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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY buys 2700 armored vehicles? Some say it’s a USMC contract. DHS buys BILLIONS of rounds of ammunition in the last 8yrs?. D.H.S. buying U.S. Military vehicles and equipment for use on Americans; there is no other excuse. D.H.S. is not for defense of America, we the people, and/or Constitution ..that is what the Armed Forces are supposed to be for. Billions of rounds of ammunition and all that military equipment is staged across America in about every neighborhood. NORTHCOM has stated that part of it’s mission is to prepare for “Martial Law” ..and has staged equipment from tanks to riot gear throughout America; according to the Commander of NORTHCOM that is being replaced shortly.

America : DHS purchasing Drones, Tanks, Rifles and Ammo for War inside the U.S.

2700 Armored Vehicles Purchased for Police Departments by DHS

Michael Savage – Obama DHS Purchases 2,700 Light-Armored Tanks

Forbes: Time For A National Conversation On DHS Massive Ammo Buy

Fox News Confirms Alex Jones DHS Ammo Purchases Story

NJ Congressman: DHS must explain ammunition and armored vehicle purchases

Homeland Security Buys 1.6 BILLION Rounds of Ammunition…

DHS Refuses to Answer Congress on 1.6 Billion Bullet Purchase

Levin Wants Answers On DHS Ammo Purchase But Not Obama Identity Document Fraud

War on US Citizens Planned – Part 1 of 2

War on US Citizens Planned – Part 2 of 2

Homeland Security buys 450 Million Rounds of Ammo

Breaking News USA police department Surveillance Drones Spying on civilians end times news 3-24-13

DHS Preparing For Civil War In The US?

Background Articles and Videos

Once again DHS orders hundreds of millions of rounds of ammo

Joint Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program (Part 1 of 2)

Joint Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program (Part 2 of 2)

DHS Won’t Answer Congress On Billion Bullet Purchase

Bullet Buys: Fifteen members of Congress have written a letter to the Department of Homeland Security demanding to know why the federal agency is buying so many rounds of ammunition. We’d like to know too.

Freshman California Republican Doug LaMalfa and 14 of his House colleagues, who signed on to his March 5 letter, are asking the Department of Homeland Security to explain why it is buying 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition of various calibers. They aren’t happy with explanations provided so far in the press by lower-level officials, answers meant to debunk “unfounded” concerns.

As we have noted, DHS has been buying lots of ammo, enough by one calculation to fight the equivalent of a 24-year Iraqi War.

Peggy Dixon, spokeswoman for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga., told the Associated Press that the training center and others like it run by the Homeland Security Department use as many as 15 million rounds every year, mostly on shooting ranges and in training exercises.

The massive purchases are said to be spread out over five years and due simply to the best practice of saving money by buying in bulk what comes down to five rounds of ammo for every man, woman and child on the U.S. That’s a lot of practice and training.

A good portion of the 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition are being purchased by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal government’s second-largest criminal investigative agency. Yes that’s the same ICE that is releasing detained criminal illegal aliens onto our streets because of sequestration cuts.

Jonathan Lasher, the Social Security Administration’s assistant inspector general for external relations, explained the purchase of 174,000 hollow-point bullets by saying they were for the Social Security inspector general’s office, which has about 295 agents who investigate Social Security fraud and other crimes.

When they say they’re cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse, they apparently mean it.

However, as former Marine Richard Mason told reporters with WHPTV News in Pennsylvania recently, hollow-point bullets (which make up the majority of the DHS purchases) are not used for training because they are more expensive than standard firing range rounds .

“We never trained with hollow points, we didn’t even see hollow points my entire 4-1/2 years in the Marine Corps,” Mason said.

LaMalfa offers one theory that’s less sinister than some: The federal government is simply trying to corner the market on ammo and restrict what’s available to the American people as part of its gun control efforts.

1.6 Billion Rounds Of Ammo For Homeland Security? It’s Time For A National Conversation

Ralph Benko, Contributor

The Denver Post, on February 15^th, ran an Associated Press article entitled Homeland Security aims to buy 1.6b rounds of ammo, so far to little notice. It confirmed that the Department of Homeland Security has issued an open purchase order for 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition. As reported elsewhere, some of this purchase order is for hollow-point rounds, forbidden by international law for use in war, along with a frightening amount specialized for snipers. Also reported elsewhere, at the height of the Iraq War the Army was expending less than 6 million rounds a month. Therefore 1.6 billion rounds would be enough to sustain a hot war for 20+ years. In America.

