NYPD SHIELD: America’s Public-Private Collaboration Model

NYPD Commissioner William J. Bratton used a stark metaphor to highlight the necessity for collaboration in security:

“Regarding terrorism, all roads lead to New York, which makes collaboration between law enforcement and private security professionals critical to safeguarding our city.”

As detailed on the NYPD SHIELD open source website, this public–private sector security partnership is dedicated to protecting New York City by Countering Terrorism Through Information Sharing.

This partnership complements findings of “The 9/11 Commission Report: Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.” This official report, released on July 22, 2004, details events leading to the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. It should be required study for all dedicated to terrorism awareness and prevention.

Although the 9/11 report recommends a “unity of effort” for the intelligence community, Congress, and across the foreign–domestic divide, unity for defending America is certainly necessary through public–private partnerships.

Public–private partnerships have also been recommended by the document “Operation Cooperation: Guidelines for Partnerships between Law Enforcement and Private Security Organizations” released in 2000 by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Partnerships are critical for protecting America. Law enforcement and private security professionals must collaborate, cooperate, and communicate with one another.

NYPD SHIELD Methods and Conference
NYPD SHIELD provides training and information sharing through numerous methods including:
• Intelligence and Analysis Briefings
• Counterterrorism training
• Website postings and documents
• Informal conferrals with Patrol Borough Counterterrorism coordinators
• Alert email messages to members
• Conferences

On July 16, 2014, NYPD SHIELD held a summer conference for over 400 law enforcement and private security professionals at One Police Plaza.
The event was moderated by John J. Miller, Deputy Commissioner Intelligence and Counterterrorism for the NYPD.

Miller stressed that the level of concern for a potential act of terrorism was as high as it has been since 9/11. This concern is due to events worldwide including those in Israel, Iraq, and Syria.

After Miller’s remarks, Bratton stressed that we need to not only adhere to the expression “If You See Something, Say Something” but also to “If You See Something, Do Something.” Remaining proactive, said Bratton, was essential not only for terrorism prevention but also for gangs, crime, and other disorders.

Bratton was followed by Rebecca U. Weiner, director of intelligence analysis for the NYPD. Weiner gave an overview of problems throughout the world including the deteriorating security in Iraq and the displacement of millions of Syrians.

The NYPD SHIELD summer conference concluded with a presentation by Edward F. Davis, Boston police commissioner at the time of the Boston Marathon attack. He covered the following topics in detail:
• The devastation of the two improvised explosive attacks that detonated on April 15, 2013, at the finish line of the Boston Marathon attack. The bombs killed three people and injured over 250.
• The bombers alleged plan for a follow-up attack in New York City’s Times Square.

Davis highlighted that lessons learned from the Boston Marathon attack are vigilance, preparedness through tabletop and full-scale drills, and partnerships between law enforcement and private security.

Teamwork
The NYPD SHIELD program is an extraordinary partnership dedicated to safeguarding New York. It deserves dedicated participation by law enforcement and private security professionals who can get involved through www.nypdshield.org.

The program is also deserving of duplication by other law enforcement agencies and private sector security professionals to prevent an act of terrorism elsewhere in America.

Safeguarding the nation is enhanced when individuals work together. Teamwork is an irrefutable and essential quality that America needs now more than ever when it comes to preventing terrorism.

This teamwork can be called collaboration, cooperation, or partnership but unequivocally it is a unity of effort between the public and private sector. This cohesiveness is essential for America’s security.

As published in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawakening the Nation" in the Friday, July 25, 2014 edition of the Epoch Times.

Photo's
1. NYPD SHIELD conference flyer. (Courtesy of the NYPD)
2. Over 400 law enforcement and private security professionals attending the NYPD SHIELD summer conference on July 16, 2014. (Vincent J. Bove)

An expanded version of this column was authored for the September, 2014 edition of The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine.

America’s Gun Violence: Time for Action

Whatever approach one has regarding gun control, the fact is gun violence in America is unbridled, malignant, and destructive.

The Second Amendment is a sacrosanct principle of American freedom. Yet, it must be properly understood.

The term gun control can be misleading as for some it implies a loss of freedom as guaranteed by our bill of rights. Perhaps a more sensible term that captures the essence of the issue will develop in time.

