By: Lawrence F. Zorio III, CISO at Mark43

In today’s quickly changing technology landscape, public safety agencies are more at risk of cybersecurity attacks than ever before. There have been more than 1,000 cyberattacks on public safety and government offices in the last two years from ransomware, malware and DDoS attacks and a recent survey of law enforcement professionals found that 84% experienced a cybersecurity issue at their agency in the last year alone. While larger public safety agencies often have cybersecurity systems in place, many small and midsize agencies don’t have the resources to implement security measures themselves or haven’t taken steps to work with third parties that can do so.

A cyberattack on a public safety agency’s operation is devastating and can hinder its ability to serve and protect its community. When ransomware attacks happen and systems go down, agencies must switch to pen and paper for emergency dispatch and report writing. This can have devastating effects on the deployment of ambulances, police and fire calls for service. Law enforcement must be accessible in real time and any barrier to that is an attack on the entire community it serves. Another risk is access to private data. Public safety agencies have a large volume of private information about individuals — including name, birth date, social security number and arrest details — which, if compromised, can be extremely damaging for the department and community members. Finally, a breach harms public trust in an agency, its officers and the future handling of data.

Fortunately, public safety agencies can fortify themselves in a number of ways. Proactive measures include building a long-term cybersecurity strategy inclusive of premier encryption, antivirus and anti-malware software and comprehensive data backup systems. Increasingly as important, shaping and fostering a strong culture of cybersecurity awareness, agencies can substantially increase their defenses and reduce their risk. 

As a first step, agencies should adopt a cybersecurity framework to guide their actions. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework is a widely accepted set of guidelines to shield against cyber threats. The framework includes initiatives such as: identifying assets and risks; protecting via technical and physical security measures; detecting threats and breaches; creating plans for responding to incidents; and preparing recovery plans in the event of a breach. The benefit of this framework for public safety agencies is that it maps to existing Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements and can help identify gaps and build both a short and long-term cybersecurity strategy. Then over time, agencies can start to fill in gaps in their plan. These areas could include authentication and access management, malware and antivirus applications and cybersecurity training for staff. At a tactical level, agencies can also leverage cloud native technologies and respective vendors, to help manage and own a number of these routine tasks, such as automatic backups, vulnerability testing, penetration testing and so on. 

Once a framework is established, it’s important to protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. One fundamental action that agencies can take is to use strong encryption protocols for all devices and endpoints such as laptops, desktops, mobile phones and patrol car systems—which can be turned on relatively easily. In addition, both stored data on devices and servers, also known as encryption “at rest”, along with data moving across networks and the internet, or encryption “in transit”, should be encrypted. All vendors that agencies use should have encryption and can help ensure encryption across an agency.

It’s not a question of if, but when a cybersecurity incident or downtime will occur so it’s important to have a thoughtful backup strategy. This is often overlooked because it’s not seen as exciting or urgent but being prepared can make a significant difference. Therefore, agencies should have strong data backup plans which include frequent, automated backups. This ensures that in the event of an incident, agencies can restore quickly, and downtime and data loss can be limited. Manual backups can be very labor intensive, so agencies should consider cloud-native technology providers, since they include automated backup and recovery tools in their systems.

Just as agencies often conduct public safety emergency drills, they should also implement regular “tabletop exercises” to practice data restoration in preparation for cybersecurity emergencies. This proactive approach ensures that your team can restore systems swiftly and systematically across various scenarios, identify which systems should be prioritized, and determine the appropriate contacts for each scenario.

Technology alone cannot solve the threats facing public safety agencies today. Social engineering or other AI-based targeted attacks are also a serious concern. To address this, agencies should not only equip all personal or work devices with malware and antivirus protections but should prioritize security training throughout their organizations. Building strong awareness through training—beyond CJIS-required training—is critical. This includes live or virtual presentations or webinars, ideally in the form of hands-on training for the best results. Topics include email and text message phishing attacks, as well as recognized signs of AI-driven attacks—common and dangerous methods of cyber intrusion. Additionally, make training personally relevant to the real lives of personnel. When training connects with an individual’s personal situation, it resonates more deeply and becomes memorable.

The consequences of prolonged downtime due to cybersecurity attacks can extend for weeks, leading to significant economic impacts. This disruption can affect not just public safety operations but also critical systems such as payroll, budgeting tools, staff scheduling, dispatch and overtime management. Investing in cybersecurity protection not only prevents potential multimillion-dollar losses but also safeguards the reputation and public trust of a public safety agency.

Cybersecurity incidents are not just an IT issue, they’re a threat to public safety. Public safety agencies should handle cybersecurity as they would manage other life-saving investments. By taking proactive steps, agencies can ensure that their systems, data and operations run smoothly, and they can focus on their critical mission of keeping their communities safe.

Original Story: https://www.thefastmode.com/expert-opinion/41323-how-to-strengthen-cybersecurity-in-public-safety-and-prevent-downtime

By: Matthew Polega

Matt Polega is a cofounder and president at Mark43, a leading cloud-based public safety software company.

America has a crime perception problem, but it’s not what you think.

The public understanding of public safety trends is often skewed. An October 2024 Gallup poll found that about two-thirds of surveyed Americans believed crime had increased in the past year and that about a quarter of those respondents believed crime was an “extremely” serious problem, but the data tells a different story. While every crime is devastating to those impacted, their loved ones and their community, major crime rates have decreased.

The Perception Gap In Public Safety

Many Americans may not be aware of law enforcement efforts, from the federal government to their local public safety agency, aimed at supporting safer communities and preventing crime. For example, at the federal level, the U.S. government’s American Rescue Plan has committed $15 billion of direct investment back to public safety agencies and violence prevention initiatives, resulting in many specific ways local agencies have driven crime prevention programs to keep their constituents safe.

If people aren’t aware of these targeted investments, they may feel less safe—even when crime rates are dropping and strategic initiatives are in place. For public safety agencies, perception is not an abstract challenge; instead, it directly impacts how their community members feel about their sense of safety in their communities. It’s also increasingly important for agencies to leverage and share real-time data insights and intelligence from their public safety technology with the public for enhanced transparency, trust and accountability.

Public safety agencies face another challenge: shrinking budgets and staffing shortages. Many safety agencies are forced to cut programs and reduce the size of recruit classes—resulting in staffing issues. This can impact emergency response times, reduce visibility of officers in the community, wear down first responders and impact how safe residents feel.

Leveraging Modern Technology For Improved Transparency And Public Trust

Real obstacles exist, but smart investment in modern technology can help solve them by providing efficiency gains to mitigate stretched headcount and resource allocation.

Front and center to this are cloud-native public safety solutions. While the finance and healthcare industries are embracing cloud-native solutions, law enforcement has not been as quick to evolve. However, just as healthcare underwent an evidence-based transformation in the 1980s, public safety is now embracing data as a foundational tool in modernizing operations and improving how agencies protect and serve communities.

Cloud-native, data-driven tools can save officers time so they can spend less time doing paperwork and more time in communities. Modern policing is not about guns and handcuffs; it’s about timely, accurate data. Next-gen, cloud-native technology can collate data to guide decision-making, pattern detection and crime fighting, which can enhance situational awareness in the field and proactive community response.

This modern use and investment in cloud-native technology can also help public safety agencies mitigate budget challenges by serving as a force multiplier. By reducing the time that officers spend on paperwork, streamlining workflows and reducing duplication, agencies can save up to half of an officer’s shift every day. Cloud-native technology can also improve community visibility by increasing officer time in the field.

We worked with the Bethlehem Police Department in Pennsylvania, which serves 100,000 residents, as it faced operational challenges with its legacy records management system (RMS), the software solution managing and storing essential data for police operations. Officers and supervisors often spent half of their shifts on administrative tasks and report writing at their desks rather than in the field. The department implemented our cloud-native RMS, which resulted in officers and supervisors regaining 50% of their shift time so they could dedicate more time to community engagement and solving crimes.

Debunking Misconceptions And Building Public Support For Modern Technology

Despite the benefits of modern technology, several misconceptions hinder its widespread adoption and acceptance—both within agencies and among the public.

One common misconception is that agencies must bear the full cost of these technologies, potentially diverting funds from other important initiatives. In reality, state and federal grants are often available to support technology upgrades.

Another prevalent misconception is that public safety agencies are particularly resistant to adopting AI-powered technology to improve efficiency. However, a December 2024 survey we conducted found that about 87% of “law enforcement believe AI is transforming the public safety industry for the better,” and 65% of respondents “say it would help them be more productive and efficient.”

For true progress and lasting change, public safety agencies need more public support for these approaches and investments. To develop this, tech companies and agencies can be accountability partners to show the real benefits of technology on community safety. This can include companies enabling their government partners or customers to share data and information at public meetings, as well as sharing information with stakeholders through easily accessible online dashboards.

In addition, the grant writing process for public safety agencies requires accurate and up-to-date data on crime statistics, calls for service, response times and more. Modern technology can capture and report this data.

Conclusion

For agencies to embrace modern technology solutions, they need public support. Fortunately, technology can help public safety agencies tell their story and build trust within their communities. With a wealth of good data, agencies can show where challenges are and how operational choices have deterred crime and improved public safety outcomes.

Each day, public safety officials put on their uniform and accept the risk that comes with this noble profession, and the least we can do for our first responders is deliver the best technology. I believe modern technology isn’t just an upgrade; it’s essential.

Public safety agencies impact us all every day, though we generally don’t know it. Crime rates are important, and so is perception. Technology can improve both.

Original Story: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2025/04/15/how-tech-can-help-fix-americas-public-safety-perception-problem/

Jane King, live from the New York Stock Exchange, highlights the Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department’s technology upgrade with Mark43 during her morning news report.

By: Chloe Curtis

Drones have become a popular tool for law enforcement agencies across the country in recent years and the technology and systems behind them are always evolving. 

The Elk Grove Police Department has had drones since 2019 and in May 2024 the agency launched its “Drone as a First Responder” program. Almost a year, later drone use is still expanding. 

In January, the department was granted a waiver by the FAA freeing it from the requirment to have rooftop observers every time a drone is launched. The change expanded the department’s availability to respond to calls from Tuesday to Friday noon to 10 p.m. to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  However, that change coupled with new updates to their FlightOps module is giving the department even more resources to respond to calls for service.

A new update to the department’s FlightOps module now allows pilots to launch drones almost immediately when a call comes in, saving precious time in emergencies. Elk Grove PD uses Mark43 CAD, a cloud-native computer-aided dispatch, as its emergency dispatch system. The system has been integrated with its drone program allowing drone pilots to listen to live 911 calls and automatically launch drones to calls for service.

“The pilot would be able to see the cad calls that are active, and they would have to manually type in the address and so that takes time and when seconds matter having a FlightOps model where they can just click on the location eliminates all that process,” Elk Grove Police Department Lt. Nate Lange said. “The other part of that is our license plate readers are now integrated into our FlightOps module as well so if a license plate reader is flagged for a felony vehicle or stolen car, it’ll flag the pilot as well and we’re able to go to that exact location with just the click of a button.”

It’s also expanded the types of calls for service the department can help with via drone including missing persons, car crashes, and robberies to name a few. The department said it’s even been able to help Cosumnes Fire with live feeds during structure fires.

Another update includes a map overlay as the drone flies over an area. Pilots and watch commanders can see the names of businesses and landmarks a suspect is passing in real time and relay that information quickly to crews on the ground.

“Historically, you’d be able to look at a map or look at a video feed from a drone. You wouldn’t know where you’re at unless you had a familiarization with the community,” Lt. Lange said.

The drones are also reaching new heights in the physical sense. The same waiver granted by the FAA in January not only allows the department to fly its drones autonomously to calls — but to do so up to 400 feet in the air. It’s a leash the department said greatly expands their ability to get to you faster.

“There’s been thousands of hours of inspections of these units to ensure that there’s proficiency and consistency on their safety so we are happy and comfortable moving forward now with a program that doesn’t have a remote pilot on the roof full-time but they are still doing pre-flight inspections and we’re still ensuring that the system is operational and still functioning as it’s been promised,” Lt. Lange said.

Once the batteries are changed and the pilot gives the clear from inside the operation center, the drone launches. The department has three drones as part of its “Drone as a First Responder” program. Depending on where a call for service comes in, any of those three drones can be used and get to the scene in less than three minutes.

In many cases, the drones arrive on the scene before traditional patrol, giving officers a better idea of what they’re getting into before they even step out of their patrol car.

“As the pilots are listening to live 911 calls coming in in real-time they’re able to deploy the drone to that location before the CAD call even exists so the situational awareness we’re able to provide our officers has never been like this before, I know it wasn’t when I worked patrol,” Lt. Lange said. 

With drones becoming more popular Elk Grove PD has a transparency portal where you can view where its drones have flown in recent days to confirm if drones you see belong to them.

Original Story: https://fox40.com/news/local-news/elk-grove/elk-grove-police-department-expands-drone-capabilities-with-new-updates/

By: Dawn Zoldi

Technological advancements have created opportunities for homeland security and national security professionals to significantly improve operational effectiveness. However, these innovations – uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), bodycams, advanced mobile data terminals (MDTs), and more – are only as powerful as the data they can access and the systems with which they can integrate. Mark43’s trusted, mission-critical computer aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS) solutions serve as the essential systems of record, ensuring these technologies operate with the most accurate, real-time information. By providing a secure, open API, Mark43 enhances seamless integration, allowing these tools to align with and leverage vital data for enhanced decision-making and response. This foundation not only simplifies the jobs of law enforcement and military members, but also amplifies the effectiveness of other technologies, ultimately improving public safety outcomes as well as national security.

In a recent Dawn of Autonomy podcast, two prominent public safety experts from Mark43, Banning Sweatland and Ganesha Martin, showcased how Mark43 equips law enforcement, first responders and defense personnel with enhanced CAD and RMS to ensure communities are protected and lives are safeguarded across the nation.

Meet the Experts

With a distinguished 20-year career in law enforcement, Banning Sweatland brings a wealth of practical experience to his role as SLG Business Development at Mark43. His journey began in the United States Marine Corps. He followed this with a stellar career in law enforcement, where he played a diverse range of roles including patrol, investigations and the integration of emerging technologies like drones and body cameras. Beyond his work at Mark43, Sweatland is a Board Member of the National Law Enforcement Officer Hall of Fame, a Texas Master Peace Officer and the host of the “Two Cops, One Donut” podcast.

As the VP of Public Policy and Community Affairs at Mark43, Ganesha Martin leverages her legal background and extensive experience in public safety to foster trust and accountability. Prior to joining Mark43, Martin held senior roles within the Baltimore City Police Department (the nation’s 8th largest) and the Mayor’s Office. Her current work focuses on forging connections between law enforcement, communities, and policymakers to promote transparency and enhance public trust.

These two experts provided invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing public safety and defense agencies and the technological advancements that are changing operational battle rhythms and procedures for the better.

The Genesis of Innovation: Mark43’s Origin Story

Mark43 began with a profound understanding of the historical limitations and frustrations within public safety agencies. Recognizing the need to modernize outdated infrastructure and address the fragmented systems that often hinder cohesive operations, the company was founded with a clear mission: to transform how public safety agencies operate.

“The founders of Mark43 recognized that legacy systems were not meeting the demands of modern policing,” explained Martin. “They set out to create a solution that would empower agencies to operate more efficiently and effectively.” This vision led to the development of a cloud-native platform designed to unify workflows, enhance data sharing and improve decision-making capabilities. In short, Mark43 modernized the key tools routinely used by those on the front lines of public safety and defense: CAD and RMS.

Core Features and Capabilities: Foundations of a Robust Platform

Mark43 built its platforms on a set of core principles to add value, while maintaining ease of use, for those in the field. These principles include:

Cloud-Native Architecture

By leveraging the power of the cloud, Mark43 ensures agencies have access to the latest technology without the burden of managing complex infrastructure. This allows for seamless updates, enhanced security and greater scalability – all essential components for modern operations.

Unified Ecosystem

Mark43’s platform integrates CAD, RMS and advanced analytics tools into a single, unified environment. This eliminates the need for officers to navigate multiple systems and improves operational efficiency.

Mobile Accessibility

Recognizing the imperative that officers spend time in the community and aren’t stuck behind a desk, Mark43 offers mobile applications that allow responders to access critical information, complete reports, and process evidence from their smartphones or tablets. This means that they have the tools they need while on-the-go, saving time from driving to and from a station house and increasing visibility in the community. This is especially important in rural areas or any scenario where officers have to be far away from their car and its MDT.

Imagine an officer responding to a minor traffic accident. With Mark43’s RMS, instead of returning to the station to manually fill out a report, they can use the mobile application on their smartphone right at the scene. The system automatically populates fields with relevant information from CAD, such as location and time. The officer can quickly add details like vehicle descriptions and driver information, using voice-to-text for efficiency. They can also take photos of the scene with their phone, which are automatically uploaded and attached to the report. Because the information is synched across systems, by the time the officer gets back in their vehicle, the report is almost complete and ready for final review and submission. This significantly reduces administrative time and allows them to return to patrol more quickly.

Open API

Mark43’s open Application Programming Interface (API) allows for seamless integration with third-party systems and data sources. This plug-and-playability allows agencies to leverage existing technology partners while creating a more comprehensive view of their environment.

What’s New: A Deep Dive into Mark43’s Product Enhancements

Since its inception, Mark43 has continuously evolved its platform to meet the ever-changing needs of its users. Recent updates and enhancements showcase the company’s commitment to constant improvement.

Mark43 Insights

This artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled analytics platform empowers agencies to gain deeper insights into their operations, identify trends and make data-driven decisions. It allows administrators or city officials to quickly analyze data such as traffic stops on specific streets, clearance type, and citations generated. Mark43 Insights provides real-time information on patrol activities and areas needing more focus.

“Insights empowers agencies to move from reactive to proactive policing,” Martin explained. “By analyzing data, they can identify patterns and allocate resources more effectively.” This level of data analysis offers unprecedented improvements in terms of resource allocation and strategic decision-making for agencies.

Mobile CAD Enhancements

Mark43 has made significant improvements to its mobile CAD capabilities so dispatchers can manage incidents and communicate with responders from any location. These enhancements ensure that dispatchers can continue their work regardless of their physical location, which is especially useful during crises or in remote locations.

Sweatland emphasized that being able to run a person’s information directly from the field, with dispatch reading in real-time, would have been invaluable, especially in remote locations with unreliable radio communication. In recounting his experience as a rural sheriff patrolling over 920 square miles, said, “If I had my workphone with me and I had the first responder app downloaded on there…I wouldn’t even have to return to the car.”

“Mobile CAD provides critical support for officers, especially in rural locations,” he continued. “It ensures that they have the information they need at their fingertips, no matter where they are.” This enhanced mobility greatly improves response times and coordination.

Cybersecurity Solutions

Recognizing the growing threat of cyberattacks, the Mark43 platform comes with a range of cybersecurity protections designed to address ransomware and other malicious activities. Mark43 offers monitoring of systems to be proactive, as well as consulting and services at the same levels a corporation would use to protect its assets.

Martin emphasized, “Protecting sensitive data is paramount. Our cybersecurity solutions provide agencies with the tools and expertise they need to defend against cyber threats.” She noted the company was among the first to achieve FedRAMP High data security certification in their sector. In an age where cyberattacks remain a constant threat, this level of security is crucial for maintaining the integrity of public safety operations.

AI Integration

Mark43 leverages AI to automate tasks, improve report writing and enhance investigative capabilities. To help write reports and assist investigators, AI pulls together all the systems’ pieces (CAD, RMS, investigations, etc.). This AI integration not only streamlines administrative tasks but also provides investigators with powerful tools to analyze data and identify patterns.

BriefAI

Mark43 Brief AI allows field commanders or detectives to get a concise summary of relevant information. This both saves time and enhances situational awareness.

To illustrate the power of Brief AI, consider a detective investigating a string of burglaries. If the detective inputs a specific address into Mark43, Brief AI can quickly generate a summary of all past incidents at that location and in the surrounding area. The AI might identify a recurring pattern, such as forced entry through back windows during daylight hours, which suggests a specific modus operandi (MO). By highlighting this pattern, Brief AI enables the detective to quickly determine if the current incident fits the profile. This allows the detective to focus their investigation and eliminate irrelevant leads, ultimately saving valuable time and resources. This targeted approach not only accelerates the investigative process but also increases the likelihood of apprehending the suspect by recognizing and prioritizing specific criminal behaviors.

“Brief AI is a game-changer for investigators,” explained Sweatland. “It allows them to quickly sift through vast amounts of data and identify the most important information, enabling them to focus on the critical aspects of their cases.”

Real-World Impacts: A Case Study Highlighting Success

The true measure of any technology lies in its real-world impact. Mark43 has a proven track record of helping public safety agencies improve their operations and enhance community safety.

Fort Myers Police Department (FMPD) use of Mark43 CAD and RMS provides a recent example of how the platform made a transformative impact for a local community. During a severe hurricane that knocked out city-wide communications, the FMPD was able to maintain full operations thanks to Mark43’s cloud-native platform. Even when local communications systems failed, they maintained communications and assisted neighboring agencies whose communications were disrupted by leveraging the Mark43 platform to support their dispatch. This real-world scenario demonstrates the robustness, interoperability and reliability of the Mark43 platform, even in the face of extreme challenges. This is but one example of many.

The Future of Public Safety and Defense: A Vision for Tomorrow

As technology continues to advance, Mark43 remains committed to staying at the forefront of innovation for public safety and defense. The company is actively exploring new ways to leverage AI, machine learning and other emerging technologies to further enhance its platform to empower its users.

By prioritizing collaboration and the needs of the agencies it serves, Mark43 will continue to build a safer, more secure future for communities around the world.

“We are dedicated to working hand-in-hand with our partners in public safety and defense,” Martin said. “By listening to their needs and investing in cutting-edge technology, we can help them meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.”

Sweatland added, “Our ultimate goal is to provide law enforcement and defense personnel with the tools they need to protect our communities and keep us safe.”

Today, public safety agencies are over-worked, understaffed and stuck using outdated technology that can’t keep up with the growing needs of responders. Mark43’s unified, modern platform helps the entire public safety agency, from dispatch to analysis, work more effectively and efficiently—saving time, money, and most importantly, lives.

Original Story: https://www.auvsi.org/mark43-enhancing-public-safety-and-defense-through-trusted-technologies