Robert Barbera is the Deputy Commissioner for Public Safety and Emergency Management at the New York City Office of Technology and Innovation, delivering the cutting-edge, life-saving technologies that continue to keep New Yorkers safe. He is responsible for overall management of life-safety technologies and infrastructure supporting 9-1-1 services, the city’s public safety answering points (PSAP), citywide emergency communications, land mobile radio, and a broad range of advanced technologies leveraged by first responders.
In his role as Deputy Commissioner, Robert is spearheading the strategic development and implementation of many key initiatives, including: Next Generation 9-1-1 system and 9-1-1 Call Handling programs; unified Computer Aided Dispatch for police, fire, and EMS; resilient public safety mobility solutions; citywide public safety unmanned aerial systems / drone-as-first-responder technologies; numerous critical enhancements to Land Mobile Radio interoperability and tactical communications; key school safety initiatives; and the development of an advanced emergency management portfolio of deployable assets.
In his previous roles with NYC Public Safety, Robert led the implementation and launch of the city’s Text-to-911 program and the launch of the City’s highly advanced, purpose-built Public Safety Answering Center II (PSAC II). Prior to his role with New York City, over a 25-year period, Robert led many mission-critical programs serving public safety / 9-1-1, counterterrorism, critical healthcare, federal, and first responder sectors. Robert was part of Verizon’s response team tasked with restoration of critical communications and networks in lower Manhattan after 9/11 and worked to restore services to key financial institutions and critical law enforcement entities.
Robert is developing visionary strategies for advancing the use of technology to keep New Yorkers safe.
