An article by OhioTechNews.com shares:
A new Verizon Frontline study shows that first responders see artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, drones, and robots as critical technologies for the future of public safety.
The findings point to a rapid shift in how public safety agencies across the U.S. are preparing for the next era of emergency response — with Ohio agencies among those investing heavily in cybersecurity and exploring AI and drone applications.
By the numbers
- 71% of respondents believe AI will be a top priority or important to the future of public safety.
- 67% of agencies reported adding new cybersecurity protections in the past year.
- 48% expect to use drones or robots daily within five years, up from just 15% today.
- 78% said reliable, resilient network access has already improved communications in the field.
Key insights
- AI is poised for explosive adoption, with nearly half of first responders planning daily use within five years — a 13-point jump in interest from last year.
- Drone integration is expected to triple in that same timeframe, accelerated by the FAA’s relaxation of line-of-sight requirements.
- Cybersecurity has become a top priority amid rising ransomware threats and third-party breaches, with two-thirds of agencies bolstering defenses.
- Reliable networks remain the backbone of all these innovations. For the second year in a row, first responders ranked connectivity as the most critical feature for day-to-day and emergency operations.
Soaring to new heights, together.
Be sure to visit the BWU Technology Partnerships Initiative website to learn more about how our NEOFIX program drives economic growth, promotes policy and infrastructure to improve drone safety and efficiency in various industries, and ensures that drone technology is being used responsibly.