Local Government

A study found that York City, Pa., could feasibly set up a 55-camera system to surveil the entire city. But the initial $3.4 million investment and ongoing costs is a hurdle for the municipality of roughly 44,000 people.

State and local officials are giving residents the ability to map and submit redistricting proposals online, to better gather feedback and provide the sort of transparency that could reduce gerrymandering fears.

In an effort to avoid shooting or tazing people who just need to be restrained, 15 law enforcement departments in Colorado are either using or testing a lassoing device called the BolaWrap.

Both Eddie Kim and Ying Chan have decades of experience in both the public and private sectors. The appointments fill out Lloyd’s executive IT team within the the city of San Jose, Calif.

As two cities — Buffalo, N.Y., and Fairfax, Va. — embark on projects to implement augmented reality technology, questions arise on the effects the new tool will have in their communities.

Since 2017, the Vallejo Police Department has utilized drones for a variety of public safety missions. Now, the agency will expand its drone program, with an emphasis on public outreach and transparency.

Both the district attorney’s office in Mesa County, Colo., and the Colorado Secretary of State’s Office are examining the details of an alleged data breach that exposed passwords for local elections equipment.

Departments in Twin Falls County, Idaho, are not able to operate normally because of a cyber attack. Because of the local court system’s current lack of activity, 275 hearings have been pushed to a later date.

The acquisition of MUNIRevs stands as the first major deal for the new Kofile subsidiary. The deal also gives GovOS a presence in the short-term rental space, which is trying to recover from the pandemic.

A new training guide aims to help local, state and federal employees chart the way to cybersecurity roles and skill development resources, while a new entity will coordinate cyber defense across all levels of government.

Thanks to a judge’s permission, Hartford County authorities wiretapped a suspect’s Facebook audio calls in 2020 for a drug trafficking case. A handful of similar wiretaps have occurred in Maryland since 2018.

Tonight, employees of Kalispell, Mont., will discuss with the city council how GIS and drones are already utilized in the city and how such technology could be expanded to even more local departments.

According to a statement released yesterday, officials in Joplin, Mo., believe the city lost its computer system in early July due to a ransomware attack. A ransom was paid to prevent sensitive data from being released.

Sometime before midday, YouTube removed a video recording of Tuesday’s St Louis County, Mo., council meeting for violating its terms on COVID-19 misinformation, but by about 6 p.m., YouTube had changed its mind.

With the help of multispectral imaging technology, the city of Fairfax, Va., has uncovered hidden meaning in the graffiti left behind in a historical site by Union soldiers during the Civil War.

The auditor of Clark County, Wash., is experiencing greater pressure to ensure fair elections, so computers have been put in cages, locks have been put on USB ports, and more people have been trained to be observers.

Norman, Okla., wants to improve accessibility of transportation for its residents, especially those with disabilities. One city councilor has suggested Via, a rideshare company that serves 500 U.S. cities.

Governing bodies in Calhoun County, Ala., are considering whether to upgrade the county's P25 radio system for police, fire and other agencies. A study about options and costs will likely be conducted.