Justice and Public Safety

Los Angeles Police Getting Results from Crime-Predicting Software

July 2, 2012 - The software creates a “heat map” that was found to be more accurate than seasoned police veterans at predicting where crimes would happen next.

Weather Warnings Ready for U.S. Cellphone Alerting System

June 29, 2012 - The National Weather Service can now send Wireless Emergency Alerts to cellphones based on their location.

NYC Red Light Cameras May Save Wallet, Hurt Pride

June 28, 2012 - No longer issuing fines from 40 red light cameras, New York City is looking for a way to make use of the cameras it already bought and paid for.

Video Chat with Police in Redwood City, Calif.

June 28, 2012 - The service is not to be used for emergency purposes as a replacement for 911.

Report: FBI Fingerprint Database Adds Iris, Face, Palm Scans

June 28, 2012 - The expansion is part of a multiyear $1 billion program now under way.

Big Data Is a ‘New Natural Resource,’ IBM Says

June 27, 2012 - IBM researchers explain the need for big data in the public sector, calling it the “new natural resource.”

Mobile Field Reporting Comes to San Francisco Police

June 27, 2012 - New class of cadets to pilot an app that aims to increase community presence by 40 percent.

Dynamic Maps Track Colorado Wildfires

June 27, 2012 - Web-based tools provide important emergency-related information to the public and government agencies.

Sex Offenders on Facebook: What’s Their Status?

June 25, 2012 - Federal court rulings have states trying different approaches to regulate convicted sex offenders on social networks.

Defibrillators in Nevada Tracked in Web-Based Registry

June 21, 2012 - Online database highlights the location and status of life-saving equipment throughout the Silver State.

Local Georgia Cops Get Access to Palm Print Database

June 20, 2012 - Crime scene investigators in Richmond County, Ga., are using a new biometric database and equipment to scan and store palm print scans.

The Many Benefits of 3-D Maps

June 19, 2012 - Columbia County, Ga., is getting much more than traffic accident data out of 3-D technology.

Feds to Conduct 'Connected Vehicle' Pilot in August

June 19, 2012 - U.S. Department of Transportation is studying technology that allows cars to communicate with each other in order to warn drivers of potential crashes.

Tablets Help Court Go Paperless in Texas

June 12, 2012 - IPads have made a digital courtroom a reality for the Wichita Falls Municipal Court.

Local Cops Use Mobile Devices to Log Crime Scene Data

June 5, 2012 - Bar code-generating software allows police to record and enter items while on the move.

How Jails Customize TV Programming for Inmates

May 29, 2012 - Lincoln County Jail in Oregon has installed a new Web-based system that allows staff to control inmates’ TV programs.

Who Will Help Set Up the National Public Safety Network?

May 23, 2012 - Commerce Department issues wish list for board members who will guide a national broadband framework for first responders.

Report: Federal Judge Threatens Takeover of Oakland PD

May 22, 2012 - Effective computer system needed to monitor department activities, Oakland officials say a bidding process will commence soon.

Joplin, Missouri, Gets New Digital Home

May 22, 2012 - Rebuilding efforts span physical and digital domains on anniversary of devastating tornado.

Digital Billboards to Alert Texas Counties in Emergencies

May 16, 2012 - Four Texas counties plan to use digital billboards to notify residents during emergency situations.