Weekly Update & AnalysisThe Brooks
Bawden Moore Weekly Update and Analysis highlights recent and planned congressional activities including hearings, floor action, and new bill introductions that relate to public safety, justice, and homeland security matters. Please let us know if you would like to know more about any of the items described in the update. Additionally, please feel free to distribute this product as you see fit.
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Week in RecapThis week, US congressional leaders released negotiated fiscal year 2024 spending bills for six of
the twelve annual appropriations bills. The package includes funding for the Department of Justice, which includes most of the law enforcement grant programs. The team at BBM has been working through the Commerce-Justice Science section all week and have compiled valuable resources to assist your work. The FY 2024 spending package includes a provision to extend the Undetectable Firearms Act through March 8, 2031. You can learn more about this development here. The House voted on Wednesday to approve the package, and the Senate is expected to pass it in time to avert a Saturday partial government shutdown. Lawmakers aim to assemble another six-bill funding package, nearly three times as large as the one they aim to pass this week, to finish work on FY 2024 government funding. The final six bills include Defense, Financial Services, Homeland Security,
Labor-HHS-Education, Legislative Branch, and State and Foreign Operations. Those measures face a March 22 deadline. According to some members, they’ll likely be batched together in one package ahead of that date. The Senate passed a two-month extension of the Federal Aviation Administration's authorities. The latest short-term extension would give lawmakers more time to work out differences between the five-year
FAA reauthorization bill (H.R. 3935) passed by the House in July 2023 and the version (S. 1939) approved by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee on Feb. 8. BBM is closely monitoring these negotiations, with a focus on efforts to include greater counter-UAS authorities for state and local law enforcement in the final bill. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made a unanimous consent request to call for the Senate to immediately pass legislation to combat the sexual exploitation of children online and hold Big Tech accountable. Graham was joined on the floor in support of this
effort by U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), and Dick Durbin (D-Illinois). Graham made a request to pass the EARN IT Act of 2023, the STOP CSAM Act of 2023, and the SHIELD Act of 2023. The passage of EARN IT and STOP CSAM was blocked by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon). The passage of the SHIELD Act was blocked by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey). You can learn more about this development here. President Biden delivered his third State of the Union Adress. You can read his full prepared remarks here and excerpts on public safety issues at our blog here. The President's speech included comments on crime, firearms, fentanyl, artificial intelligence, and border security. Lastly, the US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs released new funding opportunities related to the National Criminal History Improvement Program. You can view those solicitations and others here. |
BBM posts timely and regularly on topics of
interest to the public safety community. Email a member of the BBM team today to get new content delivered directly to your inbox. Blog Posts of the Week |
New BBM PodcastBite Sized Pod on FY 2024 Spending
On this 7-minute episode, Melissa and Josh will give you a quick update on FY 2024
spending negotiations. We’ll break down the current state of play and what to expect.
Hearings This Week- Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
- House Judiciary Committee- Crime and Federal Government Surveillance Subcommittee
- House Judiciary Committee
- House Judiciary Committee- Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government
- House Oversight and Accountability Committee
- House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party
- House Judiciary Committee- Immigration Integrity, Security, and Enforcement Subcommittee
- House Energy and Commerce Committee
- House Homeland Security- Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement, and Intelligence Subcommittee
- Senate Judiciary Committee
Hearings Next Week - Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
- House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence
- House Transportation and Infrastructure Hearing
- Senate Budget Committee
- Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
- Senate Judiciary Committee
Senate - The Senate is
expected to consider H.Res 1061, Consolidated Appropriaitons Act of 2024 before Monday.
House - H.R.3821- Firefighter Cancer Registry
Reauthorization Act of 2023
- Summary: This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer. This is a voluntary registry maintained by the National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health that collects relevant health and occupational information to better understand and reduce cancers among firefighters.
- Status: Passed
(413-7)
- H.Res.1061- Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024
- Summary: This bill appropriates FY 2024 funding for the Departments of Agriculture, Interior, Commerce, Justice, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Energy and Veterans Affairs
- Status:
Passed (339-85)
- H.R. 7511- Lakan Riley Act
- Summary: This bill would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft.
