Justice and Public Safety

Public safety is among the hottest areas in gov tech, and JonPaul Augier had a big role in helping to modernize the largest fire department in the U.S. He offers lessons and a look ahead in an exit interview.

Albuquerque's legislative wish list includes some $40 million to boost video surveillance capabilities through the Real Time Crime Center as well as an expansion of the existing gunshot detection system.

In an attempt to remove some of the mystery and danger that accompanies one of law enforcement’s most hazardous jobs, agencies in Ohio are outfitting their SWAT teams with cutting-edge tech.

Members of the Coalition on Public Protection say the police department's proposed acquisition of fixed-site license plate readers represents a major expansion of surveillance that should trigger public input.

Researchers found that they could use generative AI to extract location data from tweets sent during Hurricane Harvey that would help first responders find exact locations for stranded residents.

License plate-reading cameras are springing up across Bakersfield and Kern County, bringing an added level of security that local law enforcement agencies say makes a significant dent in crime.

A Lauderdale County, Miss., grand jury is recommending that the Meridian Police Department improve its surveillance and body camera systems and video storage to deter crime and assist with investigations.

As courts grapple with a growing need for more reporters, some are considering turning to automated speech-to-text tools and other less traditional alternatives.

Ten weeks of work by the nonprofit program were presented and demonstrated on Monday to Kalispell Police Chief Jordan Venezio and a room full of members and their families.

Orleans Parish has become an early adopter of a new Carbyne 911 translation platform, reflecting a larger trend in public safety. What lessons have been learned so far, and what might happen next?

The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety gave New Jersey and 33 other states mediocre marks in its 2024 annual report grading state safety laws. One issue noted in the report was a lack of speed enforcement cameras legislation.

Marion County Schools in West Virginia will expand its use of facial recognition technology to cross-reference photos of school visitors with photos pulled from the West Virginia State Police's sex offender registry.

After dozens of fires caused by combusting batteries used in electric scooters and bikes in recent years, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors is set to consider imposing new restrictions on the rechargeable devices.

City leaders are considering buying nearly three dozen new fixed-site automated license plate readers, which would nearly double the police department's supply of the stationary devices.

On Tuesday night, around 50 people, including law enforcement, civic leaders, journalists and citizens, turned up to the police academy to see a demonstration of the new drones and ask questions.

Alabama’s 48-year-old grand jury secrecy law looms over two separate cases that are drawing national attention while raising questions over what constitutes legitimate legal secrets in South Alabama.

Eight months after launching LASAR, a bespoke app for students and community members to send anonymous tips about dangerous or suspicious behavior, Los Angeles Unified School District has logged 591 reports.

The Portland City Council voted unanimously this week to spend up to $2.6 million to outfit more than 800 police officers with body-worn cameras next year, making permanent a pilot program that launched this summer.