Prevention Works

Cell Phones Gone Wild?

You have heard the stories about sexting in the news lately. Most of the stories take place in schools and involve teenagers. But, what is sexting? Sexting is described as the act of sending sexually explicit messages or photos electronically, primarily between cell phones.

Roughly 20 percent of teens admit to participating in “sexting,” according to a nationwide survey by the National Campaign to Support Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.

Sexting occurs many times each day. These photos and messages can end up on social networking sites such as MySpace or Facebook, where in many cases they are out there for everyone to see, including law enforcement. In the eyes of law enforcement, many types of sexting are crimes, and sexting can lead to criminal prosecution.

The media has focused attention on sexting cases in Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Ohio’s case involved an 18-year-old girl who committed suicide after a naked picture of herself, which she had texted, was forwarded around her high school.

It is important to teach kids to proactively protect themselves online and through cell phone communication. The Institute for Responsible Online and Cell-Phone Communication (I.R.O.C), a New Jersey-based nonprofit organization, helps communities protect themselves through one of their programs. You can also practice the following tips in your home.

• Set up the home computer in a common area.
• Purchase filtering, monitoring, or software blocking tools.
• Only post information that you want everyone to know or see.
• Teach respectful online communication.
• Trust your instincts.  If someone or something online makes you feel uncomfortable, notify your parents or a trusted adult.

Share your thoughts on this subject. Is sexting just another fad in the wave of new technology? Has it been a subject of concern for years and cases now just being called to attention?

How Many Bars Do You Get Behind Bars?

A prisoner, already incarcerated for a drug conviction, was found guilty of using a contraband cell phone from jail to order the murder of a witness in another upcoming trial. The victim, 38 year old Carl Lackl Jr., was gunned down in a drive-by shooting outside his home in Baltimore, a week before he was to testify in that trial. This crime is the most heinous outcome of a growing and startling problem—cell phones and their availability to prisoners behind bars.

Recent simultaneous prisoner disturbances across the country were coordinated through illegal cell phone calls by an incarcerated gang leader in an attempt to establish dominance for his gang. Other crimes, including threats and murder, have been traced back to prisoners ordering “hits” from prison by use of cell phone to intimidate witnesses or settle gangland scores. It would seem a simple solution to jam such signals within the prison walls and nip that kind of communication in the bud. But it is not that easy. The Federal Communications Commission’s regulations prohibit just that. Since 1934, when cell phones were a fantasy of science fiction, it has been illegal to interfere with signals regulated by the FCC. Two bills currently in Congress are intended to address this problem. The Safe Prisons Communications Act of 2009 (House bill H.R.560 and Senate bill S.251) propose to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to allow the jamming of cell phone signals within prison walls. Proponents say this would eliminate the illegal conversations that allow drug lords and gang leaders to continue their criminal enterprises while locked up.

CTIA – The Wireless Association (The International Association for the Wireless Communications Industry) sees that proposition differently asserting that (1) such jamming would needlessly inconvenience nearby consumer and public safety wireless users, and (2) it is against the law. CTIA’s questions are: How are prisoners getting access to contraband cell phones? A recent intercepted shipment to a corrections institution from a food services delivery truck that contained 26 cell phones and chargers and other contraband shows us one method.

Another technology, called Intelligent Network Access Controller or INAC, may come to the rescue. This technology enables allowable wireless communications in a prison (or other locale) to an approved subset of users— say, users a warden would approve. While everyday cell phone use is a marvel of today’s technology, their current use by prisoners to access their outside networks and continue to work their nefarious deeds while locked up is unacceptable. We’d like to “hear you now.” Post a comment below and tell us your thoughts.

Battling Gangs: A Novel Use of Civil Injunctions

According National District Attorney's Association (NDAA), the United States has 30,000 gangs with 800,000 members whose crimes, tactics, and strategies are getting more sophisticated each day.  Communities and local law enforcement agencies are responding with new strategies as well—in this case, the use of civil injunctions to disrupt gang activities. John Wilkinson, an attorney and program manager for the Gun Violence and Homeland Security programs of the NDAA, says that using civil injunctions to disrupt gangs is not a cure all, but can be useful for communities that are serious about reducing the influence of gangs.

