OJ's New Crime: Cookie Theft?

(Newser) – OJ Simpson has managed to get himself in trouble again—from behind bars. After lunch, guards spotted the former football star, in a Nevada jail for armed robbery, concealing something under his prison outfit, according to the National Enquirer. Turns out there were more than a dozen cookies underneath, Gawker reports. "OJ just stood there with a goofy grin on his face as the guard kept digging inside his shirt and throwing the cookies on the floor," says the Enquirer's source.

Simpson has been urged to cut down on sugary foods due to diabetes, the Daily Mail notes. But "the temptation of the cookies in the prison chow line was too much for him," says the source. "When the guard started pulling cookies out of OJ's shirt, the other inmates started laughing so hard they nearly fell over." His punishment, per the Mail: just a warning.

View the original article here

Crime Pays

Once in a while, some credit should be given to the victims; it’s not always the criminals that make this site so delightfully stupid. Now, I’m not saying they deserve it, so don’t go out and rob someone because they like One Direction or vandalize their lawn for buying Snookie’s autobiography, but sometimes the innocent ones raise our self-esteem a bit as well.

So here’s what not to do when a bunch of teenage hooligans (or thugs, ruffians, hoodlums…pick your favorite) drive by and throw a milkshake in your face: toss back your alligator skin purse. A California woman is to thank for that lesson, whose purse happened to contain $2,000 in cash.  Palo Alto Online reports that she had thrown the purse in return for the milkshake to the face, but it ended up going right through the vehicle’s window. And into the hands of kids likely to buy 2 grand worth of frozen dairy.

View the original article here

It’s A Crime They’re So Stupid…

By sbraccia on | From wncn.info   Like a perpetual motion machine that just keeps on running, we seem to have an endless supply of criminals who are not the brightest bulbs on the marquee of life… Check ‘em out in this latest edition of:   A STORYBOOK ENDING…. Generally, the art of burglary is best executed if you leave the place you’ve robbed once [...] Related Articles:

View the original article here

What to Report to the Police in the Event of a Violent Crime

With the crime rate in every major city in the United States on the rise, not only do we need to be physically ready, we also need to be mentally prepared in case we come face to face with a criminal. Violent crimes such as, rape, sexual assault, aggravated assault, armed robbery, home invasion and carjacking are all on the rise, at alarming rate. Though, we all hope and pray not to be victims of any of these violent crimes, nonetheless, we need to know how to gather information about the crime and the perpetrator in case we become victims.

Naturally, most of us scream, cry or freeze in a crisis situation, but we need to be very observant in these situations. Because, being able to gather vital information about the criminal and the crime will help you and the police apprehend the perpetrator. One of the most important keys to solving a crime is being able to know what to report to the police in the event of a violent crime.

Therefore, if you are being attacked or you witness someone being attacked violently, pay close attention to the physical appearance of the attacker. One of the first things you need to determine is the race of the perpetrator. Are they white, black or Hispanic? Observe physical features like the height and built. How tall are they? Are they small, medium or large framed? Focus on their face, the shape and color of the eyes, the color of the hair, the shape of the nose and the mouth and a good estimate of the shoe size. In addition, make a mental note of their clothing, were they wearing a T-shirt, a dress shirt or hooded sweater. What kind of pants were they wearing. Are they jeans, dress pants or sweat pants? Also, make sure you can accurately describe the shoes. Were they sneakers, boots or dress shoes? And if they were wearing a hat what type is it. Is it a baseball cap, skull cap or a fedora? Now, if they fled the scene in a car, determine the make and model, the color and if possible the tag number.

In conclusion, since most of these criminals already have lengthy criminal history, it is very important to make some of these observations in the event of a violent crime. Because these observations can help you identify the perpetrator in a police mug shot file or line-up. They can also help you take criminal off the streets and put then behind bars, where they belong.

Michael Imana is a freelance writer. His articles focuses mainly on personal, home and business security issues. He has published several ebooks on self-defense and home security products. He helped started Prosafety Systems, an internet-based company that specializes in providing the very latest in personal, home and business security products. He is dedicated to helping people protect themselves, their homes and their businesses.

http://www.myprosafety.com

[http://www.myprospy.com]

Defense Against Sex Crime Allegations

Sex crimes cover a broad spectrum of sex-related offenses. In essence, they involve non-consensual sexual contact. They can include any unwanted touching of the sexual organs, molestation, sexual assault (rape) or sexual battery.

Sex crimes also include prostitution and solicitation of prostitution even if it was entirely consensual. Law enforcement agencies set up entire "stings" to catch prostitutes, pimps and Johns in the act. They also place ads on public forums such as Craigslist to track down and convict people who engage in prostitution. If you were accused of committing a sex crime, you have to act fast to protect yourself. If you are convicted you could face jail or prison sentencing, probation or parole, and steep monetary fines. What's worse, the effects that a sex crime conviction might have on your reputation, your personal relationships and your career could be devastating.

For more serious sex crimes such as sexual abuse, sexual battery and sexual assault or rape you will most likely be facing mandatory sex offender registration. This means that you would have to register as a sex offender no matter where you live. What's more, your headshot, conviction and home address would be made public information for all to see.

Escaping the stigma of a registered sex offender is fairly unrealistic. It is more likely that the offense will haunt you wherever you go. Unfortunately, many people who are accused of a sex crime are actually innocent. The challenging part is proving that your description of the events or lack of events is honest and true as opposed to the accusations coming from the alleged victim. Being innocent isn't always enough when the accuser delivers a convincing theatrical display to the prosecution and the judge.

It is not uncommon for pubescent teens or young girls and boys to falsely accuse their parent of sexual abuse or molestation. Unfortunately, minors can make false accusations in order to please the other parent or out of pure anger or contempt for their parents. Although sexual offenses against a minor are extremely serious, whether they are founded on fact or not, law enforcement must take the necessary precautions and investigate any allegations. However, this can put the wrongfully accused in a very uncomfortable situation in the meantime, and law enforcement might not be so quick to offer you sympathy during such investigations.

Another common scenario where false allegations are made involves bitter divorces or child custody battles. Sometimes an angry or vindictive mother will falsely accuse her husband of child molestation or rape in order to gain custody of the couple's children during a volatile divorce.

Since there are many situations in which no witnesses are around at the time of the allegation, it is essential that you retain an experienced criminal defense attorney if you have been convicted of a sex crime. Being convicted could destroy your reputation, and it might turn a lot of people against you. Sex crime allegations are also extremely embarrassing because they attack your very core. If you have been accused of a sex crime, a criminal defense attorney can handle your case in a discreet and private manner. When your reputation and freedom are on the line, you can't afford to hire a weak defense attorney who might make costly mistakes on your case. Please take a moment to contact a criminal defense attorney to discuss your case. You deserve to have a professional on your side during this difficult time.

The Colorado Springs legal team at the Law Office of Michael Moran is prepared to fight on your behalf. Their firm has extensive experience in handling a variety of criminal charges including: sex crimes, drug crimes, traffic offenses, probation violations and more. They understand how good people can make mistakes or make an error in judgment, while other times innocent people are wrongfully accused. Either way, they are not here to judge you regardless of your charges. Attorneys at the firm will offer sound advice that can give you a clear idea of what to expect in the legal system, along with the best ways to prepare your defense. They will tailor a unique strategy to suit your needs so you have the best chances of fighting the charges against you. You are urged to contact a Colorado Springs criminal defense attorney at (877) 500-7309 for a free consultation.

Self Defense and Community Crime Rates

We are all aware that the United States has a serious crime problem. Most think the way to deal with unbridled crime is to allow the police to deal with this epidemic. Non violent persons had no problem carrying some kind of non lethal self defense products. Others believe that ownership of firearms by law abiding citizens will reduce the violent crime rate. Of course arming citizens does not sit well with Law Enforcement Agencies..They are concerned that this would only aggravate an already bad situation. Just imagine what would happen if two strangers got involved in a physical confrontation and they both were carrying a handgun. We can only imagine that it could easily escalate into a gun fight.

A friend of mine who carries not lethal self defense weapons and lives in a large city with a high crime rate stated. "Every time I leave my apartment, I fear for my life". You may not feel that helpless, but I am sure that the realization that you could become a victim has crossed your mind. My mother frequently commented when she was much younger when there was a murder anywhere in the city the community was shocked and appalled. Murders only occurred on a very small scale, and murderers were viewed as monsters. Today we are so used to hearing of homicides and other violent crimes we have become desensitized. In some major cities murders exceed three hundred a year.

