Chicago legislators urged the Chicago Police Department last week to consider using a device capable of detecting if motorists have been texting in cases that involve injury-related traffic accidents. Law enforcement officials would use the “Textalyzer” to scan a driver’s cellphone to determine if it was used to receive or send text messages during or just prior to a collision.
To help prepare the public for wildfires, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection released a new app called “Ready for Wildfire.”
Axon launched a new law enforcement initiative this month. The provider of connected law enforcement technologies will equip every police officer in the United States with a body camera–for free. Axon will also provide supporting hardware, software, data storage, training, and support to police departments free of cost for one year.
Active shooter situations are becoming increasingly common, with 142 school shootings in the United States since 2013. 21st Century State & Local talked to four active shooter solution providers to understand what technology is available to schools and colleges and the importance of deploying technology before there is an incident.
Chris Connors, CEO of Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), stressed the importance of having zero false alerts with shot detection technology. SDS’s solution, dubbed the Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System, boasts zero false alerts during its more than 16 million hours of use across the world. “It’s a major event when the sensor goes off, and we have to be right every time,” Connors said.
COPsync911 uses teacher- and staff-driven school safety tools to help improve communication between law enforcement and schools and reduce law enforcement response times during a violent situation.
ShotPoint, from Databuoy, is happy to run in the background of existing security technologies, according to company president and founder Kathleen Griggs. The shot location technology is designed to run in the background of existing security solutions, making it easy to implement and deploy. In an interview with 21st Century State & Local, Griggs explained that her company’s patented sensor mesh approach sets it apart from competitors.
SST’s SecureCampus uses sensors, the cloud, and occasionally trained experts to detect gunshots and then notify the police.
First responders said they are both cautious and optimistic about introducing their departments to some of the latest first responder technology, which was demonstrated at a Department of Homeland Security-sponsored event March 1.
The 2017 Dodge Charger Pursuit law enforcement vehicle will have technology that detects movement behind the vehicle through the use of its rear-facing camera and radar. The new technology is designed to help police avoid a dangerous ambush situation while in their vehicles.
