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TECHBeat, March 2016

NCJ Number
249836
Journal
Techbeat Dated: March 2016 Pages: 1-17
Editor(s)
Michele Coppola
Date Published
March 2016
Length
17 pages
Annotation

Feature articles in this issue describe a video that instructs parents in how to guide their children in the responsible use of social media, a technology that enables drug enforcement officers to test a site in the field for methamphetamine contamination, and a program that expedites technology development for first responders' equipment.

Abstract

"Video Encourages Parents To Teach 'Digital Citizenship' " describes the features and benefits of a 12-minute video that uses a two-point approach in teaching parents how to guide their children in the use of digital social media. This video, entitled "Digital Safety in the Wireless World," first instructs parents in how to educate their children about dangers associated with the use of digital media and then suggests how parents can guide their children in the responsible use of social media so as to avoid these dangers in interacting with their friends online. The video was produced by the Paulding County (Georgia) sheriff's Office. "Methamphetamine Testing Moves to the Field, Saving Time and Money" discusses the features and uses of a portable reader that performs semi-quantitative lateral flow immunoassay testing in the field to provide on-the-spot results in testing for methamphetamine contamination. This eliminates weeks of lab lag and significantly reduces costs. The Upper Sioux Police Department (Granite Falls, MN) recently began using this technology. The police chief has already reported realizing tremendous savings in time and money. The portable reader has been used in a house and in vehicles. "Program Seeks To Expedite Technology Development for First Responders" describes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate's pilot project that uses a business accelerator process to promote the development of technologies that can benefit the effectiveness and safety of first responders.