Major shifts in technologies are fueling the digital transformations of urban security, changing our businesses and lives. New advancements in Artificial Intelligence, 5-G connectivity, Face Recognition, Video Analytics, Big Data, Emergency Traffic Management, PSIM, PSAP, NG911 and GIS Based Emergency Notification offer great opportunities to those who best understand how to capitalise on change.

Crime, traffic control, terror and natural disasters have long been recognised as major challenges to sustainable cities and have a significant impact on quality of life and economic development. To handle these huge responsibilities, law enforcement, public safety and municipal bodies consider a more comprehensive approach that includes new synergies between early warnings and real-time circumstances, providing a complete cycle for intelligence, evidence, response and investigations.

According to HSRC, for the first quarter of 2018, the US Major Cities Chiefs Association Violent Crime Survey shows that crime has overall decreased in number compared to the same period of time during the previous year. Data collected from 65 law enforcement agencies from some of the largest US cities shows that the number of homicides compared to 2017 has lessened. Moreover, major cities in the US have experienced approximately 4000 less robberies, 2000 less aggravated assaults, and about 600 less non-fatal shootings compared to 2017.

Strengthening operable and interoperable communications has not only been not a U.S. priority, but was a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission Report as well, according to the researchers. The ability for public safety responders to communicate via voice, data or video is essential to operate in any public safety environment. Without this capability, operations can be slowed or even derailed resulting in the loss of lives and property. Urban Areas have made a tremendous progress in this area utilising UASI funds. From 2003 to 2018, Urban Areas spent an estimated $2 billion on enhancing and sustaining communications capabilities. This is the largest single expenditure rate for any of the Target Capabilities during the history of the grant programme.

The next-generation 911 (NG911) system, which allows 911 callers to share videos, images and texts with dispatchers, will replace the U.S.’s current 911 infrastructure, which is largely comprised of old, less flexible and soon-to-be-obsolete technology. It will allow a faster and more reliable transfer of digital information between the public and 911 call centres as well as between PSAP to PSAP. Today, the 911 system is a critical service providing access to public safety and first responders in any time of need.

The HSRC Safe City Market and Technologies report to 2024 has been explicitly customised for industry and urban decision-makers to identify business opportunities, developing technologies, market trends and risks, as well as to benchmark business plans.