Add to this perplexing outré purchase of ammo, DHS now is showing off its acquisition of heavily armored personnel carriers, repatriated from the Iraqi and Afghani theaters of operation. As observed by “paramilblogger” Ken Jorgustin last September:

[T]he Department of Homeland Security is apparently taking delivery (apparently through the Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico VA, via the manufacturer – Navistar Defense LLC) of an undetermined number of the recently retrofitted 2,717 ‘Mine Resistant Protected’ MaxxPro MRAP vehicles for service on the streets of the United States.”

These MRAP’s ARE BEING SEEN ON U.S. STREETS all across America by verified observers with photos, videos, and descriptions.”

Regardless of the exact number of MRAP’s being delivered to DHS (and evidently some to POLICE via DHS, as has been observed), why would they need such over-the-top vehicles on U.S. streets to withstand IEDs, mine blasts, and 50 caliber hits to bullet-proof glass? In a war zone… yes, definitely. Let’s protect our men and women. On the streets of America… ?”

…

“They all have gun ports… Gun Ports? In the theater of war, yes. On the streets of America…?

Seriously, why would DHS need such a vehicle on our streets?”

Why indeed? It is utterly inconceivable that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is planning a coup d’etat against President Obama, and the Congress, to install herself as Supreme Ruler of the United States of America. There, however, are real signs that the Department bureaucrats are running amok. About 20 years ago this columnist worked, for two years, in the U.S. Department of Energy’s general counsel’s office in its procurement and finance division. And is wise to the ways. The answer to “why would DHS need such a vehicle?” almost certainly is this: it’s a cool toy and these (reportedly) million dollar toys are being recycled, without much of a impact on the DHS budget. So… why not?

Why, indeed, should the federal government not be deploying armored personnel carriers and stockpiling enough ammo for a 20-year war in the homeland? Because it’s wrong in every way. President Obama has an opportunity, now, to live up to some of his rhetoric by helping the federal government set a noble example in a matter very close to his heart (and that of his Progressive base), one not inimical to the Bill of Rights: gun control. The federal government can (for a nice change) begin practicing what it preaches by controlling itself.

Remember the Sequester? The president is claiming its budget cuts will inconvenience travelers by squeezing essential services provided by the (opulently armed and stylishly uniformed) DHS. Quality ammunition is not cheap. (Of course, news reports that DHS is about to spend $50 million on new uniforms suggests a certain cavalier attitude toward government frugality.)

Spending money this way is beyond absurd well into perverse. According to the AP story a DHS spokesperson justifies this acquisition to “help the government get a low price for a big purchase.” Peggy Dixon, spokeswoman for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center: “The training center and others like it run by the Homeland Security Department use as many as 15 million rounds every year, mostly on shooting ranges and in training exercises.”

At 15 million rounds (which, in itself, is pretty extraordinary and sounds more like fun target-shooting-at-taxpayer-expense than a sensible training exercise) … that’s a stockpile that would last DHS over a century. To claim that it’s to “get a low price” for a ridiculously wasteful amount is an argument that could only fool a career civil servant.

Meanwhile, Senator Diane Feinstein, with the support of President Obama, is attempting to ban 100 capacity magazine clips. Doing a little apples-to-oranges comparison, here, 1.6 billion rounds is … 16 million times more objectionable.

Mr. Obama has a long history of disdain toward gun ownership. According to Prof. John Lott, in Debacle, a book he co-authored with iconic conservative strategist Grover Norquist,

“When I was first introduced to Obama (when both worked at the University of Chicago Law School, where Lott was famous for his analysis of firearms possession), he said, ‘Oh, you’re the gun guy.’

I responded: ‘Yes, I guess so.’

’I don’t believe that people should own guns,’ Obama replied.

I then replied that it might be fun to have lunch and talk about that statement some time.

He simply grimaced and turned away. …

Unlike other liberal academics who usually enjoyed discussing opposing ideas, Obama showed disdain.”

Mr. Obama? Where’s the disdain now? Cancelling, or at minimum, drastically scaling back — by 90% or even 99%, the DHS order for ammo, and its receipt and deployment of armored personnel carriers, would be a “fourfer.”

The federal government would set an example of restraint in the matter of weaponry.
It would reduce the deficit without squeezing essential services.
It would do both in a way that was palatable to liberals and conservatives, slightly depolarizing America.
It would somewhat defuse, by the government making itself less armed-to-the-teeth, the anxiety of those who mistrust the benevolence of the federales.

