Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve (LA)
Child Pornography Case
A local police department is investigating a child pornography case
which led to the discovery of thousands of pictures, some of them taken
on Bayou Coquille trail in Barataria Preserve. According to a front page
story in the March 15th edition of the New Orleans Times
Picayune, the Saint Bernard Sheriff's Office had arrested a man and
charged him with one count of possession of child pornography, with
additional charges likely. A search warrant executed on the defendant's
residence led to the seizure of 25 boxes of evidence, including
approximately a thousand DVD disks containing thousands of images. This
is the largest child pornography investigation ever handled by that
office, and is being conducted in conjunction with an FBI child
pornography investigative unit. A number of images were taken on Bayou
Coquille trail in April of 2003. These images did not contain child
pornography or sexually explicit material, but were of young
pre-adolescent males. These images are often used in the internet child
pornography trade, typically by cutting and pasting faces from one image
to another. Only a relatively small portion of DVD's have so far
been reviewed and cataloged. If any pornographic images taken at
Barataria Preserve are recovered, appropriate charges will be filed.
[Submitted by Leigh Zahm, Supervisory Park Ranger]
Valley Forge National Historical Park (PA)
Fatal
Motorcycle Crash
Park dispatch received a call from Montgomery County around 6 p.m. on
March 19th reporting an accident involving several motorcycles and
serious injuries on Route 23, a highway within the park. A protection
ranger, Upper Merion Township PD traffic safety officers and EMS
personnel responded. Ranger Rick Branagh was first on scene and advised
that three motorcycles were down. Branagh began administering EMS to the
most critically injured motorcyclist, transferring care to paramedics
when they arrived. Two of the three motorcyclists were flown to trauma
centers in Philadelphia. One of them, a 42-year-old man, died early the
next morning. The crash is still under investigation. Upper Merion
Township Police Department is heading the investigation.
[Submitted
by Paula Risell, Acting Supervisory Park Ranger]
OPERATIONAL NOTES
NPS Office at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
Supreme Court Ruling on Fourth Amendment
On March 22nd, the Supreme Court held that the detention of occupants of a residence where a search warrant was being executed was not a violation of the Fourth Amendment. In this case, officers had applied for and received a search warrant to search a residence where they believed weapons and other evidence of gang-related violence would be discovered and where a wanted gang member was alleged to reside. Mena, an occupant of the residence during the search, was handcuffed with three other occupants and moved to a converted garage and held there for two to three hours while the officers searched. In addition, Mena argued that allowing an immigration officer to question her to determine her status in the United States was also a violation of the Fourth Amendment. The court disagreed, reversing the Ninth Circuit. The court noted that such a detention had been deemed appropriate in Michigan v. Summers, 452 U.S. 692 (1981), and the reasonable use of handcuffs was justified by her presence inside a residence where a search warrant authorized a search for weapons and a wanted gang member was a resident. "Though this safety risk inherent in executing a search warrant for weapons was sufficient to justify the use of handcuffs, the need to detain multiple occupants made the use of handcuffs all the more reasonable." The court also held that the length of the detention while in handcuffs was also justified by the circumstances and officer safety concerns of the officers. Finally, the court noted that since Mena was already being lawfully detained and the questioning concerning her legal status in the United States did not extend the duration of her detention, there was again no Fourth Amendment violation. This case represents a logical expansion of the detention authority already granted in Summers, and expands upon commonly held policies concerning the proper methods and manner of detention during the execution of high-risk search warrants. Muehler v. Mena, No. 03-1423 (U.S. March 22, 2005).
[Submitted by Don Usher, Superintendent]
Servicewide
Upcoming Training Calendar
UPCOMING TRAINING
This listing is updated every Friday. It is not meant to replace any of the various training center calendars — just to augment them and provide a heads-up on new training courses. Please submit information to Bill Halainen. New listings and revisions are in bold face.
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April — October
Arborist Training Program. The program is designed to provide specialized training in the principles and practices of tree care over an 18-month period. The program includes home study assignments, workshops, and field training at various NPS sites. Participants will be required to travel a minimum of twelve weeks during this period. At the completion of the training, participants will be fully prepared and eligible for professional certification in arboriculture. This is not an upward mobility program. For an application, please go to http://www. nps.gov/training/announcements/atpannouncement.doc or contact Dan McCarthy at 617-566-1689 x 262.
April 4 — April 8
Tactical Tracking Operations Level I: Basic Tactical Tracking, Pinnacles NM, CA. The course covers basic tracking techniques, assessing tracks, collecting foot sign evidence, team tracking, tactical tracking, tactical formations, encounter action drills, cover shoot and a few other firearms activities. This is a challenging week of tracking, hiking, shooting and hiking some more, and participants should be prepared for both wet or dry and hot weather. Class size limited to 15; tuition is $400 for NPS, $450 for non-NPS. Ammunition is not provided. The closing date is March 28th. For more info, contact Wendy Artz at 831-389-4485 x 236.
