Technology in Public Safety

1 voice message. 8 lines of code. And 76,000 women who slept easier that night. It was a WhatsApp voice note that did it. A working mother from a small town sent it in a panic to a women’s safety group chat: "He used my selfie to unlock my phone. Read everything. Mailed himself my chats. I didn't even know until he confronted me about things I never said out loud." The group went silent. Until Diya replied: "He used your face as a weapon. Let me fix that." Diya was 19. A computer science student. She wasn’t an activist, or a lawyer, or someone who spoke on panels. She liked coding in silence, fixing broken things while the world went noisy around her. But this? This wasn’t just a bug. It was a breach—quiet, invisible, and far too common. Facial recognition. Biometrics. Auto logins. These were meant to make things secure. But no one had asked: secure for whom? In the next 72 hours, Diya locked herself in her room, powered by rage and filter coffee. She tested phone unlock settings. Studied biometric bypasses. Cross-referenced safety forums. Built simulations. Cried once when her own phone unlocked with her sleeping face in low light. Then she built it: A tiny piece of open-source code that acted like a smart gatekeeper. It could detect unauthorized attempts to unlock a phone using passive facial recognition—especially in dim light or while the user was asleep—and trigger an auto-lock + alert sequence. She called it Nayana. In Sanskrit: the eye. The code was 8 lines long. Free. Shareable. Built for women who lived with people they didn’t feel safe saying no to. It went viral. First in the forums. Then in a Reddit thread called “Things Only Women Notice.” Then in WhatsApp groups titled “For Our Daughters.” Within a week, 76,000 downloads. Within a month, tech magazines were calling it “the most quietly radical feature ever written.” Not because it changed the world. Because it protected what most women are forced to surrender—privacy. In relationships. In families. At workplaces. Even in friendships. Diya didn’t ask for credit. She didn’t show her face on the interviews. When a reporter asked for a photo, she sent back a line of text: “I built Nayana so women could finally close their eyes and sleep without fear.” And in that sentence, she changed something even bigger than code: She made the world ask why privacy had always been treated like a luxury—when for women, it’s survival.

Enhancing Search & Rescue with Drones: A Game-Changer in Critical Situations Drones are transforming search & rescue missions, offering fast, efficient, and life-saving solutions. In rugged terrains or disaster-hit urban areas, they provide quick, comprehensive coverage, making them indispensable for first responders. Key Applications: ✅ Aerial Coverage: Fixed-wing drones like map large areas quickly, giving rescue teams high-resolution images for immediate action. From snow-covered landscapes to dense forests, they pinpoint areas for targeted search efforts. ✅ AI-Driven Insights: AI-powered drones, such as Skydio 🤖, autonomously navigate tough environments. In a notable case during hurricane relief, Skydio drones avoided obstacles while helping teams assess damage and locate survivors in otherwise inaccessible areas. ✅ Advanced Imaging: Equipped with thermal and infrared sensors, #UAVs can detect structural damage, missing persons, & obstacles, providing real-time data to improve decision-making on the ground #Drones #SearchAndRescue #AI #EmergencyResponse #Innovation #PublicSafety #Skydio #Wingtra #BRINC #TechForGood #DisasterRelief

Forecasting forest fire spread is important for providing early warnings to the stakeholders. For the first time team led by Dr Manish Kale from CADC, Pune, has developed an operational Forest fire spread forecasting system, with funding from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology of India (https://www.meity.gov.in/). It uses the open-source WRF-SFIRE model to carry out surface forest fire spread forecasting in the North Sikkim region of the Indian Himalayas. Global forecast system (GFS)--based hourly forecasted weather model data obtained through the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) at 0.25-degree resolution were used to provide the initial conditions for running WRF-SFIRE. A landuse–landcover map at 1:10,000 scale was used to define fuel parameters for different vegetation types. The fuel parameters, i.e., fuel depth and fuel load, were collected from 23 sample plots (0.1 ha each) laid down in the study area. Samples of different categories of forest fuels were measured for their wet and dry weights to obtain the fuel load. The vegetation-specific surface area-to-volume ratio was referenced from the literature. The atmospheric data were downscaled using nested domains in the WRF model to capture fire–atmosphere interactions at a finer resolution. VIIRS satellite sensor-based fire alert was used as an ignition initiation point for the fire spread forecasting, whereas the forecasted hourly weather data (time synchronized with the fire alert) were used for dynamic forest-fire spread forecasting. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization,

This study focuses on a deep learning-based Fire Weather Index (FWI) forecasting system, with Shihab Shahriar, a Ph.D. student in UH Choi’s AQF and machine learning group, as the first author. Wildfires in the United States have risen significantly in recent decades due to climate change, shifting weather patterns, and increased flammable materials. To address this, the study analyzed FWI trends across the Continental United States from 2014 to 2023, leveraging gridMET meteorological data and key variables like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation to pinpoint wildfire-prone areas. A hybrid forecasting framework was developed, integrating Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) with Temporal Convolutional Neural Networks (TCNNs), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), and Deep Autoregressive Networks (DeepAR), and evaluated using performance metrics such as the Index of Agreement (IOA) and root mean squared error (RMSE). The GNN-TCNN model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an IOA of 0.95 and an RMSE of 1.21 on Day 1, making it an effective and scalable solution for proactive wildfire management across both short- and long-term forecasting horizons. https://lnkd.in/gts_AD7X https://lnkd.in/gJpJmkw9

🌍 WinTAK & ATAK – Situational Awareness Tools Explained 🛰️ Have you heard of TAK (Tactical Awareness Kit)? It’s a platform originally developed for situational awareness and coordination, with both civilian and military versions. ATAK (Android Team Awareness Kit): The Android version, widely used by civilian agencies, first responders, and outdoor groups. WinTAK: The Windows version, designed for larger screens and mission planning. 💡 Key Features (Civilian / Authorized Use): 1️⃣ Real-Time Mapping – Switch between satellite, topo, and street maps easily 🗺️ 2️⃣ Team Coordination – Track teammates, share locations, and avoid getting lost 🧭 3️⃣ Communication Plugins – Integrate with radio, LoRa, or other comms 📡 4️⃣ Custom Plugins – Extend TAK with new mapping and coordination features 🔧 5️⃣ Outdoor / Civilian Uses – Perfect for hiking, road trips, and disaster response 🚑 🌟 Why It Matters: Tools like ATAK and WinTAK show how map-based coordination improves safety, teamwork, and response time. Whether for outdoor adventures or civilian emergency teams, secure comms and trusted data sources are key. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for educational and awareness purposes only. No military operations or drone deployments are being demonstrated. Always use TAK/ATAK/WinTAK responsibly and within legal, authorized contexts. #WinTAK #ATAK #SituationalAwareness #Mapping #TeamCoordination #TechTools #CyberSecurityAwareness #InfoSec #EmergencyResponse #EthicalTech

December 2024: Ambee’s wildfire forecast flagged high-risk zones in LA January 2025: Wildfires erupted (right where the data predicted) This four-week warning is not a retrospective analysis. For years, businesses have reacted after wildfires started. But wildfires don’t appear out of nowhere. It follows patterns driven by temperature trends, precipitation forecasts, and historical seasonality. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝘁, 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗰𝘁. Ambee’s Wildfire Forecast API delivers fire danger intelligence up to 4 weeks in advance, helping - Construction & Infra: Schedule outdoor work during lower-risk windows - Healthcare Providers: Prepare for air quality impacts in high-risk zones - Emergency Management: Evacuate & deploy resources in advance - Insurance: Adjust policies dynamically with forecasted risk insights - Logistics: Reroute shipments weeks ahead to avoid disruption - Energy: Secure infrastructure before peak fire conditions 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗔𝗣𝗜 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁? • NA-Focused Data: Use regionally validated wildfire risk insights • 500m Grid Precision: Get hyperlocal forecasts for risk assessment • Comprehensive Risk Metrics: FWI, FFMC, temp & precipitation data • Easy API Integration: Implement with developer-friendly documentation • Weekly Updates: Stay ahead with dynamic, categorized risk assessments • 4-Week Advanced Warning: Predict wildfire risk before conditions escalate 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘃𝘀. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 Tracking active fires is important. But forecasting fire risk before it happens allows businesses to act early. Wildfire forecasting = long-term risk planning Real-time wildfire monitoring = immediate situational awareness Used together, they provide both immediate insights and long-term risk mitigation. 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗲’𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗔𝗣𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲. We already know where wildfires have been. We already know where wildfires are happening now. Now, we know where wildfires will be next. The data exists. The forecasts are live. If you’d like to start predicting fire risks in under 15 minutes, check the first comment below!

Doctor by day, victim by night. When did our hospitals become hunting grounds? My wife is a doctor. The Kolkata incident isn't just news—it's our nightmare. Today, I'm shelving my usual GTM talk. We need to discuss safety. Now. 🩺 Context: A young doctor, brutally assaulted in her workplace. Our healers aren't safe. Our sisters, wives, daughters aren't safe. I'm not just angry; I'm terrified. And I know you are too. I'm pausing my usual GTM content. Today, we talk safety. Real, practical, now. 💡 Real, Practical Ideas (because "thoughts and prayers" don't cut it): → Workplace Audit: Every hospital needs a safety check. Yesterday. → Buddy System: No solo shifts, especially at night. Non-negotiable. → Self-Defense Training: Mandatory. For everyone. No exceptions. → Panic Buttons: Every room, every corridor. Linked directly to security. → CCTV Monitoring: 24/7, with real-time alerts. Privacy with security. → Zero Tolerance Policy: Any harassment? Immediate action. Always. → Community Watch: Involve local residents. More eyes = more safety. → Regular Drills: Practice emergency responses. Monthly, at least. → Counseling Services: For staff and patients. Mental health is health. → Transport Services: Safe rides home for late shifts. Every time. 🚀 Tech Support (not solutions, but tools): → Shake2Safety: Shake for SOS → bSafe: Your personal safety network → Himmat: Delhi Police's official app → VithU: Two taps for help → Safetipin: Crowdsourced area safety info 🔥 Call to Action: Healthcare pros: Demand these changes. Your life depends on it. Tech folks: Build better. We need you. Managers: Implement now. No budget excuses. Everyone else: Speak up. Support. Share. This is on all of us. This isn't just a women's issue or a doctor's issue. It's a human rights crisis. Drop a 🏥 if you're ready to make our hospitals fortresses of healing again. Share your ideas. Tag decision-makers. Let's turn this pain into policy. #ProtectOurHealers #SafetyFirstAlways #TimeForAction #LinkedInForChange P.S. To every healthcare worker, especially women: We see you. We value you. Your safety isn't optional. It's a right. And we're fighting for it. Together. 💪

Search and Rescue Tool Played Vital Role in Recent Emergency Flood Response, S&T Says - (2 Clips) - 1. The Search and Rescue Common Operating Platform, or SARCOP, has been a vital tool for federal, state and local emergency response teams during devastating flood events in Texas, North Carolina, New Mexico, and Vermont. SARCOP is a single, shared platform that helps officials map damage, mark where teams have already been deployed, and plan where they’ll go next. - S&T partnered with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS to develop this tool based on direct input from urban search and rescue teams. SARCOP is available for free to first responder agencies in the U.S. and has been deployed in 55 active emergencies in 2025. - https://lnkd.in/exD-4-dJ 2. Feature Article: SARCOP: One Team. One Mission. One Map. - Hurricanes, tropical storms, coastal and inland flooding, wildfires, tornadoes, and other natural disasters are causing widespread devastation throughout the country. - Enter SARCOP, an intuitive, secure, mobile, multiagency platform that aggregates massive amounts of information from disaster areas and enables the sharing of that intelligence before, during, and after the disaster. Using advanced geospatial analytics, SARCOP profoundly increases situational awareness, introducing exceptionally impactful efficiencies into the mission of rescuing people and saving lives. - In responding to catastrophic incidents, some of the first resources to arrive from outside the impacted area are US&R teams. - US&R teams are comprised of specialized local responders, mobilized from their communities, and deployed as task forces. - Historically, due to the multijurisdictional nature of these response teams, they lacked a common platform for tracking and managing disaster response. - having a unified mission toolset allows all US&R resources to effortlessly share information across the incident, minimizing communication delays and ensuring operational continuity.” - Today, SARCOP is a state-of-the-art, scalable, nationally available tool that aggregates access to mobile apps to dramatically increase the effectiveness and efficiency of search and rescue field operations. This includes increased resource management and an intuitive common geospatial platform that is shared among all US&R teams. - Through NAPSG Foundation, SARCOP also provides remote geospatial support to US&R teams that are deployed. SARCOP transforms how search and rescue is conducted by expanding how teams can contribute to disaster response. This includes, but is not limited to, providing initial damage observations, which are crucial to providing the appropriate recovery resources to communities.  - https://lnkd.in/eF8kbb4k

🌪️ Real-Time GIS: A Life-Saving Tool in Disaster Management 🛰️🗺️ When disaster strikes, seconds matter—and real-time geospatial intelligence can mean the difference between chaos and coordinated response. From floods and wildfires to earthquakes and cyclones, Real-Time GIS empowers decision-makers with immediate, location-based insights. Here’s how: --- 🔍 What Real-Time GIS Does in a Crisis: 📡 Live Data Integration Streams data from satellites, drones, IoT sensors, and mobile devices into a single operational view. 📊 Dynamic Dashboards Emergency teams use real-time dashboards (e.g., ArcGIS Operations Dashboard) to monitor incidents, resource status, and population movement. 🗺️ Predictive Mapping Combines weather data and terrain models to forecast risk zones and potential impact areas. 🚁 Drone-Based Assessment Aerial imagery and thermal data from drones help assess damages, detect survivors, and plan relief logistics. 📍 Citizen Sourced Reports Geo-tagged social media posts and mobile apps provide valuable on-ground updates from affected areas. --- 💡 Why It Matters When a flood rises or a wildfire spreads, every minute counts. GIS gives us the ability to: ✅ Save lives ✅ Allocate resources faster ✅ Make smarter, data-driven decisions under pressure --- 🌐 Governments, NGOs, and disaster response units worldwide are increasingly adopting real-time spatial dashboards to coordinate efforts across agencies and borders. --- 💬 Are you working on or have seen a powerful GIS application in disaster response? Share your experience or link below. Let's inspire more spatial solutions that save lives. 🌍 #GIS #DisasterManagement #RealTimeGIS #EmergencyResponse #GeoAI #Drones #RemoteSensing #PublicSafety #GeospatialIntelligence #SmartResilience #ArcGIS #Esri #LocationIntelligence