Innovation

Public safety agencies that operate on the water, like Hyannis Fire in Massachusetts, deal with unique challenges. That's why the FirstNet Authority went on site with agencies across the county to gather insight into the operational needs of these maritime first responders. These findings will help define future strategies to enhance the effectiveness of maritime emergency response operations. Learn more at FirstNet.gov/PSAM.

First responders respond to incidents in all types of environments—on land, in the air, and on water—and they need to be able to communicate wherever the mission takes them. The FirstNet Authority established a working group to study how public safety currently uses broadband for aviation and maritime operations and how it could be used in these environments in the future.

Hear from FirstNet Authority Board member Sheriff Kristin Graziano on how FirstNet is helping law enforcement to get the job done safer and more efficiently. She explains that with first responders at the table explaining their challenges and needs, FirstNet is truly built FOR public safety, BY public safety.

FirstNet Authority Board member Sheriff Kristin Graziano is a seasoned public safety leader with more than 30 years in law enforcement. We had the opportunity to catch up with Sheriff Graziano to discuss her proudest accomplishments, how FirstNet supports law enforcement, and her personal approach to public safety.

Body cameras make the job of law enforcement easier and more efficient. They can improve situational awareness, provide details for reports, and help protect officers on scene. Officer Monica Lee of the Daytona Beach Police Department in Florida shared why her agency uses livestreaming body cameras for officer safety and tactical advantage.

3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary meetings held in June 2023 focused on the feature progress for Release 18, including the completion of the architecture (stage 2) and the development of protocol work (stage 3). The meetings also included two workshops on Release 19 feature planning. This session marked the 100th set of 3GPP Plenary meetings.

Thank everyone who came to 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit hosted by NIST PSCR and the First Responder Network Authority. Revisit three days of building the future of public safety communications together. 

Nearly 500 thought leaders from public safety, government, industry, and academia came together to talk about the future of public safety communications. As we close out on the inaugural 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, we thank all those who attended and made their voices heard. Stay tuned for news about next year's conference at FirstNet.gov/5x5!

5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, a reimagined summit for public safety, academia, government, and industry leaders, hosted by The FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)’s Public Safety Communications Research Division, begins today. We hope you'll join us in exploring the future of first responder technology, connecting with industry leaders, engaging in can't-miss sessions led by some of the top minds in public safety, and more. Learn more and register now: https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/events/5x5-public-safety-innovation-summit

The CommanDING Tech prize challenge explored ways to improve the quality of incident command dashboards. Participants worked to create a solution that would help commanding officers visualize actionable information, without overloading them with unnecessary data. The challenge—hosted by the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research Division and judged by FirstNet Authority staff—produced four winning solutions.

Prepare to unlock the boundless potential of innovation and collaboration at the highly anticipated 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, presented by NIST PSCR and the FirstNet Authority. Immerse yourself in a dynamic program featuring thought leaders, captivating keynotes, hands-on demonstrations, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Researchers who are driving innovation and making a real impact in the emergency communications field won’t want to skip 5x5.

Want a sneak peek at five sessions public safety professionals won’t want to skip at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovative Summit? Join us in San Diego in June for a three-day event hosted by the FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s Public Safety Communications Research Division. If you’re interested in learning more about current and upcoming trends in public safety technology, then 5x5 is the place you need to be.

Tennessee is upgrading its 9-1-1 network and leading the nation by instituting FirstNet as backup for every primary public safety answering point or PSAP. Curtis Sutton, Executive Director of the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board, discusses the lessons learned, the benefits of FirstNet, and the future of 9-1-1 in Tennessee.

5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, brought to you by NIST PSCR and the FirstNet Authority is an event designed to revolutionize the way innovators from industry approach public safety communications and technology. With a lineup of influential speakers, keynotes, hands-on demos, and invaluable networking opportunities, 5x5 promises to be a transformative experience. Be part of the movement that is shaping the future of public safety communications technology.

The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Plenary e-meetings concluded in March 2023. The meetings focused on the feature progress and schedule for Release 18 (R18) and included the initial discussions of Release 19 planning. The remaining stage 2 architectural work in R18 is advancing well and is expected to complete in June 2023, as scheduled, allowing the R18 stage 3 protocol work to proceed.

The FirstNet Authority has made substantial progress over the past five years to improve how the fire service uses voice communications, video, and data. Despite these advances, firefighters continue to search for a device they can use while wearing full protective gear and operating in environments that are immediately dangerous to life or health. So, we’re asking—what should that technology look like?

In Charles County, Maryland, the school district has adopted FirstNet’s secure and dependable network to ensure communication during emergency and day-to-day situations. The school district has also integrated the use of drones into their school security plans, enhancing situational awareness for responders so they can more efficiently respond to emergencies.

The First Responder Network Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced that registration is open for 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit, to be held June 28-30, 2023, in San Diego, California.

The FirstNet Authority’s new Public Safety Immersive Test Center is designed to explore future tech for public safety training and operations.

The Los Angeles Police Department, one of the biggest police departments in the country, is modernizing its communications and issuing FirstNet devices to all of its almost 10,000 officers.