President Grayling Williams and the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Chapter are pleased to announce the marriage of chapter members Special Agent Valerie Van Meter, Defense Criminal Investigative Service and retired Assistant Special Agent in Charge Van Quarles, Drug Enforcement Administration.

The wedding vows were exchanged at the Mount Airy Mansion in Upper Marlboro, Maryland on June 19, 2008.

President Jiles Ship and the members of the Northern New Jersey Chapter are pleased to report that as part of their community outreach they participated in the Susan G.. Komen Race for the Cure May 4, 2008, at Essex County Branch Brook Park in Newark, New Jersey.

Members in the photo are:back row - Yvonne Ballard, Don Wactor, Carolyn Williams, Pat Smalls, Deborah Arrington, Shawn Arrington, Daniel Baldwin, and Kelly Howard. Also participating but not pictured is Rose Wilson.

America's premier informational journal for Homeland Security professionals, our mission is to provide first responders relevant technical information they need to combat terrorism at home and abroad. The Counter Terrorist's aim is nothing short of our country's motto regarding the war on terror . . . Be Ready!

A subscription to The Counter Terrorist is a must-have for all homeland security professionals and first responders. For the highly competitive cost of $49.99, you will receive 6 issues! Subscribe at www.thecounterterroristmag.com and look for your copy of the latest issue at the 2008 NOBLE National Conference!

Several members are working to secure a bus to the Annual Conference. Here are the logistics:

Depart Friday July 25, 2008 at approximately 9:00 A.M. with drop off at the conference hotel.
Return trip will be on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at approximately 11:30 A.M. .

If you can only ride one way we welcome you but you will need to pay the entire fare.

The round trip cost is $60.
We need a minimum of 50 people and we need to know immediately if you will take the bus. We need to have your money by July 16, 2008. Please make your check or money order payable to NOBLE- Washington DC Metropolitan Area Chapter.

For more information please contact Stephanie Davis at:
703-780-3773 (h)
703-248-2407 (w)
571-259-0320 (c)
Please mail your check to 3607 Drews CT, Alexandria, VA 22309

After several years in the AARP Building on E Street, NW, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Visitors Center & Store has moved to a new location in Washington, DC's Penn Quarter neighborhood: 400 7th Street, NW. Situated just a few blocks from the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial (400 block of E Street, NW), the new Visitors Center & Store occupies the ground floor of the Jenifer Building, at the corner of 7th and D Streets, NW, where the Memorial Fund's administrative offices are also located.

The new facility will continue to offer interesting information about law enforcement and the National Memorial to fallen officers. An interactive video system provides facts and figures about the Memorial and the officers whose names are engraved there, and there is a replica of the Memorial wall, along with some of the personal mementos that visitors have left at the Memorial in recent years: touching notes and poems, police patches, photographs and other compelling items.

The Visitors Center & Store also stocks a full range of law enforcement-related merchandise, including books and videos, clothing, patches, jewelry, posters, toys and other items for both adults and children.

Founded in 1984, the non-profit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund works to increase public support for law enforcement by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers, and to provide information that promotes law enforcement safety. In 1991, the NLEOMF dedicated the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, where the names of more than 18,200 officers who have died in the line of duty throughout U.S. history are engraved. The NLEOMF is now leading the effort to build the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum across E Street from the Memorial.

In today's competitive, ever-changing world, education for professional and personal development remains a proven tool for sharpening skills and enriching lives. Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS), at Florida International University, offers a variety of convenient, non-traditional learning opportunities and a technologically advanced environment to facilitate professional and personal enhancement for the local and global communities. Our commitment to academic and professional excellence is focused on developing and strengthening rewarding in-demand credit and non-credit programs. We provide a diverse array of certificates, distance learning opportunities, on-line instruction, workshops, customized and professional training, personal enrichment courses and more.

NOBLE has partnered with Florida International University, College of Continuing and Professional Studies, (FIU/CAPS) to award Continuing Educational Units, (CEUs) to NOBLE conference attendees. There is a one-time $25 registration fee to take advantage of this service.

