Fourth Amendment case raises larger questions
The sentiment on the streets on the need for police reforms appears to be seeping into the halls of justice. That includes questions about Fourth Amendment rights prohibiting illegal search and seizure.
Crime
Social media can be a tool or a weapon for police
Law enforcement agencies use social media in various ways to monitor crime and communicate with the population. But there are few laws on what they can and cannot do with someone’s personal information.
Crime rate often dropped as coronavirus took over
COVID-19 has changed the crime rate in many cities across the nation. Most continue to show a decrease in calls for service, even as in some places the economy begins to open.
Chokeholds lose favor in many, not all, police departments
Fewer police departments are allowing the use of chokeholds since the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer in May. But the practice is continuing in numerous locations. Meanwhile, families affected by the use of this method of subduing suspects are still seeking justice in cases where it has led to the death of a loved one. And protesters are still on the streets calling for police reform that would reduce the use of deadly force.
Police interviews, social distancing call for creativity
As with many other things, COVID-19 is changing the face of police interviews, some say for the better. Interviews are being conducted at a distance, frequently outdoors, to minimize the chances of virus transmission.
Who’s watching? New surveillance atlas shows you
Cameras are everywhere, but a new tool, the Atlas of Surveillance, has information on more than 3,000 cities.
Title theft is not the problem, despite ad claims
Commercials by Bill O’Reilly claim Home Title Lock can prevent title theft. Title theft is not the problem.
Hackers, email fraud increase security woes for companies
The use of email fraud has become so rampant that two years ago the Securities and Exchange Commission issued guidance saying if a public company doesn’t guard against phishing attacks it can be a violation of the 1934 Securities Act. It is not just publicly…
Cities have little say over presence of federal law enforcement
Some mayors are pushing back against President Donald Trump sending federal law enforcement to their cities. However, unless those federal personnel are breaking the law, there is little the mayors can do, other than go to court and seek restraining orders to block them from…
Florida criminalizes fake emotional support animal ownership
On July 1, it became a crime in Florida to falsely declare a pet as an emotional support animal. If convicted, the pet owner can be jailed for two months and/or fined $500 and be required to perform 30 hours of community service with an…