As law enforcement and emergency personnel face increasing operational demands and sophisticated cyber threats, the necessity for modern tools and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions is becoming increasingly apparent. A recent report, the 2025 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report by Mark43, outlines the pressing challenges these agencies encounter due to outdated systems and cybersecurity risks.
AI adoption within public safety is on the rise, with the report revealing that 90% of law enforcement officers endorse its implementation—a significant 55% increase compared to the previous year. A majority of officers (89%) believe AI can help reduce crime, while 65% emphasise its potential to enhance productivity. This growing support for AI is attributed to its practical applications, such as expedited data processing and improved analytics, which are essential for agency operations.
Speaking to Enterprise Security Tech, Wendy Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Product at Mark43, commented, "First responders are experiencing real efficiency gains with AI, from predictive analytics to improved report writing. Cloud-native systems allow us to deploy new AI-driven features on demand, addressing urgent challenges such as security threats in real time."
The growing confidence in AI usage is noteworthy; 88% of law enforcement personnel express trust in their agencies to manage AI responsibly, marking a 29% increase from the previous year.
While optimism for AI remains strong, concerns about cybersecurity threats continue to loom large. The report highlights that 84% of law enforcement agencies reported experiencing a cybersecurity incident within the past year, encompassing malware, viruses, and phishing scams. Compounding these issues is the prevalence of outages due to legacy systems, with 68% of respondents citing disruptions from outdated on-premises technology, which have serious implications for critical operations.
Larry Zorio, Chief Information Security Officer at Mark43, addressed prevalent misconceptions surrounding cloud platforms. He stated, "On-premises systems may seem cheaper on the surface, but they incur significant operational costs for updates, security, and maintenance." He added that "cloud providers mitigate these costs by offering continuous monitoring and proactive threat blocking, which is far more effective than relying solely on in-house teams."
The need for resilience against disruptive events—ranging from power grid failures to wildfires and cyberattacks—has escalated, with 95% of public safety professionals reporting technology outages or malfunctions over the past year.
The report also underscores a growing demand for data-driven tools and unified platforms. It reveals that 72% of agencies are employing Real-Time Crime Centers, and 92% of those surveyed find them effective in enhancing officer response. However, many officers remain bogged down by excessive paperwork and fragmented systems. A substantial portion, 76%, of officers spend nearly half their shifts on reporting tasks. The majority (88%) concur that modern, integrated platforms could significantly elevate efficiency.
Gilbert highlighted the necessity for consolidated systems, stating, "First responders need tools that consolidate multiple applications into a single system. Modern cloud-native CAD and RMS solutions can deploy in as little as three months, offering immediate improvements to efficiency, security, and public safety outcomes."
Furthermore, the importance of mobility is underscored in the report, with 80% of law enforcement officers relying on mobile devices for their work. 87% believe real-time location data would enhance response efficiency, while 82% agree that CAD and RMS functionalities on mobile devices would bolster their confidence in fieldwork. Nevertheless, over half (55%) of public safety professionals still need to complete tasks at their office, highlighting the urgent need for flexible, cloud-enabled systems.
The findings from the Mark43 report emphasise a growing consensus among public safety professionals: the urgent requirement for modern, secure, and data-driven solutions to navigate an evolving threat landscape. Bob Hughes, CEO of Mark43, asserted, "Public safety agencies must adapt to emerging challenges. By investing in cloud-native, interoperable systems, agencies can ensure the safety, security, and quality of life for the communities they serve." The report indicates a pivotal shift is necessary, as first responders increasingly advocate for technologies that can provide the resilience and efficiency needed in today’s complex operational environment.
Source: Noah Wire Services