Wednesday, November 26, 2014

New appeal on concealed gun law change | RyPulThreatAssessments

ANTI-GUN VIOLENCE GROUP STILL WANTS TO INTERVENE IN WEAPONS CASE

By Kristina Davis10:05 A.M.NOV. 26, 2014Updated10:53 A.M.

SAN DIEGO — A national anti-gun violence group is asking a larger panel of federal appeals court judges to reconsider letting it intervene in that case that would loosen restrictions on Californians carrying concealed weapons.

The Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, as well as state Attorney General Kamala Harris, had asked to officially join the case so they could argue against a February U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals order that found San Diego County’s concealed gun carrying policies were unconstitutional.

Sheriff Bill Gore, who oversees the county’s issuing of such permits, decided earlier this year that he would abide by the ruling, in effect eliminating any official opposition.

In a split 2-1 decision by the court two weeks ago, the Brady Center and the Attorney General’s Office were told that they did not have standing to join the case as opposition, and that they had waited too late to try to intervene.

The Brady Center now wants a larger panel of judges to reconsider.

“California’s gun laws are strong, sensible and effective at reducing crime, and Brady will continue to fight to defend their constitutionality,” Jonathan Lowy, the Center’s Legal Action Project director, said in a statement Wednesday.

It is not yet known if the attorney general will also ask for reconsideration.

The case stems from a 2008 lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department by independent journalist Edward Peruta and other citizens who wanted concealed weapons permits but were denied.

State law holds that an applicant must be law-abiding and have “good cause” for a permit.

The Sheriff’s department, as well as many others throughout the state, has for years narrowly defined “good cause” to mean someone who faces a specific threat, such as someone being stalked or someone who frequently carries valuables or cash, like a diamond dealer.

The 9th Circuit, in a 2-1 split decision, ruled in February that wanting to carry a concealed gun for self-defense is good cause enough.

After the February ruling, Gore began accepting applications for permits under the new, less restrictive guidelines, but has stopped short of issuing permits until all appeals are exhausted. About 1,600 people have applied. Applicants must still be law-abiding and pass a shooting test, firearms safety class and background check.

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Tell me more | Dismiss this messageANTI-GUN VIOLENCE GROUP STILL WANTS TO INTERVENE IN WEAPONS CASE

By Kristina Davis10:05 A.M.NOV. 26, 2014Updated10:53 A.M.

Sheriff Bill Gore, who oversees the county’s issuing of such permits, decided earlier this year that he would abide by the ruling, in effect eliminating any official opposition.

The Brady Center now wants a larger panel of judges to reconsider.

It is not yet known if the attorney general will also ask for reconsideration.

The case stems from a 2008 lawsuit against the Sheriff’s Department by independent journalist Edward Peruta and other citizens who wanted concealed weapons permits but were denied.

State law holds that an applicant must be law-abiding and have “good cause” for a permit.

The 9th Circuit, in a 2-1 split decision, ruled in February that wanting to carry a concealed gun for self-defense is good cause enough.

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The worlds first firearm – The Chinese fire lances | RyPulThreatAssessments

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Bacterial slime could feed the world after a catastrophic crop failure

If it were the end of the world as we know it, we'd be fine, according to Michigan Technological University professor Joshua Pearce.

"People have been doing catastrophic risk research for a while," says Pearce. "But most of what's been done is dark, apocalyptic and dismal. It hasn't provided any real solutions."

Even when looking at doomsday scenarios--like super-volcanoes, abrupt climate change and nuclear winter--society's forecast isn't horrific. In fact, Pearce says life will still have a sunny outlook. His research is outlined in a new book, Feeding Everyone No Matter What, out this week.

Survivalist Solution

"We researched the worst cases and asked, 'is it possible to still feed everybody after a complete collapse of the agricultural system?'" he says. "All solutions until this book focused on food storage, the survivalist method of putting cans in closets. But for global catastrophes, you'd need at least five years of supplies--think bedroom size, not just a closet."