April 4 — April 8
Archives in the National Park Service, Everglades NP, Homestead, FL. The course offers a hands-on approach to archival management principles, practices, policy and philosophy within the NPS. Tuition is $330 per person. The course is advertised on My Learning Manager. For further information, contact Scott Pawlowski at DSC at 303-969-2139.
April 10 — April 16
Advanced Resource Protection Training, San Luis Obispo, CA. A 50-hour course that includes classroom, outdoor and evening classes. Sessions will include a legal update, resource crimes, tactical shooting, building clearing, defensive tactics and two days of scenarios. Closes on March 25th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www. nps.gov/training/announcements/advancedresprot.doc
April 11 — April 14
Introduction to Accessibility Management in Parks and Recreation for Accessibility Coordinators, National Center on Accessibility at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Training designed specifically for newly-appointed accessibility coordinators. Tuition $495. Closes on April 1st. Course registration forms can be found at http:// www.ncaonline.org/training/accessibility_management.shtml. For more information, contact Nan A. Smith at 812-856-4421, or see the course summary at http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=841.
April 26 — April 28
Hazardous Materials — First Responder Operations, Glen Canyon NRA, UT. The 24-hour course fulfills the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.120 and NFPA 472. The class is directly applicable to firefighters, law enforcement personnel and other first responders. The class is sponsored in part and taught by the International Association of Firefighters and involves two days of classroom followed by a practical simulated spill utilizing and ICS interagency response. Meals, lodging and government mileage paid. Class size is limited to 25. Nominations are due by April 12th. For more information, go to the structural fire training site or contact Jim Traub at 928-608-6535.
May 2 — May 13
Certified Structural Firefighter, Glacier National Park, MT. This course is designed for persons with structural firefighting responsibilities in NPS areas. Instruction includes lecture and audio visual aids, but maintains an emphasis on individual and engine company manipulative skills essential for personal safety and effective and safe fire ground operations. For more information and nomination forms, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custompages.cfm?prg=284&id=2653&lv=4& pgid=902 or contact Patrick_Suddath@nps.gov. Nominations should be faxed to 406-888-7886, or sent via e-mail. They are due by April 15th. For additional information, contact Patrick Suddath, 406-888-7831, or Fred Vanhorn at 406-888-7822.
May 3 — May 5
Situational Leadership II: Law Enforcement Version (SLTP-504), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on March 23rd. For further information, contact the NPS office at FLETC (the web link to the announcement does not work at present).
May 9 — May 13
Law Enforcement Advanced Interviewing (LEAINTP-504), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on April 4th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps. gov/training/announcements/LEAINTP504.doc
May 9 — May 13
Fireline Leadership (L-380), Grand Teton NP, WY. The course focuses on the foundations of leadership, human factors, components of leadership, decision-making, error mitigation, advanced communications skills, professional ethics and conflict resolution. Closes on March 31st. For more information, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=874
May 10 — May 12
Colt M-16/AR-15 Armorer's School, Barataria Preserve, Jean Lafitte NHP&P, LA. The course will focus on the theory, nomenclature, dynamics, compatibility, interchangeability, detailed disassembly, assembly, maintenance, and trouble-shooting of the M-16/AR-15 family of weapons. Students must demonstrate proficiency as well as attain a score of 70% or higher on the written test in order to pass. The certification lasts for three years and costs $375. For more information, contact ranger Leigh Zahm at 504-589-2330 ext. 17.
May 16 — May 20
High Angle Rope Rescue Training, New River Gorge NR, Fayetteville, WV. This course is designed for persons who are tasked with responding to calls of injured or stranded visitors in a steep, high angle environment. Students can range from beginners to intermediate — everyone will benefit. Students and instructors will be camping out at the Burnwood Ranger Station area, located on the rim of the New River Gorge. Showers will be provided. This will not only help in keeping the costs down, but will serve as a good logistical location for any night exercises. Students need to bring their own personal rescue/climbing gear including a comfortable sit harness, rappel device, carabiners, helmet, and gloves. All students need to be in good physical condition. There will be extended periods of hanging on a fixed rope in an exposed environment. A direct email from your supervisor will be sufficient for the nomination. (Note: This training will be held prior to, and in conjunction with, a climbers rendezvous sponsored by the New River Alliance of Climbers and the Access Fund. Special presentations by nationally recognized climbers have been incorporated into this training. Equipment demos, climbing workshops, and competitions will be held the weekend following the training, May 20th to 22nd). Please direct all questions and correspondence to Rob Turan at 304-763-3145 ex 15. fax # 304-465-6559, or at rob_turan@nps.gov.
