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From LA Times

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L.A. County sheriff's deputy shot in Lawndale

The condition of the deputy was not known, the department said. Investigators were at the scene trying to determine what happened.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/

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Seafaring smugglers' attempts to land illegal immigrants in U.S. foiled

Mexican immigrant trafficking groups continue trying to smuggle illegal immigrants by boat, with federal authorities disrupting three attempts to land immigrants on San Diego County beaches and harbors since Saturday, according to the U.S. Border Patrol.

The most recent incident occurred early Tuesday morning, when agents spotted a 15-foot boat heading toward Beacon's Beach in Encinitas. Agents arrested 21 illegal immigrants -- 19 men and two women -- on the beach.

On Saturday, agents intercepted an 18-foot Bayliner carrying eight illegal immigrants off Imperial Beach near the border. The next day, 10 Mexican citizens and three Bolivians were arrested at the Oceanside Harbor marina after being dropped off by a 22-foot Cobalt boat.

The latest incidents are part of a surge in maritime smuggling attempts as traffickers avoid increased enforcement on land.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/

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Wife of Burbank officer blames department for his suicide

The family of a Burbank police sergeant who took his own life last week blamed the police chief and other department and city officials for his death, saying he was the victim of retaliation for defending fellow officers who had been falsely accused of wrongdoing.

Neil Thomas Gunn Sr., 50, was one of a dozen current or former Burbank officers who had their records subpoenaed by a federal grand jury in connection with an FBI investigation into excessive force at the department.

But Tina Gunn described her husband as a hard-working cop who cared deeply for the department and said the police brass and the union failed to support him against unfounded use-of-force allegations, effectively ruining his career and leaving him "brokenhearted."

"They had everything to do with what happened," she told The Times in a phone interview today. "My husband felt that no matter what he did, he was going to be the fall guy because he was the one who spoke out. He took [the allegations] very hard. They are trying to portray my husband as something he was not. He was a good man. He was beyond clean. The department turned its back on him."

City Atty. Dennis Barlow said he maintains "the greatest concern and respect for the Gunn family."

"My heart goes out to them at this time of their tragic loss," he said.

He added that he did not know what the three independent investigations into the department would find, noting he would examine the results of those reviews when they are completed.

Earlier this year, five officers filed suit against the Burbank Police Department, alleging discrimination and retaliation. Gunn Sr. was expected to be a witness for the officers. But last month the FBI acknowledged that several of those officers -- and others who subsequently sued the department -- were being investigated in connection with excessive-force allegations.

Gunn Sr. was named in a subpoena of records presented to Burbank officials about a month ago, requesting information on a dozen current and former officers.

The subpoena specified information related to "use of force, defensive tactics, Tasers, pepper spray, or the rules and ramifications pertaining to the use of excessive force or a violation of civil/constitutional rights."

In addition, FBI agents sought Burbank police internal affairs investigations initiated in response to use-of-force complaints from 2003 to the present.

The FBI acknowledged last month that the agency was looking into possible civil rights violations by Burbank police officers but would not comment on specifics being examined by its civil rights division or on how long the probe would last.

Tina Gunn, who works in the Burbank city manager's office, said the family, who will attended a City Council meeting tonight, believes her husband was singled out when he defended one of his colleagues at a police union meeting. He returned from summer vacation in Scotland to learn he had been placed on administrative leave.

Last week, he shot himself to death after parking his car in a residential neighborhood in Burbank.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/family-of-burbank-officer-blames-department-for-officers-suicide.html#more

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Seizures of cash, weapons increase along border

Federal authorities today announced a sharp increase in seizures of bulk cash and weapons along the Southwest border, the apparent result of bolstered efforts to intercept contraband destined for Mexico.

More than $40 million in illicit cash was seized from March through September, nearly double the amount intercepted during the same period a year ago, according to Department of Homeland Security officials. Weapons seizures also jumped by more than 50% -- to about 600 weapons -- from April through September, compared with the same period a year ago.

The increases come several months after federal authorities began targeting the southbound flow of weapons and drug money that fuels Mexican organized crime groups. Random checkpoints at major border crossings are now commonplace, and have yielded numerous large seizures.

At San Diego's Otay Mesa port of entry, customs inspectors in September found $500,000 inside a cargo truck and arrested two Mexican citizens, said John Morton, the assistant secretary for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Authorities meeting at a conference in San Diego said the trend reflects greater cooperation between an array of federal agencies, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Customs and Border Protection.

It's not clear yet whether the increased seizures are having an impact on Mexico's ongoing war against organized crime. Drug cartel violence continues at high levels in border cities like Ciudad Juarez and Tijuana, with many of the weapons believed to be coming from the U.S.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2009/11/cash-weapons-seizures-increase-along-border.html#more

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In Beck, Villaraigosa taps a veteran with deep ties to the LAPD

The nominee for chief is supported by both the rank and file and civil rights advocates. If OKd by City Council, he will take command at a time of uncertainty in the department.

By Joel Rubin and Phil Willon

November 4, 2009

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's selection of Charlie Beck to be L.A.'s new police chief elevates a 32-year veteran who is steeped in the traditions of the LAPD but has also won praise from civil rights activists for reforming the department and improving the once-contentious relations with the city's minority community.

"He's a man who understands the past, a man who is an important part of the present and a man who will shape this department in the future," Villaraigosa said to a bank of television cameras transmitting the announcement live Tuesday morning. "Charlie Beck will lead the charge to make Los Angeles the safest city it can be."

Beck, 56, has risen quickly through the department's command ranks in recent years and was widely viewed as the favorite to be picked as the mayor's nominee.

He first made a mark as an up-and-coming commander by rehabilitating the LAPD's Rampart Division, which had been at the center of a corruption scandal, and later earned praise as head of the department's forces in South L.A. During that time, Beck has managed to win kudos from both cops and onetime critics of the LAPD for blending a tough stance on crime with a progressive approach to bettering the LAPD's relationship with city residents.

An emotional Beck said he was "humbled" by his nomination. "I pledge that I will not disappoint this city," said Beck, who choked up repeatedly as he talked about his deep family ties to the LAPD, which include a daughter and son on the force and a sister who is retired from the department. And his wife is a retired L.A. County sheriff's deputy.

Beck said that through his father, who rose to the rank of deputy chief in the department before retiring, he understands the LAPD's long and conflicted history.

"Through him and through my own service, I know the ghosts and the glory of this police department's past," he said. "There were failures, [times when] we did not rise up to our ability, we did not do what we should have done in some instances. Those are the ghosts. But the glory of the department is reflected in my father's leadership, his ability to work with people and his ability to understand community policing before it was a popular concept."

In praising the choice, City Council President Eric Garcetti noted Beck's deep ties to the department.

He "embodies the new era of the LAPD," Garcetti said. "He represents the future, but connects us with the best of our past. He has the vision, temperament and intellect to continue making Los Angeles safer. I believe he is the right chief for our time."

Villaraigosa chose Beck nearly three months after Chief William J. Bratton abruptly announced his plan to step down after seven years in which he oversaw dramatic declines in crime and improved long-strained relations between the police and minority communities. Bratton left office Saturday.

Beck, who is deputy chief, faces the difficult task of sustaining his predecessor's hard-won gains made at a time when budget constraints were not the dire concern they are today.

Beck's five-year term would run to 2014, a year after Villaraigosa will be forced out of office by term limits.