In a recent NCPC conference call, Mr. Wilkinson explained that an injunction is a court order to stop individuals, their associates, or an organization from preventing an individual or the general public from enjoying life and property.  Civil injunctions previously were used to prevent harm to the community by a factory or business; however California began to take this new anti-gang approach with  criminal street gangs because the law considers them identifiable associations (due to their “colors,” “signs,” or tattoos). The primary tool of the civil gang injunction is its ability to stop gang members from associating in a defined geographical area. For example, if a gang hangs out on the corner and a homeowner can’t sit on his or her nearby porch without being disturbed or intimidated, relief may come in the form of a civil injunction. Such civil injunctions are not aimed at recovering monies or compensation for lost enjoyment or happiness, but are aimed at disrupting the daily criminal activities of the gang and removing the gang’s ability to derive its strength from associating with other members. Additional civil injunction restrictions could result in curfews and prohibitions against weapons, drugs, alcohol, graffiti (or graffiti tools), forcible recruiting, or against efforts by gang leaders to keep members from leaving the gang.

It was noted during the discussion that in order to be targeted, the gang must be creating a public nuisance and be responsible for activities that are continuous and ongoing. Additionally, it is necessary to demonstrate a defined geographic area that is impacted by the gang and the selected gang must have identifiable members. When filing suit, notice of the suit must be provided to individual gang members. Attempts must be made to serve all members of the gang with the injunction; the injunction can only be enforced on members who have been served. To protect residents from retaliation by the gang, law enforcement agencies should request the injunction.

Using these tools, police and communities are reclaiming neighborhoods, reducing crime, and restoring peace. Here’s a resource to help from the NDAA website.  Mr. Wilkinson has additional information and technical assistance to help your community pursue civil injunctions against gangs. He can be reached at John.Wilkinson@ndaa.org.

Beware of the Black Dollar

In recent months, new versions of the infamous Nigerian money and banking scams have come to the attention of the national news media. An unfortunate incident in a New York City condo last week provides an example of the latest variation: the Black Money Scam.

This is how the scam plays out.

First, a scammer will contact individuals via email with their story of their plight—which is always dire—in their country and ask them to provide an advance for fees and taxes to import a case of money into the United States in exchange for a large percentage of the money. They tell the intended victims that the money has been dyed black so that it can be imported and that they can purchase a cleaning solution for the money once the money is in the country. Many targets are quite naturally suspicious of this story, but some are curious enough to pay the advance and ask to see the money. The scammer then shows the target the case full of currency-sized paper (which, in reality, is usually black construction paper) and will use sleight of hand with a “cleaning solution” to produce a clean bill.

However, the scammer doesn’t bring enough solution to clean more than one bill and counts on victims to be gullible enough—and some are—to assume that the rest of the case is full of cash that has been dyed black. The scammer tells his target that he cannot pay the target his share of the money because taxes have not been paid, but once the black money is washed it will be used to pay the taxes. Next the scammer will inform the target that he needs more money to pay for the cleaning solution. In some cases the scammer will even set up a website for victims to purchase the cleaning solution, providing yet another opportunity to take advantage of victims who believe that the existence of a website adds credibility to the scammer’s story. The scammer will continue to give the victim the runaround, asking for more money for fees, taxes, and other charges. This will continue until the victim realizes that he or she is being scammed or refuses to give any more money.

These crimes often go unreported to law enforcement or are reported too late for anything to be done about them. By the time the authorities find out, the scammer is long gone with the victim’s money. If you receive an email from someone offering a percentage of money if you help them export it, it’s likely to be a scam. Don’t respond and report the email address to your Internet Service Provider and law enforcement. If the email address is caught early, it’s possible that action can be taken. Be aware of these scams and don’t fall victim to these heartless people. And remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

P.O.S.S.E Keeps Kids Out of Gangs

A recent NCPC training conference call on gangs sponsored by the Community Capacity Development Office attempted to answer the question, "Why Do Kids Join Gangs?" Oscar (Ossco) Bolton, founder of a Kansas City, MO, gang prevention organization gave his insights and he should know: Bolton was a former gang leader and helped recruit scores of youth into his gang. Nowadays, Bolton uses his influence for good and works with thousands of youth annually in the Kansas City area and provides positive alternatives to gangs through his organization— P.O.S.S.E. (Peers Organized to Support Student Excellence). Since a drive-by shooting claimed the life of his 11-month old nephew in 1993, Bolton has made it his mission to save youth from lives of gang crime and to capitalize on the potential in all youth to become leaders and solid contributors to the community.