I grew up in Baltimore City, and I was exposed to crime and violence at a very young age. I thought all cities had the same crime problems until I did a stint in the army. Traveling around the country while in the military, I discovered peaceful crime free communities where people actually spoke to you when they walked by. In Baltimore City if a stranger acknowledges you, they usually want something. Self defense and crime were my last concern. After military service, I spent eleven years on the Baltimore City Police Department. I saw more carnage and death as a police officer than I experienced in a year of combat. I finally left the police Department and now live in small town around 60 miles from the city.

I finally moved away from an environment of noise, trash in the streets and in some area rats as big as cats. I live in a quiet clean and friendly community. Although the crime rate is nowhere near the scale of Baltimore City, recently a number of brutal rapes and murders have occurred. I notice especially at night people seem apprehensive and very cautious. Rarely do you see women walking alone or approaching strangers making casual conversations. Several of my friends have obtained weapons for their self defense. There is a lesson for all honest, hard working, law abiding citizens out there. You may have always lived in a low crime rate area, or you may have recently moved to one. Crime is everywhere and self defense should always be your concern.

Jerome Wilkins is a former decorated Baltimore City Police Officer. He is presently a Security Consultant and owner of DefendMax LLC. Visit his self defense web site at and receive a 10% discount on your 1st order by using code fv100 at checkout. You may want to examine some of our best selling stun guns.

Bullet Trajectories at Crime Scenes - Where Was the Shooter Standing?

Recommended Procedures for Documenting Bullet Trajectory

Crime scenes involving the use of firearms present unique challenges for the crime scene investigator, but using relatively simple techniques it is often possible to reconstruct the events that give some indication as to what occurred during the actual discharge of the weapon. By this I mean it is possible to determine the actual path or trajectory of the bullets, and using this information, determine the location of the shooter.

A number of factors must be taken into account including the position of cartridge cases ejected from automatic and semi-automatic weapons. It is therefore essential that the exact position of spent casings be marked and documented before any other investigative procedures are followed.

Document (Photograph & Sketch) Positions of Spent Cartridge Casings

Photography is the first necessity so it is imperative that the crime scene be afforded absolute security. Until spent cartridges are properly recorded-all foot traffic must be banned from the area.

Each spent casing should be marked using standard crime scene evidence identifiers such as "evidence tents," placards, or similar devices.

Typically, overall scene photos are taken first, followed by medium distance and close-ups. Be certain to include other nearby objects in these photos to better establish the true position of each object photographed.

It is also imperative that a crime scene sketch be prepared once photography is completed. Each spent casing should be located on the sketch that includes either triangulation or coordinate methods of measurement.

The physical location of spent casings may tell a unique story of their own. Placement of these objects results from normal ejection by the weapon and may provide limited data as to the location of the shooter, the direction of shots fired and possibly the path taken by the bullet(s). Ejected casings may also substantiate or refute statements from witnesses, victims or suspects.

Methods For Determining Bullet Trajectory

Historically, the technique of "stringing" a crime scene may date back over 70 years. Stringing has been, and continues to be used at crime scenes for the purpose of determining the source of blood spatter and the path of bullets.

Normally speaking, a firearms examiner would be called upon to render expert testimony with regard to the physics and trigonometric calculations regarding bullet travel. But experts with these qualifications are often few in number. It is therefore incumbent upon the crime scene investigator to provide this "expert" with the documentation needed to draw his conclusions.

While other factors may contribute to a determination of bullet trajectory-the most important fact required for there to be even the slightest degree of accuracy is for the bullet(s) to have passed through at least two objects. This will include:

A door and a wall

A two-sided wall

A window and/or a wall, door or victim, etc.

While stringing the crime scene has been the most frequently used method for documenting bullet travel, it does have its short-comings. When a bullet passed through a window, sharp edges are created, therefore if string is used it must be protected (tape or drinking straw). If more than just a few feet of travel is involved, string is susceptible to droop or sagging. It is therefore advisable to use a strong nylon or other synthetic string rather than cotton string.

Alternatives to Using String

An ideal alternative to use are rods of different diameters. With the exception of hollow aluminum rods, most metals like steel, copper or brass may tend to be too heavy. Also consider wooden dowels or plastic and fiberglass rods.

Tools and Equipment Needed for Determining Bullet Trajectory

String (if this is all that is available) Nylon (or equivalent synthetic)

Plastic or fiberglass rods (preferred), multi-colored if possible)

Adhesive tape (duct tape, surgical tape, even fingerprint lifting tape)

Measuring tapes (25-100 ft. w/metric scale)

Photo ID tape or stick-on labels

Evidence collection kit containing sterile swabs and collection containers

Evidence marking labels (adhesive-type)

Protractor (clear plastic) or,

Inclinometer - for measuring angles and slopes

Directional compass (camping-type with aiming sight)

Graph paper for sketching

Marking pens

Carpenter's or brick mason's string (bubble) level. This device is only used if an inclinometer is not available.

Laser pointer

Crime Scene Investigation Guidelines

Due to the variety and complexity of crime scenes, it is impractical to publish specific guidelines. The following guidelines are offered as a starting or reference point. The actual methods and procedures followed will be dependent upon the experience, judgment and training of the crime scene investigator.

Interior Structures and/or Motor Vehicles

The procedures followed when investigating shootings that occurred in a structure or motor vehicle are quite similar. Again, these suggestions are meant to be a starting point and the investigator should-first and foremost-follow departmental guidelines and procedures.

Shot or shots fired through a glass window: By examining the bullet hole, determine if the bullet was fired from outside or inside the window.

Using a sterile swab, collect any possible gunpowder residue from around the bullet hole from the outside. Repeat this procedure, using a fresh swab, on the inside of the window.

Locate any bullet holes inside the structure or vehicle.

Photograph all bullet holes found in the structure and vehicle. Be certain to include a scale and visible marker (stick on label) adjacent to each bullet hole:

1. Overall, wide angle photos

2. Medium distance photos

3. Close-up photos showing scale to determine bullet hole size

Determine if the bullet is lodged in the wall or object it struck. Locate the exit hole, if any.

If string is used, run the string from the bullet hole in the glass to the interior hole. Anchor the string outside of the window by tying it to a pencil, pen, etc., for support. Protect the string with tape or a drinking straw where it passes through the glass. Fasten the other end of the string to the wall or object adjacent to the bullet hole using tape. Photograph the string from a distance, attempting to get the entire run of the string.

If rods are used (preferred method) insert the rod into the entrance hole and through to the exit hole. Photograph the rod in place. Use the inclinometer to determine the angle of the rod to the wall and photograph it.

Prepare sketches as needed with all measurements required to give a full understanding of the reconstruction.

Note: If cartridge cases are found inside the structure, this will indicate that shooting also occurred inside. A thorough search of the room(s) involved is needed to locate additional bullet holes. Repeat the steps above as they apply to the indoor situation.

At no time during this preliminary evidence collection procedure should any attempt be made to recover the spent bullets that may be lodged in walls, ceilings, doors or furniture. Not until all of the above procedures are completed and photos and sketches finished should spent bullets be recovered.

Obviously extreme care must be taken to recover spent bullets. The area where the bullet is lodged (wall, door, furniture, etc.) must be cut out using hand tools. Despite the methods often shown on TV, this is not the time to dig out the bullet using a pocket knife. What is needed is a hand drill to make lead holes and then a keyhole saw to cut around the bullet hole. A sharp knife will be needed to cut into cloth furniture.

Laser Usage

A small laser or laser pointer is also very useful at certain crime scenes for determining bullet trajectory. The laser has, in many instances, replaced the use of string. Some crime scene kits contain a laser that has been modified so that it can be directly attached to the rod protruding from a bullet hole or attaching it to an inclinometer. One drawback of the laser is that the light beam is often invisible in well-lighted interiors.

This factor can be overcome by using "canned laser (aerosol) smoke." The alternative is to darken the room and taking time exposure photos.

Conclusion

Stringing the crime scene during reconstructing is a relatively simple, inexpensive, and accurate method of demonstrating bullet trajectory. It must be emphasized, however, that this determination is not precise, but it is more of a general, or relative, position-fixing method. The use of string is still valid and remains as only one of several methods of determining the point of origin of a gunshot. When feasible for use in court, it remains an excellent demonstrative tool. Learn more about crime scene investigation at the Crime Scene Tech Blog

Please visit the CSI TECH Blog for more free, online crime scene training.

Crime Maps Could Depress House Prices

The recent launch of the crime map site police.uk has received mixed reviews. Not only were many surprised by the data relating to their seemingly quiet little street, but it has now emerged that the crime map concept could have damaging effects on the property market.