After remaining neutral in the selection process, Paul M. Weber, president of the union representing the department's nearly 10,000 officers, quickly offered support for Beck, saying he knew Beck well and felt comfortable with the prospect of working with the new chief.

Such support will be crucial as Beck goes about following a chief with a reputation as one of the country's leading law enforcement minds, implementing a crime-fighting strategy built around an obsessive focus on crime data that pinpointed areas of Los Angeles in need of additional police officers. Crime rates have fallen every year since Bratton's arrival.

Because of that success, the mayor and City Council leaders mostly tolerated Bratton's brash style. Last spring, Bratton threatened to remove officers from the Westside when that area's councilman voted to halt police hiring because of the city budget crisis.

Beck should not expect the same latitude.

"There's only one Bill Bratton, and he certainly has his good points, but there were some things that I felt were counterproductive," Councilwoman Janice Hahn, who represents San Pedro and a portion of South Los Angeles, said earlier. "I think you can get the same results with the council with good communication and understanding."

Bratton also benefited from Villaraigosa's relentless push to add hundreds of officers to the department, an effort the council indirectly supported by tripling trash fees. But the city's precarious finances have put an end to the hiring binge.

This year, the department's budget was slashed by $60 million, and hiring was reduced to replace only those officers who retire or resign.

As a result, November's Police Academy class was canceled. Under the terms of a new contract with the city's police union, officers also will forgo cost-of-living increases for two years and instead of being paid overtime, many will be forced to take extra days off -- meaning fewer police patrolling the streets.

Beck's appointment must still be ratified by the City Council in a vote expected in the coming weeks, although no serious opposition is expected.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lapd-chief4-2009nov04,0,4696974,print.story

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Early praise for Charlie Beck's nomination as LAPD chief

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's pick of Charlie Beck to be the next LAPD chief has won early praise from some area officials.

"We have had a successful working relationship with the Los Angeles Police Department for many years, and we anticipate that partnership will continue under new Police Chief Charlie Beck," said Sheriff Lee Baca.

City Council President Eric Garcetti applauded the choice: “Charlie Beck embodies the new era of the LAPD,” he said. “He represents the future but connects us with the best of our past. He has the vision, temperament and intellect to continue making Los Angeles safer. I believe he is the right chief for our times. And I commend the mayor.”

Councilman José Huizar praised Beck's effort to reach out to the community: "With more than 30 years in the department, Charlie Beck has earned the respect of the rank and file of the LAPD and community members alike. His tough stance on crime, coupled with his progressive approach to community policing and engaging residents, tells me that he is the right man for the job. I am confident that Deputy Chief Beck will continue the department's efforts to reduce crime while respecting the civil rights of residents," he said in a statement.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/

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Who is Charlie Beck? A look at Villaraigosa's choice for LAPD chief

Charlie Beck at a glance

Years in the LAPD: 32

Age: 56

Family: Married with three children.

Education: Cal State Long Beach, bachelor of arts in occupational studies-vocational arts

Background: The son of an LAPD deputy chief, Beck was promoted from captain to deputy chief during Bratton's tenure. He is a popular figure with rank-and-file officers; two of Beck's three children are LAPD officers. Bratton often turned to Beck to handle controversial problems, such as the massive DNA testing backlog and errors in fingerprint analysis.

On the job:  Throughout his career, Beck has spent most of his time in the field. While not denying an ambition to seek out new and bigger assignments over the years, Beck tended to shun many of the administrative positions that officers typically take to earn promotions.  Soon after Bratton took over the department in 2002, however, he selected Beck to be the captain in charge of the Rampart Division, which had badly tarnished the department with revelations of corruption and abuses. Beck was hailed by a panel that examined Rampart for his ability to develop -- and get his officers to adopt -- a more inclusive, progressive approach that emphasized a partnership with the residents.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/

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Behind closed doors, Los Angeles police chief pick was no shoo-in

Beck looked to have the edge from the start. In fact, the opposite was true.

By Joel Rubin and Phil Willon

November 4, 2009

When the Los Angeles Police Commission last week gave Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa the names of the finalists for the LAPD chief's job, it was hardly a foregone conclusion that Deputy Chief Charlie Beck would be the eventual winner.

In fact, among the three finalists, the commission ranked Beck last.

Though many had anointed Beck early on as the favorite to win the job, the outcome behind closed doors, where decisions were actually made, could easily have been different. Beck had to overcome a surging dark horse candidate and a highly regarded department veteran, according to sources close to the selection who asked that their names not be used because the process was confidential.

Beck's selection was complicated by what several sources described as the quiet but persistent lobbying for him by outgoing Chief William J. Bratton. From the outset of the process, it was assumed by nearly all involved that support from Bratton -- who is widely credited with transforming the LAPD and pushing down crime during his seven years as chief -- would prove to be a tremendous advantage for Beck over the others. That did not turn out to be the case.

With commission members peeved at Bratton's involvement and the mayor increasingly concerned that he not be perceived as unduly persuaded by Bratton, the departing chief's support surprisingly became something of a liability.

"This was a very, very tricky process. Everything I thought was going to happen got turned on its head," said someone closely involved in the selection procedure. "I was certain Bratton's endorsement would be crucial. But he went too far. He became an albatross."

In an interview Tuesday, Bratton disputed the contention that he was overly involved.

Three months ago, it appeared nothing could stop Beck's ascent.

On the day three months ago that he announced his plans to resign as chief, Bratton called a close advisor to say he would be leaving at the end of October. "I said to him, 'Both of us know there is only one person right for the job,' " the advisor recounted, referring to Beck.

That kicked off a well-orchestrated, behind-the-scenes campaign aimed at ensuring Beck made it onto the Commission's list of finalists and was seen by Villaraigosa as the best person to continue with the reforms and progress made under Bratton. As other contenders either tried to go about the delicate process alone or did nothing to advance their chances, several Beck supporters inside and outside the department lobbied influential people close to the mayor.

As the commission launched its search for applicants, Bratton publicly and repeatedly voiced his opinion that his successor should come from within the department. Those comments, several sources said, while having no direct impact on Beck's chances, irked commissioners, who felt they would dissuade qualified candidates from elsewhere from applying.

The popular impression that Beck -- known for balancing a tough stance on crime with the need to build ties with communities -- had an inside track held firm even after the commission, which oversees the department and was responsible for selecting the finalists, chose Beck, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore. McDonnell, the department's second in command, was seen as a strong contender but someone who would inevitably fade in the face of all the momentum behind Beck. Moore, the commander of the department's San Fernando Valley forces, was considered a surprise finalist and too much of an unknown to have a serious chance.

In reality, Beck was far from the runaway favorite. The commission placed him behind McDonnell and Moore, who topped their list. Moore made a deep impression on many commissioners with his ideas on ways to reorganize the department and make badly needed cost-saving moves. Described as "passionate" and "wildly smart" by various sources, he came across as more independent from Bratton than the others. Villaraigosa, too, was bowled over by Moore when he interviewed him Friday, sources said. He was also mindful of his commission's decision to rank Moore first. Commissioners had urged the mayor not to overlook their top choice, sources said.

By Saturday, word had spread throughout the LAPD and City Hall circles that Moore had burst into contention and that the race was now either his to lose or a toss-up between him and Beck. Villaraigosa made scores of calls to people to seek input. Several were surprised to hear him pepper them with questions about Moore. Business and political figures from the Valley weighed in on Moore's behalf.

