The Daviess County Council put a hold on a request that would improve communication with first responders due to cost.“I believe the need is large enough to justify this $800,000 expense. The end result will be a county-wide communication system that all first responders can use in all areas. The end result is better response and communications for everyone,” said Daviess County Chief Deputy Sheriff Steve Sturgis. “I don’t think you can ever go wrong with improving public safety. That is why this is beneficial.”The proposal includes an almost $600,000 infrastructure project that would include adding a tower and upgrading the three existing towers. It would also include $267,000 for new radios for volunteer fire departments.
“I am a fan for the safety and security of our citizens, for sure. It would be a good thing, but at what cost? Even if we pay for the infrastructure, someone still has to come up with $267,000 for the radios,” said county council president Tom Schaffer. “I don’t know what the big rush is all of a sudden. We have a good system. What they want to do is expand it by adding a fourth tower. It seems like a lot of money to me, $600,000, to do that.”Sturgis told the council he believed that between the sheriff’s department, prosecutor’s office and the county’s E911 fund, they could cover about $100,000 of the cost.A check of available money in E911 accounts indicated that money may not be available.
“We thought we had found $100,000 that we could put toward it for the fire department radios, but after our discussions with the council, we need to go back and see what money is available,” said Sturgis. “I am going to get together with some of the council members and see where the money can come from.”“Even if they come back and say they can cut out $300,000, I don’t know that we could afford the other $300,000 right now. I think we need to see some of the dust settle on projects we are working on now. We are paying on the annex and the courthouse renovations,” said Schaffer. “There is always something that needs attention. Eventually, something is going to break. Something is going to pop-up.”The council is expected to continue discussion on the proposed improvements at the next meeting.In other business, the council appointed Schaffer, vice-president Marilyn McCullough, and Matt Meredith to serve on the wage committee. The committee will investigate and determine where wages should be set during the next budget session.The council approved a new software for the auditor’s office that will give county departments better access to the auditing system. The cost will be $4,000.The council appropriated $17,290 for benefits for a new employee in the clerk’s office, spent $4,850 on a new copier, allocated $17,806 in grant funding for Adult Protective Services, approved spending on a $10,000 grant for the Daviess County Health Department, and approved a $2,000 internal transfer for Daviess Superior Court to provide uniforms for the court staff.

Deploying paramedics, social workers and others to non-criminal emergency calls could significantly boost a police department’s ability to respond to criminal emergencies while reducing negative interactions with the community, according to new University of Maryland research.
A study based on Baltimore Police Department data published recently in Justice Quarterly showed that up to 57% of 911 calls could be assigned to non-police responders, which would free up at least 59 full-time officers, or about 9% of the department’s patrol personnel.
The study led by Luke Spreen, assistant professor at the School of Public Policy, and Greg Midgette, an assistant professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal justice (CCJS), introduces a model to assess the impacts of call diversion programs, offering policymakers a tool for evidence-based decision making.
“Public safety is one of the most significant categories of municipal spending,” Spreen said. “Focusing exclusively on the costs of operating a civilian responder program ignores positive downstream benefits it is likely to generate, such as reductions in arrests.” The study was supported by Arnold Ventures and Abell Foundation grants.
Co-authors also include Distinguished University Professor Peter Reuter in public policy and CCJS and Associate Professor Lauren C. Porter and Assistant Professor Brooklynn K. Hitchens, both of CCJS. 
Their pathway, of sending civilian first responders to calls that don’t require armed officers, can help address questions of how police departments deploy their personnel, following a high-profile series of officer-involved killings of Black people, including Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. Recent studies have shown that police are more likely to use force when interacting with Black people, and that Black people are more likely to believe that police act unjustly.

Spreen acknowledged that shifting resources has a political dimension but said the landscape has shifted in the wake of incidents of police misconduct, along with growing evidence that diversion programs work.
Successful programs to divert low-risk 911 calls from police officers to civilian responders often start small, gradually scaling up to demonstrate effectiveness and build community trust. “We believe this is the correct approach,” said Spreen, “though our analysis suggests that most existing diversion programs may still be too small.”Case studies of call diversion programs in cities like Albuquerque, Atlanta, Denver and Houston help underscore the importance of investing in training for emergency call takers and dispatchers to identify suitable calls for civilian response.
“It is very challenging to parse exactly what event is unfolding from a 911 call, or how much danger it poses to the first responder,” Spreen said.
The researchers also called for the use of performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and guide future development.

BROOKVILLE — In an effort to provide better safety for the public as well as police officers and other first responders, the Jefferson County Commissioners have entered an intergovernmental agreement for Talkgroups with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, acting through the Pennsylvania State Police.Tracy Zents, director of emergency services, said, “This agreement will allow multiple agencies that we dispatch to have interoperable communications on one common radio channel without putting officer safety in jeopardy.“With this agreement the 911 center will be able to monitor the daily traffic of the state police, particularly the Punxsutawney, DuBois, Marienville and Ridgway stations, as these stations provide police coverage in our dispatch jurisdiction. We will have situation awareness if they require backup.”

