Policing - in brief (14)
01 May 1998
UK: Call for inquiry into death in custody: The family of a black man, Christopher Alder, has called for an independent inquiry into his death at Queen's Garden police station in Hull on April 1. Alder was arrested for being abusive to police officers as he was discharged from hospital after suffering superficial injuries following a fight. According to Humberside police, Mr Alder collapsed and died after arriving at the police station and a post mortem was unable to determine the cause of his death. In a move that has been welcomed by Mr Alder's family five police officers have been suspended from duty as part of a Police Complaints Authority (PCA) investigation. The PCA told the Voice newspaper that: "We are concerned with the treatment Christopher Alder received while in police custody". Voice 27.4.98. & 11.5.98.
UK: Police issued with "steel ball" batons: The Metropolitan police is to arm its 27,000 officers with a version of the ASP baton which is tipped with a "potentially bone-breaking" steel ball. The weapon, which is widely used by police forces in the United States, is seven inches long but extends to 21 inches when open. The new baton was approved by the previous Conservative Home Secretary, Michael Howard, and it has already been issued to some officers in police forces outside of London; there have already been a number of complaints to the Police Complaints Authority about its use. The new baton will replace the acrylic baton currently in use. Sunday Times 14.6.98.
UK: Police call for national DNA database: Chief Superintendent Peter Gammon, president of the Police Superintendents Association (PSA), has called for the government to consider establishing a national DNA database for the entire population. Mr Gammon said: "I am asking for an examination of the issue of setting up a national DNA database for all the population...if we set up a national database, we make investigation of major crime more efficient, and there will be cost savings." At present there are an estimated 250,000 DNA profiles stored on computer. The Home Office has indicated that it is prepared to discuss the idea but noted that there were likely to be objections due to cost and infringement of civil liberties. Independent 6.5.98.
UK: NCIS Director of Intelligence: Commander Roger Gaspar was appointed Director of Intelligence for the National Criminal Intelligence Service (NCIS) on April 1. The post, which is equivalent to that of deputy chief constable, means that Gasper is the second most senior officer in the NCIS. The Job 6.3.98.
US: FBI reading encrypted mail: The Canadian-based Spycounterspy have put up a web page giving advice on how to counter the FBI reading confidential encrypted e-mail. "Most people don't even realise they've been compromised, they continue to send e-mail thinking it is confidential". The site offers defence against FBI and police spying and offensive measures.
link