First Responders

Drones can enhance emergency response, but they’re only one part of the public safety toolkit, ideally making the jobs of the officers and first responders safer and more efficient.

The purchase of CloudGavel promises to give Tyler more software for electronic warrants — which can improve safety and speed. Tyler and other vendors are counting on public safety for even more growth.

The small mountain town of Vail, Colo., has introduced agentic AI tools to aid in fire detection, public engagement and other areas. Being more efficient with mundane, everyday tasks is a key focus.

The new funding round follows the recent acquisition by the company of a Canada-based emergency communications tech provider. RapidSOS has raised more than $450 million since its launch in 2012.

City-commissioned independent research found that the gun detection technology was accurate and improved police response times, but noted that it doesn't integrate with other technology and doesn't deter crime.

The grants, for which public agencies must apply, promise to benefit the business of government technology. The federal agency also announced $500 million in grants for protection against unlawful use of drones.

Clark County first responders report their current 911 infrastructure is long overdue for a digital transformation. The county proposes a $1 monthly fee per telephone line to help offset costs.

RapidSOS, backed by Black Rock, acquired the Canadian company as gov tech suppliers race to sell the last tools for emergency calls and responses. It follows a larger Axon acquisition announced last week.

Axon announced its acquisition of 911 tech provider Prepared earlier this year. This new $625 million buyout of the emergency dispatch and communications tech firm is meant to help Axon craft a public safety ecosystem.

NERIS is set to replace a 50-year-old emergency incident reporting program on a Jan. 1 nationwide rollout. The new system has presented business opportunities for suppliers of government technology.

A new after-action report from the Los Angeles Police Department says poor coordination with the Fire Department contributed to evacuation delays and chaos during the Palisades Fire in January.

Currently the city spends over $1 million a year on EMS transport for its frequent 911 callers, most of whom have a mental health diagnosis. The iPads will connect them with help, relieving strain on first responders.

As part of National First Responders Day, Gov. Kathy Hochul highlighted new initiatives including a program that aims to assist public safety agencies to create or improve their own responder wellness efforts.

The idea behind the new technology is to enable quicker emergency response in case of school shootings or weapons threats. The effort reflects larger trends in public safety and government technology.

Long considered more of an Eastern Washington issue, the head of the state Department of Natural Resources said Monday that about 40 percent of the fires this season were in the western part of the state.

The supplier of public safety technology, which sells AI-based gun detection tools, has launched "aerial detection kits." The company joins peers that have already taken to the skies via drones.

In a significant upgrade of care for patients who have suffered blood loss, paramedics can now provide whole blood rather than saline. Only about 1 percent of the country's EMS agencies carry whole blood.

The program, a partnership among law enforcement in Grant County and Moses Lake, Wash., as well as the county's behavioral health organization, sends mental health professionals with police to respond to people in crisis.