Public Safety Blog - Public Safety Discussion

Giving Thanks for Public Safety

2009 Nov 26 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Another year has passed without a major terror attack or incident within the United States. Although we are grappling with our responses to natural disasters, overall, we in Public Safety in the United States have a lot to be thankful for on this day.

I would like to reiterate that the Public Safety enterprise for the United States is a global, 24 hour/7 day a week/365 day a year operation. As of this writing, personnel that are ensuring our public safety range from our military personnel on Patrol on the Afghanistan/Pakistan border, police officers on Patrol in Los Angeles, to ICE Border agents along the Canadian border, and to hospital workers in Cleveland. Unfortunately, ensuring Public Safety does not take a Holiday.

One of the most stressful aspects for Public Safety personnel is working weekends, evenings, and especially Holidays. While we are enjoying our Turkey and Football and spending time with our families on this day, please remember those who are out there for everyone’s safety.
Take care and have a Safe, Healthy, and Happy Thanksgiving!

Joe Pascarella

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Giving thanks to our soldiers and public safety officers

2009 Nov 25 Posted by Charles

I had a conversation with a colleague last week concerning her interest in helping provide more robust support for law enforcement officers and their families. Most realize that our officers, and solders, are on the front lines, in harms way and often at risk physically and psychologically. They are working for us 24/7 – 365.

As many of you know, the public safety field can be very exacting and can take its toll on individuals and consequently families suffer commensurately.

I know that some of the fraternal organizations, such as the FOP, do a great job providing family support in their local chapters; I do not know of other organized efforts at providing support for public safety families. Clearly, this represents a great opportunity – and great need.

Please let me know of any local, state or national efforts focused on providing public safety familial support.

Thank you to everyone serving, and to those who have served, in public safety (a special thank you to our armed forces away for Thanksgiving).

Charles

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Homeland Security concentration

2009 Nov 18 Posted by Charles

Beginning in January, we will begin offering a new Homeland Security doctoral level concentration. The discussions should be robust around cyber terrorism, bio-terrorism, intelligence analysis and terrorism. The concentration will be available to current MS or PhD learners in any public service leadership program.

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Federal Law Enforcement Officer’s Association (FLEOA)

2009 Nov 18 Posted by Charles

Capella University has signed an alliance agreement with FLEOA that provides tuition discounts for all federal law enforcement officers. This is exciting news and complements our existing participation in the FBI’s University Education Program.

Charles

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Forensic Science

2009 Nov 15 Posted by Charles

The National Institute of Justice has just released a report on the state of forensic science and recommendations to help further strengthen the field.

http://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/228091.pdf

In the near future, we will be exploring forensic issues in more depth here on the blog.

What are some of the best forensic practices that you have seen?

Thanks
Charles

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Capella honors all veterans!

2009 Nov 10 Posted by Charles

In honor of this Veteran’s Day, 2009, Capella University is pleased to provide a new Facebook page dedicated to all of our military and veteran learners, alumni, and their families and friends.

Please feel free to use this page to connect with your fellow Capella learners and alumni who are affiliated with the military, share your tips for success for earning a degree online, and pose any questions you may have.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Capella-University-Military-Veterans/186278344264

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General Colin Powell Distinguished Speaker!

2009 Nov 3 Posted by Charles

I was quite honored to have had the opportunity to meet General Colin Powell after he delivered a dynamic and inspiring keynote speech at Capella’s Virginia colloquium earlier this month.

While the General spoke of his vast and varied experiences in leadership, government and public service, I was particularly moved to personally witness the great care and compassion that the General has for our soldiers – especially for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country. The General was discussing some of his philanthropic work focused on the Viet-Nam Memorial and the passion, dedication and commitment that he felt for those lost was clearly visible. The General is working to help preserve the thousands of personal items left by families at the Memorial in honor of their loved ones. He wants to make sure that those soldiers are never forgotten.

For me, and I am sure for many Americans, General Powell epitomizes leadership and distinction.

Please look at the video segment and I hope that you will share your comments.

http://www.capella.edu/publicservice/index.asp

Thanks!
Charles

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Washington Public Safety Trainers Conference

2009 Oct 22 Posted by Charles

I just returned from a keynote address visit to the Washington state public safety trainers group in Shelton, Washington. I was quite impressed with the group in that they are focusing their statewide public safety training on the problem based learning philosophy supported by assessment, evaluations and rubrics. We had a nice discussion concerning the nature and potential of public safety training and the criticality of our responsibility to ensure that our first responders are equipped with a full repertoire of critical thinking skills to provide the most successful outcome.

As Higher Education is beginning to get their hands on learning outcomes, it was refreshing to see such a progressive statewide training program.

Can anyone else share anything that you are doing, or have seen, related to innovations in public safety training?

Thanks
Charles

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Capella Awards and Recognitions

2009 Sep 23 Posted by Charles

This new page provides interesting insight into the various awards and recognitions that Capella University has with organizations and groups across the country, such as the Department of Homeland Security, FBI University Education Program, FBI NAA and Quality Matters.

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General Colin Powell at Capella Colloquium

2009 Sep 15 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Former United States Secretary of State General Colin Powell will give the keynote address at Capella’s PhD colloquium in Arlington, Virginia, on October 24, as part of Capella’s Distinguished Speaker Series. After the… event, our Leadership in Public Service Web site will feature video highlights from Powell’s inspiring message: http://www.capella.edu/PublicService/index.asp

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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.