Public Safety Blog - Public Safety Discussion

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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Eight Years On

2009 Sep 11 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Greetings,

Once again, today’s anniversary conjures up just about every available emotion and feeling. The significance of today’s date is etched in the collective psyche of nearly every American. Most Americans can recall exactly what they were doing and where they were at a precisely the moment they heard of the news of the attacks in New York City and Washington.

This date has a resounding affect on those effected and the study of public safety must expand beyond the original incident and short term effects to long term effects. Recent findings by the WTC Health Registry found that 67% of those in the Registry that were exposed to the WTC area after the 9/11 attacks suffer from respiratory ailments. Additionally, approximately 35,000 to 70,000 suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. These data represent a significant number and represents the lasting effects of this tragedy.

Take care and stay safe.

Joe Pascarella

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Katrina and National Preparedness Month

2009 Aug 29 Posted by Charles

Today marks four years since Hurricane Katrina made landfall in New Orleans. While we have learned many lessons from that catastrophic disaster, there is always more work to do as a community and country, as we can never predict the nature or extent of the next emergent situation heading our way.

In fact, the new FEMA Administrator, Mr. Craig Fugate, has prepared a video message where he asks for all citizens to do their part to enhance preparedness. Read the rest of this entry »

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Public Safety Priorities

2009 Aug 22 Posted by Joseph Pascarella

Nicholas D. Kristof wrote an Op-Ed piece this week in the New York Times that discussed some very salient priorities in public safety, Health Care and Imprisonment. Essentially, the Op-Ed article discussed the willingness of the US to spend money and resources on prisons and incarcerating citizens, but not health care. The US has the highest rate of incarceration on the globe, a trend that began in the late 1970’s and continues to trend upward. By every measure, imprisoning offenders is very expensive, as is health care.

The recent debate over health care reform and legislation highlights the public’s unwillingness to expend more resources for health care. This represents a significant undercurrent in society about public safety priorities. Apparently, there is a reluctance to address the costs associated with health care, but not prisons and incarceration. Eventually, these two priorities will play out an interesting public policy debate in that resources will eventually need to be reallocated and a choice will have to made, health care reform or the sustenance of the three decades running prison-industrial enterprise.

Take care and stay safe.

Joe Pascarella

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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.