NewzIntel.com

Category: Police

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arrest – Post and boast – Darwin

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police have arrested one male youth in relation to posting and boasting offences in Darwin over the weekend.

    Around 5pm Saturday, police responded to an unlawful entry at an address in Millner where multiple personal items were reported stolen.

    The victim later identified their belongings being held by people in a social media post and reported this to police.

    Investigations led police to conduct a lawful search of a residence in Millner, where one of the stolen items was located.

    A 13-year-old male was arrested and charged with receiving stolen property and publishing material about offending conduct.

    Investigations are ongoing.

    Strike Force Trident urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Multiple arrests in Rotorua CBD following Operation Trolley

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    As part of ongoing work to ensure Rotorua’s community feels safer within the CBD, 13 people were arrested and 45 shopping trolleys have been returned to their respective stores, following a three-day Police operation.

    From Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 January, Police executed Operation Trolley focusing on engaging and educating managers of local businesses and enforcing the illegal actions of people using or having possession of shopping trolleys outside the boundaries of their respective stores.

    While being homeless is not a crime in and of itself, Police has recently received complaints in regard to homeless people in possession of trolleys intimidating members of the public and workers as they walk through the CBD.

    Any antisocial or unlawful behaviour will not be tolerated, and Police is committed to ensuring anyone going about their lawful business in the CBD are safe and feel safe.

    Upon speaking with local retail store and business managers, Police identified several people using retail store owned shopping trolleys for their personal use without lawful authority.

    Police arrested seven people in possession of shopping trolleys for receiving an item worth less than $500. They were all given verbal warnings.

    Six other people were arrested for historical offences including theft, assault, arrest warrants, bail breaches, and trespassing.

    Police also issued 19 trespass notices, trespassing individuals in possession of a trolley from the trolley’s respective store.

    In total, 45 trolleys were returned to their businesses at the end of the three-day operation.

    Homelessness is a social problem which requires a joint effort to address the underlying issues. Police works with a number of agencies to understand these issues, support the homeless, and collectively find homeless people long-term solutions.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump takes first swing states of North Carolina and Georgia after voting passes peacefully

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in International Security, University of Portsmouth

    Donald Trump looked poised to take some key battleground states this morning as votes continue to be counted. The Republicans were also being predicted to take control of the Senate.

    North Carolina with its 16 electoral college votes was called for Trump in the early hours of the morning, and another key east coast state, Georgia and its 16 electoral college votes, was also predicted to have been gained by Trump. Trump won other major states, from Iowa to Texas, with a strong showing at the polls.

    As well as this, Republicans have taken back control of the Senate as they were forecast to, after Democrats lost their slender lead. If Trump is victorious, this will provide him with the congressional support he needs to get his appointees ratified and pass laws without obstruction.

    Turnout has been impressive and initial speculation is that Trump has surpassed his rural support from 2020 while Democrat Kamala Harris only matched the suburban numbers that Biden achieved four years ago. NBC exit polls also showed Trump had more support from voters under 30 than any Republican candidate since 2008.

    The BBC reported that early exit polls indicated that voters were most concerned with the state of the democracy (35%) with the economy coming a close second (31%).

    These concerns have led to a turnout that will be just below the 2020 figures, according to Professor Michael McDonald, of the University of Florida.

    In too-close-to-call battleground state Pennsylvania, it was reported that voters were queueing in their hundreds over an hour before the polls opened at 7am.

    In Michigan, another key state in the election, officials said that those voters who had voted early – both the absentee and in-person votes – numbered almost as many as the total votes for the 2020 election.

    Michigan’s Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, said that the state was “on pace to see another high turnout election with voters all across the state enthusiastic and engaged”. And much of it was done in a good atmosphere with election chairperson Jennifer Jenkins telling reporters that it was “good vibes all around”.

    Safety concerns

    Concerns about whether election day would pass peacefully have not kept voters away.

    As revealed in a memo obtained by the non-partisan group, Property of the People, the Department of Homeland Security had issued a warning in September that election infrastructure was “an attractive target for some domestic violent extremists” particularly those with “election-related grievances” who seek to disrupt the democratic process and election operations.

    In the nation’s capital, Washington DC, police arrested a man who was stopped during the screening process at the US Capitol visitor centre. Authorities stated that he smelled like gasoline and had a torch lighter, flare gun and papers he intended to deliver to Congress.

    Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, speaking at a press conference shortly after the incident, stated that “there is no indication right now that it had anything to do with the election”.

    The greatest threat to the smooth running of the election on polling day seemed not to come from domestic perpetrators but from foreign interference, particularly in the crucial swing state races.

    Several polling stations in Georgia, Michigan, Arizona and Wisconsin were the victims of hoax bomb threats that caused temporary closures of the sites. The threats were believed to be sent by emails that were traced back to Russian email domains.

    In Navajo County in Arizona, four polling stations were the target of bomb threats. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes told reporters that election officials in the state had “no reason to believe that any of our voters or any of our polling places are in any sort of jeopardy.”

    “We also have reason to believe, although I won’t get into specifics, that this comes from one of our foreign enemies, namely Russia,” he continued.

    In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro announced at a press conference that there had been multiple bomb threats at polling stations and municipal centres across the state.

    Shapiro, who was at one time thought of as a potential running mate for Harris, revealed that “state and local law enforcement – along with the FBI – are investigating these threats and thus far, there is no credible threat to the public”.

    This came after reports emerged of at least ten polling locations in Philadelphia and in surrounding areas were sent a bomb threat via email at 6pm local time.

    Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger accused Russia of being the cause of the threats aimed at polling locations in the southern state. “They don’t want us to have a smooth, fair and accurate election, and if they can get us to fight among ourselves, they can count that as a victory,” he told reporters.

    The FBI stated that it was aware of the threats and that many appeared “to originate from Russian email domains”. The Russian embassy in Washington denied the threats.

    Last Thursday, Georgia was also the subject of what the US intelligence community called a disinformation campaign designed to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election result through an online video that “depicted individuals claiming to be from Haiti and voting illegally in multiple counties in Georgia”.

    Researchers at Clemson University in South Carolina identified the work as being that of Russian disinformation group Storm -1516. Darren Linvill of Clemson University, stated that Russian group had “turned their focus squarely on the US election.”

    And the integrity of this election took a further hit when Republican candidate Donald Trump made unfounded accusations on social media platform Truth Social of election fraud in Philadelphia, a must-win state for the former president.

    Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said through a spokesperson that “the only talk about massive cheating has come from one of the candidates, Donald J. Trump. There is no factual basis whatsoever within law enforcement to support this wild allegation”.

    Experts have warned that such campaigns could give momentum to accusations that the election is not legitimate and that this, in turn, could trigger post-election violence.

    As the results come in, America holds it breath that any potential transition of power will be more peaceful than four years ago.

    Dafydd Townley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump takes first swing states of North Carolina and Georgia after voting passes peacefully – https://theconversation.com/trump-takes-first-swing-states-of-north-carolina-and-georgia-after-voting-passes-peacefully-242716

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Correctional officers stop person in custody attacking staff members

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Correctional officers at Lo Wu Correctional Institution stopped a female person in custody attacking staff members today (November 6).

         At 8.19am today, a 44-year-old female person in custody suddenly became emotional and attacked two correctional officers inside the Day Orderly Officer’s office. Officers at the scene immediately stopped the assailant and applied OC foam to subdue her after repeated warnings were ignored.

         During the incident, an officer sustained injuries to her shoulders and hands, while another officer sustained injuries to her head, arms and knee. After examination and treatment by the Medical Officer at the institution hospital, they were sent to a public hospital for further treatment. The assailant sustained injuries to her head and arms. She did not need to be sent to a public hospital after examination and treatment by the institution Medical Officer.

         The case has been reported to the Police for investigation.

         The assailant was sentenced to imprisonment for the offence of possession of forged identity cards in October 2024.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ16: Short-term parking arrangements for delivery couriers

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Kingsley Wong and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the new communities of Queen’s Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court in Fanling, with a population of more than 30 000, have great demand for the services of online delivery platforms. However, some of the relevant trade unionists have reflected that the management offices of these housing estates have not considered the need of delivery couriers for short-term parking of their motorcycles. Not only have the management offices failed to provide temporary parking spaces, they have also stepped up their efforts to impound motorcycles and have even lodged complaints with the Police about motorcycles obstructing roads, resulting in delivery couriers often having to pay impounding charges and fines for penalty tickets. Such trade unionists hope that the relevant estate management offices and the Police can take into account the principles of legality, reasonableness and compassion in their actions. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as there are views about the varying standards of the management offices of different public housing estates in managing the short-term parking of delivery couriers’ motorcycles in the housing estates, which has left delivery couriers at a loss, whether the authorities will consider providing guidelines for all parties to follow; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) whether it will keep abreast with the need to develop the platform economy by using the housing estates with recent population intakes (e.g. Queen’s Hill Estate) as pilot estates to provide “designated motorcycle parking spaces for delivery” within or near the housing estates to allow delivery couriers to park their motorcycles for short periods; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) whether it will follow the practice of the Mainland and set up “courier posts” in various districts to provide areas for resting, eating and using toilets, equipped with facilities such as water dispensers and first-aid kits, so as to improve the working conditions and well-‍being of delivery couriers; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (4) whether it has estimated the latest number of local delivery couriers accepting orders through online platforms?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Having consulted the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Labour and Welfare Bureau and the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD), a consolidated reply to the Hon Kingsley Wong’s question is as follows:
      
    (1) & (2) In general, establishing designated motorcycle parking spaces for delivery services in public housing estates or on public roads nearby requires effective management measures to ensure that these parking spaces are used as intended, such as restricting the parking purpose and limiting the parking duration based on the circumstances of each public housing estate to avoid prolonged occupancy. At present, motorcycle parking spaces on public roads are open for public use, including food delivery motorcycles. There are no restrictions on the parking use of the parking spaces. The Transport Department endeavours to increase the supply of motorcycle parking spaces on public roads to meet with the keen demand of motorcyclists through various means. It is initially assessed that the feasibility in establishing designated motorcycle parking spaces for a specific purpose is relatively low.
     
