Genetec Report Spotlights Public Safety’s Push for Faster Response and Safer Operations
Genetec says public safety agencies are prioritising officer safety, situational awareness and quicker incident response as staffing shortages continue to strain operations
Public safety agencies in North America are increasingly using physical security data to support officer safety, improve situational awareness and respond faster to emergencies, according to Genetec’s 2026 State of Physical Security Report. The company said nearly nine in ten respondents use security data to help keep officers safe, while 81% rely on it to strengthen real-time awareness and collaboration between agencies. Another 81% said such data is important for responding to public safety emergencies.
When asked which metrics best justify physical security investments, 63% of respondents cited increased officer safety as the top priority. Faster response times were reported by 52%, while 48% reported improved situational awareness.
Genetec reported that digital evidence collection and sharing also remains a core use case, with 78% of respondents saying it helps save time during investigations. The findings suggest public safety organisations are moving toward more connected and intelligence-led operations, where data from multiple systems can support quicker and more informed decision-making.
When asked which metrics best justify physical security investments, 63% of respondents cited increased officer safety as the top priority. Faster response times were reported by 52%, while 48% reported improved situational awareness. Genetec also found that 44% highlighted shorter time to incident resolution and 41% cited faster investigations, showing the growing value agencies place on streamlined workflows and better access to critical information.
The report also found that staffing limitations remain the sector’s biggest challenge. Genetec said 44% of respondents identified lack of staff and pressure to do more with less as their primary concern, ahead of officer safety issues at 16% and challenges tied to investigations using ALPR and video together at 12%. According to the company, these pressures are increasing demand for solutions that reduce investigative workload, improve information sharing and help agencies maintain operational efficiency without compromising safety.
For more information about Genetec solutions for public safety, visit https://www.genetec.com/industries/public-safety.
