Genetec Report Uncovers Urgent Public Safety Priorities: Officer Safety, Situational Awareness, and Faster Response Amid Staffing Shortages

Genetec, a global leader in enterprise physical security software, has unveiled critical findings from its 2026 State of Physical Security Report, focusing specifically on public safety. The comprehensive survey, which gathered insights from physical security end-users, channel partners, systems integrators, and consultants worldwide, highlights a pronounced focus among North American public safety professionals on enhancing officer safety, boosting situational awareness, and accelerating response times. These priorities come as agencies grapple with escalating demands despite persistent staffing limitations.

Officer Safety and Situational Awareness Drive Security Data Utilization

Public safety agencies are increasingly leveraging physical security data to bolster frontline safety and optimize real-time operations. A staggering nine out of ten respondents indicated that they utilize security data to help ensure officer safety. Similarly, 81% depend on this data to enhance real-time situational awareness and foster crucial inter-agency collaboration. Responding effectively to public safety emergencies also ranked as a top application (81%), underscoring the vital need for integrated data during time-critical incidents.

Furthermore, the collection and sharing of digital evidence remains a core use case, with 78% of respondents acknowledging its role in streamlining investigations. Collectively, these findings signal a significant shift towards more interconnected, intelligence-driven public safety operations.

“Public safety agencies are under increasing pressure to do more with fewer resources,” stated Phil Malenscik, Vertical Account Manager, Public Sector at Genetec Inc. “By bringing together physical security data from multiple systems, officers can see the full picture more quickly, respond faster, and stay safer on the job. At the same time, automating routine tasks gives teams more time to focus on protecting their communities and making decisions that really matter.”

Boosting Officer Safety and Swift Response Times

When asked to identify the metrics that best justify physical security investments, increased officer safety emerged as the highest priority, cited by 63% of respondents. Faster response times (52%) and improved situational awareness (48%) closely followed, demonstrating agencies’ commitment to a results-oriented approach in their security investments.

The acceleration of investigations (41%) and a shorter time to incident resolution (44%) were also noted as significant benefits, reflecting the crucial importance of streamlined workflows and rapid access to vital information both during and after incidents.

Staffing Constraints Remain the Foremost Industry Challenge

Despite technological advancements, workforce limitations continue to pose the most significant hurdle for public safety organizations. A substantial 44% of respondents identified a lack of staff and the imperative to achieve more with fewer resources as their primary concern. Other notable challenges included maintaining officer safety (16%) and conducting effective investigations through the combined use of automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) and video (12%).

These persistent constraints are fueling a growing interest in innovative solutions designed to reduce investigative workloads, enhance information sharing, and enable agencies to operate more efficiently without compromising the safety and security of their communities.