The world is largely unaware of, and therefore largely unprepared for, bioterrorist attacks. Bio-weapons threaten thousands of casualties in addition to other disastrous long term consequences. Criminal networks can covertly transport lethal agents across borders and terrorists have already proven that anthrax can be fatally deployed.

Bio-technology is undergoing rapid evolution. This process, and the wide dissemination of developments, is already proving difficult to manage. There is evidence that terrorist organizations have a heightened interest in the use of biological weapons, establishing terrorist support cells in different regions around the world with the ability and motivation to carry out attacks.

Based on combat observations and medical studies by the US and British military it is becoming apparent that methamphetamine use among the terrorist population is on a dramatic increase. Used as a strategic tool methamphetamine offers those in the Iraqi Area of Operations a whole new trend of issues that compromise the safety of those combating terrorism. Whether operating as a contractor or a soldier the dangers associated with methamphetamine use among those you are fighting need to be addressed.

First reports of the drug appear to have come out of the Basra area. Known as "pinkies" the stimulant was in the form of a tablet. Stimulants in the combat zone are nothing new. The fact that we are encountering them in the "War on Terror" should not surprise us in the least. The Germans used methamphetamine during World War II. We all heard of the blitzkrieg conducted by German forces during the early days of the war.

"We own the night " has become such an U.S. Military truism that it has its own acronym "OTN." Until recently, the history of warfare was that operations where usually avoided at night. Technology has changed nighttime operations from using artificial illumination (like flares) to using devices that take advantage of the low-light environment. Moreover, technology is being employed to solve another age- old military problem - communications. As Kerner noted in "Joint Technical Architecture: Impact on Department of Defense Programs," In today's increasingly dynamic battle space, systems that were never intended to work together are often involved in aspects of the same mission, sometimes even deployed in the same tent. In this environment, interoperability (i.e., the ability of systems to exchange information and use common information) is at a premium, but it rarely happens by accident."

Both the problems of working at night and communicating with different units (or agencies) are common problems for law enforcement organizations. Indeed, FBI data for law enforcement officers killed in the line-of-duty reveals that between 1995 and 2004 over 65% of the deaths occurred between 2000 and 0800 hours. Moreover, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, more than 2/3 of sexual assaults occur between 1800 and 0600 hours. Clearly, there is significant crime at night and law enforcement officials need to look at technologies that improve their "OTN."

Police-Writers.com is a website dedicated to listing state and local police officers who have authored books. With the addition of Jack Sullivan, Mary Sullivan and Joe Sanchez, Police-Writers.com now lists over 500 state and local police officers who have written books. Command Jack Sullivan, USN(r) is the 500th Writer added to the list.

In response to the recent tragedy on Virginia Tech campus, the National Criminal Justice Reference Service (NCJRS) has developed a compilation of web- based campus safety resources.

This guide begins by describing the problem of bank robbery and reviewing the factors that increase its risks. It then identifies a series of questions to help you analyze your local bank robbery problem. Finally, it reviews responses to the problem of bank robbery as identified through research and police practice.

The assessment found that malls have taken some steps to improve security; however, security gaps remain. Recommendations are to conduct formal risk assessments that lead to the mitigation of known risks on a cost-benefit basis; develop and rehearse emergency response plans and involve stakeholders; standardize antiterrorism training courses; and enhance partnerships with the public sector. Most mall security staff receives several hours of antiterrorism training, and a large majority of mall security directors report that they have emergency management plans that define actions security staff should take in a disaster.

Directing traffic may be the least understood or ignored risk/hazard facing emergency services professionals? Consider the threat posed by today's distracted driver, and the aggressive tendencies of immature drivers. All too often, these kinds of drivers are responsible for a majority of traffic collisions.

"Active Shooter" is a phrase coined by law enforcement that describes an armed person who has used deadly physical force on persons and continues to do so while having unrestricted access to additional victims. The school shooting at Columbine and similar incidents have caused a paradigm-shift in law enforcement training and tactics. Instead of being taught to wait for a SWAT team to arrive, officers receive training on how to take immediate action during incidents that clearly involve suspects' use of deadly force.