Public Safety
Colorado town strives to become an ‘agentic smart city’
Vail has implemented a smart city platform that municipal leaders hope will improve government operations and boost customer experience.
Iowa State University researchers develop app to predict indoor heat waves
If fully launched, residents could have an app on their phones to accurately predict indoor temperature compared to outside, warn them if conditions are getting dangerous and point them toward assistance.
Tucson PD used border security money for controversial surveillance software
The AI-powered Cobwebs software, which is also used by ICE, monitors social media and locations.
Alleging ‘secrecy,’ ACLU and Eugene resident sue city for Flock camera records
Other cities with cameras have released similar records, complaint alleges.
One county uses wearables to protect its growing aging population
Like many U.S. communities, Los Angeles County’s older adult population is booming. Wearable tech could help address those people’s increasing health needs and safety concerns.
Improving communications ahead of the next wildfire emergency
The Tubbs Fire in California in 2017 highlighted various shortcomings around communicating. Since then, agencies have embraced tech to more effectively plan their response.
Local Ohio agency invests in worker safety with wearable panic buttons
With wearable devices, staff at the Clermont County Veterans’ Service Commission feel more confident and secure interacting with clients, one official says.
Worries mount over drone incursions on sensitive sites
A bipartisan group of governors called on Congress to grant them authority to “mitigate” drone threats, while speakers told a House hearing threats will only multiply as the tech evolves.
Upgraded 911 and reauthorized FirstNet among public safety officials’ tech priorities
Emergency management and law enforcement officials told a House subcommittee there is much to be done if states and localities are to be able to respond to multiplying threats and challenges.
AI helps dispatch centers do more with less, El Paso official says
Facing staffing shortages and budget cuts, public safety agencies across the nation are turning to AI for a helping hand to field 911 calls.
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Local officials have a powerful tool to warn residents of emergencies. They don’t always use it
ProPublica has identified at least 15 major disasters since 2016 in which officials in the most-harmed communities failed to use a federal system to send emergency alerts to residents — or waited until it was too late.
Police reflect on Hurricane Katrina’s public safety communications legacy
Amid commemorations of the hurricane’s 20th anniversary, those who responded remember how tough it was to communicate and said people must take those lessons into the future.
Rescissions mean public media can’t fund warning system grants
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting can no longer administer the $136 million Next Generation Warning System grant program, which funds equipment upgrades and training to boost alerts and warnings.
Data-driven early intervention strategies could revolutionize Philly’s approach to crime prevention
COMMENTARY | The biggest hurdle to developing cost-effective policies that reduce youth violence is the lack of coordinated, cross-agency use of data.
Mayors worry about cybersecurity almost as much as substance use, mental health
The National League of Cities’ State of the Cities survey found that 39% of mayors are very concerned about cyber, which is not far behind more traditional public health issues.
Forensic crime labs are buckling as new technology increases demand
A major federal funding cut could make labs’ struggles worse.
NYPD Bypassed Facial Recognition Ban to ID Pro-Palestinian Student Protester
Barred from using Clearview AI, NYC police relied on a marshal in the fire department to run a search that turned up photos of the student at his high school graduation.
Pierce County, Washington violated state law by diverting millions in tax revenue meant to improve 911 calls, state audit finds
Officials repeatedly ignored guidance regarding their $4.5 million purchase to boost law enforcement radio connection at a government building in Tacoma, jeopardizing federal funding.
Idaho approves $15M grant to upgrade emergency response system to Next Generation 911
The Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission approved a $15 million grant to modernize the state’s 911 emergency response system.
911 looks to AI to filter out non-emergency calls
The technology is helping answer non-emergency calls and otherwise free up dispatchers to focus on true emergencies that they otherwise would have needed to forward along.
