Public Safety Blog Series-Connecting the Unconnected in Public Safety Response

The Internet of Things (IoT) is the next technology transition where devices will allow us to sense and control the physical world by making objects smarter and connecting them through an intelligent network.   IoT is about connecting the unconnected.  Here are three recent stories sharing insights of how IoT technologies are transforming public safety and making communities safer.

IoT Technologies used in Disaster Response

Cisco NERV – Click to learn more!

Matt Runyan, Network Consulting Engineer from Cisco’s Tactical Operations team recently presented a session called Internet of Things (IoT) technologies used in Disaster Response. The session provided an overview of lessons learned from SuperStorm Sandy, as well as dozens of other national and global public safety emergencies where Cisco’s Network Emergency Response Vehicle (NERV), a mobile incident command vehicle, has been deployed.

NERV is a vehicle built with Cisco Internet of Things (IoT) enabled technologies such as Cisco IP Collaboration and Incident Response System (IPICS) technologies, Unified Communications, Cisco AnyConnect security for mobile devices,  and enhanced safety and security platform Cisco’s Hyper-scalable Video Surveillance Manager 7, and related LTE, radio, wireless, networking switching and routing technologies.

Brazil Ministry of Justice

Brazil Ministry of Justice – Mobile Command and Control Center – Click to learn more!

The Brazil Ministry of Justice was so inspired by the capabilities of the NERV platform that they deployed 27 mobile command centers to support civic sporting events.

For example, Cisco IP Interoperability and Collaboration System (IPICS) and Unified Communications, IP Telephony, Voice and Radio over IP, and IP Dispatch with survivable capabilities that are flexible and resilient.

Radio, Voice, video, and data communications can be used across different network services  that are available such as LTE/4G/3G,  VSAT, Cable Modem, T1, other radio and wireless networks

Ricardo Max, Contract Coordinator, SESGE:  “Cisco IPICS enables us to effectively communicate and coordinate across security agencies to provide safety and support large events.”

Dallas Area Rapid Transit

Dallas Area Rapid Transit – Click to learn more!

Video surveillance provides situational awareness about personnel inside agency buildings, about crowd situations, rising water, weather conditions, and improves productivity, decision making about the use of people and assets.

Charles Byrd, Manager, Public Safety Technologies, Dallas Area Rapid Transit: “Cisco VSM 7 and Cisco medianet enabled IP cameras give us the ability to easily use video surveillance technologies for public safety across all of our DART locations to help keep passengers safe and achieve efficient operations.”

Please stay tuned to the Cisco Government blog for the next installment of the public safety blog series.