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DHS Components Have Not Fully Complied with the Department's Guidelines for Implementing the Lautenberg Amendment

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From the Document: "In 1996, Congress amended the 'Gun Control Act of 1968' (Lautenberg Amendment) to prohibit individuals convicted of misdemeanor crimes of domestic violence from possessing firearms. [...] U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Secret Service (Secret Service), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have not fully complied with DHS' guidelines for implementing the Lautenberg Amendment. To illustrate, CBP and Secret Service did not ensure law enforcement officers completed annual Lautenberg Amendment certifications as required. CBP and ICE also did not use available resources to monitor the arrests and convictions of law enforcement officers subject to the Lautenberg Amendment. None of the four components provided domestic violence awareness training to law enforcement officers as required by the implementing guidelines. The DHS Office of Strategy, Policy, and Plans should ensure components are uniformly applying and enforcing the Department's guidelines for implementing the Lautenberg Amendment."

United States. Department of Homeland Security. Office of Inspector General

2020-11-13
Conflicts and COVID-19: US Election Interference and More Cyber Security Strategy [audio]

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From the Description: "In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, Lisa Sharland speaks to Rob Malley, President and CEO [Chief Operating Officer] of International Crisis Group, about conflicts during Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] and prospects for peace in Afghanistan. They also discuss Crisis Group's annual '10 Conflicts to Watch', including what's changed since the last edition, and what might feature in the next edition later this year. The Strategist's Brendan Nicholson and Anastasia Kapetas discuss the recently released US Senate Intelligence Committee Report on Russian Interference in the 2016 Election and foreign interference in the US. (Hint - there was plenty) Finally, Tom Uren and John Coyne continue the conversation on Australia's Cyber Security Strategy 2020, where it falls short, and the challenges for policing cyber criminals."

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

2020-08-20
Politics and Covid-19 in Timor-Leste, Protests in Hong Kong and USA, Police Reform in the USA [audio]

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From the Audio Description: "In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money, ASPI [Australian Strategic Policy Institute] researcher Genevieve Feely speaks to Robert Baird, English Editor at Tatoli News, about recent political developments in Timor-Leste, including the challenge of a failed state budget, and the country's Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] response. Senior Analyst Kelsey Munro speaks to the Director of ASPI's Defence, Strategy and National Security Program, Michael Shoebridge about the protests in Hong Kong and the United States, the parallels and differences between the two protests and what this means in the context of the global contest between authoritarianism and democracy. And Leanne Close, head of ASPI's Counter-terrorism Program, speaks to Steven Casstevens, President of the International Association of the Chiefs of Police about police reform in the United States in light of the current protests and how the systemic issues can be addressed to rebuild trust and support between police and their communities." The duration of this audio is 40 minutes and 17 seconds.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

2020-06-11
US-China Relationship, and Atrocities & Climate Impacts in the Time of Covid-19 [audio]

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From the Audio Description: "In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money Kelsey Munro, ASPI [Australian Strategic Policy Institute] Senior Analyst, speaks to Charles Edel, Senior Fellow at the United States Studies Centre at the University of Sydney, about the current tensions between Australia and China and the US-China relationship in the Covid [coronavirus disease] era. Then, ASPI Researcher Geneveieve Feely speaks to Nikki Marczak from the University of Queensland's Asia Pacific Centre for The Responsibility to Protect about the impact of Covid-19 in conflict-affected areas and the risk of atrocity crimes. Finally, research interns Alexandra Pascoe, Albert Zhang and Hal Crichton-Standish talk about climate change and Covid-19 and how the crisis provides an opportunity for climate action going forward." The duration of this audio is 39 minutes and 33 seconds.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

2020-05-14
COVID-19 in Indonesia and the Pacific: Tips on Surviving Isolation [audio]

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From the Webpage: "In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money, Lisa Sharland, head of ASPI's [Australian Strategic Policy Institute] International Program speaks to Dr Anna Powles, senior lecturer in security studies at Massey University for an update on the impact of Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] on the Pacific. Kelly Smith catches up with Colonel Ned Holt, ASPI's US Army War College Fellow to get some tips on looking after yourself while in isolation in difficult circumstances. Dr Huong Le Thu, Senior Analyst at ASPI speaks with Dr Donald Greenlees of Melbourne Universities Asialink on the impact Covid-19 is having in Indonesia."