That big a stockpile just isn't possible globally, let alone in America, says Pearce. Families simply don't have enough money, and stockpiling would only raise food prices, causing more of the world's poor to starve.

Worry not, says Pearce. Even if the sun were blacked out for years at a time, killing all plants, we're still okay sans brimming bunkers of canned goods.

After looking at five crop-destroying catastrophes (sudden climate change, super-weeds, super-bacteria, super-pests and super-pathogens) and three sunlight-extinguishing events (super-volcano eruption, asteroid or comet impact, and nuclear winter), Pearce says we have a way to feed everyone on Earth for five years. That's enough time for the planet to recover, allowing a gradual return to the agricultural system we use today.

"We looked purely at technical viability--ignoring all the social issues that currently cause millions to go hungry and die every year," he says.

Swap the Big Mac for Bugs and Slime

So how do we feed billions of hungry mouths if there is no more sunshine or farming? Swap your Big Mac and fries for bacterial slime and a side of bugs, and you'll be okay.

"We came up with two primary classes of solutions," Pearce says. "We can convert existing fossil fuels to food by growing bacteria on top of it--then either eat the bacterial slime or feed it to rats and bugs and then eat them." The second (and easier) set of solutions uses partial rotting of woody plant fiber to either grow mushrooms or feed to insects, rats, cows, deer or chickens. "The trees are all dying from the lack of light anyway. If we use dead trees as an input, we can feed beetles or rats and then feed them to something else higher on the food chain," Pearce says. "Or just eat the bugs."

Of course, it would take some time to get such a new system established. In the interim, we could survive on fungi (mushrooms), bacteria and leaves. Tea steeped with pines from your front yard would provide a surprising amount of nutrition.

It wouldn't be a life devoid of little luxuries either, he says. "We could extract sugar from the bacterial slime and carbonate it for soda pop. We'd still have food scientists, too, who could make almost anything taste like bacon or tofurkey. It wouldn't be so bad."

Nuclear Winter and Climate Change

Pearce is confident we have the technical know how to get ourselves through almost any predictable catastrophe. Perhaps his most reassuring conclusion, though, is that the two most likely global catastrophes (nuclear winter and abrupt climate change) are the ones we have the most control over.

"We don't have to blow ourselves to smithereens if we don't want to," he jokes.

Pearce hopes his new book will help prevent the worst cases from actually happening and provide solutions to help people survive lesser catastrophes.

"The end of the book poses questions that we need to look at quickly," says Pearce. "We can feed everyone if we cooperate and do a little thinking ahead of time--not in the dark when everyone is screaming. Life could continue to go on normally. Just a little dimmer."

Feeding Everyone No Matter What: Managing Food Security After Global Catastrophe is coauthored by Pearce and David Denkenberger, research associate at the Global Catastrophic Risk Institute.

Michigan Technological University is a leading public research university developing new technologies and preparing students to create the future for a prosperous and sustainable world. Michigan Tech offers more than 130 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in engineering; forest resources; computing; technology; business; economics; natural, physical and environmental sciences; arts; humanities; and social sciences.

Survivalist Defined

: a person who believes that government and society will soon fail completely and who stores food, weapons, etc., in order to be prepared to survive when that happens

: a person who advocates or practices survivalism; especially : one who has prepared to survive in the anarchy of an anticipated breakdown of society

TWENTY-FIVE ALLEGED ARYAN BROTHERHOOD MEMBERS INDICTED

WASHINGTON – Fourteen alleged members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Mississippi, including four of its most senior leaders, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Mississippi for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise. In a separate indictment, 11 alleged members and associates of the Universal Aryan Brotherhood of Oklahoma have been charged by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Oklahoma for conspiring to participate in a racketeering enterprise, among other charges.

Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Felicia C. Adams of the Northern District of Mississippi and U.S. Attorney Danny C. Williams of the Northern District of Oklahoma made the announcement.

In the Northern District of Mississippi, the 10-count indictment was returned on Oct. 23, 2014, and unsealed today. Thirteen individuals were taken into custody today. In the Northern District of Oklahoma, the four-count indictment was returned on Nov. 5, 2014, and unsealed on Nov. 10, 2014. All of the charged defendants are in custody.

