Twitter Cuts Off Fusion Spy Centers’ Access to Social Media Surveillance Tool

That's the headline for a report by Nicole Ozer, Technology & Civil Liberties Policy Director, ACLU of California, that was published on December 15, 2016 | 11:15 AM
As of this week, Twitter has made sure that federally funded fusion centers can no longer use a powerful social media monitoring tool to spy on users.
After the ACLU of California discovered the domesticspy centers had access to this tool, provided by Dataminr (a company partly owned by Twitter), Dataminr was forced to comply with Twitter’s clear rule prohibiting use of data for surveillance.
Twitter sent a letter to the ACLU of California this week confirming that Dataminr has terminated access for all fusion center accounts.
The letter also makes clear that Dataminr will no longer provide social media surveillance tools to any local, state, or federal government customer.

We already know that government use of social media surveillance has expanded rapidly and has been used to target people of color and activists. Now Muslim and Latino community members are facing significant threats, important political and social activism is on the rise in areas across the country, and President-elect Trump is poised to hold the keys to the vast and powerful federal surveillance system. It has become more important than ever to protect against an expanding web of surveillance.
This Twitter and Dataminr announcement applies to all seventy-seven fusion centers (six in California alone) that are currently operating in states across the country. These domestic spy centers—local-state-federal partnerships that aim to collect and analyze vast amounts of information to connect the dots about “threats”—have a history of sweeping in constitutionally protected political, religious, and artistic activity . . .

Through a public records request, the ACLU of California discovered that the Los Angeles area fusion center, JRIC, was using Dataminr and had access to the company’s powerful Geospatial Analysis Application that enables keyword searches and location-based tracking. Settings in the Geospatial App even allowed the government to focus on monitoring journalists and organizations.
Using Dataminr, fusion centers like JRIC could search billions of real-time and historical public tweets and then potentially share information with the federal government.
Twitter’s action is an important step to protect users. But social media surveillance is just a piece of the surveillance puzzle. Companies and communities will need to take further steps in the months and years ahead to build in much stronger transparency, accountability, and oversight for government surveillance and make sure that rights are properly protected.
Read the entire article here

The Arizona Fusion Center, also known as the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC), is a joint effort between the Arizona Department of Public Safety, Arizona Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation and other participating agencies. 
To support the Arizona homeland security effort the Arizona Fusion Center was established and became operational in October of 2004. The Center operates on a 24/7 basis, providing both intelligence, investigative and technical support to state, local, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies as well as other agencies critical to Arizona and the country's homeland security efforts.
Website: http://www.azactic.gov/About/

 

Community Liaison Program (CLP) 

Mission of the ACTIC Community Liaison Program

- To provide a direct link between the state Counter Terrorism Information Center and the citizens, business community, and Tribal Nations in Arizona

- Establishing and enhancing intelligence gathering and dissemination by any and all means available will make Arizona the safest and most prepared state in the nation

 

 

Background

The Community Liaison Program was established in April, 2006.  It created the public outreach section of ACTIC. The program focuses on: Training, Presentations, Liaison, and Tours for Business and Public Communities in Arizona.  This program supports Arizona's and the National Homeland Security Strategies of "Strengthening Information Sharing and Collaboration Capabilities."
More than 4,000 contact representatives from 300 private and public sector organizations participate in the Community Liaison Program.

Participating Partners

Religious groups

Block watches

Private security companies

Tourism industry

Financial groups

Utility companies

Public health organizations

Educational institutions

Technology

Transportation

Community Groups

And Many More...

 

Join Now/Learn more >> http://www.azactic.gov/Community_Liaison/

Pie On Politics: Now About Power > U Listen Up. OK?

Problems with representative democracy. . . tolerance, diversity of opinion, and respect
Published on Dec 18, 2016
Views: 21,661
Pie rails against what he perceives to be a lack of respect for democracy.

NOW HIRIING > Job Opp Here in Mesa @ Allied Barton

Global Security Operations Center
Central Monitoring Station Operator
US Government SECRET security clearance required
 Prior military, security, customer service call center or dispatching experience is preferred
Salary:$16.50 - $16.50 (Hourly Wage)

More details . . .


Source: http://jobs.chiefmarketer.com/jobseeker/job/31897897/

Description

Job Description: Summary:  The Global Security Operations Center (GSOC) Central Monitoring Station (CMS) operator is responsible for receiving and processing incoming calls; along with monitoring, dispatching, and documenting security alarms.  The successful candidate will be a problem solver, possess critical thinking skills and be detail oriented. This position is responsible for using best practices for communicating information surrounding those incidents to leadership as appropriate. The GSOC CMS operator will receive calls, coordinate with others for the appropriate disposition of the calls via telephone and radio, and provide general inquiry assistance to both employees and external callers. The GSOC Call Taker supports the overall security and fire protection teams as they prepare for, respond to, and recover from both crisis and non-crisis incidents.

RESPONSIBILITIES (Major Duties):

The GSOC CMS operator is responsible for answering routine and emergency calls, monitoring alarms and closed circuit television video (CCTV) equipment including fire alarms, door alarms, and duress alarms and provides general assistance to employees, vendors and guests.

The GSOC CMS operator will respond to life safety incidents (medical, safety, natural disasters, etc.) and dispatch security officers, ERT, facilities, police, fire and EMS personnel as required via telephone and/or radio.

The GSOC CMS operator maintains various records of communications and events.

• The GSOC CMS operator communicates and disseminates information, using established communication vehicles, to key partners using best practices.
• Able to manage and handle situations of a sensitive nature and maintain company’s confidentiality and information security practices (medical record, personnel issues, investigations, public relations incidents, emergency personnel contact information, etc.).
• Create dispatch cases for every officer that is dispatched during your shift
• Collect and enter required information into Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) program, while maintaining contact with reporting party
• Operate complex radio, telephone and computer equipment
• Assist employees, security staff, vendors and employee requests as needed
• Makes all required notifications and escalations.
        

Requirements

SKILL REQUIREMENTS (To Perform Job Duties):

 
 
Must be able to multi task
 
Have strong prioritizing abilities
 
Ability to stay calm under pressure
 
Ability to analyze problems, identify causes, and implement results oriented solutions
 
Excellent organizational and time management ability. Must be competent and literate with computers
 
Must have the ability to develop and write clear and concise emails and memos
 
Ability to handle high pressure situations and make sound decisions
 
A professional demeanor, along with excellent customer service skills
 
Ability to work independently while also being a team player
 
 OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

 
 
US Government SECRET security clearance required
 
Prior military, security, customer service call center or dispatching experience is preferred
 
Strong knowledge of security and emergency operations is preferred
 
Experience using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
 
Must pass a pre-employment background check
 
Possess a solid employment history demonstrating reliability and dependability
 
Must successfully pass drug and alcohol screening
 

								

Job Information

• Location: Mesa, Arizona, 85215, United States
• Job ID: 31897897
• Posted: December 16, 2016
• Position Title:GSOC Central Monitoring Station Operator
• Company Name:AlliedBarton
• Job Function:Telecommunicator / Dispatcher
• Job Type:Full-Time
• Job Duration:Indefinite
• Min Education:H.S. Diploma/Equivalent
• Min Experience:1-2 Years
• Required Travel:0-10%
• Salary:$16.50 - $16.50 (Hourly Wage)

 

Related content:
 

AlliedBarton and Universal Services of America Finalize Merger, Creating the Leading Security Services Company in North America

Newly Combined Company, Named Allied Universal, Provides Localized Response and National Support with Approximately 140,000 on Staff
Wendel Receives Approximately 33% of the Shares of Allied Universal and $388 Million in Cash in Exchange for Its Contribution of Its Shareholding in AlliedBarton

