In response to the tragic events in Newtown Connecticut The U S Department of Education has provided resources for parents and community with responding to traumatic events.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Friday, December 14, 2012
National Association of School Resource Officers & School Psychologists: Responding to Tragic Events
On behalf of the members of the Crime Prevention Association of Michigan are hearts and prayers are with the families of Clackamas Oregon Shopping Center and Newtown Connecticut's Sandy Hook Elementary school after the reports of the tragic shooting events this week. Officers are trained to engage and stop incidents such as these and both incidents weight heavy on all involved. At our recent C.P.A.M. conference, we had a representative from the National Association of School Resource Officers provide a presentation to our members and participated in a video interview that will be posted in an upcoming blog. We talked about the role of the School Resource Officer (SRO) and the importance of having police interact with students daily, information being brought to their attention, and students concerns about a rumor or something being planned that may cause harm to others. S.R.O.'s establish relationships and students trust them and are more willing to share a concern, a very important part of maintaining school safety.
Many of our school districts are having to eliminate the S.R.O. positions due to budget constraints but if there is any possibility to bring those officers back into your buildings, we strongly encourage school boards and administrators to adjust your financial forecasting to bring them back! We applaud police administrators and municipalities that make school safety a priority even during these tough economic times.
The National Association of School Psychologists has a list of great resources for schools, families and the community. I've added the link to their website for additional resources. We'd also like to recognize the tremendous acts of bravery by the teachers and staff today at the Sandy Hook Elementary school to keep the students out of harms way and to protect them. Schools across the country participate in lock-down and fire drills. Today exemplified why those drills are so important.
I've also provided a link to the N.A.S.R.O's website with resources and tips on protection in our schools. Please, we need every person in our community to be the "eyes and ears" and report suspicious persons and activity that may impact others. Furthermore, students if you are reading a message forwarded from a social network or text messages about a student planning to commit a dangerous act at a school or in the community, please tell a trusted adult immediately! Thank you, the life you save may be your own.
NASRO - 12/14, statement on school shooting
National Association of School Psychologists
N.A.of School Psychologists
FTC- Kids' Data Still Collected, Shared without Parents' Knowledge, Consent
The FTC has published it's second report on Smartphone Apps targeted at teens and children that is a recommended read for parents, teachers and those who recommend Apps for teens use. The Federal Trade Commission issued a new staff report, “Mobile Apps for Kids: Disclosures 
Still Not Making the Grade,” examining the privacy disclosures and practices of apps offered for children in the Google Play and Apple App stores. The report details the results of the FTC’s second survey of kids’ mobile apps.
I've provided the link to the report from the FTC for review.
FTC Report 2012, Mobile Apps for Kids
Still Not Making the Grade,” examining the privacy disclosures and practices of apps offered for children in the Google Play and Apple App stores. The report details the results of the FTC’s second survey of kids’ mobile apps.I've provided the link to the report from the FTC for review.
FTC Report 2012, Mobile Apps for Kids
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
The Bully Project: Milan H.S. Peer Mediation / Life Saver's Program
The Bully Project movie released in April 2012 has opened the eyes of school administrators, teachers, students, parents, and communities across the country. Michigan's "Matt's Safe School Law" was signed into law providing a road map for schools to follow on addressing bullying in their schools and the reporting process.
On May 5th 2012, schools throughout Washtenaw County were provided access to see the movie at the Rave Cinema in Pittsfield Township and sponsored by Sam's Club of Ypsilanti MI. Pittsfield Township D.P.S. host agency and municipality coordinated the viewing and there were two panel discussions prior to the showing. One with adults and elected officials and the second with youth from the local schools.
The Bully Project movie will be available for purchase in Feburary 2013. Go to www.bullyproject.com for more details.
The Milan Police Department's School Resource Officer (S.R.O.) and students from Milan High School's message about their "Peer Mediation and Life Saver's" program were outstanding and featured in a Prevention Corner TV Show special. See what the students had to say about their programs. Click on the link to the YouTube channel.
