Public Safety

"One of my top priorities is to unify this department and to create a common culture."

"Seven years after the 9-11 terror attacks, it is clear that the need to alert first responders and citizens in the event of a disaster via text message, cell phone or other PDA-type devices still exists."

The kits are capable of spot detection of anthrax, ricin toxin, botulinum toxin, plague and SEBs.

Technological advances spur growth of large-scale video surveillance networks.

Needed: better methods of distributing knowledge about potential terrorist attacks, coordinated public response mechanisms and improved networks of communications.

Improved governance for interoperable communications the goal of nine-month policy academy program.

Numerous experts in emergency management and homeland security have suggested now is the time to remove FEMA from the bureaucracy within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Emergency management agencies must invest in response.

A public-private partnership's legacy left Kansas communities prepared for a recent tornado.

Office of volunteer management will coordinate thousands of volunteer responders during disasters.

Homeland security science and technology chief outlines priorities and current projects: interoperability, counter IEDs, cyber security, container scanners, personnel locators, biometric identification, vehicle disabling technology and a breathing apparatus.

The Washington State Department of Transportation finds the ubiquitous Web 2.0 app to be a real tweet when Web site traffic is high.

Major shooting incidents highlight need for preparation.

"Safeguarding critical [data] is not just an IT issue; it's a business continuity issue, and the opposite can cause you financial loss and an inability to serve your customers."

"By upgrading 911 and 311 to accept photos and video, we are bringing government accountability -- and crime-fighting -- to a whole new level."

Alerts can include an approaching tornado, a telephone outage disrupting 911 emergency services, local roads overrun by flash floods, chemical releases or oil spills, or the urgent need to be on the lookout for an abducted child.

Radio Over Wireless Broadband (ROW-B) project will demonstrate how to connect existing wireless radio systems with advanced broadband technologies, such as laptops and smart phones.

People and governance challenges delay nationwide communications interoperability.