- Status: Passed (251-170)
- H.R. 4467- DHS Border Services Contracts Review Act
- Summary: This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to assess contractor personnel performing services along the U.S. land border with Mexico and plan to implement recommendations
developed from the assessment.
- Status: Passed by Voice Vote
- H.R. 6174- DHS Biodetection Improvement Act
- Summary: This bill directs the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to
assess how it has utilized Department of Energy national laboratories and sites for research and development in carrying out DHS missions and to report to Congress a strategy for how DHS will conduct bio detection research and development in coordination with such laboratories and sites.
- Status: Passed by Voice Vote
- S.206- END FENTANYL Act
- Summary: This bill requires U.S. Customs and Border Protection to review and update, as necessary, manuals and policies related to inspections at ports of entry to ensure the uniformity of inspection practices to effectively detect illegal activity along the
border, such as the smuggling of drugs and humans.
- Status: Passed by Voice Vote. Passed Senate.
- H.R. 5969- Improving Travel for Families Act
- Summary: This bill requires the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to allow a child who is age 10 or under to accompany their parent (or legal guardian) in the Global Entry lane when arriving at a U.S. international airport if the parent or guardian is a Global Entry member but the child is not.
- Status: Passed by Voice Vote
- H.R. 4403- Securing the Cities Improvement Act
- Summary: This bill makes changes to the Securing the Cities program. Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish performance metrics and milestones for the program.
- Status: Passed by Voice Vote
- H.R. 498- 9-8-8 Lifeline Cybersecurity Responsibility Act of 2023
- Summary: This bill requires the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to
undertake efforts to protect the 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline from cybersecurity threats.
- Status: Passed by Voice Vote
New Bill Introductions- H.R. 7569
- Sponsor: Ocasio-Cortez, Alexandria [Rep.-D-NY-14]
- Summary: This bill aims to improve rights to relief for individuals affected by non-consensual activities involving intimate digital forgeries.
- H.R. 7567
- Sponsor: Mace, Nancy [Rep.-R-SC-1]
- Summary: This bill would prohibit the production or distribution of digital forgeries of intimate visual depictions of identifiable
individuals.
- H.R. 7566
- Sponsor: Luttrell, Morgan [Rep.-R-TX-8]
- Summary: This bill would require the publication of U.S. Customs
and Border Protection operational statistics and report on foreign terrorist organizations.
- H.R. 7564
- Sponsor: Gaetz, Matt [Rep.-R-FL-1]
- Summary: This bill would amend the Justice for United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Act.
- S.3887
- Sponsor: Cotton, Tom [Sen.-R-AR]
- Summary: This bill would increase the penalty for rioting.
- S.3884
- Sponsor: Sen. Gillibrand, Kirsten E. [D-NY]
- Summary: This bill would establish a grant pilot program to provide child care services for the minor children of law enforcement officers.
- S.3881
- Sponsor: Blackburn, Marsha [Sen.-R-TN]
- Summary: This bill would provide for enhanced Federal, State, and local assistance in the enforcement of the immigration laws.
- H.R. 7553
- Sponsor: Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24]
- Summary: This bill would provide that in order to be eligible for a grant under the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program, a State shall provide the Secretary of Homeland Security access to the State department of motor vehicles records for the purpose of enforcing the immigration laws.
- H.R. 7532
- Sponsor: Comer, James [Rep.-R-KY-1]
- Summary: This bill would establish Federal AI system governance
requirements.
- H.R. 7530
- Sponsor: Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19]
- Summary: This bill would limit youth offender status in the
District of Columbia to individuals 18 years of age or younger, direct the Attorney General of the District of Columbia to establish and operate a publicly accessible website containing updated statistics on juvenile crime in the District of Columbia, amend the District of Columbia Home Rule Act to prohibit the Council of the District of Columbia from enacting changes to existing criminal liability sentences, among other reforms.
- H.R.7521
- Sponsor: Gallagher, Mike [Rep.-R-WI-8]
- Summary: Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. This bill would prohibit the operation of
applications deemed to be controlled by a foreign adversary, unless the application is divested from their control.
- H.R. 7520
- Sponsor: Pallone, Frank
[Rep.-D-NJ-6]
- Summary: Protecting Americans’ Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024. This bill would prohibit data brokers from transferring sensitive data of United States individuals to foreign adversaries.