         Overall speaking, loading/unloading bays are provided around the domestic blocks in most of the housing estates/courts under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) for vehicles, including delivery motorcycles, to load/unload goods or pick-up/drop-off passengers. Taking into account the prevalent need for short-term parking by various types of vehicles to load/unload goods and pick-up/drop-off passengers, the HA has waived the parking fees for vehicles parked in its loading/unloading bays in all housing estates/courts under the HA’s management for up to 30 minutes.

         In addition, for roads other than the loading/unloading bays, the Housing Department (HD) or the authorised staff of the housing estates/courts/car park operators will exercise discretion with regard to the actual situation in handling short-term parking by delivery motorcycles and other vehicles in a reasonable and compassionate manner. Given that the specific circumstances and road design vary in different housing estates/courts, the staff concerned will, in handling the matter, consider the needs of delivery couriers and will strike a balance among various factors such as estate management, the impact on other residents and road users, as well as whether the road section concerned is an emergency vehicular access which has to be kept clear at all times for fire appliances, police vehicles or ambulances to carry out rescue and other operations. In general, the staff will first issue a verbal/written warning to request the driver concerned to drive off the illegally parked vehicle. Only when the warning goes unheeded, the driver will receive fixed penalty tickets or have the vehicle impounded in accordance with the law. Couriers can use the loading/unloading bays adjacent to the domestic blocks for short-term parking of their motorcycles to facilitate their delivery services, and the estate staff will handle short-term parking by delivery motorcycles in a reasonable and compassionate manner according to the actual situation. The above arrangements took into account the needs of all the stakeholders.
     
         Queens Hill Estate is a public rental housing estate under the HA, while the neighbouring Shan Lai Court is a sold housing court under the “Home Ownership Scheme”. Lung Ma Road and Lung Chun Road, the major roads serving Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court, are restricted roads within Queens Hill Estate. No parking is allowed at any time on these two roads which are under the control of the HD. The housing estate and court concerned are provided with emergency vehicular access to various domestic blocks, each of which is provided with loading/unloading bays in the vicinity with free parking offer for the first 30 minutes to allow short-term parking by vehicles (including motorcycles). At present, seven and six loading/unloading bays are provided adjacent to the domestic blocks in Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court respectively. These facilities provide spaces for free temporary parking, enabling couriers to promptly deliver services. In addition, 11 hourly motorcycle parking spaces are provided in Queens Hill Estate for visitors (including couriers). 
     
         It is noted that some motorcycles/vehicles are parked on Lung Ma Road and Lung Chun Road, of which parking is prohibited at all times, or on the adjacent pedestrian footpaths. There are even vehicles parked illegally on emergency vehicle access in the housing estate/court, posing danger to other road users and pedestrians. Therefore, enforcement actions must be taken. The management agency appointed by the HA is authorised to carry out enforcement actions. Warning banners have been put up in prominent areas on roads to remind drivers that illegal parking will result in their vehicle impounded or issuance of fixed penalty tickets. If illegal parking is identified, the staff will warn the driver on-site to drive away the vehicle as soon as possible; and issue a warning notice if the driver is not present. Should the warning be unheeded, the vehicles concerned will be impounded. According to the record, most of the impounded vehicles were prolonged parking vehicles rather than short-term parking by delivery motorcycles. It can thus be seen that the aforementioned enforcement actions have been carried out in a lawful, reasonable and compassionate manner, and the impact on couriers has been minimal. It is observed that the situation has now been improved and in general couriers would temporarily park their motorcycles on the loading/unloading bays adjacent to the domestic blocks for delivery services.
     
         As for the supply of motorcycle parking spaces, the HD has provided seven additional monthly motorcycle parking spaces in the carpark of Queens Hill Estate since January 2024 having regard to the demand for motorcycle parking spaces and technical feasibility. All these parking spaces have been rented out. The implementation of the above integrated measures has greatly improved the illegal parking situation within Queens Hill Estate and Shan Lai Court, leading to a drop in the number of impounded vehicles.
     
         In view of the limited public spaces in housing estates and the requirement for the provision of emergency vehicular access, loading/unloading bays, pedestrian links as well as the recreational, leisure and greening facilities in accordance with the planning standards, it is not feasible to provide additional “designated motorcycle parking spaces for delivery”.
     
    (3) and (4) Commissioned by the Labour Department (LD), the C&SD has contracted out in September 2023 a Thematic Household Survey to collect information on, among others, the characteristics and working conditions of digital platform workers engaging in food and goods delivery services. The household survey is the first of its kind and fieldwork has been completed. Data processing and analysis are underway. The C&SD expected that the key findings of the relevant survey will be available in early 2025.
     
         The Government has always supported the development of different industries. With the rapid development of platform economy, the Government is very concerned about the working conditions and protection for delivery couriers and digital platform workers. The LD has set up a Liaison Group to facilitate the communication among major food and goods delivery platform operators and labour organisations as well as to encourage platform companies to adopt good practices for enhancing the working conditions and protection for platform workers.
     
         Should there be any measures related to the platform economy, the HD will spare no effort to provide necessary support.
     
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Arrests made following search warrant, Wainoni

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    Attributable to Canterbury District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill:

    Three associates of the Mongols MC have been arrested today after a search warrant was executed at a Wainoni address this morning.

    Police searched the Cuffs Road address and spoke to four occupants as part of an ongoing investigation.

    An amount of suspected stolen property was recovered from the address.

    Subsequently, three men, aged 23, 24 and 26 have been arrested and face property-related charges.

    Our investigation is ongoing.

    Police will continue to have a visible presence around the gathering of gang members currently underway in Canterbury.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Mozambique: End violent post-election crackdown ahead of 7 November Maputo march

    Source: Amnesty International –

    Ahead of a major opposition march planned for 7 November in Maputo following disputed elections, Mozambique’s Frelimo-led government must halt its violent and widespread crackdown on human rights and respect everyone’s rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, Amnesty International said. 

    The crisis in Mozambique is the country’s worst crackdown on protests in years. Police have killed more than 20 people and injured or arrested hundreds more, according to civil society. Security forces have routinely tried to violently and unlawfully break up peaceful assemblies with tear gas, bullets and arbitrary arrests. Authorities say protesters killed at least one police officer. 

    “The last two weeks in Mozambique have been marked by completely unnecessary bloodshed as authorities have tried to stop a peaceful protest movement with deadly force. The number of casualties increases every day, with authorities deploying weapons of war, including rifles and armoured vehicles, on city streets. People cannot even protest in their own homes without risking tear gassing by police,” said Khanyo Farise, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for East and Southern Africa. 

    The government has repeatedly cut internet access across the country and blocked social media sites for nearly a week. Unknown gunmen assassinated two leading opposition figures, and opposition leader Venancio Mondlane is in hiding. 

    Mozambique’s government has the primary responsibility to respect and uphold human rights, but neighboring countries and international organizations, including the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, must forcefully speak out now to prevent further unlawful killings and other human rights violations. 

    “This outrageous chapter in Mozambique’s history must end now, and perpetrators must be brought to justice. Mozambique’s government must pull back from the brink to avert further human rights violations,” said Khanyo Farise. 

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Trump takes first swing states after voting passes peacefully

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Dafydd Townley, Teaching Fellow in International Security, University of Portsmouth

    Donald Trump looked poised to take some key battleground states this morning as votes continue to be counted. The Republicans were also being predicted to take control of the Senate.

    North Carolina with its 16 electoral college votes was called for Trump in the early hours of the morning, and another key east coast state, Georgia and its 16 electoral college votes, was also predicted to have been gained by Trump. Trump won other major states, from Iowa to Texas, with a strong showing at the polls.

    As well as this, Republicans have taken back control of the Senate as they were forecast to, after Democrats lost their slender lead. If Trump is victorious, this will provide him with the congressional support he needs to get his appointees ratified and pass laws without obstruction.

    Turnout has been impressive and initial speculation is that Trump has surpassed his rural support from 2020 while Democrat Kamala Harris only matched the suburban numbers that Biden achieved four years ago. NBC exit polls also showed Trump had more support from voters under 30 than any Republican candidate since 2008.

    The BBC reported that early exit polls indicated that voters were most concerned with the state of the democracy (35%) with the economy coming a close second (31%).

