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 First Responders. Using science to strengthen first responders and the nation. 18,000+ Improved firefighter garments. 1.25 million threats detected. 2,000+ state and local law enforcement officers trained to detect radiation. Helping law enforcement seize more than $10 million in criminal funds. Industry sold over 40,000 products developed by S&T accounting for $19 Million in sales revenue. Supporting over 3 million public safety users with and mobile radio interoperability. 30+ states using our enhanced information sharing tools, technologies, resources & exercises.488+ state and local bomb squads using S&T technology and techniques. 9% improvement in imposter detection through innovative training technology. Helping safe 475 child sex trafficking victims. 21 state and terrirtories using hurricane evacuation tool.

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

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

Current R&D Activities

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Available Technologies

S&T maintains a growing list of transitioned technologies that were field-tested by first responders across the country and are now available for agencies and other members of the Homeland Security Enterprise to procure.

News

Additional Resources

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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.

Contact Us

FRC_STMCS@hq.dhs.gov

Learn more about our R&D mission and discover how you can Work with S&T to help strengthen the nation's homeland security!

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