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Identity Theft: Trends, Patterns, and Typologies Reported in Suspicious Activity Reports: Filed by Depository Institutions January 1, 2003 - December 31, 2009"Identity theft was the sixth most frequently reported characterization of suspicious activity within the period of the study, behind structuring/money laundering, check fraud, mortgage loan fraud, credit card fraud, and counterfeit check fraud. Based upon analysis of the study sample, the number of identity theft-related depository institution SAR [Suspicious Activity Report] filings submitted during calendar year (CY) 2009 was 123 percent higher than the number reported in CY 2004. This compares with an 89 percent increase in the numbers of all depository institution SAR filings made in CY 2004 versus CY 2009. Over 86 percent of sample depository institution SAR filings bearing either the identity theft suspicious activity characterization or identity theft-associated keywords in their narratives actually described identity theft. Most of the remainder of the filings described identity fraud or provided insufficient information to confirm identity theft. Credit card fraud was the most frequently co-reported suspicious activity characterization with identity theft, appearing in over 45.5 percent of sample filings. In about 30 percent of these filings reporting the successful takeover of an existing credit card account, and 17 percent reporting the successful unauthorized set up of a new credit card account, the alleged identity thief added his/her name to the account as an authorized user. Several types of loan accounts were reportedly abused in 31 percent of filings. In 56.5 percent of filings specifically reporting student loan fraud, subjects included both their name and the victim's name on the loan application as either the borrower or co-signer."Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S.)2010-10
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Impact of a Second Firehouse on Response Time"This research project explored the effects that building a new firehouse would have upon emergency response times to past fires, target hazards and equal coverage concerns in Morristown, New Jersey. The problem that was addressed was that, with all fire suppression forces deployed from one location, longer response times were being experienced in a large area, which included several significant target hazards. The purpose of this research project was to explore the feasibility of continuing to protect the entire town from one firehouse, and to study the effects of constructing a new firehouse on the southeast side of town. Descriptive research was used to study the patterns of town's fire problem, geography and response characteristics. Evaluative research was used to analyze the feasibility of the present practice of maintaining all forces in one location by measuring the effects of a new southeast firehouse upon emergency response distance and travel time. The research questions posed were: 1. How are life safety and fire loss affected by response time? 2. Are there nationally recognized standards for response time? 3. How have response times been affected by the closing of the Market Street firehouse and moving all companies to Speedwell Avenue? 4. How would the building of a new firehouse on the southeast side of Morristown impact life response time, life safety, and fire loss? The procedure began with a literature review of deployment analysis, response time and distance, and their relation to life safety and fire loss."National Fire AcademyTaylor, Robert G.1998-10
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Making a Case for Effective Scheduling of Arson Investigators"The Anne Arundel County Fire Investigation Unit was not meeting national averages of arson cases cleared by arrest. Attempts to implement case management strategies seemed to be hindered by the investigators' shift schedule. The schedule, put into use a few years ago in an effort to reduce overtime, had investigators off-duty four days in a row. This schedule, as many others found in use for arson investigation, are typically used for suppression and EMS [Emergency Management Services] delivery. The problem identified for the research was to determine if the shift schedules were effective for arson investigations. The research attempted to gather information on effectual scheduling of arson units and police detectives units. While the research did not find a specific schedule that was promoted as a model for criminal investigation, it did reveal shortcomings in the schedule being used. Information was identified to support scheduling of investigators during certain times of the day to effectively carry out the investigative function. The results of the applied research project showed that the shift being used by Anne Arundel County was not practical for the criminal phase of an arson investigation. The research revealed that the follow-up investigation is more critical than a timely response. It was also shown that the shift was not conducive for the use of case management strategies shown effective in improving arson casework. Since no one shift was shown as a model schedule, the design of a shift needed to account for several factors. In addition to the investigation, several external factors, such as available staffing, FLSA [Fair Labor Standards Act], overtime limitations, investigator safety, and training needs also needed to be considered. Unfortunately, the research also revealed that little information is available on how to go about designing shift schedules. However, based on the information gathered, three possible schedules were proposed."National Fire AcademyRay, J. Robert1998-11
