Public Safety
Cities are increasingly embracing violence interventions programs to control deadly violence
Initial research indicates the approach is working—saving lives and money. But supporters admit more analysis is needed.
State dam safety programs could get new look after summer storms
The pressure is on aging dams as climate change fuels more intense weather, but it often takes high-profile incidents to focus lawmakers and other officials on the problem.
Data shows rural disparities in traffic deaths
An analysis of federal highway data shows that rural counties have higher traffic death rates compared to their urban counterparts.
Louisiana's First Amendment 'buffer zone' wipes out police accountability
COMMENTARY | A state law, which took effect on Aug. 1, 2024, makes it a misdemeanor for anyone to be within 25 feet of a law enforcement officer who orders them back.
Cars that talk: Feds announce plan to accelerate connected vehicle deployment
The U.S. Department of Transportation aims to have vehicle-to-everything tech deployed nationwide by 2036, and said it will offer grants and support to help states get there.
Michigan to hunt down sexual offenders who fled the state
The operation is a partnership with county prosecutors and the U.S. Marshals Service to locate and return fugitive sexual offenders with outstanding warrants to Michigan. It is the first partnership of its kind in the county—one Michigan hopes other states will replicate.
What cities should know about ShotSpotter technology
COMMENTARY | ShotSpotter may have benefits for improved gun shot detection and response, one expert says, but it offers little benefit for enforcement and did not reduce gunshot victimization.
The nation’s 911 system is on the brink of its own emergency
Federal legislation that could steer billions of dollars into modernizing the patchwork 911 system remains waylaid in Congress.
New report: School cops double student arrest rates and race, gender key factors
Government watchdog reveals students twice as likely to be arrested when officers are present and their race, gender and disability play pivotal role.
This housing fix could help build more homes. But firefighters are sounding the alarm.
At the center of the housing debate are building codes, and whether states’ bids to update them to address the affordable housing crises poses safety risks to the individuals they are trying to help.
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Pedestrian deaths finally dipped in 2023
A new report shows some progress in improving safety for people traveling by foot, but the number of pedestrian fatalities is still far higher than it was before the pandemic.
It’s hot. Is your community pool open?
An ongoing lifeguard shortage means some pools and beaches are staying closed amid record-breaking heat waves across the U.S. Here’s what states and municipalities are doing about it.
Despite what some politicians say, crime rates are decreasing
Violent crime in the U.S. saw a significant decrease in the first quarter of 2024, according to preliminary data from the FBI. But some may stille manipulate crime statistics for political gain, experts warn.
Supreme Court upholds barring guns from domestic violence suspects
The decision keeps intact a nearly 30-year-old federal law as well as state laws in 46 states and Washington, D.C.
AI in law enforcement is risky, but holds promise
Leaders should not be reluctant to use AI in controversial applications, even if they risk blowback, one city’s CIO advises.
Teens say distracted driving messages need to be catchier, more frequent and blunt
Young adults typically underestimate the risk of distracted driving, making it difficult for public safety officials to craft effective messaging.
Highway humor is over some drivers’ heads
States to drivers: READ OUR WITTY HIGHWAY SIGNS. Feds to states: YOU’RE NOT FUNNY.
Greater focus on crime sparks another wave of juvenile justice bills
Nearly every state this legislative session considered changes in juvenile age limits, detention or education programs.
To drive revenue, cities turn to tech to fix their parking problems
Parking brings in $3 billion a year for state and local governments. That's why they are using new technologies to help push parking reforms aimed at streamlining enforcement and increasing revenues and environmental friendliness.
Spike in pedestrian deaths hits nearly all metros
The Memphis area leads the nation in pedestrian deaths, but almost all metropolitan areas have become more dangerous for walkers, according to a new report.
