ADVISORY – Pennsylvania State Police to Showcase Progress of Academy Construction Project
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) on Wednesday will provide a progress report on the construction of a new Pennsylvania State Police Academy, a project to completely modernize the 64-year-old campus and ensure troopers are trained in the best possible environment for decades to come. A tour of the grounds and project for media members will immediately follow the remarks.
Following months of site preparation, construction began on the most visible aspect of the project, the five-story Marquee Building overlooking East Hersheypark Drive. The building will house modern classrooms and administrative offices, 300 individual cadet dormitories, a 500-seat auditorium, and a spacious cafeteria.
Construction work is underway on several other new buildings, including horse stables for the PSP Mounted Unit, the Bureau of Emergency and Special Operations headquarters, the central supply warehouse, and an outdoor tactical village for hosting simulations of high-risk incidents such as active shooters and hostage situations.
Lieutenant Colonel George Bivens, Deputy Commissioner of Operations, will provide the progress report, answer questions about the construction project, and offer a tour of the site to interested members of the media.
Media members planning to attend are asked to RSVP to ra-pspcomm@pa.gov.
WHAT: Pennsylvania State Police to Showcase Progress of Academy Construction Project
WHEN: Wednesday, October 30, 2024; 10:00 A.M.
WHERE: Pennsylvania State Police Academy, 175 E. Hersheypark Drive, Hershey
On October 12, 2024, White Butte RCMP received a report of a chemical spill on Highway #46.
Investigation determined a semi hauling a belly dump style of trailer left a business on the Service Road in Balgonie. While driving south on Highway #46, then continuing on to Highway #1 toward Winnipeg, the semi spilled fertilizer it was hauling. The semi did not stop at the scene of the spill.
The Balgonie Fire Department, Ministry of Highways, Ministry of Environment and Regina Bypass responded to – and are managing – the spill and clean-up, and were responsible for the closure of the highway that resulted from the spill. Any questions on these matters can be directed to the appropriate agency.
White Butte RCMP is now investigating whether there is a criminal element to the spill, including gathering information about the vehicle driver’s failure to stop after the spill and determining whether the resulting cost of clean-up constitutes mischief.
The vehicle and driver have not been identified at this time.
White Butte RCMP is asking members of the public for assistance. If you saw the semi spilling fertilizer on Highway #46 between 5:15 and 5:45 a.m. on October 12, or if you potentially captured security or dashcam footage of it, contact White Butte RCMP by dialling 310-RCMP.
Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), and three of their Senate colleagues introduced the PROTECT Our Children Act, which would reauthorize and modernize the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program:
“For more than 15 years, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has helped law enforcement agencies protect innocent children from sexual predators who wish to exploit them online,” said Senator Blackburn. “The PROTECT Our Children Act would reauthorize this critical program to combat technology-facilitated crimes against children.”
“For decades, the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program has played an invaluable role in helping federal, state, and local law enforcement work together to fight child exploitation and put vicious predators behind bars,” said Senator Cornyn. “By extending and modernizing this program, our legislation would ensure these Task Forces can continue to protect our next generation in an increasingly digital world.”
“We must save children who are victims of the most ongoing vile, stomach-churning crimes because child sexual abuse goes unstopped,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Protecting such victims is urgent and imperative—and we have an obligation to provide tools and resources necessary to do it. The PROTECT Our Children Act reauthorizes and modernizes the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Programs, enabling law enforcement to combat the exploding, serious dangers of abhorrent abuse in an online society. This essential legislation will help safeguard our children and hold predators accountable.”
BACKGROUND:
The Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force Program helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education. This national network of 61 coordinated task forces represents more than 5,400 federal, state, and local law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies engaged in both proactive and reactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions.
Since 1998, ICAC Task Forces have trained more than 826,700 law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and other professionals on techniques to investigative and prosecute ICAC-related cases. They have also reviewed more than 1,452,040 reports of online child exploitation, resulting in the arrest of more than 123,790 suspects.
THE PROTECT OUR CHILDREN ACT:
The PROTECT Our Children Act would:
Update and modernize the requirements for the National Strategy for Child Exploitation Prevention and Interdiction, including requiring the U.S. Department of Justice to provide detailed, useful information on efforts to protect children nationwide;
Provide liability protection for ICAC Task Forces in the course of conducting criminal investigations of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child abuse material;
Make needed technical improvements and clarifications to the statutory text of the program to match it to current technology and needs;
Focus the ICAC program on both proactive and reactive investigations; and
Reauthorize the ICAC Program through 2027 with an escalator authorization.
ENDORSEMENTS:
The PROTECT Our Children Act is endorsed by the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN), National Children’s Alliance, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), Rights 4 Girls, National District Attorneys Association (NDAA), Raven, Fraternal Order of Police, Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the National Criminal Justice Training Center (NCJTC).
CO-SPONSORS:
This legislation is also co-sponsored by Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.). Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.).
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Fatal traffic accident in Kwai Chung Fatal traffic accident in Kwai Chung ************************************
Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Kwai Chung last night (October 29) in which a woman died. At around 10.30pm yesterday, a taxi driven by a 66-year-old man was travelling along Kwai Chung Road towards Tsuen Wan. Upon approaching 997-999 Kwai Chung Road, the taxi reportedly knocked down the 75-year-old woman who was crossing the road. Sustaining multiple injuries, the woman was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital in unconscious state and was certified dead at 0.25am today (October 30). The taxi driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries. Investigation by the Special Investigation Team of Traffic, New Territories South is underway. Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3661 1300.
Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 6:59
The Watson Lake RCMP is investigating the death of a man in Lower Post, British Columbia.
On October 28, 2024, at approximately 10:30 am Watson lake RCMP were notified that a body had been located on the bank of the Liard River in Lower Post. Initial investigation suggests the man may have been there for some time.
RCMP are working with the BC Coroners Service to determine the identity of the deceased.
Police ask that if anyone has information in the community, to please contact Watson Lake RCMP Detachment at 867-536-5555.
Any media questions regarding the investigation can be directed to the BC Coroners Service.
Bells, TN – Today, U.S. Marshals captured Antonio Pewitte, 37, of Humboldt, TN, at a Memphis residence. Pewitte was wanted for attempted first degree murder for a stabbing incident that occurred in Bells in Crockett County, TN.
On October 19, 2024, the Bells Police Department investigated an incident where it is alleged that Pewitte laid in wait outside his former girlfriend’s place of employment. As she entered the building, Pewitte approached her from behind and stabbed her multiple times in the face and head with a knife. He then fled the scene. The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force in Jackson was requested to locate and apprehend Pewitte.
On the morning of October 29, U.S. Marshals developed information that Pewitte was in Memphis. The USMS, assisted by the Memphis Police and Shelby County Fugitive Apprehension teams, went to a residence in the 2200 block of Falling Oak Way. Pewitte was safely taken into custody and transported to the Bells Police Department.
The USMS would like to acknowledge the Bells, Gadsen, Humboldt, and Brownsville Police Departments, as well as the Crockett and Gibson County Sheriff’s Departments for their work on the case. The USMS would also like to thank the citizens who called in information.
The U.S. Marshals Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, and Tipton County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, the Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured approximately 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.
The overhead road sign structure that spans the highway near the Albany Y, closest to Borden-Carleton, has collapsed.
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 PEI RCMP responded to a call of traffic backing up on the Trans-Canada Highway near the Albany Y. It appears the overhead road signage directing traffic to Summerside or Charlottetown fell down across the entire highway. PEI RCMP are on scene and Provincial Department of Highways are also attending the incident. As a result, Route 1 – Trans-Canada Highway, is closed to traffic in both directions near the Albany Y at Borden-Carleton.
Detours will be in place and motorists are asked to use caution in this area. Anyone travelling in the area is asked to follow all instructions from safety personnel. Delays can be expected until the road is cleared. Updates will be provided on PEI RCMP social media.
The sentencing of Matua Parkinson in the Whakatāne District Court today marks the completion of a collaborative effort by Police and the Firearms Safety Authority-Te Tari Purēke to hold firearms offenders to account.
