Public Safety

Public Safety is a top priority for local and state government agencies, encompassing the protection of citizens through law enforcement, emergency response, and crime prevention strategies. Effective public safety measures are essential for maintaining order and ensuring the well-being of communities. This directory offers articles on public safety and related topics like Emergency Management, which focuses on preparing for and responding to natural disasters, public health crises, and other emergencies that impact community safety.

As of June 2025, line of duty deaths decreased by more than half compared with the same period in 2024, with decreases in deaths caused by both firearms and traffic incidents
Violent crime fell 6.7%, murders dropped 25.5% and burglaries reached the lowest level since 1966, according to KBI data
The effort aims to educate the public and rally support for legislation protecting the independent code development process
Lawmakers advanced a bill that would increase penalties for obstructing police, firefighters and EMTs, raising the charge to a first-degree misdemeanor
Congress created the Public Safety Officers’ Benefits program in 1976, but expansions in eligibility have made the program more popular and complex to administer
Amid concerns over response times and dissatisfaction with county EMS services, Grand Blanc Township is considering greater involvement from police and fire personnel
“Blah Blah Blah … Something Wellness” cuts through check-the-box programs with honest conversations, real tools and support that resonates with cops
Ripple co-founder Chris Larsen offered the SFPD to lease a new building rent-free through Dec. 2026; his charity also made a $7 million donation to support equipment upgrades
“To our law enforcement officers: thank you for your courage, your service and your professionalism,” Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz stated
“More than anything, the new headquarters will provide the community with better access to their police department,” Bradenton PD Chief Melanie Bevan said
The rise in drone-related incidents, like the 2024 wave of sightings in New Jersey, has led to more research into effective ways of countering drones while preventing injuries to those below
The program aims to lessen the burden on officers facing traffic and potentially responding slowly to calls because they were getting gas at city fueling stations
The plan includes expanding timber harvesting, integrating federal firefighting forces and boosting local emergency authority
Officials broke ground on a $16M EMS station in South Boston, one of the city’s fastest-growing neighborhoods
President Donald Trump said the federal government will begin shifting disaster funding and responsibilities to state governors after this hurricane season
Fifteen genetic analyzers can deliver results in about 90 minutes, officials say
Tri-Township Fire & Rescue has fully staffed its Memphis fire station for the first time in decades, marking a major milestone in a long-term plan to improve response times
“This is going to help us deliver effective and efficient public safety but it’s going to also make conditions better for our [LEOs],” said Birmingham City Council President Darrell O’Quinn
EMS agencies can tap into $5 billion in SS4A grant funds to improve post-crash care, reduce response times and prevent avoidable traffic fatalities