The First Responder Network Authority’s public-private partnership with AT&T provides first responders with immediate access to mission-critical capabilities over the FirstNet network.  This includes priority and preemption features that give first responders their own ‘fast lane’ on the public safety network to communicate and share information during emergencies, large events or other situations when commercial networks could become congested. 

In December 2017, all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and 2 U.S. territories accepted a Radio Access Network (RAN) buildout plan for the FirstNet wireless broadband network for first responders.  Congress approved a bill establishing FirstNet in 2012. Over the last five years, the First Responder Network Authority has worked with public safety representatives in each state and territory to develop customized plans to build out the network. The coming year will be a game changer for public safety as FirstNet expands across the nation and more innovative technologies and applications come online for public safety subscribers.

Key FirstNet milestones and activities planned for 2018 include:

• Expanding the network
• Driving public safety innovation
• Securing emergency communications
• Engaging with public safety

Our government's first duty is to its people, to our citizens—to serve their needs, to ensure their safety, to preserve their rights, and to defend their values.

~President Donald J. Trump

In mid-December 2017, President Trump released the National Security Strategy for the United States.  This new strategy is built on four pillars:  (1) protect the homeland, the American people, and the American way of life; (2) promote American prosperity; (3) preserve peace through strength; and (4) advance American influence.   The strategy includes issues such as securing U.S. borders and territory, pursuing threats to their sources, and keeping America safe in the cyber era.

What was once a minor threat—people hacking for fun or bragging rights—has now turned into full-blown nation-state economic espionage and very, very lucrative cyber criminal activity. The threat is now coming at us from all sides.

~Christopher A. Wray, FBI Director

FBI Director Christopher A. Wray recently addressed attendees at the International Conference on Cyber Security in New York City, New York, and stated that, as the threats from hackers and other cyber criminals grow, the FBI is committed to developing its workforce’s cyber expertise, building partnerships, and punishing cyber criminals who target the United States.  There are numerous different types of cyber threats facing the country—nation-state intrusions, hacktivists, insider threats, and, more recently, the so-called “blended threat” of nation-states using criminal hackers to work for them.  But as hackers and criminals evolve, the FBI is changing too.

Human trafficking is a crime that tears the fabric of our society. It is a violation of basic human rights. It is a social justice issue and exacts a significant social and economic toll on survivors and the community. Many have lost their lives; others struggle daily as they cope with the trauma of this heinous crime.

~United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking Annual Report 2017

The U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking recently released its Human Trafficking Annual Report for 2017.  The Council was established on May 29, 2015, to encourage partnership and collaboration among government agencies, survivor-led organizations, and anti-trafficking organizations to empower, engage, and employ survivors who bring their experience and expertise to create better programs and anti-trafficking policies. The report focuses on the following areas: rule of law, public awareness, victim services, labor laws, and grantmaking.

In 2008, Congress passed the Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act (Public Law 110-298), creating the Federal Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery and the State and Local Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery. The act establishes an award to honor exceptional acts of bravery in the line of duty by federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. The medals are awarded annually by the U.S. Attorney General and are presented by the recipients' congressional representatives.  

The nomination period is now open and applications are due by February 15, 2018.