Technology Enhancements to Fingerprint Databases
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced technology enhancements to DHS and Department of Justice’s fingerprint databases that will further improve access and information sharing among immigration and law enforcement officials. The changes set the stage for a pilot program between federal authorities and the Boston Police Department. These technology enhancements represent the first in a series of three phases to achieve full interoperability of US-VISIT’s fingerprint database, IDENT, and the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS).
"Technology Enhancements to Fingerprint Databases Increase Information to Federal, State and Local Partners," DHS news release, 7 Sept. 2006
Alaska Land Mobile Radio Project Helps Law Enforcement
The Alaska Land Mobile Radio (ALMR) system, developed over the past decade, offers a common communications infrastructure that is being used by various federal agencies, all state agencies, and local police and fire departments. The Federal government is contributing 85% of the cost of ALMR, estimated at $120 million.
Carolyn Duffy Marsan, "Alaska’s wireless net built for emergency," NetworkWorld.com, 28 Aug. 2006
Tulsa, Okla. Police Expand Outreach to Residents
As part of the Tulsa (Okla.) Police Department’s new Crime Analysis, Planning, Evaluation and Research Section (CAPERS) unit, officers work to communicate crime trends with residents and businesses via email alerts, blogs, podcasts and other methods. The unit has also updated the department’s web site, adding a multimedia section of news broadcasts and self-produced videos on law enforcement topics.
Nichole Marshall, “TPD expands 'info hub' on crime, safety,” Tulsa (Okla.) World, 2 Sept. 2006: A1
U.S. House Hearing on State Fusion Centers
On Sept. 7, the U.S. House Homeland Security Committee, Intelligence, Information Sharing, and Terrorist Risk Assessment Subcommittee held a hearing on "Assessment of Information Sharing Centers," focusing on the Homeland Security Department's plans for supporting the work of state and local fusion centers. Fusion centers are facilities where federal, state, and local personnel and information technology networks are united to promote information sharing. Testimony is available online from witnesses at the hearing: Charles Allen, chief intelligence officer at the Homeland Security Department; Kenneth Bouche, deputy director for the Information & Technology Command of the Illinois State Police; Amy Whitmore, analyst supervisor at the Virginia Fusion Center of the Virginia State Police; and Richard Canas, director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
Wilson P. Dizard III, "States rap DHS info-sharing," Government Computer News, 8 Sept. 2006
NYPD Upgrades Real Time Crime Center
The New York Police Department (NYPD) is boosting the technology supporting its Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), established more than a year ago to improve crime fighting through an integrated data warehouse of criminal records.
Eric Lai, "NYPD boosts data warehouse to snare bad guys faster," Computerworld, 1 Sept. 2006
Oregon Distributes Grants for Law Enforcement Communication Systems
Oregon Gov. Kulongoski has announced the distribution of over $7.8 million in federal homeland security grants to upgrade law enforcement communication systems in counties throughout the state. “Public safety depends on improving communication among police agencies,” the Governor said. “Helping local police upgrade communications is a critical first step toward keeping our homeland secure.”
"Governor announces new communication resources for counties; Better police communication is vital to homeland security, Governor says," Oregon press release, 31 Aug. 2006
Ohio Strategic Analysis and Information Center at Work
On Aug. 22, Miami County commissioners heard from Thomas Horst of the Ohio Department of Public Safety on efforts by the Ohio Strategic Analysis and Information Center (SAIC) to make the state safer. The SAIC is designed to facilitate information sharing between state, federal and local governments and the private sector on homeland security topics.
Nancy Bowman, "State center to aid in emergency preparedness; Ohio Strategic Analysis and Information Center to probe, sort data searching for crime trends," Dayton (Ohio) Daily News, 31 Aug. 2006
