Accessing Secure Zoom Room Is Evidence of Conspiracy, Third Circuit Affirms
On-camera participation in a password-protected Zoom videoconference may be relied upon as evidence of a conspiracy, the Third Circuit recently held. In that same decision, the Court held Zoom user logs are “classic business records” that may be introduced into evidence.
Introducing Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation Inc.
In 2020, the survivors of law enforcement suicide established the Survivors of Blue Suicide Foundation (SBS), a non-profit 501c(3) dedicated to fostering hope by uniting survivors and honoring our fallen heroes, modeled after and empowered by Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.).
2020 Was Deadliest Year for Law Enforcement Officers in Decades
The number of law enforcement professionals nationwide who died in the line of duty in 2020 increased 96% over the previous year, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a nonprofit group that has long tracked officer fatalities.
Message for All Career Staff
President Joe Biden has a message for federal employees: One Team, One America. Listen to this message from the president as he thanks feds for all of their hard work and promises to create a stronger America with them.
Biden Begins Term with Introduction of New Immigration Policy
President Joe Biden began to overhaul the immigration policies of the Trump administration on his first day in office by introducing a plan for far reaching legislation that would allow people who entered the country illegally a path to apply for permanent legal residency. Currently, there are temporary programs in place to shield people who entered the country illegally from deportation, but President Biden’s plan would create more solidified pathways for these immigrants.
Trump Issues Executive Order to Give Law Enforcement and Families Greater Protection
On January 18, 2021, then-President Donald Trump issued an executive order (EO) that aims to protect law enforcement officials and their families. The order intends to allow qualified active and retired law enforcement officials to carry concealed firearms.
Biden Administration Requires Mask Usage on all Federal Property
President Joe Biden issued an executive order on his first day in office that requires anyone on federal property to wear a mask. This mandate includes federal employees and contractors, as well as anyone inside a federal building or on federal land.
Slidebelts Inc. Reaches PPP Fraud Settlement with DOJ
The first civil settlement to resolve fraud allegations against the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) has been entered, according to a January 12, 2021 press release from the Department of Justice. The PPP was part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to provide up to $349 billion to small businesses and corporations to keep them afloat. In December 2020, Congress authorized nearly $285 billion in additional Paycheck Protection Program funding.
What New Secret Service Recruits Go Through At Boot Camp
Take a look inside the James J. Rowley Training Center in Laurel, Maryland, where new Secret Service recruits are trained to serve the United States. Learn about the steps it takes to become a Secret Service agent and what recruits endure to earn their place.
Third Circuit: Federal Civilian Dual Status Technicians Not Covered under the Uniformed Services Exception to Reduced Social Security Benefits
Floyd Douglas Newton worked as a National Guard dual status technician from 1980 until 2013. A dual status military technician is a federal civilian position supporting the Selected Reserve or armed forces. Though civilians, dual status technicians are required to maintain National Guard membership, hold a particular military grade, and wear appropriate military uniform, among other requirements.
When the Procession Ends
The past few years have been especially hard on the law enforcement community. On average, between 140-160 officers die in the line of duty each year. 2020 had a violent start with the majority of the deaths being from gunfire, then COVID-19 hit and deeply impacted first responders.
Federally Funding World-Class Scientific Research
The federal government has a long history of funding top-tier scientific research. Last week, James Heelan hosted a discussion with Nobel Laureate Dr. Andrea Ghez and National Science Foundation (NSF) Galactic Astronomy Program Director Dr. Glen Langston on the FEDtalk podcast.
59th Presidential Inauguration NSSE Designation Expanded
The Department of Homeland Security announced on January 12 that the designation of the 59th Presidential Inauguration as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) would be expanded following the events at the Capitol and requests from stakeholders.
DOJ IG Releases Survey on Components’ COVID-19 Response
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted the Department of Justice’s law enforcement investigations, according to a recently released employee survey of major DOJ components by the department’s Office of the Inspector General.
Multiple Arrests Made Following U.S. Capitol Riot, Massive Investigation Grows
According to a Department of Justice press release from January 8, thirteen people have already been charged in federal court following the violence at the Capitol on January 6. About 40 others are being charged in Superior Court. Additionally, over 25 cases have been opened to investigate possible domestic terrorism charges following the events that transpired at the Capitol.
GSA Removes Drones Made in China from Contract Offerings
The General Services Administration (GSA) is no longer purchasing drones from Chinese manufacturers out of concern that they could be used to conduct espionage in the United States. All but five drone suppliers will be removed from the GSA offerings. This plan will go into effect on February 1, 2021.
Environmental and Historic Preservation has a deeper meaning for Stephanie Everfield
Stephanie Everfield is a Regional Environmental Officer at FEMA who helps to protect the integrity of the environment and historic landmarks in order to help strengthen and rebuild communities. Learn more about FEMA and its mission.
Enforcing A Mask Mandate in Federal Buildings
On January 20, 2021, President-elect Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th President of the United States, and a new administration will assume the operation of the federal government. With the new administration, there will likely be significant changes directly impacting the lives and jobs of federal employees.
SEA-BGRS Relocation Practices Survey
The Senior Executives Association (SEA) and BGRS are conducting unique research regarding current U.S. Federal and Canadian government relocation policies and talent management practices to determine how effective practices are today, and how they may need to evolve for tomorrow.
Rioters Breach U.S. Capitol in Protest of Election Certification
On Wednesday, several thousand supporters of President Trump’s reelection campaign marched from the White House to the Capitol building, where the group breached security. The group climbed onto the Capitol by scaling vertical walls and overwhelming U.S. Capitol Police.