Gun assault brings 2-4 year prison term for Holyoke man - MassLive.com
how can this be stopped? are you certain that what you are doing is worth your time and resources? how can we let this go on? there is sickness among us.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Man asks friend to shoot him to avoid work - Telegraph
Man asks friend to shoot him to avoid work - Telegraph
I am not sure how to classify this one. Is it a co-worker shooting (III) or just plain stupidity. That must have been a very good friend to have helped in this way. I am glad he only got reckless endangerment. I wonder if he will file for workers comp.
I am not sure how to classify this one. Is it a co-worker shooting (III) or just plain stupidity. That must have been a very good friend to have helped in this way. I am glad he only got reckless endangerment. I wonder if he will file for workers comp.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Campus Assaut Simulation Traumatizes Witnesses
UNC Officials 'Disappointed' in ECSU's Handling of Emergency Drill :: WRAL.com
Probably in response to the recent school shootings, UNC at Elizabeth State had a simulation drill of a gunman coming on to the campus, entering a classroom and threatened to kill some of the students.
It is unclear the level and detail of communication that went out those involved but clearly the professor and students were did not know the assault was just a drill.
While the authenticity of the student reaction would enhance the training experience of the responding officers, the risk of psychological damage and other adverse responses such as a heart attack or, in a worst case scenario, a student or by-stander may have actually shot the pretend assailant
There are clearly other ways to prepare for such a drill to reduce or eliminate the chance of emotional trauma. A clear description of what will occur before the event to those involved and a 5 minute, direct, verbal warning before entering the room and a chance for the witnesses to the meet the pretend assailant would reduce the potential impact.
After all, it was the responders who were being tested, not the students. Such surprise drills may have a role for the military and emergency responders but you can not expect (or have no way of expecting) the response of 18-21 yro students.
Professional, thoughtful responses welcomed.
Probably in response to the recent school shootings, UNC at Elizabeth State had a simulation drill of a gunman coming on to the campus, entering a classroom and threatened to kill some of the students.
It is unclear the level and detail of communication that went out those involved but clearly the professor and students were did not know the assault was just a drill.
While the authenticity of the student reaction would enhance the training experience of the responding officers, the risk of psychological damage and other adverse responses such as a heart attack or, in a worst case scenario, a student or by-stander may have actually shot the pretend assailant
There are clearly other ways to prepare for such a drill to reduce or eliminate the chance of emotional trauma. A clear description of what will occur before the event to those involved and a 5 minute, direct, verbal warning before entering the room and a chance for the witnesses to the meet the pretend assailant would reduce the potential impact.
After all, it was the responders who were being tested, not the students. Such surprise drills may have a role for the military and emergency responders but you can not expect (or have no way of expecting) the response of 18-21 yro students.
Professional, thoughtful responses welcomed.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Human Resource Executive Online - Story
Human Resource Executive Online - Story
Please read this article and respond:
1- where is the balance between workplace security and equal rights?
2- what crimes are unforgiveable, automatic disqualification for employment?
3- what should be done?
It is a ironic that the one thing that can help turn a life around is a meaningful, good paying job and they can't get one.
Look for upcoming attorney seminars on the subject.
Please read this article and respond:
1- where is the balance between workplace security and equal rights?
2- what crimes are unforgiveable, automatic disqualification for employment?
3- what should be done?
It is a ironic that the one thing that can help turn a life around is a meaningful, good paying job and they can't get one.
Look for upcoming attorney seminars on the subject.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Instant National Database Searches
A few days ago, a person posted a comment asking me about national, instant database that are developed by commercial operations. Please understand that I believe there is a purpose and use for such programs but I would not consider them to be very reliable. I have since found article that describes a study that the author did in assessing these databases.
BIS Research Exposes Holes in Instant Criminal Records Databases By Kevin Bachman
As I paraphrase from the article-
National Aggregated Databases are instant and inexpensive as they rely on various reporting agencies willingness to provide or sell data. Such sources can include corrections facilities, some county courthouses and some state sponsored sites.
Background Information Services, Inc. selected a database that had the most “shared” records.
Of 651 known criminals randomly selected, only 200 could even be searched by this database; those records are just not available to be shared. For example, most records in Illinois, Ohio, New York, California, Missouri, Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts and Michigan are not available.
Of the 200 known criminals, more than 35% missed significant issues completely: Assault. Sex Abuse of a Child. Forgery. Kidnapping. Aggravated Drug Trafficking. Breaking and Entering.
Of the records that actually were found, 50% of the known criminal hits contained incomplete or inconsistent information when compared to courthouse searches.
Lapse in time issue- many of the records in a “National Database” updated on a weekly, monthly, or even bi-annual basis.
BIS Research Exposes Holes in Instant Criminal Records Databases By Kevin Bachman
As I paraphrase from the article-
National Aggregated Databases are instant and inexpensive as they rely on various reporting agencies willingness to provide or sell data. Such sources can include corrections facilities, some county courthouses and some state sponsored sites.
Background Information Services, Inc. selected a database that had the most “shared” records.
Of 651 known criminals randomly selected, only 200 could even be searched by this database; those records are just not available to be shared. For example, most records in Illinois, Ohio, New York, California, Missouri, Texas, Maryland, Massachusetts and Michigan are not available.
Of the 200 known criminals, more than 35% missed significant issues completely: Assault. Sex Abuse of a Child. Forgery. Kidnapping. Aggravated Drug Trafficking. Breaking and Entering.
Of the records that actually were found, 50% of the known criminal hits contained incomplete or inconsistent information when compared to courthouse searches.
Lapse in time issue- many of the records in a “National Database” updated on a weekly, monthly, or even bi-annual basis.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Hostages at Work
Last Friday, Leeland Eisenberg walked into Hillary Clinton's campaign office in NH with road flares strapped to his chest, demanding to speak to the candidate about the state of mental health services. About 5 hours later, he was arrested after releasing a handful of hostages.
If only all hostage situations could end this way. There are many cases where a person with a gun or bomb takes people hostage in the workplace. Some cases end violently, sometimes with only the perpetrator ending his or her own life.
There were two hostage situations that occurred at the same Caterpillar plant in Clayton, NC. Once in November 2004 and then again in January 2006. In both cases, it was a situation that stemmed from a domestic dispute involving violence against women.
On exactly how to survive these incidents can never be completely fool-proof but there are several key points that are emphasized often:
1. Stay as calm as you can. Panic will only lead to bad decisions and raising the anxiety of the hostage taker.
2. Do not try to disarm the hostage taker. Instigating an assault will raise the chances of you or another hostage getting hurt. If the event of shooting or immediate threat, respond quickly and decisively.
3. It is often easier to escape than to try to disarm the perpetrator(s).
4. Follow the instructions of the captors within reason. Do not be confrontational with them.
5. In the event of an Emergency Response Team (SWAT) intervention, stay low, do not rush towards them and follow their instructions.
More advice can be found at
Canadian Department of Corrections Report
Surviving Kidnapping While Traveling
State of Wyoming Powerpoint Presentation
If only all hostage situations could end this way. There are many cases where a person with a gun or bomb takes people hostage in the workplace. Some cases end violently, sometimes with only the perpetrator ending his or her own life.
There were two hostage situations that occurred at the same Caterpillar plant in Clayton, NC. Once in November 2004 and then again in January 2006. In both cases, it was a situation that stemmed from a domestic dispute involving violence against women.
On exactly how to survive these incidents can never be completely fool-proof but there are several key points that are emphasized often:
1. Stay as calm as you can. Panic will only lead to bad decisions and raising the anxiety of the hostage taker.
2. Do not try to disarm the hostage taker. Instigating an assault will raise the chances of you or another hostage getting hurt. If the event of shooting or immediate threat, respond quickly and decisively.
3. It is often easier to escape than to try to disarm the perpetrator(s).
4. Follow the instructions of the captors within reason. Do not be confrontational with them.
5. In the event of an Emergency Response Team (SWAT) intervention, stay low, do not rush towards them and follow their instructions.
More advice can be found at
Canadian Department of Corrections Report
Surviving Kidnapping While Traveling
State of Wyoming Powerpoint Presentation
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Worker Call Deputies when Threaten and They Catch Him
A worker makes a threat and is sent home. He then calls back to say some threatening things to his co-workers. They leave, call law enforcement and meet them at a gas station. That is where he is caught as he is coming in. No one was hurt.
It is unknown if anything would have happened if he was not caught. Maybe he was just coming to get his things as he claimed but it was the people who took it seriously that called for support.
Feel free to comment if you think he was planning to commit violence or how you would have handled the situation.
It is unknown if anything would have happened if he was not caught. Maybe he was just coming to get his things as he claimed but it was the people who took it seriously that called for support.
Feel free to comment if you think he was planning to commit violence or how you would have handled the situation.
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