The mayor was torn. On the one hand, Beck represented the best of what Bratton had done during his tenure and, at first blush, gave Villaraigosa the greatest chance to continue to capitalize on the falling crime rates and reforms started by the former chief. Moore, on the other hand, came across as an intense, driven man who could shake things up and, if all went well, make the mayor look like a sage.

"At different times, I thought, 'He could pick Moore.' Then there was another time I thought, 'You know what, he could pick McDonnell. That definitely could be who he picks.' Then I thought that he surely could pick Charlie," said Jeff Carr, the mayor's newly appointed chief of staff.

Villaraigosa went so far as to call former Chief Daryl Gates and Rick Caruso, the developer and former Police Commission president who toyed with running against Villaraigosa in the last mayor's race. Caruso said it was a surprise when the mayor called, since he had accused Villaraigosa of trying to profit politically from Bratton's successful efforts to reduce crime.

"My sense was that he was still taking in information," Caruso said Tuesday. "I thought he was asking all the right questions and was being very deliberative and careful."

The mayor's schedule intensified over the weekend. On Saturday, a day after wrapping up his first set of interviews with the finalists, he stacked up meetings with members of the commission, then with a panel of advisors and finally with four council members.

The following day, before calling the candidates back for a second round of interviews, Villaraigosa dropped by services at several churches. He sought advice from clergy and, in at least one instance, asked for their prayers. At the end of the day, he released a statement saying he would name his choice Tuesday.

Throughout, Villaraigosa kept his own senior staff in the dark as to which way he was leaning, even as late as Monday afternoon, when he made a furious round of last-minute calls to leaders across the city. Up until Monday night, aides were drafting three speeches, one for each finalist, not knowing which Villaraigosa would name the next morning.

About 6:30 p.m., Villaraigosa told Carr and other senior staff members camped out at Getty House, the mayor's official residence, to go back to City Hall and wait for his call, Carr said.

Unbeknown to any of them, the mayor had called Beck from his upstairs bedroom and told him he was his choice. The mayor summoned Beck, sneaking him inside through a back door in case anyone from the news media was camped out on the front sidewalk. Villaraigosa then invited his staff back to the house about 9 p.m.

"The mayor met us at the door and said, 'Come on in. You ought to come into the kitchen and meet the new chief," Carr said.

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-chief-decision4-2009nov04,0,4874041,print.story

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Opinion

Chief attributes

The mayor's choice to lead the LAPD, Charlie Beck, is committed to reform and has strong support from civil rights activists and Latino, African American and immigrant leaders in the community.

Tim Rutten

November 4, 2009

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's selection of Charlie Beck as Los Angeles' new police chief sends a powerful signal that City Hall remains committed to the innovative policing strategies and reform agenda that William J. Bratton so successfully employed during his seven-year tenure.

In an interview Friday, Villaraigosa told me that he was looking for a new chief who could be his "partner in reform."

According to people knowledgeable about the second round of conversations the mayor conducted with Beck, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore at Getty House over the weekend, Villaraigosa's questions focused on issues of cooperation, respect for civilian oversight and loyalty.

Bratton, who declined to endorse a successor but gave those with whom he spoke the clear impression that he favored Beck's candidacy, was known to place particular value on the deputy chief's personal commitment to the reforms required under the city's consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as his personal discretion and loyalty.

Those qualities also won the 32-year LAPD veteran strong backing from civil rights activists and leaders of the Latino, African American and immigrant communities, many of whom got to know Beck during his rehabilitation of the LAPD's once scandal-plagued Rampart Division and during his stint running the department's South Los Angeles operations.

As City Council President Eric Garcetti, a Beck supporter, told me Monday evening, "Charlie has as many deep roots and connections in the African American community as any black candidate for chief would have." Several prominent Latinos with whom the mayor consulted told me similar things about Beck's ties to their communities. Many of the civil rights activists whose advice Villaraigosa sought also made it clear that they favored Beck because he was the candidate most likely to give reform a seat at his command staff table.

Bratton's establishment of a high-powered Consent Decree Bureau is considered one of the keys to his success. Even though the decree has been lifted, the new chief is expected to retain its top staff as a voice for reform and community policing.

That's very much in line with the advice given Villaraigosa by one leading civil rights activist with whom he consulted over the weekend. "We all told the mayor," said the advisor, who asked not to be named, "that the new chief needs to have the right kind of ego. He needs to be strong enough to go through the budgetary hell it will take to maintain and expand the reforms, but not think so much of himself that he needs to put his personal stamp on a department that's basically working for the first time in anybody's memory."

In an interview Tuesday evening, Beck seemed to agree. Asked whether an LAPD under his direction would be different than the one Bratton ran, the chief-designate replied: "The short answer is no. Reform of the sort we've embraced is a total package built on transparency, crime-fighting, problem-solving and constitutional policing. That's not just Bill Bratton's legacy. That's the legacy of all the department's leaders who have worked with him over the past seven years. A lot of people changed this place."

One area where Beck said he will be more assertive than his predecessor is in supporting well-drafted legislation to restore the public's right to know the names of officers involved in shootings. Bratton lent lip-service to the concept, but police unions opposed it, and supporters complained that Bratton did not do enough to overcome that opposition.

Transparency, said Beck, is paramount. "The public entrusts us with the power to deprive them of life and liberty, and we have a responsibility to exercise that trust in full public view."

Beck's appointment now goes to the City Council for confirmation, which Garcetti has said he fully expects. "So far, there have been no red flags," the council president said of all three candidates last week, "and none of the council members have told me, 'I just can't vote for that guy.' " The council's Public Safety Committee will hold public hearings on Beck's confirmation, and Garcetti said he expects a final vote by the week of Nov. 17. In the meantime, according to Garcetti, the council will want to hear the nominee's views on four critical issues:

* How to continue reducing crime with a budget likely to contract still further over the next couple of years.

* How to keep the LAPD's pension fund solvent by pushing down benefits for new officers.

* How the new chief can "project the charisma to be accepted in all parts of the city." Garcetti thinks this is particularly important because he senses "a free-floating but rising anger" in the city, fueled by the economic, housing and jobs collapse.

* How to permanently inculcate the spirit of the consent decree reforms into the department's patrol ranks.

Garcetti is a Bratton admirer; nonetheless, he said he'd like to see a chief more focused on Los Angeles -- less worried, for example, about international terrorism and more concerned with the domestic terror created by gang violence. With one council member, Bernard C. Parks, a former LAPD chief and two others, Greig Smith and Dennis Zine, reserve officers, Beck is also likely to hear more than a little about their thoughts on the department's future.

Once confirmed, he's also going to have to draw deeply on what LAPD insiders say is a reservoir of goodwill in the department's rank and file, because it's likely to be some time before any of its officers see a real raise or improvement in working conditions.

Bratton's tenure was a transforming one in the LAPD's tumultuous story; Beck and Villaraigosa now will determine whether that moment was a taste of what could have been or a historical turning point.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-rutten4-2009nov04,0,1718073,print.column

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Editorial

LAPD's next chief, Charlie Beck

The capable and popular veteran will inherit the largest, most improved Police Department in city history.

November 4, 2009

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa consulted widely, thought carefully and chose wisely in his selection of Deputy Chief Charlie Beck to become the next chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. The City Council should confirm Beck without delay, and the LAPD should move forward under this capable veteran, who was raised in the department's traditions and who also has shown a refreshing willingness to adapt to change.

