At the core of many smart public safety solutions is “intelligence” -- information that hints at the identity of a criminal or where a wildfire is likely to occur. This collection of articles and resources highlight the importance of data gathering, data sharing and data analytics, along with the use of mobile apps, sensors and facial recognition software to make cities safer. Scroll to the bottom for financing ideas.
Articles
Philadelphia says smart policing lowered crime rates
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania has fewer officers patrolling the streets, yet crime is down thanks to the city’s efforts to collect and analyze data. MORE>
A day without serious crime? Cities reap real benefits from predictive policing
Learn how police are leveraging analytics and data so they know where crimes are most likely to occur and can assign officers accordingly. MORE>
Facial recognition technology helps nab first Chicago robber
The use of facial recognition technology is growing rapidly and enabling police to identify suspects from surveillance footage as well as live crowds. MORE>
Technology helps police find the elusive Striped Hoodie Bandit
Advanced data sharing services are helping police search other agencies' records for distinctive features about individuals, cases or trends. MORE>
How Durham, N.C. fights crime with data – and wins
A North Carolina police department cut violent gun crime by nearly half, and did it without additional police officers or sweeping surveillance. MORE>
Can free apps keep drunk drivers off your streets?
Read about smartphone apps that can help drivers determine if they are impaired by alcohol and empower others to report drunk drivers. MORE>
London tests pedestrian sensors to make crossing streets safer
The agency that manages transport services across London is testing a system that uses "intelligent" pedestrian crossing sensors to help make it easier and safer for people to cross city streets. MORE>
Want safer cities? It may be as simple as sharing data
An article in Emergency Management explains how improving communications between law enforcement agencies is being used to distribute critical information to law enforcement in Denver’s neighboring communities. MORE>
4 ways technology can make your city safer right now
This article points to four ways employing technology and leveraging information can enhance public safety in cities. MORE>
Case studies
Thai Law Enforcement Agency Optimizes Investigations with Big Data Solution
The Department of Special Investigation in Thailand implemented a big data solution to give investigating officers self-service business intelligence tools that shortened criminal case investigation time from two years to 15 days. MORE>
Innovation Improves Efficiency and Quality of Municipal Services
Automatic meter reading technology deployed in Rock Hill, S.C. allows city police officers to spend two more hours per day in the field. MORE>
Videos
Big Data and Analytics Help Durham Police Reduce Crime
Analytics technology helped the Durham, N.C. police department reduce the amount of violent crime in a two square mile region of the city by more than 50% from 2007-2011. MORE>
Integrated Security Systems Help Madrid Become a Safer City
Public officials are turning to automation, smart sensors, analytics, visualization and computational modeling to help make public safety systems smarter. MORE>
Freedom App: Johns Creek, GA Police Department
Johns Creek, Georgia police officials discuss a mobile public safety app that gives mission-critical information to authorized smartphones and tablets. MORE>
Smart Cities Council guides
Smart Cities Readiness Guide
The Public Safety chapter of the Smart Cities Readiness Guide examines how generating relevant public safety data can yield intelligence that helps police and first responders protect citizens and businesses. MORE>
Financing resources
Finding the smart technologies that will make cities more livable, workable and sustainable is the easy part. Paying for them is typically more challenging. The resources linked below can help.
- Smart Cities Financing Guide
- Planning, Connecting & Financing Cities – Now
- Initiative helps cities shift thinking to find new sources of funding
- Why cities don't have to finance a more resilient future alone
- New standard aims to help cities develop climate action plans, attract financing
- Are bank loans better than bonds for financing smart city projects?