- S.3872
- Sponsor: Cruz, Ted [Sen.-R-TX]
- Summary: This bill would clarify that international organizations are not immune from the jurisdiction of the courts of the United States in
certain cases related to terrorism.
- H.R. 7519
- Sponsor: Schweikert, David [Rep.-R-AZ-1]
- Summary: This bill would allow an
increase from 50% to 70% of grant funds, from the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, to be used for personnel related expenses.
Community and Client News
Drone-Delivered Contraband in Correctional Facilities The use of drones, or unmanned aircraft systems, to
deposit contraband such as drugs, weapons, and cellphones into correctional facilities, poses a significant and growing threat to the safety and security of prisons and jails. Advances in drone technology have enabled remotely piloted aircraft devices to carry larger payloads, fly faster and for longer distances, and operate at lower costs. Technology that can detect and defend against drones is also advancing to meet this emerging threat. However, more research is needed to quantify the drone-delivered contraband threat in correctional facilities and identify all its dimensions.
NIJ’s Criminal Justice Testing and Evaluation Consortium has generated research on several aspects
of contraband management and defenses, including the report, “Contraband and Drones in Correctional Facilities.”
Director Clements Honored in Providence, Rhode Island 'I owe this city everything': How the Providence police are honoring their former chief Providence, RI: Mayor Brett P. Smiley, Colonel Oscar L. Perez, Jr. and City Council President Rachel Miller came together with members of the police department, community and family and friends, to celebrate the legacy of Retired Chief of Police, Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr. at a dedication ceremony of the Providence Public Safety Complex Auditorium. Colonel Clements selflessly served the City of Providence for nearly 40 years, before his retirement on January 27, 2023, to join the
Department of Justice as the Director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office). "Colonel Clements displayed unparalleled commitment to the Providence Police Department and the City of Providence for nearly four decades," said Mayor Brett P. Smiley. "Hugh’s dedication, leadership and integrity exemplify the core pillars of the Providence Police Department. The impact he had on this department will continue to live on through the women and men who serve our city each day.” “Chief Clements is a selfless leader who represented our city and police department with respect and dignity for 37 years,” said Council President Rachel Miller. “Hugh never strayed far from his roots
as a patrol officer, where each shift starts in the public safety auditorium for roll call and a briefing of what officers could expect that day or night. It’s fitting the City Council overwhelmingly passed a resolution naming the auditorium after Colonel Hugh T. Clements, Jr. I hope current and future officers draw inspiration from this name and the remarkable example of excellence Chief Clements has set.” “Hugh served with excellence and embodied the true meaning of the words Providence’s Finest,” said Colonel Oscar Perez. “Under his leadership, his commitment to building trust within the community was unwavering and, through his efforts, relationships were established, and
initiatives were created to bridge the gap between cops and citizens they serve. It was an honor to work alongside Colonel Clements for a number of years and there is no one is more deserving to receive this distinguished recognition.” “I am truly humbled and enormously grateful for this recognition. This was more than a job – it was an honor to serve the people of Providence said Hugh T. Clements, Jr. “But no one person can do this work alone; and this is a testament to the partnerships we had and the tremendous work we accomplished together.” Colonel Clements began his distinguished public safety career in 1985 as a night Patrol Officer in the Providence Police Department Uniform
Division. Over the next 26 years, he rose through the ranks, working in both the Special Investigations Bureau and the Detective Bureau, where he played active roles in several major investigations. He later served as Deputy Chief and was appointed as Acting Chief of Police in July 2011, and on Jan. 6, 2012, he was appointed as the 37th Chief of the Department and promoted to the rank of Colonel. He has worked closely with major law enforcement, civil rights, and community organizations. He is the recipient of numerous commendations for outstanding police work and devotion to duty, including
being recognized with the Providence Police Department Chief’s Award three times and the White House Champions of Change Award for Reducing Drug Use and Building a Healthier America. Colonel Clements received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Rhode Island and a Bachelor of Science degree in the Administration of Justice from Roger Williams University. He holds a Master of Science degree in criminal justice from Boston University. He attended many specialty schools throughout his career, including the New York State Police Williams Homicide School, the Illinois State
Police Supervisor’s School, and the ATF National Gang School in California, and in 2005 he graduated from the Senior Management Institute for Police put on by the Harvard Kennedy School at Boston University.
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Rescheduling Marijuana Would
Be a Huge Threat to Public Health By Kevin Sabet
It’s rare for policymakers to get a preview of the consequences
of pending policies, but the descheduling of hemp-derived THC products has provided a preview of what is to come if marijuana is rescheduled and commercialized. As the federal government considers rescheduling marijuana, policymakers should learn from the mistakes that were made in the 2018 Farm Bill. If marijuana is rescheduled—or descheduled—these same harms will be scaled up nationwide and further accelerated by a predatory, profit-driven industry fueled by Wall Street investors. Just like the legalization of hemp has led to the creation of new psychoactive compounds, the rescheduling of marijuana will grossly threaten public health and safety. Federal lawmakers descheduled hemp and legalized its use for industrial purposes. Hemp is a variant of the cannabis plant that naturally contains low
concentrations of Delta-9 THC, the psychoactive component that makes users feel a “high.” Hemp’s legal definition requires it to contain less than 0.3% THC by weight. Despite politicians’ intentions for increased use of hemp fibers in fabric and manufacturing, legalization of allowed Delta-8 THC to be extracted from the plant and converted into products with much stronger concentrations that mimic traditional Delta-9 THC. This created an industry specializing in making CBD supplements, and now the proliferation of hemp-derived Delta-9 THC in beverages and other products. Through the best legal representation money can buy, companies have created new compounds and exploited every
loophole in the law to create an addictive product and make it available in retail stores nationwide. Delta-8 Legalization
Because Delta-8 THC is neither regulated nor prohibited at the federal level, there’s no age restriction on its sale or use. Children can often buy it in gas stations and convenience stores, alongside candies and other
snacks, as well as online and in smoke shops. Millions of children have begun using it. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, through its Monitoring the Future survey, found that 11.4% of 12th-graders in the US used Delta-8 THC last year. The MTF report noted that “this prevalence level is considerable for
a substance that has only recently come to market.” Likewise, there has been a surge in calls to poison
control centers about exposures to Delta-8 THC. There were 3,358 exposures managed by poison control centers in 2022, up 82% from 2021. This is a vast underestimate because many individuals likely wouldn’t report the accidental exposure of their child. In January, Carol DesLauriers, the board president of
America’s Poison Centers and leader of the Illinois Poison Center, warned about “emerging public health threats, such as fentanyl and Delta-8 THC.” In “Psychology Today,” Dr. Lantie Jorandby said, “I’ve no doubt delta-8 THC would have this same gateway effect” on underage users who go on to use “hard drugs.” At a minimum, it’s reasonable to assume users of Delta-8 THC may be more likely to use stronger marijuana products over their life course and ultimately develop a cannabis use disorder. The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that the companies selling Delta-8 THC rely on marketing that appeals to children, finding that such products are sold as gummies, chocolates, cookies,
and candies. The FDA hasn’t approved such products for safe use. Given the harms outlined above, 17 states
have banned Delta-8 THC, including marijuana-friendly states such as Colorado, Oregon, Alaska, and New York. In the past year, Smart Approaches to Marijuana has helped contribute toward effort to ban Delta-8 in Arkansas. The inadvertent legalization of hemp-derived THC products has provided us with a preview of what’s to come if marijuana is rescheduled and further commercialized. Consequences
Rescheduling—or descheduling—marijuana will exacerbate the problems of Delta-8. Allowing bad actors to
distribute some drugs more widely—especially today’s high-potency drugs with up to 99% THC—will lead to higher use rates. This unquestionably will correspond to increases in adverse effects, including greater instances of drugged driving fatalities, higher property crime rates, and an explosion in the illicit market. Rescheduling marijuana would also come with unseen harm. Under the Department of Health and
Human Services’ recommendation, the addiction-for-profit industry would finally secure the ability to deduct business, promotional, and other expenses by repealing Section 280E of the tax code. This would mean even more money for the industry to aggressively market its products, just like what’s happened with Delta-8. Policymakers should know better by now. The Delta-8 THC experience has painted a clear picture that the predatory profit-driven marijuana industry can’t be trusted. The attempt to reschedule marijuana would only make this public health catastrophe worse, and it should be
rejected. Author Information
Kevin Sabet is the president of Smart Approaches to Marijuana and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions. He’s a former White House drug policy adviser to Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton.
FBI Director Outlines New Intelligence Program Strategy, Underscores Innovation and Partnerships to Confront Threats
FBI Director Christopher Wray outlined the Bureau’s new
intelligence program strategy and emphasized how partnerships, collaboration, and innovation are essential to combatting emerging national security threats. “Our ability to collect intelligence that illuminates threats, to act on that intelligence here in the United States, and to share that intelligence with private companies, law enforcement, the IC, and foreign partners empowers all of us to take the joint action we need to have the greatest impact against the threats we face,” Wray said at the Intelligence and National Security Alliance summit on February 29 in McLean, Virginia. The annual
summit brings together public, private, and academic sectors to find practical and creative solutions to national security challenges. The FBI’s role as a law enforcement agency and member of the Intelligence Community (IC) is “tailor made for today’s challenges,” Wray said. The new five-year strategy will drive the FBI’s intelligence program by leveraging technology, tradecraft, and training to combat the global and complex threats facing the United States. Technology, Wray emphasized, is key to addressing a shifting threat environment. Investigations can yield an overwhelming amount of data, and it’s essential that the FBI’s intelligence workforce is prepared with knowledge and tools that allow for
efficient analysis and important innovation. “Just one investigation of a cyber intrusion could bring in
terabytes of data,” Wray said. “And we have to quickly distill that information so we can find the needle in an ever-growing haystack.” The Director was joined by Sue Gordon, former principal deputy director of national intelligence at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. They discussed the challenges the FBI and the greater IC face when it comes to evolving technology, especially the emergence of artificial intelligence—or AI—and new technological capabilities that adversaries can exploit. Wray acknowledged that our “sophisticated adversaries use AI to increase the speed and skill” of their efforts. He noted that the FBI can do great things by leveraging emerging technologies, but those same technologies also pose a threat in the hands of adversaries. The FBI is focusing on defense and on the importance of collaboration and innovation to protect the American people. Wray also highlighted the indispensable tools the FBI leverages to combat threats posed to the U.S., including
Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. He called it the “most important tool we have to protect Americans from foreign threats.” Section 702 allows the government to conduct targeted surveillance of foreign persons located outside of the U.S. and can be used to prevent terrorism, cybercrimes, and more. And, when dealing with overwhelming amounts of data and high-speed cases, the FBI’s capability to lawfully collect information and subsequently search and analyze that
information is essential in timely investigations. “Time matters,” Wray said. Tradecraft is another pillar of the FBI’s intelligence program strategy. It focuses on the recruitment and operation of sources and resilience in the face of emerging threats like ubiquitous technical surveillance, a term the FBI uses to describe how adversaries can threaten Bureau personnel, sources, and operations through the
widespread collection and analysis of digital activities. Tradecraft also includes the authorship and
distribution of critical analysis. The new strategy emphasizes the FBI’s responsibility to deliver impactful analysis to intelligence partners, strengthening connections and collaboration. Quoting a former CIA analyst, Wray said, “It’s tradecraft and proper coordination that turn one individual’s analysis into an IC product we can all stand behind.” The third lever of the strategy—training—focuses on fostering a multidisciplinary approach to the FBI’s work that highlights the integration of intelligence and operations. This training will give employees the skills they need to form multidisciplinary teams, utilizing the expertise of every job role to ensure the FBI is applying their full range of authorities and capabilities to all they do. “We’ll train our new agents as collectors and consumers of intelligence, as well as investigators,” Wray said. Wray spoke on the Bureau’s role in the IC, particularly the FBI’s unique combination of law enforcement and intelligence authorities—an asset, he said, that can bridge many of the gaps our enemies want to exploit. To do so, collaboration is key. “Defending against evolving threats requires all of us,” Wray said, citing cybercrime, terrorism, counterintelligence, and election security among the emerging threats. The FBI’s response is “fast,
coordinated, and skillful as ever” thanks to increased coordination and collaboration with our partners, including those in local law enforcement and the private sector. “It’s never been more important than it is right now,” Wray said.
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Director Steven Dettelbach Interviewed on Face the Nation by Moderator Margaret Brennan
DHS Office for State and Local Law Enforcement Webinar Invitation - Election Security - March 11, 2024 at 2pm ET
The DHS Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) is announced a new webinar series for state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus (SLTTC) law enforcement partners. These monthly webinars aims to provide information and opportunities for discussion on timely and relevant
homeland security topics. However, they will have a couple of unique twists compared to standard webinars. First, while these webinars often include briefings from DHS and other federal partners, their goal is always to include a SLTTC law enforcement partner to provide the non-federal perspective. Second, they will be pairing these webinars with what we hope will be considered useful and timely resources, which could include fact sheets, intel products, educational videos,
best practices, bulletins, alerts, etc. This will include an aggregate of existing resources, as well as newly created materials being rolled out at or around the time of the webinar. Lastly, they are working to be able to archive the webinars and resources in a central, easy to access repository for reference, use, and action in the future by SLTTC law enforcement partners, whether they were able to attend the initial webinar or are looking to view them at a later time. We are pleased to announce that our first webinar will be on Monday, March 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET. on the topic
of Election Security, including the protection, safety, and security of election officials, volunteers, and polling places. We will have briefings form the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the Committee for Safe and Secure Elections, and the Orange County (CA) Sheriff’s Office.
FY24 Targeted Violence and
Terrorism Prevention Grant Program Informational Webinar The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Center
for Prevention Programs and Partnerships (CP3) on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 2:00p.m is hosting an informational webinar to brief on how law enforcement agencies can apply to the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) grant program. Learn how this funding can be used to develop prevention capabilities within your community and hear from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office on how they leveraged this funding to expand their Behavioral Science Division. For FY24, DHS has established a new priority for recidivism reduction and reintegration, and law enforcement and others in
correctional settings are encouraged to apply. Key Details: - The TVTP Grant Program seeks to fund eligible entities to design and implement sustainable, multidisciplinary projects that enhance targeted violence and terrorism prevention capabilities. The FY 2024 grant program identifies the following priorities:
- Enhancing Recidivism Reduction and Reintegration Capabilities;
- Advancing Equity in Awards and Engaging Underserved
Communities in Prevention;
- Addressing Online Aspects of Targeted Violence and Terrorism;
- Preventing Domestic Violent Extremism.
- Anticipated Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) release: Early March 2024
- Anticipated FEMA GO Submission Deadline: May 2, 2024
- Anticipated Award Announcement: September 2024
- Eligible Applicants: Nonprofits; Universities; State, Local Tribal, and Territorial Government Agencies
Upcoming Campaign Kickoff
Briefing- Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation
The DHS Office for State and Local Law Enforcement (OSLLE) and
ICE Office of Partnership and Engagement (OPE) would like to provide our law enforcement association partners a briefing on the upcoming national public awareness campaign, “Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation.” This important campaign – which aims to raise awareness about the rapidly escalating crisis of online child sexual exploitation and abuse
(CSEA) and share preventative strategies to stop future victimization – will be launched April 17. During our meeting, we would like to share information about the campaign and present opportunities for collaboration and partnerships to your organizations. As valued partners in our community’s safety and well-being, we believe that your collaboration and support are crucial in ensuring the success and impact of this initiative. This meeting is for national law enforcement association leaders and/or their designated representatives only. Following this meeting, we’re happy to
discuss briefings for broader audiences. Briefing Date/Time: Tuesday, March 12 at 3:30 pm E.T. Registration: Please RSVP HERE What is Know2Protect? Know2Protect is a forthcoming national public awareness campaign
sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to raise awareness about the rapidly escalating threat of online CSEA. The lack of understanding of online CSEA and increased technology use among children and teens has created space for these crimes to flourish. For too long, our communities have been left on their own when it comes to understanding the online dangers that exist and how to prevent them. Despite the collaborative work with key partners, online CSEA is growing at an
alarming rate and DHS cannot investigate and arrest its way out of this crisis. Launch Date: April 17,
2024 Target Audience: Children, teens, parents, trusted adults, and caregivers. This crime impacts
everyone, but messaging needs to resonate with specific audiences depending on if they are a minor or an adult. Website: Know2Protect | Homeland Security (dhs.gov) Know2Protect Goals The campaign goals below help outline Know2Protect’s objectives and communication targets: - Education: Raise
awareness of online CSEA and encourage target audiences to educate themselves and others about the problem
- Prevention: Provide resources and tools for audiences to protect themselves and others against online CSEA.
