The Weekly Briefing
Iran Threat Concerns
U.S. security officials warn that Iran represents a “multi-dimensional threat” to the homeland as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies, according to CBS News. Former counterterrorism officials say potential risks could include cyberattacks, proxy operations, or plots carried out by individuals recruited inside the United States, including criminal networks paid to conduct attacks or assassinations. While authorities emphasize that law enforcement and intelligence agencies have spent decades monitoring these threat streams, experts say the current environment requires heightened vigilance from both government agencies and the public as officials watch for possible retaliatory actions. 🔗 More here
TATP Explosive Device
Police say an improvised explosive device was thrown during dueling protests outside Gracie Mansion, the New York City mayor’s residence, prompting a terrorism investigation, according to NBC News. The device, described as a jar wrapped in tape and packed with nuts, bolts, and a hobby fuse, contained a compound believed to be TATP — a highly volatile homemade explosive. Two men, ages 18 and 19, were taken into custody, and investigators say one referenced ISIS during questioning as authorities from the NYPD, FBI, and Joint Terrorism Task Force continue examining the incident. 🔗 More here
FBI Network Breach
The FBI confirmed its networks were targeted by suspicious cyber activity discovered in February after abnormal log data was detected on a system used for surveillance tools and investigative data, according to CBS News. The affected system, known as the Digital Collection System, contains law enforcement–sensitive information including pen register and trap-and-trace data used to track phone numbers and IP addresses during investigations. Officials have not identified the actor behind the incident and say remediation efforts are ongoing as investigators assess the scope and whether any information was compromised. 💾 More here
New NJSP Colonel
D.C. Homicides Drop
Washington, D.C. began 2026 with nearly three weeks without a homicide — the longest stretch to start a year in decades — as violent crime continues to decline following a surge in 2023, according to The Washington Post. Police data show major crime categories, including robberies, carjackings, burglaries, and vehicle thefts, have fallen to or below pre-pandemic levels, with carjackings dropping sharply compared with recent years. Officials attribute the improvement to a combination of factors, including increased arrests and case clearances, federal law enforcement support, and expanded community-based violence intervention efforts, though experts caution the causes of crime trends are complex and still evolving. 🔗 More here
Repeat Offender Initiative
Louisville officials have launched a new initiative targeting repeat offenders who authorities say drive a disproportionate share of violent crime, according to WDRB. Data tied to the effort shows 581 repeat offenders were linked to 709 felony cases and nearly 1,800 felony charges in 2025, highlighting how a relatively small group accounts for a significant portion of crime. The program will bring together law enforcement, prosecutors and community partners to coordinate enforcement, intervention and rehabilitation efforts aimed at reducing repeat offending and improving public safety. 🔗 More here
Ballistics Tech Expands
Fort Wayne police are using advanced ballistic analysis technology to link shootings and identify gun offenders more quickly, according to WANE 15. The city’s Crime Gun Intelligence Center uses the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) to analyze microscopic markings on shell casings and connect firearms to multiple crime scenes. Detectives entered more than 1,400 shell casings into the system in 2025, generating over 130 investigative leads and helping strengthen cases against violent offenders. Officials say the technology — combined with partnerships between local police and the ATF — is already contributing to a decline in shootings compared with the same period last year. 🔗 More here
CGIC Grant Webinar
BJA will host a live webinar on March 10 to discuss the FY25 Local Law Enforcement Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC) Integration Initiative funding opportunity. The session will provide an overview of the grant program, which supports local agencies using ballistic intelligence tools and partnerships—such as NIBIN and ATF collaboration—to better identify shooters and link gun crimes. BJA officials will also walk through the application process. 📺 More here
Cocaine Cowboys to County Sheriff
Few leaders have seen the profession from as many angles as Loudoun County (VA) Sheriff Mike Chapman. Elected in 2011 and now serving his fourth term, he brings perspective shaped by 48 years in law enforcement. Before becoming sheriff, he worked major drug investigations with the DEA in Miami during the “cocaine cowboy” era and later served alongside international law enforcement partners in Pakistan and across Asia. In the latest episode of The Briefing Room, Sheriff Chapman reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy — from high-risk federal investigations to leading a large sheriff’s office in one of the fastest-growing counties in America.
Mullin for DHS
President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma Sen. Markwayne Mullin to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security following the dismissal of Kristi Noem, according to PBS News/AP. Mullin, a former plumbing company owner, citizen of the Cherokee Nation, and former mixed-martial arts fighter, first entered Congress in 2012 and won his Senate seat in 2022. Known as one of Trump’s most outspoken defenders, Mullin said he would focus the department on “protecting the homeland” if confirmed. The role would place him in charge of a massive agency responsible for border security, immigration enforcement, cybersecurity, and domestic counterterrorism at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions and homeland security concerns. 🔗 More here
AI in Policing
Police departments are increasingly using artificial intelligence tools to help identify suspects and analyze crime data, including systems that can scan license plate reader images and flag vehicles linked to crimes within seconds, according to WPVI. At the Camden County Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center, AI helps process thousands of images to detect stolen vehicles, illegal dumping, and other offenses more quickly than traditional investigative methods. Supporters say the technology can improve efficiency and investigations, while critics emphasize the need for transparency, clear policies, and safeguards to address concerns about civil liberties and potential errors from AI-generated information. 🤖 More here
New NMSP Colonel
Former Austin Chief Named
The city of Taylor, Texas, has selected former Austin Police Chief Joseph Chacon to lead its police department, according to KVUE. Chacon, a 31-year law enforcement veteran who served with the Austin Police Department for 25 years and was chief from 2021 to 2023, will replace longtime chief Henry Fluck, who retired last fall. Chacon most recently served as director of emergency services for the city of Pflugerville and said he looks forward to helping guide public safety in the rapidly growing community. The Taylor City Council is expected to formally confirm the appointment later this month. 👮♂️ More here