As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and public safety workloads increase, first responders are signaling an urgent need for modern, cloud-native tools and AI solutions to enhance resilience and efficiency. A new 2025 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report released by Mark43 highlights the challenges law enforcement and emergency personnel face as they grapple with outdated systems, cybersecurity risks, and mounting operational demands.
A Surge in AI Adoption for Efficiency and Crime Reduction
AI is gaining significant traction in public safety. According to the report, 90% of law enforcement officers support AI adoption—a 55% increase from last year. The majority believe AI can help agencies reduce crime (89%) and boost productivity (65%). These sentiments are driven by practical AI applications, including faster data processing, streamlined reporting, and enhanced analytics.
"First responders are experiencing real efficiency gains with AI, from predictive analytics to improved report writing," said Wendy Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Product at Mark43. "Cloud-native systems allow us to deploy new AI-driven features on demand, addressing urgent challenges such as security threats in real time."
Confidence in AI has also grown: 88% of law enforcement trust their agencies to use AI responsibly, a notable 29% increase year-over-year.
Cybersecurity Threats and Legacy System Outages
Despite optimism about AI, cybersecurity remains a pressing issue for public safety agencies. A staggering 84% of law enforcement reported a cybersecurity incident in the past year, including malware, viruses, and phishing scams. Meanwhile, outages of legacy systems have become all too common: 68% of respondents cited outages due to outdated on-premises technology, disrupting critical operations.
Larry Zorio, Chief Information Security Officer at Mark43, addressed misconceptions about cloud platforms, emphasizing their long-term benefits for security and cost efficiency.
"On-premises systems may seem cheaper on the surface, but they incur significant operational costs for updates, security, and maintenance," said Zorio. "Cloud providers mitigate these costs by offering continuous monitoring and proactive threat blocking, which is far more effective than relying solely on in-house teams."
The need for resilience against disruptive events—such as power grid failures, wildfires, and cyberattacks—has also intensified. A near-total majority (95%) of public safety professionals reported experiencing a technology outage or malfunction in the past year.
Demand for Data-Driven Tools and Unified Platforms
Data transparency and analytics tools are increasingly seen as critical to improving public safety outcomes. The report shows that 72% of agencies use Real-Time Crime Centers, and an overwhelming 92% of respondents find them effective in enhancing officer response.
However, law enforcement officers remain bogged down by paperwork and siloed systems. Three-quarters (76%) of officers spend half their shifts on reporting tasks, with many working overtime to complete them. A majority (88%) agree that modern, integrated platforms would dramatically improve efficiency.
"First responders need tools that consolidate multiple applications into a single system," said Gilbert. "Modern cloud-native CAD and RMS solutions can deploy in as little as three months, offering immediate improvements to efficiency, security, and public safety outcomes."
Mobile-First Public Safety: The Next Frontier
Mobility has emerged as a priority for officers in the field. According to the report:
80% of law enforcement rely on mobile devices for work tasks.
87% believe having real-time location data on their devices would improve response efficiency.
82% say CAD and RMS capabilities on mobile devices would boost confidence in their fieldwork.
Yet, many public safety professionals remain tethered to physical locations. More than half (55%) must complete tasks at their office, a frustration that underscores the need for flexible, cloud-enabled systems.
Cloud-Native Solutions as the Foundation for Modern Public Safety
The findings paint a clear picture: public safety professionals need modern, data-driven, and secure solutions to navigate a rapidly evolving threat landscape. With cloud-native systems offering real-time innovation, enhanced security, and integrated tools, first responders are increasingly calling for a shift away from legacy systems.
"Public safety agencies must adapt to emerging challenges," said Bob Hughes, CEO of Mark43. "By investing in cloud-native, interoperable systems, agencies can ensure the safety, security, and quality of life for the communities they serve."
The 2025 report underscores a growing consensus: AI and cloud platforms are no longer optional but essential for resilient and effective public safety operations.