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Justice Department Investigating Police-Involved Shooting of Black Man at Wal-Mart Store
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The Justice Department’s increased reviews of police department practices has reached Ohio after a grand jury opted no to indict officers involved in the unusual fatal shooting of a man at a Ohio Wal-Mart, the Associated Press reports. Pledging a “thorough and independent” investigation, the Justice Department said it’s trying to…
FBI Study: Steep Rise in Mass Shootings as More People Die; Shootings Often End Before Police Arrive
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com A new study by the FBI reveals that mass shootings are on the rise and killing more people. The Wall Street Journal reports that the study found 160 “active-shooter” events from 2000 to 2013. The study defines an “active shooter” as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill…
Will Investigators Find Pennsylvania Fugitive Frein? Survivalists Have Record of Eluding Authorities
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com When it comes to capturing survivalist fugitives, law enforcement has a spotty record, Reuters reports. So when Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett pledged to quickly capture Eric Matthew Frein, who is accused of gunning down two state troopers, some experts were naturally skeptical. Law enforcement officials believe Frein is hiding in the…
Inspector General Report: FBI’s Half-Billion-Dollar Computer System Is Rife with Problems
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The FBI spent a half-billion-dollars on a Sentinel computerized file system, but the system is rife with problems, Newsweek reports. Officials insisted the Sentinel would be completed by the end of 2009 for $425 million. But a report by the Justice Department Inspector General found mismanagement, cost overruns and technical problems…
Employees: Byzantine Oversight of Homeland Security is Crushing Morale, Hindering Work
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Homeland Security has so much congressional oversight that it’s damaging morale and making the work more difficult, the Washington Post reports. Consider the number of committees and subcommittees that oversee DHS – more than 90, which exceeds the number that has jurisdiction over the Defense Department by nearly three fold. “It makes…
Police Who Want to Use Federal Cell Phone Surveillance Required to Keep Technology quiet
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The FBI has prohibited local and state police from discussing the capabilities of surveillance technology that enables law enforcement to eavesdrop on cell phone calls, the Washington Post reports. A letter obtained under the Freedom of Information Act shows that the FBI requires police departments to sign a “non-disclosure agreement” before…
FBI, Homeland Security Warn of ISIS-Inspired Attacks in U.S. Following Airstrikes in Syria
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The FBI and Homeland Security are warning that ISIS-inspired Americans or visitors may try to launch a domestic attack in retaliation for U.S. airstrikes against extremists in Syria, CBS News reports. The agencies issued bulletins that urged law enforcement to “be vigilant.” ISIS and other terrorist groups have been recruiting Americans….
Federal Prison Population Drops for First Time in Decades Under AG Holder
By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com For the first time in several decades, the federal inmate population has decreased, the Associated Press reports. The Justice Department revealed that roughly 4,800 fewer inmates were incarcerated last year than the year before. Attorney General Eric Holder said he anticipates the inmate population to be about 250,000 next week, which…