Public Safety
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Many still operate using outdated technology and are prone to cyberattacks, leading advocates and lawmakers to call for more funding to make up the shortfall.
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.
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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.
New proposal requires weapons detection systems at all Georgia public schools
If passed, the Georgia bill would require weapons detection systems to be set up at every student point of entry at public schools.
FirstNet reauthorization effort hits Congress
A Senate subcommittee discussed reupping the public safety network’s authority before it lapses next year, while a new House bill would do the same.
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.
