Latest news with #Filicetti
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Future of football? Popular anti-sign stealing baseball technology makes pro debut in CFL
Future of football? Popular anti-sign stealing baseball technology makes pro debut in CFL Show Caption Hide Caption Watch baseball player's emotional reaction to surprise MLB promotion During a minor league baseball game in Tacoma, Washington, Cole Young was pulled aside and informed he'd been called up to play in the big leagues. Like PitchCom did with baseball, the company is targeting the top of the professional ranks to introduce their new products. The new, anti-sign-stealing technology – called PitchCom Impact, the football version of the product that changed pitcher-catcher communication in baseball, leading to a more streamlined product while preventing sign-stealing – made its professional football debut this weekend in the Canadian Football League. 'Sort of the proof of concept,' PitchCom co-founder John Hankins told USA TODAY Sports. The tech tryout began June 5 as the Saskatchewan Roughriders played the Ottawa Redblacks and continued through the league's opening weekend as seven of the nine teams tried it out. PitchCom debuted in Major League Baseball at the start of the 2022 season and, combined with the pitch clock, has helped dramatically decrease the length of games. But the company had its sights set beyond the diamond. 'At the end of the day, though, we wanted to be involved in football,' Hankins said, 'because people always said, you know, 'This makes perfect sense.'' PitchCom attended the American Football Coaches Association Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina this past January. They walked to the CFL booth and vice president of customer relations Jon Updike demonstrated how PitchCom worked. The league was impressed by the size of the device and that it could fit safely into a helmet. Co-founder Craig Filicetti said slight software modifications were required. In baseball, the pitcher or catcher presses the buttons and a pre-recorded voice calls out the corresponding pitch and location through an earpiece located in a player's cap or helmet. But in football, there are exponentially more types of plays (and personnel groupings) compared to pitches and locations. By March, Filicetti created a usable product for the league to use at its annual combine. The defensive coach who ran the drill had the controller and the players had helmets fitted with earpieces. The remaining defensive coordinators for the other teams that were present all received audio headpieces, which allowed every coach to hear what play was being called as well. The test went well and the CFL wanted devices fast tracked for games, Hankins said. 'It's groundbreaking and I think it shows their adaptability and their willingness to change and wanting to make improvements and kind of being on that leading edge of technology and stuff, which is great,' Filicetti said. The CFL introduction is strictly for the defense. To make it game-ready, Filicetti changed the keypad interface into a numbering system that allows for coaches to type in two-digit or three-digit combinations. The player will hear that and determine his assignment from that instruction, rather than having to look to the sideline for a signal or having the play call communicated through one player's helmet, followed by that player relaying it to 11 of his teammates or having to signal the play to his side. Instead, a coach – usually in the press box – looks at his play sheet that now includes numbers. He presses the numbers, and it's sent to the players who have the device in their helmets. The prototype is similar to the baseball catcher's helmet device. A coach can press a button for a longer period that will signal different types of personnel into the earpiece. Multiple coaches can use the device and split the duties – one setting the personnel, the other dialing up the actual play – up until the ball is snapped. The CFL's 20-second play clock, which differs from the 40 seconds in the NFL, makes PitchCom Impact a natural tool. While watching the Redblacks-Roughriders game Thursday, a 31-26 Saskatchewan victory, Hankins noted that the defense often looked set before the offense. Another use of PitchCom Impact is on the practice field, since the device allows coaches to simultaneously dole out different assignments to different positions with the press of a button. '(Coaches) don't have to even be looking,' Filicetti said. 'They could just hit that play and those players who (have the device) know what it is. And they're saying that their practices are more efficient. They're getting more reps in because they're not having to get (players') attention and get them all looking and then put the sign in.' 'It speeds up the game,' Hankins added. 'Just like in baseball.' Filicetti said the CFL is going to benefit from the three years of 'significant advancements' PitchCom made in product reliability, durability and design. He's designing a new transmitter (controller held by coach) that will be easier to use on a sideline, since the original prototypes were made for catchers who'd be concealing it behind home plate. They also want to integrate with teams' current communications on headsets, since coaches are already all talking on there during games. NFL teams are allowed to use PitchCom in practices if they wanted to, but current rules about in-game communication means that it won't be used in the NFL unless the league edits the rule book. PitchCom's partners now, as of June 6, include USA Softball. Thirteen of the 16 teams playing in the men's College World Series Super Regionals are PitchCom users, as are 180 total Division I baseball and softball programs. They're also suppliers for the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) and in the professional leagues in Mexico and the Dominican Republic.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
NYCLU report sparks concerns about privacy and drone usage, officials say it's a tool
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) issued a lengthy report this month, sounding the alarm over what they describe as prying eyes in the form of hyper-invasive drones that they say could be used by law enforcement to potentially spy on New Yorkers. The report shows well over 800 active drones registered by government agencies across the state, representing a 65% increase in two years, a majority of which are used by law enforcement. 'We see misuse, deploying these drones at protests,' said Daniel Schwarz, a privacy and technology strategist with the NYCLU. 'We see new features being deployed, new forms of surveillance technologies, whether that's facial recognition or combining these drones with other forms of audio recognition.' The drones can be fitted with biometric surveillance capabilities like facial recognition, emotion recognition, or even behavior detection, all features that the NYCLU says could infringe on the privacy rights of New Yorkers. 'It is no longer just a photo that is being taken,' Schwarz said, 'but rather, once the data is aggregated over time, it allows to track everybody's movement and really understand where they go to work? What are their associations? Did they attend a certain protest? What health care sites do they frequent? What are their religious beliefs? What are their political beliefs?' The Niagara County Sheriff was more than willing to discuss how his agency uses its five drones, the second-most in Western New York. 'We use our drones for searches, missing people, tactical operation oversight, we've used them at fire scenes,' said Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti. 'They're a great tool, but that's exactly what they are, a tool, and you have to make sure you use them in the way that they're intended to be used.' Sheriff Filicetti took exception with the NYCLU report, calling it inflammatory and false. 'Any notion, again, going back to the civil liberties report, that 'we're spying on people,' I think it's really irresponsible to run a report without any data to back up what you're saying, that there's some gross misuse of drones and it's peering into people's private lives,' Filicetti said. 'I think it's very irresponsible.' When it comes to his agency, Filicetti says his policy is sound and protects the privacy rights of Niagara County citizens. He shared that policy with us, which states that the drones 'will be used in a manner that may intrude upon reasonable expectations of privacy. A search warrant will be obtained prior to conducting the flight.'Filicetti went on to tell WIVB News 4 that many of the added features the report referenced don't even apply to their drones, with the exception of thermal imaging which they use for targeted search efforts. 'Looking for a missing person, looking for a suspect that fled a vehicle, they leave a heat signature, and you'll be able to see them clear as day,' Filicetti said. 'Again, instead of searching all over, you can see, through thermal, and direct your people in to where they need to be. It's about public safety. If we can find that missing person faster using a drone, or we can apprehend that suspect that could be potentially dangerous to the public, I'm gonna use a drone all day long. I think it just makes sense.' While the focus of the report leaned heavily on law enforcement drone operations, police are not the only ones to register and use the drones. Twin City Ambulance is a private, commercial service that operates three drones. The company's president, Terence Clark says the drones have been used for special event planning, and at times to locate patients. 'Sometimes, we'll get conflicting reports where somebody is,' Clark said. 'And in a crowded situation you might be 10 or 15 feet away from a patient, unless somebody is waving their arms, you might not even know they're there.' When it comes to the NYCLU's report, Clark agreed with Filicetti that what was described in the report couldn't be further from what they're doing. 'A lot of fantasy,' Clark said. 'A lot of absurdity, in the ways that drones could be used that realistically would not be an effective use of drones and I think they missed the target with this article.' The Niagara County Sheriff's Office has the second most active, registered drones among law enforcement in Western New York, according to the NYCLU report, just behind the Livingston County Sheriff's Office. Rob Petree is an anchor and reporter who joined the News 4 team in 2025. See more of his work by clicking here. Dan Telvock is an award-winning investigative producer and reporter who has been part of the News 4 team since 2018. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Missing youths need sensitivity, confidentiality, experts say
As the Niagara County Sheriff's Office continues missing persons' investigations for two brothers and a girl from Wyndham Lawn Residential Services, the public is urged to respect the confidentiality of the children's personal information to avoid traumatizing and labeling them. Individuals with information relating to the three youths can call the sheriff's office at 716-438-3393. According to Sheriff Michael Filicetti, Adam Wisniewski, age 15, and Dylan Wisniewski, age 14, were with fellow Wyndham Lawn resident Nehemiah Kuzara, 17, when they left the facility April 4. Filicetti said that because the individuals are juveniles, he cannot disclose additional information. 'Typically, we don't even release juvenile names, because they're protected,' he said. 'Juvenile records are sealed.' As part of the investigation, the children's names have been entered into the eJustice nationwide database to alert all law enforcement agencies. Filicetti said an Amber Alert was not issued because there is no reasonable cause to believe the youths were abducted or in danger of serious bodily harm. Robyn Krueger, president and CEO of Community Missions of Niagara Frontier, Inc. which provides youth treatment programs, said that children in treatment have experienced various types of trauma that need to be addressed confidentially and with sensitivity. 'You really don't know what has happened to somebody behind closed doors,' Krueger said. 'The more we find out what kids and families of adolescents are dealing with, the more it has to do with trauma. What's trauma for one individual may or may not be trauma for another.' According to the New York State Office of Child and Family Services website, thousands of youths across New York state run away from home, are told to leave, or go through homelessness. Krueger, who has served on the runaway/homeless youth advisory board for that office, said children may run away from home because they are bullied, domestic violence occurs, they are abused, there has been a death in the family, or they want to fit into their group of friends. 'Something has happened in their life that they believe this is the only way to handle it.' Krueger said it can be a cry for attention, as in, 'I'll see whether you care if I'm there nor not.' Public discussions about what led youths to certain behaviors, and their family history, need to be avoided to prevent stigmatization — or labeling — that stays with them across their lives. Krueger said people can be stigmatized for having certain health diagnoses, for having a certain legal status, or for being part of a group that is perceived a certain way. 'Stigmatization goes on into adulthood,' Krueger said. 'They may take matters into their own hands because they don't feel they've had justice. The more stigmatizing those labels become, the more difficult it is for that individual and that family to get out of that situation.' 'People like to troll social media and offer their expertise,' Krueger said. 'And they don't have any more expertise than the next individual. It affects an entire community. That is not helpful.' The 211 WNY web page states that Wyndham Lawn Residential Program is a 'highly structured, therapeutic residential environment for children and youth who have experienced trauma or emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges.' Services are provided 24 hours a day for youths aged 12 to 20. Meghan Lutz, Niagara County Social Services commissioner, said a team of professionals are involved in the process that leads to residential placement. 'It's a very complicated system and a lot of factors are at play,' Lutz said. 'Our goal is always going to be a return to the parent.' Lutz said an investigation would have been completed by Child Protective Services, which would lead to a court order placing the child in foster care or a juvenile detention center. The child's home county would then assign a qualified assessor to use standardized criteria to determine the appropriate placement, and whether that is in a secure or non-secure facility. 'Agencies like Wyndham Lawn act as a step down from a detention center, to continue services,' said Billie Tylec, director of services for the Niagara County Department of Social Services. According to Filicetti, Wyndham Lawn is a non-secure facility. He said there are more than 50 separate case reports for youths who have run away from the facility since the summer of 2024. In response to questions about the facility's supervision of youth and preventing its residents from going missing, Mario Hicks, vice president of development and mission advancement for Wyndham Lawn's parent company Gateway-Longview, Inc., provided a written statement. In the event that a youth is away without leave from one of our programs, our staff follow strict, established protocols. This includes immediately notifying the appropriate local law enforcement agency and actively collaborating with authorities to support a safe and swift return. Our team remains fully engaged and vigilant in following every step necessary to protect the youth in our care. Lutz said a child running away could be considered a problem sign for the residential placement. She said that the social services department from the child's home county could report the matter to the New York State Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. According to its website, The Justice Center operates a toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week for receiving reports of allegations of abuse and neglect. The Justice Center is authorized to investigate reports and pursue administrative sanctions.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Police search is on for brothers missing from Wyndham Lawn
LOCKPORT — Two young brothers in the care of Wyndham Lawn Residential Services for children have been missing since April 4. According to Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti, Adam Wisniewski, 15, and Dylan Wisniewski, 14, both residents at the facility at 6395 Old Niagara Road, are the subjects of a missing persons investigation. Filicetti said Wyndham Lawn was the last known location of the brothers, and the boys are known to frequent locations in the city of Lockport. Flyers featuring the names and photos of the juveniles have been posted in public places in the Lockport area directing community members to contact the sheriff's office or WNY Missing and Unidentified Persons. Filicetti said the brothers' names have been entered into the eJustice nationwide database to alert all law enforcement agencies. 'We've received some information and we'll look into those tips as they come in,' he said. The 211 WNY web page states that Wyndham Lawn Residential Program is a 'highly structured, therapeutic residential environment for children and youth who have experienced trauma or emotional, behavioral, and educational challenges. Individualized treatment includes counseling, therapeutic recreation, life skills development, medical and psychiatric services, and family reunification/permanency planning. Henrietta G. Lewis Campus School is located on-grounds and offers special education services.' Services are provided 24 hours a day for youth ages 12 to 20. New View Alliance, the parent company of Gateway-Longview, Inc. which operates Wyndham Lawn, provided a written response to questions about supervision of residents. Mario Hicks, vice president of development and mission advancement, said, 'We are committed to upholding the confidentiality and safety of all individuals in our care; therefore, we cannot confirm or disclose the identity of any youth in our programs or safety and well-being of the youth we serve — and their support systems — is our highest priority.' 'In the event that a youth is away without leave from one of our programs, our staff follow strict, established protocols,' Hicks said. 'This includes immediately notifying the appropriate local law enforcement agency and actively collaborating with authorities to support a safe and swift return. Our team remains fully engaged and vigilant in following every step necessary to protect the youth in our care.' Meghan Lutz, Niagara County Department of Social Services commissioner, could not speak to the circumstances that bring individuals to be placed at Wyndham Lawn, since the facility accepts youths from several counties and offers a variety of programming. Filicetti said Wyndham Lawn is a non-secure facility, with individuals placed there for a variety of reasons, including by court order. He said the site has a history of residents leaving the facility and triggering missing persons reports. In some cases, Filicetti said, individuals have run away more than 10 times, with each instance requiring the sheriff's office to separately investigate the disappearance and relocation of the individual. Filicetti said individuals have returned to Wyndham Lawn safely and of their own accord in the past. 'It's gotten out of control,' he said. 'At what point do we change what we're doing so this doesn't continue to happen? Do these individuals belong in a non-secure facility when we're going there as many times as we are?'
Yahoo
10-04-2025
- Yahoo
Holiday traffic safety blitz nets arrests
Local law enforcement agencies had an active St. Patrick's Day weekend, as they blitzed area roadways as part of their ongoing targeted high-visibility traffic safety campaigns. After two consecutive safety initiatives failed to record any impaired driving arrests, participating police departments between March 13 and 18 registered single arrests each for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and driving while impaired by drugs (DWAI). The effort, centered around the March holiday weekend, used enhanced road patrols that saw officers and deputies engage with 54 motorists. Those traffic stops resulted in 41 vehicle and traffic law citations issued. Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti, whose office tracks the effectiveness of the traffic safety initiative, hailed the results. He said the goal of the initiative is to 'bring awareness to the dangers of impaired driving.' 'It's to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives,' he said. The high-visibility law enforcement effort is part of a yearly statewide initiative that is promoted and funded by STOP-DWI New York and the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee. Over the course of enhanced patrols during the 2024 Christmas, New Year's, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Super Bowl, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day holidays Niagara Region law enforcement agencies participating in the safety campaign conducted 241 traffic stops, accompanied by 11 secondary screenings. That activity led to 6 arrests for driving while intoxicated and 1 for driving while ability impaired by drugs for the year. Officers and deputies also made an additional 13 arrests on non-traffic related charges, while issuing 173 vehicle and traffic law citations, including 4 for no seat belt. The St. Patrick's Day enforcement effort resulted in a single seat belt ticket and two non-vehicle and traffic-related arrests. Locally, Niagara County Sheriff's Office deputies and officers from New York State Park Police, North Tonawanda, Niagara Falls, Lockport, Lewiston, Middleport and Town of Niagara police departments participated in the enforcement efforts. 'We focus our engagement on impaired driving,' Filicetti said. 'While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers.'
