Feature articles in this issue address a new approach to AMBER alerts, body-worn police cameras, evaluation of the next generation of fingerprint technology, "fishing" for evidence in Texas, and graffiti reduction.
"Working Together To Reduce Graffiti ... and Fear" presents the rationale, organization, and activities of a 6-year campaign to reduce graffiti in St, Louis Park, MN, believing that graffiti fosters fear of disorder and a sense of disrespect for property and law in general. "Choosing a New Approach to AMBER Alerts" describes how the Kentucky State Police have begun using the Commercial Mobile Alert system (CMAS) with some AMBER Alerts. CMAS automatically sends a loud tone and the AMBER Alert message to all cell phones physically located within a designated geographic area. Users may opt out of notifications by changing settings on their phone or calling their carrier. "The Future of Body-worn Cameras for Law Enforcement" focuses on the pilot testing of such cameras by the San Mateo Police Department (California), and the recommendations for subsequent technological development that will make them more effective and useful. "Evaluating the Next Generation of Fingerprint Technology" reviews the report on the next generation in fingerprint technology presented by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) Sensor Surveillance and Biometric Technologies Center of Excellence (SSBT). This includes the development of devices that scan fingerprint images without individuals needing to press their fingers against a screen, and they do not require trained operators to collect the images. "Fishing for Evidence Yields Results in Texas" describes how the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the primary water patrol agency in the State, has adapted off-the shelf technology used for commercial and recreational fishing to enhance its underwater operations. It involves side scan sonar technology. A technology news summary is provided.