How we got to "Stir The Embers"
Fundamentals Regarding Complex – Larger Organized Criminal Groups:
I’ve found through most of my career in the FBI (and since then) that the most significant crimes of interest (at least to Law Enforcement & prosecutors) never showed up as “gift wrapped” so-to-speak- on the doorsteps of the FBI (or other agencies) ready to be prosecuted. In fact, most good cases were ultimately identified via good sources of “intelligence” such as well-placed informants, cooperating witnesses (with leverage on them) or in many-more recent cases through inspired Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) from many cross-sector partners we increasingly relied on. We (in current & former law enforcement) should be very mindful of this fundamental truth, as well as a few well-deserved criticisms from private industry (major victims) over the years, such as:
When contacting the local Field Office, victims (individuals & organizations) were told:
- The case that they shared was not large enough to interest the prosecutors,
- The case should be referred to another Field Office, where the company was located, (and that this matter is not in our Area Of Responsibility) or
- That you (the victim company) did not specifically detail what the loss $$ amount was or,
- Since the “bad-guys” were at least in-part overseas, the likelihood of prosecution or recovery - was very low.
- The fraud described does not appear to be tied to Terrorism or Organized Crime, and as such is not really a “Top Priority”
Embracing this history – Sets the foundation or premise for the “Stir the embers” Alliance.
Through the projects/initiatives outlined (and yet to be developed) this effort will:
** Develop more inspired resources (newly trained and via critical SME partners) that will:
- Build actionable intelligence packages regarding known (and yet to be identified) threat actors and their associates, that can be referred to law enforcement for further action
- Identify areas of exploitation targeted by criminal groups relative to new/evolving technologies employed by US private sector organizations to sell/market products & services
- Identify noteworthy anomalies in behavior of criminal threat actors as those identified exploited areas are presented,
- Build sets of “early warning” identifiers regarding this behavior.
- In coordination with law enforcement partners, establish non-attributable on-line resources to expand collection of intelligence regarding new/evolving criminal schemes.
- Connect “The Dots” of conduct and miscreant relationships that may in fact be tied to Terrorist Financing and/or international organized crime.
Look for the book: "Ripping off the Bureaucratic Blinders"
Please find my recently published Book - on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookbaby, Ingram/Spark and other outlets.
In the book "Ripping off the Bureaucratic Blinders" -
Dan details how self-imposed boundaries restricts our ability to see not only the full picture of the threat landscape we seek to tackle, but how in many cases “institutional arrogance” fuels that dysfunction, bridling those of us that might dare to challenge those historic norms. Despite many obstacles, Dan outlines how perseverance can lead to a global shift in how effective partnerships are formed and how succeeding in that today and can help us do even more tomorrow.
Building Better "Best Practices"
Cross-Sector Collaboration is key to success.
Cross-Sector Collaboration is key to success.
Building trusted and lasting partnerships across industry and law enforcement will help to pave the path to sustained impactful change.
Embrace the "Relationships"
Cross-Sector Collaboration is key to success.
Our "Making it Personal" mantra has proven repeatedly that the "People Part" of the equation remains a vital foundation for success. Find out how you can be part of that embrace.
Connecting the Dots - Worldwide
Human Capital Development Academy
Our team of experts will help you connect with critical Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to help identify and neutralize global cyber based threats.
Human Capital Development Academy
Human Capital Development Academy
Over the past 25 years we've trained and placed more than 200+ investigators/analysts and special agents with numerous public and private sector organizations. Each entity has regularly requested more staff with such unique training/skills. Lets keep this productive and immensely cost/effective process going. Find out how you can help.
Be Mindful of the "Wet Blanket"
Where are we (collectively) headed?
* Don’t allow yourself to be shrouded with the “Wet Blanket of Complacency” that too often is thrown on so many – who try to draw out good response/action from our colleagues and managers.
* Every large organization – is more often bridled by flocks of attorneys – that would much prefer us to “not get involved” and certainly “Do not tell anyone” what you are seeing, less we become liable for acknowledging “what we now know” .
Where are we (collectively) headed?
Where are we (collectively) headed?
Given what we've come to know, what is the most impactful path we can collectively pave forward?
Getting the Ball Rolling...
Summary of projects/initiatives:
IRRAP: This project was developed in the Post Columbine time-frame initially, and revised since then. This project-recognizes that in many instances High school and college age students may actually witness early warning signs of students being recruited/cultivated to enlist in various "hate groups" for a variety of reasons. This project outlines opportunities to educate students and provide incentivized paths they can pursue to - in a discreet manner - tell someone what they are seeing/hearing regarding such behavior.
This project also leverages prior efforts by FBI and other Federal & State agencies to "Adopt a School" and/or participate in DARE-Type programs, making better use of scarce resources with more practical objectives confronting today's simmering criminal elements.
Human Resource Development: This program builds on successes achieved via the NCFTA's unique cross-sector collaborative environment, to recruit, train and develop graduate students from a variety of nation-wide academic institutions, into some of the brightest and most creative investigators/analysts. Over the last 20+ years these efforts have been refined, and resulted in the placement of dozens of talented personnel within Government, Law Enforcement, the Intel Community, and many private sector organizations who have partnered with the NCFTA. The cost/benefits have proved to be exponential when compared to traditional hiring/recruiting practices.
Sample Initiative template: This project/plan essentially creates a repeatable template for how many successful initiatives have been developed and advanced over the past 20+ years.
Telecom Initiative: This plan provides an overview of how a very much needed Telco/Mobile initiative can be jump-started. Numerous law enforcement and private industry organizations have expressed an interest in supporting such an effort. The specific leadership or ownership remains somewhat undefined.
About Stir the Embers
Vision for Stir the Embers:
We hope to draw people that are genuinely interested in embracing the opportunities we all have, to effect meaningful change in how we see or understand todays evolving threat landscape, and how we might be part of a creative plan enlisting key partners and stimulating positive changes, that we all desire.
In the book “Ripping Off the Bureaucratic Blinders” many fundamental objectives of these plans are called out. This site offers a place for prospective participants to more fully embrace and expand on these objectives, both advancing current initiatives or proposing new areas for consideration.
In the drop-down area of this site for Projects/Initiatives, readers will find more details regarding each current effort and are encouraged to share their own creative thoughts, as to how each might be better advanced, including other projects/initiatives that might be considered.
We believe there are smoldering embers in each of us, representing the passion and creativity we once had (and at some level still do) that, sadly if left unattended, may become completely extinguished. In stirring those embers, we hope to reignite flames in each of us to:
1) Not stand by and watch, but instead,
2) Be a part of a pro-active pioneering team seeking to more completely understand each challenge and formulate refined strategies to achieve impactful change.
We look forward to your partnership.
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