Bullet Proof Vest for Hunting . . . . . Really?

As the writer of a security blog I look for interesting or educational things to write about to peak my readers interest. I track a variety of topics to include news about body armor.  Every once in a while I come across a stupid thing to make note of.  Today's stupid thing is the idea that hunters need a bullet proof hunting vest.  Yes, I am not kidding.  Bullet proof hunting vests are now being sold - click here if you believe you need one.  Read a critique on this topic at "The Worst Hunting Vest Ever Made", Field and Stream.com blog, December 11, 2009.  Rush out and get one for your hunting partner for Christmas!  Okay, I suppose that maybe within some specialized field of endeavor there is a use for this item - maybe a security contractor working overseas could use this item - although with the bright orange panel - not so much.

Holiday Thieves Target Electronic Gifts

Electronic devices such as cellphones, Blackberries, IPods, and computers are favorite targets of holiday thieves.  These items are small, easy to carry hide and carry away, and almost everyone has one.  In addition, they aree easily sold on the street to buyers.  Read more in "Thieves load up electronic loot", USA Today, December 16, 2009.

Maine School Cafeterias Lead Nation in Lack of Health Inspections

Maine school cafeterias hold the dismal record of leading the other 49 states in having the lowest percentage of health inspections according to a recent news report.  See "26,500 school cafeterias lack required inspections", USA Today, December 16, 2009.

Burning Wood Stoves in Maine: Efficiency and Safety

Wood burning stoves are a constant for many homes here in Maine.  Many residences supplement their oil or electrical heat by burning wood.  There are some health and safety risks associated with wood burning stoves.  Read more in an online news posting entitled "Wet wood could mean cloud over your home", Portland Press Herald, December 13, 2009.  Read more about burning wood efficiently, how to season wood, and wood stove safety guidelines.

Private Security Guards and Handcuffs

A common question for security guards is - "Can I use handcuffs to aid in detaining someone"?  The answer is - it depends on the laws within your own state.  Do some research before you slap those handcuffs on someone.  To learn more on this topic see a forum post by Officer.com entitled "Can a security guard legally handcuff someone?"

TSA Security Leak: Operating Manual put on Internet

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is getting an A + for stupidity.  Their latest fiasco is the posting of an operating manual on the Internet with procedures for screening passengers and cargo.  The mistake is a result of improperly redacting critical information using Adobe Acrobat.  Learn more about this unfortunate security leak at "The TSA security leak", The Economist, December 12, 2009.

AirTran Airways Flight 297 - Scary Flight?

Read a story (or tale) of AirTran Airways Flight 297.  Reports of eleven non-English speaking group of men causing some difficulties for an airline crew.  See "What Happened on AirTran Airways Flight 297", National Terror Alert, December 3, 2009.

"The Truth About Self Protection" by Massad Ayoob: A Book Review

A columnist has wrote a review on a book entitled "The Truth About Self Protection" authored by Massad Ayoob.  The book is in three sections.  The first section deals with "Understanding the Dangers", the second section with "Passive Safety Measures", and the third section with "Countervailing Force".  Ayoob is a well-known firearms and defensive tactics consultant, trainer, and instructor.  He is also the author of several books on security.  The book review published by The Examiner is located here.  The book can be purchased on Amazon.com by clicking on the following link - The Truth About Self Protection.

Police Cameras in Maine? A Threat to Privacy?

A recent guest editorial in the Portland Press Herald has concerns about a police camera system that will keep info on a computer datebase about citizens who have committed no crimes. The big problem is privacy.  Read more in "Police cameras could collect too much data fo a free society" (December 4, 2009).

Body Armor for Military and Police Working Dogs

A Canadian firm called K9 Storm (http://www.k9storm.com/) has developed a canine armor and communications system for police and military working dobs.  The firm sells custom armor for the military and police.  Some of the dog vests offer communications packages as well to include wireless camera, speakers, and built in microphones.  Read an online news article on this topic entitled "Armor to guard $50,000 dogs", CNNMoney.com, November 30, 2009.  Read more news on body armor.

Erik Prince of Blackwater - Private Security Firm Founder

While the intent of this blog is to publish small posts and provide links to news articles about security and safety in Maine and across the country; sometimes it can't help itself in veering into more exciting terrority such as the overseas security contracting world. The magazine Vanity Fair has published an in-depth article on Erik Prince - the founder of the well-known security firm called Blackwater (but now known as Xe).  The article in the January 2010 issue is entitled "Tycoon, Contractor, Soldier, Spy" and is very informative about Prince and the Blackwater firm.  If you have any interest in private military corporations then this story is for you.

Bolduc Security Facility in Maine Under Review

The Bolduc Minimum Security Facility in Warren, Maine is having a review of staffing done by the Maine Department of Corrections.  Staffing was reduced by 16 postions earlier this year due to budget cuts and there is concern that inadequate staffing levels may have something to do with three escapes in less than three weeks.  Read more in "Maine prison reviews staffing levels after 3 escapes", WCSH6.com, November 23, 2009.

