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The National Policing Institute (NPI) recently released its latest InFocus resource titled “Managing Critical Incidents and Mass Demonstrations.” From large political rallies to spontaneous community demonstrations, the American tradition of protest has grown in both frequency and intensity over the past decade. While these events are a vital expression of democracy, they also pose significant challenges for public safety. The NPI’s InFocus resource includes what we know about protests in critical incidents; preparation and accountability gaps; and practical steps for…

The High-risk Explosives Sweep Course provides participants with foundational knowledge of explosive sweep protocols and an opportunity to practice high-risk explosives sweep techniques of a large facility, an area and routes.  This one-and-a-half hours Independent Study Training (IST) is a self-paced, Web-based course covers the following topics: Participant roles in performing high-risk explosives sweeps; sweep fundamentals and identifying best practices and procedures for high-risk explosives sweeps; and conducting thorough and systematic sweeps at large facilities, areas and routes. Visit https://tinyurl.com/vnw4z5tp…

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) manages the SAVER Program to assist emergency responders in making procurement decisions. Since its inception in 2004, the SAVER Program has produced more than 1,100 publications. These publications – which include focus group, market survey and assessment reports, as well as tech notes, application notes, handbooks, guides, and other documents – are described in detail on the SAVER Document Descriptions page. They provide valuable information…

The National Policing Institute (NPI) recently posted its InFocus resource, “Highlighting Agency Successes in After-Action Reviews.” After-Action Reviews (AARs) have long played an essential role in improving performance – not only in law enforcement, but also in the military, aviation, public health, and the private sector. Their value extends from analyzing large-scale incidents to refining routine daily operations. This resource includes defining AARs; examples which document effective, successful agency responses; seven key questions for after-action reviews; as well as how…

The COPS Office has partnered with Georgetown Law’s Center for Innovations in Community Safety to publish this guidance for agen­cies wishing to train their personnel in the ABLE curriculum – Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement. The ABLE curriculum creates a law enforcement culture of effective peer intervention to prevent harm to officers, departments and communities; this publication provides additional information on programs, training and resources specifically to reinforce employee wellness. A copy of the publication can be downloaded at https://tinyurl.com/4cf7yaxu

The COPS Office recently released the “Elements of an Effective Active Shooter Course Fact Sheet.” This fact sheet is designed to help law enforcement leaders and trainers determine whether an active shooter training fits their needs. Law enforcement leaders and training personnel should review these topics and activities and determine whether their current active shooter training successfully incorporates these features.To download a copy of the fact sheet, visit https://tinyurl.com/5fyj8mh3

Join colleagues from across the public safety community at the 20th Annual International Conference of the Institute for the Prevention of In-Custody Deaths, Inc. (IPICD), being held November 10-13, 2025, at the Gold Coast Hotel in Las Vegas, NV. This year’s conference, themed “Reframing the Basics, Shaping the Future,” will focus on reexamining foundational practices and exploring new approaches. The event offers a platform for thoughtful discussion, practical insights and collaboration among professionals dedicated to improving outcomes in the field….

This self-assessment tool is designed to assist public safety and emergency response professionals, school administrators and security professionals, elected officials, and communities in considering potential active shooter scenarios and options for dealing with them. The tool proposes questions to determine an agency’s preparedness status in seven categories; offers guidance to inform next steps; and recommends resources for improving policies and practices to reduce community potential for mass violence, swiftly respond to incidents, and enhance trauma and support services in their…

Street-level crime is down significantly in Schenectady, NY, as officers implement the groundbreaking software tool, Patrolfinder, to improve patrol coverage. The Schenectady Police Department (SPD) and software firm Transfinder Corporation unveiled these results during their presentation at the Division of Criminal Justice Services Public Safety Symposium in September. During SPD’s presentation, Chief Eric Clifford and several officers noted that the patented solution, Patrolfinder, is already transforming how officers serve the community. The presentation, led by Chief Clifford and Transfinder CEO…

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund releases the 2025 midyear fatalities report depicting firearms fatalities as the leading cause of law enforcement deaths so far this year.  The number of law enforcement professionals nationwide who died in the line of duty in the first half of 2025 decreased 53% compared to the same time period last year, according to preliminary data provided by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF). The NLEOMF data shows that 42 federal, state, county, municipal,…