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

2020-04-17?
Economic Activity and the Value of Medical Innovation During a Pandemic

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From the Executive Summary: "We are currently fighting a war against the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] virus. The war presents an obvious and massive tradeoff between 'guns' - activities whose primary purpose is war production - and 'butter,' which refers to the normal activities of households and businesses. Without any improvement in our techniques for fighting the war, the sacrifices by households and businesses will be staggering and historically unprecedented. This document enumerates and quantifies the sacrifices, showing why 'negative 60 percent' is an optimistic projection for the annualized growth rate of U.S. GDP [gross domestic product] in 2020 Q2 [quarter 2] if the nonessential businesses were not allowed to operate during that quarter. The lost surplus from market activity, while massive, nonetheless understates the true costs of the sacrifices that households and businesses are making, which I estimate to total almost $15,000 per household per quarter before counting any health costs or monetizing any intrinsic costs of forgone civil liberties. This is why better techniques for fighting the war are incredibly valuable. Medical innovation can reduce the intensity and duration of the war, yet Federal policy continues to be a major barrier to that innovation."

Becker Friedman Institute for Research in Economics

Mulligan, Casey B.

2020-04-16
COVID-19 the Corona Virus [audio]

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From the Website: "In this episode of Policy, Guns & Money we look at COVID-19, the Corona Virus. We speak with three prominent experts to help understand the current situation and consider where we are heading. You'll hear from Professor Raina MacIntyre, Professor of Global Biosecurity at the University of New South Wales. Professor MacIntyre heads the Biosecurity Program at the Kirby Institute, which conducts research in epidemiology, vaccinology, bioterrorism prevention, mathematical modelling, genetic epidemiology, public health and clinical trials in infectious diseases. We also speak with Dr Robert Glasser, Visiting Fellow at ASPI [Australian Strategic Policy Institute] and former head of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR). Finally, we speak with Dr Anna Powles, Senior Lecturer in Security Studies at Massey University on the impact of the virus on the South Pacific." The duration of this audio is 40 minutes and 59 seconds.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

2020-04
Islamic Law, Covid-19 and Middle Eastern Affairs [audio]

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From the Website: "We bring you three great conversations in this episode of Policy, Guns and Money. First, Brendan Nicholson speaks with Dr Ahmed Al-Dawoody, Legal Adviser for Islamic law and jurisprudence at the ICRC [International Committee of the Red Cross] (0:35). We then move on to a discussion of censorship and state media relating to Covid-19 [coronavirus disease 2019], the Corona virus between Fergus Ryan and Elise Thomas of the ASPI [Australian Strategic Policy Institute] International Cyber Policy Centre (11:55). We close with ASPI Executive Director Peter Jennings in discussion with Mr Ehud Yaari, an Israel-based international fellow of The Washington Institute and guest of the Australian/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council on recent Middle East events (23:25)." The duration of this audio is 41 minutes and 44 seconds.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

2020-03
WPS and Regional Security, Analysing Disinformation Online and Healthcare Cyber Security [podcast]

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From the Description: "In this episode of Policy, Guns and Money ASPI's [Australian Strategic Policy Institute] Head of the International Program, Lisa Sharland speaks to experienced human rights and women's rights advocate, Louise Allen about her recent ASPI publication 'Australia's implementation of women, peace and security: Promoting regional security'. [...] Renee DiResta, Technical Research Manager at Stanford Internet Observatory, talks with ICPC's [International Cyber Policy Centre] Elise Thomas about misinformation and malign narratives across social networks, focusing on the trends the world is witnessing throughout the COVID-19 [coronavirus disease 2019] pandemic. Finally, we hear from ICPC's Tom Uren and Jocelinn Kang who discuss how cyber criminals are exploiting COVID-19 to carry out cyber-attacks on hospitals." The duration of this podcast is 36 minutes and 58 seconds.