    These concerns have led to a turnout that will be just below the 2020 figures, according to Professor Michael McDonald, of the University of Florida.

    In too-close-to-call battleground state Pennsylvania, it was reported that voters were queueing in their hundreds over an hour before the polls opened at 7am.

    In Michigan, another key state in the election, officials said that those voters who had voted early – both the absentee and in-person votes – numbered almost as many as the total votes for the 2020 election.

    Michigan’s Secretary of State, Jocelyn Benson, said that the state was “on pace to see another high turnout election with voters all across the state enthusiastic and engaged”. And much of it was done in a good atmosphere with election chairperson Jennifer Jenkins telling reporters that it was “good vibes all around”.

    Safety concerns

    Concerns about whether election day would pass peacefully have not kept voters away.

    As revealed in a memo obtained by the non-partisan group, Property of the People, the Department of Homeland Security had issued a warning in September that election infrastructure was “an attractive target for some domestic violent extremists” particularly those with “election-related grievances” who seek to disrupt the democratic process and election operations.

    In the nation’s capital, Washington DC, police arrested a man who was stopped during the screening process at the US Capitol visitor centre. Authorities stated that he smelled like gasoline and had a torch lighter, flare gun and papers he intended to deliver to Congress.

    Capitol Police Chief J. Thomas Manger, speaking at a press conference shortly after the incident, stated that “there is no indication right now that it had anything to do with the election”.

    The greatest threat to the smooth running of the election on polling day seemed not to come from domestic perpetrators but from foreign interference, particularly in the crucial swing state races.

    Several polling stations in Georgia, Michigan, Arizona and Wisconsin were the victims of hoax bomb threats that caused temporary closures of the sites. The threats were believed to be sent by emails that were traced back to Russian email domains.

    In Navajo County in Arizona, four polling stations were the target of bomb threats. Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes told reporters that election officials in the state had “no reason to believe that any of our voters or any of our polling places are in any sort of jeopardy.”

    “We also have reason to believe, although I won’t get into specifics, that this comes from one of our foreign enemies, namely Russia,” he continued.

    In Pennsylvania, Governor Josh Shapiro announced at a press conference that there had been multiple bomb threats at polling stations and municipal centres across the state.

    Shapiro, who was at one time thought of as a potential running mate for Harris, revealed that “state and local law enforcement – along with the FBI – are investigating these threats and thus far, there is no credible threat to the public”.

    This came after reports emerged of at least ten polling locations in Philadelphia and in surrounding areas were sent a bomb threat via email at 6pm local time.

    Republican Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger accused Russia of being the cause of the threats aimed at polling locations in the southern state. “They don’t want us to have a smooth, fair and accurate election, and if they can get us to fight among ourselves, they can count that as a victory,” he told reporters.

    The FBI stated that it was aware of the threats and that many appeared “to originate from Russian email domains”. The Russian embassy in Washington denied the threats.

    Last Thursday, Georgia was also the subject of what the US intelligence community called a disinformation campaign designed to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the election result through an online video that “depicted individuals claiming to be from Haiti and voting illegally in multiple counties in Georgia”.

    Researchers at Clemson University in South Carolina identified the work as being that of Russian disinformation group Storm-1516. Darren Linvill of Clemson University, stated that Russian group had “turned their focus squarely on the US election.”

    And the integrity of this election took a further hit when Republican candidate Donald Trump made unfounded accusations on social media platform Truth Social of election fraud in Philadelphia, a must-win state for the former president.

    Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner said through a spokesperson that “the only talk about massive cheating has come from one of the candidates, Donald J. Trump. There is no factual basis whatsoever within law enforcement to support this wild allegation”.

    Experts have warned that such campaigns could give momentum to accusations that the election is not legitimate and that this, in turn, could trigger post-election violence.

    As the results come in, America holds it breath that any potential transition of power will be more peaceful than four years ago.

    Dafydd Townley does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Trump takes first swing states after voting passes peacefully – https://theconversation.com/trump-takes-first-swing-states-after-voting-passes-peacefully-242716

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ5: Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Yuet-ming and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (November 6):
     
    Question:
     
         It has been reported that the numbers of inbound and outbound passenger trips at the Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point (HYW BCP) have continued to hit record highs, resulting in snaking queues during both weekends and holidays. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it has examined the reasons for the occurrence of snaking queues at HYW BCP; whether it will consider upgrading HYW BCP to increase its clearance capacity and discuss with the Office of Port of Entry and Exit of the Shenzhen Municipal People’s Government short and medium-term improvement measures, including increasing the number of entry/exit gates and X-ray machines, as well as implementing the various enhancement measures under the Special Action Plan for Improving the Efficiency of Shenzhen Ports; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (2) as it has been reported that Macao introduced iris self-service channels at the Border Gate Port last year, whether the authorities have plans to introduce the relevant technology or upgrade the Automated Passenger Clearance System to tie in with the future implementation of the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode at HYW BCP; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as it has been reported that the public car park at HYW BCP is often full during weekends, and that the use of the nearby private car park by members of the public has also caused traffic chaos, whether the authorities will review the user-friendliness and intelligence of the booking system of the car park so as to increase the efficiency of its use, and introduce measures or consider widening the roads around HYW BCP to improve traffic conditions?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Heung Yuen Wai Boundary Control Point (HYW BCP) is the first BCP which adopts the design of “direct access to people and vehicles”, with a designed handling capacity of about 30 000 passenger trips daily. The HYW BCP has been well-received by the public since the commissioning of passenger clearance service in February 2023. As at September 2024, the HYW BCP recorded a daily average of about 70 000 cross-boundary passenger trips, and during weekends and public holidays, a daily average of over 80 000 cross-boundary passenger trips. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will continue to enhance the handling capacity of BCPs and apply innovative technology to provide more efficient clearance services.
     
         Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Transport and Logistics Bureau, a reply to the questions raised by Hon Chan Yuet-ming is as follows:
     
    (1) The relevant departments have been taking various measures, including flexible deployment of manpower, optimisation of workflow, and effective use of information technology, etc., to enhance the handling capacity and efficiency of the HYW BCP.
     
         To further increase the overall handling capacity, the Immigration Department (ImmD) has set up 10 additional mobile counters in the passenger arrival hall of the HYW BCP, and completed the enhancement works in early June this year to replace certain traditional counters with e-Channels, thereby increasing the total number of e-Channels in the passenger arrival hall from 14 to 18. The Customs and Excise Department has also been adopting a risk management approach to select passengers for examination to avoid inconvenience caused to other cross-boundary passengers. During festive periods or long holidays, relevant government departments will minimise leave for frontline officers, operate additional counters and channels, and deploy more security guards to assist in crowd management to ensure smooth passenger flow at the BCP.
     
         In the light of the above measures, citizens can complete immigration clearance in a few minutes during non-peak periods of ordinary days at HYW BCP; whereas for weekends and festive peak periods, citizens can complete immigration clearance within 15 minutes most of the time. Since the commissioning of passenger clearance service in February 2023, there were only four occasions during long holidays on which citizens’ average waiting time was recorded to exceed 15 minutes. The average waiting time did not however exceed 30 minutes on such occasions.
          
         In view of the considerable number of tour groups choosing to enter and exit Hong Kong through the HYW BCP, the Tourism Commission has been maintaining close liaison with the tourism industry for making necessary arrangement for clearance of the tour groups. Relevant departments have also maintained close liaison with the Mainland port authorities through the established port hotlines and real-time notification mechanism, to closely monitor the passenger traffic at the BCP and to take diversion measures when necessary to ensure smooth operation of the BCP.
          
         The HKSAR Government has also maintained close liaison with relevant Mainland authorities to discuss and take forward various BCP enhancement measures. It is understood that to take forward items related to clearance in the “Special Action Plan for Improving the Efficiency of Shenzhen Ports”, relevant Mainland authorities have implemented various enhancement arrangements, including introducing diversion measures at the port building and setting up waiting area for tour groups near the control point, etc, while exploring other enhancement measures.
     
    (2) Apart from the common fingerprint and facial recognition, biometric authentication also includes other technologies such as iris and palm print recognition, etc. Every technology has its own advantages and limitations. Taking iris recognition as an example, its accuracy is higher as iris features of each individual are different. However, iris recognition may not be applicable to people with eye diseases (such as cataract) due to damaged iris features.
     
         It is understood that the “iris recognition self-service channels” implemented in Macao at present allow registered Macao residents, under the “separate-location arrangement” mode, i.e. clearance procedures are conducted at the places of departure and arrival in each jurisdiction, to use the iris recognition technology to undergo clearance at Macao side. This mode does not apply to the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode at the moment.
          
         As visitors will only need to have their identities verified once to complete the respective clearance procedures of both sides under the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode, the detailed operation would need to be agreed by the Shenzhen and HKSAR Governments before confirmation. The two Governments are discussing the operational details in depth regarding the “collaborative inspection and joint clearance” mode at the new Huanggang Port, and the current plan is to use facial and fingerprint information for identification of cross-boundary passengers.
     
