Public Safety
Smartphone data helps Ohio ‘be smarter’ about reducing distracted driving
The Ohio Department of Transportation is leveraging data from smartphones and sensors to inform the state’s strategies to tackle distracted driving.
Utah bill requires AI companies to share safety plans for children and the public
The legislation would increase company transparency but wouldn’t ‘micromanage algorithms,’ sponsor says.
Scottsdale PD’s massive use of AI license plate tracking cameras raises privacy concerns in Arizona
Scottsdale police conducted 12,527 searches of nationwide license plate database, nearly 1-in-4 queries by state agencies.
DHS launches office for drone and counter-drone technologies
The agency said the new office is already in the process of finalizing a $115 million investment in counter-drone tech that will be used to help secure the FIFA World Cup and activities celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Defense law includes expanded counter-drone authority
The National Defense Authorization Act included legislation to reauthorize federal agencies’ authority to bring down drones through 2028 and help state and local agencies do the same.
Worried about surveillance, states enact privacy laws and restrict license plate readers
As part of its deportation efforts, the Trump administration has made a push for personal data.
Failure to activate: When Utah officers violate body-cam policies
The Utah Investigative Journalism Project filed nearly 170 records requests with 48 Utah law enforcement agencies about body camera use.
The drone threat is here. Is your community ready?
COMMENTARY | The technology exists to mitigate threats, and governments must act now to make policy and planning decisions, get people trained and establish a command structure.
Texas city launches a new dashboard to fill gaps in gun violence data
Accidental shootings are often overlooked by officials when considering efforts to reduce gun violence incidents, one Houston city official said.
Bill to allow police to down drones spurs questions from lawmakers
A broadly written bill that would allow local police to shoot down drones attracted questions from lawmakers.
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New York City launches new emergency communications vehicle to improve public safety responses
The vehicle serves as a mobile tech center to improve cross-agency coordination during critical events.
Montana lawmakers take a closer look at autonomous vehicles
Waymo officials were mum on the financial side of the business, but did describe the learning abilities of the software the cars run on. Essentially cars take photos of the route, learning curb heights and even if there’s a new pothole.
Kids and teens go full throttle for e-bikes as federal oversight stalls
States, counties and schools are stepping in to improve safety amid an uptick in e-bike injuries, while federal regulatory efforts stagnate.
State leaders push laws to bring down drones
While the federal government has ultimate authority over airspace, in the absence of firm action, more states are stepping up to protect residents from illegal drone activity.
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.
