Justice and Public Safety

A House bill would create a database to track information on the progress of certain individuals with felony convictions. Its aim would be to help those eligible determine whether their voting rights could be restored.

The court, which first acknowledged the incident Sunday night, has been shuttered four days this week by the online incident. Its internal systems, software and website have been taken offline.

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.

A tip to the Sandy Hook Promise Say Something Anonymous Reporting System prevented a mass shooting this month at Mooresville High School in Indiana. The system allows students to submit tips via app, website or hotline.

Eric Hayden, the city’s CIO and CTO, is helping oversee a refresh of emergency and fire response via artificial intelligence, which helps guide efforts and increase capabilities in the state’s third most populous city.

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.

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.

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.

Two dozen new outdoor cameras capable of reading license plates may soon be in operation at locations selected by the police department across the city of Niagara Falls.

A phishing scam targeting residents in the Maryland city about unpaid parking tickets is not connected or related to an ongoing “cyber incident” disrupting some services in the county.

The state has rolled out access to real-time aerial surveillance technology to all Ohio law enforcement agencies. The technology includes live video feeds and infrared capabilities, and could transform suspect searches.

Advancing broadband deployment and equity means expanding the technology to institutions like correctional facilities, panelists said at the recent Expanding Digital Opportunity: Charting a Path Toward Full Inclusion conference.

The deal comes as emergency communications and dispatch technology offers more real-time data and mapping tools, among other advances. RapidDeploy launched in 2013 and has raised more than $80 million in funding.

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ fiscal year 2026 proposed budget recommendations include funding for state IT projects across criminal justice. Initiatives include hardening security, replacing infrastructure and a platform upgrade.

State legislators have introduced a bill that would activate mobile or digital driver’s licenses, and ID cards. The benefits, a sponsoring state senator said, include streamlining identification and age verification.

The city’s commission has approved the purchase of three drones at a cost of more than $15,000. Police, who have 10 licensed drone pilots, will use them in searches, rescues, and to follow fleeing suspects.

The advanced cameras — which have faced criticism over privacy concerns — are being installed in southwest Dallas, and officials say they will combat violent crime and bolster public safety.

Emergency services must develop strong crisis communication plans to effectively combat misinformation and ensure that accurate, timely info is reaching the public.