Improving Public Safety: Data and Cloud Innovations
April 09, 2025 by Pat Ninmann
Public safety agencies have an insatiable appetite for data. They can never get enough or share enough. The reason is simple. The more information they have, the safer their personnel are and the safer the community is.
Drawing on more than 25 years of public safety experience, I’d like to share how advancements in mobile data computers (MDC), computer aided dispatch (CAD) systems, and cloud-based solutions are equipping public safety agencies with the tools they need to improve situational awareness, enhance data sharing, and build more connected and resilient operations.
Advancements in Public Safety Technology
Modern public safety technology solutions improve the effectiveness of everything from long-range planning to building more connected and resilient operations. Sharing data between agencies is particularly important during an emergency.
For example, CAD to CAD systems link dispatch centers and allow staff to create more effective response plans for first responders. The status and location of all units are visible on a mapping system. Dispatchers can deploy the appropriate resources while notifying other units that need to provide backup at a station or in a neighborhood. All of it happens in real time, providing the quickest response for residents.
Data analysis tools are another game changer in public safety. Command staff and agency personnel can easily pull data and display it in an intuitive format that surfaces critical information. A drug enforcement task force might create a heat map that shows recent suspect stops. A sheriff might run a report to identify time periods and areas with increased calls for service.
In both cases, the information enables data-driven decisions on staffing and resource allocation, making the best use of taxpayer dollars while improving safety for all.
Advantages of Cloud-Based Solutions
Cloud-based solutions are the best choice for public safety technology. In the field, law enforcement personnel have information at their fingertips using mobile apps. They can query someone they have stopped to determine if there is a prior history, case notes, or other important information.
They also can capture data for processing and transmittal to most public safety and court applications. With data in the cloud, first responders have instant access to building pre-plans, known on-site hazards, location of hydrants, and other mission-critical elements to ensure that crews arrive on the scene safer and better prepared.
In addition, agencies using the cloud have reported that they can reassign their IT personnel to other projects. New features and enhancements are deployed immediately rather than waiting a year (or more!) for an on-premises software rollout. Cloud-based solutions also help agencies stay ahead of ransomware and other cybersecurity threats that are on the rise nationally.
Resilience in Progress
Public safety agencies are working every day to improve resilience in their communities while providing transparency to the citizens. Modern technology, including cloud-based solutions, helps them to better respond to emergencies, adapt to evolving threats, and maintain seamless operations.
At Tyler, we’re committed to providing the tools and support agencies need to enhance operational resilience and drive better public safety outcomes.