Parkinson is a former firearms licence holder who pleaded guilty in June to unlawful possession of five Alfa Carbine rifles which he supplied to an unlicensed person.
Parkinson, aged 49, admitted travelling from his Tauranga home to two Gun City stores in Auckland where he paid almost $11,000 in cash for five Alfa Carbines in June 2022. The firearms have not been recovered.
Detective Inspector Albie Alexander said Parkinson’s offending put the public and Police at risk.
“Parkinson has held high positions of responsibility in the community, including an elected health board official and been captain of the All Blacks Sevens. Alongside such roles he was also required to meet the legal obligations to be a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence,” DI Alexander says.
“Any diversion of lawfully purchased firearms to unlicensed people, potentially gang members, criminals or extremists, poses a significant safety threat to the public and to frontline Police officers.
“The National Organised Crime Group is aware of multiple examples of sawn-off Alfa Carbine rifles being used to commit crimes, including homicides. More than 70 percent of firearms seized from offenders are standard rifles and shotguns, easily obtained by a so-called ‘A-Category’ licence holder.
“Today’s sentencing brings an end to court proceedings involving Parkinson, but the full impact of his offending is ongoing as the Alfa Carbines he supplied to unlicensed people remain in circulation and are most likely in the hands of criminals.
DI Alexander says Police and colleagues from the Firearms Safety Authority-Te Tari Purēke collaborated to revoke Parkinson’s firearms licence and remove all firearms from his possession when his alleged offending became known in 2023.
Firearms Safety Authority Executive Director Angela Brazier says the law requires licence holders to act in the interests of personal and public safety and maintain their fit and proper status at all times.
“Holding a firearms licence is a privilege reserved for those who follow the law. The vast majority of licence holders are law abiding who have no trouble meeting their responsibilities.
“For a criminal few, offending will become a lot harder over time with the new Firearms Registry. When fully rolled out it will help flag unusual patterns of firearms purchasing in real time and help to reduce the flow of lawfully held firearms to the illegal market,” says Angela Brazier.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Strike Force Trident responded to an overnight crime spree across Darwin’s northern suburbs, which included an attempted car-jacking, multiple burglaries, and the theft of scooters.
Four youths, aged between 13 and 15, are currently in custody following swift arrests made by Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit (DOU). Investigations remain ongoing to identify additional offenders involved in the incidents.
Between midnight and 4:00am, police received multiple reports of unlawful entries at business premises across the northern suburbs. In addition to these incidents, a car-jacking occurred on Wood Street in Darwin City, where a victim, while parked, was approached by two offenders. The offenders allegedly assaulted the victim and threatened them with an edged weapon before fleeing the scene.
A team from Strike Force Trident and DOU were immediately deployed. CCTV footage was reviewed, leading to the identification of four offenders. Trident officers quickly attended known residential locations in the northern suburbs and arrested the four youth offenders, all of whom were already on bail and subject to Electronic Monitoring conditions.
Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Chris Humphries praised the coordinated response, stating, “This is a great example of efficient teamwork between Strike Force Trident and the Dog Operations Unit. Their ability to identify and apprehend the offenders within two hours of responding demonstrates their dedication and effectiveness.”
Investigations into both the unlawful entries and the car-jacking are ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to contact NT Police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Northern Territory Police are calling for information in relation to two 17-year-old males who absconded from the Alice Springs Youth Detention Centre last night.
Around 6.00pm, police were notified that the pair had absconded from the Correctional facility and were seen heading into bushland in a north direction towards Alice Springs.
An extensive search operation was launched involving members from the Dog Operations Unit, Drone Unit, and general duties officers.
Around 9.40pm, a white Mazda 6 believed to be stolen earlier in the evening was sighted by police being driven dangerously by two youths. The vehicle allegedly attempted to engage with the police vehicle, before fleeing the area heading south out of Alice Springs. It was last sighted in the Ilparpa Road area, and both the Mazda and youths remain outstanding at this time. Police are investigating if the escapees were the youths driving the vehicle.
Police do not believe they pose a risk to the public however advise not to approach them. Anyone with information about their location is urged to contact police on 131 444, quoting reference number NTP24000109358, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Diabetes Australia is the latest support service to join a suite of Government and non-government services helping those in need in the heart of Melbourne.
Services Australia and the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) provide help to access financial and health support, as well as community education at Salvation Army’s Project 614, a drop-in breakfast, lunch and dinner café in Melbourne’s CBD.
Services on-site at Project 614 include Services Australia, the NDIA, Hearing Australia, Victoria Police, Births Deaths and Marriages Victoria, drug and alcohol counselling services, and HousingVic Officers.
All the services were at the Bourke Street site today to welcome Diabetes Australia and help Australians who need it most.
Minister for the NDIS and Government Services Bill Shorten said the partnership between Diabetes Australia and Project 614 will add even greater value to the already successfully site which provides wraparound services for people in the community experiencing significant vulnerability.
“Services Australia’s partnership with Project 614 started in August 2022, kicking off a broader specialist community partnership program between Services Australia and non-government organisations, now in 27 locations across the country.
“Since the partnership commenced, our Community Partnership Specialist Officer based at Project 614 has helped community members on over 5,100 occasions, with things such as getting a Medicare card or claiming an income support payment.
“Barriers such as homelessness, mental health and substance abuse issues can pose a significant challenge to accessing government services through our regular service channels.
“We are meeting people where they are, working with them individually to understand their circumstances and tailoring support to connect them to essential services and information that can be life changing.”
Project 614 provides a safe meeting place to access the suite of supports and serves an average of 3,000 meals per week to community members who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
The services on-site also collaborate to help community members access birth certificates so they can open bank accounts; connect to health and legal services or access increased support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme.
Commanding Officer of the Salvation Army, Major Brendan Nottle, said having streamlined Government services in one location makes a huge difference to our vulnerable community members.
“By flipping the traditional ways of accessing these vital support systems, we can directly connect vulnerable people to these supports, and the benefits can be lifechanging.
“Bringing Diabetes Australia into the fold is another positive towards improving the health outcomes of some of our marginalised clients.”
Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain said the partnership would increase diabetes awareness and support in the community.
“Rates of diabetes have increased by 32% nationally over the past decade, so we need new ideas and new partnerships that will make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
“It’s critical that people living with diabetes are supported to avoid complications like foot ulcers, cardiovascular disease and preventable blindness, which can have a devastating impact.”
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – CHRISTOPHER DONNELLY (“DONNELLY”), age 46, was sentenced on September 18, 2024 to 57 months of imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee, announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans. DONNELLY previously pled guilty to attempted bank robbery, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2113(a).
According to court documents, on March 26, 2024, DONNELLY entered a Capital One bank located in New Orleans. and presented a demand note to the teller, that read “$1,000 OR YOUR LIFE U DECIDE?” The teller retreated to an area behind the teller stations, activated a silent alarm, and alerted her co-workers and security. New Orleans Police Officers responded shortly after and took DONNELLY into custody.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Calogero of the General Crimes Unit.
Last week Police across Counties Manukau, Auckland City and Waitemata Districts executed over 30 search warrants at addresses around the Districts, targeting an organised crime group using residential properties to set-up sophisticated indoor cannabis growing systems.
The termination has resulted in a significant seizure of illegal drugs and the arrest of 11 people. 3,385 cannabis plants at various growth-stages have been seized and destroyed, along with 48 kilograms of dried cannabis. The estimated total value of the seizures, based on estimated yield of the plants, is $18 million.
The majority of those arrested were in New Zealand illegally and a result, Immigration New Zealand has deported 11 Vietnamese nationals. All 11 have left New Zealand and are back in Vietnam.
Enquiries are ongoing utilising intelligence gathered during the operation and Police cannot rule-out the possibility of further arrests.
Acting Detective Inspector Greg Brand of Auckland City Police says the arrests come as a result of an investigation that has spanned Tamaki Makaurau and which targeted a sophisticated and profit-driven criminal syndicate.