133rd Engineer Battalion Going to Iraq Again

Maine's 133rd Engineer Battalion is scheduled to head to Iraq in the Spring of 2010.  Learn more in "Mainers prepare for deployment", WCSH6.com, November 24, 2009.

Hand Sanitizeer and Swine Flu: Does it Work?

A recent news article found online discusses the value of using hand sanitizers to help stop the spread of Swine Flu. The verdict is . . . found at "Hand Sanitizer Abounds As Swine Flu Spreads - - But Does it Work?", Maine Public Broadcasting System, November 25, 2009.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

Today, December 7th, is National Pearl Harbor Day.  On this day we remember the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor and the 3,500 Americans that were killed or wounded in the attack.

TechSec Solutions - Conference on IP Security Technology (Feb 1-2, 2010)

The TechSec Solutions conference will be held on February 1-2, 2010 in Delray Beach, Florida. This is the premier conference on IP-ready security technology. Read more at:

http://www.techsecsol.com/.

David Rohde (of Maine) - Story on his Kidnapping in Afghanistan

Here is an article about the New York Times reporter, David Rohde, and his seven month long kidnapping ordeal when held by the Taliban.  David hails from Maine, attended Fryeburg Academy, and is fond of his time growing up in Maine.  Read his story at "The (Not So) Quiet American", Portland Monthly, December 2009.

Aviation Security Summit (Dec 10-11, 2009) Washington, DC

The Ninth Annual Aviation Security Summit will take place December 10-11, 2009 in Washington, DC.  This conference is presented by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration.  Click here for a listing of conferences, exhibitions, and seminars on security.

December 10-11, 2009. Washington, DC
Aviation Security Summit
AAAE, TSA and DHS

Developer of Body Armor (bulletproof vest) Passes Away - Lester D. Shubin

The developer of bulletproof vests passed away at that age of 84 years.  His invention is credited with saving the lives of more than 3,000 law enforcement officers.  He worked for a number of federal agencies and helped with the introduction of body armor.  Read more about Lester D. Shubin in "Developed the Kevlar bulletproof vest", The Washington Post, November 26, 2009.

Medal of Honor Recipient Col. Lewis L. Millett Sr. to be Recognized by Mechanic Falls, Maine

The town of Mechanic Falls, Maine will lower its flags on Saturday, December 5, 2009 in honor of Col Lewis L. Millet, Sr.  He was awarded the Medal of Honor for service in the Korean War.  The 88-year-old died last month.  Millet also served in World War II and the Vietnam War.  Read more in an online news article.

Maine Swine Flu Deaths Now at Nine

Maine's Swine Flu death's now total nine people.  An estimated 4,000 people have died of Swine Flu since April 2009.  Read more on the latest Maine Swine Flu deaths.

Tasers Endorsed by Portland City Council for Portland, Maine Police Department

The Portland, Maine City Council has voted to endorse the use of Tasers by members of the Portland Police Department.  (See a news article on this topic).  The chief of police wants every one of his officer's to carry one.  Tasers are considered to be non-lethal (although deaths do occur occassionally) and are preferred over the use of batons, guns, pepper spray and other means of restraint. 

Sex Offenders Taken Off Maine State Sex Offender Registry

Almost 100 people have been removed from Maine's sex offender registry since a law mandated this action two months ago.  Read more in "Sex offenders cut from state registry", Kennebeck Journal, November 29, 2009.

Caring Unlimited - Domestic Violence in Maine

Caring Unlimited has a holiday giving program underway to help domestic violenc victims this winter.  To learn more call (207) 490-3227 or visit the website - http://www.caring-unlimited.org/.

Private Security Guards Fighting off Somali Pirates

On two occasions in the past few weeks private security guards have fought off Somali pirates off the coast of east Africa.  One was a Spanish ship (see "Private Security Fights off Pirates") and the other was the Maersk Alabama (see "Maersk Alabama Sees Off Pirate Attack").  The Maersk Alabama was the ship that was in the news last spring where the captain of the ship was held hostage until rescued by Navy Seals.  Click here to read more about private security guards working overseas or maritime security.

Welcome to Lee, Maine on Facebook - Story of Two Sons lost to the Iraq War

Lee, Maine - a small town in Maine - has lost two of its sons to the Iraq war. A Facebook account has been established which tells about a film that will be released in early 2010. The trailer for the film can be viewed online and tells the story of these two heros and the small town of Lee, Maine.

"Welcome to Lee, Maine is the story of a small close-knit community in rural Maine that comes together to deal with the devastating news that it has become the smallest community in America to lose two sons, Joel House and Blair Emery, in the Iraq War."

