NewzIntel.com

Category: Security

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 10/24/2024 Blackburn, Cornyn, Blumenthal, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Combat Child Exploitation

    US Senate News:

    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.).

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Kwai Chung

    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

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Six Charged in Scheme to Defraud the Federal Government

    Source: US State of Vermont

    Six defendants have been charged for their roles in schemes to rig bids, defraud the government and pay bribes and kickbacks in connection with the sale of IT products and services to federal government purchasers, which resulted in overcharges of millions of dollars to the U.S. government, including the Department of Defense (DoD). 

    On Oct. 9 and Oct. 16, a federal grand jury in Baltimore returned indictments against two defendants. Four other defendants were also charged. These are the first charges in the Justice Department’s ongoing investigation into IT manufacturers, distributors and resellers who sell products and services to government purchasers, including to the intelligence community. 

    “Antitrust crimes can undermine competition for products and services that are vital to our national security,” said Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “When fraudsters siphon taxpayer funds, the Antitrust Division and its Procurement Collusion Strike Force (PCSF) partners across the government will hold accountable those who collude to subvert competition, line their pockets with federal procurement dollars and compromise the integrity of our intelligence community programs.”

    “This office and our partners will use all available resources to hold accountable those who would undermine and distort the government’s procurement of goods and services, especially those related to our cybersecurity infrastructure,” said U.S. Attorney Erek L. Barron for the District of Maryland. 

    “This investigation demonstrates the vital need to protect the DoD procurement process, particularly within the Intelligence Community,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Dillard of the DoD Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Mid-Atlantic Field Office. “The Defense Criminal Investigative Service is committed to identifying fraudsters who abuse public trust and enrich themselves through criminal schemes.”

    “There is no place for fraudsters and crooks scheming to manipulate the government bidding process for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge William J. DelBagno of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. “The FBI remains steadfastly committed to identifying, investigating and bringing to justice those conspiring to enrich themselves by cheating taxpayers.”

    “Investigating complex fraud schemes is a top priority of ours,” said National Security Agency Acting Inspector General Kevin Gerrity. “I commend our team, our law enforcement partners and the Justice Department for their work protecting the integrity of federal contracting.”

    “Each part of the government must do its part to detect and prosecute instances of waste, fraud and abuse, and CIA’s Office of Inspector General was pleased to join its law enforcement partners in investigating this egregious case,” said CIA Inspector General Robin C. Ashton.

    United States v. Victor Marquez

    Victor M. Marquez, a Maryland resident and owner of two IT companies with significant government contracts, was charged in a four-count indictment with wire fraud conspiracy, wire fraud and major fraud against the United States for rigging bids and inflating the amount of money obtained from valuable IT contracts. 

    Antwann C.K. Rawls, an employee of one of Marquez’s companies, and Scott A. Reefe, an IT sales executive, have been charged for their respective roles in the conspiracy.

    As alleged in the indictment, Marquez, Rawls, Reefe and their co-conspirators used their positions of trust to learn sensitive, confidential procurement information, including procurement budgets for large U.S. government IT contracts. The co-conspirators used that inside information to craft bids at artificially determined, non-competitive and non-independent prices, ensuring Marquez’s company would win the procurement. 

    According to court documents, the co-conspirators shared their bids in advance of submitting them to the government, with one co-conspirator emailing that he would submit a “high price third bid.” Marquez and his co-conspirators submitted their collusive bids despite knowing the government sought independent, competitive bids for the valuable contracts, and despite Marquez’s certification of independent bidding.

    If convicted, Marquez faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for each conspiracy and wire fraud count and 10 years in prison for the major fraud charge. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    United States v. Breal L. Madison Jr.

    Breal L. Madison Jr., a Maryland resident, was charged in a 13-count indictment with conspiracy, bribery of a public official, mail fraud and money laundering for orchestrating a years-long scheme to defraud his employer and the United States out of over $7 million in connection with the sale of IT products to various government agencies.

    Brandon Scott Glisson, an IT contractor providing IT services to the U.S. government, and Glisson’s supervisor, Lawrence A. Eady, a former senior government employee, have also been charged for their respective roles in the scheme.

    According to court documents, through multiple misrepresentations, Madison and his co-conspirators conspired to steal money from Madison’s employer and government agencies, illegally siphoning over $9 million in stolen proceeds to Madison’s shell company, Trident Technology Solutions, and another shell company. They used the money to purchase luxury items and to pay approximately $630,000 in bribes to Eady in exchange for Eady’s ensuring the purchase of additional products sold by Madison. 

    Madison used his ill-gotten gains to buy a Vanquish VQ58 yacht, 2020 Lamborghini Huracan and multiple other vehicles, all of which the United States seeks to forfeit in the indictment. 

    If convicted, Madison faces maximum penalties of five years in prison for the conspiracy count, 15 years in prison for each bribery count, 20 years in prison for each mail fraud count and 10 years for each money laundering count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

    The DCIS, the FBI Baltimore Field Office, CIA Office of Inspector General and NSA Office of Inspector General investigated the case.

    Acting Assistant Chief Michael Sawers and Trial Attorneys Zachary Trotter and Elizabeth French of the Antitrust Division’s Washington Criminal Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aaron S.J. Zelinsky, Sean M. Delaney and Darren Gardner for the District of Maryland are prosecuting the case. 

    Anyone with information about this investigation or other procurement fraud schemes should notify the PCSF at www.justice.gov/atr/webform/pcsf-citizen-complaint. The Justice Department created the PCSF in November 2019. It is a joint law enforcement effort to combat antitrust crimes and related fraudulent schemes that impact government procurement, grant and program funding at all levels of government — federal, state and local. For more information, visit www.justice.gov/procurement-collusion-strike-force.

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

    View the Rawls information.

    View the Eady information.

    View Reefe information.

    View the Glisson information.

    View the Madison indictment.

    View the Marquez indictment.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Lower Post — Watson Lake RCMP and BC Coroners Service investigating a death

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Commonwealth takes bold step to protect freedom of expression

    Talamua Media

    The Commonwealth Heads of Government adopted the Commonwealth Principles on Freedom of Expression and the Role of the Media in Good Governance at their summit meeting in Apia, Samoa, last week.

    These Principles highlight the importance of freedom of expression and media freedom to democracy.  They state that Commonwealth governments “should consider repealing or amending laws which unduly restrict the right to freedom of expression”.

