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Bellingham, WA launches drone as first responder program for 911 calls
The Bellingham Police Department is launching a grant-funded Drone as First Responder program: when 911 calls come in, a licensed pilot can send a drone from one of three docking stations (the police station, the city's public works campus and Bellis Fair mall) to assess the scene within minutes. A $475,417 state grant funds the program through 2028, and police will host a public flight dashboard online.
Bellingham, WA
United States
Oceanside, CA expands police Drone as First Responder program citywide
The Oceanside City Council unanimously approved expanding the police Drone as a First Responder program with a five-year, $682,556 contract with Axon for autonomous drone docking stations, including two Skydio drone-in-a-box units. During a 13-month pilot, the drone responded to about 1,300 calls, was first on scene in over 1,000, and cleared 392 calls without dispatching officers.
Oceanside, CA
United States
Detroit, MI pilots cloud-based traffic signal priority for fire trucks
The Detroit Fire Department teamed up with HAAS Alert and Miovision on a 90-day pilot at select intersections in Corktown, within the city's Transportation Innovation Zone, using cloud, GPS and cellular connectivity in fire trucks and at intersections to turn traffic lights green ahead of emergency vehicles. Pilots in smaller cities have shown a 70 percent reduction in crashes involving emergency vehicles and 25 percent faster arrivals to scenes.
Detroit, MI
United States
Orange County, FL upgrades to next-gen 911 so residents can text and video first responders
Orange County transitioned its emergency communications from analog to digital next-generation 911, enabling residents to send videos and texts directly to first responders alongside traditional voice calls. The upgrade modernizes how the county handles emergencies, giving responders richer information and making 911 more accessible to residents who may struggle with voice-only communication.
Orange County, FL
United States
Seminole County, FL deploys low-code wilderness rescue app
The Seminole County Fire Department developed an in-house app to enhance wilderness rescue operations, particularly for locating lost individuals in the county's 55 square miles of wilderness. The app, built using low-code platforms like Microsoft Power Apps, integrates GPS coordinates and real-time data to guide rescuers efficiently. The department plans to expand the app's capabilities and share it with other agencies to improve regional emergency response.
Seminole County, FL
United States
Marion County, WV deploys Vision AI tech to enhance public safety
Marion County, WV is utilizing Colorado-based company ROC's Vision AI technology as part of a smart city initiative to enhance public safety and emergency response. The deployment integrates ROC's multimodal recognition capabilities, including facial recognition and gun detection, with existing security systems like license plate readers and body cameras, to provide real-time security monitoring, situational awareness, and actionable intelligence to law enforcement and first responders.
Marion County, WV
United States
Spokane County, WA launches high-tech crime center
The Spokane County Sheriff's Office has launched a new Real Time Crime Center to enhance public safety through advanced technology. The center allows deputies to access real-time data from various sources like surveillance cameras and social media to respond to incidents more effectively. This center is the first of its kind in Washington, aiming to prevent and solve crimes more efficiently.
Spokane County, WA
United States
Hickman County, TN uses AI dashcams to enhance policing
In Hickman County, TN, a rural area with limited law enforcement resources, new AI-powered dashcams from Motive are being deployed to enhance policing. These dashcams not only record criminal activities but also monitor officer driving behavior to improve safety for both the public and police. This technology represents a broader trend of AI integration in government services, potentially transforming small-town policing by providing more accountability and safety.
Hickman County, TN
United States
Mansfield, OH uses drones to improve emergency response
Mansfield, Ohio, is set to enhance its emergency response capabilities by incorporating new drone technology, which will provide real-time aerial data during emergencies. The drones will assist first responders by offering aerial views of incidents, improving situational awareness and decision-making. This initiative aims to ensure quicker and more efficient responses to various emergencies, ultimately enhancing public safety in the community.
Mansfield, OH
United States
New York, NY deploys drones to assist with emergency management and damage assessment
In response to severe storms and flooding in New York City, Mayor Eric Adams is deploying drones to assist with emergency management and damage assessment. The drones are intended to provide real-time aerial views to help coordinate response efforts and identify areas in need of immediate attention. This initiative aims to enhance the city's ability to manage and mitigate the impacts of extreme weather events.
New York, NY
United States
Suffolk, VA to launch Marcus Alert System
The City of Suffolk is preparing to implement the Marcus Alert system, aimed at improving responses to mental health crises. This initiative follows state legislation mandating new protocols for such emergencies. The city aims to enhance coordination between law enforcement and mental health professionals to better serve individuals in crisis situations.
Suffolk, VA
United States
Seattle, WA aims to hasten demolition of derelict buildings
The Seattle City Council has unanimously passed emergency legislation enabling the Seattle Fire Department to order the demolition or remediation of unsafe vacant buildings posing public safety risks. This move follows a significant increase in fires at derelict buildings, which have become hazardous and have led to several fatalities. The law mandates that property owners cover the costs of making these sites safe, with the city authorized to conduct necessary abatement work and place liens.
Seattle, WA
United States