Justice and Public Safety

Oregon Tries Data-Driven Youth Reform

May 3, 2012 - The professionals still make the decisions about treatment in the Oregon Youth Authority, but a new system informs those decisions.

Web App Lets Users Bookmark Favorite Court Cases

May 2, 2012 - New Web application allows users to search and bookmark court cases from the Charleston County, S.C., Circuit Court.

Genetics Privacy Bill Advances in California

April 25, 2012 - California legislation would prohibit unauthorized DNA testing.

Advanced DNA Forensics Lab Coming to Southeast Texas

April 19, 2012 - Harris County is transforming an abandoned bakery plant into a futuristic DNA analysis center.

Facial ID Tech Being Tested at Alabama County Jail

April 18, 2012 - Calhoun County sheriff has big plans for facial recognition technology in his jurisdiction and potentially throughout Alabama.

Cellphone Blocking Moves Ahead in California Prisons

April 18, 2012 - California soon will be the first state in the nation to implement a “managed access” system statewide on prison grounds, official says.

Philadelphia Police Officers to Start Tweeting at Work

April 17, 2012 - The department’s communications director says the Philadelphia Police hope the move will help build trust with the community.

New Tech Aims to Speed Airport Screenings

April 16, 2012 - Machines check the validity of identification cards and boarding passes as passengers move through airport security.

Next-Generation 911 Is Finally Poised to Take Off

April 13, 2012 - Although much work remains nationwide, several states are in the process of deploying statewide IP networks for NG911.

Cape Cod, Mass., Moves Forward with Broadband Network

April 12, 2012 - Government agencies could share regional applications and GIS databases once an infrastructure project is complete.

National Emergency Alert System Goes Live

April 10, 2012 - FEMA’s new Commercial Mobile Alert System broadcasts emergency alert notifications to citizens’ cellphones based on location.

App Wins Federal Challenge, Aims to Prevent Date Rape

April 10, 2012 - “Circle of 6” program makes messaging friends for help a discreet two-tap process.

Kansas State Police Share Data System with Local Cops

April 9, 2012 - The Kansas Highway Patrol is sharing its integrated field reporting, records management, electronic ticketing and court management system with local law enforcement agencies.

Search Warrants With E-Signatures Come to California

April 6, 2012 - The Butte County, Calif., District Attorney’s Office announced that local judges now can sign off on search warrants with e-signatures.

Indiana School Bus Inspections Rev Up With New App

April 4, 2012 - The Indiana State Police is testing a new Web app to assist with school bus inspections that are mandated by the state and federal government.

Crime Analysis Tech Aiding Local Cops in California

April 2, 2012 - The Rialto Police Department in California uses a sophisticated software program that gives officers a heads up on crime trends in the city.

Washington, D.C.’s Criminal Case Initiation Project Automates Court Processes

March 30, 2012 - Multiple arresting agencies in Washington, D.C., collaborate and hammer out agreements to build a law enforcement and justice information network.

5 Ways to Thwart Copper Thieves

March 26, 2012 - Public agencies employ many strategies and technologies to protect critical infrastructure.

Report: Hacking Lands Florida Wastewater Official in Hot Water

March 26, 2012 - The ex-chief financial officer of Florida’s Key Largo Wastewater Treatment District was arrested for allegedly hacking into the district’s computer system.

Secure ID for Massachusetts Police Takes Off

March 22, 2012 - Uniform security features will thwart police impersonators, officials say.