Authorised Personnel Only - The Wire: Surveillance Report

The following is from an IT assignment. Unfortunately pictures and formatting have been lost along the way:

AUTHORISED PERSONNEL

ONLY

THE WIRE

SURVEILLANCE REPORT

Western Division, Baltimore PD

SURVEILLANCE SUMMARY REPORT:

Over 60 hours of footage have been dedicated to the problems faced by the city of Baltimore, Maryland (a.k.a. Bodymore, Murderland).

The investigations have been led by a team within the Baltimore PD, and have covered various individuals and organisations involved in:

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  Drug  Dealing, Manufacture & Trafficking
  
  
  
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  Money  Laundering
  
  
  
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  Political  Corruption
  
  
  
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  Torture
  
  
  
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  Murder
  
  
  

Origins of the case:

D'Angelo Barksdale (nephew of Avon), on trial for murder, was acquitted after a States Witness changed her testimony. It is believed this was due to the orchestrations of Stringer Bell. The second witness who testified against D'Angelo was found dead soon after. At the instruction of Judge Phelan, senior command within Baltimore PD launched a “quick in and out”, “buy/bust” investigation to round up junior members of the Barksdale Organisation. However, the depth of investigation increased as new evidence came to light. This lead to the surveillance operation and ultimately the creation of a specialised division.

The superior nature of the surveillance material has been noted by many experts.

{Ref - http://bit.ly/3c4miC}

PERSONNEL:

DETECTIVE JIMMY McNULTY

Primary detective on the case. Responsible for arousing interest in the 'Barksdale Organisation'  (see notes below), after comments made to Judge Phelan. Out of favour with higher command due to the necessary diversion of resources to fund the investigation.

Performance Review: Numerous disciplinary infractions (Drinking on duty/non-adherence to procedure/conduct unbecoming) but 'natural murder PO-lice'.

DETECTIVE BUNK MORELAND

Homicide Detective - Partner to McNulty. Veteran within the department with a laid back but thorough approach to policing. Occasionally dragged into trouble by his partner but normally is the voice of reason within the pair.

Performance Review: 'Natural PO-lice', warnings issued regarding drinking on duty and conduct unbecoming.

TARGETS:

AVON BARKSDALE

Leader of the Barksdale drugs organisation. At initial launch of the investigation no details beyond his name were known. Subsequent enquires led to the discovery of his 'Golden Gloves' history and the acquisition of a poster bearing his photograph. Sister and Nephew are also involved to varying degrees within the family business. Rules by equal measures of intimidation and charisma. Majority of the decisions, responsibilities and issuance of orders are orchestrated by his second in command 'Stringer Bell'.

STRINGER BELL

The strong right hand of the Barksdale crew, Stringer seems determined to change the way in which the gang does business. Early surveillance has shown his attendance at evening classes in Economics, with application of the lessons learnt to the trade of drugs both a street and citywide levels. Intelligent and ruthless, his  influence upon the city of Baltimore is widespread and malignant.

ADDITIONAL:

OMAR LITTLE

As investigations have progressed other persons of interest have brought themselves to the attention of the surveillance teams. Linked to a string of armed robberies against members of the 'Barksdale Organisation', Omar Little has become a figure of fear in Western Baltimore, despite his open homosexuality. Only attacking those involved in the sale of drugs, his presence (noted by his habit of whistling “The Farmer in The Dell”) on a street, still inspires panicked residents to flee in terror. Can be recognised by his prominent scar, kevlar vest and shotgun. Has a strong aversion to profanity.

PRESIDENTIAL INTEREST

President Barack Obama, has revealed a strong interest in the progress of these reports, with particular attention being paid to the actions of Omar Little. {Ref - http://bit.ly/2q3DOj}

The Polanski Problem

An English assignment, examining the case against Roman Polanski:

The Polanski Problem

On September 26th, Swiss police at Zurich Airport arrested Oscar winning film director Roman Polanski. It was an event which has sparked debate on both sides of the Atlantic, and is but the latest dramatic chapter in Polanski's remarkable life. Considered a flight risk by Swiss authorities, Polanski is currently being held in Zurich where he is likely to remain during what may be a lengthy battle against extradition to the United States.

