Periodic Reporting for period 1 - LEAD-PRo (LEAD-PRo Law Enforcement Assistance for Disaster Prediction and Recovery Optimisation)
Reporting period: 2024-09-01 to 2025-08-31
LEAD-PRo Law Enforcement Assistance for Disaster Prediction and Recovery Optimisation
The project's primary aim is to equip LEAs and first responders with advanced AI-based tools and technologies that enhance their capabilities across all operational phases and contribute to digital societal resilience. LEAD-PRO focuses on mature technological solutions, fostering collaboration among SMEs from different Member States, involving LEA/First Responder end-users in the validation process, and promoting collaboration between small technology companies and research organisations. With a consortium comprising three SMEs from Spain, Lithuania, Ireland, as well as three partner LEAs serving as end users from Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, complemented by dynamic NGO, the project spans 24 months.
The core of the project is an operational cutting-edge software platform designed to reduce response times, improve decision-making effectiveness, and increase productivity in the use of human and material resources during disaster-related events. The platform will integrate essential functionalities such as task planning, geolocation, communication, video streaming, visual computing, and data analysis to provide real-time situational awareness. The project's ultimate vision is to deliver a platform that is 100% operative at TRL 8-9, adhering to stringent European Security Standards. The unique value proposition of LEAD-PRO is to create an easy to use and flexible platform for the planning, command, control and monitoring of multi-stakeholder forces. A platform which could be scaled massively and would not require significant training for basic use. The platform will reduce response time, while improving productivity of resources.
LEAD-PRO is on track and delivering to expectations. With foundational systems, stakeholder relationships, and ethical frameworks in place, the project is ready to enter the pilot and validation phases with strong momentum.
The project's primary aim is to equip LEAs and first responders with advanced AI-based tools and technologies that enhance their capabilities across all operational phases and contribute to digital societal resilience. LEAD-PRO focuses on mature technological solutions, fostering collaboration among SMEs from different Member States, involving LEA/First Responder end-users in the validation process, and promoting collaboration between small technology companies and research organisations. With a consortium comprising three SMEs from Spain, Lithuania, Ireland, as well as three partner LEAs serving as end users from Spain, Lithuania, Latvia, complemented by dynamic NGO, the project spans 24 months.
The core of the project is an operational cutting-edge software platform designed to reduce response times, improve decision-making effectiveness, and increase productivity in the use of human and material resources during disaster-related events. The platform will integrate essential functionalities such as task planning, geolocation, communication, video streaming, visual computing, and data analysis to provide real-time situational awareness. The project's ultimate vision is to deliver a platform that is 100% operative at TRL 8-9, adhering to stringent European Security Standards. The unique value proposition of LEAD-PRO is to create an easy to use and flexible platform for the planning, command, control and monitoring of multi-stakeholder forces. A platform which could be scaled massively and would not require significant training for basic use. The platform will reduce response time, while improving productivity of resources.
LEAD-PRO is on track and delivering to expectations. With foundational systems, stakeholder relationships, and ethical frameworks in place, the project is ready to enter the pilot and validation phases with strong momentum.
The LEAD-PRO project has made significant strides in its first year, achieving strong progress across all seven work packages.
* WP1 – Project Coordination and Planning
All foundational project management deliverables were submitted, including the Project Management Handbook (WP1 D1.1) Strategy and Innovation Plan (D1.2) and Data Management Plan (D1.4). The first Annual Risk Review (D1.3) identified potential challenges, with mitigation strategies in place. These have ensured effective governance and compliance across the consortium.
* WP2 – System Requirements and Specifications
This WP successfully defined the system’s technical blueprint. Deliverables D2.1–D2.7 covered use cases, technical requirements, data flows, legal/ethical risks, and a product roadmap. These outputs ensure the platform meets user needs while staying aligned with GDPR, cybersecurity, and operational goals.
* WP3 – System Development and Testing
The platform’s development is well underway. Interim working product packages (D3.1) were delivered, showcasing early implementations such as situational awareness tools and IoT integrations. System integration testing began with the Integration and End-to-End Test Report (D3.4). Final system testing (D3.2 D3.3) is on track for the next period.
* WP4 – Pilots and Evaluation
Pilot planning (D4.1) is progressing, with training activities (D4.4) already delivered. Stakeholders have been prepared for real-world trials, with logistical frameworks, scenarios, and training materials ready for upcoming pilot executions in Year 2.
* WP5 – Operationalization and Deployment
An operationalization roadmap (D5.1) was delivered, outlining deployment strategies, target audiences, and risk management. The Progress Report (D5.2) highlights strong collaboration and early drafting of the Deployment Handbook (D5.3) for future use.
* WP6 – Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement
A comprehensive Dissemination Plan (D6.1) Stakeholder Engagement Plan (D6.2) and the first Dissemination Report (D6.3) were submitted. LEAD-PRO has gained visibility through events, media, and policy engagement. Preparations for the Final Conference are underway.
* WP7 – Ethics, Legal, and Societal Oversight
Eight ethics deliverables (D7.1–D7.9) have been submitted, covering informed consent, data protection, vulnerable groups, and non-EU collaborations. An external Ethics Advisor was appointed early (D7.7) and has submitted two monitoring reports. The project remains fully compliant with Horizon Europe ethics guidelines.
* WP1 – Project Coordination and Planning
All foundational project management deliverables were submitted, including the Project Management Handbook (WP1 D1.1) Strategy and Innovation Plan (D1.2) and Data Management Plan (D1.4). The first Annual Risk Review (D1.3) identified potential challenges, with mitigation strategies in place. These have ensured effective governance and compliance across the consortium.
* WP2 – System Requirements and Specifications
This WP successfully defined the system’s technical blueprint. Deliverables D2.1–D2.7 covered use cases, technical requirements, data flows, legal/ethical risks, and a product roadmap. These outputs ensure the platform meets user needs while staying aligned with GDPR, cybersecurity, and operational goals.
* WP3 – System Development and Testing
The platform’s development is well underway. Interim working product packages (D3.1) were delivered, showcasing early implementations such as situational awareness tools and IoT integrations. System integration testing began with the Integration and End-to-End Test Report (D3.4). Final system testing (D3.2 D3.3) is on track for the next period.
* WP4 – Pilots and Evaluation
Pilot planning (D4.1) is progressing, with training activities (D4.4) already delivered. Stakeholders have been prepared for real-world trials, with logistical frameworks, scenarios, and training materials ready for upcoming pilot executions in Year 2.
* WP5 – Operationalization and Deployment
An operationalization roadmap (D5.1) was delivered, outlining deployment strategies, target audiences, and risk management. The Progress Report (D5.2) highlights strong collaboration and early drafting of the Deployment Handbook (D5.3) for future use.
* WP6 – Dissemination and Stakeholder Engagement
A comprehensive Dissemination Plan (D6.1) Stakeholder Engagement Plan (D6.2) and the first Dissemination Report (D6.3) were submitted. LEAD-PRO has gained visibility through events, media, and policy engagement. Preparations for the Final Conference are underway.
* WP7 – Ethics, Legal, and Societal Oversight
Eight ethics deliverables (D7.1–D7.9) have been submitted, covering informed consent, data protection, vulnerable groups, and non-EU collaborations. An external Ethics Advisor was appointed early (D7.7) and has submitted two monitoring reports. The project remains fully compliant with Horizon Europe ethics guidelines.
The LEAD-PRO project has delivered a set of preliminary but significant results that contribute to the development of an innovative platform for supporting law enforcement and civil protection agencies in managing high-impact disaster scenarios. These results cover early-stage technologies, methods, and processes which are currently in validation and refinement phases.
* PROD: LEAD-PRO Platform – Early-stage prototype
The project has released interim working product packages (D3.1) showcasing a functioning prototype of the LEAD-PRO platform. These include tools for real-time situational awareness, unified communication, event management templates, and initial integration with IoT systems. The platform is designed to support end-users such as first responders in improving decision-making during crisis response. The prototype is being iteratively developed based on feedback from end-users and technical evaluations.
* PROC: Data Governance and Ethical Risk Assessment Process
A comprehensive process for managing legal, ethical, and data protection risks has been developed through multiple deliverables (D1.4 D2.4 D2.5 D2.6 and WP7 ethics deliverables D7.1–D7.6). This includes:
- A GDPR-compliant Data Management Plan (DMP)
- Ethical and legal risk assessments
- Consent and data minimisation procedures
This process enables safe and responsible handling of sensitive information and is designed to be transferable to other projects in the security domain.
* METH: Stakeholder Engagement and Training Methodology
A stakeholder engagement and training methodology has been formalised (D6.2) detailing strategies for involving law enforcement agencies and other public stakeholders in the development and validation of the platform. This includes a structured engagement timeline, co-design approaches, and training activities to prepare users for platform uptake. The methodology aims to ensure operational alignment and increase long-term impact.
* METH: System Integration and Technical Specifications
The technical framework for integrating platform components has been defined (D2.2 D2.3 D2.4) including system architecture, interoperability standards, and module communication protocols. These specifications provide a foundation for scalable platform development and integration with external systems.
* PROC: Pilot Planning and Execution Process
The project has prepared the operational and training foundations for the execution of two pilots (D4.1 and D4.4). This includes pilot planning documentation, stakeholder coordination strategies, and training materials. The pilots will evaluate platform performance in realistic scenarios and will contribute to validating system effectiveness and usability.
Further results, including full platform deployment, integration validation, and policy-level recommendations, will follow in subsequent phases of the project.
* PROD: LEAD-PRO Platform – Early-stage prototype
The project has released interim working product packages (D3.1) showcasing a functioning prototype of the LEAD-PRO platform. These include tools for real-time situational awareness, unified communication, event management templates, and initial integration with IoT systems. The platform is designed to support end-users such as first responders in improving decision-making during crisis response. The prototype is being iteratively developed based on feedback from end-users and technical evaluations.
* PROC: Data Governance and Ethical Risk Assessment Process
A comprehensive process for managing legal, ethical, and data protection risks has been developed through multiple deliverables (D1.4 D2.4 D2.5 D2.6 and WP7 ethics deliverables D7.1–D7.6). This includes:
- A GDPR-compliant Data Management Plan (DMP)
- Ethical and legal risk assessments
- Consent and data minimisation procedures
This process enables safe and responsible handling of sensitive information and is designed to be transferable to other projects in the security domain.
* METH: Stakeholder Engagement and Training Methodology
A stakeholder engagement and training methodology has been formalised (D6.2) detailing strategies for involving law enforcement agencies and other public stakeholders in the development and validation of the platform. This includes a structured engagement timeline, co-design approaches, and training activities to prepare users for platform uptake. The methodology aims to ensure operational alignment and increase long-term impact.
* METH: System Integration and Technical Specifications
The technical framework for integrating platform components has been defined (D2.2 D2.3 D2.4) including system architecture, interoperability standards, and module communication protocols. These specifications provide a foundation for scalable platform development and integration with external systems.
* PROC: Pilot Planning and Execution Process
The project has prepared the operational and training foundations for the execution of two pilots (D4.1 and D4.4). This includes pilot planning documentation, stakeholder coordination strategies, and training materials. The pilots will evaluate platform performance in realistic scenarios and will contribute to validating system effectiveness and usability.
Further results, including full platform deployment, integration validation, and policy-level recommendations, will follow in subsequent phases of the project.