Press Release

(SEATTLE, Wednesday, March 21, 2001)—More than 125 narcotics cops and prosecutors from the Pacific Northwest will be in attendance tomorrow, Thursday, March 22, 2001, when Dr. Al Brandenstein, Chief Scientist of the White House Drug Policy Office, brings an exciting collection of 20 advanced technologies for fighting drug crime to a one-day regional workshop for local and state drug cops at the Madison Renaissance Hotel, 515 Madison street from 9:00AM until 4:30PM.

"They are coming to examine and apply for 18 federally-developed high tech systems and hand carried devices for fighting drug crime, including devices that discover hidden drugs and night vision systems. They are all being provided without cost to local law enforcement by the federal Technology Transfer Program in what has emerged as a successful strategy to make cops more effective and safer through the use of advanced technology. These systems are already helping local and state cops in almost 2000 law enforcement agencies across the country to make more arrests with reduced risk for officers and the public," Dr. Brandenstein said in a statement.

Police departments located in High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTAs) get preference for the federally-funded Technology Transfer Program, which pays for equipment purchase, training, installation, and follow up.

Some events at the Workshop and some Technology Demonstrations are closed to the press but others are open, including the welcoming remarks by Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske at 9:00 and the luncheon speech by Bonnie MacNaughton, the Assistant U.S. Attorney for Drug Crime Prosecution at 12:30 in the Courtyard ballroom. More than 10 technologies and interviews with Dr. Brandenstein and a video news release will be available until noon and by appointment later.