If Obama doesn’t show any leadership on this matter it’s an opportunity for Rep. Darrell Issa, chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Rep. Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, to summon Secretary Napolitano over for a little national conversation. Madame Secretary? Buying 1.6 billion rounds of ammo and deploying armored personnel carriers runs contrary, in every way, to what “homeland security” really means. Discuss.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphbenko/2013/03/11/1-6-billion-rounds-of-ammo-for-homeland-security-its-time-for-a-national-conversation/

Responses to Senator Coburn’s November 13, 2012 Letter

DHS Explains Plans To Buy 1.6B Rounds Of Ammo: We’re Buying in Bulk to ‘Significantly Lower Costs’

By Gregory Gwyn-Williams, Jr.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has responded to a letter dated November 13, 2012 from Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) regarding the agency’s ammunition purchases.

Sen. Coburn published the response on the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs website yesterday, April 1, 2013.

The response, dated February 4, 2013, says that DHS buys ammunition in bulk to “significantly lower costs.”

The letter states:

“DHS routinely establishes strategic sourcing contracts that combine the requirements of all its Components for commonly purchased goods and services such as ammunition, computer equipment and information technology services. These strategic sourcing contracts help leverage the purchasing power of DHS to efficiently procure equipment and supplies at significantly lower costs.”

While it has been previously reported that DHS has solicited the purchase of 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition over the next four to five years, the government agency shows only 263,733,362 rounds in its current inventory.

But, DHS estimates it will spend $37,263,698 on ammunition in FY 2013.

Last year, DHS spent $36,535,910, a decrease from 2011′s ammunition expense of $38,237,305.

Also, over the last three years the number of rounds purchased by DHS has declined.

In 2010, the agency purchased 148,314,825 rounds. In 2011, 108,664,054 rounds were purchased; and in 2012, 103,178,200 rounds.

In response to how the ammunition will be used by DHS, the various component agencies answered specific to their usage:

CBP (Customs & Border Protection) said that “70 percent of CBP ammunition is used for quarterly qualifications.”
ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) says it “allocates 1,000 rounds of ammunition per firearm per year for quarterly qualifications and training.”
TSA (Transportation Security Administration) says “35 percent of TSA ammunition is allocated for operational use (qualifications and duty carry).”

For Full DHS Response, Click Here.

http://cnsnews.com/blog/gregory-gwyn-williams-jr/dhs-explains-plans-buy-16b-rounds-ammo-were-buying-bulk-significantly

Narcotics Investigation Leads To Gun Battle In SW Dade Neighborhood

cbs4price — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 04:12:02 +0000

MIAMI (CBS4) – Miami-Dade Police rushed to the scene of a reported shooting with a high power weapon in a Kendall neighborhood Tuesday night.

Officers responded to the scene near the intersection of Miller Drive and 154 Avenue just before 7:30 p.m. The gunman is reportedly shooting at officers.

Miami-Dade Police say the incident started as a narcotics investigation. When detectives approached the home, people inside began shooting. Detectives returned fire and during the exchange, the house caught on fire. It is unclear how the home caught on fire.

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Police tell CBS4′s Lauren Pastrana that they are looking for three white males believed to be armed and dangerous.

Police are urging residents in the area to stay indoors until further instruction. It is not known if anyone was injured in the shooting.

Traffic is being diverted out of the area as officers establish a perimeter.

In addition to Miami-Dade Police Special Response Team (SRT) on scene, several other agencies’ SRT units have been called in to assist, including Coral Gables Police. CBS4′s Brian Andrews confirmed that they U.S. Marshals are also on the scene and assisting.

As Miami Dade Police stood at the ready along SW 152 Avenue and SW 56 Street, neighbors gathered also — stranded and with stories to tell.

Diane Pou, who lives next door to the house, described hearing gunshots as she and her father sat down for dinner.

“This was turning into a war zone,” Pou said. “It sounded like they were coming from different types of weapons. One time it even sounded like a machine gun going off. Then we heard what sounded like bombs.”

Pou says after police arrived she was still stuck in her house for an hour as shots rang out before officers could rescue them.

“We were told stay in the house — like on the megaphones — they would tell us don’t even look through windows,” Pou said. “Stay in your house. Don’t go to the door. Don’t open anything and that’s what we did.”

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Another man said he happened to drive near the house around the time officers arrived.

“One cop was yelling at me go , go, go,” Alex said. “As soon as he was yelling, I heard a pop — bump, bump, bump.”