Meanwhile, adoption of common sense policies to reduce gun violence as advocated by the International Association of Chiefs of Police must include:

•Banning armor-piercing ammunition
•Assault weapons ban
•Body armor for police
•Concealed weapons
•Firearms enforcement
•Firearms offender registry
•Firearm purchase waiting period
•Closing the gun show loophole
•Ending illegal firearms trafficking

America’s Violent Summer
Summer violence is quickly painting a picture of senseless bloodshed throughout the nation.

On July 13, 2014, Jersey City, N.J., rookie police officer Melvin Santiago, 23, is shot in the head and killed after responding to a report of an armed robbery.

During the July 4 weekend, two Indianapolis, Ind., police officers are also killed in separate incidents.

The National Law Enforcement Memorial Officers Foundation cites a 65 percent increase of firearms related officer deaths as of July 14, 2014, compared to this time last year—28 officers to 17 in 2013.

On July 13, 2014, in Washington, D.C., seven people are shot—three fatally—in three unrelated shootings just blocks apart.

On July 10, 2014, Six members of a family including four children are shot to death in a suburb north of Houston, Texas. According to a court testimony, the killer kicked in the home door, tied up the parents and four children, and shot them in the head execution style.

Over the July 4 weekend, 82 people are shot with 16 ultimately dying during an 84-hour period in Chicago.

During the following weekend, another 29 are wounded in shootings with 4 dead.

Chicago police have already confiscated over 3,400 illegal firearms this year.

During the Independence Weekend elsewhere, four people are shot at a Houston, Texas, festival. In New York City another 12 people are shot—three fatally—and three people are shot dead with several others wounded in St. Louis, Mo.

On July 5, 2014, a 12-year-old eighth-grader is shot in the head while riding a scooter with two friends in Paterson, N.J. Genesis Rincon later dies after being removed from life support.

On June 30, 2014, a teen cheerleader who recently graduated high school with a dream of becoming a nurse is shot and killed in Newark, N.J. Cheyanne Bond is the third homicide in the city in less than 24 hours.

In 2013, escalating bloodshed in Trenton, and the most violent 12-month stretch in Newark in nearly 25, years elevated New Jersey homicides to a seven-year high.

Responding to the Crisis
Aside from the aforementioned International Association of Chiefs of Police issues, America’s response must also include:
•Compassion—America must always have a heart of compassion. Victims are never to be treated merely as statistics, political opportunities, or marginalized.
•Law Enforcement Resources—The massive layoffs of police over the last few years—especially in many economically challenged communities—is a travesty. There is always a way for America to do the right thing and every American deserves “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Our nation deserves the finest law enforcement professionals, and agencies across the country need to be staffed as necessary. The NYPD June 2014 graduation of 610 new officers is an example of effective leadership during economically challenging times.
•School/Community Policing Initiatives—The future of the nation is our youth, and schools must partner with law enforcement on character education, youth academies, gang prevention, and violence prevention programs.

As published in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawakening the Nation" for the Friday, July 18, 2014 edition of the Epoch Times.

International Association of Chiefs of Police Firearms Position Paper.

Photo
Officials investigate a Jersey City Police Department cruiser at the scene where Officer Melvin Santiago was shot and killed while responding to a call at a 24-hour pharmacy, on July 13, 2014, in Jersey City, N.J. Santiago’s death is part of a nationwide uptick in killings of police officers this year. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

In Remembrance: Police Officer Melvin Santiago, Jersey City Police Department

On Sunday morning, July 13, 2014, Police Officer Melvin Santiago, 23, was shot and killed while serving Jersey City, New Jersey.

Officer Santiago has now joined the hallowed halls of heroes who have served law enforcement with the ultimate sacrifice. He is a reminder of the continual danger for all police who serve and protect our communities.

As a young man, Officer Santiago choose the path of his uncle's police career footsteps-serving in a profession demanding dedication, courage and commitment. He is a tribute to his family, community, the Jersey City Police Department, all in law enforcement and to the ideals of America.

Officer Santiago will be promoted posthumously to the rank of detective and receive the police department's medal of honor-the highest award for an officer-at his wake on Thursday, July 17, 2014.

