By Leischen Stelter
Air travel is a surprisingly common way for human traffickers to transport victims. Learn about the federal government's new initiative to train aviation personnel to identify and report trafficking. Is the government covering all its bases when it comes to monitoring the transportation networks of traffickers or can more be done?
Mass killings and terrorist attacks continue to happen around the world and can happen in any jurisdiction. The annual INLETS seminar offers presentations and training from commanders who have responded to such events, offering insights and lessons learned. Read more about this year's presentations.
Schools present a vulnerable target to armed violence, making up nearly a quarter of active shooter incidents. While local law enforcement is uniquely organized and capable of providing the necessary resources to deter violent attacks in schools and respond to violence when it occurs, arguments for faculty arming have validity when compared to alternatives. AMU graduate student Ron Dahart writes about the importance of having a layered security approach to preparedness and response to armed attackers on school grounds. If arming faculty is deemed necessary, here are the guidelines and best practices that schools must incorporate into their policy.
President Obama delivered a nearly hour-long address during the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) annual conference in an effort to gain support from law enforcement for his efforts to reform the criminal justice system and implement stricter gun-control laws. To build support from this skeptical audience, Obama delivered a speech that addressed many of the challenges police face and offered measures such as increasing budgets so agencies can hire more officers to focus on enhancing community relationships. Learn more about what Obama proposed to help police agencies across the nation.
Victim assistance programs (VAPs) are a critical component of any law enforcement agency. These services protect and promote the interests of victims, witnesses, families, and the community and provide support during and after an incident. Learn how agencies can institute robust victim services by working closely with community organizations and local volunteers.
Teamwork, especially among law enforcement officers, is a crucial aspect of the job. However, the effectiveness of teams is largely dependent on leadership’s commitment to teamwork and the willingness of individuals to be strong team members. AMU criminal justice professor Michelle Beshears writes about the five distinct dysfunctions that police leaders need to be aware of that could threaten effective teams within their agencies.
Despite what fictional crime dramas portray, violent crimes are never solved by a lone detective or a crime-sleuthing duo. Investigating violent crimes—and specifically homicides—requires extensive teamwork. AMU criminal justice professor Nicole Cain writes about the professionals involved in solving crimes including first responders, detectives, crime scene investigators, forensic scientists, medical examiners and more. Learn more about how these professionals have to work together to solve crimes.
