Norfolk to join “Ban the Box” Nationwide Initiative

The Business District Of Norfolk at 21st Street, Norfolk. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, July 30, 2013 – Beginning September 1, 2013, the City of Norfolk will remove the question on the City’s job application related to an individual’s criminal conviction history.  Norfolk’s decision to “Ban the Box” removes the perception that a criminal history automatically disqualifies an applicant.

Under Norfolk’s current hiring practices, criminal history does not prevent an individual from being hired. Criminal history is evaluated on the gravity of the offense, the length of time since conviction, and whether it is applicable to the job.

The criminal history question will remain for certain positions including, but not limited to: public safety and those involving the care of children, the elderly or disabled.

As part of the hiring process, the City conducts national fingerprinting background checks and drug screenings on all new employees.

Missing mans body is identified after washing to shore

(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, July 29, 2013 - The uncertainty of the whereabouts of Deshawn Ward, of the 300 block of E. Olney Road came to a end when Wards body was discovered washed ashore Sunday evening at approximately 7:30 p.m. Ward body was retrieved close to the 400 block of West Ocean View, according to the Norfolk P.D.

Ward's body  was transported to the Medical Examiner's Office for an autopsy to determine the origin of death.

The 35 year old Ward had been reported missing after he went out crabbing Friday, but failed to return home. Detectives are investigating his death as undetermined until the results of the autopsy are completed.

by abhi  ahmadadeen

SRSG Zerrougui condemns spike in attacks on schools in north-eastern Nigeria

(BMLTV) New York, 10 July 2013 - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Ms. Leila Zerrougui, strongly condemns the violent attack on a school and the targeted killing of students and their teachers over the weekend in Yobe State, in north-eastern Nigeria.

“I am deeply worried by the recent spike in incidents affecting schools and children in the region,” declared Ms Zerrougui. “During the last three weeks, four attacks on schools have taken place, leaving dozens of students and a number of teachers dead.”
Ms. Zerrougui offers her condolences and expresses her deepest sympathy and solidarity to the families of the victims.

Ms. Zerrougui calls on those responsible to refrain from any attacks directed at or in the vicinity of schools, and warned that the killing and maiming of children, as well as attacks on schools, teachers and school children are serious violations of international law. The Special Representative requests that the Nigerian Government investigate these heinous crimes and hold the perpetrators accountable.