Attorney General Terry Goddard and Gov. Janet Napolitano today announced that $17.7 million in forfeited funds from a major fraud case will be used to build a new Department of Public Safety Crime Lab in Tucson.  The announcement was made at a press conference this afternoon in Tucson. Joining the Attorney General and Governor were Arizona State Senate President Tim Bee, DPS Director Roger Vanderpool and county sheriffs.  “It is highly appropriate that proceeds of criminal activity should go to fund this much-needed law enforcement resource,” Goddard said. 

One of the crime lab’s essential tasks will be forensic DNA analysis. The Arizona Department of Public Safety has been a national leader in using advanced DNA techniques for analyzing crime scene evidence. Because of space and equipment limitations, DPS currently has a significant backlog of DNA cases, which the new Tucson Crime Lab will help alleviate.  The $17.7 million comes from the prosecution by the Attorney General’s Office of C.P. Direct, a Scottsdale-based company that marketed fake nutritional supplements. The company claimed some of its products would enlarge male sex organs and women’s breasts. 

The company’s three principals pleaded guilty in 2003 to charges of fraud and money laundering. They agreed to forfeit personal and business assets obtained from their illegal business activities. Fraud is included in the state racketeering statute, which makes all criminal proceeds subject to forfeiture. Those funds can be used for a variety of law enforcement purposes.  A portion of the forfeited funds was used to compensate consumers who purchased the supplements. Some 25,000 checks totaling more than $4 million were sent out earlier this year. 

Another $2 million from the C.P. Direct proceeds is going to the Victim Compensation and Assistance Fund, Goddard said. That account is administered by the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission.  Completion of the new crime lab is projected for January 2009.

PAG 2007 Regional Plan for Bicycling Open Houses Coming In December

The PAG region is developing a new Regional Plan for Bicycling. The plan will identify recommended bicycle facility improvements through 2030. The plan also will include bicycle, pedestrian and shared-use path facilities that were approved by the voters as part of the much larger $2.1 billion Regional Transportation Authority Plan in May 2006. The 20-year RTA Plan includes funding for 550 two-way miles of bike lanes and shared-use paths.

The proposed 2007 Regional Plan for Bicycling was developed over the past two years in cooperation with local jurisdictions, the public and bicycle interest groups. It incorporated the Town of Oro Valley Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, the Green Valley Coordinating Council bicycle-pedestrian plan (endorsed by Pima County ), paths in the Pima County River Parks Plan, and the connections to trails in the Eastern Pima County Trails System Master Plan.

As an important part of this process, prior to finalizing the plan, the Pima Association of Governments will hold the three public open houses listed above. Public input from these meetings, along with  comments from PAG’s web-site bicycle survey, will be incorporated into the plan.

Development of the Plan

The region has seen many positive developments for bicycling during the last 30+ years. In April of 2006, the League of American Bicyclists (LAB) recognized the Tucson – Pima Eastern Region as a Gold Level “Bicycle Friendly Community,” the first such regional designation in the United States . Bicycling Magazine has ranked the City of Tucson as the 2nd best bicycling city in the United States in 1995 and 1999, and more recently, in 2006. 

This plan documents the region’s growth from eight miles of bikeways in 1971 to over 630 (centerline miles) in 2006. It also documents actions that have been taken to establish and advance bicycle safety education for both children and adults (i.e., Safe Routes to School).

The plan is categorized into 1) existing facilities, 2) planned facilities (which are funded), and 3) proposed facilities (which do not have specific funding identified).  

Programming, Implementation, and Funding

As of March 2006, the region had a total of 637.5 miles of bikeways. This plan recommends development of 465 new miles of signed bike routes, shoulders / bike lanes, and 50 miles of new shared-use paths, over the next 10 years, at an estimated cost of approximately $81 million.  

Design Guidelines/Standards

This plan includes design guidelines from the American Association of State Highway & Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, as updated in 2003.

Conclusion

The vision and goals contained here provide a strong, supportive context for PAG member jurisdictions to continue and strengthen their accommodation of bicycle travel, through development of bicycle improvement plans, and implementation of bikeway improvements, educational and enforcement programs.

Pima Association of Governments will assist the implementation of this plan by member jurisdictions, in full cooperation and consultation with the Tucson – Pima County Bicycle Advisory Committee.  

For More Info

Contact PAG at 792-1093, or visit www.pagnet.org, or write to Regional Bicycle Plan, PAG Transportation Department, Suite 405 , 177 N Church Ave. Tucson AZ 85701.

Plan Vision & Goals

The vision for bicycling in our region has long been one providing safer bicycle travel, and consistently facilitating and providing for it.  Achieving this vision will allow bicyclists to ride to activity areas, transit stops, schools, parks, natural resources areas, and employment areas, using a safer, continuous, and connected system of bikeways.

Plan Goals

The following plan goals will help achieve the plan vision:

Goal 1: Education

Educate all road users, especially bicyclists and motorists, on legal, predictable and safe behavior.

Goal 2: Enforcement

Establish and implement targeted enforcement of traffic laws on bicyclists and motorists, based on the most frequent bicyclist – motorist crashes.

Goal 3: Engineering

Plan, design, construct and maintain bicycle facilities that meet or exceed accepted standards and guidelines.

Goal 4: Encouragement

Encourage increased use of bicycles for transportation and recreation; support organized events, which often have substantive beneficial economic impacts.

PAG’s Bicycle Survey Page: http://www.pagnet.org/tpd/intermodal/Bicycle/SurveyNovember2006.htm

Methamphetamine Identification Fraud “Ring” – Update
 
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is continuing its efforts in investigating a large identification theft ring.  The case was brought to the attention of detectives in August 2006, involving numerous victims of identify theft.  The victims’ personal information was used to open fraudulent credit card accounts on line.  All of the victims are current or former employees of Raytheon.  Earlier this month, through the course of the investigation, six search warrants were executed and five arrests were made.

Obviously, there has been a compromise of employee information.  It is unknown how the information on Raytheon employees is being obtained.

Initially this information was not released to the public so that it would not compromise the investigation.  Because Raytheon employees are still at risk of becoming victims, the Sheriff’s Department felt it necessary to share this information with the public.  The best way to determine if you have become a victim of identify theft is to contact one of the three credit reporting agencies:

Experian                      1-888-397-3742
Equifax                        1-800-685-1111
Trans Union                 1-800-916-8800

Under federal law, victims are entitled to a full report if it is inaccurate because of fraud or identification theft.  If you find any fraudulent activity, you should immediately report the activity to the law enforcement agency in your jurisdiction.

HIT-AND-RUN TRAFFIC FATALITY – Grant Rd./9th Ave.

On December 24, 2006, at approximately 07:56 p.m., Officers from Operations Division West found the victim in the roadway at Grant Rd./9th Ave. Traffic Detectives responded and conducted an on-scene investigation. Roadway evidence indicated that a westbound vehicle struck the victim who was near the north curb lane. The suspect vehicle fled the scene. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he later died from the injuries sustained in the accident.

The victim has been identified as Florentino R. Zavala, born in October of 1959.

Anyone with information about this accident is urged to call 911 or 88-CRIME.

Welcome to the New Concealed Weapon Permit Unit Information Web Site

The Concealed Weapon Permit Unit (ccw) operates under authority of the State of Arizona concealed weapon permit law, Arizona Revised Statute 13-3112 and Arizona Administrative Rules R13-9-101 through R13-9-402.

Following are just some of the responsibilities of ccw:

Provide customer service to permit holders, instructors and training organizations.

Handles inquiries from the general public and other government agencies.

Maintains the ACJIS ACWI data base

Processes and approves training organizations and instructors who provide CCW training required Arizona Statute.v

Provides training to instructors for renewal applicants.

Conducts administrative and criminal investigations on applicants, permit holders, instructors and training organizations to ensure compliance with concealed weapon permit laws and rules.

Audits training organizations.

Publishes a Concealed Weapon Permit Newsletter, “Concealed Courier” for CCW instructors and organizations.

Maintains the “Official Arizona Concealed Carry Weapon” Web site.

For inquiries about the Concealed Weapon Permit Program, or to comment about the Concealed Weapon Web Site, e-mail us:

ccw@azdps.gov

Supervisor: Administrative Supervisor Rene Wilson
Concealed Weapon Permit Unit
P.O. Box 6488
Phoenix, Arizona 85005
Metro Phoenix: (602) 256-6280
Outside Metro Phoenix (In Arizona): (800) 256-6280
Fax: (602) 223-2928

(House Bill 2074 amending ARS 13-3112)

Effective date: September 21st, 2006
House Bill 2074 (Renewal)

The 47th Legislature, Second Regular session has adjourned! This means that House Bill 2074 (no renewal training) will go into law (amending ARS Title 13-3112) on the 21st of September 2006. Starting on that date you may submit a “renewal packet” to the Concealed Weapon Permit Unit. Your packet needs to include, 1) Application (check the renewal box). 2) completed fingerprint card. 3) a money order, cashiers check, or certified check for $65.00 (payable to AZ DPS). You may voluntary take the renewal course through a training organization of your choice.

We have received a substantial number of questions regarding the impact of the passage of HB 2074 (no renewal training/recognition of permits), so we will attempt to answer them here:

1) Does this mean permit holders do not have to take the renewal class to renew their permit?

Once this law takes effect (likely sometime in August or September 2006), it appears that permit holders are no longer required to take the 2-hour renewal class to renew their permit. Applicants will simply submit a renewal packet.

2) Does this mean that AZ permits are good forever? Are they “lifetime permits” now?

No, permits must be renewed every five years (or four years for permits issued before August 12, 2005), but no 2-hour training class is required now. The current plan is that permit holders will obtain the renewal packet from existing CCW instructors or they may get them from DPS via mail (or in person). A fillable application on the website has been discussed as well. The applicant will mail the completed packet to DPS along with the appropriate fee and a fingerprint card (unless it is their 2nd or subsequent renewal, then no fingerprint card is required). Note – Every renewal for at least the next four years or so requires a fingerprint card.

3) Will all other State’s permits will be recognized here in AZ?

If the permit and permit holder meet these conditions:

1. The permit or license is recognized as valid in the issuing state.
2. The permit or license holder is all of the following:
(a) Not a resident of this state.
(b) Legally present in this state.
(c) Not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm in this state.

This means all government (state, county, city) issued bonafide CCW permits will be recognized in AZ if held by a nonresident AND the permit is valid throughout the state of issue. AZ residents MUST carry concealed using an AZ permit – no other permits will be legal, even if there was a previously signed reciprocal agreement. The DPS will enter into new written agreements with states that require a written agreement. Bottom line: AZ residents cannot use another state’s permit to carry concealed in AZ.

4) Will there be a window or grace period when the new law takes effect (90 days prior to or 60 days after my current permit expires) so I don’t have to take the training?

The current law requires renewal applicants to take a 2 hour course. After the 21st of September the ARS 13-3112 (Concealed Carry) is amended to remove the requirement to take the 2 hour course. If your permit expires close to the 21st of September you have the option of allowing your permit to expire and renew after the law is amended. We will allow you 60 days after your permit expires to renew. If you go past the 60 day window you will have to start the process all over as a new applicant.

5) What else does HB 2074 do?

HB 2074 does the following: It eliminates the 2-hour training requirement; It better protects all records on CCW permit holders and instructors; It creates “universal” recognition of all states’ permits (conditionally); It eliminates confusing language pertaining to reciprocity/recognition; and makes a technical change related to LEOSA statutes. By creating universal recognition of permits, this will (presumably) add a number of new states that will recognize the AZ permit.

6) How did this bill come about?

This bill (HB 2074) began as simply a means to eliminate the 2-hour renewal training requirement and to make a technical change to the statutes related to LEOSA (DPS did not support HB 2074). During the legislative session and while HB 2074 was in the State Senate, DPS introduced (to elements within the legislature) proposed changes to existing statutes that would create universal recognition of permits, eliminate existing reciprocity/recognition laws and add language that would better protect permit holder and instructor records. The DPS proposed changes were not intended to be included in HB 2074 but that is where they were ultimately introduced.

December 19, 2006

Fraternal Order of Police Shop with a Cop

The Fraternal Order of Police Tucson Lodge #1 along with Pima Lodge #20 & DPS Lodge #32 announces the 26th annual Shop with a Cop. We will be sponsoring 150 underprivileged children at this worthy event, giving the children the opportunity to select gifts for themselves and most times the children will purchase gifts for siblings or other family members.

The date is Tuesday, December 20th at 9:00 a.m. at the Park Place Mall, 5800 E. Broadway. The children who were in need of a Christmas this year were selected from throughout our community and through youth programs.

At 8:30 a.m. we will meet at the Food Court to start our shopping and we will shop at Sears, Macy’s, and Guess Jeans for Kids and Kay-Bee Toy store.

The following agencies will be assisting in this event; Tucson Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, University of Arizona Police Department, United States Border Patrol, Pima College Police Department, South Tucson Police Department, TUSD Security, Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Pima County Victim Witness, Pima County Constable, Pima County Juvenile Probation, Pascua Yaqui Police Department, Arizona Air National Guard Security Police, United States Army Security Police, Oro Valley Police Department, and Long Realty and Title.

At 11:15 a.m. McDonald’s lunch will be served in the food court area of Park Place Mall, while “Kids Unlimited” will be performing Christmas carols.

Our contact person is John Sainz, our Shop with a Cop chairman. He can be reached at: 975-1469 or pager 712-0558.

Lorraine Thompson, President

FOP, Tucson Lodge #1

From the Office of the Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard

Terry Goddard Announces Deceptive Practices Settlement

(Phoenix, Ariz. – Dec. 14, 2006) Attorney General Terry Goddard today announced a settlement with Nevada-based YP Corp. (doing business as YP.com) and its wholly owned subsidiary Telco Billing, Inc. The settlement resolves allegations that the company engaged in deceptive business practices by sending small checks to businesses and nonprofit organizations that when deposited would obligate the business to pay for an enhanced listing on YP.com’s online yellow page directory.
The agreement is the result of an investigation by Arizona and 33 other states regarding YP.com’s use of these so-called activation checks.

The states alleged that since at least Jan. 1, 2003, YP.com mailed businesses and other organizations activation checks, usually for around $3.50. YP.com included a clause in fine print on the back of the checks stating that by depositing the check, the business agreed to buy advertising from YP.com’s online yellow pages. This clause also indicated that the recipient authorized YP.com to charge monthly fees in advance on the business’s telephone bill or by debiting the business’s bank account. YP.com included information about its online advertising products with the checks.

Some businesses that deposited these checks were unaware they were purchasing an enhanced online yellow page listing from YP.com or that they were authorizing YP.com (through its subsidiary Telco Billing, Inc.) to bill them monthly fees in advance. In some of these cases, the recipient remained unaware that it was being billed by YP.com for several months, if not years, after it deposited the activation check.

Under the terms of the settlement, YP Corp. has agreed to stop using activation checks as the sole means of obligating a business to purchase its products and services. YP Corp. also agreed to pay $2 million in restitution and investigative costs.

YP Corp. also agreed to contact its current activation check customers who are being charged on their telephone bill or by automatic deposit from their bank account to inform them of their right to cancel their agreement with YP.com and of their potential eligibility for at least a partial refund of monies paid to YP.com.

This settlement does not constitute an admission of wrongdoing by YPCorp. or Telco Billing, Inc.

Any Arizona business or entity that deposited one of these activation checks since Jan. 1, 2003 without understanding the effect of doing so should contact the Consumer Information & Complaints Section of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office no later than March 1, 2007 for refund information. Consumers can contact the office at 602-542-5763 in Phoenix; 520-628-6504 in Tucson; and 1-800-352-8431 outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas. Consumers can also write the office at 1275 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Current YP.com customers who are being billed for a listing and became a customer by depositing an activation check should be contacted directly by YP Corp. within the next two weeks with information on possible refunds.

The settlement agreement was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court and is subject to court approval before it becomes final.

Assistant Attorney General Cherie L. Howe handled this matter.

On December 16, 2006 at 3:31 a.m., officers from Operations Division South responded to a reported shooting in the parking lot of a nightclub in the 6600 block of S. Tucson Blvd. Upon arrival, officers located Manuel M. Garcia ,20, a Tucson resident, in the parking lot with gunshot trauma. Mr. Garcia was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Tucson Police Department Homicide Detectives responded to investigate the shooting. Detectives learned there was an altercation in the parking lot of the nightclub which resulted in one of the parties producing a gun and shooting the victim.

Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating two suspects, described as English-speaking Hispanic males in their 30’s, who left the scene in what was described as an older model white pickup truck (possibly a Ford Ranger) with a dark stripe down both sides.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 911 or 88-CRIME.

Those people who trespass into the US from Mexico (aka ‘illegal aliens/illegal immigrants’), according to a recently released study, cost every Arizona family $1,700.00 per YEAR. The Arizona Governor is doing nothing to stop this. The Arizona State legislators are doing nothing to stop this. Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio is trying to do something, but like the Minutemen is not receiving much in the way of government-based support. Our hats are off to Sheriff Arpaio for his tireless and nationally recognized efforts.

If you would like to sign one or more petitions calling for immediate action by government officials at state and federal levels, click on any or all of the links below.

http://www.supportfarmersbranch.com/

http://alamoalliance.org/petitions.html

http://www.citizenslobby.com/petitions.htm