Industries are often transformed by rapidly changing technology, and similar advances have benefited public safety organizations. From computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems equipped with mobile capabilities to analytics software designed to help improve efficiency and response, there are a wealth of solutions available to organizations with the motivation and resources to adopt them.
According to a report, the global public safety market could see a 30% increase over the next five years, from $11.15 billion in 2019, to $50.64 billion by 2025. Factors in this boom include a larger shift from on-premises technology to agile cloud environments, followed by substantial security overhauls of government buildings, schools, and utilities.
Analyzing public safety technology trends
To better understand how public safety organizations are adopting technology and their plans for the future, we recently asked first responders and supporting staff to take part in an online survey and tell us:
- What types of technology their organizations use
- What roles have access to technology and how its utilized
- Technology’s importance within their respective organizations
- The benefits and limitations of technology
- Technologies that will be most prevalent in the future
We published the results of the survey as part of a research brief, “Technology & its use in public safety organizations.” The insights provided by respondents not only confirmed current public safety technology trends, but also provided a glimpse into the future.
Want to see the results? Download the research brief now.
Technology’s impact on performance
Of interest in this survey were the responses from a group classified as “high performers.” Those in this group answered they were either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their organization’s overall performance. Interestingly, high performers appeared to be frequent technology users.
For example, more than half of the high performers (66%) answered they used data analytics technology, and they also considered it very or extremely important to their daily workflows.
Additionally, despite cloud environments being relatively new, a surprising number of high performers said they were already using the technology. Another emerging technology, artificial intelligence (AI), was also viewed favorably.
Lessons from the high performers
Three-quarters of the high performers told us technology is common within their public safety organizations and there’s a high degree of confidence in it. Based on that response, high performers are clearly open to embracing the public safety technologies of tomorrow.
Looking ahead, intuitive, cloud-based solutions that combine AI, real-time data analysis, and geographic information system (GIS) technology will play a key role in creating smarter and safer cities on a global scale. Their capabilities will offer unprecedented protection to citizens and the personnel who work on the front lines and behind the scenes.
Generations are often defined by the technological advances that propelled them forward. In the case of forward-looking public safety organizations, emerging technologies will keep them light years ahead for generations to come.
For in-depth insights into how tech is shaping public safety organizations, download our research brief “Technology & its use in public safety organizations.”