 

 What the AlliedBarton-Universal merger portends for the security industry  

AlliedBarton and Universal Services of America announced that they too would be joining forces. The combined company, which will operate under the AlliedUniversal brand, is expected to generate total annual revenues of approximately $4.5 billion.

by Joel Griffin On May 20, 2016

Source; http://www.securityinfowatch.com/article/12210363/what-the-alliedbarton-universal-merger-portends-for-the-security-industry        

 

AlliedBarton Security merging to form industry giant

Updated: May 4, 2016 — 3:01 AM EDT

AlliedBarton boss William C. Whitmore Jr., a former police officer who headed AlliedBarton predecessor SpectraGuard, will chair the AlliedUniversal board. Whitmore "is really a character in this industry. He's a very important guy to know," Frederic Lemoine, chairman of France's Wendel private-equity group, told investors after buying AlliedBarton last summer.
Universal and AlliedBarton didn't announce a purchase price and apparently are trying to structure the deal as a tax-free merger of equals, though Universal, which has nearly doubled in size through mergers in the past nine months, is significantly larger than AlliedBarton.

(PRNewsFoto/AlliedBarton)Steve Jones , left, CEO of Universal Services of America, will serve as CEO of AlliedUniversal. William C. Whitmore Jr., right, CEO of AlliedBarton, will chair the board. Steve Jones, left, Chief Executive Officer of Universal Services of America, will serve as the CEO of the combined company, and Bill Whitmore, right, CEO of AlliedBarton, will serve as its Chairman of the Board.

The merger is expected to be completed by 2016, with the combined company being called AlliedUniversal. With this merger, AlliedUniversal will become the leading security company in North America.^[

EARN THE BIRD: SIGN UP FOR THE BMO HARRIS BANK MESA-PHOENIX MARATHON

You can register now for this event in February
Want to go for a run?
With the right training and commitment, you can find yourself fully prepared at the starting line of a 10K, half marathon or the full 26.2 miles!
The new course is fast, fun and scenic. But remember, all of our races from 2013 – 2016 were sell out races, so don’t delay registration for February 2017!
Registration is now open!
Want to get the whole family involved? There's a  free 1K fun run that will get the kids in on the action too.
Opportunities to sign up to volunteer - be a good sport
Link to official website that will open in a new window >> https://thephoenixmarathon.com/

BEST FINISH EXPERIENCE EVER

One of the goals of The Mesa-Phx Marathon is to provide its runners with the BEST FINISH EXPERIENCE EVER. The Phoenix Marathon achieves this by offering an elaborate variety of fruits, drinks (including Muscle Milk, Gatorade Endurance, and ice cold Pepsi products), quick energy snacks, breads and much more . . .

BMO Harris Bank Mesa-Phx Marathon Finish Area

The recovery area also includes post race treatments compliments of Ideal Physical Therapy, state of the art massage by Massage Envy, cool towels, soak tubs, food trucks, face painting, and plenty of activities for spectators.

We want all our racers to enjoy and recover surrounded by music, energy and attention. We love and respect our runners and you will see this reflected when you are treated to the BEST FINISH EXPERIENCE EVER at The Mesa-Phx Marathon.

The Phoenix Marathon Foundation aims to provide scholarship funds for high school students who have participated in running related athletics and are dedicated to the pursuit of higher education.

More Dangerous Air We Breathe > POLLUTION PM-2.5 High Pollution Advisory Sunday...

Daily Air Quality Forecast

for areas within and bordering Maricopa County in Arizona

ISSUED: Friday, December 16, 2016

A PM-2.5 High Pollution Advisory is valid for Sunday, December 18, 2016.

