Virginia Launches First State-Level Information Sharing and Analysis Organization
On April 20, 2015, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the establishment of the nation’s first state-level Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) to enhance the voluntary sharing of critical cybersecurity threat information.  Currently, private-sector information sharing is conducted through already established Information Sharing and Analysis Centers, which limit the sharing of cyber threat information to specific sectors. By expanding the current model, ISAOs have the potential to encompass the needs of all industry groups, both public and private.

For more information, refer to:  http://www.technologylawdispatch.com/2015/04/data-cyber-security/virginia-launches-first-statelevel-information-sharing-and-analysis-organization/.

North Dakota Governor Signs Bill to Take on Warrantless Drone Spying
A North Dakota bill restricting the use of drones by state and local law enforcement was recently signed by North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple.  House Bill 1328 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a warrant before deploying a drone for surveillance purposes, with only a few exceptions.  Two such exceptions are (1) for the purpose of border patrol and (2) if there is a reasonable suspicion of imminent danger to life or bodily harm during a natural disaster.

To learn more about this bill, refer to:  http://blog.tenthamendmentcenter.com/2015/04/north-dakota-governor-signs-bill-to-take-on-warrantless-drone-spying/.

Police in This City Vow to Stop Arresting Drug Addicts
Gloucester, Massachusetts, Police Chief Leonard Campanello announced that addicts who seek help from police will not face charges for possession of drugs or paraphernalia.  Instead, they will be assigned a guide to support them through recovery.  Two local hospitals have pledged to take on the potential influx of new patients and place them on a fast track to recovery. This change in drug policy marks a shift from punishment to a focus on harm-reduction.

For more information, refer to:  http://www.governing.com/topics/public-justice-safety/gov-gloucester-drug-addicts-heroin.html.

Majority of U.S Citizens Feel Safe in Their Neighborhoods But Want Police to Increase Community Collaboration and Their Use of Digital Communication Tools
A recent survey of 14 of the nation’s larger metro areas assessed citizens’ attitudes and perspectives regarding local police services and police use of technology.  The survey also assessed citizens’ expectations regarding interaction and collaboration with police.  Of these individuals surveyed, the vast majority indicated they felt safe in their communities, although 76 percent reported room for improvement.

To learn more about this survey, refer to:  http://newsroom.accenture.com/news/majority-of-us-citizens-feel-safe-in-their-neighborhoods-but-want-police-to-increase-community-collaboration-and-their-use-of-digital-communication-tools.htm.

Police Use Imaging, Surveillance Equipment to Scan Destruction After Baltimore Riots
Recently, the Baltimore Police Department used imaging and surveillance equipment, typically used by engineers to build roads and bridges, to take 3-D images of the protest routes, burned-down convenience stores, and blown-out businesses, creating a multidimensional map and model. The images were gathered to pinpoint damage, aid arson investigators, and inform future plans for deployment to better protect businesses and blocks when civil unrest turns violent.

For more information, refer to:  http://www.govtech.com/public-safety/Police-Use-Imaging-Surveillance-Equipment-to-Scan-Destruction-After-Baltimore-Riots.html.