Public Safety Signals
A discussion of Public Safety issues and why they matter
Drug Enforcement and Contemporary Public Safety
2008 May 27 Posted by Joseph Pascarella
Although contemporary public safety must address new and evolving threats, drug enforcement remains a perennial challenge. In yesterday’s New York Times, there was an article about the dangers of high ranking public safety officials stepping up enforcement efforts in Mexico.
These incidents in Mexico are important to the United States given the patterns and flow of illegal drugs on the North American continent. Additionally, other criminal networks, such as terror cells are likely to engage in illegal drug and human trafficking to generate both funding and methods of entrance into the United States. Although the traditional methods of drug enforcement and illegal drug smuggling remain a constant battle, newer threats compel public safety to address this problem from a new perspective.
Take care and stay safe.
Joe Pascarella
Politics of Disaster Relief
2008 May 9 Posted by Joseph Pascarella
A devastating cyclone has that struck the nation of Myanmmar last weekend that killed 100,000 persons is now in the Second Response or recovery phase. Part of the recovery phase entails rescue and relief for those afflicted in the region. The government of Myanmmar has reportedly seized aid in a dispute over distribution and control of the aid
These types of decisions made by officials serious hamper on ground operations and have detrimental effects in the long term. Unfortunately, there are few, if any accountability measures and the detrimental long term effects are hard to quantify and measure. However, small decisions during the recovery phase do have resounding effects.
Take care and stay safe.
Joe Pascarella
Criminal Justice National Honor Society at Capella Colloquium
2008 Apr 28 Posted by Charles
Alpha Phi Sigma National Honor Society at Atlanta Colloquium
Last week at our residential colloquium in Atlanta we had the distinct pleasure of inducting 63 learners into Iota Omicron, which is Capella University’s chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma national honor society. Our chapter is less than a year old and this was our very first induction meeting. We were honored to have our Interim President Dr. Valerie Perkins and School of Human Services Dean Dr. Chris Cassirer as special guest speakers at this ceremony honoring our inductees.
Also in attendance we had Dr. Truc-Nhu Ho (chapter faculty advisory) and Dr. Joe Pascarella (associate faculty advisor). Both faculty members participated in the ceremony and congratulated the attending inductees.
We take great pride inducting these learners into one of the country’s oldest academic honor societies and pride in their achievements in respect to academic excellence.
I look forward to the next face to face meeting of the honor society. Congratulations again to all of our inductees and to the thousands of Alpha Phi Sigma members across the country.
Charles
p.s. please let me know of any other leading academic honor societies that you recommend that cover our public safety area, emergency management, leadership, etc.? Thanks
Long Term Care for Veterans
2008 Apr 21 Posted by Joseph Pascarella
This blog has reiterated through several posts the importance of personnel issues in public safety. The human element in public safety, albeit domestic public safety or international public safety cannot be emphasized enough.
The type of stress and pressure can be overwhelming and have long-term detrimental effects. The United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs is making a sound investement by initiating a program giving hotline counselors instant access to the caller’s health records. This information will streamline information and hopefully services for the client in need of services. These types of programs are critical given the need for follow-up care for personnel that may be suffering from long term effects of trauma. Given that research in this field is still developing, the effects of long term trauma cannot be ignored.
Take care and stay safe.
Joe Pascarella
Quantifying and Elusive Threat
2008 Apr 13 Posted by Joseph Pascarella
Counter terrorism officials in Britain are releasing a report warning that the terror threat in Britain is actually worsening. This is not good news for not only Britain, but the entire European Union and given the decentralized and globalized structure of contemporary terror threats, other countries under threat throughout the. According to Jacqui Smith, the British Home Secretary, there are currently 200 terror networks, 30 active plots and 2,000 individuals under monitor by British officials. The Home Secretary also stated that these numbers represent an increase from the preceding year.
Quantifying this type of threat is particularly challenging given that the intensity of terror plots may vary and the investigations are very sophisticated. Additionally, it is unknown how many terror plots are deterred due to proactive investigations and enforcement. Another challenge is to quantify the expansiveness of the network. Public safety agencies worldwide are now required to monitor threats in other countries and assess how those threats maybe relevant to other countries. Part of this process requires an endeavor to try and quantify these threats.
Take care and stay safe.
Joe Pascarella
The Right To Public Safety
2008 Mar 20 Posted by Joseph Pascarella
The debate over firearms control is enjoying yet another historical evolution as the United States Supreme Court is attempting to interpret and apply the Second Amendment in the case of District of Columbia v. Heller. The raging and eduring debate is focused on one phrase, and perhaps one comma in the twenty-seven word amendment:
A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed. Does this mean that the government militia has the right to bear arms, or that individual citizens may bear arms as part of a miltia, or can individual citizens alone have the right to bear arms?
Firearms control is a topic that is hotly debated and perspectives are based and differ due to the various backgrounds, ideologies, and regional cultures of the United States. Perhaps the case of District of Columbia v. Heller will settle the debate over the original intent of the frames of the Bill of Rights.
Joe Pascarella
A discussion of Public Safety and online education at the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) conference
2008 Mar 20 Posted by Charles
I had the pleasure of attending the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) conference in Cincinnati last week. Faculty members Drs. Joe Pascarella and Howard Henderson attended as well. Joe presented on the interdisciplinary approach to public safety that serves as the foundation to our online public safety program. Howard presented on the influence of online education in the criminal justice field. Those sessions were followed by a panel discussion on online education. Read the rest of this entry »
Fulbright at Capella University
2008 Mar 7 Posted by Charles
Last month at the National Conference Center in Lansdowne, VA, Capella University was honored to offer learners and faculty an overview of the Fulbright Program. This session was presented by the Council for International Exchange of Scholars (CIES) during one of our doctoral colloquia.
The Fulbright Program is one of the world’s most recognized and prestigious award programs serving over 100 countries. The program is sponsored by the United States Department of State, administered by CIES and promotes learning, leadership and cultural understanding between nations. It is intended for scholars, students and professionals interested in research, teaching or advanced study in a particular country and/or field. Read the rest of this entry »
Explosion in Times Square in New York City
2008 Mar 6 Posted by Joseph Pascarella
A small, unsophisticated explosive device detonated early this morning at approximately 3:40 AM Eastern Standard Time Zone at the storied Times Square military Recruiting station in New York City today. Although the damage was minimal, the attack was one of many “lesser attacks” in comparison to the two attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City within the last one hundred years. According to a video released by initial investigators, the device appeared to have been planted by one or more persons on a bicycle who alighted from the bicycle, planted the device, and then fled.
Although threats to contemporary safety may have evolved, New York City has remained a perennial target. Some other lesser known attacks include an attack in the Wall Street area in 1920 that killed thirty (30) persons and caused signficant damage. From 1940 to 1956 New York City was actually terrorized by a serial bomber, George Metesky knicknamed “the Mad Bombers” who detonated or planted a series of homemade bombs in locations such as Grand Central Terminal and Radio City Music Hall. Also, in 1975, an explosive device was planted at the historical Fraunces Tavern in lower Manhattan killing four persons and injuring thirty. The same terrorist group, FALN that was involved in the Fraunces Tavern attack planted an explosive device at Police Headquarters in lower Manhattan that exploded seriously injuring two police officers on New Years Eve 1982. Although the attackers and motives have changed over the last century, New York City has remained a target.
As always, take care and stay safe.
Joe Pascarella
Politics of Public Safety II
2008 Mar 4 Posted by Joseph Pascarella
Earlier this year, I wrote about the upcoming Presidential election and public safety. At that time, there was not much clarity in the race from both parties.
As of this writing, it appears that Senator John McCain of Arizona has clinched the Republican nomination and will face off in against either Senator Hillary Clinton from New York or Senator Barack Obama from Illinois. Given the backgrounds of each of the three, this should engage in some very interesting debate and dialogue about public safety. Senator McCain is a Vietnam veteran, Senator Obama has lived in several different geographic regions of the country and Senator Clinton has represented the State of New York since 2000 and has lead the state through the perils of 9/11.
Either of the three candidates has a very challenging mandate with respect to Public Safety, given the geopolitical circumstances of not changed significantly since the 9/11 attacks and an entire government agency, the Department of Homeland Security has been operational for nearly five years. Public safety issues will certainly be on the forefront during the election process.
Take care and stay safe.
Joe Pascarella
About
Public Safety Signals provides a venue for those working or interested in the public safety field to join in a conversation about the latest news, trends and important issues related to public safety. The authors are experienced professionals and educators in the field of public safety, but your topic suggestions and insightful comments are needed to keep this site relevant and engaging.
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