Australian Strategic Policy Institute

2020?
U.S. Gun Policy: Framework and Major Issues [December 3, 2018]

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"Federal firearms regulation has been a subject of continuous interest for legislators. In recent Congresses, a range of proposals has been introduced, with some seeking to ease various federal firearms restrictions or facilitate reciprocity in state treatment of persons authorized to carry a firearm by another state. Other proposals have sought greater restrictions on the federal rules concerning the possession, transfer or sale of firearms,or the expansion of background checks for firearm purchases. These various approaches, in turn, prompt debate about not only their pros and cons but also their legalities, as Congress's ability to legislate on such matters must comport with the Second Amendment and other constitutional constraints."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Peck, Sarah Herman; Krouse, William J.

2018-12-03
Emerging External Influences in the Western Hemisphere, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues of the Committee on Foreign Relations, U.S. Senate, One Hundred Fifteenth Congress, First Session, May 10, 2017

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This testimony compilation is from the May 10, 2017 hearing on "Emerging External Influences in the Western Hemisphere," before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Transnational Crime, Civilian Security, Democracy, Human Rights, and Global Women's Issues of the Committee on Foreign Relations. From the opening statement of Dr. Ottolenghi: "Across the Western Hemisphere, Islamic terror networks are expanding their influence by increasingly cooperating with violent drug cartels, often with the assistance of corrupt political elites. This toxic nexus is fueling both the rising threat of global jihadism and the collapse of law and order across Latin America that is helping to drive drugs and people northward into the United States. Developing a strategy to combat this growing risk to the American homeland needs to be a U.S. policy priority. One of its primary targets should be Iran's most deadly proxy, the Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah. Thanks to a vast network of support in key areas of Latin America, Hezbollah plays a central role in a new landscape where drug and human trafficking, gun running, illicit cigarette trade, trade-based money laundering, and terror financing can no longer be treated as distinct phenomena. [...] Iran's and Hezbollah's operations in Latin America thus intersect and mutually reinforce one another. Both pursue goals that are not only diametrically opposed to U.S. interests but also clearly pose a direct threat to American national security." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Dr. Emanuele Ottolenghi and Eric Farnsworth.

United States. Congress. Senate. Committee on Foreign Relations

2017-05-10
Analysis of a Multi-disciplinary Approach to Gun Misuse and the Need for a Paradigm Shift in Terminology

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From the thesis abstract: "The threat of gun misuse occurs against the backdrop of historical, cultural, and legal perspectives within which guns are immersed. This thesis explores the potential for collaboration among the medical, legal, and homeland security disciplines when confronting a commonly held threat, such as gun misuse. Currently, each discipline has a unique and sometimes conflicting definitional view of what the term 'gun control' actually means, as well as how it is to be operationally approached. What emerges within this thesis is the position that 'gun control' is not even the correct term to use and should be avoided when addressing issues involving gun misuse. Rather, the use of the term 'gun misuse prevention' appears to be more appropriate. Such a shift in perspective is not only more consistent with the gun misuse data presented, but also serves to dampen the polarization imposed by the use of the term 'control.' Further, it provides a clearer path for stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to approach and make recommendations when confronting the issue of gun misuse that includes legislative, policy, and technological approaches. This type of approach may pave the way for addressing other issues of common interdisciplinary concern."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Arnold, Damon T.

2016-12
Firearms Data: ATF Did Not Always Comply with the Appropriations Act Restriction and Should Better Adhere to Its Policies, Report to Congressional Requesters

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From the highlights section in the document: "ATF [United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms] is responsible for enforcing certain criminal statutes related to firearms, and must balance its role in combatting the illegal use of firearms with protecting the privacy rights of law-abiding gun owners. As part of this balance, FFLs [Federal Firearms License] are required to maintain firearms transaction records, while ATF has the statutory authority to obtain these records under certain circumstances. ATF must also comply with an appropriations act provision that restricts the agency from using appropriated funds to consolidate or centralize FFL records. GAO [Government Accountability Office] was asked to review ATF's compliance with this restriction. This report (1) identifies the ATF data systems that contain retail firearms purchaser data and (2) determines whether selected ATF data systems comply with the appropriations act restriction and adhere to ATF policies. GAO reviewed ATF policy and program documents, observed use of data systems at NTC [National Tracing Center], reviewed a generalizable sample of one system's records, and interviewed ATF officials at headquarters and NTC. GAO recommends that ATF provide guidance to FFLs participating in A2K [Access 2000] on the provision of records to ATF when they go out of business; align system capability with ATF policy to limit access to FRNP [Firearm Recovery Notification Program] firearms purchaser information for ATF agents; and align timing and ATF policy for deleting MS [Multiple Sales] records. ATF concurred with our recommendations."