    The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative and the Commonwealth Journalists Association called on states to take practical and effective steps to end arbitrary and excessive restrictions on free expression. The Commonwealth as a whole must audit progress and engage with civil society to ensure that these Principles are implemented in reality.

    Freedom of expression is not just a right in itself — it is the foundation that allows us to exercise and defend all other human rights, and is safeguarded under international law.

    However, as we know all too well, this right is under threat.

    According to UNESCO, in Commonwealth countries alone, 178 journalists were killed between 2006 and 2020. Furthermore, the impunity rate for the killings of journalists during that same time is 96 percent — which is notably higher than the global impunity rate of 87 percent.

    Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has documented 547 journalists imprisoned globally as of the end of 2023, with legal harassment often used as a tool to stifle dissent and investigative reporting.

    Restrictive, colonial-era laws
    Many Commonwealth countries still maintain restrictive, colonial-era laws that curtail free expression, suppress diverse voices, and inhibit the transparency that is essential for democracy.

    In the Commonwealth:

    • 41 countries continue to criminalise defamation; 48 countries still retain laws related to sedition; and
    • 37 still have blasphemy or blasphemy-like laws.
    Who Controls The Narrative? cover. Image: APR screenshot

    These details are set out in a soon to be released report by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA), with other Commonwealth partners, entitled Who Controls the Narrative? Legal Restrictions on Freedom of Expression in the Commonwealth.

    “These laws, often enforced through criminal sanctions, have a chilling effect on activists, journalists, iand others who fear retaliation for speaking truth to power”, said William Horsley of the Commonwealth Journalists Association.

    “This has led to an alarming rise in self-censorship and a decline in the independent and dissenting voices that are vital for holding governments accountable.”

    Civil society response
    The Principles were first put forward by a group of civil society organisations in response to  a general deterioration in legal protections and the working environment for journalists.

    The CJA convened other civil society organisations, including the CHRI, Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, before Commonwealth member states reviewed and adopted the Principles in the form which was adopted by heads of government at the 2024 CHOGM.

    States are “urged to take concrete and meaningful steps to implement them within their domestic frameworks, as set out in the CHOGM Samoa Communiqué“.

    The joint report Who Controls the Narrative? Legal Restrictions on Freedom of Expression in the Commonwealth reveals the increasing use of criminal law provisions, including those related to defamation, sedition, blasphemy, and national security, to restrict freedom of expression and media freedom within the Commonwealth.

    The report is the product of extensive collaboration between Commonwealth partners, legal experts, academics, human rights advocates, and media professionals, and provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal frameworks governing freedom of expression and outlines clear pathways for reform.

    In addition to analysing legal restrictions on free speech in Commonwealth states, the report puts forward actionable recommendations for reform.

    These include regional and national-level proposals, as well as broader Commonwealth-wide recommendations aimed at strengthening legal frameworks, promoting judicial independence, encouraging media pluralism, and enhancing international accountability mechanisms.

    Reforms essential
    These reforms are essential for establishing an environment where free expression can thrive, allowing individuals to speak without fear of reprisal.

    “While many member states share a colonial legal legacy that includes repressive laws still in effect today, they also share a commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law as set out in the Commonwealth Charter,” said Sneh Aurora, director of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative.

    “The Commonwealth has the potential to lead by example in promoting freedom of expression through legal reform, ensuring that criminal laws are not misused to silence dissent.

    “The Principles provide an important opportunity for Commonwealth governments to bring their national laws in line with international human rights laws.”

    Republished with permission from Talamua Online.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Statement Regarding Fires at Ballot Boxes

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

    The following statement may be attributed to U.S. Attorney Tessa M. Gorman and Greg Austin, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Seattle field office:

    “The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI want to assure our communities that we are working closely and expeditiously together to investigate the two incendiary fires at the ballot boxes in Vancouver, Washington, and the one in Portland, Oregon, and will work to hold whoever is responsible fully accountable.”

    Anyone with information is asked to contact the nearest FBI office, provide information through tips.fbi.gov, or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324).

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Capture Crockett County Attempted Murder Suspect in Memphis

    Source: US Marshals 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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Albany — Route 1 – Trans-Canada Highway closed to all traffic near Albany Y

    Source: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Holding firearms offenders to account

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    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.

    ENDS 

    Issued by Police Media Centre 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Strike Force Trident Responds to Overnight Crime Spree in Northern Suburbs

    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.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Call for information – Absconded prisoners – Alice Springs

    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.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Release of Centrepay Discussion Paper Report

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    The Australian Government is considering comprehensive customer and stakeholder feedback on the Centrepay program, following extensive consultation with the community.

    In May the government released the Centrepay Reform Discussion Paper, and invited the public to share their views and experiences with Centrepay.

    In particular, the review sought input from the community on safeguards and protections for customers to reduce financial harm, and ensuring the right products and services are available through the program.

    The government has published a Centrepay Discussion Paper Report, capturing feedback from Centrepay users, peak advisory groups, business and across government.

    Responses to the Discussion Paper highlighted that customers expect to be in control when managing their finances and recognised the need for greater protections through enhanced gatekeeping and enforced business compliance, and accessibility of information and support.

    Consultation has been at the core of the Centrepay reform process. Services Australia has been working alongside peak advisory community groups and across government, meeting regularly with stakeholders such as Anglicare, Mob Strong Debt Help, the Australian Council of Social Services, and Economic Justice Australia.

    Services Australia has also conducted community consultation activities across Australia, including in remote areas, to hear firsthand feedback on how Centrepay can support and empower those who use it.

    This feedback will help inform the reform needed to ensure Centrepay is an effective budgeting tool that helps Australians have greater control over their finances.

    Quotes from the Hon. Bill Shorten MP, Minister for Government Services:

    “We thank every individual, organisation, and advocacy group who took the time to respond to the Centrepay discussion paper.”

    “Their contributions will be invaluable as we work towards the improvements needed to ensure Centrepay meets the expectations of customers and the community.”

    “Priority work to reform Centrepay is ongoing and we’ll have more to say regarding the next steps soon.”

    “Services Australia will continue to work with customers, peak community advisory groups, business and across government to ensure Centrepay is an effective budgeting tool that helps Australians have greater control over their finances.”

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Bonta: Providence St. Joseph Hospital to Fully Comply with California’s Emergency Services Law

    Source: US State of California Department of Justice

    Tuesday, October 29, 2024

    Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

    Stipulation resolves Attorney General Bonta’s motion for preliminary injunction in the case

    OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta secured a stipulation from Providence St. Joseph Hospital that will ensure the hospital follows California law while the case proceeds. The stipulation follows the Attorney General’s lawsuit alleging that the hospital violates multiple laws, including California’s Emergency Services Law (ESL) by, as a matter of policy, denying pregnant patients the emergency abortion care they need. The stipulation, which is subject to court approval, resolves the Attorney General’s preliminary injunction motion, as Providence voluntarily agreed to comply with all the terms the Attorney General requested in its proposed injunction. The lawsuit remains ongoing.

    “While Providence St. Joseph should have been complying with state law up to now, thereby avoiding the harm and trauma to Californians they caused, I am pleased that the hospital has agreed to fully comply with the law going forward, ensuring access to life-saving health services including emergency abortion care,” said Attorney General Bonta. “At the California Department of Justice, we believe that abortion care is healthcare. We will ensure that this right is upheld and will continue to hold accountable those who break the law.” 

    Under the stipulation, the hospital will specifically:

    • Allow its physicians to terminate a patient’s pregnancy whenever the treating physicians determine in their professional judgment that failing to immediately terminate the pregnancy would be reasonably expected to place the patient’s health in serious jeopardy; result in serious impairment to the patient’s bodily functions; or result in serious dysfunction of any bodily organ or part of the patient.
    • Comply with ESL’s pre-transfer treatment requirements. In particular, Providence Hospital may not transfer a pregnant patient without first providing emergency services and care (including where applicable terminating a pregnancy) such that there is a reasonable medical probability that the transfer or the delay caused by the transfer will not result in a material deterioration in the medical condition in, or jeopardy to, the patient’s medical condition or expected chances for recovery.
    • Follow the policy and protocol requirements of the ESL under Health & Safety Code section 1317.2.  In particular, Providence Hospital may not “discharge” patients with instructions to self-transport to another facility and Providence Hospital must comply will all applicable protocols and regulations for transfers prescribed by the California Department of Public Health. 
    • That Providence “without admitting any liability related to the claims asserted in this Action and consistent with its high standards for safe, quality, compassionate care; and the People, without waiving any allegations regarding the hospital’s prior conduct as detailed in the Complaint, agrees to fully comply with California’s ESL, Health & Safety Code section 1317, et. seq. with respect to pregnant patients experiencing emergency medical conditions.”

    A copy of the parties’ stipulation can be found here.

    # # #

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: MEDIA RELEASE: Labor appointees are Fair Work favourites

    Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

    Six new Federal Labor Government-appointed presidential members have determined almost 70 per cent of major Fair Work Commission cases this year, according to AREEA Chief Executive Steve Knott.

    Mr Knott will describe the development as “stunning” in a speech to the H.R. Nicholls Society National Conference in Melbourne today.

    “During March and May 2023, and in May 2024, then-IR Minister Tony Burke appointed one new Vice President and five new Deputy Presidents (to the FWC),” Mr Knott will say.

    “In 2024, to date, these six new presidential members have presided over nearly 70 per cent of all Full Bench matters heard.

    “One of these DPs, a former union barrister and National Legal Officer for the CFMEU Mining and Energy Division, has sat on the bench for 56 per cent of all Full Bench matters and presided as the senior member over 38 per cent of them.

    “Just to hone this point – nearly 40 per cent of all the FWC’s most important matters were led by a Deputy President who’s been at the tribunal since May 2023.”

    The Fair Work Commission is the nation’s workplace tribunal, with appeals of decisions among the significant matters that must be heard by a Full Bench consisting of three Commission members, including at least one who is either the President, a Vice President or a Deputy President.

    Of 53 FWC members – seven more than when Labor left office in 2013 – 28 are ALP-appointees with 25 appointed by the previous Coalition government.

    Mr Knott says under Justice Adam Hatcher (who became president on February 19, 2023), the FWC appears to be “performing administratively quite well in its role as a service provider to users of the employment system”.

    “Agreement approvals are much faster, there appears to be less head-scratching single member decisions that immediately head to appeal, and the tribunal is being very transparent and as efficient as it can in implementing all its new jurisdictions and powers,” Mr Knott says.

    However, in his speech Mr Knott will reveal AREEA analysis of all Full Bench matters from January 1 to October 18 this year, showing “alarming trends” in the composition of the bench.

    Of the 358 Full Bench decisions assessed over the period:

    • 318 (89 per cent) were ALP-appointee majority benches
    • Just 40 (11 per cent) were Coalition-appointee majority benches

    Mr Knott says the facts point to a continued politicisation of the nation’s IR tribunal at its apex, an issue that commenced under its former President and that AREEA regularly brought to attention.

    “Since the end of the Rudd/Gillard era in 2013, ALP appointees have dominated FWC appeal matters, even when Coalition appointees were in the majority,” he says.

    “Make no mistake, the sidelining of Coalition appointees in important FWC proceedings has been strategic and subject to much chatter amongst IR professionals.

    “The handpicked generation of new FWC Presidential members is designed to ensure this ALP-appointed FWC control at the top of the institution continues well beyond usual political cycles.”

    Mr Knott will also use his speech as a call to arms to business to build a case for IR reform – and not just leave it to the Coalition.

    “We in the business community can and should collectively campaign as hard as possible to pressure future governments to do what needs to be done to the IR framework,” he says.

    “This should be …promoting the merits of a whole new IR system – one focused on simplicity and promoting the direct employer-employee relationship; winding back unwarranted union interference and the influence of tribunal members with limited business experience.”

    Mr Knott will call for modern awards to be abolished and replaced with a standard safety net for employees, a far less complex enterprise bargaining system and a winding back of union interference in workplaces.

    He says businesses are “drowning in employment red tape and regulatory burden”.

    Highlighting how the Howard-era IR reforms produced more than 10 times the real wages growth of the Accord era of the Hawke/Keating Governments, Mr Knott says “we must always bring it back to the opportunity cost”.

    “The community at large must be convinced that by making it easier and less costly to employ people, more people will be employed and costs that are saved via less regulatory burden will ultimately be shared by all via higher wages and a more productive economy,”  Mr Knott says.

    Read the full speech here.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: South Sudan

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

    • Reviewed: 30 October 2024, 14:28 NZDT
    • Still current at: 30 October 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.

    Do not travel to South Sudan due to ongoing armed conflict, inter-ethnic violence and violent crime (level 4 of 4).

    New Zealanders currently in South Sudan are advised to depart as soon as it is safe to do so.

    South Sudan

    Armed Conflict/Civil Unrest
    Pockets of armed conflict between government and various opposition forces remain and the security situation in Juba has the potential to deteriorate with little or no warning. Land routes into and out of South Sudan may be blocked and flights may be cancelled at short notice. The political and security situation throughout South Sudan remains volatile.

    Inter-ethnic violence and cattle raiding continues to occur throughout the country, with significant loss of life. There is a complete absence of rule of law outside of the capital Juba and even in Juba, the capacity of the authorities to uphold law and order is very limited.

    Areas within 40 kilometres of South Sudan’s northern border with Sudan are also particularly dangerous and vulnerable to armed incursions and violence.  Parts of the border remain disputed and military forces are deployed in these areas.

    The border areas with South Sudan’s other neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, the Central African Republic, and Uganda are extremely dangerous due to armed conflict, military activity and other violence. There are regular reports of attacks by armed groups on vehicles travelling on the main road connecting Juba to Uganda (Jiba-Niomule road).

    We recommend you avoid all protests, demonstrations and large public gatherings in South Sudan as they have the potential to turn violent with little warning. Monitor local and international media, review personal security plans and be aware of your surroundings.

    Violent Crime
    Violent crime, including kidnapping, murder, armed robbery, home invasions, car-jacking, and sexual assault is a significant problem throughout South Sudan, both in urban and rural areas. The economic situation has led to a significant increase in both petty and violent crime. Criminals are often armed as weapons are readily accessible.

    The government has limited capacity to deter crime and maintain law and order throughout South Sudan. Banditry and lawlessness is an issue in rural areas. Humanitarian workers have been the targets of killings and violence in the past.

    New Zealanders in South Sudan should exercise a very high degree of personal security awareness at all times. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence. For security reasons we recommend against travelling alone, at night, or to isolated areas.

    Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, also occurs and is often accompanied by violence. We advise New Zealanders to be alert to their surroundings at all times and take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings. 

    Road Travel
    We strongly advise against using public transport due to safety concerns.

    If travelling by road, car doors should be locked and windows up.

    Official checkpoints are frequently set up by security forces and have been known to become hostile or violent. Individuals staffing checkpoints have been known to solicit bribes. Criminals who pose as police officers have also set up roadblocks. At checkpoints, remain in your vehicle and produce requested documents through a raised window. We recommend carrying colour photocopies of your passport and identity documents and producing these when requested, not the originals.

    Landmines
    There is a risk from landmines, which are reportedly present throughout South Sudan, including in Juba. We advise you not to stray off well-used public roads and paths.

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

    We advise New Zealanders in South Sudan to be vigilant and take appropriate precautions to ensure their safety, including by seeking professional security advice. You should have a contingency plan in place for departure, monitor developments closely through the media and other local information sources. As a precautionary measure, we recommend ensuring adequate supplies of food, water, fuel, cash and essential medications are always on hand and travel documents are kept up to date.

    New Zealanders travelling or living in South Sudan should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.  You should check that your travel insurance policy covers travel to South Sudan – exclusions may well apply. Only very limited medical facilities are available in South Sudan. 

    The rainy season typically runs from April to November, during which flooding often occurs. Flooding impacts transport and communications infrastructure, as well as lead to shortages of drinking water and food. Severe flooding has led to displacement, property damage and loss of life.

    Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.

    New Zealanders are advised to respect religious, social and cultural traditions in South Sudan to avoid offending local sensitivities. Modesty and discretion is recommended for both dress and behaviour.

    Photography, including from a mobile phone, without a permit from the Ministry of Information in South Sudan is illegal. Taking photographs without a permit will immediately attract suspicion, and could lead to detention. Even with a permit, it is illegal to take photos of airfields, military installations or personal, government buildings and infrastructure.

    New Zealanders who decide to live or travel in South Sudan against our advice are strongly 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 USA: Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce Over $48 Million in Federal Funding for Clean Energy Upgrades at Savannah, Brunswick Ports 

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock – Georgia

    Senators Reverend Warnock, Ossoff Announce Over $48 Million in Federal Funding for Clean Energy Upgrades at Savannah, Brunswick Ports 

    Federal funds made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act, championed by Georgia’s U.S. Senators for its investments in Georgia’s clean energy economy
    Georgia Ports Authority to receive over $48 million to install new electric charging infrastructure for ships at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick
    Senator Reverend Warnock penned a letter of support for GPA’s bid to receive federal funding for clean energy infrastructure upgrades
    In addition to boosting the local economy, this grant will result in less smog from diesel emissions for surrounding port communities, strengthening air quality and the health of dock workers 
    Earlier this year, Georgia’s U.S. Senators announced over $15 million in clean energy and infrastructure investments for the Port of Savannah
    Senator Reverend Warnock: “As a son of coastal Georgia, I know the importance of Georgia’s ports and its workers to our state and national economies. As we continue moving toward a clean energy economy, it is critical Georgia and its workers remain on the frontlines of these federal investments and reap the benefits of our hard work in Washington”
    Senator Ossoff: “Today we are delivering new resources through the EPA’s Clean Ports program to upgrade the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick with vessel shore power systems and install new electric charging infrastructure. This is a win-win for our economy and for local communities”

    Washington, D.C. —  Today, U.S. Senators Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-GA), a member of the Senate Commerce committee charged with overseeing the nation’s transportation policies, and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) announced they secured $48,763,746 to install new electric charging infrastructure for ships at the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick. The funding will go to the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) to invest in the vessel shore power systems, which will allow ships to ‘plug-in’ to electric grid power and turn off diesel engines while at port. In addition, the project includes the scrappage and replacement of diesel terminal tractors with new electric terminal tractors. GPA plans to engage with communities through their network and conduct classroom and on-the-job training for workers related to shore power, zero-emission vehicles, and charging stations. In addition to boosting the local economy, this grant will result in less smog from diesel emissions for surrounding port communities, helping enhance overall quality of life. The decrease in diesel emissions will also strengthen air quality, and in turn, the health of dock workers spending long hours keeping our ports running. This latest investment reflects both senators’ commitment to bolstering Georgia’s clean energy infrastructure, helping Georgia’s ports maintain their competitive edge in the U.S. economy, and ensuring workers receive the support and training needed in an evolving economy. 

    “As a son of coastal Georgia, I know the importance of Georgia’s ports and its workers to our state and national economies. As we continue moving toward a clean energy economy, it is critical Georgia and its workers remain on the frontlines of these federal investments and reap the benefits of our hard work in Washington, which is why I was proud to champion this award for the Georgia Ports Authority,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Senator Ossoff and I will continue delivering investments for Georgia’s ports to keep our state at the forefront of the nation’s clean energy economy.”

    “Senator Warnock and I continue working to upgrade Georgia’s port infrastructure and establish Georgia as the national leader in advanced energy technology. Today we are delivering new resources through the EPA’s Clean Ports program to upgrade the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick with vessel shore power systems and install new electric charging infrastructure. This is a win-win for our economy and for local communities,” said Senator Ossoff.

    The latest announcement is part of a larger set of awards unveiled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that includes 55 applicants across 27 states and territories to receive nearly $3 billion through EPA’s Clean Ports Program. The grants are funded by the Inflation Reduction Act—the largest investment in combating climate change and promoting clean energy in history, and legislation only made possible by Georgia voters electing Senators Warnock and Ossoff to cast the decisive votes—and will advance environmental justice by reducing diesel air pollution in U.S. ports and surrounding communities while promoting good-paying and union jobs that help America’s ports thrive.

    A longtime advocate for strong federal funding for Georgia’s ports, this latest effort follows Senator Warnock’s bipartisan, bicameral push with Georgia’s full congressional delegation urging officials to study expanding the Port of Savannah to ensure it can continue accommodating increasingly large container vessels. Earlier this year, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced over $15 million in clean energy and infrastructure investments for the Port of Savannah. Also this year, Senator Warnock successfully secured $11.3 million for the Brunswick Harbor through the FY ’24 government funding bill for modifications to improve the efficiency, cost and reliability of ship traffic in the harbor, as well as $44.7 million for the Savannah Harbor to support operations and maintenance. Additionally, in January 2024, Senators Warnock and Ossoff announced a $15 million federal grant to the Port of Brunswick for critical infrastructure upgrades, funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law championed by both Georgia senators.

    In May 2023, Sen. Ossoff and EPA Administrator visited the Port of Savannah to announce the Clean Ports Program and the availability of funding to electrify transportation and logistics to reduce air pollution.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Remarks by Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks at the 2024 Microelectronics Commons Annual Meeting (As Delivered)

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.  –  

    Good morning, everybody. Thank you, Dr. [Dev] Shenoy, first, for the introduction, and thanks to all of you in the defense research and engineering enterprise, for what you do every day to lead us.

    It’s a privilege to be with all of you for this second annual meeting of the Microelectronics Commons. And it’s remarkable to see how much this community has flourished in just the past year.

    Now, I won’t bother preaching to this choir about why semiconductors matter. Whether you found religion lately or long ago, you’re all here because you get it.

    Yet even people who can fully grasp how chips enable our phones, fridges, cars, and so much of what’s essential to modern life — even scientists and technologists who are steeped in the intricacies of how they’re made — even they may not always consider why chips might be so important to the U.S. Department of Defense.

    But over at the Pentagon, we think about that all the time. Because microelectronics are fundamental to the operation of virtually every military system: ships, planes, tanks, long-range munitions, communication gear, satellites, sensors, and more.

    Every day, from the Indo-Pacific to the North Atlantic to the Middle East and beyond — from the ocean floor to outer space to cyberspace — as American warfighters stand the watch, they depend on chips to help them defend our country, our allies and partners, and our interests.

    Microelectronics are at the heart of practically everything you can imagine U.S. troops using. Radios. Radar. Night-vision goggles. GPS. Battle networks. Avionics that enable dagger-shaped stealth bombers to fly. WiFi.

    America’s vibrant innovation ecosystem made it all possible, through collaboration going back decades across government, academia, and industry, encompassing businesses large and small.

    You are the heirs to that legacy. And as our nation has embarked on a quest to reignite U.S. leadership in not only chip research and design, but also prototyping, manufacturing, and production at scale, you are cementing your own legacy.

    And you’ve already done a lot.

    One year ago, shortly after we announced the first Microelectronics Commons awards, we had more than 360 distinct member organizations located across 35 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. And we thought that was pretty impressive.

    But as of today, the Commons boasts over 1,200 member organizations. Meaning this community has more than tripled in size, in just 12 months. Now that’s really impressive. And with that growth, our reach has expanded to even more states, like Arkansas, Maine, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

    One year ago, we’d already awarded nearly $240 million to stand up eight regional innovation hubs, reflecting the talent and ingenuity resident all over the country. And that was just the beginning.

    Because, as of today, we’ve awarded nearly $700 million toward this endeavor’s goal of bridging the microelectronics gap from lab-to-fab — that infamous valley of death between research and development and production.

    Not only does that number include the latest round of nearly three dozen project awards announced just a few weeks ago- it also represents a tripling of our total investment. And there will be more to come.

    The CHIPS and Science Act is a “once-in-a-generation investment in America itself,” as President Biden said when he signed it into law.

    CHIPS was a bipartisan victory for U.S. national security and economic security — a win that will echo through history for years to come.

    It proved that we can still do big things, that our best days are still ahead — sparking programs and initiatives across the Biden-Harris Administration, and across the Department of Defense, where we work closely with the Department of Commerce and many other interagency colleagues on CHIPS implementation.

    The CHIPS Act made clear to America — and the world — that the U.S. government is united in its commitment to ensuring that our industrial and scientific powerhouses can deliver what we need to secure the future.

    And we’re united beyond the U.S. government.

    Take industry: right now we’re living through an era in which a new generation of defense-tech startups and scale-ups is disrupting America’s defense industrial base. That’s welcomed, because competition is good for the taxpayer and good for the warfighter.

    So you might expect to see the newcomers and the mainstays always eying each other warily, contesting whose products are better, and rarely collaborating or finding common cause.

    Yet that’s not the case with our regional innovation hubs in the Northeast, Midwest, and Southwest. They’ve given a home to both traditional primes, such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and RTX, and newer venture-backed companies, like Anduril, Epirus, and Tignis.

    Why? Because chips bring America together.

    Or take academia. Right now, in the midst of college football season, fans might expect the likes of Purdue, Notre Dame, Michigan, and Illinois Urbana-Champaign to be at each other’s throats well into January.

    But at the Silicon Crossroads hub, all four of those universities are benefitting from a trusted environment that’s fostering collaborative innovation — creating a unified research and prototyping capability where they’re accelerating their unique nanofabrication and test facilities for industry to access.

    And you could even say that the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium hub is like the Big Ten Conference, but for semiconductors. (Laughter.) It’s now the largest hub with over 360 members nationwide, hailing from every time zone in the continental United States: Pacific, Mountain, Central, and Eastern. There’s even one hub member in Hawaii. 

    Why? Because chips bring America together.

    Look no further than the Defense-Ready Electronics and Microdevices Superhub, which recently began processing its first outside customer orders. With the nickname “California DREAMS,” it has members from Pasadena, L.A., San Diego, and Santa Barbara — but it also has members from Baltimore, Maryland; Greensboro, North Carolina; and Fort Worth, Texas.

    Like I said, chips bring America together. And this work is expanding opportunity as it does so — broadening the number of people and places that support our growing national semiconductor ecosystems, building the workforce pools and talent pipelines that America needs to stay ahead, and bringing new hotbeds of local innovation into the fold.

    That’s you. You’re doing this.

    At hubs in Massachusetts and New York, you’re helping prepare military veterans for careers in microelectronics.

    And you’re also reaching talent at historically-black colleges and universities, like Morgan State University and North Carolina A&T, advancing areas like electromagnetic warfare, 5G and 6G wireless, and commercial leap-ahead technologies.

    Across the country, this network of hubs now represents a committed community — of innovators, transition owners, academic leaders, defense industry stakeholders, government program managers, and prototyping and manufacturing facilities, that are together accelerating microelectronics development and production — all to meet DoD’s needs, and many with dual-use applications.

    It’s been exciting to see our vision for the Microelectronics Commons become a reality over the last year. And we’re looking forward to the progress that we’ll see in the years to come: as the hubs continue to evolve their operational models, as new projects get awarded and funded, and as our investments deliver for the warfighter at greater speed and scale.

    Together, you exemplify what America can do when we’re faced with a pressing challenge.

    You’re showing the world — and especially our strategic competitors — what we’re capable of.

    And I know you won’t let us down.

    Thank you.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Guatemala

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

    • Reviewed: 30 October 2024, 15:01 NZDT
    • Still current at: 30 October 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.

    Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to violent crime (level 3 of 4):

    • within 5km of the Mexican border from the Pacific Coast up to and including the Gracias a Dios crossing
    • to the towns of Santa Ana Huista, San Antonio Huista and La Democracia in the department of Huehuetenangodue.

    Exercise increased caution elsewhere in Guatemala due to violent crime and civil unrest (level 2 of 4).

    Guatemala

    Violent Crime
    Guatemala has a high violent crime rate. Criminal acts often involve firearms and may include armed robbery, kidnapping, sexual assault and murder. The majority of this crime is drug and gang-related, however, violence can be indiscriminate and occur in areas frequented by tourists.

    New Zealanders in Guatemala should remain security conscious and exercise a high degree of caution at all times. This includes in Guatemala City and other major cities, public areas and tourist destinations including Tikal, Petén, Antigua, Volcán de Pacaya and Lake Atitlán.

    Sexual assault remains a risk. There have been incidents of drink spiking in tourist areas such as Antigua. We advise New Zealanders to exercise a high degree of caution and avoid travelling alone, especially at night.

    Pickpockets and bag snatchers are prevalent in major cities and tourist sites, especially in central markets. We advise New Zealanders to take steps to safeguard and secure their personal belongings.

    “Express kidnappings” have also been reported in Guatemala, where criminals abduct a victim for a short amount of time and force them to withdraw funds from their bank account. To reduce the risk of this occurring we recommend you use ATMs that are located within bank branches and during daylight hours only. We also recommend you avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as mobile devices and jewellery. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of crime as this could lead to an escalation in violence. Victims have been killed and injured attempting to resist perpetrators.

    When travelling to remote areas, including to volcanoes, it may be safer to travel with others or a reputable tour company. The Guatemalan Government PROATUR service offers tourist advice and security escorts for travel around the country.

    Road Travel
    Inter-city travel can be dangerous, particularly after dark. There have been reports of armed robbery and bus/carjackings affecting tourists on a number of travel routes, including along main highways and the road to and from the international airport in Guatemala City. Armed criminals have been known to set up roadblocks and pose as police officers. If travelling by road, you should keep doors locked, valuables out of sight and windows up at all times. Wherever possible travel in a convoy and avoid all travel after dark.

    Travel on local public buses (“chicken buses”) should be avoided for safety and security reasons as they are usually overloaded and there have been armed attacks by gangs and incidents of crime against foreigners on buses. Radio-dispatched or hotel taxis are the safest option as there have been robberies and assaults associated with unofficial taxis. Prepaid vouchers can also be purchased from the INGUAT (tourist office) in the arrivals terminal.

    Borders
    Special care should also be taken in border areas with Belize, Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador and at border crossings due to organised crime and drug-related violence. Allow enough time for border formalities so that you can arrive at your destination before dark.

    Seismic Activity
    Guatemala lies in a seismically active zone with four active volcanoes, and the possibility of an eruption always exists. Previously volcanic activity has forced evacuation of nearby visitors. Tremors are common, so familiarise yourself with earthquake safety measures. Travellers should be aware of the possibility for travel disruptions in the event of seismic or volcanic activity. Monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media, and follow any alerts or instructions from local authorities.

    Civil Unrest
    Protests and demonstrations, including strike action and roadblocks, occur across Guatemala and have the potential to turn violent with little notice. They can cause disruptions to traffic and essential services. We recommend you avoid large gatherings, monitor the local media for updated security information and follow any instructions issued by local authorities, including curfews. Participation in demonstrations by foreigners is illegal and may result in detention and expulsion from the country.

    General Travel Advice
    Carry a photocopy or certified true copy of your passport as a form of personal identification when travelling.

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

    Do not take photographs of children without permission. Many people in Guatemala fear that children are being kidnapped for adoption or for theft of vital organs, and foreigners have been caught up in violent incidents related to accusations and fears of child kidnapping. Photography of government buildings, airports and military establishments is prohibited, and could result in detention. If in doubt, don’t take a picture.

    Medical facilities are limited outside Guatemala City. New Zealanders in Guatemala should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provisions for adventure activities and medical evacuation by air.

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

     

    Travel tips

    The New Zealand Embassy Mexico City, Mexico is accredited to Guatemala

    Street Address Jaime Balmes No 8, 4th Floor, Los Morales, Polanco, Mexico D.F. 11510 Telephone +52 55 5283 9460 Fax +52 55 5283 9480 Email nzmexico@mfat.govt.nz Web Site http://www.mfat.govt.nz/mexico Hours Mon – Fri 0930 – 1400

    New Zealand Honorary Consulate Guatemala City, Guatemala

    Street Address 13 Calle 7-71, Zona 10, Guatemala City 01010, Guatemala Telephone (+502) 2360-8276 Alternate Telephone (+502) 2360-4961 Fax +502 2431 3742 Email kiwiguatemala@gmail.com

    See our regional advice for Central/South America

    Top of page

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Diabetes Australia joins Melbourne City’s Support Service Hub, Project 614

    Source: Ministers for Social Services

    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.”

    For more information on the support available at Salvation Army’s Project 614 site, visit: Melbourne 614 | The Salvation Army Australia

    For more information on Services Australia Community Partnership Program, visit: Community Partnerships connecting customers to the support they need – About us – Services Australia

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Orleans Parish Man Sentenced For Attempted Bank Robbery

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    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.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Two Sacramento Residents Plead Guilty to False Income Tax Return Scheme

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Dominic Davis, 38, and Sharitia Wright, 59, both of Sacramento, pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to file false claims with the IRS, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

    According to court documents, between March 2019 and April 2022, Davis and Wright caused at least nine fraudulent income-tax returns to be filed with the IRS claiming more than $2 million of income tax refunds.

    The returns were filed in the names of Davis, Wright, and family members. The returns listed wages that the taxpayers had not earned and often listed the taxpayers’ employer as one of the various LLCs created by Davis, Wright, and their family members. Many of the returns also falsely claimed charitable contributions that were not actually made. Davis prepared and filed the false tax returns. Wright provided him information and contacted the IRS to check on the status of the refunds claimed in the false tax returns.

    Davis and Wright agreed to pay restitution for the fraudulent income tax refunds that they received.

    This case is the product of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicholas M. Fogg is prosecuting the case.

    Davis and Wright are scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Drozd on Feb. 3, 2025. Each faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Former prosecutor goes to prison for extorting money

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    McALLEN, Texas – The former elected Starr County Attorney has been sentenced for extortion under color of law, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

    Victor Canales Jr., 51, pleaded guilty Sept. 5, 2023.

    Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Canales to serve 37 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard testimony from an auditor with the Texas Attorney General’s Office describing the cash deposits made into Canales’s personal accounts and his use of funds from the Starr County Attorney’s account. In imposing the sentence, the court determined the amount of the bribes at $44,000. The court also noted comments about the culture of corruption in Starr County, and said today’s sentence would act as a deterrent to that corruption.

    “Prosecutors of all stripes, whether at the federal, state or city level, are defined by an oath, one to serve and protect their communities. It’s an oath that seeks only one thing—justice,” said Hamdani. “Victor Canales Jr. violated that oath and the trust of Starr County’s residents in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars in bribes. As an office of dedicated public servants, including 200 prosecutors, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District has little patience for corrupt officials, especially when a prosecutor trades his authority, his oath, for personal gain.” 

    “Today’s sentencing highlights the FBI’s commitment to combat public corruption at every level. Citizens in the Rio Grande Valley deserve local government officials who can be trusted,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “The FBI would like to thank our Operation Ice River partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as Texas Office of the Attorney General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Department of Public Safety – Texas Rangers for their continued collaboration in rooting out corruption and keeping our communities safe.”

    Canales was the Starr County Attorney from 2005 to 2022. In that role, he was responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes.

    In September 2021, a woman reached out to Canales for assistance because her son had been charged with three misdemeanor offenses in Starr County. He said he could help her and that for $1500, he could take care of the Starr County tickets.

    The mother gave Canales three money orders totaling $1500. He deposited the proceeds into his own checking account and used it for his own personal needs rather than depositing the monies into the Starr County account.

    Canales then sent a series of letters to Cameron County indicating the three charges against the woman’s son would be dropped.

    Canales was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

    The FBI worked in partnership with the Texas Attorney General’s Office to conduct the Border Corruption Task Force investigation with the assistance of Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety – Criminal Investigations and Texas Rangers.

    Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Cook Profit prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police target organised crime group and seize significant quantity of cannabis

    Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

    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.

    • Report any information you have by calling 105
    • Go online to make a report at www.police.govt.nz/use-105
    • Contact Crime Stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
    • If migrant communities are concerned with possible exploitation, contact MBIE on 0800 20 90 20

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    Note for media: a small number of video clips are available for release to media outlets, please contact Police Media team for download details.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley Visits COMLOGWESTPAC, October 9, 2024 [Image 3 of 3]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    SINGAPORE (October 9, 2024) Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley, Deputy Commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, signs a guest logbook during a scheduled visit to Commander, Logistics Group Western Pacific/Task Force 73 (COMLOGWESTPAC/CTF 73), Oct. 9, 2024. COMLOGWESTPAC supports deployed maritime forces, along with regional Allies and partners, to sustain Western Pacific operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Moises Sandoval/Released)

    Date Taken: 10.09.2024
    Date Posted: 10.10.2024 01:41
    Photo ID: 8689163
    VIRIN: 241009-N-ED646-1026
    Resolution: 7686×5124
    Size: 6.88 MB
    Location: SG
    Web Views: 8
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN  

    This work, Maj. Gen. Daniel Shipley Visits COMLOGWESTPAC, October 9, 2024 [Image 3 of 3], by PO2 Moises Sandoval, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.

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  • MIL-OSI Security: USNS Carl Brashear Conducts RAS During Keen Sword 25 [Image 1 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USNS Carl Brashear Conducts RAS During Keen Sword 25 [Image 5 of 5]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

    Issued by: on

    PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 25, 2024) – The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Takanami-class destroyer JS Ōnami (DD-111) approaches the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Carl Brashear (T-AKE 7) to conduct a refueling-at-sea during Keen Sword 25, Oct. 25, 2024. Keen Sword is a biennial, joint and bilateral field-training exercise involving U.S. military and Japan Self-Defense Forces personnel, designed to increase readiness and interoperability while strengthening the ironclad U.S.-Japan alliance. (Courtesy Photo)

    Date Taken: 10.25.2024
    Date Posted: 10.29.2024 22:20
    Photo ID: 8725101
    VIRIN: 241025-N-N0900-1005
    Resolution: 1425×952
    Size: 436.48 KB
    Location: PHILIPPINE SEA
    Web Views: 1
    Downloads: 0

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  • MIL-OSI Security: CORRECTION: DoD Releases National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The Department of Defense (DoD) today published the unclassified National Defense Industrial Strategy Implementation Plan (NDIS-IP), detailing how the DoD will achieve the four strategic priorities laid out in the NDIS. Released by the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy (OASD(IBP)), the document outlines ongoing and future actions that DoD is taking, to modernize the defense industrial base.

    The NDIS-IP describes six cross-cutting initiatives and associated lines of effort, which will enable the DoD to achieve a more resilient defense industrial ecosystem and buy-down risks. In addition to detailing the work being done across the Services and DoD components, the NDIS-IP demonstrates activities and initiatives that the U.S. Government, private industry, and international allies and partners are undertaking, emphasizing that this effort cannot be a DoD-only initiative.

    “Publishing the NDIS was a significant accomplishment as we work to strengthen the size and resilience of our industrial base,” Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante said, “But we’ve always said that it was only the first step—implementation is what really matters. While we still have a lot of work ahead of us, this implementation plan is showing that we remain focused on putting words into tangible actions.”    

     “This implementation plan offers industry, global allies, and partners clear direction on the Department’s priorities for industrial capacity building.” said Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, Dr. Laura Taylor-Kale. “Implementing these initiatives will require coordinated efforts across the DoD, and support and cooperation from our interagency, industry, and international stakeholders, as well as our champions in Congress.” 

    An NDIS-IP Classified Annex is forthcoming and will further detail vulnerabilities and articulate the necessary steps the DoD is taking to ensure its resilience and strength. The unclassified NDIS-IP and a corresponding factsheet are available here.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Pacific leaders’ mission to Nouméa – Mapou says New Caledonia at ‘turning point’

    By Lydia Lewis, RNZ Pacific presenter/Bulletin editor

    A three-day fact-finding mission, headed by three Pacific leaders, has wrapped up in Nouméa, and New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou says the French territory is at a “turning point”.

    The semi-autonomous Pacific territory has been riddled with violent unrest since May.

    While tensions have reportedly eased for now, the main political decision-making body for the Pacific region has been in Nouméa this week on a “strictly observational” but “critical mission”.

    New Caledonia’s President Louis Mapou . . . “They willingly shared their own history.” Image: 1ère TV

    Territorial President Louis Mapou told reporters why the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) “troika -plus” visit was so important.

    “They have a shared intention with government members, drawing on their own experience in the region: the Cook Islands, which are in free association with New Zealand; Tonga, a country that was never colonised; and the Solomon Islands, which have experienced interethnic conflicts in the northern part, where youth played a significant role,” he said.

    “And finally, Fiji, which gained independence, decided to withdraw from the Commonwealth, and is now re-evaluating its connection with the British Crown. So, they willingly shared their own history.

    “They pointed out that in each of these histories, it was often the internal decisions of the populations involved that ultimately shaped the choices made about their country’s future.”

    What a pleasant honour to have Hon. Prime Minister @slrabuka welcomed by @LegionEtrangere & @RSMA_NC , writing a poem about his visit in New-Caledonia as a member of the @ForumSEC high level Troïka-Plus information mission . pic.twitter.com/HVVoebqPfA

    — Véronique Roger-Lacan (@rogerlacanv) October 28, 2024

    Hope and perspective
    Local government spokesperson Charles Wea said the visit brought hope and perspective.

    “It is important that that people from New Caledonia can arrive to express their views, and also the political perspectives, in terms of political future,” he said.

    “The process of decolonisation, for example, which is quite a major subject topic that will be in the discussion with a mission”

    Tongan Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku Siaosi Sovaleni led the PPIF troika-plus delegation — Rabuka was the “plus” factor.

    “We are not there to judge you or to tell them what to do right now. It is a preliminary visit. So, basically, we just want to listen.”

    While it is a fact-finding mission, there are some indisputable facts, such as New Caledonia being on the United Nations Decolonisation List.

    Tuvalu MP Simon Kofe has expressed his thoughts on this.

    Pacific ‘needs to support decolonisation’
    “My position is for independence, we need to continue supporting the decolonisation of the Pacific,” Kofe told RNZ Pacific.

    Hu’akavameiliku’s views were somewhat more diplomatic.

    “I do believe that there is a way of having some sovereignty and control of your country. There are various models in the Pacific. You have Niue and Cook Islands. Then you have American Samoa.

    “We are not the ones who will tell [New Caledonia] what is working and what is not. We respect their sovereignty.”

    But amid the politicking, a Kanak leader from the Protestant Church of Kanaky New Caledonia, Billy Wetewea, said people were struggling.

    In particular, the indigenous population, who were battling inequities in education, employment and health, he said.

    “The destruction that the youth have made since May, was a kind of expression of the frustration towards all of these social injustices,” he said.

    “We are fighting for our humanity. So, it’s for the dignity of our humanity, and our humanity is the humanity of everyone.”

    ‘Neither marginalised nor mistreated’
     The pro-France loyalists, however, have a different perspective.

    “Contrary to what some separatists suggest, the Kanak people are neither marginalised nor mistreated,” they said in a statement.

    “On the contrary, [Kanaky people are] one of the most advantaged in our Oceanian region.”

    Wea said the Pacific leaders had the chance to hear from all sides involved in the unrest.

    The findings will be presented to the 18 Pacific leaders at next year’s leaders meeting.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gang member arrested after homemade firearm located

    Source: New Zealand Police (National News)

    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.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Domestic violence

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ19: Domestic violence
    LCQ19: Domestic violence
    ************************

         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

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –