Met Police to extract suspects' mobile phone data

The kiosks have been fitted in 16 London boroughs for a 12-month trial

The Metropolitan Police has implemented a system to extract mobile phone data from suspects held in custody.

The data includes call history, texts and contacts, and the BBC has learned that it will be retained regardless of whether any charges are brought.
The technology is being used in 16 London boroughs, and could potentially be used by police across the UK.
Campaign group Privacy International described the move as a "possible breach of human rights law".
Until now, officers had to send mobiles off for forensic examination in order to gather and store data, a process which took several weeks.
Under the new system, content will be extracted using purpose built terminals in police stations.
It will allow officers to connect a suspect's mobile and produce a print out of data from the device, as well as saving digital records of the content.
'Retained and handled'

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“Start Quote

Mobile phones and other devices are increasingly being used in all levels of criminal activity”

End Quote Stephen Kavanagh Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service

A Met Police spokesman told the BBC that when a suspect was released, "data received from the handsets is retained and handled in accordance with other data held by the MPS [Metropolitan Police Service]" - regardless of whether charges had been brought.

Guidelines given to officers state that data extraction can happen only if there is sufficient suspicion the mobile phone was used for criminal activity.
"Mobile phones and other devices are increasingly being used in all levels of criminal activity," said Stephen Kavanagh, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service.
"When a suspect is arrested and found with a mobile phone that we suspect may have been used in crime, traditionally we submit it to our digital forensic laboratory for analysis.
"Therefore, a solution located within the boroughs that enables trained officers to examine devices and gives immediate access to the data in that handset is welcomed."
'Illegal' Over 300 London officers will be trained in using the "intuitive, fully-guided touchscreen desktop data acquisition tool", created by mobile forensic firm Radio Tactics.
The cost of leasing the 16 terminals for 12 months and training the officers will be £50,000, the Met said.

Privacy International has warned against the possibility of such tech eventually be used on the streets

Privacy International has expressed serious concern over the system.
"We are looking at a possible breach of human rights law," spokeswoman Emma Draper told the BBC.
"It is illegal to indefinitely retain the DNA profiles of individuals after they are acquitted or released without charge, and the communications, photos and location data contained in most people's smartphones is at least as valuable and as personal as DNA."
Ms Draper added that while the Met's current plans were limited to fixed extraction terminals in stations, portable technology was readily available.
"Examining suspects' mobile phones after they are arrested is one thing, but if this technology was to be taken out onto the streets and used in stop-and-searches, that would be a significant and disturbing expansion of police powers."

Non-Hispanic US white births now the minority in US

Children from racial and ethnic minorities now account for more than half the births in the US, according to estimates of the latest US census data.

Black, Hispanic, Asian and mixed-race births made up 50.4% of new arrivals in the year ending in July 2011.
It puts non-Hispanic white births in the minority for the first time.
Sociologists believe the ongoing economic slowdown has contributed to a greater decline in birth rates among white people.
The US Census Bureau recorded 2.02m babies born to minorities in the year to July 2011, just over half of all births, compared with 37% in 1990.
'Sharp diversion'
US birth rates have been declining, but the drop has been larger for white people.

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There's a sharp diversion between the older population... and the young population that is foreign to them”

End Quote William Frey Brookings Institution

• What will a white-minority America look like?

The number of white births has fallen by 11.4% since 2008, compared with 3.2% for minorities, according to Kenneth Johnson, a sociologist at the University of New Hampshire.

William Frey, head of demographics at the Brookings Institution, said the data presaged a new set of challenges to the US in years to come.
"There's a sharp division between the older population - with the votes and the money and the power, and a lot of needs - and the young population that is foreign to them and with whom they have no personal connection," he told the BBC.
As population changes the US will see an inevitable decline in the numbers of whites in the labour force, Mr Frey said, adding that better pathways to education were needed for the changing demographic groups.
In its analysis, the Census Bureau found that the national median age rose slightly to 37.2 years, and the number of people in the US who are 65 or older increased by 1.1m to 41.4m. There are now 5.7m people who are over the age of 85.
Hispanic peak? The nation's minority population now makes up 36.6% of the total US population.
Hispanics make up the largest minority in the US, forming 16.7% of the population in 2011. They are also the fastest growing group and have seen a 3.1% population increase since 2010.

