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National News

Public Safety Technology in the News

October 15, 2013 posted by Steve Brownstein

Justice Department Awards $5.1 Million to Curb Gangs, Reduce Gun Violence

The U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance, recently awarded $5.1 million in Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) funding to 16 communities for programs to reduce crime associated with gang and gun violence. Past PSN funding has been linked to a decline in violence in cities receiving funding. The program, led by the U.S. Attorney in each recipient district, is based on cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.


Highway Patrol to Catch Auto Thieves Using Bait Vehicles

The Ohio State Highway Patrol plans to use “bait vehicles” in communities with high auto theft rates; the cars come equipped with GPS tracking and in-car video surveillance. If one of the vehicles is stolen, officers can track the cars and then shut them off using remote control.

London Police Use Super Recognizers to Fight Crime

Since 2011, New Scotland Yard has recruited about 200 London police officers for an elite squad of “super recognizers,” individuals who “never forget a face.” Following the London riots of 2011, one of these officers alone identified nearly 300 people. Only one successful recognition came from a facial recognition software program.


Digital Forensics Helps Officers Solve Crimes

The Chippewa Valley Regional Computer Forensic Laboratory (CVRCFL), a joint effort among the Eau Claire (Wis.) police and sheriff’s departments and the Altoona Police Department, allows these smaller agencies to afford the services of specially trained digital evidence investigators. The agencies work together to provide personnel and share costs, some of which come through donations from the public.


Silent Alarm Buttons Installed in Local Schools to Enhance Safety

Nearly 100 schools in Pennsylvania’s Delaware County recently underwent installation of a “silent alarm” system that allows teachers to summon help from 911 simply by pushing a red button located under their desks. The county is using grant money to install the system in all of its schools; installation is ongoing.


Putnam Sheriff’s Department to Pilot New WiFi Program

Two new Wi-Fi hotspots and upgrades at sheriff’s department headquarters in Winfield will enable deputies in West Virginia’s Putnam County to file incident reports electronically. Previously, deputies had to return to Winfield after every incident to file a paper report. The new system will allow them to spend more time in the field.


State, Local Police Turn to Robots for Help With Sensitive Situations

Various Massachusetts municipalities increasingly take advantage of the availability of more than 13 robots “housed” by the Massachusetts State Police Bomb Squad. On average, the robots go out on calls two to three times a week, whenever there is suspicion of explosives, and in many barricade and hostage situations. A state police spokesman says the devices should not be thought of as belonging to that agency, but rather to all of Massachusetts.


State Committee Studies School Safety Options

Vigo County’s program of hiring former police officers as school protection officers is being hailed as a model for other school districts in Indiana. The school district splits the cost of hiring the officers with local government, and the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department and Terre Haute Police Department provide job oversight. The officers’ primary duty is to provide a line of defense if an incident of school violence occurs.

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