Bolton said that there are three factors that encourage youth participation in gangs: (1) a sense of familial acceptance and being part of something bigger than themselves, (2) survival and protection, and (3) financial gain. He said gang recruiters were successful because they spent time with the youth, "out talked" them and their positive adult figures, and, finally, became big brothers and father figures to the youth.

In his P.O.S.S.E. program, Mr. Bolton provides youth with a specific mission and ensures that they know that they are the agents of change. He begins by declaring to the youth that there is an emergency in their community and that they have to form a posse to become the agents of the changes that are needed. Training sessions on conflict resolution, communication, team building, decision making, life skills, and peer mentoring and service are the necessary components that make the program work. In the conference call, Mr. Bolton also underscored the importance of changing adult attitudes towards youth as well. When a teacher or other adult in a youth's life can begin to see the youth in a different, positive light, their attitude toward the young person and their expectations of him or her can change as well.

Bolton's program is open to boys and girls in Kansas City schools. For more information on gangs, search NCPC.org for "gang" to find helpful resources including Gang Fact Sheets for Youth and adults and educators.

New NCPC Resources Will Help You "Take A Bite Out Of Crime®"

It seems there is no escaping the continuous "bad news" about the economic downturn and its impact on crime—which is rising in some parts of the country. If you are a law enforcement officer you know the connection first hand. If you're a community crime prevention practitioner, you are probably frustrated by the reduced resources available to help you fight crime in your community.

Now more than ever police departments need to rely on free materials and resources to help them get the job done. Law enforcement agencies like the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) are using a new set of complimentary resources from NCPC to handle issues such as crimes against seniors to burglary and property theft prevention. The materials, designed by NCPC with the support of the Bureau of Justice Assistance, include a series of palm cards, fliers, and posters on current crime trends that complement a radio initiative, Rapid Response, released late last year.

The PPD is working with NCPC on a successful Safer Seniors public education campaign. Since the launch PPD and NCPC have completed more than 20 training programs, placed more than 200 posters in community and senior centers, provided direct safety information and training to 900 residents, and distributed more than 5,000 cobranded tips brochures and fliers. Though the PPD has recently launched a second public education campaign in response to increasing burglaries in the area, its crime prevention officers continue to receive calls for information and more training on senior safety.

Are you taking advantage of the free resources from NCPC? If not, what are you waiting for? Check out the downloadable PDF files at NCPC.org. Next month NCPC will post seven new radio messages and Spanish language versions of the print resources.

"Sexting" and Other Picture Posting Pitfalls

In the past few weeks, I've read stories that should make us all pause and think about how some folks are using online media and providing an unprecedented view of potential crimes and wrongful actions. From girls posting a video of themselves beating up a classmate to the infamous picture of Olympic champion Michael Phelps using drug paraphernalia, these are examples of where people really need to think before they post. It is likely the person who took and then posted the picture of Phelps didn't think of the potential repercussions—like possible jail time and lost endorsements for the athlete.

Likewise, teens and young adults (and older adults too) probably aren't thinking of the criminal repercussions of sending or sharing nude or inappropriate photos. From Wisconsin to Virginia and points in between, young people are engaging in "sexting"—sending nude or partially nude photos via text messaging. What they don't realize is they can be charged with possession of child pornography and, if convicted, could be labeled as a sex offender for the rest of their lives.

A recent Business Week article highlighted a new website called "Yo Busted" that allows people to post whatever pictures they want of you. But then, you, the victim, will have to pay them if you want the pictures taken down. Currently labeled "under construction," this website is frightening. Someone can post pictures of you in intimate or embarrassing situations that could live forever on the Web! Just think of what a cyberbully could do.

I love technology and the instant access it gives us to our family and friends. It allows us to do many great things. But, I'm also concerned. Are we creating a culture where sexting, cyberbullying, and other inappropriate technology-based behavior can thrive?

The Benefits of CCTV

While wandering in an underground parking deck in a large city—because I had forgotten where I parked my car—I soon realized that I must be under camera surveillance.

An estimated 30 million surveillance cameras are in use in the United States. Even images of the recent miraculous water landing of a commercial airliner in the Hudson River were captured by at least two security cameras. Cameras are affixed at our borders to detect illegal immigrants, and placed in our airports, schools, and on our street corners. 