Changing face of the US

• 50.4% of babies born in the year ending July 2011 are minorities
• There were 52m Hispanics in the US in 2011 - the largest minority group - followed by 43.9m African-Americans
• The Hispanic population grew at a rate of 3.1,% with Asian population growing by 3% since 2010
• More than half the populations of four states - Hawaii, California, New Mexico and Texas - plus Washington DC - are minorities

But demographers also believe the Hispanic population boom may now have peaked.

"The Latino population is very young, which means they will continue to have a lot of births relative to the general population," Mark Mather of the Population Reference Bureau said.
"But we're seeing a slowdown that is likely the result of multiple factors: declining Latina birth rates combined with lower immigration levels. If both of these trends continue, they will lead to big changes down the road."
As well as changes in birth rates among Hispanics, studies have shown that immigration levels are also changing. A recent survey by the Pew Hispanic Center showed migration to the US from Mexico has begun to decline after four decades of sustained growth.
The data also showed African-Americans comprise the second largest US minority group, with a population of 43.9m in 2011, while Asians are growing second-fastest at a rate of 3% since 2010.
Four states - Hawaii, California, New Mexico, Texas - and the District of Columbia are now counted as majority-minority states, with more than half their population made up of minority groups.

Day in pictures: 17 May 2012-Juan Ramon Fonseca (centre) and another suspect (not pictured) are accused of trying to extort money from the family of Honduran radio journalist Alfredo Villatoro after he had been kidnapped. Villatoro was found dead on the outskirts of the capital a week after he was abducted.

Juan Ramon Fonseca (centre) and another suspect (not pictured) are accused of trying to extort money from the family of Honduran radio journalist Alfredo Villatoro after he had been kidnapped. Villatoro was found dead on the outskirts of the capital a week after he was abducted.

Croatian Ship Linked to Crude Oil Theft

CRUDE OIL THEFT




One of the two ships arrested last week with 1.3million barrels of stolen crude oil and destroyed by the Joint military Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta has been linked to Croatia, THISDAY investigation has revealed.

It was also gathered that the Ship, MT ANE, which was built in 1986 and registered with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), bore a registration number 8509703.

The vessel, which is classified as General Cargo Ship, had a Dead Weight (DWT) of 5,896 and was flagged in St.Vincent and Grenadines on February 1, 2010.

According to Lloyd’s Register, the ship had flown the Croatian flag from August 1, 2006, until it had its status changed on February 1, 2010.

On the current and former classification of the vessel, THISDAY gathered that the ship was classified by Lloyd’s Register on November 11, 2001 and November 11, 2006, while Croatian Register of Shipping carried out its survey of the ship on December 12, 2011.

THISDAY could not get any concrete information on the vessel before it got involved in the crude theft incident, because there was no record showing that it legally berthed in any Nigerian Port.

However, it was known to have been inspected in 12 other ports in South Africa, Croatia, Italy and Slovenia, between September 23, 2002 and October 19, 2011.

It was inspected at Durban Port in South Africa on September 23, 2002 and Rijeka Port in Croatia on February 1, 2006 and July 31, 2006.

The vessel was also inspected at Gioia Tauro Port in Italy on April 2, 2007; November 5, 2007; July 10, 2008; and September 30, 2008.
It also berthed in Rijeka and Spilt Ports in Croatia on December 18, 2009 and March 3, 2010, respectively.

The last known destinations of the vessel were the Koper Port in Slovenia on October 8, 2010; Porto Empedo in Italy on December 9, 2010 and Chioggia in Italy on October 19, 2011, according to records available to THISDAY.

Records also showed that the ship was not detained by any of the ports’ authorities but a total of 30 unspecified deficiencies were recorded against it.

However, two other “human element deficiencies” were recorded against the vessel at Gioia Tauro Port in Italy on September 30, 2009 and Rijeka Port in Croatia on December 18, 2009.

Before the vessel was arrested and burnt, there was no record indicating that it had berthed legally in any Nigerian Port.

At the time of arrest in Nigeria, the ship and another, MT OXO, was siphoning the crude oil from a Manifold that belongs to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in Abonnema area of Rivers State.

The JTF, which made the arrests at Awoba area, under the Sector 2 Commander, Brig-Gen. Tukur Buratai, also set the two vessels on fire, explaining that it was the mandate it got from the Defence Headquarters.