His arrest is due to events 30 years in the director's past. Accused of drugging and raping 13 year old Samantha Gailey at the Los Angeles home of actor Jack Nicholson, Polanski was arrested and charged with several offences in relation to the incident. After agreeing a plea bargain, the greater charges were dismissed with Polanski pleading guilty to “engaging in unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor” and reporting to Chino State Prison for a court ordered 90-day psychiatric evaluation from which he was released after 42 days.

A sentence hearing was to follow, but Polanski failed to attend having fled the country. The documentary film 'Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired' alleges this was in response to the prosecution's coaching of the judge and the fear of a lengthy prison sentence, instead of the probation they had been promised in the course of the plea bargain.

In the intervening years Polanski has not returned to the United States. When he was awarded the '2002 Academy Award for Directing' for his film 'The Pianist' he could not attended the ceremony for fear of arrest. It was revealed that Polanski reached a $500,000 settlement with his victim in 1993, an amount which had increased through non-payment to nearly $605,000 in August 1996.

Clearly there are several legal aspects within the saga, which are likely to take several years to resolve. They begin with Polanski's current incarceration in a Zurich cell. The United States have 60 days from his arrest to apply for his extradition, which they are expected do so well within their allotted time. This seems the most clear cut of the legal challenges, the treaty between the US and Switzerland and Polanski's status as a convicted felon who has fled, both weigh heavily against the director's case. I see no reason to expect Polanski should not be returned to the United States to face the more serious charges.

In December 2008, Polanski's lawyers sought to the case against him dismissed due to the allegations of judicial and prosecutorial misconduct. The request was dismissed at the time due to Polanski's reluctance to appear in Los Angeles court, where he would have been subject to arrest. If extradited, this request will undoubtedly be resubmitted.

A victory for Polanski in this battle would not necessarily free him, as he could potentially still face charges relating to his having 'fled the jurisdiction'. An outright defeat would leave him facing the sentencing hearing he avoided over 30 years ago and the possible imposition of a weighty sentence due to his guilty plea and his attempt to avoid punishment. There is however a third option, in which Polanski could find himself, for the first time, facing a trial in relation to the initial charges from which this circus has grown.

While Polanski agreed to plead guilty as part of his plea bargain, it may be argued that he only did so in fear of the consequences should he lose a trial. It is unlikely this scenario will ever arise and so we are unlikely to ever have the trial, which would make clear the events from 30 years ago.

Polanski, like other infamous public figures, clearly seems to be guilty of something, but what charge (if any) he will receive punishment for, is yet to be seen.

English - Comparison of 'Gin Lane' and 'Beer Street'

A recent assignment for English:

A Comparison of Hogarth's Prints 'Gin Lane' and 'Beer Street'

Issued by William Hogarth in 1751, the prints 'Gin Lane' and 'Beer Street' served as his contribution to the debate on the evils of gin. His position was made clear by the shocking differences between the two pieces.

With the two placed side by side, it's the print of Gin Lane which contains the more eye catching imagery. its depictions of a society ravaged and ruined by gin are in stark contrast to the partnering print, with a warm collection of amiable looking souls enjoying homegrown, wholesome, British beer. The overall impression of the prints is their depiction of opposites. The inhabitants of Gin Lane are shown struggling in a world of despair and decay, while their neighbours live in peaceful prosperity.

The characters are given a detailed backdrop to play against. In both, businesses and buildings provide insight into the economic situations the societies are in. On Gin Lane, businesses cater to the demand for gin or the consequences of its presence. We see the gin cellar with the inscription upon its lintel “Drunk for a penny, Dead drunk for twopence, Clean straw for nothing”, calling patrons into its subterranean depths. Above is the aptly named Kilman distillery, the source of the surrounding misery. We are shown the undertakers hard at work, their services in great demand with new customers in abundance. Among them is the unfortunate barber who has hung himself from the rafters in the decrepit room above his shop. The people of Gin Lane seem to have little use for a shave and haircut.

The most prosperous fellow we see on Gin Lane is Mr Gripe the pawnbroker. Unlike the barber, his trade is very much in demand by the denizens of Gin Lane and he is busy dealing with two customers at once. The desperate souls have been driven to selling their essential possessions to fund their addiction.
In contrast, on Beer Street it is the local pawnbroker Mr Pinch who finds himself fallen on hard times. His is the only property in disrepair and no customers await his attention. Outside his door is a scene of prosperity and wealth. There is a feeling of happiness on Beer Street with smiling faces and flirtations in evidence. They certainly seem well fed with plump faces and bulging stomachs.

