Reflecting on the Bay Area UASI Public Safety Preparedness Summit: Shaping the Future of Public Safety

I recently attended the 3-Day Bay Area UASI Public Safety Preparedness Summit in San Francisco, and it was an enlightening experience filled with meaningful discussions and insights into the evolving landscape of public safety.

Key Takeaway: A Focus on Emerging Threats

Thank you to Mary Ellen Carroll for bringing attention to the future of emergency management and the new threats facing first responders and government agencies. A significant emphasis was placed on inviting diverse professionals from fields like engineering and leadership to contribute fresh perspectives.

I would like to highlight the importance of dividing our focus between:

Immediate and Near-Future Threats:

As presented by speakers, these include issues that impact public safety right now, such as post-pandemic challenges, election-related concerns, climate change, and the rise in global radicalization. These factors can potentially lead to domestic instability, creating new types of disasters and emergencies.

My Perspective on Long-Term Threats and the Role of AI

I am grateful for the opportunity to discuss AI and its long-term impact on public safety, especially concerning future generations. The rapid development of AI introduces unprecedented uncertainties—not only in terms of security and safety but also in how it will shape the mindsets of future generations. Today’s children will grow up in a world vastly different from ours, with significant implications for public safety and violence prevention strategies.

To address these evolving challenges, we should consider including young entrepreneurs and futurists in ongoing discussions about public safety and domestic violence. This younger generation, often thinking and acting differently, can provide fresh insights into navigating and potentially predicting future uncertainties.

Understanding Generation Z

As we make this shift, it’s also essential to understand Generation Z, born between the mid-1990s and early 2000s. A friend and futurist Erica Orange I know has written an insightful book the "AI + The New Human Frontier " (Note: I have no personal or financial interest in promoting this book. I mention it because it provides valuable insights relevant to this topic.) , giving attention to the Gen Z, describing how this generation has grown up in a globalized and highly connected world—one that highly favors digital connections over real-world interactions. As a result, Gen Z has different attitudes towards AI, which could lead to generational divides in how technology is perceived and used.

As technology advances, new social challenges will likely arise, particularly in areas like social security, healthcare and even radicalization. With life expectancies increasing, retirement ages being extended, and advancements redefining capabilities, our understanding of work, health, and ability will continue to evolve. An inspiring example was shared by the Professor Hugh Herr during his recent lecture in MKA, Montclair, NJ, where he demonstrated how technology could integrate with physical function, challenging traditional views of “disability.” and opening new perspectives on its consequences and impacts related to public safety and preparedness.

Looking Ahead: A Call for Broader Involvement in Public Safety Preparedness

In summary, the future of public safety and preparedness demands fresh perspectives. While the experience of seasoned professionals is invaluable, they need to be joined by younger generations (20-45), entrepreneurs, and futurists. Individuals with global experiences and unconventional thinking are essential for anticipating and addressing the complexities we will face in the short and long term.

Now is the time to prioritize forward-thinking strategies in public safety by fostering collaborations across generations and industries.

Yuly Grosman

Speaker and Trainer | "Reframe Response: Essential Skills for the Future"

Thanks to Bay Area #UASI, and General Manager Adrienne Bechelli ,for hosting such a great event! #UASI #cyber #CISA #learning #SJPD #preperedness #emergencyservices #Police #Firstresponders #Futuries #Preparedness #FutureLeaders #EmergencyManagement #Entrepreneurship #GenerationZ