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Breadcrumb

  1. Science and Technology
  2. Research & Development
  3. First Responder Capability

First Responder Capability

The Science and Technology Directorate’s (S&T’s) First Responder Capability program provides technical assistance and develops innovative solutions to the most pressing challenges faced by first responders, emergency managers, and incident commanders as they respond to hazardous situations. The program strengthens the abilities of our communities to protect the homeland and respond to disasters.

S&T works hand-in-hand with members of all first responder disciplines—law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services and emergency management officials, as well as innovators and industry—to develop capabilities that:

  • Make first responders safer
  • Improve communication tool security and effectiveness
  • Enhance data and information sharing during daily, emergency or joint operations
  • Promote and sustain partnerships with responders and responder organizations across the nation at all levels
  • Help investigate cybercrime and cases involving digital evidence
  • Secure 911 emergency call systems from cyberattacks

See First Responder Capability Program Fact Sheet

Visit S&T Impact: First Responders to discover technologies making a real difference and to read several compelling scenarios featuring innovation in action.

Podcast

National Laboratories

As a federal laboratory organized within DHS S&T, the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory (NUSTL) brings together the interests and initiatives of the Homeland Security Enterprise with the first responder community. The laboratory’s mission activities in test and evaluation and research and development help first responders prepare, protect and respond to homeland security threats.

Technology Centers

Learn more about us and discover how your organization can partner with S&T to make the homeland more secure.

Last Updated: 02/05/2024
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