Public Safety
How one school system is turning to AI to boost safety
Loudoun County, Virginia Public Schools will start using the tech to monitor footage from security cameras for anything that appears to be out of the norm.
How prenegotiated, cooperative procurement helps drive innovation for governments
The Texas Department of Information Resources is leveraging state-level procurement negotiations to help deliver innovative solutions to local public safety organizations.
Feds expect Iran’s cyber forces will target US networks after strikes on nuclear sites
Iran has often targeted U.S. digital systems. Last year, Iranian hackers pilfered and distributed sensitive documents from inside President Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign.
Uber, Lyft oppose some bills that aim to prevent assaults during rides
The companies argue they have sufficient safety features within their apps.
How prediction analysis can help further cut traffic deaths
COMMENTARY | Just over 39,000 people died in traffic fatalities last year, a number that is still too high but represents a 4% drop from 2023. Technology can help reduce that figure more.
T-Mobile is using 5G, drones and AI to help first responders
The provider’s T-Priority 5G network slicing solution aims to give first responders enhanced connectivity services in disaster zones.
New data dashboard aims to help police, policymakers tackle crime
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments has released a data tool to improve crime reduction efforts and increase data transparency in communities.
Alaska city turns to cloud to enhance emergency dispatch services
After losing power from a windstorm and a hurricane in recent years, the Fairbanks Emergency Communications Center is tapping into cloud technology to ensure dispatch services won’t be disrupted during future events.
Police department turns to new data tool to boost performance
The Rochester, New York, Police Department started using a tool known as Commons in April. It provides frequently updated criminal justice data and can help set policy goals.
Washington to rein in fast drivers with speed limiters
A new state law set to take effect in 2029 will require repeat speeding offenders to install the devices in their vehicles.
Featured eBooks
Texas lawmakers want to spend millions on Child ID kits. Experts say there’s no evidence they work.
Texas legislators slipped millions for child ID kits into a 1,000-page budget proposal. The move comes two years after they quietly cut funding for such kits following a ProPublica and Texas Tribune report that showed there’s no evidence they work.
‘Spy High:’ Amazon documentary probes dangers of online student surveillance
Filmmaker uses infamous 2010 ‘WebcamGate’ case to examine present-day threats to student privacy and digital policing of marginalized kids.
How AI is transforming state and local investigations
COMMENTARY | The technology can help process data quicker and sift through what can be distressing evidence. But agencies must tread carefully and have the right policies and training in place to be successful.
FirstNet seeks engagement, outreach support from industry
The winner of this five-year pact will also contribute to the network's roadmap and strategy for incorporating new technologies.
Law enforcement taps drones to improve response times and safety
By allowing drone operators to listen in on 911 calls in real time, a Georgia police department aims to enhance public safety operations.
State and local governments continue fight drug epidemic with tech
From at-home devices to federal lab testing, state and local officials are finding new ways to leverage tech to curb drug overdoses in their communities.
Call centers continue to field AI-generated 911 calls
Some personal and home devices can automatically call 911 when they detect potentially unsafe conditions. For dispatchers, leveraging tech could be key to handling a rise in those alerts.
AI-backed stop sign cameras help slow down drivers
States and localities are experimenting with the technology to catch scofflaws, but are still verifying suspected violations using human officers.
Public safety, government groups call for FirstNet reauthorization
The collection of 17 public safety and local organizations said it is “imperative” that the FirstNet Authority be reauthorized before it expires in 2027.
Advocates gear up for FirstNet reauthorization push
The dedicated public safety communications network's authority runs out in 2027. Supporters don’t want to see the service interrupted given the good it has done already.
