DHS to test smart cities technology in St. Louis to improve public safety

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is launching a pilot program in St. Louis to integrate smart cities technology into the public safety infrastructure.

The pilot program will take place at T-REX, the downtown St. Louis technology innovation center. DHS, working with local officials and the Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) will design and test the Smart City Interoperability Reference Architecture (SCIRA) to integrate Internet of Things (IoT) sensors for public safety applications.

“With this pilot, we will be able to engage stakeholders in St. Louis to test how their technology can meet real city needs,” William Bryan, senior official performing the duties of the under secretary for science and technology, said. “The City of St. Louis joined the federal Smart Cities Initiative in an effort to improve public safety, among other objectives. We, at DHS S&T, are honored to work with the city and OGC as we continue to serve our colleagues in public safety.”

The goal of the SCIRA pilot is to improve operations, enhance public safety, and improve emergency response capabilities. The pilot will test the ability to enhance public safety via a series of major flooding, flash flooding, vulnerable population outreach, and building fire scenarios.

“Community level application of existing technologies is essential for a 21st-century city to adequately deliver services to its residents and provide for their public safety, as well as enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of all city services. The way our residents live, work and play is continuously evolving and their government must evolve with them. I am excited to be partnering with DHS S&T and OGC on this very important smart city effort,” St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson said.