“The Aryan Brotherhood is a violent gang that has seeped from behind prison walls into communities throughout this nation,” said Assistant Attorney General Caldwell. “Working in lockstep with our law enforcement partners and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country, we are targeting and dismantling these gangs from the top general to the foot soldier so they can no longer terrorize our communities.”
“These charges resulted from an unprecedented collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers targeting a large scale prison gang involved in violent organized crime throughout the state of Mississippi,” said U.S. Attorney Adams. “This indictment represents a critical first step toward dismantling this violent organization and clearly signals that the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners have an unwavering commitment to hold those individuals accountable who insist on creating an atmosphere of violence and fear in our communities.”

“My office remains steadfast in its commitment to work in collaboration with law enforcement to disrupt and dismantle violent crime and gang activities,” said U.S. Attorney Williams.

According to the indictments, the Aryan Brotherhood of Mississippi (ABM) and Universal Aryan Brotherhood of Oklahoma (UAB) are violent, “whites only,” prison-based gangs with members operating inside and outside of state penal institutions in their respective states. The gangs allegedly modeled themselves after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s. The ABM was allegedly founded in 1984, and in early 2013, pursued unification with the Aryan Brotherhood of California in order to achieve national recognition.

The UAB was allegedly founded in 1993. According to the Oklahoma indictment, the UAB has a militaristic structure comprised of a Main Council, Yard Captains and Soldiers. The Main Council has ultimate authority in all gang matters.

The indictment alleges that both gangs enforced their rules and promoted discipline among members, prospects and associates through violence and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the gangs. Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members.

According to the Mississippi indictment, in order to be considered for ABM membership, a person must be sponsored by another ABM member. Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve a probationary term of not less than six months, during which he is referred to as a prospect, and his conduct is observed by the members of the ABM. The prospect is required to sign a “prospect compact,” swear to an oath of secrecy and declare a life-time commitment to the ABM.

The ABM allegedly has a detailed and uniform organizational structure divided into three separate geographic areas of control. The state is overseen and directed by a three-member “wheel” commonly referred to as “spokes.” The wheel has ultimate authority in all gang matters. The indictment charges four alleged wheel members: Frank Owens, Jr, 44, aka “State Raised,” of D’Iberville, Mississippi; Perry Mask, 46, of Corinth, Mississippi; Stephen Hubanks, 45, of Rienzi, Mississippi; and Brandon Creel, 46, aka “Oak,” of Ellisville, Mississippi, with conspiracy to participate in the racketeering activities of the ABM, among other charges. The indictment also charges 10 other alleged members of the ABM. All 14 alleged members of the ABM are charged with conspiracy to participate in the racketeering activities of the gang and with involvement in murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, money laundering, firearms trafficking and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

The charges contained in an indictment are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The Mississippi case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Mississippi Highway Patrol; Mississippi Bureau of Investigation; Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team; Tupelo Mississippi Police Department; North Mississippi Narcotics Unit; Tishomingo County Sheriff’s Office; Lee County Sheriff’s Office; Forrest County District Attorney’s Office; Prentiss County Sheriff’s Office; Jones County Sheriff’s Office; Harrison County Sheriff’s Office; and South Mississippi Metro Enforcement Team.

The Oklahoma case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Tulsa Police Department; ATF; Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Division; Tulsa County Sheriff’s Office; and Oklahoma Department of Corrections.

The cases are being prosecuted by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Northern District of Mississippi and the Northern District of Oklahoma.

More Than Six in 10 Americans Say Guns Make Homes Safer

by Justin McCarthy

Story Highlights

A record-high percentage in U.S. say guns make homes safer
Number of Americans who have a gun at home up slightly from 2013
Republicans, men, Southerners most likely to have guns at home

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The percentage of Americans who believe having a gun in the house makes it a safer place to be (63%) has nearly doubled since 2000, when about one in three agreed with this. Three in 10 Americans say having a gun in the house makes it a more dangerous place.

