Articles tagged with Law Enforcement
Researchers propose a framework to understand AI decisions, incorporating interpretability into the training process. The framework improved time and accuracy without compromising performance in a proof-of-concept experiment using R-CNN.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is partnering to enhance Texas Adult Protective Services' financial exploitation investigations and client services. The three-year grant will provide statewide access to forensic accountants and enhanced training for caseworkers to investigate claims of financial exploitation.
A team of veterinarians, emergency medical services experts, and canine handlers developed protocols for treating law enforcement K-9s. The guidelines cover vital signs, analgesics, and equipment needed to care for canine patients.
Researchers developed an app called Bluetana that uses Bluetooth signature detection to identify gas pump skimmers. It has been shown to discover more skimmers and have a lower false positive rate than existing apps, allowing inspectors to quickly locate the devices without manual inspections.
New research published in Journal of Business Finance & Accounting reveals a link between non-compliance with securities laws and future GAAP violations. Firms that breach non-accounting related laws are more likely to report multiple accounting restatements.
A new study finds that many Philadelphia pharmacies fail to implement Pennsylvania's standing order for naloxone nasal spray, putting communities at risk. The study suggests that policies need to be enforced and pharmacies held accountable for implementing them.
A comprehensive roadmap for regulating nonprofit political activity is proposed by University of Notre Dame Law School Professor Lloyd Hitoshi Mayer. The plan aims to channel political activity in ways that further both sound tax policy and democracy, while preventing loopholes and promoting transparency.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have developed a hybrid FSTAR robot that can fly like a quadcopter, drive on tough terrain, and squeeze into tight spaces. The robot's sprawl mechanism allows it to transform its movement for various applications.
The federal right-to-try law has been criticized for undermining the FDA's role in monitoring drug safety and efficacy, potentially creating a loophole for pharmaceutical companies to sell unapproved drugs. In contrast, citizen science and gamification are changing the way research is conducted, with nonprofessional volunteers contribu...
A study by Princeton University researchers found that racial bias contributes to disciplinary disparities in US schools, with black students experiencing higher rates of suspension and expulsion. The study analyzed data from over 3,100 counties and found a correlation between county-level measures of racial bias and disciplinary action.
Researchers found cocaine trafficking expands its geographic area in response to interdiction strategies, with little success in stopping the drug from reaching the US. The model suggests that increased efforts to curb trafficking only intensify the problem, allowing traffickers to adapt and exploit new routes.
A University of Cincinnati study identified more than 1,000 victims of human trafficking in Ohio, as well as 4,209 individuals at risk of victimization. The study provides recommendations to improve data collection and collaboration among agencies involved in combating human trafficking.
The Purdue University-developed FileTSAR toolkit is an all-in-one cyber toolkit that helps detectives investigate and solve cybercrimes. It captures data flows, reconstructs multiple data types, and maintains forensic integrity, making it easier for investigators to follow a criminal's digital footprint.
A study by Penn State researchers found that setting speed limits below engineering recommendations leads to an increase in fatal and injury crashes. Lowering speed limits by 10-25 miles per hour resulted in a decrease in property damage-only crashes, but drivers often ignore lower speed limits
A universal forensic DNA database could alleviate challenges and controversy surrounding law enforcement's use of public and private genomic data. The proposed database would contain only a small subset of genetic markers, revealing less sensitive medical information.
The Chemical Weapons Convention comprehensively bans development, production, and use of chemical weapons worldwide. The OPCW must address scientific issues to prevent re-emergence, particularly regarding toxic 'non-lethal' or 'incapacitating' chemicals.
A new study found that explicit anti-piracy warnings with graphics are the most effective way to stop music piracy. Researchers tested 220 college undergraduates' reactions to various symbols, action words, and warning phrases, finding that those conveying risk and pairing repercussions were the most effective.
A new visual analytics tool, Beagle, is being used by law enforcement agencies to trace email scammer networks and highlight critical links. Developed with data security company Agari, Beagle dramatically speeds up forensic email investigations.
A new study describes a method, called PrinTracker, that can trace 3D-printed objects to their machine of origin. The technology uses in-fill patterns, unique to each printer, to identify the source of printed goods.
Researchers found that eBay sellers used similar code words to disguise ivory sales, with 80% of items grouped around six common terms. The study suggests standardizing code words could help law enforcement agencies identify and track illegal online sales.
A Colorado study found that more than half of sampled stores sold cigarettes to minors, despite a third being detected after multiple visits. The study suggests that testing each store more than once and verifying age from ID would improve enforcement.
A recent study found that US sexual minorities are more likely to be unemployed and uninsured than their straight counterparts, with poorer health and quality of life reported. The disparities may be even wider due to the predominantly white and affluent sample used in the study.
A global study reveals 62% of antibiotics sold without prescription in community pharmacies worldwide, posing a significant risk to the development and spread of antibiotic resistance. The study highlights the urgent need for better enforcement of laws regulating antibiotic sales.
A study from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that states adopting handgun licensing laws are associated with a 14% reduction in firearm homicides in large, urban counties. In contrast, states with comprehensive background check-only laws see a 16% increase in firearm homicides.
The Black Lives Matter movement argues that capital punishment is a racist practice that devalues Black Lives. Research shows that Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by the death penalty, with specific racial biases affecting jury perceptions and decisions.
A newly funded project aims to create a data-driven tool to identify individuals headed toward violent extremism. The computational tool will monitor and screen for proven risk indicators of radicalization among large databases.
A new study found that states with laws requiring people at high risk of committing intimate partner abuse to relinquish firearms have significantly lower rates of intimate partner homicide and firearm-specific IPH. The study suggests that effective enforcement procedures are key to the law's impact.
A global network of nuclear forensics experts has developed new analytical techniques to investigate radioactive material intercepts. The latest exercise, CMX-5, involved 20 labs from around the world and tested the capabilities of these new approaches.
A new academic report from Queen Mary University of London recommends that the UK prioritize and protect labor rights in post-Brexit trade agreements. The report argues that the UK should not engage in a 'race to the bottom' to improve competitiveness, but rather seek to maintain or improve existing labor protections.
A recent study found that over 60% of people support legalization due to increased tax revenues, job creation, and reduced prison crowding. In contrast, anti-legalization arguments emphasizing public health concerns received less support.
A federal law aimed at ensuring equal insurance benefits for physical and mental health care has led to modest increases in healthcare utilization among children with autism spectrum disorder. Despite these gains, researchers highlight the need for stronger enforcement of the parity law to ensure adequate access to services.
Researchers successfully combined a heart monitoring device with an existing CEW to detect and store cardiac rhythms, producing both incapacitating charges and interpretable EKG signals. The modified prototype demonstrates the potential for safety measures like cardiac biomonitoring to be incorporated into law enforcement devices.
Research reveals that nine expanded underage drinking laws have significantly reduced fatal crashes involving underage drivers, saving over 1,100 lives each year. The most effective laws include those related to possession, purchase, and zero-tolerance policies.
A Penn study finds that states with mandatory ignition interlock laws for DUI offenders reduce alcohol-related crash deaths by 15%, comparable to airbag laws. These devices prevent intoxicated drivers from starting their vehicles, directly preventing drunk driving and saving lives.
Nearly all states have taken a more-active role in immigration policy, but many lack comprehensive evaluation of costs and benefits. A new report from RAND Corporation suggests that state policymakers need better tools to assess the full impact of their policies.
A study published in the journal Deviant Behavior estimates that cybercrime profits are in the hundreds of millions, with sellers making between $250,000 to $1 million per batch of 50 stolen cards. Buyers can earn up to $8 million by using the stolen cards, highlighting a lucrative global criminal enterprise.
Researchers found a 45% net increase in deaths from legal intervention between 1999 and 2013, with 96% of these deaths occurring among men. The study highlights significant disparities in mortality rates among different racial groups and geographic regions.
Compliance with ID checks and minimum price laws significantly declined after NYC's Tobacco 21 law took effect, especially among independent retailers. Researchers attribute the drop to lack of awareness and inadequate enforcement measures.
A European Union-funded project estimates that 4.7 million tonnes of discarded electronics were wrongfully mismanaged or illegally traded in Europe, valued at €800-1.7 billion annually. The study calls for better guidelines and harmonized penalties to combat e-waste crime.
A new study by Michigan State University business scholars estimates the costs and benefits of the Unfair Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, concluding that regulated online gambling would benefit both the industry and consumers, reducing uncertainty and confusion among firms and individuals.
