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“AN EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIP” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Justice was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1604-E1605 on Sept. 14, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
AN EFFECTIVE PARTNERSHIP
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HON. JAMES L. OBERSTAR
of minnesota
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Mr. OBERSTAR. Madam Speaker, in 2006 and again in 2009, I brought to the attention of the House of Representatives law enforcement's new tactic of using billboards to deliver information to the public about wanted fugitives. Today, I will provide an update on progress regarding this effective partnership.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) now has the capability to send alerts nationwide via more than 2,000 high-tech electronic
(digital) billboards. The first such nationwide alert posted on digital billboards was activated on August 2, 2010, as part of the FBI's manhunt in a serial bank-robbery case.
The results, according to federal officials, were impressive. Soon after the suspect's photo was displayed on digital billboards, an FBI field office in Virginia received information from a tipster identifying the fugitive and providing, among other things, photographs. The suspect, dubbed the ``Granddad Bandit,'' was apprehended on August 11 in Baton Rouge, LA.
Authorities had been chasing the ``Granddad Bandit'' for nearly two years. Based on bank videotapes and other evidence, he is suspected of robbing at least 25 banks in 13 states starting in 2008.
``A tip to the FBI made today's arrest possible,'' said US Attorney Neil H. MacBride in the Eastern District of Virginia. ``This is a great example of how the public and law enforcement must work together to keep our communities safe.''
Michael Morehart, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Richmond Division, thanked the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) for coordination of digital billboards, and also publicity on radio and in print.
We hear the term ``partnership'' used frequently. I would like to explain to my colleagues what partnership means in this instance.
The space and time on digital billboards are donated. The FBI worked closely with the outdoor advertising industry to develop computer software to facilitate the transfer images and text to digital billboards. Specifically, Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) based in Utah built the computer software.
At the FBI, management has shown a willingness to innovate. In 2007, the FBI--working with a fugitive task force--posted images of wanted fugitives in the Philadelphia area. Based on success there, the agency and the outdoor advertising industry expanded this tactic to other areas.
On March 20, 2009, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller presented a Director's Community Leadership Award to outdoor advertising companies participating in the partnership.
This month, Mr. Mueller presented a Director's Award of Excellence to Harry Coghlan of Clear Channel Outdoor's Spectacolor for his role in assisting the FBI in Times Square. As an example, the FBI announced on September 12, 2010, that an alleged mobster who was featured on a large high-tech billboard in Times Square was arrested in Yonkers, NY.
Meanwhile, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an arm of the Justice Department, has distributed more than 400 AMBER Alerts to digital billboards since June of 2008.
I commend the partners in this effective use of technology to deliver information quickly in a mobile society on behalf of public safety.
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