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Power supporting Houston Emergency Center’s communications system was disrupted on Monday night, causing the system to at least partially fail.Approximately 6,000 calls occur daily to Houston’s fire, emergency medical services, and police, with law enforcement routinely routed through the center.Inside the center, call-takers accept 911 calls on consoles, inputting the information into a computer-aided dispatch, or CAD system. That information is then forwarded to dispatchers for various departments.During planned electrical upgrades on Monday, Houston Emergency Center Director Robert Mock said parts of the CAD system unexpectedly crashed.”This was a loss of power,” he explained.With parts of the CAD system down and others malfunctioning, call-takers had to write down information coming in on homicides, heart attacks, and house fires by hand.Mock explained that departments were impacted differently because the CAD system has different terminals.The Houston Police Department was reportedly directly impacted for about an hour. In contrast, the Houston Fire Department reported being directly impacted for approximately 4.5 hours.”It’s a big octopus,” Mock said of the CAD system and its different terminals.Issues didn’t subside after information was manually relayed to dispatchers. Houston police dispatch consoles were knocked out, too.On Wednesday, the city said it was still working to determine how many consoles were knocked out. Dispatchers on impacted consoles shifted to radio.”We’ve experienced things like this in the past. We have equipment. We have computers. Things fail. Things go down, but these are our contingencies,” Mock said.Initial reports from officials stated the failure lasted just a few minutes. Mock said he believed it lasted an hour but acknowledged the fire department might have been directly impacted 4.5 times longer.The fire department reported the issues lasted from approximately 11:20 p.m. Monday to 3:50 a.m. Tuesday.Mock said the dispatch outages lasted from approximately 11:30 p.m. Monday to 12:30 a.m. Tuesday.During that time, he said dispatchers received 260 calls, 82% of which were answered in 15 seconds or less. The target is 90%.ABC13 is still working to learn how first responders’ response times were impacted. The fire department only acknowledged that calls were delayed but said: “They were all responded to.”Houston police were referred to the “catastrophic loss of communication policy.” The policy states:”In the event of a catastrophic radio and computer (MCD) failure, all on-duty patrol personnel, including supervisors, are to report to their assigned Houston Police Station. Once there, a supervisor shall provide information, equipment, and assignments consistent with the particular emergency and the orders of the Chief of Police. Communications, assignments, and specific duties shall be developed by the Chief of Police for each emergency and distributed via the chain of command.”As of Wednesday evening, it remains unclear if officers – and if so, which ones – were ordered to report back to their stations.For more updates on this story, follow Shannon Ryan on Facebook, X and Instagram.SEE ALSO: 13 Investigates: 911 call takers ‘overworked’ while responding to crisis calls13 Investigates found last year, 44 emergency call takers left Houston. Half of those employees who left were there for less than six months.’He was snoring’: 911 call-taker heard sleeping under investigationThe Houston Emergency Center are investigating an incident where a 911 call taker seems to have fallen asleep while answering a call for help. In the video above, you’ll hear the audio from the call in question.Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Marion County has a big wish list, one that officials hope voters will help them pay for by approving a 20-year renewal for the penny sales tax in the general election.
Officials have finalized the transportation and public safety projects they hope to accomplish with the $65 million per year that the sales tax is expected to raise. County commissioners wrapped up their planning with a workshop on March 5 to review the complete project list for sheriff, fire, emergency medical services and communications.
If voters approve renewing the sales tax in the November general election, this project list will serve as the general guide for how the revenue will be spent, but it can be adjusted as necessary, said County Administrator Mounir Bouyounes.
All of the project costs are based on the value of today’s dollar and do not include any adjustments to inflation or growth. The projects will be reviewed annually through the budget service to ensure accurate numbers to costs and funding.
Out of the total sales tax revenue of $1.3 billion for the next 20 years, 20% will be devoted to public safety, split between the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Marion County Fire Rescue. Much of that money will be spent on new vehicles.
“For public safety, we’re going to be replacing vehicles and equipment,” Bouyounes said. “That’s probably going to be the top priority for all of them.”
Over the next 20 years, MCFR will need over $24.8 million to replace 13 engines, 12 grass trucks, one tower, two heavy rescues, 10 tankers and 24 staff vehicles. EMS needs to replace 67 rescue vehicles, which would cost about $30.1 million.
MCSO will need nearly $55 million to replace 48 vehicles for the jail department, 68 vehicles for the regular department, 747 vehicles for the patrol department and three vehicles for the bailiff department.
Other funds will be used to remodel aging facilities and build new ones. Fire rescue needs to remodel Stations 1, 10, 12, 15, 19 and 22, which will cost about $6 million, at $1 million per renovation. Phase 2 of the fire rescue training facility would also be funded by the penny sales tax, and cost $15 million.
EMS will need two new stations, one on the west side and another on the east side of Ocala, costing $5.3 million each. Modular stations will be placed in Pedro, Ocklawaha, Baldwin Ranch and Westport and cost $450,000 each.
“With the new EMS modular stations, those most likely will be also fire stations,” Bouyounessaid. “We are proposing we start with a module arrangement and then we expand them in the future as needed.”
Public safety communication officials need to build towers to replace eight leased towers, which would cost $1 million each. The towers at Forest, Baseline and MCSO all need replacing as they are all over 30 years old, which will cost $500,000 each.
A new animal services center is estimated to cost about $20.4 million.
The sheriff’s facility needs will include major renovations to the jail, including improving the medical area for $2.5 million in addition to new district offices for the patrol division in Marion Oaks, Forest, Shores and the southwest area, costing $4.5 million each.
The sheriff will also need $2.5 million in funding for Phase 2 of its aviation hangar, $2.5 million for a facilities workshop, $5.5 million to expand and renovate the fleet building, $5 million for a new emergency operations warehouse, $5.25 million for a special operations warehouse, $10 million for a new building for operations expansion, and $5 million to repave the sheriff complex.
Funding would also be allocated to purchase a new helicopter for the sheriff’s office, which would cost $4.6 million.
The majority of the other projects that need funding are to purchase new and replace old equipment across all areas of MCSO, MCFR, EMS and communications.
“We just replaced a bunch of our radios for the first responders and the sheriff’s frontline (for emergency operations),” Bouyounes said. “During that 20-year time frame, we’re going to have to replace them again and the estimated cost is about $16.5 million.”
Transportation projects in total will take up 70% of the sales tax revenue, at an estimated cost of $962 million. Notable road projects which the county hopes to partially fund through the sales include the Interstate 75 interchange, a new traffic management center and the bridge replacement at I-75 and County Road 484.
“You have included here on the project list a new traffic management center, which has been discussed a few times in the past,” Bouyounes said. “To start looking at the southwest/northeast corridor, that it’s going to be a huge project for the county to undertake, and I think it will have a major impact on how we move traffic around.”

