The National Institute of Standards and Technology has released a report exploring identity management issues related to the nationwide public safety broadband network being overseen by the First Responder Network Authority. NIST stressed in a news release the importance of ensuring “that only authorized people can use it, but also ensuring that sensitive information, such as a criminal record, is shared only with sanctioned people that have a ‘need to know.’”

NIST said its “analysis draws on its expertise in identity management for mobile devices. Considerations for Identity Management in Public Safety Networks provides background information on identity management and a review of applicable federal and industry guidance for using next generation networks with a number of options for policy makers to consider. Topics include selecting identity credentials and the authentication process. It also includes analysis of possible identity management technologies that could be used. The NIST analysis on securing first responder communications may be applicable to local public safety networks, private sector communities and public safety applications that leverage identity management services, including criminal justice information and records management systems.”