measures to reduce prison crowding:
Realignment – The Cornerstone of California’s Solution
On April 4, 2011, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed Assembly Bill 109, historic legislation that will enable California to close the revolving door of low-level inmates cycling in and out of prison.
Under Realignment, the state will continue to incarcerate offenders who commit serious, violent, or sexual crimes and counties will supervise, rehabilitate and manage low-level offenders using a variety of tools. It is anticipated that realignment will reduce the prison population by tens of thousands of low-level offenders over the next three years.
As Governor Brown said in his AB 109 signing message, Realignment cannot and will not be implemented without necessary funding. The Governor also signed Assembly Bill 111, which gives counties additional flexibility to access funding to increase local jail capacity for the purpose of implementing Realignment.
Realignment is supported by law enforcement including the California Police Chiefs Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, California Peace Officers’ Association, California State Sheriffs’ Association, Chief Probation Officers of California, Association for Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriffs and Los Angeles County Deputy Probation Officers Union and Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca.
Legislative Reforms
Legislative reforms already implemented include the passage of Senate Bill (SB) x3 18, which, in part, established the California Community Corrections Performance Incentives Act, created credit-earning enhancements for inmates who complete certain rehabilitation programs, and reformed parole supervision by creating a Non-Revocable Parole category for low-level, lower-risk offenders.
CDCR also transferred about 10,000 inmates to out-of-state facilities. This program would continue as operationally needed. Since 2009, the department has also discharged more than 27,000 parolees who were deported to foreign countries by the federal government.
Increasing Capacity
CDCR has made efforts to increase prison capacity through Assembly Bill 900, passed in a bipartisan vote of the Legislature and signed into law on May 3, 2007. The department has increased design capacity by adding beds as well as treatment space.
Under AB 900, the state is currently planning, designing or constructing:
• A new 1.2 million-square-foot health-care facility in Stockton.
• New high-security prison facilities to be built on existing prison sites.
• New mental health facilities at the California Medical Facility and the California Institution for Women.
• Conversions of former juvenile facilities to adult facilities.
• New re-entry facilities.
In addition to projects that will add design capacity, under AB 900, the state has completed and is planning upgrades that add health care treatment and clinical space.
The full report filed with the Three-Judge Court, as well as other information regarding population reduction measures, is available on CDCR’s web site at http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/
####
?FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 7, 2011
CONTACT: OSCAR HIDALGO (916) 445-4950
CDCR Prison Overcrowding Proposal Shortsighted, Ineffective Say Experts
For Immediate Release—June 8, 2011
CDCR Prison Overcrowding Proposal Shortsighted,
Ineffective Say Experts
Advocates, Academics, Organizations Oppose Construction & Propose Sustainable Population Reduction
Contact: Isaac Ontiveros
Communications Director, Critical Resistance
Office: 510.444.0484
Cell: 510.517.6612
Oakland CA— Yesterday, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced a multi-million dollar plan to construct new prisons, reopen old ones and shift prisoners to county jails. Responding to the recent Supreme Court decision ordering an immediate population reduction in California’s infamous prison system, CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate specifically rejected reforms to the California system. Advocates, academics, and organizations from across California have in turn rejected CDCR’s recommendations and demand that the state relieve often-deadly overcrowding while freeing up resources to provide reentry services to prisoners coming home as well as desperately needed funding for health, employment, education, and other social services across the state. Low income communities, especially low-income communities of color, have been hit hardest both by budget cuts and California’s prison system.
Over 40 member organizations of Californians United for A Responsible Budget (CURB) sent an open letter to California Governor Brown and CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate's Offices late last week laying out ways the State could safely reduce the prison population by tens of thousands of prisoners while saving billions of dollars. The coalition vehemently rejects construction or expansion of prisons and jails as a response to the Supreme Court ruling, writing, “Imagining that we can solve the problem of crowded cells by building more cells has clearly been one of the key failed policy dreams of governors since [Governor] Deukmejian. Building to reduce overcrowding is what got us to Plata [the overcrowding case upheld by the Supreme Court].”
In their open letter, the groups are also critical of current realignment plans, which could simply shift prisoners from overcrowded state prisons to overcrowded county jails, calling it “expansion of mass incarceration at the county level” and noted the grave fiscal impacts of costly burden shifts, saying, “California counties are already spending anywhere from 70 to 80% of their general fund budgets on public safety… realignment could mean the elimination or further reduction of parks, libraries and municipal support services for youth and elderly populations in the state.”
While it remains to be seen if CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate’s hard line against reform reflects the will of California’s decision-makers, let alone its residents, CURB says it will continue to push for the more than a dozen population reduction reforms outlined in the open letter as well as its Budget for Humanity released earlier this year. Many of the measures proposed by CURB have been effectively, safely, and successfully implemented in other states across the country and include repealing three strikes law; expanding medical parole and compassionate release for terminally ill and medically incapacitated prisoners; reforming sentencing laws by reducing the penalty for drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor; eliminating return to custody as a sanction for administrative and technical parole violations; expanding “good time” credits; and much more.