As officers tried to sort out the violence, others who live near the scene wanted answers like Gloria Pomarico and her two young children. She’s not sure it’s even safe to go home.

“How can we go back home with the children when we’re just going to be fearful?” Pomarico said.

Two people told CBS4 News the people who live in the house where the shooting and fire occurred have lived in the house for 10 years. They also tell me it was no secret in this community that the people who live there grew marijuana.

Details OF Alleged Kendall Shooter Show Violent Past

cbs4kephart — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 23:21:43 +0000

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Miami-Dade Police surrounded a house on the 16000 block of SW 107th Ct where they believed a man who allegedly shot his girlfriend is hiding, but after an investigation they found the house was empty and ended the search.

Police believed Jose Duarte, 31, may have been in the home when they surrounded it. Duarte is the prime suspect in the shooting of his girlfriend, Yissel Milanes, earlier in the week during a party at an apartment in Kendall.

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Police said Duarte and Milanes were at the party when a fight escalated to the point where Duarte allegedly pulled a gun and shot Milanes in the head.

As the party goers scattered in all directions; Duarte, with gun in hand, stole a partygoer’s SUV.

Police said Duarte drove to his aunt’s home in Hialeah where he switched vehicles and drove off in her dark green Jeep. When police went to the aunt’s home, they found the stolen vehicle with a gun inside.

Miami-Dade police spotted it in a shopping center parking lot at Bird Road and SW 152nd Avenue. Duarte was no where in sight.

But it’s what happened before the shooting that has spawned big questions for federal authorities and their handling of Duarte.

Before Duarte allegedly shot his girlfriend, he had a laundry list of arrests for battery, assault, and violence against his girlfriend and her small children. Duarte wasn’t convicted in any of those cases.

But, CBS4’s Gary Nelson learned Duarte should arguably have been in federal prison at the time of this week’s shooting. Documents show he was convicted on a litany of charges of identity theft and credit card fraud.

He was later re-arrested after violating his bail by testing positive for cocaine.

On January 27, Judge Patricia Seitz sentenced Duarte to 90 months in jail. Then she re-instated his bond and he was released and ordered to surrender himself to federal prison at a later date.

A long-time friend of the victim, who asked not to be identified was incensed.

“Why did the judge, the judges are stupid, knowing that he has that criminal record,” said the friend.

The judge’s order let Duarte go back to the arms of Milanes, the woman he allegedly abused. Yissel took him back, which is not uncommon among victims and accusers.

“They apologize and tell them they’re sorry,” said Oscie Fryer of Miami-Dade Safespace. “They tell them it will never happen again. And so they accept them back into their lives. If he had not been released the shooting would not have occurred. However, again, I would not like to second-guess the judge.”

Duarte was supposed to surrender himself to a federal prison next Tuesday.

Judge Seitz declined to comment for this story. A government spokesperson said the government did support Duarte’s release temporarily while he helped with the investigation of the identity theft ring before he went to prison.

If you have any information about Duarte or the shooting, call Miami-Dade police at (305) 476-5423 or Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS.

Suspects Who Left Man In Skivvies Lead Cops On 2-County Chase

cbs4lisa — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:30:34 +0000

MIAMI GARDENS (CBSMiami) – Police removed three people from a Miami Gardens home that was surrounded after a chase of robbery suspects in a stolen car.

According to Miami Gardens Police, BSO deputies spotted a beige Toyota Camry which was reported stolen by 57-year-old Robert Leipzig early Thursday morning.

Leipzig was trying to catch feral cats in a Miami Gardens parking lot in order to get them spaying or neutered when two men pistol-whipped him, stole his pants with cash and jewelry, and his Camry, according to Miami Gardens police. They left him beaten, bruised and wearing only his skivvies when they took off.

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Friday morning, the suspects in Leipzig’s stolen car led deputies on a chase from Broward County into Miami Gardens where they bailed out at 189th Terrace and NW 3rd Avenue.

Two men were spotted running into the house and officers from the Miami-Dade Police Department Special Response Team were immediately on the scene to check out the house.

“The vehicle was stolen, actually carjacking,” said Carlton Coleman, Miami Gardens Police Information Officer.

As the morning progressed, police issued warning and with machine guns drawn, approached the house. Two people initially came out and a third person was later pulled out of the attic.

No one was injured in the standoff, but the three people from the home have been detained.

One Dead In Miami Lakes Police-Involved Shooting

cbs4price — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:22:20 +0000

MIAMI LAKES (CBS4) – Miami-Dade Police say one man is dead after officers opened fire in a quiet Miami Lakes neighborhood Wednesday night.

