Public Safety
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.
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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.
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.