United States. Government Accountability Office

2016-06-30
Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Armed to Learn: Aiming at California K-12 School Gun Policy [video]

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"Although the idea of a school shooting strikes fear in the hearts of school administrators, school employees, and parents, there is no agreement on whether arming employees is a sound strategy to counter this threat. There is a wide gap in viewpoints between gun control advocates who want tighter gun control and constitutionalists who believe as strongly in the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Whether or not to implement a weapons policy is an issue every school superintendent or school authority may need to face sooner or later. In this Viewpoints video, Catherine Jones, Director of Risk Management Services for the Kern County CA Superintendent of Schools Office, discusses her Master's thesis, entitled, 'Armed to Learn: Aiming at California K-12 School Gun Policy.' This research does not seek to answer the question of whether school districts should arm their employees, but rather it seeks to provide a framework for each educational agency to explore, contemplate, and determine its course of action based upon risk management principles that take into account the values, goals, and capabilities of the community in which the policy would apply. Possible outcomes include the policy options of MoreGuns (allow teachers to be armed), BanGuns (no one is armed), or SomeGuns (trained security or law enforcement can be armed but not teachers). This research is intended to stand as a resource for stakeholders, such as legislators, parents, and employees, to equip them to engage in the policy debate and to empower their participation in making informed decisions about school district weapons policy."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Jones, Catherine Wilson

2016-04-25
Armed to Learn: Aiming at California K-12 School Gun Policy

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From the thesis abstract: "Although the idea of a school shooting strikes fear in the hearts of school administrators, school employees, and parents, there is no agreement on whether arming employees is a sound strategy to counter this threat. There is a wide gap in viewpoints between gun control advocates who want tighter gun control and constitutionalists who believe as strongly in the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Whether or not to implement a weapons policy is an issue every school superintendent or school authority may need to face sooner or later. This research does not seek to answer the question of whether school districts should arm their employees. Rather, it seeks to provide a framework for each educational agency to explore, contemplate, and determine its course of action based upon risk-management principles that take into account the values, goals, and capabilities of the community in which the policy would apply. Possible outcomes include the policy options of MoreGuns (allow teachers to be armed), BanGuns (no one is armed), or SomeGuns (trained security or law enforcement can be armed but not teachers). This research is intended to stand as a resource for stakeholders such as legislators, parents, and employees; to equip them to engage in the policy debate; and to empower their participation in making informed decisions about school-district weapons policy."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.); Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Jones, Catherine Wilson

2016-03
Review of the Department of Justice's and ATF's Implementation of Recommendations Contained in the OIG's Report on Operations Fast and Furious and Wide Receiver

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"In September 2012, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) issued a 471-page report that described the findings of our review of two Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) firearms trafficking investigations, one code named 'Operation Fast and Furious' and the other 'Operation Wide Receiver.' Our review identified serious management flaws in both investigations and we made six recommendations to address the deficiencies we found. We requested that the Department of Justice (Department or DOJ) examine ATF's law enforcement policies to ensure that they comply with the Department's guidelines and policies, and evaluate the sufficiency of ATF's case review procedures for matters that present heightened risk to the public or agents. We also believed that ATF should institute training; we requested the Department work with ATF to develop guidance on how agents should investigate gun trafficking organizations. [...] In this follow-up review we evaluated the Department's efforts to implement our recommendations. We determined that four of the six recommendations can be closed. The two remaining recommendations have been resolved, but additional work needs to be completed in order for them to be closed."

