The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) Office for Interoperability and Compatibility (OIC) has initiated a project concerning the use of video in public safety.  Public safety practitioners rely heavily on video technology as a tool by which to keep the Nation safe.  Poor quality video footage can have serious implications and may mean the difference between life and death.  Through the Video Quality in Public Safety (VQiPS) initiative, public safety practitioners, Federal partners, manufacturers, and representatives of standards making bodies are working to improve the way in which video technologies serve the public safety community.

DHS S&T has partnered with the Public Safety Communications Research (PSCR) program (see: http://www.pscr.gov/projects/video_quality/vqips/vqips.php), supported by the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), to undertake the needed research to improve video quality. A Working Group was formed by DHS OIC and an Advisory Committee is being formed to assist with this effort through a partnership with the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC).

The Video Quality in Public Safety advisory committee will provide advice and input on matters raised by the working group. The advisory committee comprised of senior level practitioners in the technology and public safety fields will provide the working group the benefit of their insight and experience through the review of various work products and processes. They will also champion the cause of the effective use of video by leveraging the communications networks in their respective disciplines and organizations.

To empower people with the tools and information needed to purchase and employ the right video technology to support the public safety, physical security and homeland security enterprise operations.