Gallup originally asked Americans about their views on the implications of having a gun in the home in 1993, and then updated the measure in 2000. Between 2000 and 2006, less than half of Americans believed having a gun at home makes it safer -- but since then, this percentage has significantly increased to a majority.

Republicans (81%) are about twice as likely as Democrats (41%) to believe having a gun improves home safety. About half of Democrats say having a gun makes a home a more dangerous place to be.

Although there is a gender gap in the results for this question, majorities of both men (67%) and women (58%) believe having a gun improves home safety. While one in three women say it makes for a more dangerous place to be, only one in four men say the same about guns in the home.

About two-thirds of whites and Southerners endorse having a gun to improve home safety, as do majorities of nonwhites (56%) and residents of the other three regions.

Since 2000, Americans of all political stripes have become more inclined to believe a gun makes a home more secure. But the rate of increase has been greatest among Republicans, with 81% now holding this position, up from 44% in 2000.

While those who identify with the GOP have seen a 37-percentage-point growth in this sense of safety, independents show a 29-point climb and Democrats show a 13-point increase.

More Than Four in 10 Americans Keep a Gun in Their Home

Forty-two percent of Americans report having a gun in their home, similar to the average reported to Gallup over the past decade. This self-reported measure has fluctuated from survey to survey, but is consistent with trends since 2004. Longer term, Gallup has found that household gun ownership has ranged from a low of 34% in 1999 to a high of 51% in 1993.

Republicans are twice as likely as Democrats to have a gun in their house. A majority of Southerners say there is a gun in their home, much higher than the rate among those in the West and East.

Men are about equally as likely to have or not have a gun at home. About six in 10 women say they do not have a gun in the home.

Most survey respondents report that the gun in their household belongs to them personally (30%), as opposed to another household member (14%). This means that about one in three people who have a gun in their home are not personally owners, but are aware the gun is there. The personal ownership trend has been generally stable over the past 13 years.

Americans who have a gun in their household are significantly more likely than others to say that having a gun makes a home safer (86%), though one in 10 believe it makes a household more dangerous.

Bottom Line

While Gallup figures on U.S. gun ownership have not shifted much since 2006, the percentage of Americans who say that having a gun in the home makes that household safer has drastically climbed over the past eight years.

Americans own guns for a wide array of reasons, but the increase in the perceived safety value of owning them suggests that guns are taking on more of a protective role than they have in the past. Florida passed the nation's first "Stand Your Ground" law in 2005, followed by dozens of states that passed different versions of the law. In the decade since, Americans have become more likely to view guns as a means of self-protection.

Regardless of Americans' perceptions of crime and their need to protect themselves, violent crime rates fell significantly from 1993 to 2012. While it may be a contentious assertion, some attribute falling crime rates to increased gun sales.

Survey Methods

Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Oct. 12-15, 2014, on the Gallup U.S. Daily survey, with a random sample of 1,017 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is ±4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 50% cellphone respondents and 50% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how Gallup Poll Social Series works.

BMW Unveils Bulletproof Car

Moscow Plays Host to Launch of Cars That Can Withstand AK-47 Fire

By CONNECT

Updated Sept. 2, 2014 5:29 a.m. ET

At this year's Moscow motor show, BMW hopes to win over security-conscious customers with the armored version of its X5 sport-utility vehicle which it says is AK-47-proof. WSJ's Dipti Kapadia has the details on the X5 security plus. Photo: BMW

Murders and kidnappings are less common than they used to be in Russia, as United Nations data have it, but Moscow is still where the world's top auto makers prefer to show off their latest bulletproof cars.

At this year's motor show in the Russian capital, it is Germany's BMW AGBMW.XE +3.84% that is hoping to win over well-heeled, security-conscious customers with an armored version of its X5 sport-utility vehicle which it describes as AK-47-proof.

BMW said it has installed special steel and reinforced, shatterproof glass for the X5's passenger compartment to provide "secure protection against assault from the world's most popular firearm, the AK-47."