Our special thanks to Chair Constance Beachem, Cynthia Morman and the other members of the Education and Training Committee along with Susan R. Jay, Ed.D; Joseph Aldwine and the faculty and staff at FIU/CAPS for bringing this program to fruition.

Click here to read the CEU Fact Sheet.

Associate Member Representative Laura Garris was featured in a special that the magazine recently did on time management.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has partnered with the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) in designing an educational program to assist firearm retailers in the detection and possible deterrent of "straw purchases," the illegal purchase of a firearm by one person for another. The Department of Justice's Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative has enhanced the program by providing funding in order to raise public awareness of the criminality involved in purchasing a firearm for a prohibited person.

The goal of the "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" program is to reduce firearm straw purchases at the retail level and to alert would-be straw purchasers of the penalties of knowingly participating in an illegal firearm sale. The denial of guns to prohibited persons is critical to the mission of ATF in preventing violent crime and protecting our nation.

ATF in partnership with NSSF has conducted more than 60 Partnership for Progress Seminars to educate and train several thousand Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL) in detecting and avoiding illegal straw purchases. .

NSSF has distributed retailer education kits to more than 34,000 firearms retailers and to gun show promoters and pawn shops. The program emphasizes the scope of the problem and encourages licensees to work closely with their local ATF office to deter straw purchases. The public awareness component sends "Don't Lie for the Other Guy" representatives to ATF-targeted areas to encourage retailers to participate in the program. In addition, residents in these selected areas are made aware of the program's message through billboard advertising, radio and TV public service announcements by U.S. Attorneys, as well as through media coverage of news conferences attended by U.S. Attorneys, ATF, law enforcement and elected officials. The combination of retailer education and public awareness components send a powerful message to deter straw purchases. In 2008-2009, ATF expanded the campaign to include alerting potential straw purchasers of the penalties of buying a gun for someone who cannot or will not buy one for themselves. This new consumer awareness program reinforces the message that buying a gun for someone who is prohibited is a federal crime punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The revamped campaign, released in six cities, includes public service radio announcements, highway bill boards, and high-profile signage at transit bus stops and on the sides of buses.

With a suggested retail price starting around $44,000 the Cadillac DTS is one of the dominate players in the luxury car market. Edmonds.com describes the Cadillac experience as, "powerful V8 motivation, classy uptown styling and a roomy, sumptuous interior.

Chairman Wesley Thomas and the Ways & Means Committee have done a great job with this raffle and the Executive Board has authorized that only 6,000 $25 tickets be printed and sold.

The proceeds will benefit NOBLE. To secure your tickets please contact your chapter president, your regional vice president or e-mail the Ways & Means Committee.

The National Law Enforcement Recruiters Association is proud to announce our upcoming National Conference on Law Enforcement Diversity Training to be held September 22 - 23, 2008 at the Marriott Crystal City in Washington, DC.

This year's conference features some of the top talent in law enforcement diversity recruiting including speakers from:

• National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE)
• National Latino Peace Officers Association (NLPOA)
• National Native American Law Enforcement Association (NNALEA)
• Wounded Warrior Project
• US Army Alumni and Career Assistance Program
• Law Enforcement and Diversity Solutions
• Seyfarth Shaw LLP
• Arlington County, VA Police Department
• LawEnforcementJobs.com

Diversity recruiting is a dynamic discipline changing with local demographic ebbs and flows. Don't miss out on your best opportunity to learn directly from the top instructors in law enforcement! Attendees will be able to immediately implement the ideas and methods taught and improve their overall diversity recruiting program.

As always, NLERA will provide breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day and a first night reception to meet your fellow recruiters! Attendees will also receive a free renewal of their membership or free membership saving you $100! Group discounts are available!

NLERA training is limited to 100 participants from law enforcement, corrections, public safety and major Fortune 500 security firms with recognized federal contracts. All attendees will receive an NLERA 2008 Certificate of Diversity Training.

HOTEL CUTOFF DATE IS AUGUST 21, 2008. PLEASE STATE YOU ARE FROM THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT RECRUITERS ASSOCIATION TO RECEIVE YOUR DISCOUNT!