A security source, who witnessed the incident, told THISDAY that a JTF patrol team arrested the crude oil thieves siphoning crude from Shell’s Awoba Riser, based on the information received by the task force from CAST surveillance team.

Buratai, who was on ground to inspect the vessels, had confirmed that all the 22 crew members on board the two vessels were Ghanaians, while the two local captains and two speed boat drivers, who were picked up for the assignment from Camp 45, near Bille, were Nigerians.

Man City in Premier League Victory Parade

Man City players parade the EPL trophy to their fans in the city of Manchester

Tens of thousands of Manchester City fans are lining the streets for a victory parade celebrating the club winning the Premier League title.

City clinched the championship - their first since 1968 - with a dramatic 3-2 win over Queens Park Rangers on Sunday, piping local rivals Manchester United, reports the BBC.

Players came on to the stage outside Manchester Town Hall to rapturous applause from City supporters.

They then set out on a 1.8-mile open-top bus parade through the city centre.

Before boarding the bus, the players thanked the supporters then the team held the Premier League trophy aloft to the crowd accompanied by Queen's We are the Champions.

Captain Vincent Kompany told the fans in Albert Square: "We want to say thank you to you guys. Thank you, thank you, thank you."

Winger Adam Johnson said: "Everything we did was for the fans. It's good we can repay them with trophies."

Fans waited for their arrival in Albert Square by watching highlights of the nail-biting win - and celebrating the goals with as much jubilation as when they were scored.

Craig Smith, 21, of Colwyn Bay in North Wales, said it is an "amazing feeling" to be part of the celebrations.

He said: "I've come to Manchester to see the champions of England.

"It would have been a massive day anyway but after the drama it's even better."

Andrew Hyland Withington is with his daughter Isabelle, eight, to cheer on the newly crowned champions. Withington admitted shedding tears during Sunday's match.

"It was unbelievable, typical City.

"My emotions were all over the place there were tears of desperation then so much relief when the final goal went in."

City had led the league for much of the season but were overtaken by United, who were eight points clear with six games to go. But the Old Trafford side dropped points in their last few games and City went into the final day knowing a win would make them champions.

But QPR led 2-1 after 90 minutes and Manchester City needed two injury-time goals to win the game and clinch the title.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said the parade was time for the fans to "enjoy [the] historic moment".

He said: "Having the city's two clubs contest the title has brought Manchester worldwide attention and helped boost tourism revenues.

"It's been a nail-biting finish to the season and the council [were] ready to support a parade whichever club triumphed.
Manchester City fans Fans watched highlights of the dramatic win over Queens Park Rangers

"This parade is an opportunity for Man City fans, who have experienced countless ups and downs over the years, to celebrate a resounding success."

Over the years City have been mocked by United fans, who, until City's FA Cup win last year, had documented their wait for a trophy with a banner at Old Trafford's Stretford End.

When Manchester United were eight points clear in early April, leading High Street bookmaker Betfred, founded by United fan Fred Done, paid out more than £500,000 to punters who had backed the Red Devils.

van Persie to Hold Arsenal Talks Wednesday

Arsenal skipper, Robin van Persie

Striker Robin van Persie will open talks to determine his Arsenal future at a meeting with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger and Chief Executive, Ivan Gazidis on Wednesday.

According to the BBC, discussions are scheduled to take place at Wenger's house at 10:30 BST.

It is unlikely that a final decision will be made before Van Persie links up with the Netherlands squad on Thursday.

The 28-year-old, who has a year left on his contract, ended the season with 41 goals in 53 games for club and country.

Of that tally, 37 came in 48 appearances for Arsenal and he was the Premier League's leading marksman with 30 goals in 38 matches.

A number of leading sides have registered interest in signing the Gunners captain, who was named Professional Footballers' Association and Football Writers' player of the year.

Speaking after Sunday's 3-2 victory at West Brom, which secured Arsenal's place in next season's Champions League, Van Persie refused to commit.

When asked if his future would be resolved quickly, he said: "You never know but Arsenal is a massive club. Whatever happens, I'll always love this club.

"I have been playing here for eight years and I love this club. Whatever happens that will never change. We will sit down next week."

Van Persie was unwilling to open negotiations until the campaign had ended, with Champions League football a key consideration.

Another factor is Arsenal's transfer market activity, and Van Persie has been encouraged by the signing of Lukas Podolski from FC Cologne for £10.9m.

"Will Champions League football help to keep Van Persie?" said Wenger. "It makes it easier to attract good players and keep them."

Arsenal are expected to offer the Dutchman a new four-year deal that would break their current wage structure, while Van Persie and his family are happy in London.

But, with the Netherlands assembling for a pre-Euro 2012 training camp in Switzerland on May 17, there is little time to reach an agreement.

Van Persie is open to the idea of playing in the tournament before making a decision.

Arsenal do not want a repeat of last summer, when Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri were sold after the season had started.

Van Persie was signed from Feyenoord for £2.75m in 2004 and team-mate Laurent Koscielny is confident he will stay.

"He will be here next season," said defender Koscielny, who scored Arsenal's winner at The Hawthorns.

"He was a fantastic captain, he was so important for us. He will be here scoring goals for us next season."

Gowon: We Did Everything to Avert Civil War

Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon

More than four decades after the Nigerian Civil War, one of the key actors and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, has expressed regrets about the carnage, saying he did everything possible to avoid it.

He said: “Whatever the cause, there was no need to go into a civil war.”

Gowon also said the call for the Islamisation of Nigeria by Boko Haram should not be interpreted to mean the position of the entire North.

Speaking at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos at the weekend at the sixth edition of the Silverbird Man of the Year event where he was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award along with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, he said: “It was not my wish or the wish of those serving with me at the time (to prosecute the war). We did everything to make sure it did not happen.”

Referring to the effort of the late Ghanaian Head of State, Gen Ankrah to reconcile the Biafran secessionist leader, late Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu and himself at a parley in Aburi, which later became famously known as the 'Aburi Accord', Gowon disclosed that a decision was reached to give Ojukwu everything he wanted,  “including giving up my own power”.

In a veiled pointer indicting Ojukwu for not keeping his part of the bargain, Gowon implied that the war was forced on him.

According to him, “if there was no secession, the situation would not have degenerated into war. In a situation where Nigeria was to be dismembered, we had to order a police action to bring back that part of the country. But in 24 hours, the Biafran army had overrun parts of Western Nigerian and were heading towards Lagos. Of course, their intention was not to come and shake hands with Gowon. If they had succeeded, Ojukwu would have been Head of State of Nigeria and he would have defended Nigeria.”

In an emotion-laden voice, Gowon, who spoke after watching highlights from a film, “Making of a Biafran Legend: Reminiscences of a Boy Soldier” by Basil Okafor, said the film brought back sad memories.

“My heart bleeds to see that (film) clip with those kwashiorkor-stricken children. God knows how much effort I made to send food to those children, but it was sabotaged by propaganda that the federal troops had poisoned the food,” he said.

Speaking on the popular interpretation of his name, Go-On-With-One-Nigeria, the former head of state said: "I did not produce that coinage. I read it on the pages of newspapers like everyone else. Then I thought to myself, 'is this what Nigerians want me to do?' This made me more resolved in the task of keeping Nigeria one."

Gowon, who is yet to write his memoirs, recalled the warm welcome he got from children in eastern Nigeria who survived the war.

“They sang songs of welcome and acknowledged us as their fathers and leaders. It drew tears from my eyes and I promised them that if I had anything to do with Nigeria, I will make sure we did whatever we can to restore the hope of those children.”
Acknowledging the efforts of former soldiers, officers and administrators who have written books on the Nigeria Civil War, Gowon said: “This calls for me to write my own story.”

However, the former head of state regretted the current state of insecurity in the country and said emphatically that the call by Boko Haram for Islamisation of Nigeria and its attendant carnage were being done by that particular sect and should not be misconstrued as the stance of the whole North.

“I feel very bad with what is happening (the way we kill ourselves). I had hoped that after the civil war, there will be no more killing. We must do whatever we can to halt this trend,” he said.

Gowon also said the way out “is for us to love Nigeria and believe in Nigeria; good or bad, right or wrong. In the name of God, stop the excesses and imbibe the love of your country. Bring all your grievances to the table for discussion. Let us get together truly and sincerely and find a solution to our differences.”

Gowon, who was Nigeria’s longest serving military head of state, was described by Chief Edem Duke, Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation who presented him with the award on behalf of the organisers, as a “living legend”.