Real World News

This Los Angeles Times report graphically illustrates the magnitude of the chase and the threat to both the officers and the public. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pursuit13-2009mar13,0,7294034.story

A recent copy of a Policing Journal addresses a not often discussed aspect of Policing..."Emotional Survival". I think that this is a useful and timely arrticle for those considering a future career in Policing, as well as for those already in a Police Service or Force. http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/gazette/vol70n4/emotion-eng.htm Batman27362009-03-18 14:06:33

I was reminded once again when I was contacted today by a Vancouver friend, who sent me information about the Odd Squad's "Stolen Lives" production. The innovative and caring approach of these Vancouver Police Officers, in trying to reach young people about to be, (or already), caught up in a drug or gang life, has captured a lot of attention public attention from young and older people, including Bruce Springsteen . Take a few minutes to browse their site. http://www.oddsquad.com Batman27362009-03-17 23:11:18

Russian cops mystified by murderous 'maniac' June 18 2006 at 12:01PM By Andrew Osborn One Moscow park, 16 unsolved murders, and no suspect. All that exists is a serial killer able to strike at will without leaving the slightest of clues. It sounds like Gorky Park, but there is nothing fictional about these macabre murders. The Russian media have nicknamed the killer "the Bitsevsky Maniac" because the murders have all taken place in south-west Moscow in the city's Bitsevsky Park. Since October of last year police have recovered 16 bodies from the heavily forested 2 228 hectare park. The 16th corpse, that of a well-dressed and so far unidentifie…

This March 11 article by an Alabama Deputy Sheriff lifts the cover on his personal tragic experience in the recent Alabama massacre. This is a Heartbreakingly poignant story of duty, neighbourhood heroism and love. http://edition.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/11/alabama.deputy/index.html As an aside to this story...initial investigation may point to the fact that the shooter may have initially trained as a cop?

This handy, possibly time saving), body worn device automatically records and videos evidence, securely, ready for automatic download. http://www.policemag.com/News/ListbyKeyword.aspx?q=TASER%20International

I attach a link to some newly emerging crime trends, with snippets of information from a variety of countries. (Including a mini surge in crimes by the over 60's). http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4751

A VPD/RCMP operation netted a large number of arrests, in the last couple of days and may have pre-empted additional shootings. The weapons on show are powerful ones, evidence of the high risk/high activities of the gangs. http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Record+year+homicides/1360063/story.html Is it heading towards Europe and the U.K.?

A Winnipeg, (Manitoba), Court released a decision on the Greyhound Bus killing today. http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/winnipeg/2009/03/05/8639531.html

Now this is a useful example of a homicide map, which includes a statistical break down of several factors. (I imagine that this is one of the COMPSTAT ones charts). On reviewing this current months murder rate..I wonder who has had more homicides this February,..... L.A. or Vancouver....Although this is one race we do not want to win! http://www.latimes.com/news/local/crime/homicidemap

This unusual judge looked at her audience and decided to open up about her own journey. Not the type of speech you might imagine a Judge giving; but I am sure that she struck a chord with those who attended. http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-collins2-2009mar02,0,4440321.story It is people like this, who dared to stick out and speak honestly about their work & their beliefs, who inspired me when I first moved to Los Angeles, as a very young woman. Periodically I have to return to refresh those memories.Batman27362009-03-03 23:06:39

LAPD has announced that they have grown to a record number of members. LAPD covers 473 sq miles and serves and protects a 3,937,690 population. (Those statistics are from 2003.) Los Angeles Times link to the announcement follows. http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/03/lapd-force-grow.html The ratio of police to population is not a high one.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7917137.stm

This just hit the news here. Quite an old Cold War game...except for the timing. http://www.ottawacitizen.com/new/Canada+chased+Russian+before+Obama+visit/1335734/story.html

Columbian fishermen, are paid large amounts to make the dangerous journey in these cramped just below the surface, mini submarines, which are ever changing their tactics and protection against Navy detection. These floating "coffins" ferry their lucrative cargoes, worth an estimated $200 million in the street, on a one way trip. (10% of the crews and subs never succeed in getting to their destination.) Some of the fishermen are unwilling to take the risk, despite the tempting reward, so their families are taken hostage. Much manpower is devoted to detection of these vessels as there is a risk that vessels as these, may also pose a even more of a p…