An eight-cylinder, turbocharged engine generating 450 horsepower that drives all four wheels means the vehicle can be "maneuvered safely on and off road," BMW said. "Sometimes a hasty retreat is the best form of defense."

The X5 Security and X5 Security Plus are the latest editions to BMW's range of security-enhanced vehicles, which include versions of its BMW 7-series and Rolls-Royce limousines.

Germany's other luxury auto makers are also in the security business. Daimler AGDAI.XE +2.62% and Volkswagen AG VOW3.XE +2.04% make armored versions of their Mercedes-Benz and Audi cars, respectively. The Sentinel range of limousines and SUVs made by Jaguar Land Rover, the U.K. luxury-car unit of India's Tata Motors Co.500570.BY +1.02% , also claim to offer AK-47 protection for passengers.

Like BMW, Jaguar Land Rover aims to ensure its armored vehicles are barely distinguishable from regular models so as not to draw the attention of potential assassins and kidnappers.

But driving a bulletproof car with a reinforced fuel tank and radiator, Kevlar flooring, and run-flat tires comes at a cost.

For some customers, the less expensive option remains buying the limousine or SUV of your choice off the shelf and getting a specialist outfitter, like International Armoring Corp. or Texas Armoring Corp., to customize it separately. Texas Armoring's website has graphic descriptions of occupants of armored Chevrolet Suburbans which it supplied surviving blasts from roadside improvised explosive devices in Iraq.

Write to Matthew Curtin at matthew.curtin@wsj.com

Corrections & Amplifications

BMW's armored vehicles cost two to four times the price of a regular model. That's likely to set a customer back $120,000 or more for the X5 Security Plus or around $300,000 for a bulletproof 7-series. An earlier version of this article misstated the price range as three to four times and the approximate price of an armored X5 Security Plus as $180,000.

TRAVEL ADVISORIES VENEZUELA – EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION

TRAVEL ADVISORIES VENEZUELA – EXERCISE A HIGH DEGREE OF CAUTION

SECURITY

The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice. In the event of a crisis situation that requires evacuation, the Government of Canada’s policy is to provide safe transportation to the closest safe location. The Government of Canada will assist you in leaving a country or a region as a last resort, when all means of commercial or personal transportation have been exhausted. This service is provided on a cost-recovery basis. Onward travel is at your personal expense. Situations vary from one location to another, and there may be constraints on government resources that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide assistance, particularly in countries or regions where the potential for violent conflict or political instability is high.

COLOMBIAN BORDER (SEE ADVISORY)

Colombian guerrillas, who frequently operate on both sides of the border, are suspected in several kidnapping cases. Foreigners have been specifically targeted near the border with Colombia. Cross-border violence, kidnapping, smuggling and drug trafficking occur frequently in remote areas, specifically in the states of Zulia, Táchira, Barinas, Bolívar, Apure, Amazonas, Anzoátegui and Sucre.

DEMONSTRATIONS AND POLITICAL ACTIVITIES

Demonstrations have been occurring regularly throughout Venezuela since mid-February 2014, particularly in the cities of Caracas, Barquisimeto, Maracaibo, Merida, Valencia, San Cristobal and Maracay. Violent clashes regularly take place at these demonstrations, especially at night, and have resulted in over 40 deaths and numerous injuries. Avoid all demonstrations, large gatherings and public areas where disturbances or violent incidents could occur, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local developments. Do not participate in political discussions or activities in public, or appear to take sides on any local issue related to the current political situation. This may result in problems with local authorities, including arrest or even deportation. Curfews may also be in effect and should be respected.

Demonstrations often cause traffic jams in Caracas, especially in the historic centre of Plaza Bolívar (where most government institutions are located), in Plaza Venezuela, in Plaza Francia (Altamira), as well as in major centres throughout the country and on main highways. Do not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended. During major events, such as large demonstrations, network overload could interrupt local cellular and landline phone services. Other services could also be interrupted.