As has been widely noted, this selection is of great importance for Villaraigosa, the LAPD and the city. The mayor interviewed each of the three finalists twice -- in long conversations last week and shorter follow-up discussions over the weekend. More important, he canvassed Los Angeles, reaching out to police officers, members of the command staff, church officials and civic leaders such as Warren Christopher, the former secretary of State whose commitment to improving the LAPD extends back to the 1960s.

What Villaraigosa learned was that Beck enjoys an extraordinary breadth of support. Thanks to his record in Rampart and South Bureau and his close work with outgoing Chief William J. Bratton, he has the confidence of many leaders of the so-called reform community, longtime advocates of firm civilian control and robust accountability for police. As a 32-year veteran whose father was a deputy chief, whose daughter is a patrol officer and whose son will soon graduate from the police academy, Beck's devotion to the LAPD is incontestable, helping to make him popular with the rank and file and many retired department leaders; the Police Protective League was quick to endorse him Tuesday. In the contentious world of Los Angeles policing, any coalition that includes the police union and civil rights lawyer Connie Rice, another Beck supporter, is worth noting.

The selection of Beck is not only a credit to Villaraigosa but a testament to the stability of the department today. This mayor has steadily built its ranks -- if confirmed, Beck will inherit the largest LAPD in history -- and has presided over its increasing diversity and professionalism. At the same time, there are areas that demand continued progress: Beck should commit the LAPD to further openness and accountability; he should examine ways to modernize its disciplinary system; he should publicly commit to maintaining the mandates enforced by the recently lifted federal consent decree and now demanded by sound management; and he should press to expand the department's technical capacities along with its swelling ranks.

Those are real challenges that will test the new chief -- as will inevitable crises and controversies -- but they exist within a larger context of success. Today's LAPD is better run, better equipped and better disciplined than at any time in its history. That is a profound achievement with ramifications for every aspect of life in Los Angeles. Selecting Beck is a nod to continuity at a time when continuity is warranted.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-chief4-2009nov04,0,832700,print.story

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Four more bodies and a skull found at rapist's house

The death toll at Anthony Sowell's Cleveland home is at 10 and counting as police continue searching the neighborhood for more possible murder victims.

Associated Press

November 4, 2009

Cleveland

Remains of four more people were unearthed from the backyard of a rapist's home Tuesday, raising to 10 the number of bodies found in and near the house, as police also searched boarded-up houses in the neighborhood where residents had complained for years about an odor that one likened to "a dead body."

Anthony Sowell, 50, a registered sex offender, was charged Tuesday with five counts of aggravated murder.

Police Chief Michael McGrath said that the four additional bodies were buried in the backyard and that a skull was found in a bucket in the basement.

Authorities do not know whether the skull belongs to an 11th victim, police spokesman Lt. Thomas Stacho said.

The search was to continue through the night and into Wednesday, McGrath said.

Police discovered the first six bodies Thursday and Friday after a woman reported being raped at Sowell's home.

Sowell was also charged Tuesday with rape, felonious assault and kidnapping related to the woman's complaint. He is to be arraigned Wednesday, Stacho said.

The Cuyahoga County coroner is attempting to identify the first six bodies through DNA and dental records. All six were those of black women, and five had been strangled.

The bodies could have been there anywhere from weeks to months to years, said Powell Caesar, a spokesman for the coroner.

For the last few years, Sowell's neighbors thought the foul smell had been coming from a building where workers churned out sausage and head cheese. It got so bad that the owners of Ray's Sausage replaced their sewer line and grease traps.

City Councilman Zack Reed, whose mother lives a block away, said that he called the city health department more than once.

"What happened from there, we don't know," he said. "It was no secret that there was a foul odor. We don't want to point fingers, but clearly something could have been done differently."

Reed said his office records show he called the health department in 2007 after a resident told him about an odor that "smelled like a dead body."

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-naw-rapist4-2009nov04,0,4498176,print.story

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From the Daily News

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Michel Moore, Jim McDonnell staying, for now

Though disappointed about not being selected to be the next chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, neither Deputy Chief Michel Moore nor First Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell said they had any immediate plans to seek jobs elsewhere.

"I'm not posting my resume at jobs.com," Moore quipped Tuesday.

McDonnell said he needs to take a deep breath after the intense weeks of interviews to fill the post left by former Chief William Bratton.

But the future is wide open for Moore and McDonnell following Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's selection of Deputy Chief Charlie Beck to lead the LAPD.

The two finalists could retire, resume their positions on the nation's third-largest force or move on to lead other police departments eager for the talent that has helped reduce crime in Los Angeles by record levels.

"I'm a blessed man that I've been able to attain the levels that I have here and the responsibilities," said Moore, who heads the LAPD's Valley Bureau.

"But at the same time, I'm ambitious. I believe I'm ready for greater levels."

McDonnell has also proclaimed his admiration for Los Angeles and the police force serving it.

"My immediate plans are to take a deep breath now that this is over and to get into the job that I do," said McDonnell, a 28-year LAPD veteran.

It's unknown whether McDonnell, 50, who served as the second in command after Bratton promoted him to assistant chief in October 2002, will retain the high-ranking position under Beck.

Beck has the discretion to assemble the close-knit command staff that will serve alongside him during his five-year term as leader of the nearly 10,000-officer department.

City Councilman Dennis Zine, a retired LAPD officer, said Beck will likely promote current LAPD employees to fill his coveted command staff, unlike Bratton who recruited for some of these positions from outside the department.

This could bode well for Moore, who has significant experience covering crime in the San Fernando Valley - a region Beck has not worked in, Zine said.

"He hasn't done any activity in the Valley," Zine said. "I'm sure he would look to Deputy Chief Moore to assist him."

Paul M. Weber, president of the Los Angeles Police Protective League, said Beck has the same opportunity to mold a new team that will give him the successes that Bratton saw.

Weber suspects the command staff appointments will come quickly, so the Police Department doesn't lose momentum.

"I think you'll see some movement in that area sooner than later," Weber said. "The quicker you move to make the teams that need to be made, you keep the department on track and moving forward."

Meanwhile the high-profile selection process for the LAPD chief spot helped highlight some of the department's top command staff across the country. Other police agencies could be eager to pluck Moore or McDonnell from their leadership roles and hire them to serve as leaders of their departments.

"There would be significant interest from across the country," Zine said. "They have that option to pursue it or remain in the department with the Beck administration."

Neither said they are looking for other jobs at the moment.

"I remain committed to the department," Moore said. "It's an honor to serve in the position I'm in today as it's an honor to wear the badge of this great department."

Los Angeles Police Commission member Alan Skobin said it's a temptation that thousands of talented LAPD employees face.

But Skobin believes Moore and McDonnell remain devoted to Los Angeles.

"It's not something I worry about, because I know how dedicated they are to the city," Skobin said. "But any time you have good people, you always have that risk."

Weber said McDonnell's experience as chief of staff could propel him anywhere in the country to serve as chief of police.

But McDonnell said his phone has not been ringing with new job offers, and he's unsure if the calls will come pouring in.

"It's kind of early right now," McDonnell said.

"My heart is with the Los Angeles Police Department. My whole adult life has been serving the community of Los Angeles, and it's my home."

http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_13706137

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Hail to the new mayor's pick for LAPD chief

NEWLY nominated LAPD Chief Charlie Beck was reportedly former Chief William Bratton's hand-picked successor. One can only assume he was chosen because Bratton felt Beck was the man best able to continue the transformation of the department.

We hope that's the case, and that Beck can fulfill Bratton's and our expectations. Bratton wasn't the most personable man, but he was one of the most effective department heads in Los Angeles in recent history. He took over a police department deeply in the dumps and turned it into something that Angelenos are proud of - all while presiding over an impressive drop in serious crime.

The early reviews of Beck are that he's a strong-minded cop's cop who is well-respected in all parts of the city for his commitment to reform. The City Council must confirm Beck's appointment. If the response from City Council President Eric Garcetti is any indication - "I believe he is the right chief for our time and I commend the mayor for making an excellent choice" - the council won't hold up Beck's confirmation.

That's important, because he's going to need all the support - from both inside and outside City Hall - he can get to stand up for the department as the city faces huge budget issues. He must struggle to keep the LAPD growing, even as the politicians want it to shrink. We offer Beck congratulations on the job and wish him luck.

http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_13703616

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Los Angeles' newest idol

AND the new Los Angeles Idol is ... Charlie Beck! Congratulations, Beck. Yes, this is one of those rare grateful/hopeful columns I feel obligated to crank out every six months. Even I can get burned out on negativity.

So, after weeks of speculation, the various contestants for the big job of leading the Los Angeles Police Department jumped though the required hoops. Near the end of the voting - the City Council still must weigh in - Beck has earned the crown of "Los Angeles Idol."

Mayor Villaraigosa's pick for chief is a 32-year veteran with deep roots in the city and strong support from the rank and file officers, as well as the community. "The community," by the way, is L.A.-speak for minority leaders who have given their thumbs up to the selection. No easy task. If Charlie could survive the gantlet of diverse interests and pass the politically correct litmus tests necessary to run the LAPD, he must be something special.

The question now turns to job performance. Will Beck wear his crown with grace and glory, or will he turn out to be Willie Williams, Part II? Tony V has a lot riding on Charlie Beck. We all do.

In this town, the LAPD has always been the headline attraction. From "Dragnet" to "Adam 12" to "NCIS: Los Angeles," generations of Americans have been treated to hunky crime fighters chasing perps down palm-lined streets.

Unlike most city jobs, the top man at the LAPD has an immediate and real impact on the quality of life for millions of Angelenos. The chief sets a tone that not only impacts crime, but can heal or open racial wounds, establish or destroy ties to communities in crisis, inspire or destroy morale for the incredible men and women who are charged with policing this enormous and complex city. All of us have a rooting interest in Charlie Beck. Fortunately, there is no reason to believe he won't be outstanding.

The mayor had three excellent candidates in Beck, Assistant Chief Jim McDonnell and Deputy Chief Michel Moore. With a strong field of home-grown, Bratton-approved talent, this decision was, mercifully, Villaraigosa-proof.

Nobody will be shaking the pompoms for Chief Beck more than Tony V. His time in office has been branded a failure by Los Angeles Magazine and anyone with their eyes open. That was with Bratton.

Without Bratton, Villaraigosa's stint as mayor could be Hindenburg-esque. Tony V's two actual achievement - crime reduction and improved community relations - resulted from a decision by his predecessor, Jim Hahn. Charlie Beck will be all Villaraigosa's, for good or ill.

It is not necessary for Beck to be the next Bill Bratton. The LAPD will prosper if he is simply the very best he can be. The job of running the LAPD is not just an administrative challenge; it's a political minefield. Bratton could be, alternately, charming and brash, a bully and an inspiration, obnoxious and nuanced. Bratton's contradictory personal traits were calculated and effective tools for a chief navigating his way through a city with multiple personalities. Beck will have to be many things to many groups.

Beck inherits a vastly improved police department. Both the LAPD and Los Angeles are better because Bill Bratton was chief. While I strongly oppose Special Order 40 and fought with Bratton over it many times, it would be inaccurate and ungrateful not to acknowledge the great contributions Bratton made to this city. I wish him well.

If Beck can build on the reforms and foundation of excellence established by Bratton, none of us will have occasion to say, "Sorry, Charlie." If the mayor takes credit for Chief Beck's successes, so what? Surely, he'll take the blame for his failures.

http://www.dailynews.com/opinions/ci_13703618

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From the Washington Times

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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

EDITORIAL: Lax airport security

THE WASHINGTON TIMES

The problem-plagued Transportation Security Administration is a study in bureaucratic ineptitude. Since 2002, TSA has spent more than $795 million on new air-passenger screening technologies. Despite this massive expenditure and the passage of seven years, the agency has not deployed the technology and isn't even sure any of the 10 new systems can address the greatest threats. According to a recent investigation by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), there may not be any benefit from any of this any time soon.

Along with the Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate, TSA is responsible for researching and deploying new technologies aimed at making air travel safer. With systems mired in various phases of development, not a single new screening technology has been fully implemented nationwide.

GAO auditors found that TSA has not applied any risk analysis or cost-benefit analysis to ensure the effectiveness or need of the new technologies. GAO said that TSA doesn't even have "reasonable assurance that technologies will perform as intended."

Due diligence is required by the agency's own technology-development guidelines. While TSA claims that steps have been taken to "strengthen testing procedures and improve the strategic deployment of emerging technologies," as of September, a repeatedly delayed internal risk-analysis test remains unfinished with no timeline for completion. TSA can't provide a timetable for beginning cost-benefit analyses or for creating performance measures for its new technologies.

The findings are hardly surprising. The Department of Homeland Security's inspector general has documented serious passenger- and baggage-screening failures and insufficient tracking of airport security passes and uniforms of former employees. In tests to evaluate airport-screener performance, GAO officials were able to sneak low-yield detonators, explosives and incendiary devices onto planes.

Despite TSA's troubled history, the response from Congress continues to be anemic. One pending House bill would actually give collective-bargaining power to failing airport screeners. Giving labor more power would undermine the already poor screener-performance record by lowering standards. More than 50 percent failed the agency's skills test this year, but the screeners' unions maintain that the problem is the test itself.

Responding to GAO's findings, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rep. Bennie Thompson, Mississippi Democrat, expressed support for TSA's technology efforts with the meager qualifier that he is committed to working with Homeland Security to come up with a strategic plan. However, first-ever TSA policy legislation from his panel approved by the House in June was drafted without significant input from agency personnel, authorizing $15.7 billion for two years of agency operations.

TSA needs close oversight to make sure the agency is doing its job to make air travel safer. But unless someone wakes slumbering congressional Democrats at the legislative checkpoint, nothing will change.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/nov/04/lax-airport-security//print/

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From the Department of Homeland Security

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

A Global Injustice

http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/2009/11/global-injustice.html

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Discussion on Human Trafficking at the Danish Institute for International Studies

Release Date: November 3, 2009

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

Copenhagen, Denmark—Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks about expanding international coordination to combat human trafficking at a forum hosted by Humanity in Action and the Danish Institute for International Studies.

“Human trafficking is a global problem that requires a global solution.” said Secretary Napolitano. “The United States, Denmark and all our international partners must continue to work together to better identify and dismantle criminal trafficking organizations.”