United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General

2016-02
Kelly Report 2014: Gun Violence in America

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"Every day in America, we navigate the threat of gun violence. This threat permeates all corners of our country, from street corners to cul-de-sacs, shattering our sense of security and insidiously altering how we live. Since I've been in Congress, I've heard countless stories of unbearable loss brought on by the pull of a trigger. Young women killed in acts of domestic violence. Teenagers gunned down coming out of school basketball games. A 6-year-old shot and killed as her mother braided her hair on their front porch--a shooting that made some parents question whether it was safe to let their children out of the house at all. […] The Kelly Report on Gun Violence is about creating a better, safer America. This report--the first collaboration of its kind between Members of Congress, gun safety advocates, and the public health and academic communities--is an anthology of analyses of the gun violence crisis by federal, state, and local stakeholders and gun reform advocates. This report defines the nature of gun violence in America, while providing a framework for improving the status quo through a comprehensive set of legislative and public policy recommendations. It is a multi-faceted approach to gun violence prevention, one that includes ideas for ground-level social supports to help build safer communities. The Kelly Report offers a reasonable and feasible way forward in reducing gun violence in our country."

Office of Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly

Kelly, Robin L.

2014
Open Government Partnership: Second Open Governement National Action Plan for the United States of America

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"'In support of these principles domestically, the Obama Administration in 2011 launched the first U.S. Open Government National Action Plan (NAP) -- a set of 26 commitments that have increased public integrity, enhanced public access to information, improved management of public resources, and given the public a more active voice in the U.S. Government's policymaking process. The Administration continues to make progress in all 26 areas, with 24 of the initial commitments already completed. A notable example of the progress made since the release of the first NAP is the successful launch of 'We the People,' the White House petitions platform that gives Americans a direct line to voice their concerns to the Administration via online petitions. In two years, more than 10 million users have generated over 270,000 petitions on a diverse range of topics , including gun violence , which received a video response from the President, and unlocking cell phones for use across provider networks, which led directly to policy action. […] This document will serve as a roadmap for the next two years as the Administration work s in partnership with the public and civil society organizations to carry forth these Open Government efforts. This report, however, is not representative of all U.S. Government efforts to further openness. The process of opening government is a continuing work-in-progress. Under the President's leadership, the Administration will continue to generate and implement Open Government policies and reforms, as well as continue to seek input from outside groups and citizens about how to create a more Open Government."

United States. White House Office

2013-12-03
Review of ATF's Actions in Revoking the Federal Firearms License of Guns & Ammo

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"In response to a congressional request, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) examined whether the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) followed its administrative action policy throughout the revocation process in a case involving a Federal Firearm Licensee (FFL), Ralph Weaver doing business as Guns & Ammo. ATF's administrative action policy in effect at the time of the Guns & Ammo case, the Federal Firearms Administrative Action Policy and Procedures (ATF Order 5370.1A, October 30, 2009), provided that an FFL's license could be revoked if the FFL had a history of similar, repeated violations. ATF inspected Guns & Ammo in November 2009 and found firearms violations that could have warranted a proposal of revocation pursuant to ATF policy. In his inspection report, however, the ATF Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) recommended an alternative to revocation that included a warning conference and future recall inspection. The IOI noted, among other things, that this was the licensee's first ATF inspection since April 1998, that the licensee's understanding of the 'Gun Control Act of 1968' was wrong, and that a complete and detailed closing was conducted with the licensee instructing him on how to bring his firearm business up to date and in full compliance with the 'Gun Control Act'."

United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General

2013-09
National Institute of Justice Research Report: Review of Gun Safety Technologies

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"When such an issue with deep and powerful cultural resonance as firearms is given the full attention of the nation, the challenges involved with confronting the complex interconnectedness of law, public safety, Constitutional rights, policy, technology, market forces, and other concerns seem only amplified. With careful consideration, however, untangling the various components of the issue is possible, and an investigation of technology can be accomplished with minimal diversion into the other realms. This report examines existing and emerging gun safety technologies and their availability and use to provide a comprehensive perspective on firearms with integrated advanced safety technologies. These firearms are known by various terms such as smart guns, user-authorized handguns, childproof guns, and personalized firearms. A 'personalized firearm' can be understood to utilize integrated components that exclusively permit an 'authorized user' or set of users to operate or fire the gun and automatically 'deactivate' it under a set of specific circumstances, reducing the chances of accidental or purposeful use by an 'unauthorized user'."