CURB maintains that any solution to the prison crisis requires that California shift its priorities “away from the failed policies of imprisonment and back towards a society that invests our scarce tax resources to develop our people rather than cage them.”
CDCR Prison Overcrowding Proposal Shortsighted,
Ineffective Say Experts
Advocates, Academics, Organizations Oppose Construction & Propose Sustainable Population Reduction
Contact: Isaac Ontiveros
Communications Director, Critical Resistance
Office: 510.444.0484
Cell: 510.517.6612
Oakland CA— Yesterday, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) announced a multi-million dollar plan to construct new prisons, reopen old ones and shift prisoners to county jails. Responding to the recent Supreme Court decision ordering an immediate population reduction in California’s infamous prison system, CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate specifically rejected reforms to the California system. Advocates, academics, and organizations from across California have in turn rejected CDCR’s recommendations and demand that the state relieve often-deadly overcrowding while freeing up resources to provide reentry services to prisoners coming home as well as desperately needed funding for health, employment, education, and other social services across the state. Low income communities, especially low-income communities of color, have been hit hardest both by budget cuts and California’s prison system.
Over 40 member organizations of Californians United for A Responsible Budget (CURB) sent an open letter to California Governor Brown and CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate's Offices late last week laying out ways the State could safely reduce the prison population by tens of thousands of prisoners while saving billions of dollars. The coalition vehemently rejects construction or expansion of prisons and jails as a response to the Supreme Court ruling, writing, “Imagining that we can solve the problem of crowded cells by building more cells has clearly been one of the key failed policy dreams of governors since [Governor] Deukmejian. Building to reduce overcrowding is what got us to Plata [the overcrowding case upheld by the Supreme Court].”
In their open letter, the groups are also critical of current realignment plans, which could simply shift prisoners from overcrowded state prisons to overcrowded county jails, calling it “expansion of mass incarceration at the county level” and noted the grave fiscal impacts of costly burden shifts, saying, “California counties are already spending anywhere from 70 to 80% of their general fund budgets on public safety… realignment could mean the elimination or further reduction of parks, libraries and municipal support services for youth and elderly populations in the state.”
While it remains to be seen if CDCR Secretary Matthew Cate’s hard line against reform reflects the will of California’s decision-makers, let alone its residents, CURB says it will continue to push for the more than a dozen population reduction reforms outlined in the open letter as well as its Budget for Humanity released earlier this year. Many of the measures proposed by CURB have been effectively, safely, and successfully implemented in other states across the country and include repealing three strikes law; expanding medical parole and compassionate release for terminally ill and medically incapacitated prisoners; reforming sentencing laws by reducing the penalty for drug possession from a felony to a misdemeanor; eliminating return to custody as a sanction for administrative and technical parole violations; expanding “good time” credits; and much more.
CURB maintains that any solution to the prison crisis requires that California shift its priorities “away from the failed policies of imprisonment and back towards a society that invests our scarce tax resources to develop our people rather than cage them.”
Sunday, June 5, 2011
An Opposing View of the Sex Offender Registry!
Not everyone who is on the Public Sex Offender Registry has Molested a child or Raped someone.
People deserve a second chance. Being on the registry gives NO SECOND CHANCE.
Join us on our website, become a member... LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD...
Rights don't defend themselves. People have only those rights they are willing and able to unite to defend, with armed force if necessary. If you don't defend others when their rights are violated, don't expect anyone to defend yours , and those rights will be violated if they are not defended.
— Jon Roland, 1994
— Jon Roland, 1994
The National Public Sex Offender Registry, Sex Offender Registration Notification Act, (SORNA) and the Adam Walsh Act are counterproductive to the safety of men, women and children in society.
The Public Sex Offender Registry so stigmatizes all who are placed upon it that they cannot:
· Secure Employment
· Secure Housing
· Protect their innocent children from being traumatized by the stigma as well.
Placing the name, age, address, crime, place of employment and many pieces of information on a publicly accessible website creates a state of constant instability for the ex-offenders and their families. Many professionals have addressed this issue.1,2
EMPLOYMENT FOR EX-OFFENDERS
Employment is basically not an option as all job applications ask if the prospective employee has ever been convicted of a sex crime. Not only that, but employers do not want to wear the stigma of having an employee listed on the public shaming sex offender registry as working at their business. Employers fear loss of customers due to the stigma.
HOUSING FOR EX-OFFENDERS
Anyone who is on the public sex offender registry faces huge challenges when seeking to rent housing. Not only is there residency restrictions which make it almost impossible to find suitable housing in many cities but also many rental applications ask if a person is on the registry...once that is disclosed.. the applicant is denied.