“This group were cultivating and dealing in large amounts of cannabis and their actions mirror similar operations recently uncovered in Australia where criminal groups, primarily of Vietnamese descent, were running a large number of indoor cannabis growing operations,” says Acting Detective Inspector Brand.
“Make no mistake, these syndicates are well connected to gangs and this cannabis is a large source of income for their illegal operations.
“Often the properties used by these groups will appear innocuous and will not really attract neighbours’ attention. However the operations that are set-up within are capable of producing large quantities of cannabis to sell.
“These individuals are significantly modifying rental properties to cultivate cannabis with extremely dangerous electrical installations.
“Not only is this extremely dangerous and creates a significant fire risk, we’d estimate millions of dollars’ worth of electricity is being stolen every year to run these operations.”
Police is working alongside Immigration New Zealand in relation to the foreign nationals involved in this investigation, as we want to ensure migrant communities are kept safe from those who would exploit the conditions of their work visas.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
Police are reminding landlords to be vigilant when renting out their properties.
Ensure there are regular property inspections.
Carry out thorough vetting: get two forms of photo ID and sight the original document, compare the photo with the applicant.
It’s important for the community to remain vigilant as well.
If you see suspicious activity, such as deliveries of easy grow and fertilizer bags being dropped off, or signs that an electricity meter has been tampered with, please contact Police.
Attributable to Senior Sergeant Aimee Whitley, Hamilton City Area Response Manager:
Two people, including a gang member, have been arrested and a homemade firearm seized following an incident in Hillcrest, Hamilton.
Around 2pm yesterday, Police responded to Masters Avenue following a report of a disorder involving a firearm. No-one was injured.
A person believed to be in possession of a firearm left the scene in a vehicle.
Police swiftly responded, armed as a precaution, searching the Hillcrest area and locating the vehicle of interest further down Masters Avenue.
The vehicle was stopped and two people from the vehicle were arrested without incident.
A small home-made pistol, capable of firing .22 calibre rounds, was located and seized, along with 203 grams of cannabis also located in the vehicle.
A 30-year-old Waikato man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Friday 1 November on charges of unlawfully possessing a firearm and unlawfully possessing ammunition.
A 23-year-old Waikato man is due to appear in the Hamilton District Court on Tuesday 5 November on a charge of possessing a cannabis plant.
Thanks to the detailed and prompt report made by a member of the public, Police were able to swiftly locate the vehicle of interest, taking one more firearm off the street.
Police work hard to hold offenders to account, especially those with the potential to cause serious harm in our communities, such as those unlawfully in the possession of firearms, or those who take it upon themselves to craft homemade firearms.
Homemade firearms have the potential to cause serious harm, not only to officers and the community but also to those using them.
If you witness any unlawful activity and it is happening now, please contact Police on 111 as soon as possible with as much information as possible, including descriptions of the offenders, their vehicles, and what direction they may have travelled in.
Information can also be reported to Police online or by calling 105.
Alternatively you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Following is a question by the Hon Lilian Kwok and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (October 30): Question: There are views pointing out that domestic violence is of grave concern in the community. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the respective numbers of requests for assistance and reported cases in relation to domestic violence received by the Government in each month of the past five years, as well as the number of persons convicted; (2) as it is learnt that when handling domestic conflict reports, the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) will refer cases in need to the Social Welfare Department for follow-up actions once consent is sought from the parties concerned, and for persons who refuse to accept the referral service, HKPF will provide them with a “Family Support Service Information Card” so that they can seek assistance on their own, whether the Government has continuously followed up and provided support for those persons who refused the referral service; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; (3) of the waiting time for and the average number of sessions of psychological counselling and emotional support services provided by the Government to victims in domestic violence cases; (4) given that the Police currently classify domestic conflict reports into “Domestic Violence (Crime)”, “Domestic Violence (Miscellaneous)” and “Domestic Incidents” based on their degree of seriousness, whether the Government will regularly review and update the relevant classification criteria and guidelines; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and (5) of the Government’s education and publicity efforts on the prevention of domestic violence in the past three years (set out by item); whether it has assessed the effectiveness of such work? Reply: President, The reply to the Member’s question, in consultation with Security Bureau, is as follows: (1) In the past five years, the numbers of cases involving spouse/cohabitant battering and child protection received and handled by the Social Welfare Department (SWD) are tabulated below:
Case type Year
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Number of spouse/cohabitant battering cases 2 920 2 601 2 715 2 077 1 938
Number of child protection cases 1 006 940 1 367 1 439 1 457
The SWD does not have information on the monthly number of such cases. As at September 2024, the respective numbers of cases of domestic violence (including Domestic Violence (Crime) and Domestic Violence (Miscellaneous)) and Domestic Incidents handled by the Police are set out at Annex. As domestic violence cases involve various criminal offences and different ordinances, the Police do not maintain statistics on the relevant number of convictions. (2) When handling domestic conflict reports, once consent is sought from the parties concerned, the Police will refer cases in need to the SWD for follow-up actions, including arranging for the persons in need for admission to refuge centres or immediate intervention by outreaching social workers, etc by the SWD. Depending on the circumstances, the Police refers the victims and/or assailants to other appropriate follow-up services, such as joining hands with the SWD to assist them in contacting relevant social welfare organisations for counseling and other supports, with a view to strengthening protection for victims and preventing recurrence of domestic violence. For persons who refuse to accept referral services, the Police provides a “Family Support Service Information Card” jointly produced with the SWD, to facilitate the persons concerned to contact service agencies direct for assistance. If a case is assessed as high-risk, the Police will take the initiative to refer the case to the SWD to ensure that the case receives timely follow-up. Upon receiving the Police’s referral, the SWD will make crisis intervention and provide necessary support having regard to the circumstances and welfare needs of the case. (3) The SWD provides a wide range of preventive, supportive and specialised services to victims of domestic violence and families in need through different service units. These services include Integrated Family Service Centres/Integrated Services Centres, Family and Child Protective Services Units, Clinical Psychology Units, Family Support Networking Teams, Refuge Centres for Women, Family Crisis Support Centre, Multi-purpose Crisis Intervention and Support Centre, Victim Support Programme for Victims of Family Violence, residential child care services and child care centres. The emergency support services provided by these service units to the victims of domestic violence cases do not require waiting. The SWD does not have the information on the average times of service for each case. (4) The Police have clear professional guidelines for the classification and handling of cases. Irrespective of the classification of a case, police officers will handle and investigate cases with empathy, understanding, professionalism, fairness, and impartiality. The Police attach great importance to the problem of domestic violence. Through an inter-departmental and multi-disciplinary approach, the Police handle domestic violence cases with joint efforts, with a view to achieving the dual objectives of protecting the personal safety of the victims and their families as well as bringing the offenders to justice. The Police have formulated a set of policies and procedures for effective handling of domestic violence cases, ensuring that officers respond to all reports promptly and take appropriate enforcement actions, and ensure the immediate safety of victim and his/her children to prevent further harm. (5) The SWD has been launching the publicity campaign on “Strengthening Families and Combating Violence”, which include promotion through television, radio, various public transport network, online platforms and social media, to raise public awareness on the understanding of the problems of domestic violence and the prevention of domestic violence. The SWD also organises various mass events and diversified district-based public education programmes with a view to encouraging the persons in need to seek early assistance, preventing resorting to violence against family members and promoting the message of family harmony. In addition, the Police have also effectively utilised various channels, including seminars, workshops and online platforms to provide training to different sectors such as social welfare and education, in order to raise public awareness and prevent domestic violence cases. The Government would regularly review the effectiveness of the work and refine the promotion strategies at appropriate time.
Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 11:08
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ21: Illegal carriage of passengers for reward by van-type light goods vehicles and cross-boundary private cars LCQ21: Illegal carriage of passengers for reward by van-type light goods vehicles and cross-boundary private cars ******************************************************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Lam and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Lam Sai-hung, in the Legislative Council today (October 30): Question: The Government released in July this year the preliminary findings on the study on combating illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward and regulation of online hire car hailing platforms. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) whether the aforesaid study has covered any study on the operation mode of illegal carriage of passengers for reward by van-type light goods vehicles (vans) and cross-boundary private cars (PCs); if so, of the preliminary findings, and whether any conclusion has been drawn on the factors affecting the regulation of online hailed cars; if not, the reasons for not including such study; (2) of the number of prosecutions and convictions involving illegal carriage of passengers for reward by vans in the past three years, and the penalty imposed in each of the convicted cases; (3) of the number of prosecutions and convictions involving illegal carriage of passengers for reward by cross-boundary PCs in the past three years, and the penalty imposed in each of the convicted cases; whether any unlawful employment was involved in such cases; if so, of the number; and (4) of the number of cross-boundary PCs in Hong Kong that may legally carry passengers for hire or reward; whether there are any measures to combat illegal carriage of passengers for reward by cross-boundary PCs? Reply: President, Having consulted the Transport Department (TD), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Immigration Department, our reply to various parts of the question raised by the Hon Andrew Lam is as follows: (1) The Government strives to enhance personalised point-to-point transport services. As reported to the Panel on Transport of the Legislative Council in July this year, the Government is proactively conducting a study with a view to formulating legislative proposals on the regulation of online hailed car platforms and improving the legislation to combat illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward. The TD is studying and examining the overall demand and supply of local personalised point-to-point transport services, including conducting surveys on passenger demand and changes (which cover various types of online hailed cars); as well as considering relevant information including the current operation modes and regulatory arrangement in respect of the provision of personalised point-to-point transport services in Hong Kong and other places. After taking into account findings of the study in a holistic manner and listening to the views of stakeholders, the Government will formulate legislative proposals on the regulation of the types and number of vehicle for providing compliant services through online hailed car platforms, as well as the licensing requirements for the vehicles and drivers, etc. in 2025. (2) and (3) The numbers of convicted cases involving illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward by light goods vehicles and cross-boundary private cars in the past three years (from mid-2021 to mid-2024) were 23 and four respectively. Subject to the circumstances of individual cases, the penalties imposed by the courts included fines and disqualifying the drivers involved from driving temporarily, as well as suspension of vehicle licences and impoundment of vehicles involved following the statutory periods specified under the law. The Government does not maintain other information requested in the question. (4) As at September 2024, there were 524 cross-boundary hire cars holding regular quotas for cross-boundary hire cars, closed road permits (CRP) and private service (limousine) (cross-boundary service) hire car permits. The HKPF will continue to combat the offences of illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward by cross-boundary private cars. Upon the public’s provision of information to report illegal activities , the HKPF will follow up and investigate in a serious manner, and take enforcement actions against relevant activities if there is sufficient evidence. To enhance the deterrent effect, the Government increased the penalties for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward by motor vehicles in December 2023. These include increasing the maximum fine and term of imprisonment, as well as lengthening the period of suspension of vehicle licences and impoundment of vehicles. On the other hand, for cases of illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward by cross-boundary private cars, the TD will revoke the CRP of the subject vehicle on the ground of breaching CRP conditions. Moreover, the TD has strengthened its publicity efforts since the second quarter of this year through displaying posters and notices at various land boundary control points and the airport, as well as sending e-mails and distributing leaflets, etc, to remind CRP holders and relevant operators not to engage in illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward, and remind them of the consequences and penalties of engaging in such illegal activities.
Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 11:30
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
LCQ8: Members of public engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather LCQ8: Members of public engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather ******************************************************************************
Following is a question by the Hon Steven Ho and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (October 30): Question: It has been reported that whenever a typhoon hits Hong Kong, some members of the public will recklessly disregard warnings and purposely go to the seaside to “chase wind”, and some people will even engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing under extreme weather. There are views pointing out that such behaviour not only endangers their own lives and safety, but also wastes the Government’s rescue resources and leads to casualties among rescuers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the following information on cases received by the Government in each of the past five years where members of the public encountered danger and sought assistance while engaging in outdoor activities when weather warnings were in force: the number of such cases, the types of outdoor activities involved, the number of search and rescue (S&R) personnel, the casualties among the S&R personnel, and the public expenditure involved; (2) given that the existing legislation empowers the authorities to close beaches or country parks when necessary, and it is an offence to enter such closed beaches or country parks without permission, of the number of prosecutions instituted by the authorities in the past three years in respect of the aforesaid offence; (3) of the work undertaken by the Government in the past three years to prohibit members of the public from entering dangerous areas such as waterfronts, riversides and hills when weather warnings were in force (including putting up notices and disseminating warning messages through the media), as well as the expenditure involved (with a breakdown by work initiative); and (4) whether it has considered imposing charges on those members of the public who encounter danger and seek assistance as a result of riskily engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather (e.g. requiring them to bear a certain proportion of the S&R expenditure), so as to achieve a deterrent effect; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that? Reply: President, The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to engage in outdoor activities under inclement weather. It will continue to remind members of the public through various channels of the risks of engaging in outdoor activities under inclement weather, and step up enforcement actions. Under extreme weather conditions, such as when the Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above, or the Black Rainstorm Warning are in force, mountain-climbing or other water sports activities will become even more dangerous. In case of an accident, it will also put rescuers in a dangerous situation. In consultation with the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Environment and Ecology Bureau, our consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Steven Ho is as follows: (1) Between January 1, 2020 and September 30, 2024, the Fire Services Department (FSD), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and the Government Flying Service have been deployed for mountain rescue arising from camping or hiking and immersion incidents arising from swimming or surfing when an Amber, Red or Black Rainstorm Warning, or Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above was in force. Details are as follows:
Year Number of mountain rescue incidents Staff deployed Number of immersion incidents Staff deployed
2020 1 22 2 32
2021 5 58 2 38
2022 10 71 1 33
2023 23 352 16 334
2024(as at September 30) 21 146 3 72
The above deployments did not result in any casualties among the rescuers. The rescue teams have not maintained a statistical breakdown of the operating cost. (2) As far as temporary closure of beaches is concerned, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, issued a total of four verbal warnings in the past three years to persons entering/intending to enter temporarily closed beaches for water sports activities. During the period, no prosecution was instituted against non-compliance with the temporary closure of beaches. As regards the hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, the LCSD has, in addition to giving advice on multiple occasions, successfully instituted one prosecution against water sports activities illegally conducted within the area of gazetted beaches in the past three years. Furthermore, during the law enforcement operation at Big Wave Bay Beach on October 25, 2024, two members of the public were found to have committed the acts of illegal surfing during hoisting of red flags at the unclosed beach, suspected of contravening the Bathing Beaches Regulation. An investigation by the LCSD is underway into such a case and prosecution is under consideration. On the other hand, in the past three years, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) had not closed country parks due to inclement weather. The AFCD will consider the closure of country parks having regard to the actual situation and when necessary. (3) During temporary closure of beaches and hoisting of red flags at unclosed beaches, beach staff will advise or verbally warn members of the public who are oblivious to the dangers at sea for their action jeopardising their own safety and that of rescuers. The LCSD will also consider instituting prosecutions against wrongdoers to serve as deterrence. Generally, members of the public heed the advice from the staff in virtually all cases. The above work does not involve additional expenditure. When adverse weather warnings (such as Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or Rain Storming Warnings) are about to be issued or while these are in force, the AFCD will appeal to members of the public to refrain from going to the country parks through news broadcasts and social media platforms. Moreover, the AFCD will regularly utilise the social media and other communication channels to promote hiking safety, and remind members of the public to avoid visiting country parks during adverse weather. The above work forms part of the AFCD management of country parks, and therefore does not involve additional expenditure. Whenever a Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal is in force, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) will remind the public to stay away from the shoreline and refrain from conducting any water sports activities. When a Rainstorm Warning Signal is in force, the HKO will remind the public to stay away from watercourses, and to stay alert to the possible dangers of flooding of the watercourses even after the Rainstorm Warning is cancelled. Other weather warnings or alerts are also accompanied by corresponding points to note. The HKO currently disseminates the above information to the public through various channels, including the HKO’s website, the mobile application MyObservatory, and social media platforms. The relevant operation and maintenance expenses have been subsumed into the recurrent cost of the HKO which cannot be further broken down. (4) The Government has always accorded top priority to public safety and the protection of people’s life and property. When calls for various emergencies are received, the HKPF and the FSD will immediately assess the nature of each incident and deploy appropriate resources to the scene. The Government strongly discourages the public from taking risks to perform outdoor activities under inclement weather, as these activities will bring significant risks not only to the members of the public themselves, but also to the rescue personnel deployed in case of emergency. Notwithstanding the above, people’s lives are a top priority, and the Government will provide effective, reliable and efficient emergency services to people in distress or in need under all circumstances. The last thing we want to see is those in need being deterred from seeking emergency call services due to any reasons, including the charging of a levy.
