TECHBeat, November 2017

• NCJ Number: 251431
• Date Published: November 2017
• Length: 10 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2014-IJ-CX-K404
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Technical Assistance); Report (Grant Sponsored); Program/Project Description
• Award: A proposal to operate the National Criminal Justice Technology Resource Center.

Annotation

Feature articles in this issue describe the benefits of a virtual training tool for first responders across jurisdictions, a county program for inmate use of computer tablets, an opioid webinar training series that imparts knowledge and promotes collaboration, and law enforcement encounters with suspicious drone operations.

Abstract

"Virtual Training Tool Allows First Responders to Train Across Jurisdictions" describes the features of a free virtual training tool that enables first responders from different disciplines to train together for critical incidents using game-based software. "Inmate Use of Computer Tablets in Pima County" explains how allowing inmates in the Pima County (Arizona) correctional facility to use computer tablets has contributed to safety for both inmates and staff while providing inmates access to life skills training and contact with their families. "FTCoE Opioid Webinar Series Shares Knowledge, Promotes Collaboration" describes the features and some of the content of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Forensic Technology Center of Excellence's (FTCoE's) webinar series on combating the opioid epidemic in the United States. Launched in July 2017, the series featured 15 episodes through the end of 2017. Archival versions of the episodes are accessible on the FTCoE website. "Law Enforcement Encounters With Suspicious UAS Operations" discusses issues in defining and enforcing laws and regulations on the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), also referred to as drones. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for enforcing its regulations for UAS; however, the FAA has noted that state and local law enforcement officers are often the first to discover unauthorized or unsafe UAS operation, putting them in the best position for immediate intervention. The challenge for law enforcement officers is how to identify unlawful, unauthorized use of UAS and under what authority to intervene when unauthorized or dangerous UAS operations are suspected.