During the forum, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the efforts of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to dismantle global human trafficking infrastructure through close cooperation with the Danish National Police and international law enforcement partners and more than 300 ICE Victim Assistance Coordinators worldwide who work with non-governmental organizations to help provide long-term assistance efforts.

Secretary Napolitano discussed the critical role played by border officials in recognizing potential trafficking victims and criminals and highlighted U.S. Custom and Border Protection's international Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign—designed to enhance transnational collaboration, educate the public and empower victims.

Secretary Napolitano also emphasized the shared public responsibility in remaining vigilant and aware about the prevalence of human trafficking. ICE recently unveiled the “Hidden in Plain Sight” campaign in the United States—designed to raise public awareness of trafficking victims in communities nationwide.

While in Copenhagen, Secretary Napolitano also held meetings with Danish Justice Minister Brian Mikkelson and Transportation Minister Lars Barfoed to discuss ongoing multinational efforts to address human trafficking and other criminal activity, as well as transportation security and bilateral criminal information sharing partnerships.

Later this week, Secretary Napolitano will travel to Belgium, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom to meet with her international counterparts to discuss information sharing and privacy protection; collaborative efforts to secure cyber networks worldwide; international response to the H1N1 global pandemic; and coordination to combat transnational criminal activity and the global threat of terrorism.

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1257263394677.shtm

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Wednesday, November 4, 2009

A Warm Reception...

She then spoke at an event at the Danish Institute of International Studies on human trafficking, where the terrific questions from individuals and NGOs showed the Danish commitment to this important issue. There was discussion of how best to tackle the problem and which tactics were effective (Prosecute "Johns" to fight demand? Seize the assets of traffickers? Consider legal immigration status for victims? All of the above?)

US Ambassador Laurie Fulton then hosted a lunch to discuss the many ways she and her staff work together with Danish officials on issues of crime and immigration laws. (I recommend the Redfish! Is that Danish for Red Snapper?)

Before leaving Copenhagen, the Secretary met with Minister of Transportation Lars Barfod on ways to secure trans-Atlantic air traffic. With no security mechanism offering 100 percent effectiveness, the Secretary explained the benefits of distinct layers to provide the security and ease of travel passengers expect.

So today, the Secretary participated in discussions on counterterrorism, prosecution of terrorists, human trafficking, international cooperation on crime, immigration laws, and aviation security. Not bad for government work. Now, it's on to Madrid, where we hear the weather is sunnier.

Mark Koumans is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Affairs

http://www.dhs.gov/journal/theblog/2009/11/warm-reception.html

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Department of Homeland Security and Tohono O'odham Nation Announce Agreement to Develop Enhanced Tribal Card

Release Date: November 3, 2009

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: Sara Kuban, 202-282-8010
Pete Delgado, Tohono O'odham Nation: 520-383-2028

The Department of Homeland Security and the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona today formalized an agreement to develop a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)—signed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Assistant Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski and Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona Chairperson Ned Norris, Jr., in a ceremony in Washington.

The ETC verifies tribal citizenship and identity for the purpose of entering the United States by land or sea—enhancing safety and security of U.S. borders while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

“This agreement will strengthen safety along our borders while providing Tohono O'odham members a secure and standardized ID card,” said Secretary Napolitano. “In the months ahead, we will continue to build upon these efforts—from secure identification to preparing for emergencies—with our tribal partners across the country.”

“This agreement is of tremendous importance to the Tohono O'odham Nation and is an excellent example of how positive government-to-government relations can benefit the greater good. Secretary Napolitano, Acting Commissioner Ahern, CBP and the Tohono O'odham Legislative Council deserve a great deal of credit for their diligence in developing this momentous agreement,” said Chairperson Norris. “The Tohono O'odham Nation is committed to doing its part by working with federal authorities to protect the U.S. homeland.”

Today's agreement reflects Secretary Napolitano's commitment to close coordination with tribal partners across the United States on security initiatives and underscores the mutual commitment of DHS and the Tohono O'odham Nation to enhance border security and combat threats of terrorism and transnational crime through secure identification.

Since January, CBP has also signed agreements with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the Pascua Yaqui of Arizona and the Seneca Nation of New York. CBP is currently working with approximately 25 additional tribes across the country on the ETC initiative.

WHTI is a joint initiative between DHS and the Department of State that implements a key 9/11 Commission recommendation and Congressional mandate to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the United States, Canada and Bermuda.

DHS implemented WHTI at land and sea ports of entry as of June 1, requiring travelers to present an approved travel document to enter the United States. Approved documents include passports, U.S. passport cards, trusted traveler program cards and state- or province-issued enhanced driver's licenses. Upon successful testing and issuance, ETCs, developed in accordance with the signed agreement, will also be accepted for border crossings.

There are over 28,000 enrolled citizens of the Tohono O'odham Nation. The Nation's lands contain 75 miles of the international border in south-western Arizona and extend into Mexico, covering an area the size of Connecticut.

For more information, visit  www.dhs.gov or  www.getyouhome.gov

http://www.dhs.gov/ynews/releases/pr_1257272243349.shtm

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From the Department of Justice

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Tuesday, November 3, 2009

WASHINGTON – The Justice Department announced today the largest monetary payment ever obtained by the department in the settlement of a case alleging housing discrimination in the rental of apartments. Los Angeles apartment owner Donald T. Sterling has agreed to pay $2.725 million to settle allegations that he discriminated against African-Americans, Hispanics and families with children at apartment buildings he controls in Los Angeles. The settlement must be approved by U.S. District Judge Dale S. Fischer.

"Housing is a basic human need, and yet decades after passage of the Fair Housing Act, far too many still encounter barriers like discrimination. Particularly in times of economic distress and rising foreclosures, we must remain vigilant to ensure all individuals have equal access to housing," said Thomas E. Perez, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. "The magnitude of this settlement should send a message to all landlords that we will vigorously pursue violations of the Fair Housing Act."

The lawsuit, filed by the Justice Department in August 2006, alleged that the defendants, Donald T. Sterling, his wife Rochelle Sterling and the Sterling Family Trust, engaged in discriminatory rental practices on the basis of race, national origin and familial status (having children under 18) at various apartment buildings that they own and manage in Los Angeles. Among other things, the suit alleged that the defendants discriminated against non-Korean tenants and prospective tenants at buildings the defendants owned in the Koreatown area of Los Angeles.

In court filings, for example, the United States presented evidence that the defendants' employees prepared internal reports that identified the race of tenants at properties the defendants purchased in Koreatown. Additionally, the defendants made statements to employees at Koreatown buildings indicating that African-Americans and Hispanics were not desirable tenants. The United States also presented expert analysis in court filings showing that the defendants rented to far fewer Hispanics and African-Americans in Koreatown which than would be expected based on income and other demographic characteristics.

The defendants, who manage their apartments under the name Beverly Hills Properties, own and manage approximately 119 apartment buildings comprising over 5,000 apartments in Los Angeles County. The settlement would also resolve two related lawsuits filed by former tenants at one of the properties. The two families, an African-American family and an interracial married couple with bi-racial children, alleged that the defendants demolished the private yards that had been part of their apartment and took other actions against them because of their race.

The settlement, which is memorialized in a proposed consent order that the parties have submitted to the court for approval, would require the defendants to pay a $100,000 civil penalty to the United States. Under the settlement, the defendants would also pay $2.625 million into a fund that would be used to pay monetary damages to persons who were harmed by the defendants' discriminatory practices, including the tenants in the two related lawsuits discussed above. Any money left over would go to further fair housing education or enforcement in Los Angeles. The terms of the distribution of the $2.625 million will be determined in a separate disbursement order that will be submitted by the United States for approval to the Court.

