What are the most promising new technologies for improving public safety?

1 Biometric Identification

Biometric identification refers to the use of physical or behavioral characteristics to verify the identity of a person, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans, or voice recognition. This technology can improve public safety by enabling faster and more accurate identification of suspects, victims, or witnesses, as well as preventing identity theft, fraud, or impersonation. For example, biometric identification can help police officers to quickly check the criminal records of a person they stop, or to match a missing person with a database of photos or videos.

3 Smart City Systems

Smart city systems are the integration of various technologies, such as sensors, networks, data analytics, or artificial intelligence, to improve the efficiency and sustainability of urban services and infrastructure, such as transportation, energy, water, or waste management. This technology can improve public safety by reducing the risks and impacts of accidents, disasters, or environmental hazards, as well as by improving the quality of life and health of the residents. For example, smart city systems can help to optimize traffic flow, to detect and respond to gas leaks, or to monitor air quality.

4 Blockchain Security

Blockchain security is the use of a distributed ledger system, where transactions or records are stored and verified by a network of nodes, rather than by a central authority or intermediary. This technology can improve public safety by enhancing the transparency, accountability, and security of data and information, such as personal records, contracts, or certificates, and by preventing tampering, corruption, or hacking. For example, blockchain security can help to protect the privacy and rights of citizens, to streamline the delivery of public services, or to facilitate the verification of credentials or licenses.

5 Augmented Reality Training

Augmented reality training is the use of digital overlays, such as images, sounds, or text, to enhance the perception and interaction of a user with a physical environment, using devices such as glasses, headsets, or smartphones. This technology can improve public safety by providing more realistic and immersive training and simulation for emergency responders, such as police officers, firefighters, or paramedics, and by improving their skills, knowledge, and performance. For example, augmented reality training can help to recreate complex or dangerous scenarios, such as hostage situations, bomb threats, or mass casualties.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?