Det. Roy Rutland told CBS4′s Natalia Zea that the MDPD Special Response Team arrived at the home on the 6900 block of Bottle Brush Drive to execute an arrest warrant for a man who was reportedly dealing drugs. When they entered the home, police say he was armed and pointing a gun at officers.

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SRT officers opened fire on the suspect, fatally striking him. He has not been identified.

Neighbors say the home is a known drug house.

“The rumor in the neighborhood was that they were dealing drugs out of there because the constant coming of cars, Coming and going, so were we surprised? No. I believe the neighbors who live right across were very upset and as a matter of fact I heard one of them say, it’s finally over,” said neighbor Grace Gonzalez.

Neighbors say the suspect had lived in the house for two years. It is unknown if anyone else lived there with him.

Margate Police Officer Shot In Freak Accident At Gun Range

cbs4price — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 22:30:43 +0000

SUNRISE (CBSMiami) – A Margate Police officer was taken to the hospital Monday after a freak accident left him with a gunshot wound to the stomach.

A Margate Police spokesperson confirmed to CBS4 that a Special Response Team officer was training on the gun range at Markham Park when a bullet ricocheted and fragments became lodged in his abdomen.

The unidentified officer was taken to the Broward General Medical Center to be treated.

His condition is unknown, but the officer was seen smiling as he was wheeled into the hospital.

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Lauderhill Cop Charged With Attempted Murder

cbs4maclauchlan — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 04:30:57 +0000

DAVIE (CBSMiami.com) – A Lauderhill police officer was taken into custody by the Davie Police Department’s Special Response Team after he allegedly shot at another Lauderhill officer.

Lauderhill Police Captain Constance Stanley said the shooting took place around 7 p.m. on Saturday in the 5500 block of West Oakland Boulevard. She said Officer Kristopher John Bieger, 30, fired on a female officer sitting a patrol car but missed. Stanley said the female officer was working a private duty case when the shooting happened.

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“Obviously she’s very fortunate to still be here and not get hit,” said Stanley. “He shot several times. He did miss her.” She also said none of the other people in the busy shopping center were hit.

Edmond Pascal said he heard the gunfire ring out from his barbershop.

“When I go outside, the police say nobody go outside,” recalled Pascal.

After the shooting, Bieger fled and ended up at a Davie pizza restaurant in the 4800 block of Volunteer Road where the Special Response Team took him into custody.

A tense time for the employees at Donato’s Ristorante . Employees watched as swat came in with guns drawn and surrounded Bieger.

“It was a little scary, but everything was fine,” said Juan Arebalo, a cook.

Employed by the Lauderhill police for the last five years, Bieger has been suspended without pay. He is charged with attempted first degree murder and discharging a firearm from a vehicle.

Sheriff's Special Response Team has best SWAT finish

PositiveLeo — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 22:50:45 +0000

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Special Response Team finished third last Saturday in the Region VI SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) competition in Lee County.

The team’s finish in the competition was its best ever, said sheriff’s spokeswoman Nell Hays.

Besides Highlands, nine other teams competed: Lee County Sheriff’s Office, which hosted the competition; two teams each from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and the Cape Coral Police Department; Fort Myers and Bradenton police departments; and sheriff’s offices in Collier and Charlotte counties.

READ ENTIRE ARTICLE/PIC HERE

Two Arrested In Torrington Standoff

WTIC News — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 20:38:30 +0000

Police in Torrington are releasing more information on a standoff Saturday morning. Around 2 a.m. they say they received several 911 calls to 347 South Main Street. One of two men inside was holding shotgun.

A Special Response Team was called in and a perimeter set up. Several homes in the area were evacuated. One of the men inside, 26-year-old Wascar Rodriguez came out of the house without incident. However, when 24-year-old Joel Castillo refused officers’ commands, he was tasered.

Both men are being charged with breach of peace but police say additional charges may be forthcoming.

Wascar Rodriguez (Photo courtesy of Torrington Police Department)

Joel Castillo (Photo courtesy of Torrington Police Department)

You’re Never Too Old To Stop A Prison Riot

Ryan Crowe — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 03:46:28 +0000

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – From his shin guards to his helmet, Robert Vaughan’s riot gear is a clear sign that he has one of the most dangerous jobs in the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department.

“The inmates don’t scare me. I’m ready for them,” Vaughan says as he puts on his protective vest.

While most men his age are thinking about retirement, this 60-year-old is thinking about surviving his next confrontation.