In addition to the payments in damages and civil penalties, the proposed consent order would require the defendants to take various steps to ensure non-discriminatory practices at their Los Angeles County rental properties. Among other things, the proposed consent order would:

The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of housing discrimination should call the Housing Discrimination Tip Line (1-800-896-7743) or email the Justice Department at fairhousing@usdoj.gov. Such persons may also contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777.

Fair housing enforcement is a priority of the Civil Rights Division. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at http://www.justice.gov/crt.

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/November/09-crt-1187.html

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WASHINGTON – Michael Bullard, Richard Armstrong and James Whitewater were sentenced today in federal court in Boise, Idaho, for hate crime and conspiracy charges in connection with the racially-motivated assault of an African-American man outside of a Wal-Mart store in July 2008, the Justice Department announced today.

U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge sentenced Bullard, of Middleton, Idaho, to 51 months in prison, three years of supervised release, 80 hours of community service and a $200 special assessment. Armstrong, of Nampa, Idaho, was sentenced to 46 months in prison, three years of supervised release, 80 hours of community service and a $200 special assessment. Whitewater, of Nampa, was sentenced to 18 months in prison, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment. Bullard, 23, and Armstrong, 24, were convicted by a jury in July 2009. Whitewater, 23, pleaded guilty before trial and testified against the other two defendants.

"Driven by bigotry and hate, the defendants brutally assaulted a man for no other reason than his race. Abhorrent acts of violence such as this have no place in America," said Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez of the Civil Rights Division. "Aggressive prosecution of hate crimes is a top priority for the Civil Rights Division, and today's sentences should send a message to others who would carry out similar acts of violence that they will be brought to justice."

Evidence at trial revealed that on July 4, 2008, as the victim, a 24-year-old African-American man, walked out of a Wal-Mart store in Nampa, he was ambushed, chased and beaten by three men who used racial slurs as they carried out the attack. Witnesses testified that Bullard, Armstrong and Whitewater all participated in the assault, while a fourth person, a girlfriend of one of the defendants, held their belongings and cheered them on. The girlfriend, Jennifer Hartpence, was initially charged as a co-defendant, but her case was dismissed before it reached the jury.

After four hours of deliberation, the jury convicted the two remaining defendants of conspiring to violate the federally-protected rights of the victim and of actually violating the victim's protected rights by engaging in the racially-motivated assault.

U.S.Attorney Tom Moss for the District of Idaho said, "These convictions mean that racial crimes will not be tolerated… not in this Country … not on any day. Idaho, like most other parts of this Nation, has had inglorious moments in its past when people endured oppression and criminal acts merely because of their skin color, race, national origin, gender or religion. We are long past that time. Thanks to the FBI and Nampa PD for their outstanding work in bringing this case forward. The United States Attorney's Office also thanks the Civil Rights Division of DOJ for its help and collaboration."

"One cannot help but note the irony that the terrible acts of which these two defendants were convicted occurred on the 4 th of July, last year," said Timothy J. Fuhrman, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI's Salt Lake City Field Office. "The initial aggressive investigation by Nampa Police Department in this matter led to their indictment and conviction. In this day and age, law enforcement will not tolerate hate crimes. The FBI is committed to investigating these incidents aggressively and without hesitation. The prosecutors from the U.S Attorney's Office and the Civil Rights Division handled this difficult case with great skill and dedication."

This case was investigated by the FBI and the Nampa Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Wendy Olson and Civil Rights Division Trial Attorney Erin Aslan.

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2009/November/09-crt-1189.html

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From ICE

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November 03, 2009

A Minute for Madeleine
ICE partner in the Virtual Global Taskforce - Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre - asks the public to spread a new message

LONDON - The United Kingdom's national law enforcement center for protecting children-the Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre-has issued an online viral message aimed at anyone close to the person who was involved in the disappearance of Madeleine McCann. The victim, 3-years old at the time, disappeared more than two years ago from a hotel in Portugal.

The person the police hope to connect with could be a relative, friend, work colleague or neighbor. Whoever they are, they have a secret that could reveal what happened to Madeleine and protect other children.

In order to increase the possibility of reaching that person, the CEOP Centre, supported by global law enforcement agencies that include U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), CEOP's partner in the Virtual Global Taskforce, is asking the public to help spread the message via the Internet.

CEOP has released a 60-second film that can be viewed at ceop.police.uk. The public is being asked to link to it and build it into their own online environments. The film also includes new age-progressed images that show Madeleine as she may look today.

INTERPOL, Europol and national police agencies from Australia, the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates and Europe are supporting the initiative. Specialist charities and NGO's, such as the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Missing Children Europe and the United Kingdom's charity Parents and Abducted Children Together (PACT) have all thrown their weight and expertise behind the initiative.

Jim Gamble, head of the CEOP Centre, explained the rationale:

"The person we are looking to reach is likely to be a partner, family member, friend or colleague of the person or people who were involved in Madeleine's disappearance," Gamble said. "It is also highly probable that they, or someone close to them, is using the internet to search for any updates that may suggest the police are getting closer to discovering the truth.

"Today we want to deliver a message to that person and we're asking everyone who goes online to help us," Gamble continued. "We want the message to become so widespread that it becomes just one click from any Madeleine search as a constant reminder to that person that it is never too late to do the right thing - that it is never too late for that person to redeem themselves.

"So if you are a parent or carer, a student or member of the public who is a social networker, blogger or e-mailer, or if you run any type of online environment, big or small please look at the film today, link to it, share it with your friends and post it in the online communities you occupy," Gamble concluded. "Do everything you can to spread it around the online world. We want to make it omnipresent so that the person we are trying to reach sees it and is prompted to do the right thing."

"ICE is glad to support this new approach to finding a missing child," said John Morton, assistant secretary of Homeland Security for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. "ICE stands behind CEOP's effort to identify anyone who may have information about the criminal responsible for Madeleine's disappearance."

The message is available at ceop.police.uk  in seven languages - English, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.

The message reads:

The Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) is made up of law enforcement agencies from around the world working together to fight child abuse online. The aim of the VGT is to build an effective, international partnership of law enforcement agencies that helps to protect children from online child abuse. ICE is the U.S. representative to the VGT.

Other VGT members are Australian Federal Police, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, the Italian Postal and Communication Police Service, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and INTERPOL.

ICE encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423. This hotline is staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, at 1-800-843-5678 or http://www.cybertipline.com.

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0911/091103london.htm

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November 03, 2009

Border contraband seizures soar as DHS, ATF hold summit in San Diego
Feds credit heightened enforcement, cooperation for overall rise in seizures border-wide

SAN DIEGO - High-level representatives from three of the federal agencies responsible for combating contraband trafficking along the southern border announced Tuesday that seizures involving illegal drugs, weapons and illicit cash border-wide rose significantly in the latter half of fiscal year 2009, an increase they attribute to stepped-up enforcement efforts and increased cooperation.

Statistics show that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers assigned to the southern border seized more than $40 million in illicit cash from mid-March through the end of September, nearly double the amount intercepted during the same period in fiscal year 2008. The bulk of those seizures involved cash that was ultimately destined for Mexico.