Ends/Wednesday, October 30, 2024Issued at HKT 12:20
From 6 December 2024, the South Australia Police mobile application will no longer be available to download.
Members of the community can access the same information from the SAPOL website.
Launched in 2016, the app initially offered users an alternative to the SAPOL website, with about 8,000 having downloaded the app.
Those with the app remaining on their device should be aware that the application will no longer be updated or supported and the recommended action will be to uninstall the app.
All the functions/applications within the app can be accessed directly from the SA Police Website via desktop or mobile – SAPOL – Home (police.sa.gov.au)
Major Crime Investigation Branch and Port Augusta CIB detectives are investigating the unexplained death of a 26 year-old woman from Port Augusta.
The woman, who had physical and intellectual disabilities, died in Royal Adelaide Hospital on Monday night (October 28).
She was taken to Port Augusta Hospital on October 24 after SA Ambulance attended at her Edinburgh Terrace home. She was found to be seriously ill with significant infected wounds.
On October 25, the woman’s condition deteriorated, and she was transported to the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Port Augusta CIB detectives were advised and commenced a criminal neglect investigation and searched her home.
The woman’s death has been declared a major crime.
Major Crime officer-in-charge Detective Superintendent Des Bray said the investigation was in its early stages and the examination of the house was expected to take several days.
Major Crime detectives and Forensic Response Section officers have been in Port Augusta working with local police since yesterday.
“There are significant indicators of criminal neglect, but it is not yet clear if that caused the woman’s death,’’ he said.
“Because of this there is a simultaneous criminal and coronial investigation underway that involves a significant commitment of resources.
“The criminal investigation will examine the role of everyone who was involved in the provision of care to the victim and to determine if anyone is criminally responsible for the death. I expect that will take some time.’’
“I would urge anyone who knows the victim that had raised concerns about her care to contact police.’’
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Shelburne RCMP Detachment has charged a man with attempted murder after a stabbing in Shelburne.
On October 27, at approximately 2:50 a.m., officers responded to a report that a man had been stabbed at a home on Shore Rd. Upon arrival at the residence, they located a man with serious injuries; he was transported to hospital by EHS. The suspect and victim were known to each other, and the suspect had fled the home before police arrived.
Officers, including RCMP Police Dog Services, followed up at another home in Shelburne, where they located and safely arrested one man related to this incident.
Jason Morash, 41, of Shelburne, has been charged with Attempted Murder, Possession of a Weapon for a Dangerous Purpose, and Aggravated Assault. Morash had a first court appearance in Yarmouth Provincial Court on October 28 and was held in custody pending his next court appearance on November 4.
Detectives are appealing for help to identify a woman in connection with a hate crime where a man was assaulted in Homerton.
The victim was walking along Homerton High Street at about 05:15hrs on Sunday, 27 October when he was verbally abused before being seriously assaulted with a glass bottle by an unknown woman. She then left the scene.
The victim presented himself at hospital with serious injuries to his face.
Enquiries remain ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage.
At this early stage in the investigation, the assault is being treated as a hate crime.
Detectives are now appealing for the public’s help and have today released an image of a woman who they would like to speak with in connection with the investigation.
If you recognise her or have any information which could assist the investigation, please contact us by calling 101 or message @MetCC on X and quote CAD 1890/27Oct.
You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Clarenville RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in relation to property damage that occurred yesterday, October 27, 2024, at the Canadian Tire Gas Bar on Manitoba Drive in Clarenville.
At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Sunday, Clarenville RCMP received the report of property damage. Surveillance footage obtained from the business showed a man throwing firewood at the front entrance of the gas bar at approximately 4:00 a.m. A copy of the surveillance video is attached.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone having information about this crime or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Clarenville RCMP (709-466-3211). To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visit www.nlcrimestoppers.com or use the P3Tips app.
Video
Video description
An unknown male can be seen throwing an object at the front entrance of a gas bar.
RedLine and META Infostealers stole information from millions of victims around the world; U.S. complaint charges developer and administrator; U.S. law enforcement seizes infrastructure
AUSTIN, Texas – The Department of Justice joined the Netherlands, Belgium, Eurojust and other partners in announcing an international disruption effort against the current version of RedLine Infostealer, one of the most prevalent infostealers in the world that has targeted millions of victim computers, and the closely-related META Infostealer.
The Justice Department, FBI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Army Criminal Investigation Division joined international partners in the Joint Cybercrime Action Taskforce (“JCAT”) Operation Magnus (supported by Europol) to seize domains, servers, and Telegram accounts used by the RedLine and META administrators to disrupt the operations of the infostealers.
International authorities have created a website at www.operation-magnus.com with additional resources for the public and potential victims.
Infostealers are a prevalent form of malware used to steal sensitive information from victim’s computers including usernames and passwords, financial information, system information, cookies, and cryptocurrency accounts. The stolen information—referred to as “logs”—is sold on cybercrime forums and used for further fraudulent activity and other hacks. RedLine has been used to conduct intrusions against major corporations. RedLine and META infostealers can also enable cyber criminals to bypass multi-factor authentication (MFA) through the theft of authentication cookies and other system information.
RedLine and META are sold through a decentralized Malware as a Service (“MaaS”) model where affiliates purchase a license to use the malware, and then launch their own campaigns to infect their intended victims. The malware is distributed to victims using malvertising, e-mail phishing, fraudulent software downloads, and malicious software sideloading. Various schemes, including COVID-19 and Windows update related ruses have been used to trick victims into downloading the malware. The malware is advertised for sale on cybercrime forums and through Telegram channels that offer customer support and software updates. RedLine and META have infected millions of computers worldwide and, by some estimates, RedLine is one of the top malware variants in the world.
Through various investigative steps, law enforcement has collected victim log data stolen from computers infected with RedLine and META. While an exact number has not been finalized, agents have identified millions of unique credentials (usernames and passwords), email addresses, bank accounts, cryptocurrency addresses, credit card numbers, etc. The United States does not believe it is in possession of all the stolen data and continues to investigate.
The Department has unsealed a warrant issued in the Western District of Texas that authorized law enforcement to seize two domains used by RedLine and META for command and control.
In conjunction with the disruption effort, the Justice Department unsealed charges against Maxim Rudometov, one of the developers and administrators of RedLine Infostealer. According to the complaint, Rudometov regularly accessed and managed the infrastructure of RedLine Infostealer, was associated with various cryptocurrency accounts used to receive and launder payments and was in possession of RedLine malware. For his actions, he has been charged with access device fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1029, conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 1030 and 371, and money laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1956.
If convicted, Rudometov faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for access device fraud, five years in prison for conspiracy to commit computer intrusion, and 20 years in prison for money laundering. The complaint is merely an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI Austin Cyber Task Force is investigating the case. The Task Force participants include the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, IRS Criminal Investigation, Defense Criminal Investigative Service, and Army Criminal Investigation Division, among other agencies.
Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Karthik Srinivasan is prosecuting the case. The Justice Department’s Cybercrime Liaison Prosecutor to Eurojust and Office of International Affairs also provided significant assistance.
The disruption effort announced today was in conjunction with Operation Magnus, a JCAT law enforcement operation to investigate RedLine and META Infostealers. The participating agencies included the Dutch National Police, Belgian Federal Police, Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office, United Kingdom National Crime Agency, Australian Federal Police, Portuguese Federal Police, and Eurojust.