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Making a Case for Universal Fire Service Professional Qualifications Certification Reciprocity"The importance of fire service professional qualifications certification has increased dramatically in recent years. Being certified is not only a source of pride and sense of accomplishment for the individual, it is fast becoming a prerequisite for hire as a career fire fighter. The problem was that individuals certified by the state of Wisconsin, even though their certification criteria met established national standards, could not receive reciprocal certification from other certification entities. Likewise, individuals certified by other entities would not be granted reciprocal Wisconsin certification in many cases, even though their certification criteria met the same national standards. The purpose of this research project was to analyze the many equivalency and reciprocity policies of fire service certification entities, and develop recommendations for the establishment of a universal certification reciprocity policy. The project utilized an action research procedure. Research questions to be answered were: 1. Which national standards address the qualifications and resulting certifications of fire service personnel? 2. What does the available data say about the certification programs of selected states or other entities? 3. What does the available data say regarding accreditation of fire service certification programs? 4. What are the positions of various certification entities regarding recognition of accreditation agencies? 5. What are the positions of various certification entities regarding reciprocity? 6. What are the obstacles to establishing a uniform national certification reciprocity policy? The procedures required a review of available literature on the subject and interviews with administrators of selected certification entities regarding their policies, observation, experiences, opinions, beliefs and recommendations relative to the issue."National Fire AcademyBrooks, David J.1998-11
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Hurricane Impact on Fire Department Operations"The city of Providence, R.I., and the Providence Fire Department have previously been seriously impacted by hurricanes that occurred in 1938 and 1954, in which the downtown business district had been left under many feet of water. In 1966, the city received the completed Fox Point Hurricane Barrier, from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which was designed to protect the area behind it from a storm tidal surge. The problem that prompted this research is the country's leading forecaster has predicted an increase of hurricanes in 1998 and the years to come. Also compounding the problem is the Providence Fire Department has no written procedure for hurricanes and storms that its members can follow. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the current status of the Providence Fire Department as it stands today, and what impact a hurricane would cause. Both the historical and evaluative methods were utilized. Of which the following research questions were posed: 1. How has the Providence Fire Department been impacted by hurricanes or other significant weather related events? 2. Are there any nationally recognized standards or recommendations for fire departments to follow in preparing for hurricanes? 3. Does the Providence Fire Department comply with these nationally recognized standards or recommendations? 4. What have fire departments in the greater Providence area done to be prepared for a hurricane? To complete this research a literature review, personal interviews, a survey of area fire departments, and queries of the computer database were conducted."National Fire AcademyHughes, Richard J.1998-10
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Evaluate Existing Fire Flow Calculation Formulas for Adoption in Our City"This research project analyzed existing fire flow calculation formulas that could be adopted by the Marysville Fire District (MFD) to be utilized during the plan review process and application of the Uniform Fire Code (UFC) requirements. MFD has been using the Insurance Services Office (ISO) "Guide for Determination of Required Fire Flow" since it was referenced in the 1985 Edition of the UFC. At that time other fire flow formulas were not examined. The purpose of the project was to examine the formulas available and recommend a formula for adoption by the MFD. This research employed historical research by an examination of the literature available, evaluative research to compare the results of each formula for a given scenario, and action research to examine the results of each formula for suitablility to the needs of the MFD. The three research methods were used to identify (a) what fire flow formulas are available for use, (b) what factors such as type of construction and use should be included in calculating fire flows, and (c) what alternate methods could be adopted by the MFD to offset deficient fire flows. The major findings of this research were that the formulas found were designed to offer suppression officers a method of quick and basic fire flow calculation rather than scientific conclusions. These "rule of thumb" formulas have limited use during the plan review process. Based upon the findings of this research, the recommended formula for adoption by MFD is a combination formula based on Appendix III-A of the 1997 Edition of the UFC, the occupancy and exposure factors from the ISO formula, and some additional requirements that reflect the needs of the MFD."National Fire AcademyJacobsen, Jerold L.1998-05