Vaughan is part of the Sheriff’s “Special Response Team” or SRT. This former marine responds to the most hostile situations in the most hostile of places; prison. SRT is basically the swat team for the Lew Sterrett Jail.

When Vaughan passed basic training two weeks ago, he became the oldest SRT member in Dallas County history.

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“You’re never too old for anything,” said Vaughan.

Vaughan and his team are called in to break up jail fights, end hostage situations and to put down prison riots. SRT also conducts surprise “shake downs” where they look for weapons, drugs and other contraband.

“There are risks you take when you go in there. Someone has to do this job and I’m glad to be part of it.”

“I just couldn’t believe that a 60 year old man could have that much energy,” says SRT officer Ta’Mon Haggerty. “He encouraged the younger guys to keep going.”

Vaughan may be an inspiration, but he also takes his fair share of ribbing; especially when it comes to push-ups and sit-ups.

“I always tell him, get the old man discount, because the older you are, the less you have to do,” says SRT officer, Michael Cornish. “It’s like the Lou Ann platter at Luby’s You get a discount. So he’s like a Lou Ann platter.”

Vaughan says he will retire someday, when he’s in his 80s. In the meantime, he has some sound advice for all those men of a certain age.

“They should get out of their rocking chairs and put away the cigarettes and beer and start getting yourself in shape.”

Vaughan should know. He’s dropped 45 pounds over the past three years and says he’s healthy and doing what he loves.

Miami Police Drones Can See Inside Homes

Admin — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 15:05:56 +0000

*Taken from CBS Miami.

Miami-Dade’s newest crime fighting tool is a literal ‘eye in the sky’.

The Micro Air Vehicle, or MAV for short, is a small radio controlled drone aircraft equipped with a portable camera system. Miami-Dade Sgt. Andrew Cohen said drone will be used to gather real time information in situations which may be too dangerous for officers.

“If an SRT (Special Response Team) has to go into an area they don’t know what’s there, we don’t know what is in the backyard,” said Cohen, “They want to know if there are dogs in the backyard, if there is a shed, things that could be a threat to us.”

The MAV is used by the military to scan dangerous areas before troops are sent in. Miami-Dade police used a $50,000 grant to buy one, but not everyone is happy with the purchase.

“What happens when they fly over backyards and they see something without a warrant that they want to take against,” said ACLU Executive Director Howard Simon.

Police admit the MAV, if flown low enough, has the ability to look into people’s home, but that is not its intended purpose.

“If this thing is deployed, it’s only going to be used in situations where we already have an ongoing police scene,” said Cohen. “They are going to know we are there because we will have tactical teams, SRT teams, we’re going to have a perimeter, it’s going to be secure.”

Meanwhile the police department is awaiting approval from the FAA before they can use the MAV. They have submitted the application, but the approval process can take up to six months.

Police Director Vows Support For Slain Officer's Families

cbs4price — Sat, 22 Jan 2011 01:15:57 +0000

MIAMI (CBS4) -An emotional Miami-Dade Police Director said he was making “a blood promise” to do everything he could to help ease the pain felt by the families of two slain officers who were gunned down Thursday when a career criminal opened fire.

In an interview with CBS4, Director James Loftus recalled meeting Thursday with Robert Haworth, the father of 44-year-old Amanda Haworth, a 23-year veteran who was killed along with 41-year-old officer Roger Castillo.

“I told him that I wanted to do something to help, just as you would in any situation like this,” said Loftus. “And he asked me to bring my daughter back. And I said I can’t do that but I promise I will do everything I can to ease the families’ pain. That is a blood promise.

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Loftus said as a matter of policy, he would take a look at whether anything could have been done differently Thursday. A decision was made not to ask for help from SWAT team members as the officers were serving an arrest warrant for a very dangerous criminal, Johnny Simms, who was wanted for murder.

“I’m a police chief and it would be foolish not to look at ways to improve safety for officers,” said Loftus. “We will study this and we what we can do.”

Loftus told CBS4’s Peter D’Oench, “We are going after the worst of the worst. As much as we try to protect our officers, there are inherent dangers to their work. This is a very hard job. It is very dangerous. Certainly the people in the group could have made a decision to call in the Special Response Team. But that was a decision that the supervisors in the field made and they felt it was the right decision.”

“It’s very subjective out there,” said Loftus. “You have to make judgements each time. I want everyone to realize that this is not a TV show. There are people out there who are motivated to kill you. And we are fortunate that we really do get people as officers who want to help people. We don’t know what happened out there. It will take some time to investigate this. But so often our officers walk into these dangerous situations and you to pray to God that everyone survives.”