According to property analysts, the pin-pointing of crime prone areas may lead to a further decrease in housing prices in those regions. We could see the reverse effects of the development of school catchment areas, which drove prices up by up to 20% in "good school" zones.

From a study compiled in 2004, it was found that higher crime rates in London led to lower house prices. However, the most influential types of crime on property pricing were visible felonies such as vandalism or graffiti.

Other commentators are less convinced that the police.uk website will have a major impact. Many argue that crime levels are already available as part of the buying process, while most people looking to buy are either familiar with the area, or have done their homework beforehand.

The primary effects of this simplified geo-guide to crime may be the concern instilled in many home-owners whose areas are not quite the isolated havens they had come to know. Many of the searches being carried out will surely be queries from curious residents hoping to find that they reside in a crime-free zone, and to wear that badge of honour with pride.

However, analysts are worried that the tool will become a common denominator in any house-hunting process, with comparisons between prospective street crime rates influencing the decision to a greater extent than ever before. Of course, crime has always been a major factor in determining the suitability of an area for potential buyers, but the new means of discerning the level of anti-social behaviour may skew house prices and repulse buyers unnecessarily.

Currently, the site covers only England and Wales, and so any skewed figures will be reduced to South of the Scottish border. In the meantime, realtors and commercial property consultants north of the border won't have to worry about the effects of easily accessed - and perhaps misleading - detrimental crime figures.

Harvey McEwan writes to offer information and advice on a variety of areas, from technology to holiday destinations. Read through Harvey's other articles here to find out more.

How to Protect Yourself From Violent Crime, Homicide, and Property Crime

According to the FBI, in 2008, the U.S. violent crime, homicide, and property crime rates were 454.5, 5.4, and 3,213 respectively, per 100,000 population. Not taking into account the city you live in, your personal demographics, or how you spend your time, this means that the odds of becoming a victim of a violent crime or homicide are roughly 0.46%, and the odds for property crime are 3.21%.

You NEED to take this seriously, because there are simple steps you can take to decrease your personal risk. It is essential that you understand how to protect yourself, your family and your property if presented with a dangerous situation. See below for two simple lists (by no means exhaustive).

How to Protect Yourself from Violent Crime and Homicide

• Complete at least an introductory self defense class - I have been taking Krav Maga for three years now, but five 1-hour, weekly classes at any reputable school can be fun and make an amazing difference in your overall safety. Bring a friend, and you can train together.

• Carry some type of self defense product with stopping power - Many people don't want to carry a gun or knife, and for good reason: These are expensive, often difficult to carry, and can end someone's life. Technology has advanced, and Tasers, Stun Guns, and Pepper Spray are inexpensive, easy to carry and inconspicuous, cause no permanent damage, and generally have MORE stopping power.

• Carry a personal alarm - In addition to a product with stopping power, personal alarms serve as a HUGE deterrent for would-be attackers. These fit on your keychain and, often times, have conveniences such as a flashlight.

• Evaluate how and where you spend your time - Make smart decisions that don't put you in dangerous situations: Avoid certain bars, park under street lights, don't walk the city alone, lock your doors and windows, limit your alcohol intake. Consider the many small decisions you make on a day-to-day basis that could affect

As a final note, notice that the title of this article is "How to Protect Yourself From Violent Crime, Homicide, and Property Crime," not "How To Avoid Becoming a Victim" or "How To Not Get Attacked." This is intentional: While there are many important decisions you can make to avoid dangerous situations, you should never think of personal safety as things you're NOT doing. Make choices, take steps, and DO whatever it takes to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

How to Protect Yourself from Property Crime

• Have some type of self defense product with stopping power accessible - Many people don't own a gun, and for good reason: These are expensive, dangerous to have in the home, and can end someone's life. Technology has advanced, and Tasers, Stun Guns, and Pepper Spray are inexpensive, easy to use, cause no permanent damage, and generally have MORE stopping power.

• Install some form of home security system - Some people like having fully automated security systems. The important thing with a security system is that it has an alarm of some type, because these are great deterrents. You can get simple home alarms to place in windows etc.... I know some people that don't have a full system, but put the ADT sign outside as a deterrent-I don't know how ADT feels about this, but I hope they're happy to help deter criminals. Don't rely on the system calling the company or 911; response times average around 30 minutes. Cameras are great to have, but they are useful only for assigning liability after the fact. The safety of you and your family is the most important.

• Evaluate where you choose to live - Consider the type of neighborhood you move into: Look up crime statistics in your neighborhood using local government websites. Consider the type of building you move into: Houses, apartments, and condos all have different risks to consider which must be considered on a case-by-case basis. Consider the local school system: This is one of the best indicators of the safety of the neighborhood. These considerations become even more important as you purchase a home and/or have kids.

As a final note, notice that the title of this article is "How To Protect Yourself From Crime," not "How To Avoid Becoming a Victim" or "How To Not Get Attacked." This is intentional: While there are many important decisions you can make to avoid dangerous situations, you should never think of personal safety as things you're NOT doing. Make choices, take steps, and DO whatever it takes to protect yourself, your family, and your property.

Stephen Buller is a practitioner of Krav maga.
He is Owner and Operator of Protechtion which aims to provide people with the necessary knowledge and technology to protect themselves, their families, and their property.

Protect Yourself.

Crime and Economy

How do you feel about the economy in today's world? We are reading in almost every country, that crime is on the rise due to the problems in the workforce and the fall in the economy. So how will you defend yourself?

Recent headlines are reading more and more of bank robberies, home invasions, car vandalism and thefts, purse snatchings, and other criminal behavior. With millions of people out of work, it is no wonder.

Crime analysts have always had different opinions about economic downturns leading to increasing crime rates. However, since the most recent fall on Wall Street, law enforcement agencies worldwide have seen notable increases in violence and property offenses as signs it is related to the economy.

Cities around world are reporting robberies in unprecedented numbers compared to recent years, or even decades. Many of the target victims are retail stores which have never seen crimes such as these. Those would include grocery and clothing stores, banks, and even restaurant suppliers.

Thefts of cars have jumped nationwide by 164% from last year, and vandalism leading to theft has more than doubled. Most law enforcement officers say it has been in direct correlation to the economy falling.

In October 2008, a survey of 180 law enforcement agencies by the Police Executive Research Forum in Washington, D.C., found that 75% cited the recent rise in crime was related to property crime.

The FBI states that the most vulnerable portion of the population, are young adults, many of whom have already been in some type of trouble with police, and who were trying to move into the workforce. They can't find a job to keep them from returning to previously committed lives of crime.

The Center for Crime Prevention and Control says the demand for illegal drugs is also being driven to more crime as the economy falls. Major surges in crime, are at their highest since the 1990's. The sale of illicit drugs is the only way many criminals can find a way to afford the drugs to sell to those who illegally do them.

The combination of declining resources and increases in many offenses may be representing only the first wave of the bad news. Because desperate people do desperate things to stay afloat, there are thousands who are giving away pets because they can't afford to feed them. Where once there was a dog to bark away an intruder, there is now nothing to deter a thief. People without an income certainly can't spend upwards of $100 per month to install and run home security systems. Many have turned to the one time purchase of home alarms that do not require monthly service fees.

Many cities saw a dramatic decrease in crime over 2007 and 2008 due to more police patrols. However, 62% of US police departments are now having to cut their forces and cutting overtime spending completely.

Among cities reporting increases in crimes, almost all account this to the sagging economy. Atlanta Police blames the economy for increases of 14% in burglary, and 17% in auto theft. Instead of stealing jewelry and other valuables, burglars are taking flat-screen TVs and computers which can be resold as there is more demand. Thieves are even stealing license plates for the renewal stickers in order to find relief from paying taxes on their vehicles.

The safety of all citizens must be our first priority; the second is the protection of their property. We are doing our part by raising your awareness to methods of protection.

We are going to list numerous products below that you may or may not have thought of.

Pepper Shot and Pepper Sprays now come in the form of Lipsticks, Pepper Pens and even look like a cell phone. Stun guns that look like a Flashlight, BB guns, or even an extendable baton. You can use a Voice Alert Driveway and Home Alarm Door Braces, Motion Alarms with Keypad Window with a Glass Breakage Alarm, a TeleSpy Intruder Alert Electronic Barking Dog, and many more.

How about a covert safe. They come in the forms of Beer & Soda Safes, Flower Pot Safes, Peanut Butter Jars, a Wall Socket Safe, Salt Shaker, Dry Soup can, or even a Salad Dressing Safe. They come in all shapes and sizes.

Keeping yourself and your loved ones is not easy, but you can find solutions.

Jill Manzoni is a Freelance Writer, Web Developer, and Virtual Assistant with over a dozen internet sites of her own. She supports many awards, accommodations, and honorable mentions for her work in print and online periodicals, including the Golden Web Award, the Family Friendly Site Award, Phenomenal Women of the Web Awards, and many other awards for her service to others. Among her books on Natural Health, and Environmental issues, she is a syndicated columnist, and her essays and articles appear in print and on hundreds of internet sites. Contact Jill at her site http://www.free-advertising-agency.com

Three Immediate Steps to Take After Discovering a Crime Scene

One of the most alarming and frightening things a person can encounter is to discover a crime scene. Depending on whether or not the crime recently occurred the situation can also be incredibly dangerous. While it is natural to feel shock and panic, your response to discovering the crime scene can make a crucial difference in its outcome. Should you ever find yourself in such a position there are several things to remember. Here are three immediate steps to take upon discovering the scene of a crime.

1. Get To Safety! If you enter a home, apartment, or business to discover evidence of a crime, especially a violent crime, you should exit immediately. Drive to a nearby store or go to a neighbor's home where you are safe in case the perpetrator is still nearby. If there are other people with you make sure that they do the same. Foolhardy attempts to catch the crook will only place more people in jeopardy. Plus, moving around a crime scene will only contaminate or even eliminate forensic evidence.

2. Notify the Authorities. The sooner someone contacts the police the quicker police officers and EMS will be able to respond. First Responders are trained to handle these situations and are better prepared to handle anything which might occur. You should never enter the scene of a crime in advance of the police. Criminals are potentially armed and dangerous and should you be armed when the police arrive, they might mistake you for the intruder. Also if anyone has been injured or killed then dangerous biohazards are present at the scene.

3. Write Down Everything You Remember. As quickly as you and without the input of others, write down everything you can recall about the crime scene. Don't struggle to remember details. Record everything you remember about the scene, both as you approached it and as you found it. Your initial impressions can be valuable to forensic investigators. If there were more than one person present at the time the scene was discovered, each person should write their account independently. Group discussions frequently "invent" details rather than corroborate them.

Once police investigators finish they will release the scene. The injured will be transported for medical care and the deceased removed by the coroner's office. At this point it will be the responsibility of the property owner or family to then restore the crime scene. Fingerprint dust cleanup can be difficult. The presence of blood or body fluids or tissues requires biohazard removal. At this point your best bet is to contact a professional crime scene cleanup company. Most insurance policies cover the expense of crime scene clean up.

By Scott Jemison

Contributor

Because Advanced Bio Treatment was founded by a former police officer and insurance agency owner, we understand the need for caring, competent and dedicated service to our clients. In all our work we make helping others the focus. We understand that our involvement with you happens as a result of some traumatic event in your life. Whether it is a crime scene cleanup, suicide cleanup, or some other tragic event, ABT understands.

Ross Macdonald - Crime Fiction Writer

There are many crime fiction writers who have become famous than their original names and Kenneth Millar is one of them. His original name was Ross Macdonald, famously known for his crime fiction novels mainly settled in the areas of Southern California and his creation of the famous detective, Lew Archer.

Kenneth Millar was born on the last month of the year of 1915 on 12th in Los Gatos, California. He mainly lived with his relatives in Ontario during the initial stages of his life as his father and mother separated due to differences. His stories on crime fiction mainly focused on broken homes and domestic problems which were drawn from the early phases of his life. Although many critics accused him of his novels' central theme being the secrets of the past, family histories hidden in the mind, he wrote them with numerous variations that readers and his loyal fans could not differentiate and decipher.

In the year 1938, Kenneth Millar married Margaret Sturm and they had a daughter Linda. His wife became famous as Margaret Millar, a mystery writer. During World War II, he enrolled in the American Navy as a communications officer in an escort carrier on the Pacific Ocean.

He began his life, writing stories for magazines. Although he wrote his first novel, The Dark Tunnel in 1944, while he was doing graduation in the University of Michigan, he changed a series of pen names such as John Macdonald before settling for Ross Macdonald. He also obtained his Ph.D. in literature. After settling in Santa Barbara in the 1950s, he wrote a series of crime fiction bestsellers, namely "The Goodbye Look, The Underground Man and Sleeping Beauty." In his books, he took crime fiction to various levels and directions that the reader could seldom dream about.

In the 1960s, though he was famous as a crime fiction writer, he and his wife became interested in environmental causes and articles on environment were published on San Francisco and Sports Illustrated. Kenneth Millar actively participated in the protests where massive oil spill near the coast of Santa Barbara caused environmental pollution.

His famous character, Lew Archer, the hero of his crime fiction stories has been portrayed in films such as Harper (1966) and The Drowning Pool (1975).

Many honor titles and responsibilities were bestowed upon him in his lifetime, such as President of the Mystery Writers of America, Silver Dagger and Gold Dagger from the British Crime Writers Association.

Kenneth Millar left for his heavenly abode on 1983, but not before firmly entrenching his name in golden words in the area of detective fiction. The world today hails him as a writer who began his career initially as an honest crime fiction writer but ended along with other literary greats such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler.

Some of his other famous crime fiction books were: The Galton Case, The Ivory Grin, The Chill, The Instant Enemy and The Name is Archer.

Sathyanarayana has done Post-Graduation in Applied Geology and is mainly interested in writing articles on medicine and health.

Do Street Light Poles Reduce Crime?

It's easy to hide when it's dark everywhere, said Reverend Carey, standing on a dark street in Oakland, California. Crime, he said, can't be prevented when people can't see the criminals.

The debate on whether or not a lighted street at night reduces crime has flared anew, as frightened residents across the country have flooded local city councils with requests for more streetlights on city streets.

Research has indicated that more streetlights reduces crime.

Streetlights act as a natural deterrent and watchman, insisted Brandon Welsh, a professor of criminology at Northwestern University. Studies show that streetlights will reduce crime by 20 percent and more at night. These streetlights also give residents a feeling of ownership over their neighborhoods and a sense of pride, Welsh said.

However, tough budget times have cities scrambling to cut costs, and turning off street lights is one solution. This action has placed city councils in direct conflict with chiefs of police who insist that more light means less crime.

For example, Oakland has seen a large increase in murders this year. So far, 85 people have been murdered in the city this year. That's up 25 percent from the previous year.

The previous Oakland police chief requested more streetlights in the high-crime areas of Oakland. That lighting helped in reducing crime. The chief said that when criminals want to commit a crime, they want to do it in darkness.

Because of the increased crime, the reverend has organized neighborhood watch groups to guard their neighborhoods. To do that, though, requires more light, the reverend said. People can't report criminals if you can't see their faces, he added.

The increased crime that Oakland is experiencing is replicated in other cities across the United States.

The equation is simple: More lights mean less crime, according to an analysis published by the Campbell Collaboration.

The review by Campbell looked at 13 different studies of street lighting in the United States and England and found that improved street lighting cut crime by 21 percent, as compared to areas where street lighting wasn't improved.

Street lighting was more effective in England, where crime fell by 38 percent. The drop in crime in The United States was 7 percent, although the studies used by Campbell were much older than those from England.

The Campbell study surmised that better street lighting also increased community pride. This community pride generated neighborhood solidarity that established an "informal social control" to reduce crime.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher living in Austin, Texas. Over the years he has become an authority on electrician Austin TX. If you would like to learn more about this subject, then the author recommends a visit to Quantum-electric.com.

Maritime Crime Scenes - Crime Scenes on the High Seas

Investigating crimes aboard ships at sea

News stories reporting on piracy along the Somalia coast sparked a world-wide cry for conformity in the training of investigative personnel. The most complex factor is, "Just who is in charge?" The complexity may emanate from a scenario such as this: a hijacked ship may be owned by a Dutch shipping company, flagged in Panama, manned by Filipinos and liberated by German Special Forces.

Coordinating law enforcement activities across the globe is a daunting task, and an acceptable outcome depends of good coordination from investigating agencies and the judicial system where the crime occurs. The US Naval Criminal Investigative Service (USNCIS) and Europol recently joined forces to ensure effective prosecution of the criminal element by conducting a joint meeting in The Hague. These combined forces developed guidelines spelling out how to properly investigate maritime criminal acts.

These guidelines propose a uniformly consistent approach by combining standard, accepted crime scene investigative techniques. Additionally, state-of-the-art forensic examination of crime scene evidence is outlined. The NCIS/Europol alliance looks toward biometric and personal identification techniques such as fingerprint and DNA evidence as causing an increase in the potential for maritime piracy convictions across the board.

It is estimated that nearly 15% of the world's oil production as well as 20% of world trade passes through the Gulf of Aden. Food supplies and other essentials like medical and manufacturing parts and supplies are also directly disturbed by acts of piracy. Much of all of this traffic, estimates say 80%, is bound for European countries.

Maritime piracy is a major issue causing considerable concern with the skyrocketing of the shipping costs that include insurance rates and basic operational costs. A major source of income for Somalia has become piracy-related activities worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

All agencies cite the need for professional, in-depth training for crime scene investigators (CSIs). While each country offers varying levels of exposure to the basic essentials, The International Association for Identification (IAI), the world's oldest and largest forensic identification group, offers recognized training and certification programs for CSIs.

The IAI requires training hours that range from a minimum of 48 hours of instruction and a 200-question examination for a Certified Crime Scene Investigator, up to 144 hours of instruction and a 400-question test for a Certified Senior Crime Scene Analyst.

This is all well and good for organized law enforcement, but what happens from the time the crime or act of piracy occurs until a trained CSI reaches the scene or vessel involved? Most often the actual crew of the ship in question can make or break any later criminal proceedings. Experts note that a crime occurring on a freighter would be handled differently than a passenger ship. It is a much simpler matter to "Secure the Crime Scene" until trained investigators arrive on a freighter, but crew members on a cruise ship will be motivated to "clean up the mess" so as not to alarm, annoy or disturb the passengers.

One major cruise line reported that during a two-year period, 102 sexual harassment cases and 113 cases of sexual assault were reported.

CNN reports that, "...though cruise companies don't display crime statistics to the public, they are required to report serious incidents involving Americans to the FBI and U.S. Coast Guard. Salvador Hernandez, deputy assistant director at the FBI in 2007, told lawmakers that the FBI opened 184 cases on crimes that occurred aboard cruise ships between 2002 and early 2007."

The cruise lines, however, consider those numbers quite small when considering that about 64 million passengers were on-board during that same five-year time frame.

The need for some sort of crime scene training for crew members-particularly those working at on-board security-is a necessity

Such training is slow to evolve, and the certification requirements for Ship and Vessel Security Officers (SSO/VSO) that serve on cruise ships is mainly based upon regulatory standards that fail to offer any guidance or standards relating to basic law enforcement activities and crime scene investigation protocol. This lack of technical knowledge and needed experience in performing those tasks needed for properly processing crime scenes often hampers any follow-up investigation, as well as any resulting prosecution and resolution of the charges in criminal court. For more information on crime scene investigation visit: Crime Scene Tech Blog

Expert author Don Penven is a freelance writer and photographer based in Raleigh and Morehead City, NC

White Collar Crime Offenses: What You Need to Know

These are offenses which are widely categorized, and not always easy to definitively pinpoint on any one individual or business entity. As such, if you have been accused of a crime of this nature, then it is imperative that you understand the allegations which have been made against you and take immediate action to obtain sound legal defense for the criminal proceedings to come.

Business and government officials alike are those who are susceptible to being slammed with an accusation of committing a white collar offense. In 1939, Edwin Sutherland defined white collar offenses as fraudulent behaviors with a financial backing. Since then, the term has been used nationwide to describe an array of behaviors, from embezzlement to identity theft, and everything in between. These types of crimes very often overlap with corporate crimes as the opportunity to commit actions of copyright, forgery, bribery, and the like are much more prevalent within the business/ corporate sectors of society. It is important to recognize, however, that just because the opportunity to commit these types of actions exists does not mean that those who have been accused are necessarily guilty.

Generally, officials don't enforce strict limits on the application of these types of offenses. Rather than strictly defining the behaviors which will be categorized as a white collar crime, they instead allow for a broad range of illegal offenses to fall within the category, classifying them by the type of crime and the topic of the crime. For example, property crimes, economic crimes, and even health and safety crimes can all be violations that may be classified as a white collar offense. This is true when these types of actions include behaviors such as fraud, identity theft, embezzlement, etc. which have been justifiably classified as a white collar offense. However, a different approach is taken when the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is involved in this branch of the law. Under jurisdiction of the FBI, crimes of this nature are deemed as "those illegal acts which are characterized by deceit, concealment, or violation of trust and which are not dependent upon the application or threat of physical force or violence." Again, this could involve any number of a wide range of illegal activities, some for which offenders may have been unaware that they were committing. Whether under the jurisdiction of the FBI or not, it is not outside of the realm of possibility for individuals to be falsely accused of this type of behavior.

One of the most difficult aspects of white collar offenses is the very nature of the crime. There are several situations in which illegal activity could be committed under circumstances which were unintended to be unlawful. Because white collar crimes naturally involve money and high-end business transactions, there is cause for involvement that may be innocent in nature. In these instances, one or more persons could be a part of a larger scheme of which they were previously unaware. Therefore, arrests and accusations for this offense must be expertly defended against in the court of law.

Classifications of this type of crime are also often dependent on the type of offender. Unlike other illegal behaviors which are capable of being committed by any person, of any class, white collar crimes are almost always associated with individuals of a high socioeconomic status or social class. Business professionals, computer gurus, and government officials are persons in positions of power, thereby making them the ones most likely to have the means to commit these types of crimes. Unfortunately, these positions often land the persons in them in deep trouble with the law if they are the ones accused of a white collar crime. Although it may be unfair, it is often quickly assumed that behaviors of this nature are ones which were committed by those in the positions of the most power. Strong legal defense will need to be obtained in order to prove that this is not necessarily the case.

Occupational, organizational, and corporate transactions are often under a great deal of scrutiny, for these are the positions in which individuals are more likely to commit a white collar offense. However, classification in this category is dependent on more than the nature of your job (i.e. what you do on a daily basis) and the social class under which you fall. Therefore, accusations, arrests, and criminal proceedings must be based upon more than simply the aspects of your career and the socioeconomic status of your being. Unlawful behaviors of embezzlement, money laundering, and the like are ones which could be committed under your name without you being aware of the totality of what is happening. Therefore, they are ones that must be strictly monitored and vehemently defended when you have been accused of any action such as those described above. The best way to do this is by obtaining a criminal lawyer who can defend your rights and freedoms in the face of the incriminating accusations that have been made in your name.

Goldman & Associates is a Chicago based criminal law firm that is experienced in all matters of the law. As such, attorneys at the firm are ready to take on the defense cases of those who have been criminally accused in the state of Illinois. From probation violations, to theft crimes, to white collar crimes, there is virtually nothing out of the scope of practice for each associate at the firm. Intensely aggressive and unwavering defense will be provided to you when you choose to work with a defense lawyer from Goldman & Associates. In fact, the legal team has garnered a reputation for aggressive and affordable defense that cannot be rivaled. Whatever the accusations against you may be, you can rely on the steadfast defense tactics from a Chicago criminal attorney at Goldman & Associates. Skilled as criminal defender in the courtroom and persuasive negotiators outside the courtroom, there is almost nothing that this winning team cannot help you with when you are in need of sound legal defense. To learn more, do not hesitate to contact the firm at 847-868-3730.

Riots Reveal Organized Crime Power in Brazil

Last weekend, Brazilians living in the greater Sao Paulo metropolitan area witnessed one of the country's largest prison riots in the past five years, organized and orchestrated by Sao Paulo's largest criminal faction, the First Capital Command (PCC in Portuguese).

When Sao Paulo state authorities transferred some 756 PCC leaders, the PCC criminal enterprise, led by Willians Herbas Camacho (a.k.a. Marcola), implemented its plan to start riots in dozens of prisons in Sao Paulo and around the country. They took advantage of the unusually lax security environment over the weekend when some 10,000 prisoners were given a day pass to visit families on the outside for Mother's Day, and thousands more civilians entered prisons to visit inmates on the inside.

As one prison after another fell under the control of rioting inmates, the hostage count rocketed into the hundreds. Meanwhile, organized attacks on police stations around Sao Paulo kept security forces busy defending themselves. At the same time, masked gunmen commandeered city buses, ordering them evacuated before burning them to the ground.

The weekend's total included over 250 separate attacks on police stations, stores, and other establishments. There were 115 people killed, including 32 policemen and prison guards and 71 gang members. Another 49 people were injured. Some 215 hostages were taken in 73 prison riots that occurred in prisons across Sao Paulo, Parana, Matto Grosso do Sul, Brasilia, and Bahia, according to Brazilian daily Folha de Sao Paulo. Over 80 public transport buses were burned and one metro station was attacked, leaving over five million people without public transport. On 15 May, as millions of people fled home in the early afternoon, Sao Paulo became a city of gridlock spanning 203 kilometers of roadways.

Over the weekend, as the violence raged on, Brazilian Justice Minister Marcio Thomas Bastos offered the service of 4,000 soldiers, part of a National Force trained to help contain the security problems in Brazilian states. But Sao Paulo Governor Claudio Lembo, filling in for presidential candidate Geraldo Alckmin, refused to accept federal help. Bastos made the trip from Brasilia to Sao Paulo to again offer federal assistance during a close-door meeting on Monday, 15 May. But again it was refused.

By 16 May, as quickly as the violence had started, it ended, and most prisons were back in the control of state authorities, and policemen were no longer the target of random attacks. The Sao Paulo daily newspaper, O Estado de Sao Paulo, reported on 16 May that the state government had reached an agreement with the PCC. Government officials continue to deny that claim, but it is possible such negotiations were a last-resort option for state officials clearly caught off guard by a highly organized criminal network, one many believed had been dismantled years ago.
Brazilian organized crime The PCC began to take shape in 1993, when prisoners incarcerated in Taubate state prison in Sao Paulo organized themselves to fight against deplorable living conditions and more rights within the prison system. Over the past 13 years, this organization has grown into one of the country's most powerful prison criminal networks, controlling activity within dozens of prisons in Sao Paulo and around the country, as well as important sales points and transport routes for drugs and guns flowing into Brazil from source countries such as Paraguay, Bolivia, Colombia, and Suriname.

The PCC became more active outside prisons in 1999, when Rio's top criminal organization - the Red Command (CV in Portuguese) - formed an alliance with PCC members who lived in Heliopolis, a shantytown located in the southeastern zone of Sao Paulo, according to a Rio de Janeiro Federal Police officer who asked to remain anonymous. Through this alliance, the CV sought to shift some of its drug trafficking activities from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo. In Rio, CV leaders had been constantly harassed by police who exacted an extortion tax for allowing favelas (shantytowns) to be used as drug sales centers and contraband transshipment points. Additionally, the PCC in 1999 was a large criminal organization with more manpower than economic activity. Its alliance with the CV increased earnings for the PCC in Sao Paulo, while opening a new pool of man power for the CV to defend its turf from rival gangs in Rio de Janeiro.

Together, the two gangs control the drug trade in Brazil's two largest cities. They operate gun smuggling routes out of Paraguay and purchase weapons from corrupt policemen and military soldiers in Sao Paulo and Rio. High-level members of these gangs, especially the CV, continue to conduct a weapons-for-cocaine barter with members of the leftist Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) based in the Colombian Amazon.

As recently as 30 April, three Colombians opened fire on a Brazilian patrol on the Rio Negro, a branch of the Amazon river that begins in an area of the Colombian Amazon reportedly controlled by the FARC. Brazilian authorities claim that the rifles were stamped with the Brazilian military coat of arms. The men were followed to the Colombian city of San Felipe, where their arms were confiscated. Brazilian Federal Police investigators told ISN Security Watch that they believe the arms were part of a cache of weapons to be traded for cocaine that traffickers would transport to Sao Paulo and Rio.

Red Command leader Fernandinho Beira-Mar is considered to have been one of the first Brazilian criminals to trade weapons for cocaine with the FARC. He was arrested by Colombian authorities in April 2001 and immediately extradited to Brazil. Yet the recent incident on the Brazilian-Colombian border in the Amazon indicates that five years later, this criminal exchange program still continues to supply the CV and the PCC with pure, Colombian cocaine.

Brazilian organized crime is just as powerful within the prison system as it is on the outside. And as the battle continues to dismantle these criminal networks, the occasional mega-rebellion reminds Brazilian authorities and civilians that the security sector here has a long way to go before it has any significant control over organized crime. These rebellions also highlight the superior communication networks operated by Brazilian organized crime.
Communication is fundamental When Fernandinho Beira-Mar was transferred from his prison cell in Rio de Janeiro after he orchestrated a prison riot there in September 2002 to mask the assassination of rival gang leaders, authorities found a number of luxury items including silk pajamas. But what surprised them more was the number of abandoned cell phones. Reports from Rio de Janeiro daily, O Globo, claim that Beira-Mar used up to a dozen cell phones to communicate with lieutenants and other subordinates in his black market network of guns and drugs shipments and sales.

In a similar fashion, leaders of the PCC use cell phones to communicate with one another between prisons and between prisoners and gang members on the outside. Both the Civil Police and the Federal Police operate listening posts, which enable security officials to piece together actionable intelligence on plans for rebellions and other gang operations. However, the use of two-way radios has made that task much more difficult.

In both Rio and Sao Paulo, two-way radios are used by criminals to relay messages to other incarcerated gang members and members on the outside. In some cases, one prisoner calls via cell a subordinate on the outside who uses a two-way radio to transmit the message to a third individual who then uses another cell phone to pass along the message to its recipient in another prison, reports O Globo. Each node on the communications chain may use any number of cell phones or two-way radios, making tracking the signals very difficult.

Attempts to block cell phone signals in Rio and Sao Paulo have been ineffective.

In the middle of the Mother's Day weekend riots, requests to shut down cell phone towers used by criminals to relay signals were presented to Brazil's telecommunications regulatory body when Marco Antonio Desgualdo, the head of the Sao Paulo state Civil Police, met with this body, called Anatel, on 15 May. The Folha de Sao Paulo reported that after the meeting Desgualdo announced that authorities would not be able to shut down cell towers without the acquiescence of telecommunications companies.

These same companies - Vivo, Tim, Telefonica, Embratel, and Nextel - complain that shutting down the towers would mean an unacceptable disruption of service for their law-abiding clients. Nothing short of a court order would shut down the towers, a legal instrument that takes too long to obtain.

In some prison systems, cell phone signal blockers are used, but they are quickly rendered obsolete by the rapid pace of technological advancement in cell phone systems.

The battle between Sao Paulo authorities and the cell phone companies to shut down towers in the event of security needs began in February 2001, when PCC members used cell phones to orchestrate simultaneous riots in 29 prisons across Sao Paulo. Security officials failed to win the battle then, too, but no one knew that such decisions five years ago would eventually facilitate the most violent uprising of Brazilian organized crime in years.
Corruption and politics Even as blocking cell signals and other methods to impede communication between criminals evolves into what may become a viable solution, many believe that such time is wasted on treating a problem that is not central to the real reason why the PCC was able to orchestrate such a widespread reign of disorder and rebellion. Corruption and politics, two of the usual suspects behind systemic dysfunction in democracies, are at the center of Brazil's security problems.

Bribes paid to security officials at all levels keep leaders of the PCC and the CV well informed of official planning. When authorities planned to move over 700 of the PCC leaders to a more secure prison environment to avoid what they learned was a planned Mother's Day rebellion, the PCC reacted by launching its rebellion two days early, disrupting the prisoner transport and a host of other activities planned to prevent the rebellion.

Low salaries exacerbate corruption because policemen and some lower-ranking members of the military are more likely to sell weapons from poorly organized stock piles to make ends meet. Over 70 per cent of the weapons used by Brazilian organized crime were made in Brazil. Many of them are sold to Paraguay where they enter the black market before returning to Brazil. Yet a significant amount are sold to criminals directly from stockpiles of seized weapons.

When budgets must be prepared, politics dictate who gets what slice of the pie. From 2004 to 2005, the Brazilian federal government reduced resources for the country's Penitentiary Fund by 37 per cent. This fund oversees the overall improvement and maintenance of Brazil's prison system. Meanwhile, the government of Sao Paulo state diverted from public security spending some US$81.3 million in the last five years. It was a decision in the reduction of security spending at the Sao Paulo state level that was likely made after the 2001 prison riots in that state.

Commenting on the event, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio "Lula" da Silva said it was a demonstration of the power of organized crime in Brazil. His comments underline the fact that Brazilian organized crime is a force that has grown to threaten Brazilian cities as well as the nation. With links to organized crime in Paraguay and Suriname, and a thriving barter system with Colombia's FARC soldiers, the PCC and CV may soon become internationally known as a criminal network that has grown too big for Brazil's security system to handle.

Sam Logan (http://www.samuellogan.com) is an investigative journalist who has reported on security, energy, politics, economics, organized crime, terrorism, and black markets in Latin America since 1999. He is currently completing his work on Nice Guys Die First, a forthcoming non-fiction narrative about organized crime in Brazil.

Crime, Criminality, Prisons, and Punishment - Think Tank Topic

No real think tank can be legitimate without addressing the serious issue of crime in human society. Indeed criminal activity, corruption, and unethical behavior may be an innate part of the human species, that is to say deception seems to be hardwired into the human brain, but it needs to be minimized if we are all going to get along together and make this all work. That is if indeed, we are to have a cohesive society and civilization which will be ongoing.

Not long ago, I was discussing this with an acquaintance, who also believes that crime is a serious issue. Is it the most serious issue of all? Perhaps, or perhaps not, but it does affect every single thing we do in our society, it permeates all industries and is pervasive in all aspects of government. It is a real challenge and a real problem, however it may not be as bad as we think. Often the media in their haste to cause chaos and controversy, and sell more newspapers blows many of the criminal events out of proportion.

Crime in the United States has gone down, but recently I have wondered if future solar flares will increase human brain activity, agitation, and therefore aggression. In other words, during times of solar minimums there is less crime and during times of solar maximum there is more crime, and more conflict, perhaps even more wars in the world.

On another related topic consider this; due to the fact that we have digital cell phones, and everyone carries them around, it's much more difficult for a criminal to get away with something than it was in the past. And because of this fewer criminals are willing to commit acts because they know they will be caught. Still, crime presently in the United States is at an all time low, except for the drug violence that is coming from over the border.

Normally when foreclosure rates go up 1% crime climbs by 2.2% for every 1% additional, however there seems to be anomaly in the data this time around, and the foreclosure rate is at an all-time high but there is a divergence between this trend, when looking at past data. Many criminologists have asked why.

Perhaps, some of that has to do with the television shows of detectives, crime work, and forensics, meaning that people are too afraid to get caught because they think the forensics will catch them because of their DNA, and therefore, the only crimes that occur are ones that are planned out weeks in advance, but since most crimes are done spur of the moment. And a lot of them just don't end up happening because the risk/reward, or the risk of being caught is just too great. Of course, this is all speculation with no empirical evidence to back me up, but it is something to consider.

The computers are getting better and the GIS/GPS systems with data interfaced artificial intelligence software is helping city police departments know where crime may occur, it also helps the FBI with probability and that means resources can be used more wisely. The only thing we have to worry about is that we may someday not have enough for criminals to support the huge amount of police force that we have, but as we create more laws, we inevitably create more criminals, and it becomes a vicious circle.

Many people want to decriminalize things like drugs and other things, while others wish to increase the laws to make certain hate speech a crime. Eventually we have too many rules and too many laws, and therefore, we have fewer freedoms, and it's something we need to watch. It really appears that we are graduating far too many criminal justice majors in the United States from our colleges and universities. This is also a problem. I hope you will consider all this.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes it's hard to write 20,000 articles; http://www.bloggingcontent.net/ - Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers.

The Nature of Crime and the Possibility of Solutions

With regard to the nature of crime, the various media have contributed to the blurring of fact and fiction. As a result, notions about the causes of criminal behavior have become distorted. In reality, people commit crimes simply because they chose to do so. The commission of a criminal act is not the result of behavior that suddenly happens. Criminals deliberately choose their course of action long before the subsequent act occurs. Yet, due to mass confusion, contemporary society deals with criminal behavior by explaining away such occurrences. A criminal act is seen as something abnormal and out of the scheme of "normal good" human behavior. Excuses abound and criminal behavior theory is typically pronounced in ways that are confusing and erroneous. As such, criminal behavior theory tends to revolve around therapeutic intervention, rehabilitation strategies and socio-political policy. Instead of assessing the poor choices people have the freedom to make, the external environment is examined to "justify" the aberrant behavior. And, although environment may be influential some degree, anyone can come up with an array of excuses. Such notions present scenarios where it is all too easy to mitigate criminal behavior on the basis of psychological dysfunction or oppressive social conflicts. The cops' job is compounded by mixed messages, faulty intervention, misguided politicians and media distortions.

In short, criminal behavior assessment strategies must include good tactics. Criminals, like the rest of us, know exactly what they are doing. Their motives, means and methods are predetermined by them. Criminals basically control every aspect of their criminal behavior actions. They select their targets based on opportunity and the skill-sets they possess. Crimes are committed by people who seek personal gain for one reason or another. Solving the crimes that criminals commit requires a Holmesian eye for details and valid and perceptive interpretation. Good cops are effective and efficient problem solvers. They gather the facts and discount nothing until the evidence demonstrates otherwise. Figuring out the "why done it" of a criminal incident, and then following the leads to the "who done it" conclusion, requires patience and perseverance. There are no magic formulas or psychics to consult. It's just a matter of applying experience, education and skills to the deductive process of careful investigation. Crime fighting is a continuum of painstaking observation and artful application of professional abilities. Profiling, for example, is only one imperfect tool among many tools. Criminal behavior analysis and subsequent criminal apprehension is an interdisciplinary continuum. The process draws on many aspects from autopsy to zoology. Assessment strategies must be proactively engaged in the evaluation of possible linkages between people, places and things. Assessing criminal behavior is an open minded part of the investigative process. Thinking skill, as related to all the possibilities, is a basic requirement. This is applied in contrast to drawing pre-judgmental conclusions. Suspending the inclination to make a snap judgment is important. Naturally, there is a tendency to play the odds and consider statistical measures of one sort or another. Yet, to hunt down criminals, proactive strategies are essential. An evolution in thinking must occur. Simplistic reasons about criminal behavior and the commission of crimes must be radically altered.

Case linkages, interviews and interrogations, science and technology must work together. Essentially, the fundamental characteristics of an investigation revolve around three basic concepts: information, interrogation and instrumentation. These basic principles are supported by other aspects that reinforce the process by which solutions are probable.

Criminal methods of operation become unique to the individual, although there may be general similarities. Each criminal may aspire to one level of society or another based on their behavior tendencies. His or her methods may be stifled or enhanced depending on education, training, fantasy, lifestyle, desire, ability and opportunity. He or she generally assesses the event based on a win or lose approach. This part pertains to the gain minus the risks involved in the commission of the incident. People tend to use what they know. They express their basic capabilities in their actions. We often apply our individual skill set depending on what we have learned. Criminals will pursue the path of least risk and resistance. Motive, means and method are still basic to solving acts of criminal behavior. As such, skills and abilities vary from one person to the next. Criminals choose to commit crimes because somebody else has something they want. Current sociological explanations for criminal behavior are far too general. Notions as to motive and intent are blurred by simplistic single causation theories and easy explanations.

Contemporary society has been misled about the nature of criminal behavior. And, not only is society misled and confused, but so are the various criminal justice systems. According to some, criminals are never responsible for their behavior. Excuses, easily invented, are readily available to rationalize away criminal behavior. We forget the motives, the why of what criminals do. Criminals, like the rest of us, play games with people. They know how to take advantage of vulnerabilities. Criminals look for opportunistic situations to exploit. The path of least resistance is essential. Early on, they have learned how to manipulate others and con the system. Our complex criminal justice system has become a legerdemain of smoke and mirrors, myth and metaphor. In addition, some of the academic types, operating under the disguise of academia, often point to the parents, neighborhoods, poverty, mental defect and anything else they can make up. Others will blame the police, prosecutors and judges. By "sleight of hand tactics", using fallacies of inference, the truth becomes mired in fiction, television drama becomes reality. We are often deluged with reasons why there's crime. This typically happens when the government reports the latest statistics. Academicians, clinging to ivory towers, may suggest changes in demographics, inadequate police budgets, complacency in "crime fighting", and generally blame the government. We may even be told that violent crime trends by be a "statistical spike". With such distractions, it's easy to forget whose really responsible for crime: the criminals themselves. They make choices, knowingly and freely. Part of the investigative effort is to understand the thinking that criminals do. For the police, crime solving is challenging. Nothing is ever a simple task or an easy explanation.

To deter criminal behavior and solve crimes, strategies must be sure, swift, and methodical. There must also be a certainty of punishment. That's what criminals can understand, which is the risk outweighing the gain. The nature of crime, in terms of the criminal, is beyond the simplistic notion of inner conflicts. It is a matter of selfishly wanting what someone else has. As long as we can come up with excuses for behavior, no one has to be responsible for anything. From a case solving perspective, the concept of free will and moral blameworthiness should not be replaced by notions of psychological or sociological determinism. These views allow the criminal to escape accountability. They cloud the motive, the means and method by which crimes are committed. Instead, such notions focus on the mythical protection of society through the reform of the criminal. As a result, sometimes before the criminal is caught, he or she has become the victim. A role reversal occurs. The real victim becomes forgotten in blur of a media blitz. Assessing criminal behavior, based on a profile of the crime, should focus on the facts of the case. Apprehension, deterrence and prevention of crime is a responsibility that belongs to law enforcement. Understanding the nature of crime concerns issues related to how individuals respond to the environmental. Preventive conditions must confront criminals at every turn. Consequences of criminal behavior must be met by skilled personnel, as well as technological and forensic strategies. Materials and resources must be expended to ensure competent case solving approaches. Early interdiction in criminal behavior would be an ideal situation.

Law enforcement must provide leadership in crime analysis, criminal behavior assessment, technological advances, forensic sciences and crime solving strategies. Highly qualified, competent and well-trained personnel are essential for the police agency. They must be recruited, trained and educated accordingly. Governmental budgetary processes must support effective and efficient police services. Urban planning and growth management must include the police as matter of public of policy. Community planning should be subjected to law enforcement oversight. Activities performed by the police that are not enforcement related should be reduced or eliminated. A careful in-depth job task analysis should be conducted in every agency. Part of the intent would be to maximize the number of officers dealing with operational and tactical issues, as opposed to administrative tasks. Solutions to crime can be found through an analysis of environmental opportunities and conditions which allow crime to occur. These are community oriented elements. Criminal behavior is self-learned behavior, and controlling crime involves reducing the opportunities for crime. Legal sanctions must be enforced to be effective if crime control measures are to succeed. The criminal must be treated directly for his/her criminal behavior and not rewarded for such behavior. There must be consequences. And, not treated indirectly as the symptom of some inner conflict. Crime control measures must be sure and swift. Excuses should not be used to escape accountability or responsibility. This applies regardless of one's socio-economic status, political influence, judicial connections, corporate standing or price of legal counsel. Crime, criminal behavior and social disorder will not be controlled unless serious interdiction strategies are used to alter present approaches.

Bio-Sketch - Randy Gonzalez
http://www.drgonzo.org
http://www.facebook.com/Dr.RandyGonzalez

Randy Gonzalez has been an active member of the criminal justice field for the past 39 years. He has been a police officer, deputy sheriff, and police instructor, as well as a private detective. Dr. Gonzalez has been a former police chief and police academy director, and serves as a professor of criminology on the faculty of a major private university. Dr. Gonzalez holds B.A. and M.A. degrees in Criminology, an M.P.A. degree in Public Administration, a Ph.D. in Philosophy.

Solving the Crime - The Fun of Crime Dramas

Are you one of those people who just loves to be able to watch TV Shows like "L.A. Law" and The "Law & Order" series (the original "Law & Order", "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent")? Do you like things like "Unsolved Mysteries" and "COPS" for the content? There are many that really like the grittier crime dramas such as "Criminal Minds" and/or the "CSI: Crime Scene Investigations" series? There are many reasons for this. The drama is the main reason for most. The fact that all of these accurately reflect what is going on around us is another reason.

When you start watching TV Shows that have crimes in them you might start trying to figure out who committed the crime. The other part of the equation is figuring out what was used as a weapon to commit the crime. If the crime is a murder, the murder weapon and the victim's body are essential elements to help solve the crime. In the absence of a body and/or the murder weapon the authorities usually turn to the people in the area. They also turn to the Forensic evidence that is almost always there in some form or another.

Solving the crime and putting the responsibility where it rightfully belongs is the primary goal in these TV Shows. This is where the fun lies as well for many people. The many facets of these shows are what draws people in and also keeps viewers riveted to their seats. It also keeps them coming back for more. There are many people who simply have a blast watching these types of TV Shows. These shows are all the rage simply because of the fact that there is so much of the very crime that they are spotlighting. There is no getting away from it.

More information is available on TVRage.com. They offer important TV information including recaps, TV schedules, actor information, and much more.

Brian Stewart: The big crime news is its historic decline

One of this country's most experienced journalists and foreign correspondents, Brian Stewart is currently a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Munk School for Global Affairs at the University of Toronto. In almost four decades of reporting, he has covered many of the world's conflicts and reported from 10 war zones, from El Salvador to Beirut and Afghanistan.

In life, as in politics, people like to associate themselves with winning outcomes. Or as U.S. president John Kennedy memorably put it, "Victory has a thousand fathers, but defeat is an orphan."

So isn't it remarkable that no one in authority seems anxious to step up and embrace the truly historic decline in violent crime across Canada and the U.S. in recent years?

To criminologists such as Boston's James Alan Fox, the importance of this trend is glaringly obvious: "The homicide rate, perhaps the single most important marker of civilization's advance or retreat, is dropping through the floor," he says.

Yet this particular victory remains an orphan. You don't find many politicians trumpeting the long-term decline in crime when they're hoping to gain votes by appearing tough.

The police, too, seem to fear that talk of success will lead to their budgets being cut. The same often goes for social agencies. And good news is hardly the media's favourite dish.

As a result, much of the public remains convinced that violence is rising, even as it falls.

But let's be absolutely clear about this: in Toronto, the homicide total last year was 46. That is 40 fewer murders than just four years ago and the lowest number since the mid-1980s.

Metro Vancouver's homicide rate has plunged 42 per cent in the past few years to where it is now the lowest since data became available in 1981.

Washington, D.C., which was being called the "murder capital" of the U.S. not that long ago, has experienced a 70 per cent drop from the peak of 482 two decades ago, to 131 in 2010 and 109 last year, the lowest number in 50 years.

Los Angeles, once ground zero in gang wars, has seen murders plummet by an astonishing one-third in just five years, to a level not seen since 1967 and similar breakthroughs are reported in all but a few big cities.

High-profile crimes get the headlines. But the real news is that murder rates have been steadily falling all over the world. (Canadian Press)

Clearly, the big crime news is what's not happening.

The leading perpetrators of violent crime, young males, are not killing and assaulting each other nearly as much as they did in the 1980s and '90s.

What's more, this story isn't just about cities. Nationally, Canada's homicide rate, at 1.62 per 100,000, is down to 1966 levels. The overall U.S. murder rate has fallen by nearly half over the past 20 years.

Of course, more can be done, but let's not overlook the fact that the scale of this victory has saved thousands of lives, while rescuing many troubled inner cities from chaos.

This turnaround also raises some serious questions about how further progress might be achieved.

Remember the grim picture the U.S., in particular, faced in the 1990s when the great crack cocaine epidemic left a generation of neglected "feral children" from the inner cities to become "the most murderous cohort of teenagers the country has ever seen."

That was Time magazine's view in 1996, before it went on to warn about the "bloodbath of teenage violence that is lurking in the future."

A bit purply, but the description did not seem exaggerated at the time. Scores of social scientists saw the potential then for our societies simply to be worn down by an unremitting rise in crime in a culture that also seemed obsessed with violence in its entertainment.

So how do we explain our surprisingly unheralded deliverance?

Well, there is still some confusion. Most criminologists and social experts are still trying to piece together all parts of this puzzle.

The waning of the crack epidemic was certainly a factor — that and the fact that tougher policing drove most of the open dealing off the streets, which allowed for a more orderly drug trade.

More controversially, some have even claimed that easier access to abortion has led to fewer unwanted and uncared-for children.

But one undeniable breakthrough came with better public policy, the one element governments don't seem to want to pat themselves on the back for these days.

Big city governments across the continent co-operated on finding solutions, which led to best-practices programs such as Toronto 's impressive Anti-Violence Intervention Strategy.

Over the past dozen or so years, police have dropped much of the old bully-boy approach of constant harassment in favour of smarter, more civil and even policing.

Police now concentrate more on targeted interventions, highly visible street patrols, improved street intelligence, and better two-way communication with local communities.

Violent criminals and gangs know they are under greater surveillance. In urban hot spots, mediation specialists are now commonly called in to cool off gang members after a shooting, to break the usual cycle of retaliation killings (which can account for 60 per cent of homicides).

Also, social agencies and schools, helped by impressive armies of volunteers, have adopted more study and recreation programs to help separate the vulnerable from high-crime environments.

In all of this, the incarceration of violent offenders has played a role, no question.

Still, one of the more encouraging signs is that rates of violence have declined markedly in areas where authorities decided to reduce the amount of juvenile detention. They had concluded that locking up teenagers merely allows them to become better schooled in gang violence.

Studies show that states like Virginia, which cut youth confinement by 40 per cent or more, have seen the sharpest drop in violent crime.

As well, for many reasons, violence seems to be less in fashion now, particularly in those distressed parts of our society where it once carried the day.

None of this is a guarantee that violence will continue to drop. It may spike upwards again in some areas before continuing the long downward trend that criminologists say has been taking place over centuries.

Still, it is hard not to feel that something profound is happening here to make us, collectively, act better.

The UN notes that homicide has also fallen substantially in Europe and Asia in recent decades, too, and that it has been falling in bad economic times as well as good. The sooner we all finally acknowledge this fact, the sooner we may start to understand what it is exactly that we are doing right and build on it.

View the original article here