Law Enforcement

Ensuring students enjoy their college experience safely is a top priority for campus safety officials at Delaware State University (DSU). At DSU, keeping students safe and first responders connected means making the FirstNet network — the nationwide network dedicated to emergency communication — a key part of its campus safety initiative. FirstNet helps ensure that students can reach university police at all times.

Hurricane Helene caused widespread devastation throughout the southeast United States in late 2024. Public safety leaders in Tennessee and North Carolina worked with partners across their state to ensure 9-1-1 calls could go through and responders had the communications they needed. FirstNet provided critical redundancy and resiliency during response and recovery efforts.

Tennessee integrated FirstNet into its statewide public safety radio system, the Tennessee Advanced Communications Network (TACN), to provide redundant, resilient communications for first responders. From tornados that destroyed radio infrastructure to a daring flood rescue during Hurricane Helene, FirstNet provided the coverage to keep responders connected in crucial moments.

FirstNet Authority Board Member and Sheriff of Walton County, Florida Michael Adkinson has extensive experience facing hurricanes and other challenges throughout his public safety career, including the impact of losing regional communication. Hear more about his unique experiences and the strengths he brings to the FirstNet Authority Board.

During the St. Thomas Carnival, the U.S. Virgin Islands’ public safety community enlisted support from the First Responder Network Authority’s Network Engagement Experience Program to prepare for the annual event. This pre-event guidance helped address communication and coordination challenges during the large-scale event and laid the groundwork for future emergency preparedness in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

When the Groundhog Day annual ceremony attracted more than 50,000 visitors to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania State Police alongside local, state, and federal agencies, tapped into operational assistance from the FirstNet Authority. The FirstNet Authority worked closely with public safety officials to evaluate network coverage and ensure reliable communication for the event. Throughout the day, FirstNet provided high-speed coverage that allowed the multiple agencies to coordinate seamlessly and respond swiftly to emerging needs.

Public safety tech leader Bill Schrier was presented with the Chief Harlin McEwen Award for his exceptional leadership and contributions to public safety broadband communications. Throughout his career, he has worked to modernize communication systems, improve interoperability, and advocate for public safety’s needs with every innovation. Join the FirstNet Authority as we honor and celebrate him. Learn more: https://www.firstnet.gov/newsroom/press-releases/former-washington-state-seattle-tech-leader-bill-schrier-receives-national

The First Responder Network Authority awarded Bill Schrier the Chief Harlin R. McEwen Public Safety Broadband Communications Award (Harlin McEwen Award) for his leadership and contributions to advancing broadband communications for public safety.

The First Responder Network Authority presented the Patriot Award to six distinguished leaders in public safety, recognizing their innovative use of broadband technologies to protect and safeguard their communities.

Law enforcement officers need to stay connected while doing their job — during extreme weather, among large crowds, inside buildings, or at the edge of the network’s reach. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Nebraska is taking advantage of multiple FirstNet solutions to support their everyday operations and get coverage where officers work.

When an underground fire led to a total power outage in downtown Baltimore, first responders found themselves in the dark and without radio communications. The Baltimore City Sheriff's Office arrived on scene and deployed FirstNet devices for the first time--within minutes, they were communicating and coordinating response. In the months since, the agency has integrated FirstNet into daily operations, helping deputies capture data in the field, maintain communications during long prisoner transports across Maryland, and tackle innovative approaches to law enforcement.

After an underground fire cut power and disabled radio communications in downtown Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office relied on FirstNet devices to maintain contact and coordinate emergency response. The experience marked the first deployment of FirstNet and initiated the agency’s transition to using broadband for daily operations. FirstNet has since helped the Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office improve field reporting, stay connected during long prisoner transports, and enhance officer safety.

The Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi, known as Meskwaki Nation, is the only federally recognized tribe in Iowa. The Meskwaki Police Department uses FirstNet for reliable connectivity across the reservation. FirstNet coverage helps tribal police officers communicate during everyday operations and planned events in the community, including the annual Powwow. 

Chief Joe Duvall led the Dallas Police Department to becoming first in the state — and one of the first in the country — to completely switch from land mobile radios (LMR) to public safety broadban

Wellness is a hot topic in the public safety community – but how does it address the challenges faced by first responders serving on the front lines? Dr. Kristen Wheldon, Assistant Chief Patrick Fale, and Undersheriff Sylvia Moir discuss the importance of early intervention solutions for first responders, live at 5x5: The Public Safety Innovation Summit.  

Pre-incident and event planning is one of the FirstNet Authority’s most popular and successful services in the Network Experience Engagement Program. The program is offered at no cost to help public safety agencies with pre-incident and event planning, post-incident and event reviews, and exercise planning. It is highly successful in supporting events, including the Super Bowl, collegiate basketball’s Final Four, and the Kentucky Derby.

The First Responder Network Authority presented the Patriot Award to five leaders in public safety, recognizing their leadership in using FirstNet to make communities safer.

Maine is undertaking a statewide project to install FirstNet in all its ambulances — to keep them connected and communicating wherever the call takes them. Integrating FirstNet into ambulances improves pre-hospital care and safety for patients, responders, vehicles, and roads.

Wherever law enforcement officers work, they need fast and reliable connectivity. One of the most important innovations for public safety communications is 5G. With 5G, wireless connectivity can move more data at greater speeds in near real time. 5G will have a big impact on the ability of officers to do their jobs safely and efficiently.

FirstNet Authority Board member Undersheriff Sylvia Moir discusses how FirstNet, the public safety broadband network, is aiding first responders in reducing harm and safeguarding communities. Learn how the network supports first responders on the frontline everyday at FirstNet.gov.