The Prevention Corner TV Show- Milan H.S. "Peer Mediation & Life Saver's Program"
On May 5th 2012, schools throughout Washtenaw County were provided access to see the movie at the Rave Cinema in Pittsfield Township and sponsored by Sam's Club of Ypsilanti MI. Pittsfield Township D.P.S. host agency and municipality coordinated the viewing and there were two panel discussions prior to the showing. One with adults and elected officials and the second with youth from the local schools.
The Bully Project movie will be available for purchase in Feburary 2013. Go to www.bullyproject.com for more details.
The Milan Police Department's School Resource Officer (S.R.O.) and students from Milan High School's message about their "Peer Mediation and Life Saver's" program were outstanding and featured in a Prevention Corner TV Show special. See what the students had to say about their programs. Click on the link to the YouTube channel.
The Prevention Corner TV Show- Milan H.S. "Peer Mediation & Life Saver's Program"
I-Pad and Phone Security Tips 2012
I-Phone / I-Pad Safety Tips: Residents who own Apple products such as IPhones, I Pads and other devices should password protect your devices. You have access under the “I Cloud” menu to set your passwords and to activate “Find my IPhone” which allows you to locate the phone and remotely lock or erase the device. Click on the link below for details on the procedure.
Home Security Tip: Patio Doors
Home Security Tip – Patio Doors:
Home Invasions through patio doors are on the rise. Securing your doors by locking them and using an "after market" device to prevent access to your home is important. Residents are encouraged to lock your patio doors, use a “Charlie bar” in the base of the door, and auxiliary locks to prevent the doors from being lifted from the frame. For more tips on securing patio doors click the link below.
The Childen's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) What Parents Should Know
The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): What Parents Should Know
Congress and the FTC have taken special steps to assure that children under 13 years of age don’t share their personal information on the Internet without the express approval of their parents. Congress passed the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act in 1998 and the FTC wrote a rule implementing the law. The FTC has taken law enforcement actions against companies that failed to comply with the provisions of the law and has issued a report to Congress assessing how companies have complied with it. The FTC charged that the website operator, Artist Arena, violated COPPA and the FTC’s COPPA Rule, which require that website operators notify parents and obtain their consent before they collect, use or disclose personal information from children under 13. The settlement will impose a $1 million civil penalty on Artist Arena, bar future violations of the Rule, and require that Artist Arena delete information collected in violation of the rule. Parents should check the Apps on Smartphones. A report released this week confirms that that some "apps" on teens phones are tracking their activity and selling the obtained information. Click on the link below for tips.
Cyber Security Tip: Holiday Shopping Online
The Department of Homeland Security’s, Stop Think Connect campaign offers the following tips to help safeguard your personal information and transactions on Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season:
- Keep your computer, browser, anti-virus and other critical software up to date. Security updates and patches are available free from major companies.
- Pay attention to website URLs. Malicious websites may look identical to a legitimate site, but the URL may use a variation in spelling or a different domain (e.g., .com vs. .net). Also look in the address box for the "s" in https:// before any transaction. That “s” tell you that the site is taking extra measures to help secure your information.
- Beware of deals that sound too good to be true. Use caution when opening email attachments and do not follow unsolicited web links in email messages. Pay special attention to extremely low prices on hard-to-get items.
- Check privacy policies. Before providing personal or financial information, check the websites privacy policy to ensure your safety.
- Use a credit card. There are laws to limit your liability for fraudulent credit card charges, and you may not have the same level of protection when using your debit card.
- Keep a record of your order. Retain all documentation from the order in the event your purchase does not ship or if there are unauthorized charges on your bill.
- Check your statements. Keep a record of your purchases and copies of confirmation pages, and compare them to your bank statements. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.
For more information on online shopping, click on the link below.
US Postal Inspectors: Bogus E-Mails / Spam
BEWARE OF SPAM! BOGUS E-MAILS SENT TO POSTAL CUSTOMERS
These e-mails claim to be from the U.S. Postal Service and contain fraudulent information about
an intercepted package being delivered or online postage charges. You are instructed to
click on a link, open the attachment, or print the label, but Postal Inspectors warn: Don't do it! The email has a virus that will access your personal information from your computer.
