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Policing comes to a crossroads with facial recognition, reforms
Michelle R. Matisons Science & TechnologyYou may have seen "Minority Report," the 2002 film based on the Philip K. Dick novel, which anticipates governmental use of technology to prevent murder before it happens. Today, this is known as pre-crime, and it didn't take all the way until 2054 — as the Dick novel suggests — for contemporary technology to grow embedded in unconstitutional policing activities as facial recognition (FR) technology. Now, the Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) and 40 supporting organizations have called for swift action banning FR before it becomes a banal aspect of our daily lives.
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Apple vs. the FBI: How dropped data encryption plans impact user privacy
Oliver Noble Science & TechnologyAbout two years ago, Apple canceled its plans to implement end-to-end encryption for iCloud because of complaints from the FBI, reports Reuters. Reuters' sources say that the tech giant had to abandon full encryption of iPhone backups after FBI objections over the resulting reduced ability to gather evidence of criminal activities. Apple's intention to offer end-to-end encryption and cut off its own access to customers’ information should be lauded, despite it running contrary to the FBI's principles.
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Real ID set to affect who can and cannot fly
Lark Gould Transportation Technology & AutomotiveIdentity cards are more consistent with what's portrayed in films about travelers trying to wend their way through World War II Europe than something we would see making its way to America. However, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) continues to remind travelers that the upcoming Real ID requirement and enforcement will start Oct. 1, 2020. At that time, every air traveler must present a Real ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or other acceptable form of identification to fly within the United States.
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A look at the important state-level criminal justice reforms of 2020
Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & Security2020 has started with a wave of criminal justice reform laws coming into effect across the country. New state laws have come in the wake of President Trump signing the bipartisan First Step Act into law in December 2018. Some states even passed dozens of measures, all of which took effect this month. In particular, the last year was especially eventful for New York as far as criminal justice reform is concerned. The state's Democratic majority wasted no time in pushing significant reforms at the state level.
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Are hypersonic missiles a breakthrough in weapons technology?
Michelle R. Matisons Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityWhat does weapons modernization look like these days? Ask Russia and China. Yes, as banal as it may seem, the arms race has entered overdrive with newly hyped hypersonic technology. Far from peaceful disarmament, hypersonic missiles arrive to up the tactical ante — or at least the debate on standard and boutique weapons technologies. Hypersonic missiles travel at five times the speed of sound and are capable of reaching the U.S. from China within minutes. These fast and sophisticated missiles have regalvanized the Cold War mentality. But are they a real threat?
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Infographic: Protecting your data from physical theft
Brian Wallace Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityCredit and debit card fraud resulted in losses of nearly $28 billion in 2018. We all know by now to cover our PINs at the gas pump because of card skimmers, but did you know that using public USB chargers is even more risky? Criminals can load malware onto USB charging stations and cables left in public places — locking your device or sending data and passwords to the scammer. This infographic outlines the physical threats to information security.
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Spotting ‘hidden’ but dangerous terms in a commercial lease
Kanayo Okwuraiwe Business Management, Services & Risk ManagementSigning a commercial lease agreement is a huge milestone in the life of your business. It can greatly contribute to the success or failure of your business. When signing a commercial lease agreement, it is important to pay close attention to the business as well as the legal terms of the agreement, as it is usually not easy to change or get out of a commercial lease agreement once it has been signed. You should, therefore, speak to an experienced real estate lawyer before you sign any lease agreement. A good real estate lawyer should explain all the terms of the agreement to you in layman’s terms.
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Why ‘point shooting’ doesn’t work on its own
Mike Ox Law Enforcement, Defense & SecurityI get into frequent discussions with shooters and instructors on the merits of sighted shooting vs. point shooting. Now, to be clear, I teach that there's a time for both and teach a blended approach that lets shooters seamlessly and effortlessly switch back and forth, but this isn't something you can just decide you're going to do…it takes deliberate practice. But, at the same time, countless instructors claim — and demonstrate — that point shooting is accurate and predictable by shooting shotgun shells, 9 mm brass, and coins out of the air — all without using their sights. So…what’s going on? Why is there any debate or disagreement?
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Officers pair with crisis prevention teams to protect, serve better
Bambi Majumdar Law Enforcement, Defense & SecuritySince 1991, New Haven, Connecticut, has pioneered police partnerships with mental health workers in its innovative Child Development-Community Policing (CD-CP) program. Now, the city of St. Louis is following New Haven’s lead with its Mobile Crisis Prevention Team. The team pairs St. Louis cops with volunteer community health workers to provide victims and others affected by crime with access to help. They focus on the social issues and environmental conditions that affect individuals. This way, they can address core concerns and redirect individuals before they become further embroiled in crimes.
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Tips for staying safe and secure when RVing
Connie Ulman Recreation & LeisureStaying safe when traveling is something that crosses everyone’s mind. Keeping yourself, your family and your pets safe when on the road is a high priority. There are many products, techniques and tools available to us, but the best defense against something bad happening is education. With the recent passing of two fellow RVers, it is now more important than ever to protect ourselves. Therefore, I would like to offer some suggestions on how to stay safe while traveling.
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