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Science and Technology
  Research & Development
  First Responder Capability

     Research & Development
                
      Advanced Sensing
                
                    
      
      Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems
                
                    
      
      Biotechnology
                
                    
      
      Border Security
                
                    
      
      Chemical, Biological and Explosive Defense R&D
                
                    
      
      Communications and Cyber Resiliency
                
                    
      
      Community and Infrastructure Resilience
                
                    
      
      Counter Terrorist
                
                    
      
      Cybersecurity/Information Analysis R&D
                
                    
      
      Data, Modeling, and Simulation Sciences
                
                    
      
      Digital Identity and Trust
                
                    
      
      Earth Systems Sciences
                
                    
      
      Emerging Computing Paradigms
                
                    
                    
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      Project 25 Compliance Assessment Program (P25 CAP)
                
                    
      
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      Voice, Video, and Data Communications ResearchFood and Agriculture Defense
                
                    
      
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      Physical Security and Critical Infrastructure Resilience
                
                    
      
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      About S&TSubscribe
    
      Subscribe to S&T NewsFirst 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 cyberattacksSee 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.
      
      News
      Feature Article: First Responders Need to Know They’ll Be Heard
	Feature Article: Wearable Tech Mitigates First Responder Exposure to Chemical Threats
	Feature Article: What if Law Enforcement Could ‘See’ Through Walls?
	Feature Article: Picturing the Future of Firefighting
	Feature Article: Putting Our Heads Together for Firefighter Safety
	Feature Article: Reimagining Gunshot Detection for Enhanced Community Safety
	Feature Article: Channeling NEXTGEN TV so Responders Can Answer the Call
	News Release: DHS S&T Develops Portable Outdoor Gunshot Detection Technology for Law Enforcement
	Feature Article: Strong Relationships with First Responders are an Investment in R&D
	News Release: DHS Releases Recommendations to Protect National Public Warning System from EMPs
	Feature Article: Urban OpEx—New York City Is a Testbed for First Responder Tech
	Feature Article: Will the Sun Soon Power First Responders?
	Feature Article: Field Testing a New Firefighter Respirator
	Feature Article: 3D X-Ray Makes it Easier to Detect Hidden Explosive Weapons
	News Release: New Digital Indoor Mapping Capability Now Available for First Responders
              Resources
      Podcast

Technologically Speaking Podcast: Getting Creative About How to Get the Message Through
	Technologically Speaking Podcast: The First Responder Group Doesn't Just Do Widgets
	TechSpeak Minisode Podcast: Understanding What Responders Need
	TechSpeak Minisode Podcast: All Hazards Focused
	Technologically Speaking Podcast: 300 People Per Hour Per LaneNational 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

Office for Interoperability and Compatibility Technology Center
	Sensors and Platforms Technology Center
              Contact
      FRC_STMCS@hq.dhs.gov.
              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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           Research & Development
      
    
                  Expertise
      
    
                  Partnerships
      
    
                  Work with S&T
      
    
                  News & Events
      
    
                  About S&T
                            
        Science and Technology
      
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