Crime

Venezuela has one of the world’s highest homicide rates. Violent crime, including murder and armed robbery, is prevalent throughout the country, including in national parks and tourist areas. The airport and the surrounding areas have seen an increase in violent crime recently. Violence against foreigners can occur in all regions, both urban and rural.

Petty crime is common, particularly in the central and poorer areas of all major cities and on Margarita Island. You should exercise caution in the areas of Sabana Grande and Plaza Venezuela in central Caracas, due to an increase in violent robberies. Pickpockets are active in crowded bus and subway stations. Ensure that your personal belongings and travel documents are secure, including on beaches, in parked vehicles and in hotel rooms. Do not show signs of affluence or display valuables. Thefts from hotel safes have been reported. Use automated banking machines (ABMs) during the day only, choose ABMs in shopping malls or busy residential areas, and stay alert to your surroundings.

Incidents of carjacking and kidnapping have increased. Victims are usually forced out of their vehicles at gunpoint or knifepoint and robbed of their money, jewellery and identification. Others have been forced into cars at gunpoint and driven out of the city. They may also be forced to withdraw funds at ABMs and, in some cases, held captive until their families pay a ransom. Victims have been injured, or even killed, for failing to cooperate. While foreigners are not specifically targeted, you should avoid walking or driving in isolated areas, particularly after dark.

Exercise caution in dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances, and be especially careful about accepting rides or invitations. Incidents of drugging followed by robbery and assault, including sexual assault, have been reported.

Acquaintance rape is a serious problem. In some cases, hotel workers and taxi drivers have been implicated. Anyone who is a victim of a sexual assault should report it immediately to the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy and is strongly advised to file a report with Venezuelan authorities. Note that no criminal investigation is possible without a formal complaint to Venezuelan authorities.

Criminals posing as police officers have harassed and extorted money from tourists. There have also been reports of Venezuelan officials at airports, immigration offices and police stations imposing excessive charges. If you experience a problem, you should pay the requested fine, ask for the officer’s name, badge number or patrol car number, and report the incident to the Embassy of Canada in Caracas.

There have been incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in coastal areas and marinas, some involving a high degree of violence, including murder. Owners of small vessels, including private yachts, should be aware of the risk of attack and take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Reportpublished by the International Maritime Bureau.

In some areas of Caracas and elsewhere in the country, police presence and response are relatively poor.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

Airlines have reduced the number of flights arriving and departing from Venezuela; therefore, flights may be difficult to book and more expensive than normal. You should plan your travel well in advance of your expected departure and contact your travel provider for assistance.

Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

ROAD TRAVEL

Traffic congestion is common in Caracas. Traffic laws are rarely observed due to the lack of police enforcement. You should keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times. Night driving is not recommended due to security concerns, unmarked road damage or construction, and wandering livestock. Stopping at Bolivarian National Guard and police checkpoints is mandatory. Follow all instructions and have vehicle and insurance papers and passports readily available. Vehicles may be searched. There have been incidents of illegal roadblocks set up by armed bandits who stop and rob vehicles.

There have been incidents of stone throwing from highway overpasses and bridges near poorer neighbourhoods. Motorists are then robbed after stopping to assess the damage to their vehicle.

If an accident occurs, vehicles must not be moved until a traffic police officer fills out a report.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

The road between Caracas and the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Maiquetía is dangerous, and crime increases after dark. Plans for travel to and from all airports should be arranged in advance. Criminals are known to pose as taxi operators. Licensed, radio-dispatched taxis can be organized in advance by hotels or called from the airport. Follow the advice of local authorities regarding transportation and allow sufficient time to reach the airport.

You should only use licensed taxis in all areas of Venezuela. These taxis are generally safer than unlicensed taxis, although incidents of robbery and assault, often at gunpoint, have been reported for both licensed and unlicensed taxis. Never accept unsolicited offers of transportation or offers of help with luggage or passenger check-in.

Local buses and the subway in Caracas are not recommended due to the possibility of robbery. Incidents have also occurred on intercity buses.

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