Loftus said Simm’s mother clearly knew that her son was inside the home, but he could not say whether the mother knew that her son was an accused killer and was a fugitive. He said that is part of the investigation.

D’Oench asked Loftus if he thought the officers could have been “set up” and were walking into a trap. “I don’t believe that,” said Loftus. “I don’t believe that happened. But that is me James Loftus speaking.”

Loftus, who has been with Miami-Dade Police for nearly 30 years, said he was deeply moved by the plight of the children left behind by the shooting.

Haworth had a 13-year-old boy and Castillo was the father of three boys, ages 9, 11 and 14.

Loftus said that he lost his father to an illness when he was just 14 years old. “I lost my Dad too when I was young,” said Loftus. “And every day for the rest of my life I will think of him. And those who lost their parents, they will spend their lives trying to honor them and the good things they did.”

The Director says he still believes strongly in the goodness of mankind.

“I think that the vast majority of people are very good people,” said Loftus. “And there are some who are evil.”

In a final note of irony, Loftus said four years ago to the day that he lost his life, Officer Roger Castillo had arrested Simms. “I’m not sure what the charge was then, but this subject was arrested by Officer Castillo on January 20, 2007. I’m not sure what this means but I can tell you that this is a horrible coincidence.

Loftus urged people to think of contributing to the PBA Love Fund, which has been set up to help the families of the fallen officers.

Miami-Dade Police say flags will continue to fly at half staff at headquarters until the officers are buried and there will continue to be a vigil all day at the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s officer for the officers.

They say their pictures will also appear soon on an electronic billboard off I-95 by Hallandale Beach Boulevard. And on Monday, the Miami Tower building will carry the color blue in honor of the officers.

ATF raid leads to shootout, Maine biker's death | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Keith Michaud — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:13:01 +0000

ATF raid leads to shootout, Maine biker’s death | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram.

Detroit police kill seven-year-old child

ajfloyd — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:32:20 +0000

GUNS DON’T KILL, COPS DO. AJ Detroit police shot and killed a seven-year-old girl during an ea

Lahaina Investigation Ends After 7 Hour Incident: Suspect Dies Of Self Inflicted Wound

Wendy Osher — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 04:58:53 +0000

Maui Police are nearing the end of an investigation that began several hours ago in Lahiana. At 6:45 this evening (Tuesday, October 06, 2009), authorities from the department’s Special Response Team approached a vehicle that was being monitored, and found a lone suspect expired within the vehicle from a self-inflicted wound.

Earlier this afternoon, the department’s negotiators were called to the scene fronting the Jodo Mission on Ala Moana Street when officers heard a weapon being discharged from within the vehicle.

The 44-year-old male suspect was wanted for questioning for Robbery, Unauthorized Control of a Propelled Motor Vehicle and several (TRO) Temporary Restraining Orders Violations.

The incident began at 12:20 this afternoon, forcing the closure of the small section of road and the clearing of surrounding area residents.

Police were still on the scene investigation at last report. Positive identification and other details are still being investigated.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Updated at 7:17 p.m. Tuesday, October 06, 2009; Information provided by the Maui Police Department)

Burbank man arrested for assault on ex-wife

Christopher Cadelago — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:54:38 +0000

Burbank Police Department

A 45-year-old resident was arrested Monday morning in the 2000 block of West Victory Boulevard for assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly pointing a shotgun at his ex-wife and threatening to kill her, police said.

Randy Holst is being held at Burbank jail on $50,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday in Burbank Superior Court, Burbank Police Sgt. Robert Quesada said.

Officers at 1:20 a.m. responded to the domestic violence report in which a 46-year-old Camarillo woman claimed her ex-husband had pointed a shotgun at her and threatened to kill her. The couple’s 12-year-old daughter was also in the residence.

Burbank’s Special Response Team surrounded the house and ordered Holst to surrender. The daughter was removed unharmed and transported to the police station. Holst followed and was taken into custody without incident.

Police closed Victory Boulevard from Buena Vista Street east to Orchard Street, a total of about 8 blocks. This case is under investigation, Quesada said.

Burbank man arrested for assault on ex-wife

Times Community News — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 21:54:38 +0000

Burbank Police Department

Randy Holst is being held at Burbank jail on $50,000 bail. His arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday in Burbank Superior Court, Burbank Police Sgt. Robert Quesada said.

