Fugitive Safe Surrender

The Problem:
Tens of thousands of fugitives exist today in each of America’s big cities. Hundreds of thousands of warrants for these fugitives are clogging the US criminal justice system. Apprehending these fugitives, many of whom are wanted for non-violent offenses, can cost hundreds of man hours and untold law enforcement resources. And most importantly, bringing these fugitives to justice can endanger the public, the law enforcement personnel sent after them, and the fugitives themselves.

The Solution:
Fugitive Safe Surrender. This is a new program unlike anything ever seen in US criminal justice. Under Fugitive Safe Surrender, the US Marshals Service establishes safe harbors in faith-based or neutral settings in particular cites where the fugitives can turn themselves in to have their cases adjudicated. Begun in 2006, Fugitive Safe Surrender has successfully processed over 3000 cases.

Consider the case of Christian Smith who turned himself in at the latest Fugitive Safe Surrender in Akron, Ohio. He had been on the run for the last seven years for drug violations. “I have not been able to sleep since 2000,” Christian said but three hours after walking into the Akron Fugitive Safe Surrender on July 13, he was a free man with a clean record.

At 1,120 surrenders, the Akron Surrender was the biggest one yet. The next Fugitive Safe Surrender is scheduled for August 1-4 in Nashville.

Getting an Early Start

Julio Vargas wants to be a cop. He’s wanted to be one for a while. But unlike other kids his age, the 16 year-old Vargas has more than a vague idea of a career that he might want to pursue someday. He has already taken some practical steps to fulfilling his dream.

Since his was 8 Vargas has been sure about this career path. At 14 he joined the Pomona Police Explorer Post No.160. The program works with the Pomona, CA police department to train young people about law enforcement by working with the pros in the field.

This month Vargas took another huge step forward toward his future law enforcement career by attending the National Law Enforcement Explorer Academy at the FBI Academy in Quantico, VA.

Big Brother and the Thin Blue Line

UK Police forces will soon be equipped with an extra set of eyes. According to this article at bloomberg.com UK police forces are being provided with digital cameras mounted on their heads. These little cameras will be held at eye-level by an elastic band. The recorders can store 400 hours of footage of whatever the office is looking at.

Britain tested the camera’s out with the Plymouth cops before footing the $6.1 million bill. The field tests showed that the cameras improve the overall efficiency of the police force. Criminals are less likely to claim mistreatment at police hands, paperwork is made easier, there are earlier guilty pleas, less time is spent in court and the convictions rates are increased. All thanks to the little cameras mounted on the police officers’ hats or helmets.

Fire Retardant Clothes

OK, depending on your definition of clothing, this might not seem all that exciting. After all, a chain mail shirt is fire retardant. The news here is that the material these shirts, pants, and gloves are made from aren’t movement retardant like most protective gear is.

In fact, according the 5.11 Tactical Series press release, this stuff is virtually indistinguishable from cotton. That is until there’s a fire. The comfortable material won’t provide the protection of turnout gear, but it does add an extra layer of protection in volatile situations. And since it’s comfortable enough to wear against the skin it can replace flammable fabrics such as cotton.

It’s called FR-x3 modacrylic fiber. It doesn’t shrink, melt, or drip in flame and it instantly self-extinguishes. And it doesn’t wash out of the fabric like some protective additions to clothing have in the past. The flame retardant aspect is integral to the fiber and cannot be separated from it.