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Development of a Department Web Page"The public and general industries have responded to the availability of a low cost, immediate, and effective communications medium with the public by utilizing the Internet. This communications medium is available to millions of people but was not used by the City of Deltona. In conjunction with the development of an actual Web page for the City of Deltona, this research project was conducted to determine how many Florida fire departments utilize a Web page as well as to determine what methodology should be used to plan and develop a Web page. A descriptive research methodology was used to assess the present status of fire department Web page use in the State of Florida and general methodology for the development of a Web page through the use of literature sources, interview, and written survey. The survey asked the following questions: 1) How many Florida fire departments' parent agency (city/county/district/etc.) have a Web page representing their entire organization? 2) How many Florida fire departments are specifically represented in the Web page? 3) How many Florida fire departments have a department specific Web page? The survey continues only if the fire department has, or is part of a Web page: 4) Does the fire department have input regarding the Web page content? 5) Who hosts the Web page? 6) What type of services or information are offered via the Web page? The results indicate that less than half of the fire departments in Florida utilize the Internet as a means of communicating with its public. Those departments utilizing a Web page have indicated that the effort has been warranted or successful."National Fire AcademyKoczan, James1998-11
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'Business' of User Fees: A Superior Revenue Source for Fire and Emergency Medical Service Agencies"This research project reviewed alternative funding for fire and emergency medical service agencies, and specifically user fees as a superior revenue source to supplement traditional tax revenues. The Westminster Fire Department was considering expanding its user fee program in anticipation of a downturn in sales tax revenue. The problem was that before expanding fees or implementing new ones, the department needed a better understanding of user fees and what type of fees have been successful in other fire departments. The purpose of this research is to define user fees, evaluate related benefits and concerns of fee-based services, determine types of fees assessed by other fire departments, and decide whether the Westminster Fire Department should expand its user fee programs. Descriptive and evaluative research was used to answer the following research questions: (1) What are user fees and what types are other fire departments charging their customers? (2) What are the benefits and problems associated with user fees? (3) What steps can be taken to 'sell' these fees to the decision-makers, the public, and the employee group?"National Fire AcademyWatkins, Kenneth R.1998-11
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Evaluation of Rural/Metro Fire Services Performance Evaluation"The problem identified for this applied research project was that the Rural/Metro Fire Department performance evaluation system receives very poor ratings on employee surveys. The purpose was to gather data and information in order to evaluate the existing evaluation tool, and to determine whether a revision is necessary. This research utilized the evaluative research methodology to answer the following research questions: (1) Are performance evaluations necessary? (2) Are there common problems that are associated with administering an evaluation system? (3) What are the desirable characteristics of an employee performance evaluation? (4) Should merit pay be tied to performance evaluations? The procedure used a literature review to gather recent information available on the employee performance evaluation. From the data, two tables were constructed to evaluate the characteristics of the evaluation tool. The major findings of this research indicated that the majority of evaluations conducted in America are done poorly. The prominent actor was poor supervisory training on how to prepare and conduct a performance evaluation. In addition, the importance of a well designed form having certain characteristics, such as behaviorally anchored rating scales and objectivity, was emphasized. The recommendations resulting from this research included (a) developing a course to better train supervisors in conducting and preparing performance evaluations, (b) revising the existing evaluation tool to take out some subjectivity, and (c) conducting further studies into whether pay should be tied to performance evaluations."National Fire AcademyPendleton, Christopher D.1998-12
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Study to Determine Reflex Time of Responding Emergency Personnel for the Alhambra Fire Department"During a recent initiative to consolidate the Alhambra Fire Department with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, there were numerous questions and debates on service levels that each agency provides. At the core of almost each question were response times, and this would lead to major discussions on service levels between the citizens and fire department representatives. The problem for Alhambra Fire Department was to identify our response times in quantifiable terms and times. The purpose of this research project was to determine the reflex time of responding emergency personnel. By establishing the components and developing a standard of measurment for reflex time the department will be able to more accurately account for response time components within the time frames from the time of entry to the time arrived. The reflex times standard will also be integrated into performance objectives for responding emergency personnel. Evaluative and action research methodologies were used in this research to answer the following questions: (1) What is the reflex time? (2) What components make up the reflex time? (3) What is the reflex time of responding personnel? (4) What is an acceptable reflex time standard? A 10% sample population of 4,734 incidents, producing 927 response times from the fiscal year July 1, 1997 to June 30, 1998 was evaluated. The data was analyzed to determine the components that make up a reflex time and develop a standard of measurement for reflex time. The results identified the components within the reflex time frame, establishing reflex time measurements."National Fire AcademyKemp, Vincent L.1998-10