The NOBLE Civil Rights Committee has announced the winners of the 2008 Civil Rights Awards

Outstanding Leadership in Civil Rights Award
Reverend Alfred C. "Al" Sharpton, Jr.

Reverend Sharpton has worked on human rights issues in the Sudan, Israel, Europe, and across Africa, and the Middle East, where he has formed alliances with international peace activists. In addition to his very public role in calling for an investigation of the district attorney prosecuting a group of black teenagers on charges stemming from a Louisiana school fight involving a white classmate, he joined in galvanizing the country around the issue of due process, resulting in thousands of US citizens marching on Jena, LA. Reverend Sharpton called the Jena 6 issue the "beginning of the 21st century civil rights movement."

A key player in organizing citywide demonstrations, Reverend Sharpton made good on his promise of civil disobedience and a vow to "shut the city down" in response to the acquittal of three New York police officers in the shooting death of Sean Bell. Subsequently, on June 8 2008, a coalition of city, state, and federal lawmakers probing police policies and procedures in the wake of the Sean Bell shooting recommended 15 pieces of legislation aimed at preventing a repeat episode. Four of those bills have already passed the State Assembly, including one that would require officers to be tested for drugs and alcohol within three hours of firing their weapon. The Reverend Sharpton called it a "pro-police legislation package" that "will remove a cloud of suspicion from the police that do not engage in this conduct."

Civil Rights Justice By Action Award
Mr. Warren Ballentine

Attorney Ballentine was the keynote speaker at NOBLE Region VI Leadership & Training Conference. He is an attorney and host of the Warren Ballentine show, a nationally syndicated show. Mr. Ballentine gives free legal advice on Sundays in Cleveland, Detroit, Miami, and Chicago and is heavily involved in community renewal. He has been featured in Jet and Ebony magazines and has appeared multiple times on CNN. Joining other radio personalities and civic activists, he led the call for action for the JENA 6.

Civil Rights Justice by Action Youth Award
Mr. Walt Bellamy

Nominated for the outstanding work he has done through the Martin Luther King Center, inspiring young people and giving his support as a participant and contributor to the observance of MLK Day. He was also praised for his invaluable contributions to "a broad range of organizations and projects serving under-served communities.

Civil Rights Excellence in Investigations Award
Special Agent Tracey L. Harris

A Special Agent with the FBI, Memphis Office Harris has successfully investigated and coordinated several high profile investigations with other law enforcement agencies under the rubric of the FBI's Civil Rights Program. She coordinated a number of Color of Law investigations with state and local law enforcement agencies which resulted in the arrest and successful prosecution of corrupt police officers. Additionally, she has also brought a significant Hate Crimes case to indictment by the Federal Grand Jury.

The CRC Awards Sub-committee is to be commended for its dedication and hard work in soliciting and subsequently reviewing the nominations that were submitted. Should you have any questions or desire additional information, please feel free to contact Charlene Hinton, CRC Chairperson; Leonard Cooke, CRC Co-Chairperson; or Andre Anderson, CRC Awards Sub-committee.

Don't wait! Get your tickets now for the 2008 Civil Rights Breakfast Now!

President Jiles Ship and the members of the Northern New Jersey Chapter are pleased to announce the promotion of Sergeant Amanda Koontz to Lieutenant of the Irvington, NJ Police Department.

Lieutenant Koontz is an 18-year veteran. She served as an Essex County Police Officer in 1990 and joined the Irvington PD in 19994. She was promoted to Sergeant in 2001.

Koontz waited three years for this promotion. She first passed the lieutenant's test in 2005. In an Interview with the Star Ledger Newspaper she related that she knew her day would come sooner or later. Lamenting on her ambition, she read the Maya Angelou poem "Still I Rise" during the ceremony.

Police Chief Michael Chase, who gave Koontz the Chief's Award, said she had risen through the ranks by her outstanding performance in some of the department's most specialized units, including the narcotics task force, the domestic violence bureau and the internal affairs bureau.

