Public Safety Blog - Public Safety Discussion

Capella University is very pleased to announce its partnership with Mission Critical TV

2011 Apr 20 Posted by Steven

Mission Critical TV’s new one-hour format filmed in studio with host and Capella Faculty Chair, John J. Sullivan, PhD, will offer professional educational credits through Capella University.

For further information please go to: http://www.missioncriticaltv.com/

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Historic Tornado Outbreak

2011 Apr 18 Posted by Charles

Three days in April witnessed nearly 300 tornados across 15 states with over 45 people killed and many more injured and still more displaced by the storms. This was a powerful storm system packing massive energy which pounded much of the country.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who lost a family member, friend or neighbor in the storms.

In extreme weather events such as these, and I have been through several myself as a first responder, we would be remiss if we didn’t salute those heroic first responders who were on the scenes immediately after the storms helping victims, families and neighborhoods recover from the destruction. These law enforcement officers, fire fighters and EMS responders work through these events while often not knowing the status of their own families.

Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to all of those who lost a family member, friend or neighbor in the storms.

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Maplewood, Minnesota – Funds Being Raised to Construct Fallen Officer Memorial

2011 Apr 7 Posted by Steven

Part-time Capella University instructor, and police chief of the Maplewood Police Department, Minnesota, David Kvam, has shared that a fundraiser is being held on Saturday, April 23, 2011, at the Maplewood Community Center. Read the rest of this entry »

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In Memory of “Kane”

2011 Apr 4 Posted by Steven

Being an ex-canine officer, I was especially saddened and moved by the press release regarding “Kane”, a decorated police canine and six year veteran of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office (State of Washington). Kane died of multiple stab wounds as a result of performing his professional duties (apprehending an escaped suspect). My thoughts go out to his handler, Deputy Rick Osborne, and the Sheriff’s Office.

The alleged perpetrator, 31-year-old Keegan Graves has been apprehended.

For further information see: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/04/04/police-dog-stabbed-killed-washington-state/?test=latestnews

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Violence and Law Enforcement Officers

2011 Mar 24 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Greetings,

Earlier this week, the United States Attorney General (USAG), Eric Holder announced an initiative to increase law enforcement safety. One of the objectives of the USAG is to ensure the safety of law enforecement officers across the United States, regardless of function or agency.

The USAG announced the initiative due to an increase of line of duty deaths in 2011 compared to the same year to date period in 2010 (49 versus 41). The data was based on statistics archived by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). A historical analysis of NLEOMF data presents some very good news for law enforcement deaths in that the general trend in deaths is decreasing. Law enforcement officer deaths have generally remained consistent with the overall rate violence in the Unite States.

Although even one law enforcement officer death is one too many, the comparison of a six month analysis too preliminary to gage any major increases or upward trends, however, the USAG should be commended for maintaining law enforcement officer safety as a critical priority.

Take care and be safe.

Joe Pascarella

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2C-E: Is it a Law Enforcement Gray Area?

2011 Mar 20 Posted by Steven

2C-E (sometimes known as ‘Europa’) is one of a dangerous class of drugs that may be only a molecule different from similar banned drugs and are not specifically listed as a “Schedule I” controlled substance. It can be purchased online.

Note that the Drug Enforcement Administration has concluded that substance counts as an illegal drug because it’s so chemically similar to other drugs that are banned.

According to UPI. com, a Minnesota man is facing murder charges after a teenager died and 11 were hospitalized after overdosing on the hallucinogenic drug, authorities say.

Has your agency/department had experience with this dangerous rave-party drug?

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Amber Alerts: Could social networks such as Twitter and Facebook be used like an Emergency Broadcast system?

2011 Mar 13 Posted by Steven

Please see the very informative IACP, Center for Social Media article, “Amber Alert Gets Social”, By Mark Economou.

http://blog.iacpsocialmedia.org/Home/tabid/142/entryid/45/Default.aspx

What are your thoughts?

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Capella Recognized as Member of the Legion de Lafayette

2011 Mar 9 Posted by Steven

The Legion de Lafayette of the National Guard Association (NGAUS) of the United States has honored Capella University as the first educational institution to become a member.

Read the rest of this entry »

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The Killing of Officer David S. Crawford

2011 Feb 22 Posted by Steven

We are outraged and saddened by the death of Officer David S. Crawford, 46, a 25-year veteran of the St. Petersburg, Florida, Police Department. This follows the deaths of two St. Petersburg officers, and the wounding of a U.S. Marshal, on January 24, 2011 (www.cnn.com).

Is there anything the law enforcement community can do, that isn’t already being done, to combat such disregard for law, order, and human life?

Please share your thoughts. Your insights are important!

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March is National Criminal Justice Month

2011 Feb 16 Posted by Steven

To learn more about this congressional recognition, please read the following press release provided by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) and visit their website at http://www.acjs.org/pubs/167_665_14496.cfm?CFID=97113243&CFTOKEN=59055708

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