A study by University of Bonn researchers finds that effective forest law enforcement has been key to slowing down the destruction of the Brazilian rainforest. The team's analysis shows that regions with frequent controls and high penalties have seen significant declines in deforestation.
A study found that approximately 9% of adults in the US have a history of impulsive angry behavior and own or have access to firearms, with young middle-aged men being more likely to carry guns outside their homes.
India's Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2011 is criticized for lacking specific criminal penalties and civil protections for whistleblowers. Despite this, organizations like Medileaks offer a platform for doctors to share information about malpractices in medicine.
A new study from Sam Houston State University reveals that approximately 2% of US youth are gang members, with involvement highest at age 14. Gangs have high turnover rates, recruiting new members constantly to replace those who leave.
A recent study found that nearly two-thirds of FDA-recalled dietary supplements still contain banned substances months after being taken off the market. The study analyzed 27 supplements and found that 66.7% contained at least one pharmaceutical adulterant.
A new study analyzing terrorist propaganda has revealed increasing language intensity in jihadist magazines, suggesting a shift in strategy. The research also found that Inspire, an online magazine published by al-Qaida, is experimenting with gamification strategies to increase motivation for lone-wolf attacks.
A recent study found that using active questioning techniques can significantly improve the accuracy of lie detection in interrogations, with experts achieving near-perfect results (97.8%) compared to non-experts. This suggests that simply watching or listening is not enough for effective deception detection.
A Michigan State University study suggests that adolescents who are more fearful of crime are less likely to become victims and offenders of violent acts. The research found that fearful youth tend to avoid potentially dangerous situations, leading to safer outcomes.
A new study found that emergency medical service (EMS) responders felt significantly better prepared to respond to active shooter incidents after receiving focused tactical training. The training improved their comfort level with joint rescue operations and perception of their role in such incidents, leading to faster response times.
The study highlights the growth of cybercrime black markets, where hacking tools, services, and stolen data are bought and sold. These markets have become increasingly sophisticated, specializing in exploit kits, botnets, and zero-day vulnerabilities.
New estimates suggest that China can prevent over 13 million smoking-related deaths by 2050 through effective tobacco control measures. Implementing World Health Organization guidelines could lead to a relative reduction in smoking of over 40 percent, resulting in significant public health gains.
A unique experiment involving 500 industrial plants in Gujarat, India, reveals that changing the auditing system from firm-paid to central-funded auditors significantly reduced pollution levels and increased accuracy. The study's findings have implications for the global debt-rating system and corporate financial reports.
The University of Oklahoma Center for Spatial Analysis developed a web-based tracking analysis application, TRACKS, to monitor and analyze Oklahoma offenders. The tool uses GPS location data to detect movement patterns and alert officers to potential behavior problems.
The University of Tennessee is working with local community partners to improve disaster preparedness and community wellness in Clay County, Kentucky. The project aims to address health and disaster readiness needs through a comprehensive assessment and implementation of solutions.
A new study by Emily Ryo found that perceptions of certainty of arrest and severity of punishment are not significant determinants of intentions to migrate illegally. Non-economic factors such as community norms and moral justifications play a stronger role in Mexicans' decisions to enter the US illegally.
The new NIST handbook provides a comprehensive guide for planning, designing, constructing, and relocating forensic science laboratories. The document outlines the four-phase cycle for creating new laboratory space and includes tools to support each phase.
Lying can be trained to be more automatic, reducing task demands and making it harder to detect. Researchers found that instruction alone significantly reduced reaction times associated with deceptive responses.
A free high-tech tool called SMART has been launched to combat wildlife poaching. The Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool uses GPS data to identify poaching hotspots and enable rapid responses, ultimately maximizing the impact of anti-poaching efforts.
Researchers developed a method to determine the origin of seized ivory using mitochondrial DNA sequences from elephant samples. The technique identified unique sequences linked to specific locations and countries, providing valuable information for conservationists to prevent poaching.
A new study finds that many hospitals, including Denver Health, continue to engage in 'patient dumping' - turning away or transferring uninsured patients with emergency medical conditions. The researchers argue that the law needs stronger enforcement and a simplified reporting system to curb this practice.