By Police1 Staff
NEW YORK — A recent national survey conducted by Mark43, a cloud-native public safety software company, highlights a trend among first responders: a demand for mobile-friendly technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline reporting processes and enhance community service.
The survey, part of the 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report, underscores the need for modern technological solutions in public safety operations.
“Public safety professionals are spending up to half their shift filling out reports, rather than addressing operational needs and responding to calls for service. And on top of that, 70% of first responders need to use overtime to finish paperwork. We also learned that paperwork is the top activity that first responders spend their time on, ahead of proactive crime prevention and working with youth,” said Matthew Polega, Co-founder and President, Mark43.
Key findings of the survey
Time spent on reporting: First responders, including police officers and emergency personnel, are spending nearly half of their shifts completing paperwork. This high workload often requires additional overtime, impacting their primary duties like proactive crime prevention and community engagement.
Demand for mobile and cloud-native technology: The survey reveals that 91% of first responders believe data reporting processes could be significantly improved. A majority still return to a physical location to fill out reports, indicating a strong need for cloud-based infrastructure and mobile-friendly technology to enhance flexibility and productivity.
AI adoption and trust: A noteworthy 65% of public safety agencies are already adopting AI, with 77% of first responders supporting this trend. They believe AI could not only save time but also aid in reducing crime. Importantly, 81% trust their agencies to use AI responsibly.
In addition, the 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report identifies six emerging trends for 2024:
- Artificial Intelligence is here to stay.
- Modern technology is a solution to the recruitment and retention crisis.
- Technology systems must be resilient and secure.
- Mobility is not the future, it’s the now.
- Breaking data out of silos is critical for facilitating community trust and multi-agency coordination.
- Gun violence still requires a relentless focus, and modern technology is a critical component.
For more information about the survey, click here.