Blog 12: Comments About Police 'Could Trigger Criminal Inquiry'

Comments About Police 'Could Trigger Criminal Inquiry'
Kaitlyn Toomes
April 15, 2011

Rebekah Brooks' Comments About Police 'Could Trigger Criminal Inquiry'

Comments made by the former editor of the News of the World, Rebekah Brooks, may spark an investigation by the Scotland Yard. Brooks commented "to a Commons committee in 2003 that journalists 'had paid police for information in the past' - which prompted a short inquiry by the homes affairs committee this year." Although Brooks now denies knowledge of any specific cases police still plan "'to conduct a scoping exercise to establish whether there are now any grounds for beginning a criminal investigation.'" This investigation "comes as the 24 phone hacking lawsuits brought by politicians and celebrities came together in high court."

This article just reaffirms one main trend I have noticed throughout this semester. Every person in this world can commit crime or can be affected by crime. Crime affects every person regardless of gender, race, or social standings. We are taught from a young age that police officers are the good guys, the "super heroes" of the world, but even police officers are human and some may be criminals too. The reason crime is such a large social issue is because even some of the justice seekers (police officers, politicians, etc.) are criminals themselves. By no means are all police officers secret criminals, but unfortunately more often than not "one bad apple spoils the bunch." I wonder, as this investigation unfolds, how the citizens will begin to view the police agency involved. Hopefully, the "good guys" will continue to fight against the social problem of crime and not succumb to the "bad guys."

Source:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2011/apr/15/rebekah-brooks-phone-hacking-investigation
(I still cannot get blogger to hyperlink)

Blog 11: Mass Graves in Mexico

Global Crime: Mass Graves in Mexico
Kaitlyn Toomes
April 8, 2011

Criminal Violence in Mexico Leads to Mass Grave

Another thirteen victims have been found after an investigation into kidnapped bus passengers lead authorities to a group of mass graves in the northeastern region of Mexico. Although the remains have yet to be identified "the bodies are thought to be those of Mexican residents." The new discovery brings the total body count of these mass graves to seventy-two. So far "officials have arrested eleven people suspected of the crime and were able to rescue five hostages." This development comes in the wake of criticism from Amnesty International about how, and if, Mexico is doing enough to keep "their residents and tourists safe." Amnesty International feels that "Mexico is failing in efforts to lower criminal activity and those responsible for such violent acts are rarely punished for their crimes."

I found this article to be extremely disturbing. It left me wondering how and why these mass murders were able to take place to begin with. The world is highly aware of Mexico's fight against organized drug cartels, but is the world really knowledgeable to the extent of innocent lives being lost in this fight? Where is the Mexican government and what, if anything, are they doing to stop these deaths? Unfortunately, many of the government officials in office are in the pockets of these drug cartels and the few that are truly against the crimes being committed seem to go missing just as Mexican citizens do. Seventy-two lives have been taken and I would wager that is still just a small amount compared to all the deaths due to these drug cartels. I think Amnesty International needs to step in, or at least help draw up a plan, to help Mexican citizens regain control over Mexico. This social problem is definitely solvable, it is just going to take a lot of effort to turn this situation around.

Source:
http://www.ecanadanow.com/world/2011/04/08/criminal-violence-in-mexico-leads-to-mass-graves/
(I was having a hard time getting Blogger to let me hyperlink)

Blog #10: Teens Embrace Anti-Crime Initiative

Teens Embrace Anti-Crime Initiative
Kaitlyn Toomes
April 1, 2011 12:14PM

Teens Embrace Launch of Anit-Crime Initiative

In England at the Linford Christie Staduim this past week the Metropolitan police and British Athletic Charitable Trust hosted an anti-crime initiative aimed at educating youth about the consequences of crime. During the two day session local youth met with the Metropolitan Police, gold medalist hurdler Andy Turner, and a group of current Wormwood Scrubs inmates. The Metropolitan police officers offered a "demonstration of the riot equipment" that is used at "public events such as the march against government cuts in London last weekend." The youths also had the chance to listen to current inmates about the downfalls of prison life and listen to Turner discuss motivations for staying out of trouble. The initiative was launched in 2005 by John Powell, the superintendent of a voluntary British International Sprints coach, to offer "international athletes as role models in a coaching environment."

I decided to do this article because a few weeks ago I looked at an article about the rise in youth crimes. This article discusses some of the efforts being made to change and improve this social problem. Crime amongst youth has become a growing issue over the past few years and leaves many people wondering what is causing this problem. Part of the problem is who, if anyone, is the role model for these youths. If the youths are raised witnessing crime it may become a "social norm" for them. However, through this program youth can now have a positive role model. What Andy Turner and John Powell are doing will begin to influence and change this growing problem. This program gives youth the knowledge to make better and more informed decisions. Crime can affect any person, any life, and any place, including the youth of our world. This is just one positive way that we can begin to turn this social problem around.

Source: Teens Embrace Launch of Anti-Crime Initiative at Linford Christie Stadium

Burns, G. (2011, April 1). Teens embrace launch of anti-crime initiative at linford christie stadium. Retrieved from http://www.fulhamchronicle.co.uk/fulham-and-hammersmith-news/local-fulham-and-hammersmith-news/2011/04/01/teens-embrace-launch-of-anti-crime-initiative-at-linford-christie-stadium-82029-28443098/

Blog 9: The Fight Against International CyberTerrorism

Global Crime: The Fight Against International Cyber Terrorism
Kaitlyn Toomes
March 25, 2011
12:46 PM

The Fight Against International Cyber Terrorism

The United Kingdom has decided that it is ready to "lead the international fight against cyber-crime and terrorism." However, the United Kingdom "will co-ordinate its policy with its partners including the United States." The United Kingdom is hoping to work together to improve its own cyber security, but has "signalled its willingness to lead internationally." In this article Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance director Neil Thompson mentions that for the United Kingdom to fight this problem the country will have to take an international approach. So far their endeavor is receiving support from a variety of countries and is looking to be a promising effort to stop this almost unstoppable crime. Another key factor in fighting against cyber terrorism is private sectors. Thompson noted that a "partnership with the private sector will be absolutely crucial.. Government can't do it alone."

I decided that for my blog this week I would continue to monitor how the world is handling the epidemic of cyber crime. Last week I wrote on a huge bust led by law enforcement around the world and I was happy to see that the world is continuing to fight this growing problem. I feel like a variety of social problems in this world stem form the inability of the world to come together and fight for a common cause. The greatest issue of cyber crime is the fact that it is a border less crime. Cyber crime can happen anywhere, at anytime, to any person. Therefore, I am glad that the United Kingdom is stepping up and acknowledging that this problem will only be solved with the help of every country. In a world torn apart by war it is wonderful to see that we can still united. If we can continue to work together to solve the issue of cyber crime and terrorism then maybe we can begin to solve all crime.


Source:

UK Prepared to Lead International Fight Against Cyber Terrorism


Uk prepared to lead international fight against cyber terrorism. (2011, March 24). Retrieved from http.security.cbronline.com/news/uk-prepared-to-lead-international-fight-against-cyber-terrorism-240311

Blog 8: A New Twist on Fighting Internet Crime

Global Crime: A New Twist on Fighting Internet Crime
Kaitlyn Toomes
March 18, 2011
9:38 AM

With Rustock, a New Twist on Fighting Internet Crime

This week "a small group of computer researchers, backed by Microsoft's lawyers, U.S. Marshals and international law enforcement officers executed a number of surgical strikes on the" Rustock botnet. The botnet is a piece of software that gives criminals access to an infected machines. "It is installed by tricking a victim into visiting a malicious Web site or opening a specially coded email attachment." After a case, led by Microsoft, was brought against the "anonymous operators" of Rustock the courts awarded Microsoft with court orders to "seize the servers used to control the botnet, and the Dutch police helped take down servers outside of the U.S." Because of the complexity of Rustock Microsoft can really only suppress new domains from forming. Until "Rustock's creator -- a hacker known only by his online handle PE386" is arrested the botnet will return the moment Microsoft lets down their guards. As of now, researchers are attempting to discover a way to preeminently take down the botnet, while law enforcement around the world work on discovering and capturing its creator.

The point of this blog is to research and discuss global crime, or crime outside of the United States. However, Internet crime seems to be borderless. The Rustock botnet had a negative effect on citizens around the world with Internet access. The reason Internet crime is becoming the next huge global social crime is because it does not stop at a border, or consider the nationalities of its victims. Internet crime really is a global epidemic. I think the Rustock operation is a positive example of what can be achieved when the world unifies to take down a global crime. Microsoft received help from countless law enforcement officers, including the U.S. Marshals and the Dutch police. If the world can work together to confront the problem of Internet crime we may be able to actually become a force in preventing and stopping this global problem. A social problem is considered to be solvable. I feel Internet crime is solvable as long as every country works together; after all every country that has access to the Internet faces the possibility of experiencing Internet crime. Hopefully, the next step will be to capture this global criminal known only as "PE386" before he is able to resume attacking computers, and people around the world.

Source:
With Rustock, a New Twist on Fighting Internet Crime

McMillan, R. (2011, March 18). With rustock, a new twist on fighting internet crime. Retireved from http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/222530/with_rustock_a_new_twist_on_fighting_internet_crime.html

Blog 7: Crime Holds Back World's Youth

Crime Holds Back World's Youth
Kaitlyn Toomes
March 2, 2011
2:50PM


Crime Holds Back World's Youth

The United Nations Children's Fund released a "State Of The World's Children" report on Friday, February 25, 2011. In this report UNICEF discusses the rise in youth unemployment, children kept in jail, and crime amongst youths. The report included statistics stating that "hundreds of thousands of youth are used by armed groups as solders, spies, messengers, and sex slaves." The report also discussed the outrageous amount of youth involved in conflict with the law. Another unfortunate problem found amongst the youth is the lack of job opportunities. Investing in adolescents rarely comes first "when governments set social targets." UNICEF feels that has to change because "investing in adolescents provides our best hope of breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and inequality that weakens communities and countries and imperils the development and rights of countless children."

Unfortunately the problem of crime amongst youth can be seen in every country, regardless of economic status. I have to wonder first and foremost where all of these children's parents are. I realize some may be orphans and some children's parents may be struggling to survive, but where are all of the other children's parents. After all it is their responsibility to provide a home, love, and care for these children. I agree that countries need to invest in their youth, because the youth are the future; the future doctors, lawyers, rulers, and teachers. If the children are raised to be criminals then they will see this as the "social norm" and raise their children to be criminals. The first step to helping these children is providing an education. Without an education how will these children develop the skills to find and work jobs? If we can educated the youth of the world than maybe we can stop the cycle of poverty. Yes, the youth committing crimes is a social problem, but the fact that the lack of concern from parents, or the lack of resources offered from the government are some of the few the driving forces behind these hardships is an even bigger social problem; if we can stand together to help the world's adolescents than maybe we can change the world for the better. By giving these adolescents an outlet to mature in and a better opportunity structure we can prevent their desperation that leads to committing such crimes.

Source:
Grim Prospects, Crime Hold Back World's Youth: UN


Grim prospects, crime hold back world's youth: un. (2011, February 25). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/ariticle/ALeqM5hD3g3Dhj49An115z9YtK22z58qMg?docId=CNG.99868blecc4e65dad00cb9c958f4949c.fl

Blog 6: Pirates

Global Crime: Pirates
Kaitlyn Toomes
February 23, 2011
1:04PM

Pirates, Pirates, and More Pirates

This week four American citizens were killed by Somali pirates who hijacked the yacht the Americans were traveling on. According to experts "it's rare for pirates to kill their hostages." After all, no hostages to save means no money for the pirates. However, I must note that the article does address that "several hostages have died over the years when they suffered heart attacks and could not reach a hospital." These hostages must have willingly chosen to be captured and willed a heart attack to happen to not be considered deaths due to pirates. Through this trying time on the open ocean the U.S. naval forces in the region did try to negotiate with the pirates to have the hostages freed; yet, when the U.S. naval forces boarded the yacht the hostages had already been shot, "some were still alive and given medical treatment, but all died." However, the Somali pirates see the events of the past few days as completely different. Liban Muse, a member of the pirate group involved in this incident, insist that "the U.S. military fired first" and that their "preference is only to take ships and ransom money, not to kill." After all, the world should believe people who capture, steal, loot, and cause terror to innocent people.

I am honestly not sure who is more delusional in this situation. The experts that are shocked that people who provide such terror to individuals would stoop as low as to kill the hostages that they captured in the first place or the pirates who think that any sane person would trust a word they say. Pirates have always been around causing hysteria and doing all around bad things; however, in the past few years pirates have risen again on the scale of social problems. It baffles me that the group of pirates responsible for these deaths are turning these murders onto the military forces. Why should pirates have any right to decide to kill any person, regardless of who is supposedly attacking them? The pirates captured the hostages with the intent to collect ransom and steal the ship. Who in their right mind would believe the pirates? Let's face it pirates are not really known for their morally sound and law abiding ways. So, here is the real social problem. Not only does the world have to find a way to fix the social problem of pirates, but the world also creates a social problem by giving the pirates a way to let their excuses be heard. I am positive that some person out there will read this article and think "well if the military shot at them first I can see where they are coming from." You must admit we all know a person like this. So now instead of seeing the pirates for what they really are, a problem, we can empathizes with them? If the pirates are able to blame the military for the killing of hostages, rapist should be able to blame the government for their impulses as well. While we are on a roll can we go ahead and place blame on the law enforcement for our speeding tickets?

Source:
Deaths of Americans at Hands of Somali Pirates a Troubling Escalation in Violence, Experts Say

Gold, S. (2011, February 23). Deaths of Americans at hands of Somali pirates a troubling escalation in violence, experts say. Retrieved from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/02/killing-of-yachting-couple-marks-troubling-escalation-in-somali-pirate-crisis-experts-say.html

Blog #5: Internet, The Place for Global Crime

Internet: A Tool for Global Crime
Kaitlyn Toomes
February 18, 2011
12:43PM

Internet: A Tool for Global Crime

Global crime has grown exponentially in the past century with new advancements in technology that allow faster communication around the world. However, until the Internet was invented the world's thieves never had a convenient tool for scamming, stealing, or forging. However, as this article shows the Internet has only improved criminals chances at finding out personal information we so casually place on the Internet. In May of 2008 thirty-eight Internet scammers in a global crime ring were accused of "tricking thousands of Internet users into handing over personal information, such as names, credit card data, and Social Security information." The Romanian crime ring swindled millions of dollars from their victims by "target[ing] thousands of financial institutions with unsolicited spam e-mails. The spam messages attempted to lure victims to fraudulent Web sites that appeared to be from legitimate sources."

The more available the Internet becomes the more criminals are using the Internet as a tool for committing crime. Think about it, how many people do you know who have e-mail accounts, facebook or other social networking sites, use online banking, or surf the net daily. Most likely you do something on the Internet that risks exposing your personal information to the world. Although crime has always been a social problem, Internet crime has not. The Internet is still relatively new to most the world. On Yahoo!'s daily news feed there is usually a story about tips to protect Internet users from the criminals out to access personal information. However, there are thousands of spam e-mails sent daily, new friends added to facebook pages, and hackers just waiting for you to make the wrong move while on the Internet. So what can we do to protect our identity and money? It is simple really, do no give out personal information on the Internet. The entire facebook community really does not need to know your birthday, hometown, or mothers maiden name, you can simply run by the bank to check statements, and most importantly you do not have to read every e-mail that is sent your way. To stop this social problem from spreading we most be cautious when dealing with our personal information and realize that the Internet is helpful, helpful to law abiding citizens and to the criminals wanting our information.

Source:
38 Scammers Charged In Global Crime Ring
Hoffman, S. (2008, May 19). 38 scammers charged in global crime ring. Retrived from hhttp://www.crn.com/news/security/207801067/38-scammers-charged-in-global-crime-ring.htm;jsessionid=N1pefjPzldfMTYiirR8Log**.ecappj02

Blog #4: Hariri Court Begins Hearing on Terror Charges

Hariri Court Begins Hearing on Terror Charges
Kaitlyn Toomes
February 11, 2011
12:38PM

Lebanon Attempts to Define Terrorism

In Lebanon a trial is being held to decide on "how to define the crime of terrorism." This trial has become necessary in determining how to charge the Lebanese killers of the ex-premier Rafiq Hariri. In efforts to decide what terrorism pertains to, the judge will look at "how the crimes of terrorism, conspiracy and premeditated murder should be defined, and under which law -- Lebanese or international or both." As of now, terrorism is defined as people who "create a public danger such as explosive devices, inflammable materials, toxic or corrosive products and infectious or microbial agents." Surprisingly both the prosecution and the defence office agree that the "tribunal should apply only Lebanese laws, which guides its operations, in defining terrorism." Over the duration much will be discussed, argued, and reviewed, but one thing is certain: the judges will make a decision about how the world responds to one of the world's greatest social problems, terrorism.

I think the world would agree that the death of ex-premier Rafiq Hariri is a tragic crime. However, it is obvious that the world does not agree on the type of crime his tragic death is. As of now, the Lebanese government is trying to determine if his death is truly a form of terrorism. According to the law set forth by Lebanon presently his death is not a result of terrorism. However, taking out a government official can harm a nation. Therefore, I believe that the killers should be tried as terrorist. Past experiences show that assassinations can have tragic effects on nations and even the world. I need not remind anyone of Franz Ferdinand's assignation. Regardless of what the courts decide the killers deserve a harsh punishment, because to Hariri's family it does not matter what law his death falls under, he will still be gone no matter what the outcome is.

Source:

Hariri Court Begins Hearing on Terror Charges

Hariri court begins hearing on terror charges. (2011, February 7). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALegM5g9c-FQjP2dNIkX0bWjSdc8saqLOA?docld=CNG.30a945d880fb0c467a82e584423dac3f.2e1

Blog #3: How safe is the neighborhood? Wait, I can tell you.

How safe is the neighborhood? Wait, I can tell you.
Kaitlyn Toomes
February 4, 2011
4:26PM

Crime All Mapped Out

How safe do you think your neighborhood really is? Well, if you are currently living in England or Wales you can now find out that information by simply typing your postcode into a new website. The website, www.police.uk , allows citizens to discover the rampant crime occurring all across their neighborhoods. The website looks at six crime categories: "Antisocial Behaviour, Burglary, Robbery, Vehicle Crime, Violent Crime and Other Crime." After visiting the website I can understand why it "crashed within hours of going online as millions of people tried to access the service." After all, any individual in the world can look up the crime occurring in any neighborhood in England and Wales. Even an American sociology student planning to study aboard in England next year.

After reading this article I thought I might as well check out how Keele University in England is doing. I plan on studying aboard there next spring and thought I should make sure I am going into a safe neighborhood. Here is what I discovered: burglary 15, anti-social behaviour 14, robbery 1, vehicle crime 1, violent crime 8, and other crime 21. Now as I sat gaping at the neighborhood I was planning on living in and all its pretty multicolored dots, pointing to the areas of crime in question, I realized this was a bigger problem than I anticipated. Originally I had planned on writing my blog about all the crime happening in Egypt. However, I realize the world accepts crime as a social problem, but how about mass hysteria. To be a social problem the problem must be solvable, but is showing the world every piece of crime committed in their neighborhood helping the problem, or causing unneeded unrest? I can tell you every house within a mile radius of my home that has a sex offender residing inside. I can tell you what neighborhoods I will not be walking into, and which areas to stray from because of our countries National Sex Offender Registry. Now I have to wonder if individuals are willing to avoid neighborhoods because they know of one or two individuals living there who have committed crimes would they be willing to stay if they knew every crime that was being committed in their neighborhoods. So by trying to solve one social problem are we creating another? I recognize that not everyone is going to uproot and move; however, there will be some who do, some who are a bit more watchful than they used to be, a little less laughter from kids playing outside, and a more guarded approach to outsiders. This not only effects the residents of these neighborhoods, it also effects anyone planning on moving into the area or visiting. Furthermore, what about privacy. Is telling the world where all the crime is in a neighborhood really keeping that neighborhood private? Where does the line of neighborhood privacy and the line of knowledge the neighborhood deserves to know meet? I have a year until i leave for England, but I can tell you one thing - I will not be out walking at night in my neighborhood.


If you are curious:
http://www.police.uk/
Keele University:


Source:
Battle Crime All Mapped Out
Button, L. (2011, February 3). Battle crime all mapped out. Retrieved from http://www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/news/local-
news//battle crime all mapped out 1 2378046

Blog #2: The Mexican Government's Positive Spin on Violence

Global Crime: The Mexican Government's Positive Spin on Violence
Kaitlyn Toomes
January 28, 2011
12:22PM

The Mexican Government's Positive Spin on Violence

For several months news stations across America have been reporting on the growing violence displayed at the Mexican/American border. So what is the Mexican government's take on the situation? For President Felipe Calderon, whose term runs out in two years, the violence is on a decline. During an interview with Mexican television "Mexico City's new point man for public relations, Alejandro Poire, put a positive spin on the balance of power between the Mexican state and several large criminal organizations" (Juarez, 2011). According to Poire, Mexican authorities have detained several key players in the underworld organization since December 2009. However, "in 2010, more that 15,000 people were reported killed in incidents attributed to organized crime" (Juarez, 2011). Also, in last year alone "14 Mexican mayors were slain" (Juarez, 2011). Due to this and other disturbing information several citizen activists are questions the validity in Poire's report.
I think the world would agree that the violence in Mexico seems to be a growing, serious social problem. No individual desires to live in fear, or in such a hostile situation. However, with that being said why is no one addressing the crime of another politician lying to the people? Poire tells a drastically different story than the reality of what is actually going on. One of the conditions that must be met to make a problem a social problem is the violation of social norms. I would bet money that lying, or slightly bending the truth, violates the social norm. Another condition that must be met is solvability, or is the problem solvable. Two options are available: either the government stops bending the statistics to fit their ideal image, or the activists and concerned citizens rise up. The influence of these crime lords and their crimes will spread. As evidence, the crime is already breaching the American border. It is time for the Mexican government to stop making up statistics and start telling the truth so we can solve this ever growing social problem.

Juarez, B. (2011, January 16). The mexican government spins positive on violence. Retrieved from http://www.mexidata.info/id2925.html

Blog #1: The Trafficking of Girls

Kaitlyn Toomes
January 20, 2011
4:25 EST

Global Crime: The Trafficking of Girls

A major crime that is often swept under the rug is the human trafficking of young girls in Nigeria and across Eastern Europe. BBC World Service Global Crime Report discussed this growing problem and efforts being made to prevent this turmoil. The article discusses the continuing circle of prostitution, being a madam, and finding girls. Nigerian madams often start as young girls who were tricked or stolen into prostitution. After working the streets long enough to afford the approximately 45,000 dollar tab to buy their freedom they often go on to become a madam. Madams, or leaders of the prostitution rings, will often promise the girl's families that they will "help her find a job, or finish her studies and then it's 'please sign this contract'" ("Sex crimes: trafficking,"). The girl's only option is to work as a prostitute and attempt to make enough money to buy her freedom. So what is the United Nations doing to prevent this crime? Several countries have signed on to create "legislation against trafficking and smuggling, adequate sentencing guidelines and a system in place for protecting victims and witnesses" ("Sex crime: trafficking,"). Article 18 of the United Nations Convention on Transnational Crime works to protect the girls if they have the chance to escape prostitution. The girls are "given temporary residence permits. They are encouraged to give evidence, but it is not conditional" ("Sex crimes: trafficking,"). With the improvements implemented by several countries will human trafficking of girls decline?

When I first read this article I started to think about my plans to study aboard, the movie "Taken", and what little I knew about human trafficking. The amount of human trafficking in Nigeria alone is horrendous. How does so much of this huge ordeal pass so easily under the government's radar? The answer lies within the legislation of the foreign governments. Thankfully, many countries have signed to implement new laws to help prevent human trafficking and immigration laws to protect the girls smuggled in to be prostitutes. I think with Article 18 the countries are headed in the right direction for change and improvement. The young girls who are smuggled into other countries need protection after they escape from the situation. If the girls can help provide evidence and witness accounts to take down the leaders then maybe they can help to eventually take down the entire system.

Source:
Sex crimes: trafficking girls. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/prgrammes/global_crime_report/investigation/girlsl.shtml