A quick perusal of Google News reveals scores of stories recently where law enforcement utilized the surveillance tool to identify criminals and pursue prosecution. But that’s where the story gets muddled.

Questions are only now emerging after the widespread deployment of these cameras. A recent report by the University of California, Berkeley, comprehensively examined the performance of San Francisco’s surveillance camera program. It found no effect on deterrent or conviction rates for violent crime, but did report a significant deterrent effect on property crime near camera installations. The report states that crime rates remained the same; it was just displaced to other parts of the city that did not have the cameras. Similar studies and reports, anecdotal and academic, are moving to the same conclusion. An evaluation in Philadelphia cites uneven crime reduction performance of the cameras. One in the UK shows effectiveness with vehicle break-ins, but modest or no crime reduction benefits in other categories.

Cities that have the cameras or are considering them are now questioning if they are worth the expense. Suspects are rarely seen in ironclad identifying images and “chain of custody” challenges to the handling of the images are often successful.

In our current economic situation we should be certain that crime prevention measures are not discarded on the basis of cost alone.  We should ensure that security cameras are thoroughly evaluated before they are discounted.

Teen and Tween Dating: Hazardous to their Health?

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week has just concluded. A 2008 report commissioned by Liz Claiborne, Inc. produced some startling findings about the conduct of tweens and teens in relationships. According to the report, about one-third of 11- and 12-year-olds are having relationships. Often these can be hazardous.

• Sixty-two percent report that they know friends who have been verbally abusive in a relationship
• Forty percent report that they know friends in relationships who have been put-down, insulted, or called names through social networking media or text messaging
• Twenty percent say they have friends in relationships who have been punched, slapped, or kicked by a dating partner

When sexual activity at a young age is added to the mix, the results worsen. Tweens seem to have a hard time navigating their roles in relationships and understanding that abuse is not an acceptable or appropriate element. U.S. Senator Mike Crapo (R, Idaho) has championed an awareness campaign about teen dating violence. Check Senator Crapo's website for information about the campaign, which is supported by the American Bar Association, and the American Bar Association website for resources on the topic for teachers and other leaders of youths. The Domestic Violence and Workplace blog also has a number of helpful links.

One of the pillars of the National Crime Prevention Council’s mission is protecting children and youth. NCPC has numerous resources, including its Teens, Crime, and the Community curriculum, which dedicates chapters to this important topic and includes the "Dater's Bill of Rights."

If you’d like to know more about NCPC’s offerings in this important area or the Community Works curriculum for youth, please contact us.

Don’t listen to them; your account is not being cancelled

Crooks never take a break, especially not over the holidays when their victims are most vulnerable to their tricks and scams. The holidays can be a stressful time with shopping, family and work gatherings, and other holiday events, especially for people already leading stressful lives. It's only made worse when they become an unsuspecting victim of a new phishing scam when they pick up the phone and are greeted by a recording or person claiming to be from their bank. This recording says that their account information has been compromised and asks them to punch in their account and PIN numbers. Unfortunately, many people, accustomed to providing their information by keypad, enter all their personal information without a thought, assuming that it is truly their bank calling. Unfortunately, those people who have done that over the last two months have just been victimized by an identity thief or phone scammer.

If you receive a call from a local bank that begins with a recording or a person saying that they are calling from your bank and need your account or PIN number or your account will be cancelled, immediately hang up the phone! Then, if you noted it, write down the number that called you and contact your local police non-emergency number to report it. Also, if you have received one of these calls, you need to contact your local bank to find out whether there is a problem with your account. Banks such as the Mid Penn Bank in Pennsylvania have even sent letters to their customers reminding them that a bank will never ask for their account or PIN numbers by phone. Most banks ask for your address, last four digits of your Social Security number, or a prearranged question to confirm that the person they are speaking with is legitimately the owner of the account. These scams have also recently been attached to unsolicited emails, so just as you would with a phone call, don't respond or call the numbers listed. Instead, contact your bank directly.

Millersburg, PA, Police Officer Jeremy Ulsh said that this scam "appears to be a random phishing expedition with the intent of gaining confidential customer information." Vice President Jay Miller of the Jim Thorpe National Bank in the Allentown, PA, area said, "Don't ever, no matter what they say . . . give out account information over the phone."