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Darnell Bishop, 32, of Benton Harbor, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
“Mr. Bishop’s criminal scheme, had it succeeded, would have flooded the streets of southwest Michigan with illegal guns,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “The proliferation of illegal guns is one cause behind the gun violence epidemic we are experiencing in Benton Harbor, across the state, and across the nation. I am grateful to our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners for their swift and smart response that prevented the worst from happening. Moving forward, we will continue to focus our efforts on those few individuals who are driving gun violence in their communities.”
Bishop was charged along with his brother and codefendant, Dontrell Nance, for the theft of 123 handguns from Benton Harbor Dunham’s Sports Store. Bishop and Nance kidnapped the Dunham’s manager from outside the manager’s home using a pistol, blindfolded and handcuffed him, took him to a second location, and threatened the manager into providing the alarm code for Dunham’s. Bishop then went to the store and stole 123 pistols, which he carried away in two large coolers. Law enforcement has since recovered all the firearms.
Nance previously pled guilty to kidnapping and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison.
“Today’s sentence is an example of our commitment to our industry partners and their employees, that their safety and security is one of ATF’s top priorities,” said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge James Deir. “Mr. Bishop and his cohorts need to be held accountable for their actions and represent the most deserving of Federal prosecution. They are criminals who put personal greed before the safety of Dunham’s employees and their families. Now, they will have plenty of time in prison to reflect on their wrongdoing.”
“Mr. Bishop’s sentencing brings closure to a community left rattled by a violent attack against Dunham’s Sports and its manager in a plot to traffic over 100 illegal guns into our streets,” said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. “I am thankful for the cooperation of our law enforcement partners, especially the Benton Harbor Safe Streets Task Force, whose prompt response thwarted this plot and averted potentially devastating consequences.”
This case was investigated by the Benton Charter Township Police Department, Benton Harbor Department of Public Safety, Berrien County Sheriff’s Department, Michigan State Police, ATF, and FBI.
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The previous press releases, complaint, and press conference can be viewed at the following links here, here, here, here, and here.
Source: The Conversation – USA – By Nicholas R. Micinski, Assistant Professor of Political Science and International Affairs, University of Maine
The Israeli parliament’s vote on Oct. 28, 2024, to ban the United Nations agency that provides relief for Palestinian refugees is likely to affect millions of people – it also fits a pattern.
Aid for refugees, particularly Palestinian refugees, has long been politicized, and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, or UNRWA, has been targeted throughout its 75-year history.
The vote by the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, to ban the UNRWA goes a step further. It will, when it comes into effect, prevent the UNRWA from operating in Israel and will severely affect its ability to serve refugees in any of the occupied territories that Israel controls, including Gaza. This could have devastating consequences for livelihoods, health, the distribution of food aid and schooling for Palestinians. It would also damage the polio vaccination campaign that the UNRWA and its partner organizations have been carrying out in Gaza since September. Finally, the bill bans communication between Israeli officials and the UNRWA, which would end efforts by the agency to coordinate the movements of aid workers to prevent unintentional targeting by the Israel Defense Forces.
Refugee aid, and humanitarian aid more generally, is theoretically meant to be neutral and impartial. But as experts in migrationandinternational relations, we know funding is often used as a foreign policy tool, whereby allies are rewarded and enemies punished. In this context, we believe Israel’s banning of the UNRWA fits a wider pattern of the politicization of aid to refugees, particularly Palestinian refugees.
What is the UNRWA?
The UNRWA, short for United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, was established two years after about 750,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes during the months leading up to the creation of the state of Israel in 1948 and the subsequent Arab-Israeli war.
Prior to the UNRWA’s creation, international and local organizations, many of them religious, provided services to displaced Palestinians. But after surveying the extreme poverty and dire situation pervasive across refugee camps, the U.N. General Assembly, including all Arab states and Israel, voted to create the UNRWA in 1949.
Since that time, the UNRWA has been the primary aid organization providing food, medical care, schooling and, in some cases, housing for the 6 million Palestinians living across its five fields: Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, as well as the areas that make up the occupied Palestinian territories: the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
The mass displacement of Palestinians – known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe” – occurred prior to the 1951 Refugee Convention, which defined refugees as anyone with a well-founded fear of persecution owing to “events occurring in Europe before 1 January 1951.” Despite a 1967 protocol extending the definition worldwide, Palestinians are still excluded from the primary international system protecting refugees.
While the UNRWA is responsible for providing services to Palestinian refugees, the United Nations also created the U.N. Conciliation Commission for Palestine in 1948 to seek a long-term political solution and “to facilitate the repatriation, resettlement and economic and social rehabilitation of the refugees and the payment of compensation.”
As a result, UNRWA does not have a mandate to push for the traditional durable solutions available in other refugee situations. As it happened, the conciliation commission was active only for a few years and has since been sidelined in favor of the U.S.-brokered peace processes.
Is the UNRWA political?
The UNRWA has been subject to political headwinds since its inception and especially during periods of heightened tension between Palestinians and Israelis.
While it is a U.N. organization and thus ostensibly apolitical, it has frequently been criticized by Palestinians, Israelis as well as donor countries, including the United States, for acting politically.
The UNRWA performs statelike functions across its five fields, including education, health and infrastructure, but it is restricted in its mandate from performing political or security activities.
Initial Palestinian objections to the UNRWA stemmed from the organization’s early focus on economic integration of refugees into host states.
Although the UNRWA officially adhered to the U.N. General Assembly’s Resolution 194 that called for the return of Palestine refugees to their homes, U.N., U.K. and U.S. officials searched for means by which to resettle and integrate Palestinians into host states, viewing this as the favorable political solution to the Palestinian refugee situation and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In this sense, Palestinians perceived the UNRWA to be both highly political and actively working against their interests.
In later decades, the UNRWA switched its primary focus from jobs to education at the urging of Palestinian refugees. But the UNRWA’s education materials were viewed by Israel as further feeding Palestinian militancy, and the Israeli government insisted on checking and approving all materials in Gaza and the West Bank, which it has occupied since 1967.
A protester is removed by members of the U.S. Capitol Police during a House hearing on Jan. 30, 2024. Alex Wong/Getty Images
While Israel has long been suspicious of the UNRWA’s role in refugee camps and in providing education, the organization’s operation, which is internationally funded, also saves Israel millions of dollars each year in services it would be obliged to deliver as the occupying power.
Since the 1960s, the U.S. – the UNRWA’s primary donor – and other Western countries have repeatedly expressed their desire to use aid to prevent radicalization among refugees.
In response to the increased presence of armed opposition groups, the U.S. attached a provision to its UNRWA aid in 1970, requiring that the “UNRWA take all possible measures to assure that no part of the United States contribution shall be used to furnish assistance to any refugee who is receiving military training as a member of the so-called Palestine Liberation Army (PLA) or any other guerrilla-type organization.”
The UNRWA adheres to this requirement, even publishing an annual list of its employees so that host governments can vet them, but it also employs 30,000 individuals, the vast majority of whom are Palestinian.
Questions over links of the UNRWA to any militancy has led to the rise of Israeli and international watch groups that document the social media activity of the organization’s large Palestinian staff.
In 2018, the Trump administration paused its US$60 million contribution to the UNRWA. Trump claimed the pause would create political pressure for Palestinians to negotiate. President Joe Biden restarted U.S. contributions to the UNRWA in 2021.
While other major donors restored funding to the UNRWA after the conclusion of the investigation in April, the U.S. has yet to do so.
‘An unmitigated disaster’
Israel’s ban of the UNRWA will leave already starving Palestinians without a lifeline. U.N. Secretary General António Guterres said banning the UNRWA “would be a catastrophe in what is already an unmitigated disaster.” The foreign ministers of Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea and the U.K. issued a joint statement arguing that the ban would have “devastating consequences on an already critical and rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation, particularly in northern Gaza.”
