Yale University Chief of Police James A. Perrotti has named Lieutenant Ronnell Higgins as the university's new assistant chief of police.

In that post, Higgins will oversee and manage the divisions that make up the operations portion of the department, with specific responsibilities to include patrol, investigative services, communications and emergency services.

Higgins began his career as a police officer with the Yale University Police Department in March 1997, serving in the Patrol Division and also the department's Crime Suppression Unit.

In 1999, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant and served as the assistant patrol coordinator and the assistant investigative services coordinator.

In 2004, Higgins was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and served as a shift commander in the Patrol Division. In 2006 he was named the commanding officer of the Patrol Division, which is the largest division in the Yale Police Department, with 77 uniformed officers deployed in radio cars, motorcycles, bicycles, foot patrols and a Segway.

Higgins received a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement Administration from the University of New Haven and an Associate's Degree in General Studies from Gateway Community College.

His education and experience have been complemented by professional training which includes, but is not limited to, his attendance in the Federal Bureau of Investigation's National Academy 226th Session and Yale University's Management and Training Institute.

My name is M. Juanita Waters and I am running for the position of National Recording Secretary. I have been a member of NOBLE since 1998 at the same time I became a Federal Agent.

I assisted in forming the Pittsburgh Chapter and since served in several offices and as committee chairs in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh Chapters. I currently serve as Region II Vice President and as a member of the Training and Education Committee.

Our history is recorded in the minutes taken at each Executive Board meeting and at each Business meeting. We need to accurately record these meetings and also disseminate them to the body timely so they can be informed in what is going on in our organization. In addition, task items are developed during each Executive Board meeting, these task items should be given to the Board, National office, and Committees as soon as possible so items can be handled expeditiously.

I promise to provide the National Board the minutes from each meeting timely for their review and vote. I promise to have the task items available within a week after each board meeting. I promise to bring the same dedication, commitment, knowledge and passion that I have portrayed and obtained from each level of NOBLE to the Recording Secretary position. I also promise to use my vote on the Executive Board for the betterment of NOBLE and the membership. I promise to serve you, the members of NOBLE, with the same integrity I display as a Federal Agent with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.

Editor's note: Ms. Waters profile was not listed in the Candidates' Special released on Monday. We apologize for the oversight.

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.th ecounterterroristmag.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

Region One Vice President Siddeeq El-Amin and the members of the Long Island NY Chapter are pleased to announce that Chapter President Corey Pegues was promoted to Deputy Inspector of the New York City Police Department.

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.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is conducting a review of state, district, and school policies related to the use of such technology as cell phone text messaging and picture taking, blogs, and instant messaging to perpetrate aggression against peers (making threats, spreading rumors, sending embarrassing photos, etc.)

CDC has requested that districts or schools that have such a policy provide it or the appropriate contact information to Marci Hertz at mhertz@cdc.gov or 770-488-2547 by August 1, 2008.

President Eugene Stewart and the members of the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter have partnered with the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy, the Illinois Department of Public Health, BASUAH-Brothers and Sisters United Against HIV Broadcast and the Ministers Alliance present, "Summerfest West."

"Summerfest West" will feature on-site health screenings and vaccinations (for Children up to 18 years old) We encourage everyone to attend, and bring a family member or friend, as we renew our commitment to taking care of ourselves and the ones we love.

The event will take place at Garfield Park 3700 W. Madison Street, (at Woodward Drive), Chicago, Illinois, 60624 from noon to 3:00P.M.

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!

Black in America: The Black Man, Wednesday, July 23rd at 9:00 p.m. (two hours)
Perhaps the most misreported group in America today, black men are often stereotypically depicted in the media as convicts, gang members and absentee fathers. Told through the personal stories of graduates of the 1968 class of Little Rock Central High School, their sons and grandsons, for The Black Man, O'Brien seeks to determine whether life is better for black men now than it was 40 years ago. She reports on the disparities between blacks and whites in educational, career and economic achievement and factors leading to the devastating rates of black male incarceration. Contributing expert analysis are Harvard economist Dr. Roland Fryer, Princeton professor Dr. Devah Pager, journalist/social commentator Ellis Cose; and Georgetown University professor Dr. Michael Eric Dyson; and others. O'Brien reports on successes and dissects myths to explore the state of black men in America today.

Black in America: The Black Woman & Family, Thursday, July 24th at 9:00 p.m. (two hours)
In this installment of Black in America, O'Brien, examines the unique and varied experiences of black women and families in America. O'Brien looks at the reasons behind the disturbing statistics on single parenthood, disparities between black and white students in the classroom, and the devastating toll of HIV/AIDS on black women. The Black Woman & Family yields insights into black achievements and struggles and perspectives on King's hopes for progress. The documentary is told through the experiences of the Houston-based Rand family with expert commentary from economist and Bennett College president Julianne Malveaux, Essence magazine editor-in-chief Angela Burt-Murray, Dallas- based preacher and life coach Bishop T.D. Jakes, TV/radio personality Michael Baisden, entrepreneur and activist Russell Simmons, actor Vanessa Williams, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researcher Dr. Camara Jones and others.

In the above photo: CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O'Brien speaks with former Cosby Show actor Joseph C. Phillips for The Black Man. Credit: Justin LaRose/CNN

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.

Greetings Members, Associates, Family and Friends! Duane G. Johnson, NOBLE National Chaplain (219) 689-6773 Mobile

This Sunday morning at 7:00 AM during our conference, your attendance is needed for a Praise and Worship Service. Bring a prayer request and song.

This year message is the, "Value of Courageous Leadership."

May God Bless Your Travels!

As an important Excelsior partner, we are continually striving to increase the value of our collaboration and special benefits to the members of your organization.

We are pleased to announce that we have a special pool of scholarship funds that will be made available to eligible employees and members of Excelsior's partner organizations who are not currently enrolled in an Excelsior College program*.

To qualify members and employees must apply, complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and enroll in an Excelsior College degree program.

Scholarship awards may be up to $500 and are not meant to include costs already covered by tuition reimbursement. The award of funds will be based on need and other conditions may apply.

Thank you for support and we look forward to helping your members achieve their academic goals. Visit our booth at the Annual Conference.