May 16 — May 20
Fireline Leadership (L-380), Albuquerque, NM. The course focuses on the foundations of leadership, human factors, components of leadership, decision-making, error mitigation, advanced communications skills, professional ethics and conflict resolution. Closes on March 31st. For more information, go to http://classicinside.nps.gov/headline.cfm?type=Conferences&id=874
May 16 — May 27
Physical Fitness Coordinator Training (PFCTP-504), FLETC, Glynco, GA. Closes on April 6th. For a copy of the announcement, go to http://www.nps.gov /training/announcements/PFCTP504.doc
May 23 — May 27
Fundamentals of Special Park Uses, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV. The 36-hour course, listed as VRPSPU3003 on My Learning Manager, covers all aspects of special park uses, from First Amendment to filming and photography to wireless telecommunication sites. Temporary food services and other health and safety issues related to special park uses will also be discussed. DO-53/RM-53, 36 CFR and NPS Management Policies (2001) will be covered in depth. A draft agenda is posted on the special park uses page. For more information, contact Lee Dickinson, WASO special park uses program manager, at 202-513-7092. For an agenda, go to http://inside.nps.gov/waso/custommenu.cfm?lv=3&prg=185&id=3225
May 24 — May 26
Midwest Cemetery Monument Conservation Workshop, Omaha, NE. The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training has scheduled its third workshop on the conservation of cemetery monuments. The program will include a three-day, hands-on learning experience in cemetery and materials conservation. Partners include the Gerald R. Ford Conservation Center and the Midwest Regional Office of the National Park Service. A lecture and a hands-on session on metal conservation will also be added to this year's training. For more information, contact Mary F. Striegel at 318-356-7444 or mary_striegel@nps.gov.
June 14 — June 24
National Center for Preservation Technology and Training Summer Institute, Natchitoches, LA. Includes courses in preservation engineering that offer participants fieldwork using nationally significant structures in the Cane River region of Louisiana where NCPTT is headquartered. For more information, contact Andy Ferrell at 318-356-7444 or Andrew_ferrell@nps.gov .
PARKS AND PEOPLE
Natural Resource Program Center
Exotic Plant Management Team Crew Leader
The Northern Rocky Mountain Exotic Plant Management Team (EPMT) is seeking interested candidates for a three to five month detail (negotiable) as the day-to-day crew leader for the EPMT satellite unit located at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve (CRMO). The detail will begin on May 2nd.
Partner parks associated with the this satellite unit include CRMO, Fossil Butte NM, Golden Spike NHS, Hagerman Fossil Beds NM, Minidoka Internment NM, and City of the Rocks NR. The headquarters for CRMO is located 18 miles west of Arco, Idaho (population 1,000). The area is located in the high desert on the southern edge of the Pioneer and Lost River Mountains with an abundance of sunshine and summer temperatures ranging from 30-100°F with 16 inches of precipitation annually. Park housing for this detail will be available at CRMO but may be in a dorm or even a coed dorm situation.
The person in this position coordinates the exotic vegetation management efforts for the CRMO satellite unit and works with and is co-supervised by the Northern Rocky Mountain EPMT liaison located at Yellowstone NP and the vegetation ecologist at CRMO. This crew travels approximately 50% of the time, working in partner parks in remote, roadless locations, and frequently stays in a camper trailer, perhaps in mixed genders, or in personal tents. Responsibilities include the day-to-day supervision of two seasonal crew members; providing guidance and field leadership on exotic plant identification, training, and logistics; implementing control actions in remote locations such as spraying, cutting, mowing, or pulling noxious weeds; mapping and maintaining an inventory of infestations and control work using GPS/GIS and APCAM, and preparing reports. The crew leader must be knowledgeable about integrated weed management techniques including the proper use, application, storage and disposal of herbicides used to control exotic plant species; be able to safely operate, maintain, and properly store associated vehicles, equipment, power tools, and supplies; and have basic first-aid skills.
Additional EPMT information can be found at http://www1.nrintra.nps.gov/BRMD/invasivespecies/exoticplants/index.htm.
For questions about the position, contact Brenda Waters, NRMEPMT liaison 307-344-2185 or Paige Wolken, CRMO vegetation ecologist 208-527-3257 ext. 505.
Richmond National Battlefield Park (VA)
GS-025-9 Protection Ranger
Richmond National Battlefield Park is currently seeking qualified candidates for a GS-025-9 protection ranger position in the Division of Visitor and Resource Protection. This is a permanent, full-time position open to NPS status employees only. One position will be filled from this announcement, listed on USAJobs as COLO-05-01 (click on "More Information" below for a copy of the announcement). The position requires the possession and retention of a Type 1 NPS law enforcement commission and is approved for primary 6c law enforcement coverage. This job offers an excellent opportunity for both cultural and natural resource protection in a park that is growing in size. The announcement is open until April 8th. Please call chief ranger Tim Mauch, 804-795-5018, ext. 1, for additional information.
[Submitted by Tim Mauch, Chief Ranger] More Information...
Submission standards for the Morning Report can be found by clicking here. All reports should be submitted via email to Bill Halainen at Delaware Water Gap NRA, with a copy to your regional office and a copy to Dennis Burnett in Division of Law Enforcement and Emergency Services, WASO.
Prepared by Visitor and Resource Protection, WASO, with the cooperation and support of Delaware Water Gap NRA.