 | |
| |
TechnologyDaily Mobile
Technology Hindered Sniper Probe, Study Says
by Chloe Albanesius
Shortcomings in the ability of Maryland and Virginia officials to communicate with each other via information technology during the 2002 sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C., region hindered the investigation, according to a report released Aug. 28.
The Virginia-based Government Electronics and Information Technology Association convened a task force to provide an industry perspective on homeland security risks and chose to examine the sniper attacks. Their research focused on the deployment and use of information technology and the effectiveness of state, local and federal partnerships.
The study found "a well-defined and executed relationship between the available information technology tools and law enforcement officers." The coordination worked well when the attacks were confined to Maryland, the report said, but was complicated when the sniper struck in Virginia because the two states lacked "a dynamically linked and allocated central command."
As a result, the study calls for "significant work" by federal, state and local officials to make their technology able to communicate with each other. Overall, however, logistics, rather than the technology itself, was cited as the core problem.
Researchers did find fault with the FBI's Rapid Start system, which intends to help law enforcement officers handle lots of investigative data in crisis situations by allowing for the construction of a case-specific database. The report found Rapid Start to be "an inadequate solution ... as it was unable to merge instances." The task force recommended that the National Institute of Justice work with the FBI to find a suitable replacement.
Elsewhere on the security front, Hawaii Gov. Linda Lingle and state crisis-response agencies last week staged mock terrorist attacks to test their response system. Tests included threats to critical infrastructure, a drill related to hazardous materials and a multi-agency response to bioterrorism.
The drill will "allow government agencies and private businesses to make the necessary adjustments to their crisis plans so everyone will be fully prepared to ensure the safety of our residents in the event of a terrorist attack or other crisis," Lingle said in a release.
Oregon 'Do Not Call' List To Be Pre-Empted
The FCC will pre-empt the Oregon "do not call" program for limiting telemarketing effective Oct. 1. The move comes after the Oregon legislature failed to enact laws required to avoid the federal pre-emption, Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers said last week in a release.
In 1999, Oregon became the third state to enact a do-not-call law and currently has 180,000 registered numbers. The program has resulted in more than $500,000 in fines for those companies that have violated the law.
In July 2003, however, the FCC announced that states would have to merge their lists with the national registry or face pre-emption. Because Oregon law does not allow such a transfer of information, lawmakers sought a law that would make the federal list the state list as well. However, they were unable to pass such a measure in time.
Myers encouraged state residents listed on Oregon's do-not-call registry to join the FTC's similar national registry, which was created earlier this year. Because of the pre-emption, those people currently on the state list must re-register on the national list to avoid telemarketing calls.
"I am very disappointed that we must dismantle one of Oregon's most successful consumer-protection initiatives in decades," Myers said. "When the legislature next convenes, I will again urge it to make passage of the needed legislation a top priority so that we can end federal pre-emption."
Michigan Law On Wine Sales Overturned
The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals last week deemed unconstitutional a Michigan law regulating the sale and distribution of wine.
Several distributors, including online vendors, said the law, which prohibits out-of-state wineries from shipping goods to Michigan, violated the Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution. That clause says that only Congress can regulate interstate commerce.
The regulations are "discriminatory in their application," Judge Martha Craig Daughtrey wrote.
In other e-commerce news, Maryland's attorney general last week reached a settlement with a man who failed to deliver items purchased in online auctions. Under the deal, Jomar Saddler must refund about $10,000 he took from consumers, pay $6,000 in fines and post a $20,000 surety bond if he wants to participate in any future Internet auctions. Attorney General Joseph Curran warned consumers to be wary of unfamiliar sellers.
Commuters To Get Free Wireless Broadband
Canada-based PointShot Wireless announced last week that it will provide wireless technology for California's Altamont Commuter Express (ACE). Commuters on trains traveling between Stockton, Calif., and San Jose who have laptops with Wi-Fi technology will be able to use PointShot's system free of charge during a three-month trial.
"Most ACE riders are business commuters, so the PointShot Wireless system will help them dramatically increase their onboard productivity," said Chris Juelch, the ACE project manager for the program.
"We are allowing rail operators and other mobile markets to deliver new wireless solutions to their customers, generate new revenues and open new market segments," added Shawn Griffin, the president and CEO of PointShot.
Global Crossing To Cut Colorado Jobs
The Global Crossing telecommunications firm will cut 100 jobs in Colorado by year's end, The Rocky Mountain News reports. The company will close its offices in Westminster and relocate the remaining 200 employees to either its Denver office or another location.
"We are consolidating our offices a bit, but we will keep a significant presence in Denver," said Global Crossing spokeswoman Rebecca Yeamans. "We're moving our customer care to three other facilities: Montreal, London and Phoenix."
Tom Clark, president of Metro Denver Network, the economic development arm of the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, predicts that the move will lead to a $15 million loss for the community.
Rhode Island Creates Online Venue For Drivers
Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri will allow drivers to download the forms they need for motor-vehicle registrations at home before they go to a registry office.
"My fiscal-fitness review team is addressing the crowded conditions and the inability to obtain information at the registry," Carcieri said in a release. "An improved allocation of resources and the use of new technology are being used to provide consumers with a reasonable experience in their dealings with this agency."
The New York State Comptroller's Office, meanwhile, is looking to train more workers in the use of its data warehouse for payroll and accounting information, Federal Computer Week reports. About 75 employees have received training, but only about 15 are highly proficient, said Tom Milner, project manager for the comptroller's office.
The database was started to provide access to combined payroll and accounting information. Milner said the greatest challenge is learning how to use the data. Should the funding be approved, the state also is looking to add information from systems like retirement.
NEW FEATURE
-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-
-Advertisement-