Click on the link below for more details from the U.S.Postal Inspector.
Holiday Shopping Online: Tips to prevent package theft 2012
Holiday Shopping Online: Tips to prevent package theft
This year consumers will spend a record amount online making purchases for the holidays. Packages left on porches visible from the roadway create a perfect “crime of opportunity”. When placing orders online arrange to have them delivered when you will be home. If not have your delivery services leave a tag saying when/where the items can be picked up instead of being left unattended or ask neighbors to hold on to your deliveries. UPS and FedEx have provided information on their services and what to do if your package is missing.
Click on the links below for details from the companies.
FedEx- Delivery options/ tags on packages when your not home
Phishing Scams- Text message "bank account deactivated"
How to Deal with Phishing Scams: Text message from your bank “account deactivated”
A local credit union in Pittsfield Township Michigan has reported that members have been the victim of a text message scam saying their debit / ATM card has been deactivated and they need to call a “734” number which is not connected with the credit union. Delete email and text messages that ask you to confirm or provide personal information (credit cards, bank account numbers, Social Security numbers, passwords, etc.). Legitimate companies don't ask for this information via email or text. Area codes can mislead, too. Some scammers ask you to call a phone number to update your account or access a "refund." A local area code doesn’t guarantee that the caller is local.
If you’re concerned about your account or need to reach an organization you do business with, call the number on your financial statements or on the back of your credit card. For more information on how to avoid these scams click on the link below.
Fire Place and Home Fire Safety Tips
Fire Place And Home Fire Safety:
More than one-third of Americans use fireplaces, wood stoves and other fuel-fired appliances as primary heat sources in their homes. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the fire risks when heating with wood and solid fuels. Heating fires account for 36% of residential home fires in rural areas every year. Often these fires are due to creosote buildup in chimneys and stovepipes. All home heating systems require regular maintenance to function safely and efficiently.
The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) encourages you to practice fire safety steps to keep fires safely burning. Remember, fire safety is your personal responsibility “Fire Stops with You!” Click on the link below for fireplace and home fire safety tips.
SMiShing- Scam by text messaging 2012
What is SMiShing?
AT & T Wireless
T Mobile
Sprint
“SMiShing” is really just another form of Phishing. “SMiShing” occurs when a fraudster sends you a SMS/text message asking you to provide sensitive, personal, and/or financial information via a web link, a false website, or a telephone number. The messages could appear to be from T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, AT &T or other companies you do business with. Please note that cell phone providers will never ask you to “confirm” or “verify” your sensitive personal information in an unsolicited SMS text message. Links to the pages of the cell phone providers:
AT & T Wireless
T Mobile
Sprint
Text Message Gift Card Scams 2012
Text Message Gift Card Scams:
You receive a text message. You open it. You are surprised by a message informing you you’ve won a Best Buy gift card (or Target, Wal-Mart, other major retailers). You are instructed to go to a website, enter a PIN, and the card is yours.
The text URL leads to a website that has the company colors and logo. It looks authentic with the company name as the sites sub-domain (example: www.bestbuy.scamwebsite.com), but it’s not.
What Can You Do About Scam Text Messages?
- Ignore instructions to text "STOP" or "NO" to prevent future texts. This is a common ploy by scammers to confirm they have an active phone number.
- Forward the texts to 7726 (SPAM on most keypads). This will alert your cell phone carrier to block future texts from those numbers.
- If you think your text message is real, be sure it directs you to a web address like Bestbuy.com or Target.com, not www.bestbuy.otherwebsite.com.
Michigan Right to Work- Senate & House passed bills 12/11/12
The Michigan Senate and House of Representatives passed legislation making Michigan the 24th state to become a "Right to Work State". The summary of the bills are attached for review.
MI House of Rep's - Right to Work Bill #4003
MI Senate #0116 Right to Work
CPAM Conference 2012
The C.P.A.M. Conference 2012 was outstanding! we've captured videotaped interviews with C.P.A.M. Officer's, speakers, and vendors. These interviews will be posted on the blog . If you are not a member consider joining and prepared for the 2013 quarterly meetings and conference.
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