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Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: Annual Report Fiscal Year 2010"This past year, FinCEN [Financial Crimes Enforcement Network] also continued its efforts to address two major conduits for domestic and international money transfer that present potential for illicit abuse -- prepaid access to funds via cards or electronic devices and the cross border electronic transmission of funds. In June 2010, FinCEN announced a proposed rule that seeks greater transparency for prepaid access providers, and would establish a more comprehensive regulatory framework for non-bank prepaid access mechanisms. In September 2010, FinCEN announced a proposed rulemaking that would require certain depository institutions and MSBs [money services businesses] to affirmatively provide records to FinCEN of certain cross-border electronic transmittals of funds currently subject to FinCEN's record-keeping obligations. Fiscal year 2010 saw the largest ever civil money penalty that FinCEN has imposed -- $110 million against Wachovia Bank, which previously was one of the largest and most sophisticated banks in the world. A coordinated effort by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI), and FinCEN determined, among other things, that Wachovia failed to effectively monitor for potential money laundering activity more than $420 billion in foreign financial transactions."Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S.)2010-12
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Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: Annual Report Fiscal Year 2009"This past year, an example of our networking and leveraging capabilities came to national attention. In April 2009, the Administration announced a multi-agency crackdown on foreclosure rescue scams and loan modification fraud, aligning responses from Federal law enforcement agencies, State investigators and prosecutors, civil enforcement authorities, and the private sector. FinCEN [Financial Crimes Enforcement Network] is at the center in supporting this effort because of its long experience with mortgage fraud and its unique capacity to network and facilitate information sharing. In September, along with Attorney General Eric Holder, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Jon Leibowitz, and 12 State Attorneys General, I represented FinCEN at a meeting at which Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner shared an update on the Administration's progress toward the goals it announced in April. We also discussed emerging trends in our respective industries, as well as strategies to combat consumer fraud in the housing markets and to further build upon this concerted approach to fight financial crime."Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S.)2009-12
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Firefighter Paramedic Retention in a Fire Based EMS Transport Service"The problem is the Kalispell Fire Department has a turnover of firefighter paramedics to larger departments resulting in reduced staffing and increased overtime costs. The purpose of the research is to identify why firefighter paramedics are leaving this department and identify ways to improve firefighter paramedic retention. The Descriptive Research Method was used to answer the following four research questions: 1. What causes a firefighter paramedic to leave a small career department providing EMS [Emergency Medical Services] transport? 2. What causes a firefighter paramedic to stay? 3. What efforts have been done in other fire departments similar in operation and size to Kalispell Fire Department to prevent employees from leaving? 4. How can the Kalispell Fire Department prevent losing firefighter paramedics in the future? My recommendations will include retention training for supervisors, career and personal development of individual employees, changes in current policies and encouragement of more work-life balance."National Fire AcademyDiehl, Daniel A.2006-09
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Report to Congress in Accordance with §361(B) of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT) [2005]"Substantial progress has been made in the past year, particularly with respect to streamlining the administration and enforcement of the FBAR[Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts]. In the coming year, the Internal Revenue Service intends to address the remaining tasks and continue making progress in our ongoing projects to improve compliance with the FBAR reporting requirement. Towards that end, the following specific goals have been set: 1) Identify FBAR Non-Filers through enhanced examinations. This effort will focus first on offshore activities. The Internal Revenue Service will conduct reviews of offshore examinations with respect to the FBAR issue. An AML [Anti-Money Laundering] analyst has been assigned to review offshore examinations for FBAR issues in those locations judged to have the highest probability of FBAR violations. This review will focus on identification of FBAR violators and identification of barriers to such identification in the current examination process. 2) Identify and correct any barriers to identification of FBAR violations existing in the current FBAR examination process. In particular, the Internal Revenue Service plans to create and deliver an FBAR training module for all incoming examiners. In addition, it plans to supplement the procedural memoranda that currently guide examiners with a new FBAR section of the Internal Revenue Manual ('IRM'). 3) Expand Outreach and Education to Potential FBAR Filers and Practitioners. TEC [Taxpayer Education and Communication] will expand outreach and educational efforts in 2004, based upon the results of initial activities. In addition, coordination with the IRS off-shore activities will be an area of emphasis to facilitate identification of targeted audiences. [...] 4) Issue an improved FBAR Form and instructions. IRS will work towards finalizing an improved FBAR and instructions to better enable taxpayers to comply with the law."United States. Department of the Treasury2005-04-08
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Report to Congress in Accordance with §361(B) of the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001 (USA PATRIOT ACT) [2003]"Substantial progress has been made in the past year, particularly with respect to streamlining the administration and enforcement of the FBAR [Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts]. In the coming year, Treasury intends to address the remaining tasks and continue making progress in our ongoing projects to improve compliance with the FBAR reporting requirement. Towards that end, we are setting the following specific goals: 1) Emphasize Examination of Offshore Activities - The IRS [Internal Revenue Service] received 1299 applications from taxpayers for the Offshore Voluntary Compliance Initiative (OVCI). Once accepted by the IRS, taxpayers have 150 days to submit complete packages including FBARs, under the provisions of the OVCI. An initial review of the applications by the IRS indicates that approximately 450 applications involve previously unreported foreign bank accounts; 2) Identify Potential Non-Filers of FBARS - Building on the success of the offshore examinations, the IRS will continue to explore new ways of identifying persons who should be filing FBARs; 3) Continue Outreach and Education -- Outreach and educational efforts will continue in fiscal year 2004, based upon the results of initial activities. In addition, coordination with the IRS Off-Shore Credit Card Program will be an area of emphasis to facilitate identification of targeted audiences. Outreach about the filing requirements of Section 103.24 will be reinforced with cogent, consistent messages relative to application of penalties for failure to meet the FBAR filing requirements; 4) Use Input from Filers to Improve Form - IRS will work towards finalizing an improved FBAR to better enable taxpayers to comply with the law."United States. Department of the Treasury2003-04-24
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Putting the Pieces Together: Practical Strategies for Implementing Evidence-Based Practices"This manual describes a generalized process for adopting and implementing principles that underlie evidence-based practice. The evidence-based policies and practices discussed in this manual are derived from high-quality research and have been embraced by criminologists, other social scientists and respected practitioners. The research and the theoretical underpinnings of EBP [evidence-based policy and practice] are described in a companion document, Implementing Evidence-Based Policy and Practice in Community Corrections. This manual is intended to offer a practical guide to their application. The principles and the activities for implementation described in this manual are not intended to squelch creative thinking, enthusiasm or innovation. Your innovations will inspire the hypotheses that lead to fur¬ther research, more effective implementation strategies and perhaps even additional principles. EBP is an evolving body of knowledge and practice. It is less like a roadmap and more like the table of elements many of us studied in high school."National Institute of Corrections (U.S.)2011-03
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Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: Annual Report Fiscal Year 2005"During the past year, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network marked its 15th birthday. In those 15 years, we have been charged with growing responsibility for protecting the nation's financial system from the threats of terrorism and financial crime. Our accomplishments during the past year convince me that we are increasingly realizing our tremendous potential for contributing to the financial and national security of our country and of financial systems around the globe. In our role as Administrator of the Bank Secrecy Act, we took decisive steps toward ensuring more effective and uniform application of this important statute. We developed information-sharing agreements with Federal and state banking agencies that give us more comprehensive data than ever before on Bank Secrecy Act compliance. We also cooperated with regulatory agencies in ways that were not even conceived of a few years ago to promote more uniform examination procedures for compliance with the Bank Secrecy Act, faster and more consistent compliance activities, and joint action in cases of egregious violations of the law. To improve the management of data filed under the Bank Secrecy Act, we developed BSA Direct--a major initiative that will eventually collect, process, store, and disseminate all Bank Secrecy Act data. As the fiscal year ended, we were close to completing the initial phase of the system, which will provide authorized law enforcement and regulatory agencies with easier access to the Bank Secrecy Act data and enhanced ability to query and analyze that data."Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S.)2006-01
