Public Safety
Beyond 99.9%: Why public safety can’t afford 'standard' uptime
COMMENTARY | First responders rely on various technologies that all must work continuously, but that responsibility is also a challenge that needs strategic planning.
Oklahoma city launches portal to help staff field and prioritize 911 calls
The web-based portal will eventually integrate with the city’s CAD system, helping to streamline response times and operations across the police, fire and emergency medical departments, one official says.
Virginia governor signs rideshare safety bills tightening driver-checks, in-app protections
The new laws require stronger identity verification, expanded background screenings and optional audio, video recording during rides.
US Supreme Court weighs how far police investigations can go in using cellphone location data
31 states and DC argue that geofence warrants can be more precise than many traditional investigative methods.
States use data to ‘push back’ on federal immigration enforcement
Officials are launching public data reporting tools to gather community members’ reports on harmful and potentially unlawful actions from federal agents, which experts say could inform legal actions in the future.
DeSantis pressures House to pass AI Bill of Rights, references FSU shooting
“I think voters are going to look and say, ‘Why are you siding with big tech against the people of this state?'”
Two fixes, one lifeline: What Congress must do to strengthen 911 in every community
COMMENTARY | Legislation is on the table to improve the technology that call centers rely on, and better classify the workforce. The need for action is urgent.
House committee approves FirstNet reauthorization
The effort will now move to the House floor ahead of the February deadline to reauthorize the public safety communications network’s authority for another decade.
New program offers cities support for drone first responder programs
The National League of Cities has launched an initiative to support cities’ education and exploration of drone technologies that can enhance public safety agencies’ response to 911 calls.
Tech issues continue to haunt 911 systems
Many still operate using outdated technology and are prone to cyberattacks, leading advocates and lawmakers to call for more funding to make up the shortfall.
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City leaders predict ‘real bad trouble’ if FirstNet isn’t reauthorized
The reauthorization push ahead of the February deadline arrived at a National League of Cities conference this week as the effort moves through Congress.
A new kind of fire detection technology comes to a California county
San Bernardino County is building a network of sensors that detect when high-risk lightning strikes the ground, giving fire officials an early warning to weather events that could escalate into wild fires.
As Detroit weighs renewal, ShotSpotter data raises cost-benefit questions
The city has spent $7 million on the gunshot detection system, while response-time data shows mixed results.
Virtual crisis care helps rural communities access mental health resources in emergencies
On-demand access to mental health professionals offers law enforcement new resources to de-escalate crises.
Leaders sound the alarm for physical and cyber attacks ahead of summer World Cup
A lack of federal grant funding and information sharing could hamper preparations, they said, and leave cities vulnerable to physical or cyberattacks when games get underway.
Language accessibility grows as a priority for public safety officials
One California county is turning to tech to better communicate with its non-English speaking population amid increasing fears about immigration enforcement in the U.S.
When every second counts: government tech helps first responders’ lifesaving missions
For first responders facing unpredictable moments, tech that helps them safely navigate dangerous environments is critical.
Arizona Senate panel advances bill that shields police surveillance cameras from public scrutiny
Republican legislation exempts license plate reader data from public records despite sponsor’s claims about preventing overreach.
Public safety thrives on faster, more accurate data management, officials say
Public safety departments in Massachusetts are embracing a more innovative operations platform in order to boost their response times and data capabilities, officials say.
Super Bowl gears up for massive security operation
While immigration officials will reportedly not be present at the San Francisco game this weekend, a raft of federal, state and local agencies will be on site to keep the event safe from various threats.
