The Future of Public Safety: Technology's Impact

Global polls strongly desire improved public safety through advanced technology like video cameras and data analytics. The pandemic has influenced people's perceptions of safety, leading to increased acceptance and use of these technologies. 

Public safety and general public leaders are more prepared than ever to accept technology. The vast majority of respondents—88%—said they wanted to improve public safety by utilizing cutting-edge technologies like video cameras, analytics, cloud-based software, and more. The study cites three significant patterns that show a turning point in how people and businesses see technology and safety:

Security Expectations Were Redefined by The Pandemic

The widespread epidemic altered how people feel and think about safety and what they expect from those who offer it. In fact, according to 68% of those polled, the pandemic has raised the demand for safety technology, and 71% believe that cutting-edge technologies are necessary to handle the problems of the current world.

In this sense, the pandemic presented a setting where agencies could show the possibilities of cutting-edge technologies to a receptive and involved public.

The Technology Innovation Accelerated by The Pandemic

Long before COVID-19, many public safety organizations used digital technology to modernize their operations, including improved safety and efficiency, data security, and even more flexible and interconnected systems.

However, researchers discovered that as a result of the pandemic, agencies are changing how they use cloud-based technology, artificial intelligence, video cameras, and vital communications systems. Researchers also discovered that public safety organizations are using these technologies more quickly to address emerging dangers.

Technology Must be Open, Equitable and Understandable

This study shows that while people want the government to utilize technology to improve public safety, they also want it done transparent, equitable, and inclusive. Therefore, to foster community accountability, openness, and trust, the general public must acknowledge the advantages of employing these technologies.

Additionally, agencies must ensure they have adequate data security safeguards and teach their staff how to utilize new technology properly. For instance, the Boston Police Department claims that effective internal communication regarding the technology’s benefits and intended usage was a crucial success factor in the rollout of broadband push-to-talk. Therefore, before implementing new technology, the department attempts to give training and convey regulations so that its personnel has a thorough grasp of how the tools may get utilized to their best advantage.