Rounded bellies are not in evidence on Gin Lane. Instead we have the emaciated figure in soldiers garb, dead or dying at the foot of the stairs. Above him a dog and boy fight over a bone. There are none of the baskets of fresh produce which are shown on Beer Street.

The blacksmith is shown brandishing a leg of ham or mutton, although in earlier issues it was instead a depiction of a Frenchman being ejected by the more muscular man. Professor Ronald Paulson suggests that this amendment was made to avoid confusion with the ragged sign-painter.

He is a lone figure, towering above the corpulent fellows below as he paints a sign advertising gin. Why his appearance is so different is unclear. Perhaps there is so little demand for the spirit here that he makes little money advertising it for sale? He may also be a harbinger, quite literally a sign of things to come where the perils of gin could be visited upon the unsuspecting population he surveys.

The images of the children of Gin Lane are arguably the most horrific. The sight of the baby as it begins its fatal tumble into the stairwell below is the focus of the piece. The mother seems unaware of its fate as she sits half clothed and sore ridden reaching for a pinch of snuff. More sickening yet is the madman brandishing the body of a babe impaled upon a stick, while yards away sits a crying newly orphaned infant, its mothers body being placed into a coffin.

If these are the strongest of the images used there are also subtler workings in evidence. Take the contrast of the sedan chair, conveying its passenger in relative comfort through the busy Beer Street. On Gin Lane the transport is a little less refined, as we see a woman being wheeled in a barrow, another female feeding her gin.

Although it may not be apparent at first glance, there are similarities within the scenes. The majority of characters in both are depicted with a drink close to hand. There are also very few persons captured in the act of working, the exceptions providing a stark contrast. The sign-painter completing his sign for gin on Beer Street and the industrious few on Gin Lane who profit from the suffering around them. While both locations contain a pawnbroker their situations differ greatly and if the inhabitants of either locale choose to raise their eyes from their busy surroundings, they will see the spires of churches looking down upon them. A reminder perhaps that God watches over rich and poor alike.

Sociology - Norms and Values

The following is the first of my assignments for sociology:

“Explain the sociological concepts of norms and values”

Sociology is the systematic study of human behaviour in groups. It examines how people interact in different social structures such as teams, families, at work and in online communities. It is a branch of, and is often synonymous with, social science. It has a broad reach, encompassing all aspects of human social interaction, allowing it to cover a wide range of topics including religion, sexuality, gender, culture, education and deviance.

Two fundamental concepts within sociology are those of norms and values. They help to describe the framework of perceptions and ideas which influence an individual's or group's behaviour.
Norms are the behavioural expectation that a group will follow. An action dictated by socially approved rules, a norm will differ from group to group. The rough-housing between members of a football team is unlikely to be acceptable in an office environment.

Norms can be divided into descriptive and injunctive varieties. A descriptive norm is an individual's perception of the usual action in a particular set of circumstances, such as joining the back of a queue. An injunctive norm is the perception of what is acceptable or unacceptable within a society, as determined by the values of a particular culture. While in one culture haggling for prices is expected and encouraged, in another it can be seen as offensive.

Values are the ideas which define what is good, right or fair. They are held by individuals and groups and are a product of the culture they find themselves within. A person's values may be tied to their religious or political beliefs, influenced by their family, heritage and upbringing, or by their social environment. Specific to an individual, they differ from person to person. An example of which could be the level of altruism or selfishness they show to others.

A group's values are determined by the values of it's members. They define what is important to the group and can be demonstrated in those individuals a group chooses to praise or condemn. The brave fire fighter, the compassionate hospice nurse, the evil drug dealer or soulless murderer all show traits and behaviours regarded by the society as inherently good or evil.

Not all members of the society will share these values. Some may find themselves forming a smaller group with others who share their differing values, thus forming a subculture. They can find a basis in any shared social characteristic, from taste in music to ethnicity and can involve particular styles of dress or language which distinguish them from the primary culture. For example, naturists do not share society's values in regards to social nudity and are clearly differentiated by their alternative choice of dress code.

Norms and values are closely linked, with norms outlining acceptable behaviour in a situation while values determine what should be considered good or bad.