by admin on November 17, 2011
X-ray body scanners at airports have been banned by Brussels amid fears they could cause cancer.
Airport scanners banned by EU The scanners, introduced in 2009, are also said by critics to be too invasive
The devices, widely criticised because they make passengers who go through them appear naked, emit low doses of radiation.
The EU has now told member states not to install them until a scientific assessment of the risks has been carried out.
Manchester airport, which has 16 of the £80,000 machines and bars anyone refusing a scan from boarding a flight, has been told it can continue using them for another year.
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cancer,
scanners,
security
by admin on September 30, 2011
Protesters expected for May meetings of G-8, NATO
By David Heinzmann, Tribune reporter September 30, 2011
Chicago has won a $54.6 million federal grant to fund security and emergency planning and cooperation among the city, Cook County and the state as preparations begin to ramp up for the G-8 and NATO summits being held here next May.
While the money is to be shared among city, county and state emergency management agencies, Chicago’s top emergency planner said the grant will be most useful in planning training exercises to handle security at the simultaneous economic and defense summits, which are likely to attract thousands of demonstrators.
Gary Schenkel, director of the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications, said specific plans for the money aren’t in place yet because the city and the federal government haven’t selected venues for the summits. Once the sites are chosen, emergency and security officials can start planning specific training exercises aimed at helping city and county personnel work smoothly together, he said.
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G-8,
Gary Schenkel,
NATO summits,
security
by admin on July 28, 2011
City, CTA bumping up funding for train, bus patrols
By Kristen Mack, Tribune reporter July 28, 2011
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Transit Authority President Forrest Claypool on Wednesday touted a $10 million investment to hire 50 full-time police officers to patrol the rail and bus system.
But a closer look reveals a less significant outlay.
The CTA says it is already paying out $9.2 million a year to 60 officers to handle security on their off days. Under the new plan, the transit agency simply will add another $800,000 to what it’s already spending.
Link
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Cops,
Forrest Claypool,
police,
security
Bin Laden death: Chicago police, security agencies step up vigilance
May 02, 2011 By Jeremy Gorner, Jon Hilkevitch and Becky Schlikerman, Tribune reporterNuccio DiNuzzo, Chicago Tribune
Guarding against reprisals in the wake of Osama bin Laden’s death, Chicago0area security personnel stepped up their vigilance Monday at high-profile spots: the Daley Center, religious centers and the United Center, among others.
On foot, by camera, by car, the surveillance reflected a renewed norm in the post-bin Laden world: keeping careful watch on possible targets, without knowing whom the attackers might be or even if they will strike.
Although many security measures remained behind the scenes, basketball fans discovered one immediate change: new metal detectors at the United Center for Chicago Bulls playoff games and at all NBA playoff games nationwide.
via Security forces, travelers pledge increased vigilance – Chicago Tribune.
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police,
security,
surveillance
by admin on December 28, 2010
Updated: Tuesday, 28 Dec 2010, 12:01 PM CST
Published : Tuesday, 28 Dec 2010, 12:00 PM CST
FOX Chicago News
Chicago – The CEO of the Chicago Housing Authority is rethinking his security detail following a Sun-Times report.
Since 2007, taxpayers have paid nearly $27 million for the security of city, county and state officials, according to the paper.
Lewis Jordan, the head of the CHA is one of the city officials who receives police protection.
His office is reviewing whether that protection is needed any longer.
via Chicago Housing Authority Chief Lewis Jordan Rethinking Costly Security Detail.
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Lewis Jordan,
police protection,
security
by admin on December 27, 2010
By CHRIS FUSCO Staff Reporter Dec 27, 2010
When Miguel del Valle took office as Chicago’s city clerk in December 2006, he immediately made clear he’d make one change: He would do without a perk enjoyed by his predecessors — his own police security detail.
Given that his duties involve things like handling vehicle stickers, keeping City Council records and licensing dogs, del Valle — now running for mayor — “felt it was unnecessary to use taxpayers’ dollars for a police security detail and a driver,” says Kristine Williams, his spokeswoman.
Four other city officials, though, do have the taxpayer-funded bodyguards. They include Mayor Daley, city Treasurer Stephanie Neely and Ald. Edward M. Burke (14th), chairman of the City Council’s Finance Committee.
And the fourth? The police won’t say.
The cost to Chicago taxpayers: at least $4.6 million last year, city records show.
via The Watchdogs: The cost of public officials’ security details? – Chicago Sun-Times.
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Ald. Edward M. Burke,
security,
Stephanie Neely
by admin on November 13, 2010
FEAR, TERROR, PROPAGANDA FROM X-PRESIDENT
Updated: Friday, 12 Nov 2010, 7:49 AM CST FOX Chicago News
Chicago – Former President George W. Bush said that what’s now known as the Willis Tower was a genuine target of the terrorists who attacked on 9/11.
He did not elaborate.
He praised Mayor Daley, who was with him for an appearance at the Union League Club as part of the former president’s book tour.
Bush said the mayor responded brilliantly on 9/11, by stepping up security, among other things.
“I oftentimes said when I was president, Chicago’s the best run city in America. I wasn’t pandering; I meant it,” Bush said.
via George W. Bush: Willis Tower Was Geniune Target of Terrorists, Praises Daley.
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George W. Bush,
Mayor Daley,
security