President Carl Harrison and the membership of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), Central Pennsylvania Chapter invite you to participate in our Golf Tournament benefiting Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Scholarships.

The event will take place on the 22nd of August at the Harrisburg Sportsman Golf Course. Please refer to the attached flyer for details.

The members of NOBLE - CPC believe strongly in assisting the youth of today in their endeavors to achieve. Toward this goal, we are a non-profit organization; with all monies raised being applied to scholastic scholarships awarded to local youths who are continuing their education.

Along with the Golf Tournament, we also have an annual fall banquet, at which time we recognize and highlight the accomplishments of local community leaders.

The Golf Outing always proves to be a day of fun, with a few prizes and surprises in store. We invite you to share the day with us.

The July issue of the Community Policing Dispatch (http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/html/dispatch/July_2008/index.htm), a monthly newsletter produced by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (the COPS Office), features a discussion of the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies to recruit and retain highly qualified officers and the approaches that some agencies are using to attract good candidates. The new COPS Office program to combat sexual predators who focus on children is explained, while other stories cover a gang-prevention network among cities in California; the murder prevention star, which is a new tool for developing community-based homicide-prevention strategies; and community policing's strengths in fighting crime, pointing out that community policing is not soft on crime.

For information about the COPS Office and its resources, visit the COPS web site at http://www.cops.usdoj.gov.

President Charlotte Council and the members of the Greater Philadelphia Chapter are pleased to announce that they have joined forces with the National Association of Black Narcotic Agents, Philadelphia Chapter to host their Second Annual NABNA/NOBLE Scholarship Golf Tournament.

The tournament will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2007, at the Luxurious Pine Hill Golf Course, Pine Hill, NJ.

Time: 0830 (Check-in)
0930 (Shotgun Start)

Entry Fee: $125.00- Checks should be made payable to: NABNA, Philadelphia Chapter, P.O. Box 40106, Philadelphia, PA, 19106-997. Attention: Gloria Williams, NABNA at (215) 861-3465 or Art Torrance, NOBLE at 215-560-5742
Proceeds Benefit the NABNA Carroll R. Gibson and NOBLE Greater Philadelphia Chapter Scholarship Funds

Tournament includes: Greens and Cart Fee, coffee and donuts before shotgun start, and beverages. Registration will be accepted on a first-come first served basis, and is limited to 140 member-guest slots;

Accepting teams of 4 with a scramble format 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners prizes also awarded for the longest Drive, closest to the pin, and Longest made putt competitions

For More information: Contact NABNA at: nabna1@verizon.net

The US Department of Justice - National Institute of Justice (NIJ) release its interim report on the risk of death from Conducted Energy Devices.

An expert panel of medical professionals found no decisive evidence of a high risk of death or serious injury from the direct effects of Tasers and other Conducted Energy Devices (CEDs).

The panel's interim report said the risk of a death or serious injury is low when police use Tasers against healthy adults. Certain groups of people may be at much higher risk of injury or death from Tasers. These groups include children, the elderly, pregnant women and people who have heart disease. Police officers should avoid the use of Tasers against these populations unless the situation excludes other choices.

The Justice Department is aware of more than 300 cases of Americans dying after Tasers were used against them. Some were normal, healthy adults. Others had medical conditions such as heart disease, mental illness or chemical dependencies.

The panel expects to release a final report in 2009.
The report can be found at www.ojp.usdoj.gov/nij/pubs-sum/222981.htm

President Eugene Williams and the members of the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter invite you spend a day on the links with NOBLE. The shotgun format welcomes golfers of all levels to come out and enjoy the day with special prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin, and lowest team score.

The event features a lunch at the 10th hole, followed by dinner in the club house. No one will go home empty handed. There will be drawings for raffle prizes.

The recent economic downturn appears to be an increasing factor behind vehicle theft, according to a survey of law enforcement professionals conducted by LoJack Corporation (NASDAQ: LOJN) and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB), two leading authorities on vehicle theft protection. The Convenience Sample survey was conducted as part of LoJack and NICB's second annual vehicle theft protection education initiative, which includes designating July (one of the highest vehicle theft months of the year) "National Vehicle Theft Protection Month."

According to the survey, nearly 70 percent of law enforcement professionals who responded indicated that today's challenging economy appears to be an increasing dynamic contributing to vehicle theft. Those who said they were witnessing a rise in stolen vehicle activity as a result of the economy cited fraud (including identity theft, smart key duplication, demolition, insurance fraud), the theft of specific makes and models-especially SUVs, and theft for scrap metal as underlying reasons. A full 76 percent of respondents indicated that chop shops, which are run by professional thieves, were a key factor in driving vehicle theft overall.

Also of note, a majority of the law enforcement professionals (59 percent) surveyed believe consumers do not take the right precautions to keep their vehicles safe from theft. Below are the top four mistakes consumers make that leave their vehicles vulnerable to theft, according to the survey:

* Leave valuables inside the car in plain view * Leave the vehicle running unattended * Leave the windows down or vehicle doors unlocked when parked * Leave keys inside the vehicle or on the vehicle

"As this survey points out, law enforcement considers today's challenging economy an increasing problem in vehicle theft and that consumers need to learn to keep their vehicles safe from today's professional thieves," said Patrick Clancy, Vice President of Law Enforcement, LoJack Corporation. "As vehicle theft heats up in July and August -- with summer drive vacations on the calendars of millions of Americans -- consumers need to be particularly vigilant about keeping their vehicles safe. That is why we are kicking off our education effort now. We want to remind drivers to make sure they hide their luggage, GPS navigation systems and other valuable items; to not leave the car running unattended to cool down; and to never leave a spare key in or on the vehicle. Those are just a few of the many informative tips we are highlighting as part of this education program."

"When vehicle owners are armed with the knowledge of how to protect their vehicles and the valuables inside, they make it much more difficult for professional thieves-who are responsible for most vehicle theft- to steal their car or its contents," said Robert Bryant, President and Chief Executive Officer, NICB. "That's why we believe this education initiative is so important. We want consumers to understand that for professional thieves, vehicle theft is a high reward-and at times low risk-crime. But, it's the vehicle owners who pay the price."

Now in its second year, LoJack and NICB's Vehicle Theft Protection Program is an education initiative designed to help owners of cars, motorcycles, construction equipment and commercial vehicles better understand how to protect their assets from theft. As part of this effort, the two organizations designated July, one of the highest vehicle theft months of the year, "National Vehicle Theft Protection Month." The program also includes informative surveys, seminars, and educational information, such as a booklet entitled "Get in the Know," which details the steps owners can take to protect their vehicles from theft. Visit the NICB's website at www.nicb.org and click on "Theft & Fraud Awareness."

President Andrew Smalling and the members of the South Florida Chapter are pleased to announce that the chapter will participate in the Urban League of Broward County's Political Awareness Forum Series.

The Urban League of Broward County has organized a joint initiative with numerous organizations to host a series of political forums aimed at heightening the political awareness and civic engagement of central Broward residents.

The Forums will take place on the following dates:

What: Broward Votes Constitutional Offices debate When: July 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.
What: Broward Votes Local Political Race debate When: July 17 from 6 to 9 p.m.
What: Broward Votes State Political Race debate When: July 23 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location of all Broward Votes forums: African-American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd., near Fort Lauderdale. All events are free
Contact for all events: Andrea Owes, by phone: 954-625-2548 or by email aowes@ulbcfl.org.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

President Gregory Hutchins and the members of the Greater Cincinnati Chapter are pleased to announce that Darius Davis, the grandson of Chapter Secretary Dorothy Gardner was the recipient of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's Millennium Scholarship. This prestigious award is a 10-year scholarship from undergraduate to a Ph.D. It covers full tuition, room and board, transportation expenses, books, a laptop, and a year of study abroad.

Darius also received the Dell Scholarship and the Ohio State University, Morril Scholarship both paying four years at Ohio State where he will study chemical engineering.

Darius graduated from Withrow High School with a 5.67 GPA and was the class salutatorian.