The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology directorate has officially handed the Detect Presence of Life, or DepLife, technology to MaXentric Technologies.
DHS S&T said MaXentric will provide law enforcement agencies access to the new first responder capability.
What Is DepLife?
DepLife is a radar-based system designed to detect the presence of life. It enables law enforcement officers and first responders to determine if individuals are inside a room or building when direct line-of-sight is impossible.
The First Responder Resource Group, under DHS S&T, initially identified the need for a hands-free version of the DepLife tool. The directorate funded and developed the DepLife system in a collaborative effort with MaXentric. Following the completion of field assessments last fall, the Fort Lee, New Jersey-based company began manufacturing the initial set of commercial units for interested law enforcement agencies.
DepLife is designed to work in tandem with other detection and tracking technologies developed by DHS S&T, including the SDS Outdoor outside gunshot detection system and MappedIn Maker. This provides first responders a more comprehensive understanding of the situation and enables them to coordinate effectively.
Julie Brewer, acting under secretary for science and technology, said, “DepLife provides first responders with critical intelligence and situational awareness, while reducing their risk of incurring physical harm. This technology could support serving search warrants, searching for trafficked individuals or even potential hostage situations.”
