For public safety specialists and governments of every level, successfully building safe communities hinges on the ability to effectively respond to modern security challenges.
This can only be accomplished with forward-thinking leadership, a clear road map, and progressive technologies like advanced location-based analytics.
But how do we put these elements into action? For me, it’s about being able to confidently answer just seven safe community questions.
- Can we manage civil unrest and execute modern crime-control strategies?
Combining authoritative Big Data with advanced analytics allows crime patterns and trends to be identified. Taking control of crime threats in the community means being able to confidently deploy the right resources to the right locations at the right time. By doing exactly that, Glasgow police achieved a 39 per cent reduction in all crime.
- Can we manage emergencies or an intentional attack?
The ability to exchange critical information between departments and across local and state boundaries keeps at-risk citizens informed about developing situations. This fact was highlighted recently during a large-scale earthquake exercise in the US, where safety agencies from around the country were taught how to overcome information sharing challenges in emergency situations.
- Can we securely manage our borders?
Using connected feeds and sensors to survey and monitor cargo and passenger arrivals at border areas ensures the safety of communities – especially those living in close proximity to crossing points. It’s this type of integrated security environment that allows the Port of Long Beach to manage 40 per cent of all containerised cargo entering the US.
- Can we protect critical infrastructure (both physical and virtual)?
Successfully mitigating risks comes down to knowing where assets are located, how they’re functioning, and what’s affecting performance. Locally, QGC are protecting thousands of staff, and on-site infrastructure, with their world-first, real-time location and safety monitoring solution.
- Can we deal with an environmental or technological disaster?
Natural and man-made disasters can occur suddenly and without warning. If information can be accessed quickly and distributed fluidly, the impact of an event can be minimised. This is why California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services leverage an advanced location-based analytics platform to share real-time information and rapidly deploy resources to affected areas.
- Can we protect citizens gathered together for a major event?
Viewing various data feeds on a digital mapping dashboard makes it easy to monitor the movement and behaviour of large crowds. And when on-site emergency responders are equipped with mobile solutions, like those working the annual NASCAR meet in Henrico County, USA, they can geotag unique landmarks to strengthen the common operating picture further.
- Can we respond to health threats and epidemics?
Real-time situational awareness helps governments respond to epidemics and allows them to identify patterns that may indicate when a threat will emerge. By knowing where vulnerable populations are located and actively monitoring disease-spreading vectors during epidemics – such as the Ebola outbreak – finite resources can be best managed.
If you’d like to read more on the role of location-based analytics technology for public safety, I recommend downloading the white paper How to build safer communities.
