MySpace and Internet Security Concerns for Educators and Law Enforcement

On October 18, 2007, through an educational initiative of Lt. Patrick Fay, President of the North Jersey Regional Crime Prevention Officers Association and Sheriff Leo P. McGuire of the Bergen County Sheriff's Department, I was privileged to conduct a presentation entitled "Myspace and Internet Security Concerns for Educators and Law Enforcement." The initiative took place for 125 educators and law enforcement professionals in the state of the art auditorium at the Bergen County Jail on River Road in Hackensack, New Jersey.

Millions of young people, as well as parents, educators and law enforcement personnel, use various websites for social networking, communication and research resources. Those entrusted with the care of our youth must also use it to understand the pulse of their schools and communities.

When used safely and wisely, the internet offers remarkable opportunities for learning, communication and self actualization through research and study. Positive activities include:

• Surfing the web
• Email, instant messaging, webcams, video conferencing and webinars
• Newsgroups, bulletin boards, blogs, vlogs, online communities, TV View on Demand
• Educational research
• Sharing photographs and video

The agenda covered:

Laying the Foundation

- Shattered Communities
- Crisis of Leadership
- Culture of Violence
- Filling the Void

Internet and Online-Community

- Overview
- Myspace
- Concerns

Parental Presence

- Warning Signs
- Communication

  ("An ounce of prevention")

American Military Personnel Tribute

- Remember, Reflect, Resolve

Many local organizations were represented:

• Hackensack Police Department
• Bergen County Sheriff's Department
• Hackensack Public Schools
• Lyndhurst Police Department
• Rockaway Township Police Department
• Glenridge Police Department
• Springfield Police Department
• Premier Security
• Hackensack Constable's Office
• Newark Police Department
• Roseland Police Department
• Clifton Police Department
• Lodi Police Department
• Lodi Public Schools
• Alpine Police Department
• Seaside Park Police Department
• Paramus Police Department
• Franklin Lakes Police Department
• Oakland Police Department
• Jersey City Police Department
• Nutley Police Department
• Garfield Police Department
• North Haledon Police Department
• Montclair Police Department
• North Bergen Police Department
• Caldwell Police Department

and participated through lively interaction and discussion.

READ MORE

Secaucus Reporter Article Myspace: friend or foe?	Click here to visit site
Internet Safety Blogs	Click here to visit site