The government has your baby’s DNA

"Newborn babies in the United States are routinely screened for a panel of genetic diseases. Since the testing is mandated by the government, it's often done without the parents' consent. In many states, such as Florida, where Isabel was born, babies' DNA is stored indefinitely. Many parents don't realize their baby's DNA is being stored in a government lab, but sometimes when they find out, as the Browns did, they take action. Parents in Texas, and Minnesota have filed lawsuits, and these parents' concerns are sparking a new debate about whether it's appropriate for a baby's genetic blueprint to be in the government's possession." Continue reading

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Fugitive Chris Dorner against the LAPD: ‘He knows what he’s doing. We trained him’

"Dorner, 33, who was fired from the LAPD in 2008, is accused of killing three people and wounding two others in self-declared 'unconventional and asymmetrical warfare' against his former comrades, a week-long rampage which terrorised police from San Diego to LA and by Friday had shifted to the icy wilderness of Big Bear. An 11,000 word rambling manifesto he posted on Facebook tried to explain his actions – and listed a 40-person hit list. Schools, stores and hotels were in lockdown and officers in helmets and body armour trekked warily through the snow lest the fugitive, a former navy reservist and trained marksman, a cop killer and a killer cop, had left traps." Continue reading

Continue ReadingFugitive Chris Dorner against the LAPD: ‘He knows what he’s doing. We trained him’

Marine recruiter ‘sexually assaulted two teen recruits’ at his office and home where he lives with wife and two children

"One of the victims, a 17-year-old girl who was not named, told the station that she had met Percival four or five times to discuss joining the Marine Corps. She said that early Sunday morning Percival forced her to have oral sex with him and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Another recruit, a friend of the first alleged victim, said that Percival had asked her to show him her breasts and give him oral sex when she visited the recruiting office he worked at." Continue reading

Continue ReadingMarine recruiter ‘sexually assaulted two teen recruits’ at his office and home where he lives with wife and two children

Law-enforcer misuse of driver database soars

"Florida's driver-and-vehicle database, the system that can help law enforcement identify victims of fatal crashes and decipher the identity of a suspect, can be a useful tool for cops. But at least 74 law enforcers were suspected of misusing D.A.V.I.D. in 2012, a nearly 400 percent increase from 2011, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Officers who needlessly pull information or photographs from D.A.V.I.D. that would otherwise be private could face criminal charges, sanctions or disciplinary action. And yet the temptation of looking up a relative, a celebrity's address or a romantic interest is too great for some law enforcers." Continue reading

Continue ReadingLaw-enforcer misuse of driver database soars

Ex-cop accused of groping women gets two-year sentence

"Former Metro police officer John Norman is going to prison for two years. Norman was in court this morning to face his punishment after pleading guilty to charges of coercing women to expose their breasts after stopping them on the road. One woman says she still suffers from panic attacks. The other says she’s afraid of male officers pulling her over again." Continue reading

Continue ReadingEx-cop accused of groping women gets two-year sentence

Trooper indicted for stealing marijuana

"A former Georgia State Patrol Trooper is indicted for stealing marijuana from the Post evidence locker, and giving it to teenage girls. Jaa Tucker was arrested by the Early County Sheriff's Office this morning. He posted bond and was released. He is charged with theft by government employee, distribution of marijuana, and violation of oath of office. The Thomasville GBI Post is handling the investigation. A GSP source says that Tucker was fired last year." Continue reading

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Utah Cops Interrupt Husband’s Last Goodbyes to Grab Dead Woman’s Pain Pills

"Barbara Alice Mahaffey, an elderly resident of Vernal, Utah, died at home of colon cancer on May 21 as her husband of 58 years stood at her side. The death of his long-time spouse was bad enough, but what came next has Ben Mahaffey furious -- and heading to court. Mahaffey, 80, filed a lawsuit against the city of Vernal earlier this month charging that Vernal police interrupted his last goodbyes by searching his house for her prescription pain medication without a warrant within minutes after her death. Mahaffey said he was distraught and trying to ensure that his wife's body would be transported to a funeral home with dignity when police insisted he help them look for drugs." Continue reading

Continue ReadingUtah Cops Interrupt Husband’s Last Goodbyes to Grab Dead Woman’s Pain Pills

NYPD looks to GPS bottles to combat pill bandits

"The New York Police Department wants pharmacies in and around the city to fight prescription drug thefts by stocking pill bottles fitted with GPS tracking chips. Prescription drug abuse 'can serve as a gateway to criminal activities, especially among young people,' the commissioner says. The NYPD has begun creating a database of the roughly 6,000 pharmacies in the New York City area with plans to have officers visit them and recommend security measures like better alarm systems and lighting of storage areas. Kelly says it also will ask them to stock the GPS bottles containing fake oxycodone." Continue reading

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Officer convicted of stealing guns in Prince George’s County

"A Prince George’s County police officer accused of selling and giving away guns he had seized from criminals was found guilty Tuesday of theft and misconduct in office. Authorities had charged Carter with redistributing or selling guns that he obtained while working on a Maryland State Police-run gun task force in 2008 and 2009. Prosecutors say 21 guns never made it to the Prince George’s County police property room as they should have." Continue reading

Continue ReadingOfficer convicted of stealing guns in Prince George’s County

Former Chicago cop gets 19 years in Latin Kings case

"A former veteran Chicago police officer was sentenced to 19 years in prison Friday for stealing drugs, cash and guns for the Latin Kings street gang often while on-duty. Guerrero pleaded guilty in August to taking part in seven robberies or burglaries of Latin King rivals between 2004 and 2006 with Officer Antonio C. Martinez Jr. in Hammond, East Chicago and Highland. Martinez also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing." Continue reading

Continue ReadingFormer Chicago cop gets 19 years in Latin Kings case