Conservative Party conference: 'The future of public safety'

Reform held a roundtable at the Conservative Party conference on ‘The future of public safety’ with Nick Hurd MP, Minister of State for Policing and the Fire Service.

The commitment made by this Government to integrate technology into emergency service is as welcome as it is ambitious. The Emergency Services Network underpins the move to revolutionise communications between police, ambulance, and fire and rescue services. The potential for technology-enabled emergency services to reduce crime, protect citizens and cut costs is extensive, and goes far beyond streamlined communication. Digital transformation within public safety must not stop there.

Data analytics, facial recognition, as well as predictive, information-led policing can make preventing crime and danger easier and swifter. Computerised reporting and in-field technology can make police officers and first responders’ work increasingly safe and efficient. Collaborative devices and improved information-sharing in real time can improve cooperation and shorten response times, saving both costs and lives.

Digital solutions will play a crucial role in bringing about the future of public safety. There is great need for a discussion with policymakers, key emergency service leaders and innovators in the sector, to showcase the technological solutions being developed, explore lessons from innovation abroad, and discuss the challenges to their implementation.

The event took place under the Chatham House Rule and was held in partnership with Motorola: