Justice and Public Safety
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Minnesota wants widespread roadside drug testing, but pilot data reveals key limitations and practicality concerns agencies must consider. Government Technology broke down the data within "spit" test discrepancies. -
The Oceanside Police Department has been offered grant money for a 13-month trial of new first responder drones that can soar from a downtown rooftop within seconds of a 911 call.
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Yuba City and Marysville would participate with Yuba and Sutter counties in joining an integrated public safety information system. The endeavor is contingent on the former county securing a $2.6 million federal grant.
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The City Council signed off recently on spending $240,000 for 32 automatic license plate reader cameras, and three surveillance cameras. Two members did, however, express concerns about privacy and surveillance.
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The project is nearing completion, with training on the new court management system slated to begin this spring. Paid for entirely by federal funds, it will eventually allow for electronic filing of court documents.
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As dozens of other states have moved their own court records online, Maine still largely remains in the world of paper files, even though the state has spent more than $17 million trying to catch up.
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The Cedar Rapids Police Department recently finished installing stationary license plate reader cameras, which scan plates and run them through national crime databases.
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The FBI has alerted smartphone users nationwide to delete fake texts pretending to be from toll road services, delivery companies, or government agencies, saying the smishing scam is moving state to state.
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Gov. Brian Kemp signed a budget including $5.7 million for upgrades and House Bill 423 would help transition to Next-Generation 911 standards after the state's outdated 911 systems have struggled to handle call volume.
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The FBI has issued a warning about a new text-based smishing scam in which recipients receive messages saying that they owe fake charges for using highways.
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Commissioners have approved a new system that will ensure staff at the county jail check inmates the preferred four times per day. Actions such as administering medication and other daily needs will each require a scan.
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A proposed law would require the state Department of Correction to produce a report on what it would take to institute non-invasive body scanners in order to limit the use of strip searches.
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Law enforcement officials in Chippewa County, Wisc., are preparing to undergo new training Thursday that aims to advance their skills in crisis interventions, response and de-escalation.
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Police officials say modern tech like license plate readers placed throughout their cities has been instrumental in aiding patrol officers in locating stolen vehicles, wanted suspects and missing people.
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Utilizing artificial intelligence in policing programs contributed to a decrease in homicides in 2024 compared to previous years in Macon-Bibb County, according to local officials.
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The state Department of Motor Vehicles announced availability of the digital driver’s license, learner permit or ID in June 2024. It is accepted at a growing number of businesses and airports in New York and nationally.
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The public safety technology firm has partnered with home security company Arlo to provide more video data to first responders. The service could speed up responses and reduce false alarms.
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Despite concerns of some members, the Niagara Falls City Council voted unanimously to approve a request by police to purchase and install two dozen pole-mounted cameras capable of reading license plates.
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As part of its proposed 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, Maggie Valley Police Department is seeking funding for the two cameras. Their installation would connect the department to data from a national camera network.
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As some public safety agencies are experiencing more flexibility and speed in getting waivers from the Federal Aviation Administration for advanced drone programs, experts predict the use of UAS to rapidly rise.
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As anger builds toward public-sector officials, at least one online privacy data company is reporting increased interest in its services. The company’s leader discusses his response to the current tension.