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Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: Annual Report Fiscal Year 2007"During fiscal year 2007, FinCEN [Financial Crimes Enforcement Network] saw major accomplishments in all these areas of activity. I am especially proud of our movement toward enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the BSA [Bank Secrecy Act] regulatory framework, a high priority initiative announced by Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson, Jr. at FinCEN in June. For example, we have strengthened our outreach to and communications with our industry partners as a way of ensuring an efficient and effective risk-based regulatory regime, and we have initiated consideration of a new, reorganized chapter in the Code of Federal Regulations so that distinct financial sectors can more easily and efficiently access all the regulations with which they specifically need to comply. In other notable achievements during the year, FinCEN: 1) Published BSA guidance for financial institutions that aimed to improve consistency in the interpretation and application of BSA regulations, and to reduce misperception of excessive regulatory expectations. 2) Delivered complex analytical studies targeted to regulatory authorities and to law enforcement agencies. 3) Developed the vision and strategy outlining our future enterprise-wide business transformation and information technology modernization program. 4) Provided research support for a record number of foreign financial intelligence units engaged in law enforcement activities."Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S.)2008-03
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Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: Annual Report Fiscal Year 2004"This report describes steps we have taken this year to address these challenges. For example, we have: 1) Realigned our organization to reflect our functional priorities, reduced the number of managers to 26, and enhanced our processes for overseeing and assisting our regulatory partners to whom compliance examination responsibilities for the Bank Secrecy Act [BSA] have been delegated. 2) Begun to better use our skilled professionals for complex analysis of financial intelligence, including classified data. 3) Launched a major initiative to make Bank Secrecy Act data and analytical tools available to authorized users through an easy-to-use, secure, web-based program. This initiative, called BSA Direct, will help to assure that we can continue the needs of our law enforcement customers for financial data as our employees move toward more complex analysis. This initiative will also provide the architecture for greatly expanding e-filing of Bank Secrecy Act data. 4) Taken steps to enhance data exchanges with the financial institutions that file Bank Secrecy Act reports, with our regulatory partners, with law enforcement agencies that use that information to track financial crimes, with the intelligence community, and with our counterpart government agencies, known as financial intelligence units, across the globe."Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S.)2005-01
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Financial Crimes Enforcement Network: Annual Report Fiscal Year 2006"The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) seeks to enhance U.S. national security and to make the financial system increasingly resistant to abuse by money launderers, terrorists and their financial supporters, and other perpetrators of crime. In pursuit of these aims, Fin- CEN relies on the expertise of a small but growing staff--now just over 300 employees--as well as on a broad range of collaborative partnerships. As the nation's financial intelligence unit, FinCEN works closely with numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and regulators, as well as with members of our nation's diverse financial sectors. We also play a global leadership role in the Egmont Group of financial intelligence units, collaborate with our counterparts in other countries, and support multi-national bodies seeking to promote global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing measures. FinCEN's Fiscal Year 2006 accomplishments are a testament to both our employees' expertise and our many productive relationships with other agencies. This year, the men and women of FinCEN: 1) Worked hand-in-hand with authorized users of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) data to facilitate greater exploitation of this valuable financial information. For example, we expanded the capacity to broaden the scope of BSA data analysis through new sharing arrangements with several federal law enforcement agencies that use this data in combination with other unique data sets. [...] 2) Supported law enforcement efforts through more than one thousand information exchanges with other members of the Egmont Group of financial intelligence units from around the world. 3) Found innovative ways to analyze the BSA data to support industry, regulatory, and law enforcement needs."Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (U.S.)2007-01
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Gang Prevention: An Overview of Research and Programs"This bulletin presents research on why youth join gangs and how a community can build gang prevention and intervention services. The author summarizes recent literature on gang formation and identifies promising and effective programs for gang prevention. The following are some key findings: 1) Youth join gangs for protection, enjoyment, respect, money, or because a friend is in a gang. 2) Youth are at higher risk of joining a gang if they engage in delinquent behaviors, are aggressive or violent, experience multiple caretaker transitions, have many problems at school, associate with other gang-involved youth, or live in communities where they feel unsafe and where many youth are in trouble. 3) To prevent youth from joining gangs, communities must strengthen families and schools, improve community supervision, train teachers and parents to manage disruptive youth, and teach students interpersonal skills."United States. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency PreventionHowell, James C.2010-12