Officer Santiago is the first Jersey City Police Officer to be killed since Detective Marc DiNardo in July, 2009 after a shootout which left 4 other officers injured.

In Remembrance: Detective Marc DiNardo, Jersey City Police Department-July 24, 2009 blog

Detective Marc DiNardo, who died on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 after being shot in a gun battle on July 16th, was honored at his funeral by family and thousands of his fellow officers, fire & EMT personnel, community leaders and concerned citizens. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Det. DiNardo, 37, had served the people of Jersey City for 10 years as a member of the Jersey City Police Department.

The tragic death of Det. DiNardo sadly reminds us of the potential dangers faced each day by those in law enforcement who serve, protect and defend us. America must always remember and be grateful for those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and for those who continue to serve at the risk of their own safety.

Officer Melissa Bartholomew, a friend and police academy classmate of DiNardo offered heartfelt sentiments on behalf of the Jersey City Police Department and the family of Officer DiNardo: "He will be greatly missed. He had a personality you could never forget, and when he walked into a room we all loved him."

In Memoriam (2:40) Funeral Procession (7:31) Tribute (3:50)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUjiH3QC_Z4">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

Please remember Det. DiNardo, his family, friends, fellow officers in the Jersey City Police Department and all emergency service personnel in your prayers as they seek consolation during this difficult time.

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Celebrating America: Democracy, Freedom, Liberty

America celebrates its 238th birthday on July 4, and fireworks will light up the sky throughout the nation.

American flags will fly everywhere as a tribute to independence and the land of the free and home of the brave.

As the fireworks light the sky and flags fly proudly across the homeland, our nation is reminded to focus on its destiny—a light of democracy, freedom, and liberty to the world.

A Troubled World
Despite its imperfections, America has much to celebrate compared to the war, conflict, violence, and the violation of human rights taking place internationally:

Afghanistan—the courage and sacrifices made by so many Americans to assist the country with establishing peace continues to be undermined by a potential complete collapse of the government. After more than 12 years into the war, the insurgency is still very lethal and makes the American exit strategy extremely challenging.

China—human rights violations through the Communist Party rule includes the despicable targeting of Falun Gong. This innocent exercise with a foundation of spirituality intimidates the government and is met with dire consequences including disappearances, torture, and imprisonment of practitioners. Punishment includes murder for organ parts with sales to tourists and wealthy Chinese.

Cuba—laws that prevent human rights and basic freedoms of expression, assembly, religion, speech, and the press. The country remains marginalized from the international community and extreme poverty throughout the country continues.

Honduras—the homicide rate of 90.4 per 100,000 is by far the highest in the world. Gangs and cartels are largely responsible for the violence with families and children seeking to leave the country and come to America.

Iraq—the descent of the country into open civil war during the past few weeks jeopardizes the safety of its people and peace throughout the region. It also intensifies the momentum of extremist groups and potential terrorism within the country and internationally.

Israel—took retaliatory action this week with air strikes against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip after three kidnapped Israeli teens were found slain.

North Korea—aside from continuous inflammatory rhetoric against South Korea and the United States, the country disregards the human rights of its own people. Its nuclear capability can easily ignite unimaginable devastation.

Syria—the civil war has not only wreaked devastation on the country but is a matter of security for freedom-loving countries including the United States. According to the Homeland Security secretary, Americans who have gone to Syria to fight the rebels often run the risk of returning home influenced by extremist ideologies.

Ukraine—Military operations began this week marking the end to a unilateral cease-fire that had been in place for 10 days. The conflict is also reigniting Cold War tensions between the United States and Russia.

Venezuela—with one of the highest murder rates, the country is rocked by continual political protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest.

These problems have been ignited by the countries horrific violence, inflation, and shortages of basic human necessities.

America’s Hallowed Principles

As affirmed by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assembly, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

The five freedoms expressed in this amendment are sacred to Americans as they form the rock foundation of democracy and liberty. As we honor our independence on the Fourth of July, we celebrate these freedoms that are the heart of America’s greatness.

Our freedoms are front and center at the nation’s greatest debates. Just this week, the United States Supreme Court in a 5–4 landmark decision affirmed that corporations have religious freedom. Therefore, they cannot be compelled to provide contraceptive medical coverage against their conscience.

Although the emotional spectrum of this hot-button issue will continue, many see the decision as a protection of freedom guaranteed by the First Amendment, critical to reawakening the nation and allowing America to be a light of freedom throughout the world.

As originally published in Vincent's weekly column titled "Reawakening the Nation" for the Epoch Times on Friday, the Fourth of July, 2014.

Photo's
1.American Flags at the West Side Entrance of Grand Central Terminal on 42nd Street. (Vincent J. Bove)
2.Falun Gong practitioners at Times Square on May 18, 2012. (Vincent J. Bove)
3.Citizens exercising constitutional right to peaceably assemble in front of New York Public Library at 41st Street and Fifth Avenue on July 12, 2013. Bill de Blasio, prior to his election as mayor is at the right of the podium. (Vincent J. Bove)

Lou Gehrig: 75th Anniversary of "Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth" Speech

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"Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth." — Lou Gehrig

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The commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Lou Gehrig's "Luckiest Man" speech takes place on Friday, July 4, 2014.
All of Major League Baseball's 30 teams will hold pregame ceremonies to honor Gehrig's speech before the Fourth of July games.

We do well to reflect on the life of Lou Gehrig—not only because he was one of the greatest players on the field, but because of the greatness of character the Iron Horse displayed off the field.

I have spent many days at Yankee Stadium with my son Austin while he was growing up, enjoying regular season games, playoffs and even the World Series. These games—Austin wore the jersey of his favorite player, Paul O’Neill as I wore the jersey of my all time favorite, Lou Gehrig—provided many memories and a special father/son bond.

Aside from these memories with my son, my past experience as a confidant to the New York Yankees in the 1980's and authoring a book titled And on the Eighth Day God Created the Yankees during that time make baseball a special part of my life. 

In the book is one of my favorite photos of Lou Gehrig signing his 1937 contract for $37,700 while Jacob Ruppert, Joe McCarthy and Joe DiMaggio look on.

The Character of Lou Gehrig—The Iron Horse

Immortalized as the Pride of the Yankees, Lou Gehrig's durability and dedication are reflected in his playing in 2,130 consecutive games between 1925-1939. Complimenting this streak, he held a record of 23 career grand slams for decades. Gehrig had a .340 lifetime batting average, won the American League MVP Award in 1927 & 1936 and was a Triple Crown winner in 1934.

The character of Lou Gehrig was exemplified throughout his life, beginning with his humble upbringing in New York City, his college career at Columbia University and throughout his years with the New York Yankees. His character is most remembered through the memory of July 4, 1939, Lou Gehrig Appreciation Day at Yankee Stadium. Lou, after a lifetime of contributing to the game of baseball as a player, was only 36 years old and dying. More than 61,000 fans listened to his words—one of the greatest messages of character America has ever heard:

"For the past two weeks, you've been reading about a bad break. Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth."

Personal Baseball Experiences
Aside from serving as confidant to the Yankees, by far my favorite baseball experience is coaching my son’s little league team for seven years and sharing Gehrig stories, as well as personal Yankee experiences, to inspire sportsmanship with his team.

I believe youth sports venues should be packed with parents and loved ones, so coaching my son’s team was not only a privilege but a responsibility. The years of childhood fly by quickly and provide a treasure-trove of opportunity for developing character, community, and family through parental support and example.

Final Reflection

Perhaps Richard Vidmer, a reporter covering the story the next day for the Herald Tribune, expressed it best:

"Somehow I felt that at the Stadium yesterday not a great baseball player but a truly great sportsman who could take his triumphs with sincere modesty and could face tragedy with a smile. His records will attest to future generations that Lou Gehrig was one of the greatest baseball players who ever lived, but only those who have been fortunate enough to have known him during his most glorious years will realize that he has stood for something finer than merely a great baseball player—that he stood for everything that makes sports important in the American scene."

Lou Gehrig - Pride of the Yankees (2:53) Lou Gehrig - The Iron Horse (5:21)

<a HREF="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vya1NrHyXE">Play the clip on YouTube</A>

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