- Intervention: Empower audiences to act, report abuse, and support survivors of online CSEA.
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Big blue cities are embracing conservative anti-crime measures. Here’s why.
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The country’s biggest, bluest cities are embracing tough-on-crime policies that would have been politically heretical just a few years ago — ratcheting up criminal penalties and expanding police power amid fear and anger over a rash of brazen crimes like carjackings and retail
theft.
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Texas and federal government clash over how to deter illegal border crossings
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Three years ago, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott launched "Operation Lone Star," deploying thousands of police and soldiers and miles of barriers to deter record numbers of illegal crossings. The Supreme Court has repeatedly ruled that immigration is the job of the
federal government. But rarely has a state so aggressively challenged that authority.
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'Dying before our eyes': Overdose deaths push Oregon lawmakers to end drug decriminalization 'experiment'
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Oregon Senate voted 21-8 in favor of recriminalizing hard drugs with HB 4002 on Friday, pushing the bill to Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek's desk.
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Grassley demands answers from DHS on ‘alarmingly low’ DNA testing for illegal immigrants
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Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is calling for answers from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on new data he says shows an "alarmingly low" percentage of DNA samples of illegal immigrants being received by the FBI.
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Oakland County to be first in nation to deploy new opioid overdose drug
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Oakland County Sheriff's Office is the first law enforcement agency in the U.S. to roll out Opvee in partnership with the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities (ACHC).
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Threats to health care sector targets likely to stay 'elevated' amid cultural wars: DHS
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Threats to health care locations and those who work there are surging and are likely to stay "elevated," as a result of cultural and divisive issues like abortion, gender-related care and a hangover from debates caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, federal
intelligence analysts said.
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Fighting cocaine trafficking still a U.S. priority -official
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Fighting the cocaine trade remains a priority for the United States even as it works to tackle more lethal, synthetic drugs like fentanyl, the director of the U.S. narcotics control agency said.
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D.C. Council passes public safety overhaul following historic crime spike
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The D.C. Council on Tuesday passed a massive public safety package that puts the liberal city on a track toward harsher punishments for a range of crimes from illegal gun possession to retail theft, a new direction forged by months of intense outcry from
residents and businesses over last year’s historic crime spike.
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Scanners that spot smuggled fentanyl at the border sit unused because Congress hasn't provided the cash to install them
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Customs and Border Protection has spent millions on the most up-to-date high-tech scanners to spot fentanyl crossing the southern U.S. border, but many scanners are sitting in warehouses unused because Congress hasn’t appropriated funds to install them,
acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller told NBC News.
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National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Winter CEO Symposium Atlanta, GA — Mar 7.- Mar. 9 ,2024 | | |
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International Wireless Communications Expo (IWCE) Orlando, FL — Mar 25.- Mar. 28 ,2024 | | |
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National Fusion Center Association Annual Training Event Washington, D.C. — Mar 26.- Mar. 28 ,2024 | | |
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National Police Week Washington, DC — May 11.- Mar. 16 ,2024 | | |
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National Association of Police
Organizations TOP COPS Award Dinner/Legislative Update Washington, DC — May 12.- Mar. 14 ,2024 | | |
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2024 IACP Technology Conference Charlotte, NC — May 21.- MaY 23 ,2024 | | |
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American Correctional Association's 154th Congress of Correction Nashville, TN — Aug 15.- Aug 18 ,2024 | | |
Brooks Bawden Moore, LLC is a team of experienced professionals who serve as trusted
advisors to law enforcement, homeland security, and intelligence practitioners and solution providers. Our government relations practice helps
clients advance critical policy priorities with Congress, federal agencies, and state legislatures. Our business strategy consulting practice enables companies to connect innovative products and services with market needs.
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