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Department of Defense Directive 5134.08: Assistant Secretary of Defense for Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Programs (ASD(NCB))"This Directive, consistent with sections 142 138(b)(10) and 138d of title 10, United States Code (Reference (a)), reissues DoD [Department of Defense] Directive (DoDD) 5134.8 (Reference (b)) in accordance with the authority in DoDD 5134.01 (Reference (c)) to update the responsibilities and functions, relationships, and authorities of the ATSD(NCB) ASD(NCB), under the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics (USD(AT&L))."United States. Department of Defense2011-05-12
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Inflation Adjusted Annual Tornado Running TotalThis National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Storm Prediction Center webpage offers interesting graphs showing the annual tornado trends. The webpage also gives an explanation of how tornado trends are calculated.United States. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
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Staging for Hostile incidents: Evaluating Effectiveness of the Staging Policy for Firefighter Safety"In November 1998, an applied research project was completed by this author in response to the perceptible increase in violence and hostility that firefighters in Clackamas County, Oregon, were facing. It had been noted that many 'close calls' had taken place as firefighters responded to emergency incidents. Among those incidents were examples of direct threats and assaults upon Clackamas County Fire District #1 fire personnel while performing their jobs. As a result of the predecessor applied research project, titled Responders at Risk: Surviving Violence in the Streets, a policy was developed for Clackamas County Fire District #1 in an attempt to increase the level of safety for firefighters in violent situations. Implemented in December 1998, the policy, Staging: Known/Unknown Hostile Incidents, has now been in effect for approximately one year. The previous applied research project focused upon the problem that hostility and violence in the field led to the compromise of firefighter safety. The problem for this applied research is that firefighter safety continues to be compromised in hostile and violent situations. The purpose for this applied research project was to follow up on its predecessor research and, specifically, to evaluate the effectiveness of the Staging: Known/Unknown Hostile Incidents policy for providing a reasonable margin of firefighter safety. The evaluative research method was used in answering the following three research questions: 1. What is the level of compliance with the Standard Operating Guideline (SOG) titled Staging: Known/Unknown Hostile Incidents? 2. How are other like-sized Portland metropolitan area fire agencies protecting their firefighters in similar situations? 3. What, if any, modifications could be made to increase effectiveness of the SOG?"National Fire AcademySmith, Jonathan S.1999-12
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Slow Degradation: The Erosion of a Fire District's Budget"Fire agencies across the nation are experiencing an increasing trend...loss of revenues, increasing mandates and dwindling numbers of volunteer firefighters. In rural fire agencies in the State of California the problem is obvious. With changing demographics in the rural communities and a legislative system that has a tendency to disregard the smaller rural agencies, the problem was becoming critical. For Georgetown (CA) Fire Protection District, the problems needed to be visited and addressed. The purpose of this research project was to determine if the voters of the District would approve a tax increase, if so, how much and solicit their opinions on the existing levels of service. In addition, the report reviews the issue of volunteerism and associated incentives. This project utilized evaluative research with descriptive research as a tool to gather opinions of the sampled population. For an informed decision to be made, four research questions were developed: 1. Determine how much additional funding would be feasible and what service level would be improved. 2. Determine via a survey of taxpayers and/or voters if such a tax increase would likely be supported. 3. Determine what steps are necessary in order to have a successful ballot measure. 4. Review volunteer incentives currently being provided by the District."National Fire AcademyTodd, Jon Richard1999-11
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Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Remarks to the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee [June 2, 2011]"Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today visited the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to address the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC)--highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Obama administration, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the NSTAC to safeguard the nation's cybersecurity and critical infrastructure."United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office2011-06-02