Reports have emerged of Israeli plans for private security contractors to take over aid distribution in Gaza through dystopian “gated communities,” which would in effect be internment camps. This would be a troubling move. In contrast to the UNRWA, private contractors have little experience delivering aid and are not dedicated to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, impartiality or independence.
However, the Knesset’s explicit ban could, inadvertently, force the United States to suspend weapons transfers to Israel. U.S. law requires that it stop weapons transfers to any country that obstructs the delivery of U.S. humanitarian aid. And the U.S. pause on funding for the UNRWA was only meant to be temporary.
The UNRWA is the main conduit for assistance into Gaza, and the Knesset’s ban makes explicit that the Israeli government is preventing aid delivery, making it harder for Washington to ignore. Before the bill passed, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Matt Miller warned that “passage of the legislation could have implications under U.S. law and U.S. policy.”
At the same time, two U.S. government agencies previously alerted the Biden administration that Israel was obstructing aid into Gaza, yet weapons transfers have continued unabated.
The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Following the report of a gunshot injury sustained to an individual on the afternoon of October 26, 2024, Burin Peninsula RCMP is looking to identify hunters or any other individuals who may have been present when the incident occurred. The hunting area is located off Route 211, approximately 3 kilometers North/East of the community of Grand La Pierre.
At approximately 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Burin Peninsula RCMP received the report of a gunshot injury from the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre. A man attended the hospital informing that he had been shot while scouting out the area to set some rabbit snares. A 22-Calibre round was removed from the man who was treated for minor injuries. The incident is believed to have occurred sometime earlier that afternoon between 1:00-1:30 p.m.
No persons or vehicles were observed by the injured man. Police attended the described location but were unable to locate anyone in the area.
The investigation is continuing.
Anyone who may have been in the area on Saturday afternoon or who may have information about this incident is asked to contact Burin Peninsula RCMP at 709-279-3001. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers: #SayItHere 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), visitwww.nlcrimestoppers.comor use the P3Tips app.
The Astra Awards celebrated innovation, challenge, and improvement across the RAF at the RAF Museum in London on 17 October 2024.
Astra is the RAF’s approach to grassroots innovation, which encompasses bureaucracy challenge and continuous improvement. The Astra Awards recognise some of the most inspirational people, ingenious ideas, and the incredible impact they’ve had on our operational output.
Award Winners
Astra Unit Award, sponsored by Fujitsu
Winner: RAF Lossiemouth
RAF Lossiemouth showcases the future of the Astra Network at a unit level. Enthusiastically grasping the direction to refocus Astra onto grassroots innovation, the team have already made a significant impact on the innovative mindset across the station. Proactively upskilling the existing Continuous Improvement personnel in unfamiliar areas such as additive manufacturing, computer-aided design, and virtual reality, the small team are already proving highly effective in all aspects of grassroots innovation. Positively impacting on people and the operational output across the unit, they are making best use of every asset and opportunity provided to them. To support their work, the team have created an exciting and engaging Astra Hub; a collaborative, innovative space that will allow the whole force to continue to deliver substantial benefits to RAF Lossiemouth and the RAF.
Astra Innovation Award, sponsored by PA Consulting
Winner: Project I2T
Project IMMERSIVE INSTRUCTOR TRAINING, known as I2T, is designed to enhance the delivery of training to Qualified Helicopter Instructors and Qualified Helicopter Crewman Instructors. Significantly modernising the outdated system, the project delivers training using immersive 360-degree video courseware accessed via virtual reality headsets. Developed by Flt Lt Rich Keeling and Dr Jon Allsop at the Central Flying School, it is being implemented by RAF Shawbury to great effect. It is proving to complement the existing training programme and allows instructors to gain skills through repeatable virtual scenarios and error analysis. It bridges the gap between theoretical and real-world flying in a sustainable manner and helps to ensure effective instructors for future helicopter aircrew.
Astra Challenge Award, sponsored by Boxxe
Winner: Sergeant Becky Livesey
Consistently championing change for the benefit of our whole force, Becky has been a driving force behind a challenge to amend outdated policy to support hundreds of individuals with shared parental responsibility. The previous policy only allowed leave to be shared between serving spouses, which did not reflect the changing nature of families and led to personal difficulties and an unstable environment for the children of Service personnel. Her challenge highlighted the negative impact of the policy and was integral to bringing about a significant change. The updated policy now allows leave to be transferred between serving personnel in all three Services who both have parental responsibility for a child, enabling them to use it for childcare purposes. The resulting increase in stability for Service children and the home environment cannot be underestimated, nor can its impact on retention and morale for our people.
Astra Improvement Award, sponsored by QinetiQ
Winner: RAF Brize Norton Air Mobility Force Dispatch Optimisation
The consolidation of key enablers into a centralised dispatch centre at RAF Brize Norton has greatly enhanced communication, professional relationships, and overall efficiency, saving over 15 minutes for every flight from the busy main operating base. The relocation of the Meteorological Office, Jet Plans, and MSC has reduced unnecessary movement and transportation waste, streamlining workflow. The elimination of ‘nav bags’ and the centralisation of Electronic Flight Bags further minimised motion waste. Additionally, process duplication has been removed, reducing rework, and allowing crews to plan without interruption. Crews also save a further 6-8 minutes by no longer needing to visit Load Control, and aircrew now book transport directly, reducing delays. The project has delivered efficiencies for all stakeholders throughout the process.
Astra Contribution to Operations Award, sponsored by the RAF
Winner: F-35 Detachment Toolkit
Recognising the need for rapid deployability in support of ACE, the RAF Marham team developed and delivered a deployable toolkit in support of the F-35 fleet. Employing Lean Six Sigma analysis and modelling high level tool usage across the fleet, they identified the full requirements to ensure the project would deliver a successful product. The team repurposed tools and test equipment from redundant issue centres, obtained funding for a laser etching machine, and procured mobile support units. Owing to their efforts, the F-35 now has a deployable tool capability that was used for the first time in the Iceland Air Policing operation. The capability has increased the potential operational output of the fleet, allowing it to operate effectively in two different locations with minimal impact to the flying programme.
Astra Ambassador Award, sponsored by the RAF
Winner: Chief Technician Martyn Sullivan
Martyn has consistently demonstrated and embodied innovation, challenge, and improvement. His passion for making RAF Coningsby better through well-structured and benefit-led projects has ensured his small team have delivered a positive and lasting impact at unit level. Their demonstrable output adds value across the board. Alongside his commitment to RAF Coningsby, he actively collaborates with the whole force across the RAF, sharing his knowledge and experience and encouraging others to develop their innovative mindset. He created, organised, and delivered courses that developed an internal grassroots innovation network that spans all professions and sections. Furthermore, his exceptional work with industry partners such as BAE Systems has delivered projects that have improved and enhanced the operational output of the Typhoon fleet at both Coningsby and Lossiemouth.
Spirit of Innovation Award, sponsored by BAE Systems
Winner: Chief Technician Neil Hunt
Wing Commander Williamson collected the award on behalf of Chief Technician Hunt. It will be formally presented on unit.
Neil has shown significant determination and commitment to improvement. After identifying issues with the transportation of F-35 canopies across unit, Neil, alongside Sgt Richard James, developed the F-35 Canopy Transportation Trolley project, which has now been brought into service at RAF Marham. The innovative improvement project has already saved Defence over £600k. Continuing to engage with the Astra improvement process, Neil has submitted a further 13 ideas over the past two years. This includes the F-35 Ejection Seat Transportation Solution, which has once again delivered an effective solution that has delivered significant benefits, saving Defence £1.75m in the first 3 months by removing potential for damage and increasing resource efficiency.
Neil’s award was collected by Wg Cdr Williamson on his behalf and will be handed over formally on unit.
Astra Rising Star Award, sponsored by Frazer-Nash Consultancy
Winner: Elizabeth Garvin
Beth is new to the Civil Service and the RAF whole force as the Continuous Improvement Facilitator at RAF St Mawgan, who has taken on the role of Astra Ambassador as well as CI Lead. Always keen to learn, she proactively approached the Headquarters CI Team to secure a place on the Lean Six Sigma training course to further develop her skills. Since completing the course, she has rapidly applied her newfound knowledge and skills to delivering improvements across the unit. She has embraced the Astra ethos and amalgamated innovation, challenge, and improvement across all functional areas on unit, developing a growing innovative mindset and culture. Her creation of a regular drumbeat of collaboration opportunities, where she shares insight into activity in other areas, is already proving popular and igniting ideas in others from every area across the unit. Beth epitomises the values and intentions of Astra and grassroots innovation in the RAF whole force.
Astra People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Babcock
Winner: D-State Proforma
Using the tools and techniques of Continuous Improvement, a full review and redesign of the State Demand form at RAF Coningsby was undertaken. The inefficient process saw at least 12 versions of the same form used on unit, with a significant administrative burden for all involved in submitting the 6000+ forms a year. The process was reviewed end-to-end and redesigned to remove unnecessary steps. Considering the needs of all stakeholders, it has simplified the communication flow and established an effective feedback loop. The project has significantly reduced the rejection rate for state demand forms and the potential misallocation of engineering spares. The redesigned form has also saved over 1600 hours per year just at RAF Coningsby and has also been used repeatedly and proven highly successful in the UK and on Op SHADER.
Astra Team Award, sponsored by Leonardo
Winner: Ailidh Leather
Ailidh Leather has been the lead for Project POST ROOM at RAF Cosford, which uses scanning technology to significantly enhance the experience of the Post Room staff and the hundreds of recipients on station. Several years ago, Ailidh identified how technology could transform how mail is processed. With increasing amounts of parcels due to online shopping and inefficient handwritten ledgers, the post room was being swamped with mail leading to long delays in items reaching their intended recipient. Her persistence, determination, and forward thinking have ensured that the project has reached the position it is in today despite numerous setbacks. Through her tenacity, the project is making a real difference to the lives of personnel at Cosford, with potential to be rolled out wider across the RAF.
Chief of the Air Staff’s Award, sponsored by Astra
Winner: Air Specialist Class 1 Ross McGrory
Ross played a pivotal role in Project GAIA, seamlessly transforming it into a Digital Shadow for a deployed medical centre by connecting multiple devices to a central hub. Proactively learning a new programming language, and dedicating a significant amount of his personal time, he developed a working product that provides a critical capability – 24/7 monitoring for emergency medical items such as blood supplies. Ross’s innovative mindset and skillset ensured that the complex system could easily be used by non-technical staff, which is not an easy task. Additionally, as second in command of RAF Leeming‘s Makerspace, which is an integral part of the Astra Hub, he expanded user engagement. He swiftly solved a persistent station issue in just 4 hours, highlighting his technical expertise and commitment to innovation.
Hundreds gathered in Sunderland Hall at the RAF Museum for an evening of reward and recognition, showcasing grassroots innovation and sharing ideas. Grassroots innovation activities from the whole force were on display to ignite the innovative mindset of our people and encourage collaboration to bring meaningful change.
Personnel from across the whole force were joined by international allies from the United States Air Force (USAF), Royal Australian Air Force, and Royal Canadian Air Force. Members of the USAF currently based in the UK also joined RAF personnel in demonstrating grassroots innovation projects in their area. The USAF’s AFWERX team are working closely with the RAF’s Astra Team to encourage collaboration on common problem sets, with the first joint grassroots innovation projects already being planned.
The Elsipogtog RCMP Detachment has arrested a 29-year-old man in connection with an arson and mischief in Elsipogtog.
On October 23, 2024, at approximately 8:20 p.m., members working at the Elsipogtog RCMP Detachment heard a loud bang. A short time later, it was discovered that the detachment building and one unmarked police vehicle had been vandalized. The same night at approximately 8:41 p.m., police received a report of a residence on fire on Levi Street in Elsipogtog.
Upon investigation, police were able to identify a person of interest. A 29-year-old manfrom Elsipogtog First Nation was located and arrested without incident.
On October 25, 2024, 29-year-oldSonny Travis Bayley Francis appeared in Moncton Provincial Court where he was charged with:
– Arson – Two counts of mischief under $5000 – Three counts of failure to comply with a release order
He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to return to court on November 8, 2024, for a bail hearing.
Anyone with information that could help further the investigation is asked to contact the Elsipogtog RCMP Detachment at506-523-8282. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by downloading the secure P3 Mobile App, or by Secure Web Tips atwww.crimenb.ca.
Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
Case Reflects Ongoing Commitment to Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
GRAND RAPIDS – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Mark Totten today announced that Dequarius Quitman Day, 32, of Muskegon Heights, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Day’s crime was especially concerning because of his history of domestic violence, including his threatening actions in this case. He previously pleaded guilty in July 2024.
“Too many women who crossed Mr. Day’s path lived in fear of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten. “For the millions of Americans who face domestic violence, an abuser’s access to a gun can mean the difference between life and death. We stand with the victims of domestic violence and will continue to do everything we can to protect them.”
On December 25, 2023, Day pointed a firearm at the mother of one of his children and threatened to shoot her. While on the phone with 911 requesting assistance, the woman provided the operator Day’s name, a description of his vehicle, a description of the firearm, and informed the operator he had a warrant for his arrest.
Day fled the scene in a vehicle but soon returned on foot to retrieve his cell phone. At that time, law enforcement placed him under arrest. Day lied to officers, claiming he did not have a vehicle. Law enforcement searched the surrounding area and located his vehicle parked a few blocks away. A loaded Taurus 9-millimeter pistol was found under a seat in the car as well.
Day had prior felony convictions prohibiting him from possessing firearms and had an active warrant for an alleged assault against the victim’s pregnant sister on December 9, 2023. He has been charged by the Muskegon County Prosecutor’s Office for both the December 9 and December 25 assaults and is presumed innocent of those changes until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Across the nation and in Michigan domestic violence is a serious threat. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. Moreover, studies have shown that domestic violence perpetrators often use firearms to abuse and control their victims, who are five times as likely to be killed if their abuser has access to a firearm.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan has brought other cases to address the threat of domestic violence, which include the following:
In addition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Michigan recently announced a special partnership with the City of Lansing to address domestic violence in that city as part of a nationwide program.
Victims of domestic violence who feel they are in imminent danger or fear a threat of harm should call 911. The following national hotlines are also available to help victims:
Victim Connect: 1-855-4VICTIM (1-855-484-2846)
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1−800−799−7233 or TTY 1−800−787−3224 (or text START to 88788)
The National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
The Muskegon Township Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexia Jansen is prosecuting it.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/psn.
The mandate for the New Brunswick RCMP’s Internet Child Exploitation (ICE) Unit is to locate, assist, and support child victims of online sexual abuse, and identify those who are criminally responsible. The unit includes 11 investigators, including one each from Saint John Police Force and Kennebecasis Regional Police Force, one analyst, and one support staff. ICE has been operational since 2007.
Between 2015 and 2023, there was a dramatic increase of reported child-related sexual exploitation files, including 568 new investigations in 2023 compared to 132 in 2015, an increase of 330% year over year. In 2023, as part of the provincial budget announcement, new positions and resources were allocated to the New Brunswick RCMP, which included funding for additional positions within the ICE Unit.
With youth relying more and more on social media for socializing and entertainment, there are more ways for criminals to target children for the purpose of sexual exploitation and share explicit content involving children.
“This increase in positions has proven to be very positive for us, and for New Brunswickers,” says Cpl. Hans Ouellette of the New Brunswick RCMP. “With these incremental positions and support, we have more resources available to pursue those who are trying to harm our youth.”
Since 2021, the New Brunswick RCMP’s ICE Unit has executed 73 search warrants, resulting in 52 arrests and 103 charges laid. There is an average of over 70 reports of sextortion per week in Canada.
“It is important for parents and guardians to speak with their children about how to stay safe when using the internet,” continues Cpl. Ouellette. “We understand that it may be difficult for youth to talk about these types of incidents, but it is vital to notify police as soon as possible if you have been a victim of online extortion or online sexual abuse of any kind.”
For more information on how to protect yourself and your children online, please visit the following links: