FBI to Expand Use of DNA Testing
The FBI plans to expand the use of its Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to identify missing persons and tens of thousands of unidentified bodies held by local coroners and medical examiners. DNA from unidentified bodies will be compared with profiles submitted by family members of missing persons.
Richard Willing, “FBI adds uses for its DNA database; Will help ID bodies and missing persons,” USA Today, 31 May 2006: 1A, online at http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-05-30-dna-database_x.htm
Pilot DNA Project in Orange County, Calif.
Forensic scientists with the Orange County, Calif. Sheriff's Department are working on a pilot program, funded by a $495,000 federal grant, to test whether DNA evidence now routinely used to solve murders and sexual crimes can also be used to economically help solve burglaries. DNA testing usually costs about $2,000 per case.
David Reyes, “DNA Can Catch Burglars Too; Sheriff's scientists in Orange County are using grant funds to see whether the technology is cost-effective in solving property crimes,” Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2006: B3
Testing Emergency Communications in Louisiana
The Governor of Louisiana's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) hosted a two-day functional hurricane exercise May 23-24 designed to test the state's draft emergency operations plans that incorporate the lessons learned from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. A summary of the event, which included tests of interoperable communications, can be read online.
Brian Robinson, "Louisiana tests readiness for hurricanes," Federal Computer Week, 24 May 2006, online at
http://www.fcw.com/article94632-05-24-06-Web
Sharing Crime Information in Arizona
A new Gilbert, Ariz. Police Department criminal intelligence unit is working with other area police agencies to streamline intelligence sharing in order to identify crime trends and make arrests of criminals who routinely cross jurisdictions.
Elias C. Arnold, “Intelligence Unit Blends Police Data; Information shared to help make arrests,” The Arizona Republic (Phoenix), 27 May 2006: 15
NGA Creates State Homeland Security Advisors Council
As part of their ongoing effort to ensure states are prepared to respond to terrorist attacks and natural disasters, the nation's governors today announced a major step to enhance readiness and help keep America safe and secure. The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) has created the Governors Homeland Security Advisors Council as a forum to bring together the 55 advisors appointed by the governors of each state and territory to share common concerns and develop strategies for managing homeland security threats.
"NGA Creates State Homeland Security Advisors Council," NGA news release, 1 June 2006, online at
http://www.nga.org/portal/site/nga/menuitem.6c9a8a9ebc6ae07eee28aca9501010a0/?vgnextoid=07926c96dfb8b010VgnVCM1000001a01010aRCRD
DHS Awards Grants to States
The Department of Homeland Security on May 31 announced that it has awarded $1.7 billion in grants this year to help states and localities combat terrorism and respond to disasters, representing a 32 percent decrease over grants awarded the previous year. The list of grants allocated can be viewed online.
Jonathan Marino, "DHS awards 32 percent less than last year in state, local grants," Govexec.com, 31 May 2006, online at
http://www.govexec.com/story_page.cfm?articleid=34217&dcn=e_gvet
