Public Safety
How AI is transforming state and local investigations
COMMENTARY | The technology can help process data quicker and sift through what can be distressing evidence. But agencies must tread carefully and have the right policies and training in place to be successful.
FirstNet seeks engagement, outreach support from industry
The winner of this five-year pact will also contribute to the network's roadmap and strategy for incorporating new technologies.
Law enforcement taps drones to improve response times and safety
By allowing drone operators to listen in on 911 calls in real time, a Georgia police department aims to enhance public safety operations.
State and local governments continue fight drug epidemic with tech
From at-home devices to federal lab testing, state and local officials are finding new ways to leverage tech to curb drug overdoses in their communities.
Call centers continue to field AI-generated 911 calls
Some personal and home devices can automatically call 911 when they detect potentially unsafe conditions. For dispatchers, leveraging tech could be key to handling a rise in those alerts.
AI-backed stop sign cameras help slow down drivers
States and localities are experimenting with the technology to catch scofflaws, but are still verifying suspected violations using human officers.
Public safety, government groups call for FirstNet reauthorization
The collection of 17 public safety and local organizations said it is “imperative” that the FirstNet Authority be reauthorized before it expires in 2027.
Advocates gear up for FirstNet reauthorization push
The dedicated public safety communications network's authority runs out in 2027. Supporters don’t want to see the service interrupted given the good it has done already.
State fire agency taps augmented reality to train for ‘high-risk missions’
Augmented reality isn’t just for avid gamers. The technology is helping California’s Department of Forestry and Fire Protection prepare its flight crews for real-life emergencies like hoist rescues.
AI translation tools could improve trust in public safety efforts
Los Angeles County leveraged an AI tool to generate live translations during press conferences about wildfires and deliver critical safety information to residents more effectively.
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Utah lawmaker wants police to disclose when they use artificial intelligence
A proposed bill would require law enforcement officers to disclose when and how they use the technology in police reports.
How emerging tech is shaping law enforcement
Sensors and analytics are helping under-resourced departments be more effective. But agencies must do their due diligence when adopting these new systems.
DHS personnel descend on New Orleans to help secure Super Bowl LIX
CISA has already conducted physical and cybersecurity vulnerability assessments ahead of the Feb. 9 NFL championship game.
How governments can get agencies to stop using foreign drones: Pay up.
A proposed bill in North Dakota offers an effective model for other states looking to cut ties with foreign-made drones.
In some Missouri counties, 911 doesn’t exist. Upgrades to emergency dispatching will change that
In some parts of the state, calls are rerouted to a 10-digit landline number. But federal funds mean that 911 call centers and dispatchers are in line for major upgrades.
AI could help mitigate lithium battery fires, study finds
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can detect when a lithium battery begins to overheat, which they say can help inform public safety efforts to mitigate fires.
Lessons from ‘stop and frisk’ can help police use drones without compromising civil liberties
The Philadelphia Police Department plans to expand its use of drones, including as first responders.
Slow approach to law enforcement AI could combat errors and bias, experts say
Several police agencies across the U.S. are tapping AI to help draft police reports, but a new white paper from the American Civil Liberties Union points to the risks of its rapid adoption.
How a new database in New Mexico aims to de-escalate police encounters
The state’s Nontraditional Communication Registry helps inform police officers of conditions or disabilities that may impact someone’s ability to interact with law enforcement.
Government watchdogs, Black lawmakers urge Ohio's governor to veto police video changes
Among the dozens of measures sitting on Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s desk, is one proposal that would allow police departments to charge $75 per hour of body camera footage with a cap of $750.