National Institute of Justice (U.S.)

Greene, Mark

2013-06
Viewpoints in Homeland Defense and Security: Thesis Series: Preventing School Shootings: A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence [video]

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From the webpage description: "Gun violence in America must be addressed at the highest levels of society. Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech were attacks on the very fabric of America. School Shootings represent attacks on our nations' future. A public health approach to gun violence focuses on prevention. Public safety professionals, educators and community leaders are squandering opportunities to prevent horrific acts of extreme violence. Preparedness is derived by planning, which is critical to mobilizing resources when needed, Rational public policy can work. Sensible gun legislation, which is accessible through a public health approach to gun violence, neither marginalizes nor stigmatizes any one group."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security

Welch, Edward J.

2013-05-14
Public Mass Shootings in the United States: Selected Implications for Federal Public Health and Safety Policy [April 16, 2013]

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"This report focuses on mass shootings and selected implications they have for federal policy in the areas of public health and safety. While such crimes most directly impact particular citizens in very specific communities, addressing these violent episodes involves officials at all levels of government and professionals from numerous disciplines. […] This report does not discuss gun control policies and does not systematically address the broader issue of gun violence, which can include topics such as gun-related suicide and a wide variety of gun-related crimes. Also, it is not intended as an exhaustive review of federal programs addressing the issue of mass shootings."

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Bjelopera, Jerome P.; Bagalman, Erin; Finklea, Kristin M. . . .

2013-04-16
Oversight Hearing - National Science Foundation and Youth Violence Research: Hearing Before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, First Session, March 19, 2013

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This testimony compilation is from the March 19, 2013 hearing, "Oversight Hearing - National Science Foundation and Youth Violence Research," before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies. From the opening statement of Brad J. Bushman: "Chairman Wolf, Ranking Member Fattah, and distinguished Members of the Subcommittee, my name is Brad J. Bushman. I am a professor of communication, a professor of psychology, and the endowed chair of mass communication at The Ohio State University. In the summer, I am a professor of communication science at the Vrije Universiteit (Free University), Amsterdam, the Netherlands. I have been doing research on the causes of aggressive and violent behavior for almost 30 years. I have published over 130 articles in peer-reviewed journals, including in the top scientific journals such as Science and Nature. I have conducted over 50 studies on violent media effects. In the wake of the Newtown shooting, Chairman Wolf asked the National Science Foundation (NSF) to find out what researchers know and don't know about the connection between exposure to media violence and youth violence, and other factors that contribute to these devastating event s. NSF approached Katherine Newman, Dean of the Arts and Sciences at Johns Hopkins and an expert in rampage shootings, and I to assemble a committee with relevant expertise (e.g., communication, law, sociology, computer science, adolescent development, natural language analysis, gun policy, data analysis) to address this urgent and important topic. The committee gathered at NSF headquarters on February 1st and 2nd to write a report titled 'Youth violence: What we need to know.' My purpose today is to summarize the results from that report." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Subra Suresh and Brad J. Bushman.

United States. Congress. House. Committee on Appropriations

2013-03-19
Preventing School Shootings: A Public Health Approach to Gun Violence

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From the thesis abstract: "Gun violence in America must be addressed at the highest levels of society. Newtown, Aurora, and Virginia Tech were attacks on the very fabric of America. School shootings represent attacks on our nations' future. A public health approach to gun violence focuses on prevention. Public safety professionals, educators and community leaders are squandering opportunities to prevent horrific acts of extreme violence. Preparedness is derived by planning, which is critical to mobilizing resources when needed. Rational public policy can work. Sensible gun legislation, which is accessible through a public health approach to gun violence, neither marginalizes nor stigmatizes any one group. University administrators must fully engage the entire arsenal of resources available to confront this pernicious threat. The academic community can create powerful networks for research, collaboration and information sharing. These collective learning environments are investments in the knowledge economy. In order for the police to remain relevant, they must actively engage the community they serve by developing the operational art necessary to cultivate knowledge, relationships and expertise. Police departments must emphasize strategies that improve performance. Police officers must understand the mission and meaning of 'To Protect and Serve' and the consequences of public safety, which often comes at their personal peril. Gun violence in America is a public health epidemic and preventing it requires a collective responsibility."

Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)

Welch, Edward J.

2013-03
Preventing Gun Violence While Protecting Gun Rights: CRS Experts [January 17, 2013]

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"The following table provides names and contact information for CRS [Congressional Research Service] experts on policy issues related to preventing gun violence while protecting gun rights. In the wake of the Newtown, CT, shootings, several gun control issues are likely to be debated. They are likely to include universal background checks, a ban or greater regulation of certain semiautomatic firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices (sometimes referred to as 'military-style' or 'military grade' firearms, or 'assault weapons'), strengthening background checks, improving firearm trace databases, and repealing limitations on certain firearms-related data maintained by the federal government. For a complete list of CRS products on gun violence prevention and gun control, see the CRS Issues in Focus webpage, 'Regulation of Firearms.'"

Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Krouse, William J.

2013-01-17
Solutions for Safer Communities: FY 2011 Annual Report to Congress

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"The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) strengthens the nation's criminal justice system and helps America's local, state, and tribal governments reduce and prevent crime and violence. In fiscal year (FY) 2011, BJA focused its programmatic and policy efforts on providing a wide range of resources to law enforcement, courts, corrections, treatment, justice information sharing, and community-based partners to address emerging and chronic crime challenges nationwide. BJA delivers resources to state, local, and tribal communities and justice agencies with an emphasis on partnerships and promoting data-driven and evidence-based practices and policies to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the justice system. At the same time, BJA encourages innovation and testing of new strategies to meet the unique needs of the communities it serves. In FY 2011, BJA focused on several key justice priorities facing America's communities. These priorities addressed the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ's) strategic goals and objectives and included: [1] Improving state and local efforts to reduce and prevent violent crime--including gang, gun, and drug crime-- through data-driven and evidence-based strategies. [2] Addressing economic and financial crime, including mortgage fraud and intellectual property crime. [3] Supporting state and local law enforcement in identifying and preventing terrorist incidents. [4] Promoting interoperability and information sharing to improve the ability of state and local law enforcement and justice agencies to share criminal intelligence, while ensuring respect for privacy rights and civil liberties. [5] Ensuring fairness and access to justice by improving the capacity of America's courts. [6] Supporting smart and effective approaches to offender reentry and justice reinvestment. [7] Helping improve the functioning of criminal justice systems in tribal communities."

United States. Bureau of Justice Assistance

2012?
Department of Defense Instruction 6400.06: Domestic Abuse Involving DoD Military and Certain Affiliated Personnel, August 21, 2007 [Incorporating Change 1, September 20, 2011]

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Purpose of this Instruction: "Pursuant to Reference (a), this Instruction: 1.1. Establishes, implements, and updates domestic abuse policies; identifies and assigns responsibilities for preventing and responding to domestic abuse; replaces and cancels References (b) through (d) and Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) Memorandum, 'Policy for Implementation of Domestic Violence Misdemeanor Amendment to the Gun Control Act for Civilian Personnel' (Reference (e)); Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness (USD(P&R)) Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate Program' (Reference (f)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Military Protective Orders (MPOs)' (Reference (g)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Implementation of the Armed Forces Domestic Security Act,' (Reference (h)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Establishing Domestic Violence Memoranda of Understanding Between Military and Local Civilian Officials,' (Reference (i); Principal Deputy USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Violence Prosecution Training,' (Reference (j)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Training for Chaplains,' (Reference (k)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Response and Intervention Training for Commanding Officers and Senior Enlisted Personnel,' (Reference (l)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Establishing Protocols for Law Enforcement and Command Responses to Domestic Violence Involving Military Members on Active Duty,' (Reference (m)); USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Domestic Abuse Identification and Assessment Training for Health Care Providers,' (Reference (n)); and USD(P&R) Policy Memorandum, 'Restricted Reporting Policy for Incidents of Domestic Abuse' (Reference (o))."