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Welcome-to-Lee-Maine-Film/200175514497

Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST) Being Considered for Airline Security

A new technological security system is under study for use in airline security. The Future Attribute Screening Technology (FAST) would be used to screen airline passengers seeking to get on an airplane. The system is being developed by the Department of Homeland Security. Read more in "New security system uses Wii technology and worries GOP", The Hill, November 15, 2009. Click here to learn more about airline and airport security.

Somali Pirates and Maritime Security

The Pirates of Somalia have not gone away; they are back with a vengeance. Recent attacks against yachts, fishing vessels and large oil tankers - some taking place over 1,000 miles from Somalia - have highlighted the pirates growing sophistication. The world community still has not come up with effective means to stop the pirates that is within the legal bounds of international law. Read a lengthy and detailed online article on the current state of piracy in "Return of the Somili Pirates", World Defense Review, November 12, 2009. Click here to learn more about maritime security and view maritime security news.

Maine Hospitals Screening Visitors for Swine Flu

Mercy Hospital and Maine Medical Center are now screening visitors and patients for Swine Flu. So far five Maine people have died after becoming infected with the Swine Flu virus. Read more in the article "Hospitals Take Steps to Prevent Swine Flu Spread", MPBN, November 16, 2009.

E-911 Center Consolidation

A study is being conducted to evaluate the costs and quality of service of the 26 different 911 dispatch centers in the state of Maine. The public safety answering points (PSAPs) are run by the state of various counties or cities. The danger in consolidating or centralizing PSAPs across Maine is that local PSAPs know local law enforcement officials and first responders and more importantly the types of calls received and the geography of the local area. Consolidating the PSAPs in an attempt to save money will take local knowledge out of the equation. It is like booking your hotel room in Bangor with a centralized reservation number in California or India. Read more in "E-911 study mulls consolidation", Kennebec Journal, November 12, 2009.

Lax Security at Portland, Maine's Airport?

Do we have lax airport security at the Portland, Maine Jetport? Read some recent comments on this topic submitted by a reader to the Portland Press Herald entitled "Have Jetport workers forgotten terrorism threat?", November 5, 2009.

Secure Flight Identity Matching to Be Implemented

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is moving forward with implementing Secure Flight. This is an identity-matching program for travelers that is supposed to improve air travel security. The program is being implemented in phases. The airlines are required to obtain some specific data. Part of the implementation will be the use of full names on airline tickets and reservations that match the names on a persons identification. Read more in "The Rules on Names Could Bend a Little", The New York Times, November 9, 2009.

TSA Covertly Watch Traveler's Conduct

The Washington Post has reported that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has stationed behavior-detection officers at over 160 airports in the United States. The officers are looking for folks who exhibit a raised level of nervousness or stress in an attempt to spot would-be terrorists. In many cases the officers are finding people who are transporting drugs through airports. Read more in "At U.S. airports, TSA officers covertly monitor traveler's behavior". Click here to learn more about air travel security.

Conference on Irregular Warfare (IR) and Unconventional Warfare (UW) Recently Held

A conference was recently held by the Reserve Officers Association (ROA) entitled "Civil Affairs in Irregular Warfare: One Profession One Victory".  It was held at the George Mason University at its Arlington, VA campus.  The conference covered the following topics:

"DoD force development guidance for civil affairs will account for global, long-duration irregular warfare operations, including counter-terrorism, counterinsurgency, unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, and stability operations within countries vital to U.S. security interests."

Blog on Maine Martial Arts

A martial arts instructor in Maine has started a blog on martial arts. Some of the topics include "Escape Awareness Drill" and "The Role of the Sensei . . . ". Read the blog at "Maine Martial Arts".

Maine LE Officers Trained in Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (Maine Chapter) provided training to police officers on how to deal with people exhibiting signs of mental illness. The course was 5 days long and was organized by the York, Maine police department. Read more in "Officers trained on mental illness", Seacoastonline.com, November 21, 2009.

Swine Flu Vaccine in Maine Short; Swine Flu Cases Grow

The director of the Maine Center of Disease Control has expressed frustration with the shortage of Swine Flu vaccine present in Maine. She said that health officials are making tough choices in regards to who should get the vaccine. Read more in "Far Too Little Vaccine in Maine as Swine Flu Surges", MPBN, November 19, 2009. Click here to learn more about Swine Flu.

Maine Highway Deaths Are Lower This Year (2009)

Maine safety officials have reported that Maine's highway deaths are at a lower mark this year than last year. (source WMTW TV 8 news article).

Medal of Honor Winner From Maine Dies - Led Last Bayonet Charge in Korean War

A native of Maine who was a Medal of Honor winner has died. Retired Colonel Lewis L. Millett served in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. He served the in U.S. military with great distinction. Read more in the online article.

Maine Medical Center Emergency Room Doubled in Size

Maine Medical Center's emergency room has now doubled in size. It is now the largest one in Maine. Read more in this online article.