    (3) There are two fee-paying public car parks in the non-closed areas of the HYW BCP, which have been leased out to car park contractors for operation by the Government Property Agency (GPA), providing a total of 415 private car, 36 motorcycle and 15 light goods vehicle parking spaces. Since its operation in February 2023, the GPA has been reviewing the parking need and the operation of the online pre-booking system, and had rolled out two enhancement measures last year including, accepting on-site booking of parking spaces for private cars and motorcycles during non-peak periods, i.e. except for weekends, public holidays and their preceding working day, since July, and releasing the parking spaces of cars leaving early for public use since October.
          
         The GPA is also currently enhancing the online pre-booking system. At present, the online pre-booking system only allows the public to reserve parking spaces from two hours prior to entry. The GPA is planning to shorten it to half an hour with the implementation expected to take place in end-2024 or early 2025.
          
         In addition, the Transport Department will maintain an effective communication with the operators of the car parks in the vicinity of the HYW BCP and request them to properly manage the car parks to avoid congestion. The Police will also assist in traffic management and diversion when necessary.
          
         Lastly, I appeal to members of the public to check the website and the mini programme of the ImmD and Shenzhen authorities to understand the clearance status and choose the appropriate BCP before travelling to the Mainland; and to avoid making their journeys during peak periods to prevent congestion.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: California Man Convicted of Distributing Methamphetamine

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Troy Alexander Mendez, age 25, a resident of Temple City, California, plead guilty on Tuesday to distribution of controlled substances. United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman and Craig L. Tremaroli, Special Agent in Charge of the Albany Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), made the announcement.

    As part of his guilty plea, Mendez admitted that, in August 2023, he sold and shipped over 300 grams of methamphetamine via the U.S. Postal Service to a customer in the Syracuse, New York area. Law enforcement intercepted the package and identified Mendez as the source of the shipment.

    Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2025, in Syracuse, at which time Mendez faces a mandatory minimum federal prison sentence of 5 years and a maximum sentence of 40 years, a fine of up to $5,000,000.00, and a term of supervised release of at least 4 years and up to life. A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, and other factors.

    The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is investigating the case, with assistance from the New York State Police and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ben Gillis is prosecuting the case.
     

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Website fb-invest.eu and fraudulent offers of shares: FB Invest UG (haftungsbeschränkt) target of identity fraud

    Source: Bundesanstalt für Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht – In English

    Unknown persons are currently contacting consumers in Germany and offering them the opportunity to buy shares. BaFin suspects these persons of providing financial and investment services without the required authorisation. The offers of shares and the website fb-invest.eu used for this purpose do not originate from FB Invest UG (haftungsbeschränkt), based in Munich. This is a case of identity fraud. Furthermore, despite their assertions to the contrary, the website’s operators are not supervised by the financial supervisory authority BaFin.

    Anyone conducting banking business or providing financial or investment services in Germany may do so only with authorisation from BaFin. However, some companies offer these services without the necessary authorisation. Information on whether a particular company has been granted authorisation by BaFin can be found in BaFin’s database of companies.

    Theinformation provided by BaFin is based on section 37 (4) of the German Banking Act (Kreditwesengesetz – KWG).

    Please be aware:

    BaFin, the German Federal Criminal Police Office (Bundeskriminalamt – BKA) and the German state criminal police offices (Landeskriminalämter) recommend that consumers seeking to invest money online should exercise the utmost caution and do the necessary research beforehand in order to identify fraud attempts at an early stage.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Utah Man Sentenced to Six Years in Prison for Assaulting Law Enforcement with Dangerous Weapons and Other Charges During Jan. 6 Capitol Breach

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

               WASHINGTON— A Utah man was sentenced to six years in prison today after he was previously convicted of seven felonies, including assaulting law enforcement officers with dangerous weapons during the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol. His actions and the actions of others disrupted a joint session of the U.S. Congress convened to ascertain and count the electoral votes related to the 2020 presidential election.

               Odin Meacham, 30, of Myton, Utah, was sentenced to six years – or 72 months – in prison, 24 months of supervised release, and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution by U.S. District Judge John D. Bates.

               Judge Bates previously found Meacham guilty of seven felonies, including civil disorder; two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers with a dangerous weapon; assaulting, resisting, or impeding law enforcement officers; engaging in physical violence on restricted grounds with a dangerous weapon; disorderly conduct on restricted grounds with a dangerous weapon; and entering and remaining on restricted grounds with a dangerous weapon. Meacham was also convicted of a misdemeanor offense of act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings.

               According to evidence presented during the trial and court documents, on Jan. 5, 2021, Meacham, a resident of Myton, Utah, embarked on a 30-hour, 2,000-mile journey to Washington, D.C., to attend events related to the certification of the 2020 presidential election. On the morning of January 6th, Meacham attended the “Stop the Steal” rally, where the former President addressed the crowd. Following the rally, Meacham, along with thousands of other rioters, marched to the U.S. Capitol building.

               Upon reaching Capitol grounds, Meacham bypassed the initial barriers and moved with the crowd of rioters to the West Plaza, where another line of barricades and police officers held the line against advancing rioters.

               At 2:10 p.m., Meacham    rushed towards several police officers guarding the West Plaza, raised a wooden flagpole over his head, and slammed the flagpole against the upper body of a Capitol Police Officer so hard that the flagpole snapped in half. Meacham then swung the broken flagpole at officers again, striking a bike rack that had been placed in front of the officers for protection.

               At approximately 2:14 p.m., Meacham abandoned the broken flagpole and picked up a metal pole lying on the ground. Meacham then threw the metal pole at a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, hitting the officer’s left hand. The evidence presented at trial showed that Meacham, after throwing the metal pole and striking the officer, proceeded to point at and taunt that same officer.

               Even after two assaults with dangerous weapons, Meacham’s violent and aggressive actions continued. At 2:16 p.m., Meacham approached another MPD officer and shouted “lean in!” repeatedly, while gesturing towards the crowd in an apparent attempt to rally others to overpower the line of officers. Meacham then grabbed the officer’s baton and tried to wrestle it away.

               After the altercation, Meacham remained on Capitol grounds, where he continued to verbally harass, abuse, and taunt officers. His comments included expletives and accusations, such as “you f— pieces of s—,” “you traitors,” “you dogs,” “you f— scumbag pieces of s—,” and “are you scared, m—f—?”

               The FBI arrested Meacham on May 15, 2023, in Utah.

               The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia and the Department of Justice National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting this case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah provided valuable assistance.

               The case is being investigated by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office’s Vernal Resident Agency and the FBI’s Washington Field Office, which identified Meacham as #400 on its seeking information photos. Valuable assistance was provided by the U.S. Capitol Police and the Metropolitan Police Department.

    In the 45 months since Jan. 6, 2021, more than 1,532 individuals have been charged in nearly all 50 states for crimes related to the breach of the U.S. Capitol, including more than 571 individuals charged with assaulting or impeding law enforcement, a felony. The investigation remains ongoing.

    Anyone with tips can call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former Owner of a Bend-Based Microbrewery Equipment Company Sentenced to Federal Prison for Mail and Wire Fraud

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EUGENE, Ore.— The former owner of a Bend, Oregon-based microbrewery equipment company was sentenced to federal prison today for defrauding nearly two dozen customers out of more than $880,000.

    Matthew Mulder, 52, was sentenced to 21 months in federal prison and three years’ supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $887,116 in restitution to his victims.

    Mulder used his company, We Can Brewing Systems, LLC, which he co-founded in 2014, to solicit payments for custom-built microbrewery systems, keg washers, and other industrial brewing products. Beginning in at least January 2017 and continuing through June 2018, Mulder solicited and accepted orders for equipment he knew his company was not capable of fulfilling. When customers asked for updates on their orders, Mulder falsely stated that they were on schedule or nearing completion.

    At the same time, Mulder would entice customers to make additional payments by sending emails and text messages that included photos of nearly-completed orders prepared for other customers. He would then send the customers fake invoices for shipping costs, which they would pay. Many customers received nothing from Mulder following those final shipping payments.

    During the fraud, Mulder solicited and accepted new customer contracts requiring large down payments that he would in-turn use for personal expenses, to pay off loans, and to pay suppliers.  In total, Mulder knowingly and intentionally defrauded 23 customers out of more than $880,000.

    On February 19, 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene returned a seven-count indictment charging Mulder with wire and mail fraud. He pleaded guilty to all counts on April 3, 2024.

    This case was investigated by the FBI and Bend Police Department. It was prosecuted by Gavin W. Bruce, Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office, FBI, and USMS Target Drug Trafficking Operation Linked to Federal Correctional Facility

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    ALBUQUERQUE – This week, the FBI Violent Gangs Task Force and U.S. Marshals Service conducted a coordinated operation to dismantle a significant drug trafficking network linked to the Cibola County Correctional Center in Milan, NM, with the support of the New Mexico State Police. The operation was part of an ongoing investigation into an intergang conspiracy involving both incarcerated and non-incarcerated gang members.

    On Wednesday, October 30, 2024, search warrants were executed at 13 identified premises across New Mexico, believed to contain evidence related to multiple federal offenses. The following individuals are among those targeted in this operation:

    • Nora Baca – 417 Monte Alto Place NE, Albuquerque, NM
    • Estrella Gonzalez – 1812 Del Norte Drive SW, Albuquerque, NM
    • Angelo Garcia – 4903 Rincon Road NW, Albuquerque, NM
    • Monalisa Vargas – 1333 Columbia Dr. SE, Apt #95, Albuquerque, NM
    • Theresa Atencio – 9748 Summer Shower Place NW, Albuquerque, NM
    • Johnny Valiterra (aka “Chopper”) – 2331 Menaul Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM
    • Richard Porras (aka “Deuce”) – 2331 Menaul Boulevard NE, Albuquerque, NM
    • Sonia Trinidad – 401 Dunes Court, Apt D, Albuquerque, NM
    • Desiree Benavidez – 3 Jose P Sanchez Road, Los Lunas, NM
    • Ana Romero – 200 E. Jefferson Avenue, Gallup, NM
    • Adolfo Montano – 18 Arroyoito Loop, Seboyeta, NM
    • Kimberly Perry and Kelly Perry – 8 Red Mesa Housing, Crownpoint, NM
    • Monique Gallegos and David Hicks – 7 Hughes Blvd, Grants, NM

    In addition to the operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico announced indictments against several individuals connected to the drug trafficking at Cibola County Correctional Center. Two current inmates, Lupe Vargas, 40, and Edward Vallez, 44, along with two co-conspirators, Monalisa Vargas, 38 (Lupe’s wife), and Michael Garcia, 46, have been charged with conspiracy and attempting to provide or obtain prohibited objects in a correctional facility. Additionally, a superseding indictment has been filed against Nora Baca, charging her with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

    Nora Baca, Monalisa Vargas and David Hicks were arrested during the operation. If convicted, Baca faces between 15 years and life in prison and Vargas faces up to 20 years in prison. Michael Garcia remains a fugitive at this time.

    As a result of the operation, 15 firearms, ammunition, fentanyl, methamphetamine, suboxone strips, $6,000 in cash, and 23 cell phones were seized, and six individuals were arrested and charged by federal or state authorities:

    • Angelo Garcia was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. If convicted of the current charges, Garcia faces no less than 10 years and up to 45 years in prison.
    • Theresa Atencio was arrested and charged by criminal complaint with providing contraband to a prisoner. If convicted of the current charges, Atencio faces up to one year in jail.

    At Benavidez’s residence in Los Lunas, three armed felons were located and arrested:

    • Raymond Lucero was arrested on federal criminal complaint and charged with being a felon in possession or a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the current charges, Lucero faces up to 15 years in prison.
    • Jacob Gonzales, aka “Trigger,” was arrested on federal criminal complaint and charged with being a felon in possession or a firearm and ammunition. If convicted of the current charges, Gonzales faces up to 15 years in prison.
    • Nadine Gonzales was arrested on state criminal complaint and charged with being a felon in possession or a firearm and ammunition.

    Jacob Gonzales recently was released from prison after completing a 22-year on a state sentence for felony convictions related to a murder.

    In addition, Emmanleen Chavez was arrested at the residence in Grants on a state warrant for attempted murder.

    The operation and ongoing investigation are intended to dismantle the criminal enterprises operating within and outside the correctional facility, which have been implicated in the distribution of controlled substances and other illegal activities.

    “The Department of Justice protects the safety and dignity of all, including those in federal custody,” said U.S. Attorney Alexander Uballez. “Those who seek to profit from the addiction and vulnerability of detainees not only violate the law but perpetuate a cycle of harm that extends beyond the walls of the jail. That is why we are taking a comprehensive approach—leveraging technology to interdict contraband before it enters the facility, enforcing federal criminal laws against detainees and those who support them on the outside, relying on the cooperation of people motivated to do the right thing, and treating opioid use disorder with medical care for federal detainees while in custody. The Department of Justice will not tolerate the exploitation of addiction for profit in our correctional facilities.”

    “This week’s operation demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to continue to dismantle criminal enterprises operating in New Mexico,” said Philip Russell, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Division. “The FBI, along with our federal, state, local and tribal partners are determined to bring drug traffickers to justice for crimes committed and damage done to our communities.”

    “The U.S. Marshals Service is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for prisoners that are under our care,” said U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico David O. Barnett, Jr. “The execution of this joint operation is a testament to the unwavering dedication by our Federal, State, and Local partners to combat crime and improve the lives of our New Mexico communities.”

    U.S. Attorney Alexander M.M. Uballez, Raul Bujanda, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Albuquerque Field Office, and David Barnett, U.S. Marshal for the District of New Mexico, made the announcement today.

    The FBI Albuquerque Division Violent Gang Task Force (VGTF) and United States Marshals Service jointly investigated this case with assistance from the CoreCivic Intelligence Unit and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant United States Attorneys Paul Mysliwiec and David Hirsch are prosecuting these cases.

    The VGTF is an FBI led task force comprising of agents and officers from the New Mexico State Police, Rio Rancho Police Department, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Albuquerque Police Department.

    An indictment or criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    # # #

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PEI RCMP Headquarters  — RCMP analyze fatal crashes and find 3 leading contributors

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    November 4, 2024, RCMP HQ -PEI RCMP recently conducted an analysis of the leading contributing factor of fatal collisions on PEI in RCMP Jurisdiction. Between January 1st 2019 and October 31st, 2024 there have been 68 fatal collisions resulting in 80 lives lost.

    The leading contributing factors of the PEI fatal collision are:

    1. Not wearing a seatbelt (35% of fatal collisions)
    2. Impaired driving (34% of fatal collisions)
    3. Speed (26% of fatal collisions)

    Note that these are cases when causation could be determined. It is possible that the actual percentages could be higher.

    Impaired driving is attributed to 23 of the 80 lives lost.

    The PEI RCMP work closely with the PEI Justice and Public Safety who have recognized that impaired driving, speeding and lack of seatbelt use has continued to be a problem on the Island. In the last 4 years, Justice and Public Safety has funded 4 additional Traffic Services positions for the RCMP, bringing our team up to 6 Traffic officers.

    RCMP stopped 16 impaired drivers in October; this includes impaired drivers by alcohol (9), drug (5), and those who refuse a police test demand (2). Note that many of these cases are awaiting blood sample results prior to charges being laid. The total arrests by RCMP so far in 2024 now stands at 212, last year RCMP in PEI made over 230 impaired driving arrests.

    “Recent data on fatal collisions in PEI underscores the reality that many of these fatalities are preventable. This report highlights the importance of slowing down, reporting impaired drivers and wearing your seatbelt. Through education and enforcement, we hope to reduce these tragedies,” says Chief Superintendent Kevin Lewis, Commanding Officer of the Prince Edward Island RCMP.

    Note to Media:

    • The RCMP Report on Road Fatalities is available upon request.
    • There has been one additional road fatality since this report was authored.
    • All data is for PEI RCMP Jurisdiction ONLY.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Winston County Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)

    GREENVILLE, Miss. – Dennis Vernandale Phillips, 42, was sentenced today to over 15 years in prison for his possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the controlled substance.

    The investigation began when law enforcement purchased over 30 grams of methamphetamine from Phillips using a confidential informant. During a subsequent search of Phillips’ residence in Preston, Mississippi, officers located methamphetamine, two firearms, and other narcotics. In total, Phillips’ conduct involved over a kilogram of methamphetamine that impacted the Choctaw Indian Reservation in Winston, Kemper, and Neshoba counties.

    On October 30, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Debra M. Brown sentenced Phillips to 188 months imprisonment followed by a 48-month term of supervised release for possessing the methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

    “Meth indiscriminately kills children, men and women and it ravages our communities, including the Choctaw Indian Reservation,” said U.S. Attorney Clay Joyner. “This prosecution and sentence are the result of outstanding cooperation between our federal law enforcement partners and the tribal police to achieve a straightforward goal – to reduce the supply of illicit drugs while seeing to it that those who poison communities with narcotics are held to account.”

    Phillips’ drug distribution was a threat to the community,” said Whitney Woodruff, Regional Agent in Charge of the Southeast Region for the Division of Drug Enforcement with the Bureau of Indian Affairs. “He was poisoning Indian Country for his personal gain and now he will pay the price.  I am proud of our partnerships with the other law enforcement agencies involved.” 

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs investigated the case in partnership with the Choctaw Police Criminal Investigations Division, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Howell Addison prosecuted the case.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Harbour Grace — RCMP Traffic Services East arrests prohibited driver for impaired operation in Carbonear

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 58-year-old man, who has a lifetime driving prohibition, was arrested by RCMP Traffic Services East for impaired driving on November 1, 2024, in Carbonear.

    Shortly after 10:00 a.m. on Friday, police attempted to stop a vehicle on Adelaide Street. The driver fled from police and was located a short time later after he got his vehicle stuck in a field on Mahaney’s Lane.

    The driver showed signs of impairment and was arrested. At the detachment, he refused to provide breath samples.

    He will appear in court at a later date to answer to charges of prohibited driving, impaired operation and refusing a breath demand. The driver was also ticketed for having no registration or insurance. The vehicle was seized and impounded.

    RCMP NL continues to fulfill its mandate to protect public safety, enforce the law, and ensure the delivery of priority policing services in Newfoundland and Labrador.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lower Sackville — RCMP charge a man involved in home invasion

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    RCMP Halifax Regional Detachment has charged a man involved in a home invasion that occurred in Lower Sackville.

    On November 3, at approximately 5:45 p.m., RCMP officers responded to a report of a disturbance at a residence on Balsam Circle.

    Investigators learned that a man armed with a knife had gained entry into the home through the front door and proceeded to assault a male resident located in a bedroom. The victim, a 73-year-old Lower Sackville man, suffered serious injuries and was transported to hospital by EHS.

    No other injuries were reported by the three other adult occupants of the home.

    At the scene, RCMP officers located and safely arrested an 18-year-old man involved in the incident.

    The two men are known to one another and investigators believe the incident was targeted in nature.

    Devon Rafuse, of Halifax, has been charged with Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, Breaking and Entering with Intent and Aggravated Assault. He was held in custody and will appear in Dartmouth Provincial Court today.

    File #: 24-151248

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mason City Woman Sentenced to Over Three Years in Federal Prison for Being a Drug User in Possession of Firearms

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    A drug user who possessed firearms was sentenced November 1, 2024, to 37 months in federal prison.

    Brittany Graham, age 37, of Mason City, Iowa, received the sentence after a June 3, 2024, guilty plea to one count of being a prohibited person in possession of firearms.  At the plea hearing, Graham admitted that, in August 2022, she possessed four handguns while she was an unlawful user of marijuana.  The evidence at sentencing showed that Graham had possessed seven handguns since 2018.  Other prohibited persons later possessed some of these guns, including a .357 magnum revolver that was seized from a felon in Chicago less than seven months after Graham purchased it.

    Graham was sentenced in Sioux City by United States District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand.  Graham was sentenced to 37 months’ imprisonment.  She must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.   

    This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts.  PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime.  Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them.  As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.

    This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mark Tremmel and was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Mason City Police Department, the Cerro Gordo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

    Court file information is available at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl.  The case file number is CR 23-3014.

    Follow us on Twitter @USAO_NDIA.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Clarenville — Clarenville RCMP investigates fatal collision on TCH west of Clarenville

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    A 53-year-old man is deceased following a collision that occurred on the Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) near Clarenville on November 1, 2024.

    Shortly before 1:45 p.m. on Friday, Clarenville RCMP received and responded to the report of a head-on collision involving a car and a commercial gravel truck that occurred on the TCH approximately six kilometers west of Clarenville. Upon arrival, officers located the lone occupant of the car, who had been ejected from the vehicle and died at the scene. The driver of the gravel truck was transported to Dr. G.B Cross Memorial Hospital in Clarenville for treatment of minor injuries.

    A Collision Analyst with RCMP Traffic Services attended the scene, along with RCMP officers from Clarenville detachment, Traffic Services and Police Dog Services.

    The TCH was impassable for a number of hours. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is engaged and the investigation is continuing.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New information revealed relating to 1980 homicide Cold Case

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    Auckland Police investigating the 1980 homicide of Simon Buis are encouraging people to come forward with information, after revealing new details on last night’s Cold Case TV episode.

    In the early hours of Friday 4 April 1980, 54-year-old Simon Buis was found dead in Auckland’s Gribllehirst Park outside the rugby club. He suffered horrific injuries to his face and head after being violently assaulted.

    Later that morning, two 15-year-olds were arrested for being in a stolen car, and indicated they were involved in a fight at a park. The pair were charged with Simon’s murder, however due to further review of evidence, they were released six days later.

    Over 40 years later, the investigation into Simon’s murder, named Operation Intrigue, remains open. And Police are determined to find the person or persons responsible for killing the 54-year-old father.

    Detective Inspector Scott Beard of Auckland City CIB has been in charge of Operation Intrigue since 2006 and believes the key to this case relies on knowing Simon’s movements in the last hour of his life.

    “We know Simon started his evening at the Leopard Tavern in Freeman’s Bay, where he then made his way to La Cava Lounge on Customs Street East. Here, he interacted with at least three different groups of people.

    “Simon then called a taxi from La Cava and was dropped off on Symonds Street around 2.25am on the Friday morning.”

    Around 30 minutes later, a couple heard screaming followed by the sound of a noisy car coming from Gribblehirst Park in Sandringham and called 111.

    “The key pieces of information we are missing is why Simon went to Gribblehirst Park, how he got there, and who he was with. We believe it is unlikely that Simon walked the distance in the timeframe between the taxi dropping him off on Symonds Street and Police arriving to find his body in the park.”

    Police have spoken to a number of witnesses who were in Gribblehirst Park earlier in the evening, including the couple who called 111.

    The husband described seeing a light coloured Mark 1 Ford Zephyr, or possibly a large 1950’s American car, with a noisy exhaust and rounded body leave the park at speed.

    Two to three minutes later, a second vehicle, possibly a yellow FJ Holden, left the park in the same direction.

    “These cars remain critical to our investigation, and we know there are people who have not yet spoken to Police who may have seen what happened or have information about the events around Simon’s death. These details and fresh information will help us get the answers we need to provide some closure for Simon’s family.

    “This was a serious and horrific assault which led to a man’s death, and Simon’s family continue to grieve for their loving father and friend.”

    If you have any information that could help Police’s investigation into Simon Buis’ death, please contact Police.

    “Now is the time to come forward, it is not too late to provide Simon’s family with answers.”

    Information can be provided to the Operation Intrigue Investigation team on 0800 COLD CASE or 0800 2653 2273.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Narcotics and Loaded Glock .40 Used in Shooting Get Wilmington Career Offender 16 Years in Federal Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    WILMINGTON, N.C. – Desmond Antonio Hines, also known as “Head,” has been sentenced to 196 months after the 35-year-old was found guilty by a federal jury for illegal possession of a firearm, which ballistics showed was used in a shooting two months earlier.  Hines was sentenced for gun and drug charges and considered a career offender based on prior convictions for drug trafficking and assault, including a prior federal drug conviction.

    “Neighbors called 911 when they saw Hines ditch his loaded Glock .40 in a patch of the azaleas as he tried to dodge police.  Ballistics traced the gun to a recent shootout that left a popular area rapper dead,” said U.S. Attorney Michael F. Easley, Jr.  “A celebration of life for the rapper was shot up weeks later, leaving two men, a teen, and a 6-year-old boy shot.  Hines was just a small part the escalating patterns of crime and violence claiming far too many lives.  But neighbors have had enough.  And when neighbors start talking, the shooting starts stopping.”

    According to court records and evidence presented in court, on November 7, 2020, Wilmington Police stopped Hines for traffic violations. Upon approaching the car, the officer noticed an odor of marijuana and asked Hines to step out of the vehicle to conduct a search. A blunt and marijuana were found in the car and, during the search of Hines, the officer felt what he believed to be a metal object between the defendant’s legs. While the officer attempted to secure Hines in handcuffs, he tried to flee but was tackled by the officer. A subsequent search of Hines conducted at the police station uncovered a bag containing ten oxycodone pills and about 17 grams of crack cocaine. 

    On March 31, 2022, detectives attempted to arrest Hines on federal charges related to the November 7 incident. Officers surveilled him driving a new Chrysler minivan. During surveillance, officers lost sight of Hines after he made a series of evasive maneuvers. After officers located Hines and placed him into custody, 911 dispatch reported a call from area residents who saw a man matching Hines’ description and driving a minivan stop the vehicle, walk to a patch of azalea bushes, and toss something into the bushes before driving off. Upon pulling back the bushes, witnesses saw a firearm. When police responded to the scene, which was approximately half a mile from where Hines was arrested, they recovered a semi-automatic Glock 27 Gen 4 .40 caliber handgun with an extended magazine containing 20 live rounds of ammunition. Ten of those rounds were a distinctive, red-tipped round known as Hornady Critical Defense.  When executing a search warrant at the defendant’s residence, detectives found a box of the same ammunition, with ten rounds missing. Later, testing of the firearm confirmed that Hines’ DNA was present.  Ballistics traced the gun to the scene of a shootout two months earlier that left a man dead.

    Michael F. Easley, Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina made the announcement after sentencing by Chief U.S. District Judge Richard E. Myers II. The Wilmington Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case and U.S. Attorney Michael Easley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Blondel prosecuted the case.

    The conviction is a result of the ongoing Violent Crime Action Plan (VCAP), a collaborative effort of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working with the community to identify and address the most significant drivers of violent crime. VCAP involves focused and strategic enforcement, interagency coordination, and intelligence-led policing.

    Related court documents and information can be found on the website of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina or on PACER by searching for Case No.7:22-cr-36-M.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: PDS Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug Distribution

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

                WASHINGTON – Dartanyan Ricardo Hawkins, 29, of Washington D.C., pleaded guilty today in connection with a drug trafficking conspiracy that distributed large quantities of marijuana in the District of Columbia.

                The plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves; FBI Special Agent David Geist of the Washington Field Office’s Criminal and Cyber Division; Special Agent in Charge Anthony Spotswood of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Washington Field Division; and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

                Hawkins, aka “Shitty,” was a member of the Push Dat Shit (PDS) and Jugg Gang (JG) street crews. He pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Amy Berman Jackson to distribution and possession with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of marijuana. Hawkins faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison. A sentencing hearing is set for March 7, 2025.

                As part of his plea, Hawkins admitted to possessing a firearm as part of the offense and further admitted to using Instagram to sell marijuana. According to court documents, PDS maintained gang territory in the 3300 – 3500 blocks of Wheeler Road, Southeast and operated an open-air drug market outside a market at 3509 Wheeler Road, Southeast. In August 2018, PDS allied with a neighboring street gang known as Jugg Gang, or “JG,” that included Hawkins. The combined gang also conspired to use, carry, and possess firearms – including machine guns – to protect themselves, their drugs, their cash, and their territory from rival crews with whom PDS had “beefs.”

                This plea is part of an ongoing joint investigation which has now resulted in 23 convictions and the seizure of two vehicles, 35 firearms, four machine guns, more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition, approximately 60 pounds of marijuana, 41 grams of cocaine base, dozens of oxycodone pills, and approximately $500,000 in cash.

                The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, the ATF’s Washington Field Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys James B. Nelson and Justin F. Song and Paralegal Specialist Melissa Macechko.

    Hawkins after his arrest on March 11, 2023, on the 2700 block of Shipleley Terrace, Southeast. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Sarasota Man Sentenced To Nine Years For Possessing A Firearm And Ammunition As A Convicted Felon

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge Virginia M. Hernandez Covington has sentenced John Lewis (34, Sarasota) to nine years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The court also ordered Lewis to forfeit a HS Produkt (a/k/a “IM Metal”) 9mm model XDS pistol and assorted ammunition, which are traceable to proceeds of the offense. Lewis entered a guilty plea on August 6, 2024.

    According to court documents, at approximately 2 a.m. on November 30, 2023, a deputy with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office observed an SUV being driven by Lewis run a red light while traveling more than 100 mph. Despite running over stop sticks deployed by law enforcement, Lewis continued driving recklessly at a high rate of speed. Lewis then lost control of the SUV while going over the south bridge near the Isle of Venice and crashed, coming to a stop in the middle of the bridge. Lewis then fled from the SUV and jumped off the bridge, losing a sandal in the process. Lewis landed on the Venetian Waterway Trail instead of in the Venetian Waterway and continued to flee from law enforcement despite sustaining injuries from the impact. A matching sandal and a black semi-automatic firearm containing four rounds of live ammunition were located on the Venetian Waterway Trail and Lewis was located nearby in a shed. Forensic testing further corroborated Lewis’s possession of the firearm.

    Lewis has previously been convicted of multiple felonies, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon or ammunition by a juvenile delinquent, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, false imprisonment, grand theft of a firearm, possession of cocaine, interference with child custody, and fleeing or attempting to elude. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the Venice Police Department, and the North Port Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brooke M. Padgett.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gov. Justice issues proclamation banning outdoor burning statewide

    Source: US State of West Virginia

    The ban, which is necessary due to the continuation of dry weather conditions and low water levels, will be in effect until circumstances improve and the Governor rescinds the order by further proclamation.

    The Governor’s order makes it unlawful for any person in the state to engage in outdoor burning, including fires built for camping, the burning of debris, or warming. 

    The following items are excluded from the restrictions:

    • Fires for the purpose of chemical production, where fire is essential to operation.
    • Fires for commercial land-clearing, such as mining, highway construction, and development: Provided, that a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning.
    • Training fires conducted under the direct control and supervision of qualified instructors at a training facility operated by a fire department or government entity: Provided, that a permit for such training fires is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to burning.
    • Fires for outdoor cooking conducted for fund-raising events and charitable organizations: Provided, that a water source capable of extinguishing the fire must be present and a permit is obtained from the Division of Forestry prior to the operation.
    • Liquid fueled gas grills, lanterns or liquid-fueled gas fire stoves.

    The Governor has instructed the Division of Forestry to enact a forest fire readiness plan and to enforce the ban on burning as outlined in W.Va. Code §20-1-1​, et seq.

    The proclamation orders the Division of Forestry and the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to provide continuous information to the Governor and the public regarding forest conditions.

    Additionally, the proclamation orders the Division of Natural Resources, the Office of the State Fire Marshal, the Department of Homeland Security, and the State Police to cooperate in the enforcement of this ban.​

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Sentenced for Federal Civil Rights Violation Related to Vehicular Crash Involving a Motorcyclist

    Source: US State of Vermont

    A former U.S. Capitol Police (USCP) Officer was sentenced today to 21 months in prison, followed by two years of supervised release, related to a vehicular crash involving a motorist in Washington, D.C.

    Thomas Smith, 47, pleaded guilty on Oct. 18, 2023, to deprivation of rights under color of law.

    “This defendant recklessly pursued two motorcyclists, struck one of them with his car, left the victim unconscious on the asphalt, fled the scene and then switched out his cruiser and filed no report in an attempt to cover up his violent misconduct,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Endangering community members in this manner and disregarding the law violates the victims’ civil rights and erodes trust by those the police are sworn to protect and serve. The Justice Department will aggressively prosecute officials who engage in abuses of their authority, including federal law enforcement officers.”

    “Thomas Smith abused his position of trust by engaging in a dangerous pursuit that could have been deadly – and made matters worse by obstructing the investigation into the collision he caused,” said U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia. “Most police officers uphold the oath they took upon becoming officers, but when police officers break that oath and violate the public trust they must be held accountable.”

    According to court documents, on the evening of June 20, 2020, Smith was on duty conducting security checks at the homes of members of Congress in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C., when he began pursuing two individuals riding motorized cycles. While following the motorcyclists closely, but without his emergency lights on, Smith’s USCP cruiser struck one of the motorcyclists at the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and M Street, Northwest. The crash knocked the cyclist into the air before he hit the asphalt roadway.

    As the victim lay in the intersection unconscious, Smith drove his cruiser around the victim and left the scene of the collision. Smith did not notify anyone of the collision, take any action to seek medical assistance for the victim or ensure that no further harm came to the victim as he lay on the road. Hours after the collision, Smith falsified several USCP records related to the incident and lied to his superior officers about being involved in the crash.

    The FBI and USCP investigated the case, with assistance from the Metropolitan Police Department.

    Trial Attorney Sanjay Patel of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Visser for the District of Columbia prosecuted the case.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Serstech Secures 9.7 MSEK Orders from Chilean Partner Aerotech

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Serstech has today received two orders totaling 9.7 MSEK from its Chilean partner, Aerotech. The orders include the Serstech Arx mkII and ChemDash software, with delivery and invoicing scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024.

    The final recipients of these orders are the Carabineros and the Investigations Police of Chile (PDI). PDI is the nation’s primary civilian police force specializing in criminal investigations, intelligence operations, and counterterrorism, with a particular focus on areas such as drug trafficking and organized crime.

    These orders represent the fourth and fifth in 2024 from Chilean law enforcement through Aerotech, underscoring the growing demand for Serstech’s solutions in the region.

    For further information, please contact:

    Stefan Sandor,                                                                              

    CEO, Serstech AB Phone: +46 739 606 067

    Email: ss@serstech.com

    or

    Thomas Pileby,

    Chairman of the Board, Serstech AB Phone: +46 702 072 643

    Email: tp@serstech.com

    or visit: www.serstech.com

    This is information that Serstech AB (publ.) is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above at 18:50 CET on November 4, 2024.

    Certified advisor to Serstech is Svensk Kapitalmarknadsgranskning AB (SKMG).

    About Serstech

    Serstech delivers solutions for chemical identification and has customers around the world, mainly in the safety and security industry. Typical customers are customs, police authorities, security organizations and first responders. The solutions and technology are however not limited to security applications and potentially any industry using chemicals of some kind could be addressed by Serstech’s solution. Serstech’s head office is in Sweden and all production is done in Sweden.

    Serstech is traded at Nasdaq First North Growth Market and more information about the company can be found at www.serstech.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Liberia

    Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel

    • Reviewed: 22 November 2022, 14:57 NZDT
    • Still current at: 5 November 2024

    Related news features

    If you are planning international travel at this time, please read our COVID-19 related travel advice here, alongside our destination specific travel advice below.

    Exercise increased caution in Liberia due to the unpredictable security situation and violent crime (level 2 of 4).  

    Liberia

    Violent Crime
    Violent crime occurs throughout Liberia, and there is a high incidence of armed robbery, sexual assault, mugging and residential burglary. Most crime is opportunistic but there are also organised criminal groups. Criminals are often armed, typically with a knife or a machete. The level of crime is much higher after dark. 

    As foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery. Walking alone or travelling after dark should be avoided. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or mugging, as this could lead to an escalation in violence. Avoid travelling alone or after dark.

    Liberian police and authorities have a very limited capacity to respond and provide effective protective services, particularly outside the capital Monrovia.  

    Terrorism
     There is no history of terrorism in Liberia; however, terrorist groups remain active across West Africa and attacks in other countries have targeted beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners.

    New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to keep themselves informed of potential risks to safety and security by monitoring the media and other local information sources. We recommend following any instructions issued by the local authorities and exercising vigilance in public places.