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CORDOVA, Alaska (KTUU) – From the East Coast to the Last Frontier, airmen from the Maine National Guard — often referred to as “MAINEiacs” — made the long journey up to Alaska last week to take part in the large-scale disaster response exercise put on by the state alongside the Alaska National Guard.Two training exercises — known as Alaska EX to the state and Vigilant Guard to the military — tested the response protocols of varying entities in the face of a large natural disaster. The scenario was that a 9.2 earthquake struck Southcentral, triggering a series of aftershocks and tsunamis. Cordova was hit with a 15-foot wave.And while the City of Cordova worked to establish an emergency communications center after evacuating its coastline, guardsmen from both Alaska and Maine deployed a Disaster Response Bed-Down Set (DRBS) at a camper park near the city’s center.The kit is essentially a self-sufficient, fully independent camp for responders who answer the call to action after a disaster occurs. The system breaks down into transportable-sized cubes that can be flown into disaster-stricken areas. Once deployed, the camp has housing, sanitization, and feeding capabilities for response personnel. The idea is to not put an additional burden on a community in need.Training on the Alaska National Guard’s DRBS was a perfect opportunity for the Maine guardsmen, as their unit is set to be issued one in the near future.Maine Airman Carly Morrow jumped at the chance to participate after completing basic and technical training just one month prior.“My sergeant called me and was like, ‘Do you want to go on a mission to Alaska?’ and I was like, ‘I’ll take any opportunities I can get,’” Morrow said. “I’m looking forward to learning as much as I can.”Senior Master Sgt. Blake Varnell was one of the Alaska-based guardsmen who assisted with their training.“We brought a seven-personnel crew with us to help train and help guide,” Varnell said. “This is their mission, their exercise, but as you can tell it’s all hands on deck trying to make sure we’ve got everything set up before it gets too dark.”Dozens of Maine personnel alongside a handful of members from Alaska’s 176th Wing flew to Cordova via a C-17 Globemaster III, wasting no time loading the kit onto flatbed trailers for transport to Odiak Camper Park.The scaled-down set included three housing tents, generators for electricity, HVAC systems, and an Expandable Single Pallet Expeditionary Kitchen (E-SPEK) — a piece of the DRBS that was a major point of interest for Master Sgt. Douglas Bishoff, who is the superintendent of services for the Maine Air National Guard.“The E-SPEK is designed so you can take it anywhere in the world, drop it off, and cook within an hour,” Bishoff said. “You can have up to 400-500 meals if you’re serving [Unitized Group Rations].”According to Bishoff the E-SPEK only takes four people to set up and is a rapid means of providing hot meals, whether to responders or displaced residents.The collaborative effort between Alaska and Maine took all day to complete, working well after sunset in rainy conditions with temperatures hovering around freezing. After successfully troubleshooting an issue with the E-SPEK’s burners, the guardsmen shared a hot meal cooked in the mobile kitchen before retiring to their cots inside the housing tents.The following morning, crews broke the kit back down in a fraction of the time it took to set up. For Senior Master Sgt. Kenneth Brezovsky, it was likely his last training trip before he retires in 2025. Like Varnell, he’s part of the services team whose focus was on the E-SPEK but worked more with the civil engineers to allow the younger generation more hands-on opportunities with the mobile kitchen.“With my services team I have a lot of young people, and I’m getting done next year so I tried to stay out of that to let them learn without my old knowledge in there,” Brezovsky said. “There’s a lot of new stuff going in the kitchen.”Brezovsky said the guardsmen benefited from the training exercise and even had suggestions on improving the operation’s effectiveness going forward.For what could be his last trip with the National Guard, Brezovsky was thrilled that his first time in Alaska was with his fellow guardsmen.Copyright 2024 KTUU. All rights reserved.

HONOLULU (KHON2) — The state continues to help Maui move forward seven months after the Lahaina wildfires ravaged the westside of the island. HI-EMA, along with other partners, recently announced the planned deployment of fire and wind sensors. HI-EMA Administrator James Barros joined Wake Up 2day to talk about those topics and more.Here’s more information about the Hawaii Emergency Management Agency, according to its state website:The Hawaiʻi Emergency Management Agency (HI-EMA) plans for and responds to both natural and human-caused emergencies. These include emergencies resulting from all hazards, from tsunamis, wildfires, and hurricanes to incidents involving hazardous materials or nuclear power.  The agency prepares and implements a statewide Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan, and routinely conducts extensive exercises to test state and county emergency response capabilities.HI-EMA is the coordinating agency on emergencies of all kinds between federal and local agencies, including the four county emergency management agencies – Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense, Maui Emergency Management Agency, City and County of Honolulu Department of Emergency Management, and Kauaʻi Emergency Management Agency – and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).After an incident, HI-EMA conducts damage assessment surveys and advises the Governor on whether to declare an emergency and seek federal relief funds. The agency maintains a primary Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in Diamond Head Crater, Honolulu.  HI-EMA also operates State Warning Point, a state emergency communications center staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week.  The center maintains statewide communications with county emergency officials and other partners.

Recognizing the vital role of Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) in public safety, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), in collaboration with SAFECOM and the National Council of Statewide Interoperability Coordinators (NCSWIC), has unveiled an initiative to empower ECCs across the nation – the 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub.
Ryan Ford, Federal Facilitator for the Joint SAFECOM/NCSWIC Next Generation 911 (NG911) Working Group at CISA, emphasizes the necessity for ECCs to have access to comprehensive cybersecurity resources.
He acknowledges the challenges faced by ECCs in navigating the plethora of available resources and finding relevant information tailored to their needs. The 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub serves as a centralized repository, streamlining access to essential resources and expertise.
911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub: A Multifaceted Approach to Cybersecurity
The hub is designed to address the multifaceted cybersecurity needs of ECCs, offering a diverse array of resources sourced from federal agencies, industry partners, academia, and the private sector. From reporting cyber incidents to accessing real-world case studies and educational opportunities, ECCs can find valuable tools and best practices to enhance their cybersecurity posture.
Collaboration has been integral to the development of the Resource Hub. CISA, SAFECOM, and NCSWIC have worked closely with state and local public safety stakeholders, drawing on their insights and expertise to tailor the hub to the unique requirements of ECCs nationwide.
This collaborative approach ensures that the hub remains relevant, responsive, and effective in addressing the evolving cybersecurity challenges faced by ECCs.
Enhancing Critical Infrastructure Resilience
In addition to the 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub, CISA has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing critical infrastructure resilience. The Regional Resiliency Assessment Program (RRAP), launched in partnership with the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security, represents a significant stride towards enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure.
The RRAP seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of regional critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and promote actionable measures to mitigate risks. By forging partnerships across federal, state, local, and private sector entities, the RRAP aims to cultivate a collaborative approach to resilience-building, ensuring that critical infrastructure remains robust and resilient in the face of emerging threats.
Amidst ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity and resilience, CISA has unveiled its priorities for the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC). Despite recent scrutiny, the JCDC remains committed to combating evolving cyber threats with renewed vigor. By realigning resources and strategic direction, CISA aims to enhance the effectiveness of the JCDC in safeguarding the nation’s critical assets against cyber threats.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and proliferate, the importance of proactive measures to protect critical infrastructure cannot be overstated. Through initiatives like the Resource Hub, RRAP, and the JCDC, CISA is leading the charge in empowering ECCs and critical infrastructure stakeholders to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with confidence and resilience.
In conclusion, the launch of the 911 Cybersecurity Resource Hub marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to strengthen cybersecurity in emergency communications. By providing ECCs with access to comprehensive resources and expertise, CISA, SAFECOM, and NCSWIC are empowering ECCs to safeguard their networks and uphold their critical role in ensuring public safety and resilience.
Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

The annual Kentucky Statewide Tornado Drill is exactly as the name suggests. MetroSafe acts as the emergency communications center for Louisville Metro, handling everything from weather alerts and evacuation orders to warnings about hazardous materials (or people).MetroSafe’s Cody Ashbaugh wants to address the most common misconception: that tornado sirens should be heard indoors.”The number one thing we want people to understand is that sirens are made for outdoor use,” he said. “They are not made to be heard in a basement, through a concrete building.”Instead, the alert system works in tandem with LENSAlert (short for Louisville Emergency Notification System Alert — text “LENSAlert” to 67283 to subscribe to text message notifications) and smartphone notifications to warn the public when necessary.The tests don’t trigger smartphone alerts, but it’s important to ensure the system works as intended, as it can be activated manually or when it detects unusual weather activity that affects one or more of the sirens placed in Louisville Metro or the six nearby counties. “It’s human nature — it’s going to fail at some point,” Ashbaugh said. “We’re going to have that backup in place, no matter what.”He’s referring to MetroSafe’s multiple redundancies—operators can move to other dispatch centers at a moment’s notice, or even access emergency systems remotely (such as from home) thanks to a cloud-based network.MetroSafe is also preparing to test a “Rapid Deployable Siren” that can be placed at events such as Thunder Over Louisville.”We want to make sure that with that amount of people in such a concentrated area that–worst case scenario, in a weather emergency, we’re able to notify everyone,” Ashbaugh said.Thunder’s the perfect test case in a city that is seeing increasing numbers of events—not just Thunder and the Kentucky Derby, but music, beer, and bourbon festivals (and beyond).”When you pack 800,000 people right on the river, you get a lot of things going on at once,” Ashbaugh said. “Some people believe Derby is our busiest day but, in fact, it’s Thunder.”

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The annual Kentucky Statewide Tornado Drill is exactly as the name suggests. MetroSafe acts as the emergency communications center for Louisville Metro, handling everything from weather alerts and evacuation orders to warnings about hazardous materials (or people).

As the increase in drone activity rises, so do the unintended consequences and nefarious uses.
The proposed recommendations outlined in the Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Detection and Mitigation Systems Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) Final Report, released on Jan. 9 by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in conjunction with over 50 members from all facets of industries, have significant advantages and disadvantages for various industries. These industries include construction, industrial, sporting stadiums, law enforcement, campus security, medical facilities, state prison facilities, energy infrastructure, airports, home security systems, corporate espionage, realtors, air shows, festivals, races, cruise/travel industry, and many more.

Law enforcement agencies and campus security departments are increasingly relying on drones for surveillance and situational awareness. However, the misuse of drones can compromise public safety and violate privacy rights. The recommendations from the proposal can assist law enforcement and campus security personnel in identifying and neutralizing unauthorized drones, ensuring the responsible and lawful use of this technology.
Medical facilities, such as hospitals and clinics and those that have helicopter pads, need to maintain a secure environment to protect patient privacy and ensure the smooth operation of healthcare services. Drone interference can disrupt the need for expedient transport of patients from airborne medical transport, sensitive medical equipment, or compromise patient confidentiality. By implementing the proposed detection, medical facilities can safeguard their operations and provide uninterrupted care to patients.
Sporting stadiums, known for hosting large gatherings of people, need to prioritize security. Drones flying over stadiums, violating temporary flight restrictions (TFRs), can not only disrupt the event but also pose a safety risk to spectators. The implementation of detection and systems can aid in identifying unauthorized drones and taking appropriate action to protect the safety and enjoyment of attendees.
State prison facilities face unique challenges when it comes to drone interference. Unauthorized drones can be used to deliver contraband or aid in escape attempts. Since geofencing only outlines immediate boundaries of specific buildings, detection systems are a must to help prison authorities detect and neutralize drones, thereby enhancing the security of these facilities.
In the construction industry, the use of drones has become increasingly popular for surveying, monitoring construction sites, and capturing aerial footage for marketing purposes. However, without proper detection, unauthorized drones can pose a threat to worker safety, project security, and the integrity of the construction site. Some construction companies have outright banned any use of drones by company personnel and contract with third-party companies. Implementing the recommendations from this proposal can help ensure the safe and secure operation of drones in construction zones.
Similarly, industrial facilities face risks from unauthorized drone activity. These facilities often contain sensitive equipment, hazardous materials, or critical infrastructure that could be targeted by malicious drone operators. By adopting the proposed detection and possible mitigation systems if approved by the FCC, industrial facilities can enhance their security measures and mitigate potential risks and threats.
Energy infrastructure, including power plants and oil refineries, is critical to the functioning of modern society which is why they are classified as ‘critical infrastructure.’ Drones can pose a significant risk to such facilities, either through intentional attacks or accidental interference. The adoption of detection and FCC-approved mitigation systems can bolster the security measures already in place and protect these vital assets from potential threats.
Airports, being hubs of transportation, are vulnerable to drone activity. Unauthorized drones near airports can disrupt air traffic, endangering the safety of passengers and crew. By implementing the recommendations from the proposal, airports can enhance their existing security protocols and ensure the safe operation of flights.
Home security systems, designed to protect residences and personal property, can be enhanced with drone detection systems. These systems can help homeowners identify and respond to unauthorized drones, ensuring the safety and privacy of their homes.

Corporate espionage is a growing concern for businesses across various industries. Drones equipped with cameras and advanced surveillance capabilities can be used to gather sensitive information or conduct unauthorized reconnaissance. The adoption of detection systems can help organizations protect their intellectual property and maintain their competitive advantage.
Realtors, who often rely on aerial photography and videography for property listings, can benefit from the implementation of drone detection systems. Unauthorized drones flying near properties can compromise the privacy of homeowners and potential buyers. By adopting the proposed systems, realtors can ensure a secure and uninterrupted environment for property viewings.
Air shows, festivals, and races are popular events that attract large crowds. The presence of unauthorized drones can not only disrupt these events but also pose a safety risk to participants and spectators. Implementing the recommendations from the proposal can help event organizers maintain controlled airspace and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
The cruise and travel industry, which relies on the smooth operation of ports and terminals, can face disruptions from unauthorized drone activity. Drones flying near cruise ships or passenger terminals can create safety hazards and logistical challenges. By implementing the proposed detection systems, the cruise and travel industry can enhance their security measures and provide a safe and enjoyable experience for passengers.
In conclusion, the recommendations from the UAS Detection and FCC Mitigation Systems ARC Final Report have far-reaching advantages and disadvantages for various industries. By adopting the proposed detection and FCC-approved mitigation systems, these industries can enhance their security measures, protect their assets, and ensure the safety and privacy of their operations and stakeholders.

Greg MacMaster is a former Michigan State Representative and was part of the formation of the UAS Task Force. At the height of when drones were starting to become a frequent occurrence over prisons, he was the Chairman of the Michigan Department of Corrections from 2013-2014. MacMaster is also the president of Eagle Eye Media, Drone Sky Defender.
Note: The views expressed by guest bloggers and contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, Campus Safety.
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Tazewell County, Va., Storm Knocks Out 911 Power

LENOX — The town’s plan for a $25 million public safety complex is a go.The Zoning Board of Appeals on Wednesday gave unanimous approval to the site plan for the project, paving the way for construction of the new facilities for the police and fire departments and Lenox Ambulance EMS to begin this spring. Completion is expected by the end of 2025.”I’m 110 percent in favor,” longtime ZBA member Jedd Hall said of the “long overdue” complex. “It’s a great location, a great project,” he said. “It will improve everything and streamline police and fire for public safety.”

Addressing the need for a new facility has been a work in progress for 10 years, as the police and fire departments have long outgrown their current downtown headquarters. Funding was approved unanimously by special town meeting voters in December 2022.The 5-acre construction site area is at the northeast intersection of Housatonic Street and Route 7/20 on 19.6 acres of commercially zoned and vacant woodlands that contained a gravel pit and quarry from the 1920s through the 1960s. The building will be topped by a 150-foot transmission tower for police, fire and ambulance emergency services, expanding the reach of public safety radio and wireless communications, with future capacity for any other town needs.

The Lenox Fire Station (red roof) is located next to Town Hall in an obsolete, cramped facility dating from 1909. The town’s zoning board has approved a $25 million public safety complex at the northeast intersection of Route 7/20 and Housatonic Street. Construction is expected to begin this spring.

BEN GARVER — THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE

Nearby resident Kate McNulty-Vaughan pointed out that the tower would be ideal for co-location by a wireless cellphone carrier in order to improve widespread low- and no-signal areas in the town.“It would be wonderful if we could piggyback on that to improve cell service in the town,” ZBA Chairman Robert Fuster Jr. agreed. Any wireless carrier would need a zoning board special permit and a two-thirds voter approval at a town meeting.Hall also supported the potential wireless carrier use of the transmission tower, pointing to useless signals in Lenox Dale, where he lives.Fuster called the project “excellent, very much needed” and commended Police Chief Stephen O’Brien and Fire Chief Chris O’Brien for their patience during the many years required to locate and approve a site.There are no endangered species nor wetland concerns within the purview of the Conservation Commission at the location, said Carlos Nieto, landscape specialist from Berkshire Design Group of Northampton, hired by the town to prepare the site plan.The design calls for energy-efficient, downward-facing lighting, dimmed unless triggered by sensors, sparing neighbors from any impact, he said.The only access to the facility will be a driveway from Housatonic Street opposite Caligari’s Hardware.The facility can accommodate expansion for several additional employees in each public safety department, if and when needed, said Jim Hanifan of Caolo & Bieniek Architects in Chicopee.ZBA member Kimberly Duval, who later voted in favor of the project, voiced strong appreciation for the town’s police and fire departments, but wondered “why this is necessary or prudent in any way in this climate of rising construction costs, why we need to be building a new facility, cutting down a forest, working around vernal pools and a ledge … to meet the needs of a town that’s not growing.”

Firefighter Josh Romero, left, and Deputy Chief Jason Saunders wash Engine 1 at the Lenox firehouse in June 2021. The obsolete 1909 downtown fire station, where new equipment has to be special-ordered to fit the cramped space, will be replaced by a new public safety complex soon to be constructed on Route 7/20.

BEN GARVER — THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE

Stephen O’Brien responded that “we need more space,” noting the police force is in the process of staffing up from nine to 13 and from four cruisers to six. “What we have is totally outdated, and this is the obvious way to go.”Select Board Chairman Edward Lane pointed out that four other sites for a new facility were explored. But this location turned out to be the best spot, second only to a Brushwood Farm location that was unusable because of wetland issues.He described the current Town Hall basement housing the police department as “woefully inadequate for any kind of modern police work.” Lane also noted that special firetrucks have to be acquired to fit in the obsolete 1909 fire station next to Town Hall.And ZBA member Arthur Oliver noted that “it’s easier to start over and build something new than to fix something that’s not fixable.”During public comment, resident Michael Wilser of nearby Stone Ledge Road inquired about the impact of potential blasting during construction.

Nieto said it appears blasting is not expected to be necessary.The replacement for the outmoded fire station, as well as the code-challenged police station and ambulance garage in the basement of Town Hall, will be financed through a federally subsidized, long-term 30- or 40-year loan.While there’s no plan yet for the vacated police and fire stations, Town Manager Christopher Ketchen has said that the $25 million “all-in” project cost includes provisions for necessary alterations and upgrades at those downtown sites for potential reuse.

UCF Public Safety celebrated the achievements of officers, staff members and community partners at their annual awards ceremony hosted by the former voice of the Knights, Erik Kohler.
Each year, the department recognizes winners of their life-saving and Of the Year awards — who are featured more in depth below. Winners of commendations, community partnership awards and physical abilities awards are also recognized at the ceremony.
After being nominated and voted on by their peers, winners were selected and reviewed by award committee members.
2023 Of the Year and Life-saving Award Winners
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Clery Compliance Analyst Debbie Pope (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Civilian Employee of the Year: Debbie Pope
Debbie Pope has one of the most difficult positions in the department, yet seems to manage it with ease and grace. She studied vigorously to attain her Clery Compliance Officer Certification — becoming the first person to ever achieve this prestigious status at UCF — and has successfully created and launched a Clery Compliance Webcourses training module. To determine who needed to take this required training, she led the effort for the Campus Security Authority (CSA) Identification project, working alongside HR and Compliance to review thousands of job codes at UCF to identify potential CSAs on campus. Pope is fiercely passionate about coordinating fundraising events to support Special Olympics and has worked with them on both a local and national level to bring ideas and enthusiasm to their mission.
Civilian Supervisor of the Year: Michael Charles
Dispatch Supervisor Michael Charles. (Photo courtesy of the UCF Police Department)
Michael Charles has been a part of the public safety team for more than 20 years, consistently leading by example. With staffing shortages plaguing the UCF Police Department (UCFPD)’s Communications Center, he was always available to cover shifts, even canceling a weeklong planned vacation to assist with coverage. He racked up over 400 hours of overtime, with more than 50 12-hour shifts. Charles has provided critical training to several new dispatchers, often while also taking calls on night shift, and regularly checks in with his teammates both personally and professionally.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Roman Watkins (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Crisis Intervention Officer of the Year: Roman Watkins
Mental health is a growing concern, as we have seen those in our community struggle more than ever before. Officer Roman Watkins has been involved with multiple de-escalations, with the most noteworthy one being his response to a student who was threatening to jump off of a campus parking garage. Once on scene, Officer Watkins established a rapport with the individual by listening to what was troubling him. The student agreed to a voluntary Baker Act but was worried about his family not being able to contact him. Officer Watkins went above and beyond and, after getting permission, contacted the student’s mother to tell her where he would be and how she could get ahold of him.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), dispatcher Tiffany Ortiz (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Dispatcher of the Year: Tiffany Ortiz
Dispatchers are an invaluable asset that not only affect their agency and its officers, but also members of the public who depend on that voice on the other end of the phone in an emergency. Since joining UCFPD in 2022, Tiffany Ortiz has made a significant impact in the two years she has been here. She is always willing to fill in due to staffing shortages and recently earned a certification to assist with training new dispatchers. Ortiz received several nominations, all of which praised her calm demeanor and ability to relay information quickly and effectively, often before officers even ask.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Matheus Flores (left middle), officer Jeffrey Hopkins (right middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
DUI Officers of the Year: Matheus Flores and Jeffrey Hopkins
It’s up to all of us to keep our roads safe, and UCFPD is committed to stopping impaired driving on campus and in the surrounding area. The DUI Officer of the Year award is given based on statistics, and this year was a tie between officers Matheus Flores and Jeffrey Hopkins, who both had five DUI arrests each in 2023. While this number may not seem exceptionally large, these types of arrests are often limited due to UCFPD’s jurisdictional boundaries and participation in county-wide details. Impaired drivers can forever change the lives of hundreds of people in a fatal crash, but because of the efforts of these two officers, 10 of them never had the chance.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Matheus Flores (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Field Training Officer of the Year: Matheus Flores
UCFPD has high expectations for their new officers and provides them with a robust training program that includes eight weeks of classroom work followed by three months of field training with an experienced officer. Officer Matheus Flores consistently volunteers every rotation, whether for a full phase or just for a few days to give other field training officers a break. He is a wealth of knowledge for our new officers due to his experience on patrol, and brings a unique perspective to the role thanks to his stint with the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation.
From left to right: Maj. Derrick Stockdreher, Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS, officer Lee Smith, Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow, Cmdr. Pete Osterrieder. (Photo by UCF Public Safety)
Officer of the Year: Lee Smith
It was clear from the start that when officer Lee Smith joined UCFPD, he had an immeasurable heart of service and a willingness to always try to do the right thing. He excelled in 2023 — from becoming a patrol investigator and Field Training Officer to receiving his certification as a drone operator. He found his niche by enforcing traffic laws on our campus and holding violators accountable for dangerous driving, which is critical to public safety on a campus with thousands of vehicles and pedestrians every day. In 2023, Smith completed 780 traffic stops, issued 683 traffic citations and made 28 traffic-related arrests as a result. Due to his enforcement, he effectively changed the driving patterns of our campus community to a safer and law-abiding environment.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Luz Garcia (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Partner of the Year: Luz Garcia
Luz Garcia is responsible for keeping UCFPD in tip-top shape. She always has a smile on her face and is kind to everyone she meets. Often required to work holidays and over breaks, she goes out of her way to ensure everyone has what they need and isn’t afraid to alert her supervisors if she notices something wrong in the building. One nomination cited an example when she came rushing over to help clean up a spill and insisted the person leave to go pick up their child from school while she took care of the mess.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Andres Carbone (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Rookie of the Year: Andres Carbone
Although law enforcement is not new to officer Andres Carbone, in his brief time here at UCF he has quickly become one of the most proactive officers in the agency. As a Drug Recognition Expert, he consistently volunteers his time for DUI cases and frequently assists in setting up training for his squad. He has worked closely with our detectives on cases to sharpen his investigative skills and has expressed interest in threat management training. Officer Carbone has brought experience from previous agencies and applied it to ours, contributing to the success of our department and officers.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Sgt. Pete Stephens (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Sworn Supervisor of the Year: Pete Stephens
Sgt. Pete Stephens officially oversees a small team of civilian employees but also supervises countless officers working traffic and special event details. Often called the “backbone of the department” and the “hardest working guy in the building,” he is pivotal in ensuring campus events are staffed, often volunteering for details himself when there are not enough officers to fill spots and providing extensive manual labor to ensure successful and safe events. He is incredibly busy, but always willing to lend a hand or support his team. Stephens is an exceptional problem-solver — probably due to his love of puzzles and Wordle — and always willing to work with others to produce creative solutions to issues.
In addition to their regular duties and case load, this remarkable four-person team has maintained and built relationships with campus and community partners, presented and attended several conferences and meetings across the state and more. (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Team of the Year: Threat Management (Bianca Becker, Allura Bennett, Delaney Kirwin-Moore, Frank Imparato)
Keeping the UCF campus safe and secure is a big job, and one we do not take lightly at UCF Public Safety. That’s why we assess all potential threats and persons of concerns that are reported to us and the university. For the past year, this four-person team has a true passion for the work they do. They were instrumental in maintaining the level of care and service the team is expected to, while also developing it for the better. These individuals have maintained and built relationships with campus and community partners, presented at 12 different college campuses, attended the Master Trainer program, presented and attended several conferences and meetings across the state — all on top of their regular duties and case load.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), Sgt. Alan Elliot (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Life-saving award: Alan Elliot, Katie Marts, Dan Ryley
A student sustained life-threatening injuries after crashing headfirst into a brick wall while riding an electric scooter near the Recreation and Wellness Center. Sgt. Alan Elliot and officer Dan Ryley were able to provide aid while waiting for Orange County Fire Rescue to arrive, including clearing the patient’s airway several times and applying direct pressure to his wound. Officer Katie Marts was also on-scene to check for any additional injuries and provide support. The patient was ultimately transported as a trauma alert to the hospital in critical, unstable condition, where his family was told that he likely would not have survived without the aid provided by officers.
Chief Carl Metzger ’03MS (left), officer Anthony Mancuso (middle) and Deputy Chief Robin Griffin-Kitzerow (right). (Photo by Jordan Smith)
Life-saving award: Anthony Mancuso
When a fatigued student crashed into a light pole on campus and flipped her vehicle, officer Anthony Mancuso sprang into action. The student was uninjured in the crash, but fluid was leaking from the car with live wires nearby. After assessing the situation, Mancuso quickly began punching the windshield with only a gloved hand to rescue her and suffered significant cuts in the process. He was later transported to the hospital and received several stitches.

{KXLG -Roberts County, SD} South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley congratulates the 20 students who will graduate from the state Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course on Friday. Including Katerina Lykins from the Roberts County Sheriff’s Office and Janie Luper from the South Dakota State University Police.These students represent 15 different law enforcement or communication centers statewide, and Friday’s graduation will complete a two-week course for them.”These new telecommunicators will be among the first voices people hear when they call 911 with an emergency,” said Attorney General Jackley, who will be the guest speaker at Friday’s graduation. “Their role is invaluable since they are the ones who relay emergency information to first responders.”The two-week course includes training and hands-on exercises on issues such as public safety telecommunications, how to respond to questions from the caller, how to handle both emergency and non-emergency calls for service, and how to prioritize multiple incidents at once.The members of the 74th session of the Basic Telecommunicator Certification Course and their law enforcement organization are:- Bailee Ackerman, Butte County Sheriff’s Office.- McKenzie Bachmann, Winner Police Department.- Amber Ball, Spearfish Police Department.- Parker DeRouchey, Meade County Sheriff’s Office.- Collette Fickbohm, Butte County Sheriff’s Office.- Colette Habbena, Spink County Sheriff’s Office.- Brooke Jensen, Edmunds County Sheriff’s Office.- Katelyn Keller, Mobridge Police Department.- Samantha Kruger, Metro Communications.- Emelia Larsen, Pennington County Emergency Services Communication Center.- Gina Nenstiel, Spearfish Police Department.- Kevin Oberbroeckling, Charles Mix County 911 Sheriff’s Office.- David Petrick, Charles Mix County 911 Sheriff’s Office.- Ashley Pinkelman, Clay Area Emergency Communications.- Julia Pittman, Huron Department Public Safety/State Radio.- Shanden Reiners, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.- Madeline Schreier, Metro Communications.- Joseph Stiegel, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.Instructors for the course were staff from the state Division of Criminal Investigation’s Office of Law Enforcement Training, part of the Attorney General’s Office; experienced 911 telecommunicators from across the state; and public safety stakeholders. Friday’s graduation starts at 3:30 p.m. in the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Center in Pierre.

Pettis County GIS Director James Theisen was awarded Information Technologist of the Year by the Missouri Public Safety Communications Conference (MPSCC). This recognition reflects Theisen’s dedication and contributions to the field of emergency communications.
Having served Pettis County for over three decades, Theisen has demonstrated unwavering commitment and expertise in his role as GIS Director. His approach and technological prowess have significantly enhanced the efficiency and effectiveness of public safety communications systems throughout the region. Director Theisen also serves as the Commission representative on the Pettis County Joint Communications 911 Advisory Board.
In light of this achievement, Presiding Commissioner Bill Taylor remarked, “The Commission appreciates all of James’s hard work and he is well deserving of this honor.”
The Pettis County Commission extends its heartfelt congratulations to James Theisen on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to his continued contributions.

[embedded content]BARNSTABLE – Amid major increases in emergency call volumes, the Barnstable County Sheriff’s office is planning expansions to its 911 Regional Emergency Communications Center.
The center has been in operation on Joint Base Cape Cod since 2007, handling calls for the majority of fire departments in the region, according to the department.
With rising operational costs and staffing challenges, utilizing a larger regional dispatch that can be shared among even more communities has become more attractive in recent years, says Sheriff Donna Buckley.
“It is my goal to expand our existing capacity by enlarging the dispatch center, so we can accommodate as many new departments as possible,” Buckley said.
Two new additions to the department’s staff will assist in the effort. Deputy Chief of Communications Tom Ashe has been promoted to Chief of Emergency Communications and David Zack has been hired to serve as Director of Emergency Communications.
There’s no timeline yet on when a new center could be up and running, but Buckley said they have made significant progress in determining what kind of space they would need to potentially serve the region at large.
Constrained infrastructure amid higher response volumes is a concern being echoed by police and fire departments across the Cape, including the Barnstable Fire Department, which is seeking to build a new, bigger station soon as the community’s population increases.