Justice and Public Safety

The ALERTCalifornia network has the capability to funnel data to researchers studying the multiple environmental causes of wildfires, while also granting the public and first responders real-time visual access to detect threats.

More than 120 students within the Laguna Beach Unified School District participated in an electric bike safety program in exchange for a permit to park their bike on campus amid concerns about speeding and safety.

A rogue drone caused a roughly 30 minute ground stoppage at Pittsburgh International Airport earlier this week. Law enforcement is investigating the incident.

After several high-profile interstate shootings, city officials are calling for new technology to help catch those pulling the trigger. Unlike shootings in neighborhoods, the interstate often leaves police with few witnesses.

It’s the first time Amazon has offered this type of service for gov tech — and perhaps not the last. What’s behind this particular cloud-based push, and what does it mean for the broader world of gov tech?

Illinois legislators passed a bill recently that would expand police officers' ability to use surveillance drones for security purposes during special events like parades, festivals, concerts and races.

Police don't offer a single reason for this year's improvement, but a spokesman said it's due in part to the growing number of surveillance cameras throughout the city and better communication across the department.

Two groups are leading an effort to stop law enforcement agencies in California from sharing captured license plate data with agencies in states that have criminalized abortion. They fear the data could lead to charges.

The Hawaii Legislature appropriated $50 million in its recently passed state budget bill to begin building a 243-acre First Responder Technology Campus on Oahu. The effort has raised concerns about legislative transparency.

The Wilkes-Barre Police Department announced its participation in the Neighbors smartphone app program back in March, and residents have posted dozens of videos and photos related to crime and safety issues since then.

Plano police will utilize new controversial license plate camera readers that the law enforcement officials there say assist in recovering stolen vehicles and locating abducted children.

The Electronic Frontier Foundation and California's ACLU chapters have asked more than 70 law enforcement agencies in the state to stop sharing location data from automated license plate readers with agencies in anti-abortion states.

The Walpole Police Department is finalizing its policy for the drone it bought last year. The department has been using it off and on since last summer, and some have voiced privacy concerns about the technology.

The Iowa Department of Transportation is testing how well unmanned aerial systems – commonly called drones – can help to move traffic around wrecks, temporary road closures and construction zones.

Executives from some of the leading companies in the AI space have issued an intentionally vague warning meant to “open up discussion” around the rapidly evolving technology. The statement is another in a long line of warnings about the potential dangers of unchecked AI.

Parents and students supporting the the implementation of metal detectors and armed security at Township High School District 113 clashed with protesters this week, and a survey had mixed results.

For now, these delivery trucks making stops at Sam’s Clubs, Krogers and other destinations do have a human behind the wheel — a safety driver in case of emergencies or technology glitches. Soon, that will no longer be the case.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order a year ago instructing federal agents to begin wearing body cameras. Today, the majority of federal agents in Minnesota are still not wearing them.