 

PHOENIX-AREA FORECAST MAXIMUM AIR QUALITY LEVELS    

Get bulletins and subscribe to alerts >> https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/AZDEQ/bulletins/17a3a5e

Más Risa de Las Ideas | Luciano Mellera | TEDxRíodelaPlata

More happy comedy!
Published on Dec 16, 2016
Views7,693
@luchomellera
Luciano Mellera hace más de 8 años viene presentándose en distintos escenarios del Stand Up de toda la Argentina y alrededores. Si bien es Redactor Publicitario, eligió vivir de la comedia, porque lo hace más feliz.
Es uno de los mayores exponentes del Stand Up argentino en el mundo 2.0 y sus videos suman más de siete millones de reproducciones. Ha participado de TEDxRíodelaPlata en dos oportunidades y en TEDxDiagonal73 (La Plata). Fue parte del selecto elenco elegido por Comedy Central para los especiales del 2013, 2014 y 2016 transmitidos para todo Latinoamérica por esa señal. En el 2015 fue nominado como Revelación en los Premios Estrella de Mar y no ganó, pero no le importa. Mentira, un poquito sí. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx Category Nonprofits & Activism License Standard YouTube License

Religion In City Government Part 1: Mayors of Mesa 1883-2016 >

Don't know about anyone else, but your MesaZona blogger has never lived in a town or city where one single religion and its followers and adherents have controlled and dominated politics, government, education and the local economy for so many years.
In the case of Mesa - now with almost 500,000 people living here - there appears to be a pattern of hand-selected, chosen and appointed members of the Latter Day Saints who "receive a calling" to run for elective office both locally and in Arizona State government that goes hand-in-hand with a long-established brotherhood of special-interest groups, as well as holdings in real estate and overlapping business interests. They all think it's their corner of The Kingdom, Deseret.

It is simply a political machine based on religion that has effectively made the other 70% of the public dis-engaged from civic life and government.
One of the missions of this blogsite is to encourage people to think and question and get involved in city government. Yours truly frequently goes to City Council meetings where very few members of the public ever show up or even watch live or televised. . . . the current mayor at one time called me a "Rabble-Rouser" to my face for writing and publishing information, comments, and opinions about City Hall and city government.
What's your take-away from that comment?
Are you one of the rabble the mayor doesn't to get roused?
For now just take a look at a long list of people who have held the seat of mayor here in the City of Mesa for over 133 years:

• Anyone you see not Mormon?
• How many women have been mayor?

The list is from Wikipedia

Alexander Findlay Macdonald	1883–1885
Alvin Franklin Stewart	1885-86
(Unknown name)	1886-88
William Johnson LeBaron	1888–96
James Turman	1896-98
David Tully LeBaron Jr.	1898-99
William A. Kimball	1899-00
Jedidiah Grant Peterson	1900–02
Charles M. Mullen	1902-04
John L. Waring	1904-06
Phil Metz	1906-08
John D. Loper	1908
Lionel Brand Johnson	1908
John H. Barnett	1908-10
Ralph Fleetwood Palmer	1910–12
John Taylor LeSueur	1912–14
Max Viault	1914-16
Paul Baxter Beville	1916-18
Dan H. Kleinman	1918-22
Robert Scott	1922-24
Jedidiah Grant Peterson	1924–36
Linford B. Werner	1936-38
George Nicholas Goodman	1938-42
John A. Hamblin	1942-44
Zeb Pearce	1944-46
George Nicholas Goodman	1946-48
Frank E. Bendick	1948-50
Oscar Virgil Crismon	1950–52
George Nicholas Goodman	1952–56
Richard G. Johnson Sr.	1956–58
Egbert J. Brown	1958–66
Jack Taylor	1966–72
Eldon W. Cooley	1972–76
Wayne C. Pomeroy	1976–80
Don W. Strauch	1980–84
Sumner "Al" Brooks	1984–88
Margaret "Peggy" Rubach	1988–92
William "Willie" Wong	1992–96
Wayne Brown	1996–2000
Keno L. Hawker	2000–08
Scott W. Smith	2008–14
Alex Finter	2014
John Giles	2014–.