For its part, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), under Project Gunrunner, has focused its efforts on dismantling the firearms trafficking organizations responsible for the violence and movement of hundreds of firearms along the border and into Mexico. From July through September 2009, ATF seizures of illegal firearms along the border increased by more than 65 percent compared to the three previous months. Similarly, weapons seizures by ICE and CBP officers in the border region are also up. In the last six months of fiscal year 2009, ICE and CBP officers recovered nearly 600 illegal weapons, up more than 50 percent compared to the last six months of fiscal year 2008.

Many of those seizures involved agents and officers assigned to the 10 ICE-led Border Enforcement Security Task Forces (BEST) located along the southwest border. The agencies participating in the BESTs, including ATF and CBP, work together to address cross-border crime. The BESTs have been instrumental in the success of Operation Armas Cruzadas, an ongoing initiative involving ICE and CBP to target the smuggling of weapons from the United States into Mexico.

ICE, CBP and ATF released the statistics as representatives from the three agencies met in San Diego to develop new initiatives to target cross border crime and weapons trafficking. The agency leaders say the latest seizure data show that expanded joint enforcement efforts along the southern border are having a significant impact.

"Today's criminal organizations respect no borders and know no boundaries," said Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for ICE John Morton. "If we're going to successfully address this challenge, we must work together to harness all of the resources, expertise and legal authorities at our disposal. The goal of this summit is to gauge what has worked well so far in this effort and develop new, more far-reaching strategies to address these threats."

Participants in the two-day summit include ICE, CBP and ATF personnel from the agencies' key offices throughout the Southwest. The summit comes just two months after top-level representatives from the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, along with officials from Mexico, signed a Letter of Intent, pledging to develop a coordinated, intelligence-driven response to address cross border smuggling and weapons trafficking. The San Diego summit is designed to build on that framework, with agency leaders and line agents working together to develop joint initiatives to attack the criminal organizations.

"The violent crime issues along our border have far reaching implications across our nation," said ATF Acting Director Kenneth Melson. "Intelligence reports verify that the Mexican cartel activity, both drug trafficking and firearms-related violence, has affected well over 200 cities in the United States. Through this and other conferences, federal law enforcement agencies and our state and local partners are preparing strategic, coordinated responses to protect citizens on both sides of the border."

"We have made tremendous strides in our efforts to stem the flow of currency and firearms to drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, and we will continue to build on these successes in the coming year," said the Chief of the U. S. Border Patrol David Aguilar. "Partnerships, both domestically and with our neighbors to the south, are crucial. We cannot work alone and must continue to share information, leverage the latest intelligence, pool our resources and ideas, and continue to find innovative ways to protect our borders and confront these violent criminal organizations. The tens of millions of dollars intercepted, as well as the record-breaking amount of narcotics seized border-wide, is a testament to our continued vigilance and success in supporting our Mexican partners to address this mutual threat."

Since Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced in March that DHS was intensifying efforts to combat cross border violence and weapons trafficking, both CBP and ICE have moved quickly to respond. For its part, ICE has deployed 110 additional agents to its BEST units along the southwest border and in Mexico. ICE has also established a Vetted Arms Trafficking Unit in Mexico City to target transnational smuggling and firearms trafficking organizations in Mexico. CBP has dedicated personnel assigned to the El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC) supporting investigatory and interdiction efforts of multiple member agencies. CBP has increased enforcement efforts by utilizing CBP officers and Border Patrol agents to conduct augmented pulse and surge outbound operations along the southwest border.

ATF is the federal law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing federal firearms and explosives laws, and has the sole authority to regulate and inspect those two industries. ICE is the federal agency responsible for the enforcement of import, export and immigration laws. By working jointly to exercise these unique enforcement authorities, the two agencies are well-equipped to investigate gun law violations as they pertain to international firearms trafficking.

The San Diego summit is slated to wrap up late Wednesday afternoon.

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/0911/091103sandiego.htm

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From UNICEF

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Prominent essayists reflect on the impact of the Convention on the Rights of the Child

By Elizabeth Dettori

In the run-up to 20 November 2009, the 20th anniversary of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), UNICEF is featuring a series of stories about this landmark international agreement – including progress made and challenges that remain. Here is one of those stories.

NEW YORK, USA, 3 November 2009 – As part of its commemoration of the CRC's 20th anniversary, The State of the World's Children , UNICEF's annual flagship publication, is launching a new essay series called ‘Perspectives on the Convention on the Rights of the Child.'

The series' coordinators have invited a broad range of contributors to give their perspectives on what the Convention means to them and the critical issues facing advocates of children's rights in the 21st century.

Each essayist reflects on the impact the CRC has made in his or her life and work, and offers practical suggestions of ways to build on the treaty's successes to address the challenges that remain.

The essays are a call to action for governments, international organizations, private businesses and individuals to work together in ensuring that the promise of the Convention becomes a reality for all children. The full series of ‘Perspectives' will roll out, starting today, on UNICEF's website on the Convention on the Rights of the Child, www.unicef.org/rightsite.

First instalments

The first essay in the series comes from the Republic of Montenegro, the Convention's newest State signatory, which ratified the treaty in November 2006. Gordana Djurovic , the country's Deputy Prime Minister, writes about the progress achieved and the challenges faced in implementing the Convention in the newly independent state – underlining the attention given to promoting social inclusion of minority groups and internally displaced and refugee families.

In the second instalment, Paulo Sérgio Pinheiro , Commissioner and Rapporteur on Children for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, states the case for ending impunity for crimes of violence against children and for improving the quality of juvenile justice – drawing on his unique experience as the former Independent Expert of the UN Secretary-General for the Study on Violence against Children.

Next, Amihan Abueva , the Chairwoman of End Child Prostitution and Trafficking International – a leading organization in the fight against child exploitation – illuminates the Convention's tangible impact on laws and advocacy efforts.

Then Peter Woicke , Chairman of Save the Children International, makes the case for accountability and enforcement mechanisms in enabling the realization of the rights prescribed in the Convention.

Coming soon

Other contributors to the series in the coming weeks will include the following:

• Ela Bhatt , a pioneer advocate for the welfare of women and children, and founder of the Self-Employed Women's Association in India, relays stories of the hardships facing women and children in India, and discusses the necessity of adaptive and accessible education and social policies.
  
• Reverend Takeysau Miyamoto , Chair of the Global Network of Religions for Children, discusses how faith can promote child rights.
  
• Thomas Hammarberg , Human Rights Commissioner for the Council of Europe and former member of the Committee on the Rights of the Child, advocates firmly for greater child participation in the administration of the Convention.

A call to action

This distinguished group of contributors will be joined by many others in the coming months. The diverse nature of the contributors' experience, expertise and environments will provide for a vibrant dialogue of ideas and innovations in advocacy, policy and practice. 

A selection of 10 essays from the series will also be featured in a special edition of The State of the World's Children report celebrating the Convention, which will be launched by UNICEF on 19 November 2009.

‘Perspectives on the Convention on the Rights of the Child' marks the accomplishments and advances the Convention has inspired for both child rights and social progress throughout the world. UNICEF extends its gratitude to all of the guest essayists for their contributions, insights and inspirations. The commentaries in the ‘Perspectives' series represent the personal views of the authors; they do not necessarily reflect positions of UNICEF.

http://www.unicef.org/policyanalysis/index_51615.html

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