    Local travel
    New Zealanders considering travel to Liberia are advised to make adequate security arrangements with a reliable organisation in advance of your arrival. 

    You should avoid local public transport. Pre-arrange transport for the duration of your stay, including to and from the airport, which is located some distance from downtown Monrovia. Taxis should be booked using a reputable company via a trusted friend or through your hotel. When travelling by road, keep doors locked and windows up at all times, as taxis have been occasionally targeted for robbery. Secure tourist facilities and accommodation are very limited and poorly maintained. Stay only in reputable accommodation with adequate guarding. Photo identification should be carried at all times.

    The security situation in Grand Gedeh and River Gee counties, which border Cote D’Ivoire, can be unstable. There are armed groups near the border and occasional cross-border attacks have occurred in the past.

    Civil Unrest
    The security situation in Liberia remains fragile. Sporadic demonstrations and local disturbances can turn violent and there is ongoing potential for unrest. Police may use tear gas and/or water cannons to disperse demonstrations.  New Zealanders in Liberia are advised to avoid all large crowds, political rallies and demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent. 

    Scams
    Commercial and internet fraud is common in Liberia. New Zealanders should be wary of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they may be a scam. For further information see our advice on Internet Fraud and International Scams and Internet dating scams. 

    Ebola Virus Disease
    Following an Ebola outbreak in 2014, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared Liberia free of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission in June 2016. For more information on Ebola, please see the Ministry of Health’s website and the WHO website. 

    General Travel Advice
    As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Liberia, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Liberia should consider. 

    Modern medical services in Liberia are very limited, so we advise New Zealanders travelling or living in Liberia to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.

    Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include lengthy imprisonment or fines.

    Photography of government offices, airports, military establishments or officials, is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

    Authorities may ask for proof of your identity, so carry a colour photocopy of your passport and visa for Liberia at all times. Checkpoints operate throughout the country.

    New Zealanders in Liberia are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Travel tips

    See our regional advice for Africa

    Top of page

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Addressing Hate Crimes | COPS OFFICE

    Source: United States Department of Justice (Hate Crime)

    Trust is foundational to public safety. When a community is impacted by distrust of law enforcement, or violence and/or hate from others in the community, it is vital to foster healing and inclusion, and empower citizens to work in collaboration with law enforcement. COPS Office resources highlight effective approaches that law enforcement can use to lead the healing of distressed communities.

    HATE CRIME RESOURCES

    Hate Crimes: Recognition and Reporting enhances law enforcement’s response and the uniform patrol officer’s ability to recognize and report a hate crime. This includes addressing victim needs, reporting incidents, and building community trust. This curriculum was developed primarily for uniformed law enforcement officers (e.g., police, sheriff deputies, troopers, agents, etc.) and first line supervisors. This training can be delivered as an 8 hour direct or a 16 hour train the trainer.

    Hate Crime Investigations provides step-by-step methods for conducting a thorough hate/bias crime investigation to ensure accurate reporting and successful prosecution. The training provides specific strategies that effectively support victims and engage communities in the aftermath of a hate crime or hate incident. The curriculum was developed primarily for law enforcement personnel with investigatory responsibility (e.g., police, sheriff deputies, troopers, agents), investigators, and local prosecutors. This training is delivered as an 8 hour direct training.

    To request this no cost training, please request via the COPS Office Collaborative Reform Initiative Technical Assistance Center at CRI-TAC.

    NOT IN OUR TOWN

    Not In Our Town works to stop hate, address bullying, and build safe, inclusive communities through Film, new media, and organizing tools that help local leaders build vibrant, diverse cities and towns.

    Gender, Sexuality, and 21st Century Policing: Protecting the Rights of the LGBTQ+ Community      
    LGBTQ+ forum report and recommendations based on input from police departments and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. The report includes model practices, case studies and sample policies for eliminating bias against the LGBTQ+ community.    		 Stop Hate & Build Inclusion: Resources for Law Enforcement and Community Partners      
    This USB flash drive is a compilation of films and related publications intended to aid Not In Our Town’s (NIOT) national effort to connect people working together to take action against hate and create safe, inclusive communities. Moreover, these resources – along with NIOT’s other films, new media, and organizing tools – can help local leaders build vibrant diverse cities and towns where everyone can participate.

    Not In Our Town:

    		 Lessons to Advance Community Policing: Final Report for 2014 Microgrant Sites     
    In 2013, the COPS Office launched the Microgrant Initiative for Law Enforcement under the Community Policing Development program to facilitate the implementation or advancement of nationwide community policing efforts and address existing gaps in community policing knowledge and tools.
    Community-Based Approaches to Prevention: A Report on the 2014 National Summit on Preventing Multiple Casualty Violence     
    Offers a prevention toolkit adaptable to the needs of individual communities to help prevent multiple casualty violence

    Building Relationships of Trust:
    Innovators 2013: Reducing Crime by Increasing Trust in an Immigrant Community     
    Highlights the efforts of the 2013 L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award winners    		 Uniting Communities Post-9/11: Tactics for Cultivating Community Policing Partnerships with Arab, Middle Eastern, Muslim, and South Asian Communities     
    Aims to explore how community oriented policing strategies could support homeland security initiatives
    Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness – A Guide for Law Enforcement     
    Identifies discussion questions and community policing best practices for law enforcement representatives organizing screenings of the PBS documentary film Not In Our Town: Light in the Darkness    		 Stop and Frisk: Balancing Crime Control with Community Relations      
    Discusses stop and frisk’s unintended consequences and a series of practical recommendations the lawful
    Strengthening the Relationship between Law Enforcement and Communities of Color     
    Focuses on identifying what can be done to break the cycle of mistrust and cynicism that for too long has fractured the relationships between the law enforcement and communities of color    		 Building Stronger, Safer Communities     
    Offers leadership strategies and actionable tactics to help law enforcement agencies work with community partners
    Diaster Planning & Recovery: 9-1-1 Center Survivability      
    Addresses questions about preparing 911 centers to sustain a catastrophic event and learning from past experiences    		 E-COP: Using the Web to Enhance Community Oriented Policing     
    Highlights those technologies that are changing the way police are engaging with communities and delivering services
    Engaging Police in Immigrant Communities     
    Highlights promising practices that law enforcement agencies nationwide are using to build effective police-immigrant relations    		 Racial Reconciliation, Truth-Telling, and Police Legitimacy     
    Gives police executives the chance to hear from their own colleagues why racial reconciliation is morally, functionally, and operationally critical
    Bridging the Language Divide: Promising Practices for Law Enforcement     
    Discusses a national assessment of best practices for overcoming language barriers in policing    		 Building Trust Between the Police and the Citizens They Serve     
    Focuses on the pivotal role of the Internal Affairs function in building trust between law enforcement agencies, their staff, and the communities they protect and serve
    Building Strong Police-Immigrant Community Relations: Lessons from a New York City Project     
    Assists police departments, local government officials, and community groups interested in building good relations between the police and immigrant communities    		 Racially Biased Policing: Guidance for Analyzing Race Data from Vehicle Stops Executive Summary     
    Discusses responsible analysis and interpretation of vehicle stop data
    Racially Biased Policing: A Principled Response     
    Assists agencies in meeting the challenge of eradicating racially biased policing    		  

    COPS OFFICE FUNDED RESOURCES

    Vera Institute of Justice     
    Combines research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects to help leaders in civil society improve the systems people rely on for justice and safety

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Edmonton — Corrections to Comments Made by Premier Smith

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    Yesterday, Premier Smith addressed delegates at the Alberta Municipalities Convention being held in Red Deer. During her address, the Premier made some remarks about the Alberta RCMP and its current state that are inaccurate.

    Despite continuous communications with our provincial partners, the current strength of Alberta RCMP officers is regularly miscommunicated, as is our current vacancy rate in Provincial Policing (this excludes municipal policing contracts which are contracts in place with municipalities for their policing services).

    In the interest of clarity, the Alberta RCMP has a total of 1,772 police officer positions within the provincial policing contract. Our current vacancy rate within provincial policing is 17.3% or 306 positions. Of those positions, 124 are currently unfilled. The other 182 are officers who are not currently at work for a variety of reasons, including illness, maternity-related leave, and other special leave. These are statistics that are shared with our provincial partners every month.

    We recognize that vacancy rates, recruiting and retention are substantial concerns for citizens. We’re not alone in this challenge. Police services across the province are struggling to hire. The Alberta RCMP has undertaken a massive recruiting campaign and have already received over 1,400 Alberta applicants and are on track to double this by year’s end. This includes some of the highest numbers of diverse applicants ever seen. This is an increase of applicants by 77% over the last five years, and the number continues to grow.

    We know that recruiting can’t be the only solution we focus on. We are continually analyzing our service delivery models to ensure they are as efficient and effective as they can be. In consultation with the communities we serve, we regularly review our policing models and explore new service delivery models that answer to the specific needs of citizens in those communities. We know that staffing challenges will not be solved by recruiting alone.

    “The employees of the Alberta RCMP are fiercely proud of the policing services they provide to Albertans,” said Deputy Commissioner Rob Hill, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP. “We are here to serve and protect Albertans, and we will continue to do so with dedication and integrity.”

    MIL Security OSI –