EFFECTS OF THE PUBLIC SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY ON THE INNOCENT CHILDREN OF EX-OFFENDERS
The innocent children of ex-offenders suffer great amounts of pain and humiliation due to their parent being on the registry. The registration laws were created to protect children from being raped and molested. But in fact, the very registration laws created to protect children are the tools used by government and state law enforcement to rape and molest innocent children with their laws.
Children of ex-offenders have been found to not only be bullied, ostracized, ridiculed, humiliated, excluded and treated as lepers by fellow students and neighbors in their communities but also have suffered by having to live substandard lives economically due to the parent not being able to find employment or start their own businesses due to the stigma of being on the registry.
The innocent children of ex-offenders should not have to undergo all the stigma of their parent being on the registry. But they do. These laws have not been shown to protect anyone or make society safer in many studies but they have been proven to harm the innocent children of ex offenders who are seeking to begin a second chance after having paid their debt to society.
BIGGER GOVERNMENT AT TAX PAYER'S EXPENSE FOR LAWS WHICH ARE PROVEN TO BE NOT ONLY INEFFECTIVE AT PROTECTING SOCIETY BUT ALSO INCREASE THE POTENTIAL FOR RECIDIVISM OF THE EX-OFFENDER
SORNA and the Adam Walsh Act seek to expand the Public Sex Offender Registry and all the attached laws and regulations. SORNA and the Adam Walsh Act seek to increase the number of support staff nationwide and have YOU the tax payers fund it. Even though many studies by professionals not only state the registry and residency restrictions do not make society safer, but also cost billions of dollars in tax payer money.
ALL WHO ARE ON THE REGISTRY ARE OPEN TARGETS FOR VIGILANTES, MANY HAVE ALREADY BEEN KILLED AND ASSAULTED FOR SIMPLY BEING ON THE REGISTRY
This information clearly shows being on the registry makes a person and their family a target for murder and assault. This includes the innocent family members of ex offenders.
MANY WHO ARE ON THE REGISTRY ARE BANNED BY LAW FROM PRACTICING THEIR RELIGION
As many churches have children who attend, as worshiping God is a Family setting...many persons on the public sex offender registry who seek to attend church are not permitted to do so by law. 6,7 Even though many of these people have never harmed or touched a child, they are banned from parks, churches and other places where children congregate.
EDUCATION, PROPER SENTENCING AND TREATMENT IS THE KEY
Educating society about how to protect themselves and their children from sexual abuse should be the very most important aspect when seeking to reduce the occurrence of sexual abuse. Teaching parents exactly Who is a danger to their children. Anyone whom they trust enough to leave alone anywhere with their child is the person who could molest them. Fathers, Step Fathers, Grand Parents, Brothers, Cousins, Uncles, Pastors, Priests, Youth Leaders, Teaches, Coaches, Music Instructors...the list is endless... Anyone who you leave your child alone with can be the one who molests them.
Proper Sentencing of those who are convicted of sexual crimes is another key to solving the sexual abuse problem in America..
Sex and Violence in the media
One other huge aspect, all the sex and violence in the media, game consoles, television, theaters, and yes, the internet has been shown to have a direct impact on behaviors.
IN SUMMARY:
The stigma associated with the public sex offender registry so disables the person who is on the registry as to prevent them from having the ability to secure employment, housing and being safe from being murdered by vigilantes. The children of ex-offenders are so traumatized by being labeled children of perverts so as to cause them to be branded as lepers by their peers.
Those who abuse others need to be dealt with by our Criminal Justice System. If the job of catching, trying and sentencing a person for their crime is done properly, there is no need for a public sex offender registry.
Dangerous people should not even be sent back out into society in the first place.
Releasing a person from prison then branding them as an outcast, a leper and heaping so many regulations and laws upon them that they are Setup to fail is not humane nor is it Justice. Not only ineffective and harmful to society, but also very expensive to tax payers.
The public shaming of ex-offenders needs to stop. The public sex offender registry needs to be abolished and outlawed nationally.
REFERENCES:
1. The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers speaks on the issues. SOURCE
2. Patty Wetterling Speaks on the Issues THE HARM IN SEX OFFENDER LAWS
2. Patty Wetterling Speaks on the Issues THE HARM IN SEX OFFENDER LAWS
3. Targets for Murder SOURCE, VIEW GRAPH CLICK HERE, Complete Article Click Here
4. Over 1000 studies - including a Surgeon General's special report in 1972 and a National Institute of Mental Health report 10 years later - attest to a causal connection between media sex and violence and aggressive behavior in some children. SOURCE
5. A study of 1792 adolescents ages 12-17 showed that watching sex on TV influences teens to have sex. Basically, kids with higher exposure to sex on TV were almost twice as likely as kids with lower exposure to initiate sexual intercourse. - Study Conducted by RAND and published in the September 2004 issue of Pediatrics. SOURCE
6. Should Sex Offenders Be Barred from Church SOURCE
7. Banned from Church by Law: SOURCE
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