Public Safety: Page 2
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AI, drones, private radar fill gaps from National Weather Service cuts
Private tech companies are stepping in to support local officials on the front lines of weather emergencies as federal offices struggle to stay staffed.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 30, 2025 -
Porch piracy: What’s holding back industry prevention efforts?
Limited data sharing and fears of inconveniencing customers make addressing the problem more difficult, per the USPS’ Office of Inspector General.
By Max Garland • May 30, 2025 -
CenterPoint completes critical Houston grid upgrades ahead of hurricane season
The utility has bolstered its power grid and communications systems since Hurricane Beryl left almost 2.3 million Houston-areas customers without power last summer.
By Robert Walton • May 27, 2025 -
DOJ dismisses lawsuits against Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, police departments
Mayors in these cities, where high-profile police killings occurred, vow to continue reforms.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 22, 2025 -
Supreme Court narrows police immunity in use-of-force cases
In rejecting the “moment of threat” defense, the court opens the door to greater officer accountability — though how the ruling will shape policing on the ground is still uncertain.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 19, 2025 -
EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards
The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.
By Megan Quinn • May 15, 2025 -
Revised hiring standards and increased public support could aid in recruiting more police officers
Police departments are facing a shortage of officers. Law enforcement agencies may improve their recruiting efforts if they develop a clear, concise list of hiring standards.
By Michael Keating • May 13, 2025 -
Mayors flag Medicaid cuts as a public safety issue
The U.S. Conference of Mayors warns Congress that benefit cuts can increase mental health crises and substance abuse, diverting police from violent crime.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 13, 2025 -
They’re not streets. They’re not roads. ‘Stroads’ present challenges for cities.
Designed to accommodate both local access and high-speed traffic, stroads require extra safety precautions.
By Karen Kroll • May 13, 2025 -
Mayors call arrest of Newark, N.J., mayor ‘deeply troubling’
Newark, New Jersey, Mayor Ras Baraka’s arrest during his attempt to inspect a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility raised concerns about federal overreach.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 12, 2025 -
Report ranks states’ efforts to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
UL Standards & Engagement officials recommend cities and states mandate indoor carbon monoxide alarms, conduct public awareness campaigns and train first responders.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 8, 2025 -
Lawsuit challenges NYPD “gang database”
Plaintiffs claim Blacks and Latinos who have tattoos and wear gang-affiliated colors are being added to the database, which NYPD says is a crucial tool in stopping gang-related shootings.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 6, 2025 -
Trump budget proposal slashes climate funding
Renewable energy, environmental justice and Superfund cleanup are among programs that would be eliminated.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated May 5, 2025 -
3 cities join lawsuit challenging mass layoffs of federal workers
Unions, nonprofits and local governments allege the staff reductions threaten vital services and public safety.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 2, 2025 -
Sponsored by
Smart Procurement Strategies for Safer Communities and Stronger Public Safety
Public safety is a top priority for every community. From local festivals and large-scale public events to the everyday operations of fire departments, EMS teams, and law enforcement agencies, ensuring the safety of citizens requires a coordinated, well-equipped effort. Behind the scenes, procurement teams play a critical role—sourcing the essential tools, services, and technologies that make effective public safety operations possible. With increased pressure to do more with less, procurement professionals are turning to cooperative purchasing as a smarter, more efficient way to access reliable, innovative public safety solutions.
May 1, 2025 -
Trump directs Justice Department, military to support local law enforcement
The National Police Association applauds the order as providing needed support, while civil liberties groups warn of federal overreach and the danger of escalating tensions.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 1, 2025 -
Cities lose “critical guidance” from climate report: former NOAA official
The National Climate Assessment provides region-specific projections for infrastructure planning, budgeting and emergency preparedness.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 30, 2025 -
5 ‘sanctuary cities’ sue DHS to restore counterterrorism funds
The cities allege the Department of Homeland Security is jeopardizing terror preparedness and radiological detection efforts after reimbursements have stalled for months.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated June 17, 2025 -
Opinion
The power of checkpoints: Protecting first responders’ emotional health
During my tenure as assistant chief at the Dallas Police Department, I saw firsthand how a lack of mental health support could erode officer morale and effectiveness. These experiences led me to develop Checkpoints.
By Reuben Ramirez • April 25, 2025 -
Justice Department cancels hundreds of public safety grants
The move will impede progress that’s been made on deterring crime, the U.S. Conference of Mayors says, calling for the grants’ reinstatement.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 24, 2025 -
Nearly half of US residents breathe unhealthy air: report
American Lung Association officials call for city leaders to speak up for federal support of air quality research amid record pollution levels.
By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • April 23, 2025 -
Column
The growing challenge of traffic congestion on emergency response times
EVP is one of the emerging technologies being developed and implemented to help reduce delays and accidents involving emergency vehicles. It is designed to provide a green light for emergency vehicles as they approach intersections, allowing them to pass through safely and quickly.
By Timothy Menard • April 21, 2025 -
ICE agents denied entry into LAUSD elementary schools
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains the incidents, which rattled the education community, were "wellness checks on children who arrived unaccompanied at the border."
By Naaz Modan • April 16, 2025 -
Housing, utilities and food among top US needs in 2024: United Way
People across the country “are struggling to meet their basic needs,” UWW President and CEO Angela Williams said.
By Ryan Kushner • April 2, 2025 -
Sponsored by
Georgia County Streamlines Access to Supplies for Public Health, Medical Examiner, Fire & EMS Teams
Success Story: Cobb County | Atlanta, Georgia
By OMNIA Partners • April 1, 2025