Police closed Victory Boulevard from Buena Vista Street east to Orchard Street, a total of about 8 blocks. This case is under investigation, Quesada said.

MPD’S CLAYTON TOM SELECTED AS DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF

Wendy Osher — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:11:52 +0000

In one of his first decisions since becoming Police Chief, Gary Yabuta announced his selection for Deputy. 26-year-police veteran and Assistant Chief Clayton Tom was named to the post.

Photo Courtesy: Maui Police Department

Tom’s current assignment is A.C. of the Support Services Bureau which includes general administrative support and internal control functions for the Communications Section; Plans, Training Research & Development, and the Information Technology Sections. He is also a 2007 graduate of the esteemed FBI National Academy.

In addition to academy training, Tom also received certification as a rappel master, firearms instructor, and defensive tactics instructor.

The new Deputy Chief joined the MPD on August 16, 1982 as part of the 30^th Recruit Class. Previous assignments included work as a Captain for the Criminal Investigation Division; three years as captain with the Chief’s office; Lieutenant work with the Communications, Vice, Criminal Investigation, and Special Response Team; and assignments in various districts throughout his career including Lahaina, Wailuku, Lanai, and Molokai.

Tom is also a 1980 graduate of Kamehameha schools, Kapalama, and a member of the Waihee Community Association. He is married to Pamela; they have three children, sons Corey and Kawena and daughter Kehaulani.

Clayton Tom’s promotion to Deputy Chief will take effect on July 1^st.

In making the announcement, Chief Yabuta said, ”Due to his dedication and leadership, soon to be Deputy Chief Tom has been a tremendous asset to this department throughout his career, coupled with a deep sense of knowledge of the historical aspect of the community and its culture.”

Mayor Charmaine Tavares’ responded to the promotion saying, “I’m pleased that Assistant Chief Tom will be able to bring valuable experience spanning over 26 years with the Maui Police Department to such an important leadership position. Both he and Police Chief Yabuta will serve our community exceptionally well and I look forward to working with them both.”

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DHS Whistleblower Says War On Terror Is A Charade – Real Targets Are American Patriots

Pronk Pops Show 103, March 28, 2013: Segment 0: Department of Homeland Security Mobilizes For War Against American People? -- Buys 2,717 Mine Resistent Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles and 1.6 Billion Rounds of Ammunition -- Videos

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Segment 0: Department of Homeland Security Mobilizes For War Against American People? — Buys 2,717 Mine Resistent Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicles and 1.6 Billion Rounds of Ammunition — Videos

Obama Civilian Security

Department Of Homeland Security Set To Purchase 1.6 Billion Rounds Of Ammunition

DHS Gets Mine Resistant Tanks to Go with Billions of Bullets

DHS-HSI Homeland Security Investigations El Paso SRT MRAP Armored Vehicle

SRT (Special Response Team) on WGN TV

BREAKING: DHS 2013 Buys Armored Vehicles & Tanks ..2700 of them

America : DHS purchasing Drones, Tanks, Rifles and Ammo for War inside the U.S.

2700 Armored Vehicles Purchased for Police Departments by DHS

Michael Savage – Obama DHS Purchases 2,700 Light-Armored Tanks

Forbes: Time For A National Conversation On DHS Massive Ammo Buy

Fox News Confirms Alex Jones DHS Ammo Purchases Story

NJ Congressman: DHS must explain ammunition and armored vehicle purchases

Homeland Security Buys 1.6 BILLION Rounds of Ammunition…

DHS Refuses to Answer Congress on 1.6 Billion Bullet Purchase

Levin Wants Answers On DHS Ammo Purchase But Not Obama Identity Document Fraud

War on US Citizens Planned – Part 1 of 2

War on US Citizens Planned – Part 2 of 2

Homeland Security buys 450 Million Rounds of Ammo

DHS Preparing For Civil War In The US?

Background Articles and Videos

Once again DHS orders hundreds of millions of rounds of ammo

Joint Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program (Part 1 of 2)

Joint Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle Program (Part 2 of 2)

DHS Won’t Answer Congress On Billion Bullet Purchase

1.6 Billion Rounds Of Ammo For Homeland Security? It’s Time For A National Conversation

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ATF raid leads to shootout, Maine biker's death | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram

Detroit police kill seven-year-old child

Lahaina Investigation Ends After 7 Hour Incident: Suspect Dies Of Self Inflicted Wound

Burbank man arrested for assault on ex-wife

Burbank man arrested for assault on ex-wife

MPD’S CLAYTON TOM SELECTED AS DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF