TiPS Today in Public Safety with Fletch
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Welcome to TiPS: Today in Public Safety! Your go-to podcast for the latest updates in Next Generation 911 (NG911) services and public safety technology. Published on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, you’ll find current topics on Public Safety and NG911 implementation, interoperability, and the innovations shaping emergency response into the future. Hosted by Mark J. Fletcher, ENP (Fletch), a leading subject matter expert in the industry, these episodes promise to hold a little bit of everything for anyone involved in Public Safety communications and technology. Episodes are sponsored by 911inform, the leading NG911-compliant solution for the Enterprise, ensuring ”Every Second Counts – When it Matters Most™.” Stay informed, stay safe—subscribe now for your essential public safety updates!
Episodes
Episodes
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Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
TiPS 25-0205 Cloud Computing in NG911 Networks
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
Wednesday Feb 05, 2025
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, we delve into "The Role of Cloud Computing in NG911." Join Public Safety Subject Matter Expert Fletch, ENP, as he explores how cloud-based solutions offer scalability, resilience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness for Next Generation 911 systems, enhancing emergency communication and response. Discover real-world implementations and considerations for transitioning to cloud-based infrastructures.
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Monday Feb 03, 2025
TiPS 25-0203 - The Role of AI in Emergency Dispatch
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, we delve into "The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Emergency Dispatch." Explore how AI assists dispatchers in call triage, resource allocation, and predictive analytics to improve response times and outcomes. AI is NOT about replacing humans. It is about increasing accuracy and efficiency. Discover real-world applications and the challenges of integrating AI into emergency services.
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Friday Jan 31, 2025
TiPS 25-0131 Deploying NG911 in Rural Areas
Friday Jan 31, 2025
Friday Jan 31, 2025
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, host Fletch dives into the unique challenges and innovative solutions for deploying Next Generation 911 (NG911) services in rural communities. From infrastructure limitations and funding hurdles to staffing shortages, rural areas face distinct obstacles in upgrading their emergency communication systems.
Discover how federal funding programs, regional collaboration, and public-private partnerships are paving the way for NG911 readiness in underserved areas. Plus, learn about the critical role of training and wellness programs in supporting telecommunicators as they adapt to advanced NG911 systems.
Whether you’re an emergency services professional, a public safety leader, or simply interested in the future of 911 technology, this episode offers valuable insights into overcoming the barriers to NG911 adoption in rural America.
Tune in now to stay informed and inspired!
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Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
TiPS 25-0129 - The Forbidden Fruits of NG911
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
Wednesday Jan 29, 2025
🎙️ Forbidden Fruit: Hidden Dangers of Raspberry Pi and WiFi Pineapples 🎙️
In this episode of 911Tips.com, Fletch describes the deceptive dangers of seemingly harmless tech tools: the Raspberry Pi and WiFi Pineapple. These devices, while powerful and versatile, have a dark side that could pose significant risks to public safety and NG911 systems.
From how a Raspberry Pi can turn into a "ticking IT time bomb" to the way a WiFi Pineapple can trap unsuspecting users, we uncover the threats these devices pose to secure communication networks. Learn about infiltration risks, man-in-the-middle attacks, DDoS overloads, and IoT exploits—and why public safety professionals should be on high alert.
Fletch also shares practical tips for mitigating these risks, including network security, endpoint protection, team training, and proactive monitoring.
💡 Suggested by ENP Erika Lakey during NENA Standards and Best Practices, this episode is a must-listen for anyone invested in the safety and resilience of our critical public safety infrastructure.
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Monday Jan 27, 2025
TiPS 25-0127: 988 Enhancing Mental Health Crisis Response
Monday Jan 27, 2025
Monday Jan 27, 2025
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, host Fletch, VP of Public Safety Solutions at 911inform, explores the delicate balance between privacy and exigent circumstances in emergency communications.
While 911 calls are inherently considered exigent, allowing for temporary suspension of privacy laws to protect human life, the expectation of privacy becomes more complex with support lines like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
Fletch delves into the evolution of the 988 Lifeline, its role in providing anonymous support, and the challenges that arise when immediate intervention is necessary without explicit caller consent.
Join us as we navigate the intricacies of caller anonymity, emergency response, and the ongoing debate between ensuring immediate assistance and respecting individual privacy rights.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, don't hesitate to call 988 to connect with a trained counselor.
Subscribe to 911tips.com for more insights into public safety and emergency communications.
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Friday Jan 24, 2025
Friday Jan 24, 2025
🚨 Protecting the Protectors: How Blockchain Secures NG911 Systems 🚨
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch dives into the critical topic of cybersecurity in NG911 networks and how blockchain technology can help protect sensitive data and safeguard public safety infrastructure from cyber threats.
As NG911 networks handle increasingly complex multimedia content and critical information, staying ahead of cyberattacks is more important than ever. Learn how blockchain ensures data accuracy, prevents unauthorized access, and keeps vital information secure for first responders and public safety teams.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
The growing risks of cybersecurity in NG911 networks.
How blockchain works as a super-secure "chain of trust" for public safety data.
Key strategies for protecting sensitive data, including encryption, firewalls, and access control.
Real-world examples of blockchain’s potential to revolutionize emergency communications.
🔒 Why This Matters: Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about saving lives. With blockchain technology, we can create more secure and reliable systems for first responders and the communities they serve.
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Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
TiPS 25-0122 - NG911 Enhancing Response with Augmented Reality
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
Wednesday Jan 22, 2025
🚨 Augmented Reality & NG911: Revolutionizing Emergency Response 🚨
In this episode of TiPS: Today in Public Safety, Fletch dives into how Augmented Reality (AR) is transforming the way first responders handle emergencies. Learn how AR devices, powered by live data from Next Generation 911 (NG911) networks, are helping firefighters "see" through walls, navigate smoke-filled buildings, and avoid hazards in real time.
💡 Topics Covered in This Episode:
How AR overlays critical data like building layouts and environmental hazards.
The role of NG911 in providing seamless, real-time data to first responders.
Real-world use cases, like wireframe building maps in respirator masks.
The potential cost savings and insurance benefits of AR-enabled systems.
With NG911 technology being deployed nationwide and AR advancements accelerating, this isn’t science fiction—it’s the future of emergency response.
🔥 Don’t miss this deep dive into the tools that are enhancing situational awareness and saving lives!
🔗 Links & Resources:🌐 Visit 911tips.com for more episodes of TiPS: Today in Public Safety.📘 Learn more about NG911 technology and its impact on public safety.
🎙 About the Host:Fletch is the VP of Public Safety Solutions at http://911inform.com and a leading expert in emergency communications. With over 40 years of experience, he’s passionate about sharing innovations that save lives.
✅ Subscribe for more insights on public safety and emergency technology.👍 Like this video if you found it useful!🗨️ Have questions or thoughts? Drop them in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
#PublicSafety #NG911 #AugmentedReality #EmergencyResponse #InnovationSavesLives #TiPS
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Monday Jan 20, 2025
TiPS: 250120 - NG911 Predictive Analysis Reshaping Public Safety Response
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
Large enterprises operate with vast data lakes—repositories holding detailed environmental, operational, and health-related information. From HVAC systems monitoring air quality to real-time employee health metrics, these datasets provide a wealth of information that, when shared securely and intelligently with public safety agencies, can transform emergency preparedness.
For example:
Environmental Monitoring: Sensors tracking temperature, humidity, or air quality in industrial environments can signal fire risks or hazardous material leaks.
Health Data Aggregation: Wearables and health systems can detect trends like rising temperatures or symptoms of illness, helping businesses preempt medical emergencies.
Occupancy Analytics: Heat maps and access control data can indicate crowd density, guiding evacuation plans or pinpointing areas of heightened risk.
When integrated into NG911 systems, this enterprise-level intelligence provides responders with critical insights before they arrive on the scene.