United States. Department of Defense

2011-09-20
Assessing Chinese Intentions for the Military Use of the Space Domain

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From the thesis abstract: "The continuing rise of Chinese political and military power has made Americans suspicious of China's intentions in the space domain. For many in the American defense community, the 2007 Anti-Satellite (ASAT) test was the smoking gun that proved China's ultimate desire to challenge American space dominance. Other experts, however, have proposed a more benign intent behind such actions, leading to vigorous debates over Chinese motives and the appropriate American responses. How can American policymakers decipher Chinese intentions for space to craft sound defense policy? This monograph proposes that to understand Chinese intentions, it is necessary to examine the current schools of military thought vying for influence within China's policymaking apparatus. […] The three schools of thought are broadly categorized as the People's War school, Local War school, and Revolution of Military Affairs school. In theory, each school will support the development of distinctive technology, doctrine, and organization of the military. These developments will produce capabilities that inform the strategic posture of China vis-à-vis its potential adversaries. Each school of thought will also be concerned about the domestic impact of military space policy to different degrees. The monograph analyzes China's military space policy by using these criteria of 'strategic military posture' and 'societal impact.' The examination of two Chinese space programs, the Anti-Satellite program and the manned space program, shows the dominant influence of the Local War school of thought. This informs the nature of Chinese intentions for the military use of space and possible ramifications for the American military."

U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. School of Advanced Military Studies

Oh, Paul S.

2011-05-19?
Closest Alligator to the Boat: Mexico's Drug-Fueled Violence

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From the thesis abstract: "Mexico's drug-fueled and undeclared war is spiraling out of control, and has a real and growing ability to threaten the Mexican government and affect the American southwest. There have been many Americans killed as a result of this heated conflict, yet the policies that should protect American interests are not doing enough to either minimize the effects of this war on the United States or stop the fight altogether. The drug cartels involved are starting to resemble a paramilitary insurgency, using beheadings, Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED) and Special Forces type raids. The Mexican government seems underequipped to do anything about this fight and it routinely gives the appearance that it is out gunned and out maneuvered. These new tactics, coupled with the cartels' transnational ties to the Columbian FARC [Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (Spanish: Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo)], Venezuela, and other U.S. adversaries, pose a credible and strategic threat to the United States. The latest developments in this fight, along with convincing intelligence that our enemies have the ability to open an irregular warfare front on our southern border, demand the United States' full attention in changing the war to our south."

Army War College (U.S.)

Ardese, Tray J.

2011
Geopolitical Implications of Rising Oil Dependence and Global Warming, Hearing Before the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, House of Representatives, One Hundred Tenth Congress, First Session, April 18, 2007

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From the opening statement of Edward J. Markey: "Our energy policy has compromised our economic freedom, and the American people want action because they know that the price has become much too high. We know that we cannot simply drill our way to energy independence. [...] I have introduced a bill, H.R. 1506, which would require the combined car and light truck fleet to achieve 35 miles per gallon by 2018, which amounts to an average of 4 percent per year improvement, an increase that is mandatory over this first 10 years by ensuring that fuel economy standards keep pace with technological development. By 2022, it would be an increase to 40 miles per gallon. [...] At the beginning of February, the world's top scientists, as part of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, provided a scientific smoking gun that human activities were unequivocally responsible for global warming. Two weeks ago, their second report told us what happens when the climatic bullet hits; the developed world will bear the brunt--the developing world, rather, will bear the brunt of the collateral damage from our historic global warming emissions, but the United States will experience its own self-inflicted wounds, including threats to our national security and military readiness. Today we will hear the first congressional testimony on this critical issue. Generals and admirals who have spent a lifetime on battlefields are telling us that global warming is a major strategic weakness. So today I am introducing the Global Climate Change Security Oversight Act which authorizes a national intelligence estimate to assess the security implications of global warming to the United States and its military." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Edward J. Markey, F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr., Jay Inslee, John Shadegg, John Larson, Greg Walden, Emanuel Cleaver II, john Hall, Candice Miller, Jerry McNerney, John Sullivan, Hilda Solis, Marsha Blackburn, Gordon R. Sullivan, Richard N. Haass, Carl Pope, Dennis McGinn, and R. James Woolsey.

United States. Government Printing Office

2010

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