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Union and Its Effectiveness Within the Durham Fire Department"In 1998 members of the City of Durham Fire Department were faced with the decision of whether to maintain the Durham Firefighter's Association (DFFA) or unite with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). This sparked immediate controversy because North Carolina is a 'right to work' state. (NRTW 1999) The decision was ultimately made to unite with the IAFF. Feelings of skepticism, uncertainty and apprehension accompanied this newly formed partnership. The problem that stemmed from members within the Durham Fire Department's rank and file who were doubtful of the effectiveness of the union's representation. However, there were members of the fire department who were optimistic and hopeful that the IAFF representation could provide a stronger more adequate voice and help forge them into a more unified, organized group. The purpose of this research project is to evaluate the effectiveness of the IAFF representation within the rank and file of the Durham Fire Department (DFD). The research project employed an evaluative research methodology to answer the following research questions: 1. Which areas would you prefer the union representatives give their time and attention to (multiple choice answers provided on sample survey). 2. Do you feel that the union's influence and representation is adequate? 3. Are you aware of the difference between a 'collective or collaborative bargaining state' versus a 'right to work state'? On August 30, 1999, two hundred fifty-five (255) surveys were distributed to all personnel assigned to Fire Prevention and the Operations Division. One hundred forty-two (142) surveys were returned by the September 30, 1999 due date."National Fire AcademyPagan, Bruce T.1999-12
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Apparatus Replacement: Risk Reduction Through Replacement Options"Concerns over equipment replacement costs, safety issues with out of service equipment that is in need of repair and the issue of replacing apparatus on a timely basis has prompted this report. The Lincoln Fire Department needs to study the possibility of different options of financing the purchase of apparatus replacement. One problem that stands out is the repair of aging equipment that has put pressure on the maintenance budget. The early depletion of the maintenance budget has taken place several times in the last few years. The need to have front line response equipment in service is a concern. Breakdowns of equipment occur frequently. These breakdowns can cause the use of older reserve equipment. The reserve units are older with less capability which can put the community at risk for response times. The purpose of this research was to evaluate ideas and information on what options are available to increase apparatus replacement. This study used an action research methodology. The research questions that were answered were: 1. What factors influence the present fire apparatus purchase plan? 2. What records show increase costs to the Lincoln Fire Department? 3. How are some fire departments handling apparatus purchasing? 4. What plans exist for the purchasing or leasing of fire apparatus? "National Fire AcademyEdwards, Larry L.1999-11
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Setting Wildland Dispatch Levels"The amount and types of equipment that the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) dispatches to a wildland fire is based on the fire danger at the time. CDF is not consistent in the way fire danger is measured and therefore may be sending too much equipment in some cases and too little in others. The problem addressed by this research paper was that the method the CDF dispatch center in the Amador El Dorado Ranger Unit used to set dispatch levels may not have been adequate. The purpose of this paper was to determine if there was a better way for the ranger unit to establish dispatch levels based on a truer assessment of fire danger. Historical, descriptive, and evaluative research methodologies were used to answer the following research questions: 1. What tools were available for use in determining where changes in dispatch levels should be made? 2. What does fire report data show regarding the amount of equipment dispatched to fires in the Amador El Dorado Ranger Unit? 3. Is there a need to modify the existing practice of setting dispatch levels in the Amador El Dorado Ranger Unit? The procedures used included a review of the literature and extensive analysis of historical fire and weather records. Additionally, fire reports were analyzed to evaluate the amount of equipment used on fires. The literature review provided a significant amount of information about fire danger rating."National Fire AcademyGossner, Jody1999-12
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Analysis of the Change Readiness of Chesterfield Fire Department Officers"The Chesterfield County, Virginia Fire Department is in the midst of tremendous change. After having one fire chief for the first thirty years of its existence, the Department has changed Fire Chiefs for the second time in the last two years. Over the next five to seven years the Department could potentially lose approximately ninety career members to length-of-service retirements, the first large scale turnover for an organization that has only had a few such retirements to date. Many of these retirees will be officers throughout the ranks, many who have been with the Department since its formative years. The purpose of this research project was to identify factors that influence an organization's ability to deal with change, its change readiness, and to recommend how Chesterfield Fire Department can enhance its change readiness. This study used the historical, descriptive, and evaluative methodologies to answer the following research questions: 1. What are the organizational characteristics of an organization that is change ready? 2. What are individual characteristics that make an individual more change ready? 3. How do the current officers of the Chesterfield Fire Department assess their individual change readiness? 4. What training currently exists in the Chesterfield Fire Department to develop fire officers as leaders in a change ready environment? This research used a survey to assess the attitudes of officers and division heads within the Department regarding their change readiness. The survey used questions to evaluate their levels of passion, resourcefulness, adventurousness, optimism, confidence, and tolerance for ambiguity."National Fire AcademyAvsec, Robert P.1999-01