News

Communications Advancement Marches Forward

By Dave George FirstNet™ – The future of critical communications is riding on this network.  Traditionally, first responders are LMR users; however, it’s clear the transition to LTE cellular is on the horizon. A communications app developer recently described smartphones as a “shadow IP” which almost every employee in the U.S. has access to, yet not all businesses take advantage of (though PTT over cellular or PoC multi-functionality is fast replacing LMR in the commercial sector). Luckily for public safety, FirstNet’s…


No Cost Crime Analysis Toolkit

Crime analysis can provide law enforcement agencies with critical tools and information to assist in crimefighting efforts. The Nationwide Crime Analysis Capability Building Project was initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), to identify and evaluate promising practices to assist jurisdictions in enhancing their crime analysis capacity. The Crime Analysis Toolkit provides findings and resources which can help advance criminal justice decision-making and enhance the impact of crime analysis. The toolkit was designed to enable…


CDP Adds Fentanyl Awareness to Training

The Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) has incorporated fentanyl awareness into select training courses to address the threat of accidental exposure to the drug by first responders. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid which is so toxic that only two milligrams is considered a lethal dose. First responders around the nation have encountered fentanyl in powder and liquid forms, and on discarded needles which presents a hazard from accidentally inhaling the opioid or being stuck by a needle. The CDP’s fentanyl lecture focuses…


Boston Consortium Creates a Free Active Shooter Video

Visit www.schoolsafetyinfo.org, the Justice Technology Information Center’s school safety Web site, to read “Institutions of Higher Learning Enthused About Free Active Shooter Video.” This new success story highlights a new, free, active shooter video targeting institutions of higher learning available through the efforts of the Boston Consortium. While you’re visiting schoolsafetyinfo.org, check out more success stories, links to additional resources and a calendar of events.


Securing Mobile Applications for First Responders

In emergency and disaster situations, mobile devices and mobile apps enable first responders and public safety professionals to receive and share critical information in real time, enabling delivery of lifesaving services. However, as our reliance on mobile technology continues to increase, mobile apps have become the new target for cyberattacks using malware, ransomware, spyware, and app coding vulnerabilities which may expose personal data, drain the device’s battery, compromise the security of the device altogether, or provide fraudulent information resulting in…


Online TTA Catalog Available from BJA National Training Center

With the many opportunities for law enforcement-related training occurring across the country every day, identifying a central location to locate relevant training is an ongoing need for the field. The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) National Training and Technical Assistance Center’s (NTTAC’s) online Training and Technical Assistance (TTA) Catalog serves as a central location for law enforcement and Homeland Security partners to identify relevant training and other technical resources based on their respective needs and locations. The catalog also includes…


No Cost Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) Now Available

The Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP) is a free tool developed by the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, providing real-time overdose surveillance data across jurisdictions to support public safety and public health efforts to mobilize an immediate response to an overdose spike. ODMAP can be used in the field on any mobile device or data terminal connected to an agency’s computer-aided dispatch system, providing the ability to upload data and view the map in actual time. Additional information…


JTIC Releases Desktop Version of Safeguarding Houses of Worship Tool

In addition to the popular iOS and Android versions of the Justice Technology Information Center (JTIC) Safeguarding Houses of Worship security planning app, vetted public safety professionals now can also request a new desktop version of the tool. To request access to the new fillable PDF version or the download instructions for either of the apps, send an E-mail to asknlectc@justnet.org from an agency E-mail address (not a personal E-mail).


New JTIC Video Series on Evidence-based Policing Available on YouTube

“Examining Evidence-based Policing Practices and Programs” is available to watch on the JUSTNET YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/yazlcs77. This new Justice Technology Information Center-produced video series features interviews with speakers from the first-ever conference held by the American Society of Evidence-Based Policing. Topics covered include: • Collecting Near Miss Data to Improve Training; • Reducing Call Loads Through Evidence-based Policing; • Engaging Officers for Effective Evidence-based Policing; • The Link Between Emotional Intelligence, Evidence-based Policing and Trust; and • A Look…


Spotlight on Safety Highlights Cybersecurity and Officer Safety

The Bureau of Justice Assistance VALOR Program has released the latest Spotlight on Safety, “Cybersecurity and Officer Safety: Increase Awareness, Assess Your Information, and Protect Your Digital Footprint.” It provides information to help law enforcement personnel stay safe in today’s digital climate. Resources include an article, resources and printable posters. You can access the spotlight at https://tinyurl.com/yabtq88b.