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New national survey results show first responders want mobile-friendly technology and AI to streamline reporting and better serve their communities

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NEW YORK — Jan. 23, 2024 — Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software company, today announced the results of a U.S. national survey of first responders, showing that first responders want mobility, flexibility and AI to save time while writing reports so they can spend more time serving their communities. Public safety professionals want cloud-native and mobile-friendly technology upgrades to improve first responder reporting and efficiency. A recently released 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report documents the complete survey results.

“Public safety professionals are spending up to half their shift filling out reports, rather than addressing operational needs and responding to calls for service. And on top of that, 70% of first responders need to use overtime to finish paperwork. We also learned that paperwork is the top activity that first responders spend their time on, ahead of proactive crime prevention and working with youth,” said Matthew Polega, Co-founder and President, Mark43. “While report writing is a reality for any public safety professional, it doesn’t have to be this time-consuming. Public safety agencies need modern technology — like cloud-native records management systems and analytics platforms — so they can get back to the job of policing. Our 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report shows that technology plays a central role in everything a public safety agency does, and by using Mark43 technology, first responders can improve the safety and quality of life for all.”

The below results from the survey show the vast majority of first responders’ concerns about the time they spend on reporting, their preference for flexibility, and their support for AI. 

First responders are concerned about the time they spend on reporting. 

  • A near-total majority (91%) of first responders believe data reporting processes could be improved at their organizations, a 5% increase over the 2023 U.S. Public Safety Trends survey, illustrating a need for integrated technology systems to streamline this process.
  • The average first responder spends nearly half (49%) of their shift doing paperwork.
  • Nearly three-quarters of respondents (70%) have spent an entire shift completing paperwork, revealing a critical need for better resource allocation and modern technology to improve productivity. 
  • Paperwork is the top activity that first responders spend their time on, ahead of proactive crime prevention and working with youth.

First responders prefer having the freedom of flexible work. 

  • A majority (61%) of first responders return to a physical location to fill out reports. This points to a need for cloud-native infrastructure that supports flexibility and increased productivity.
  • A near-total majority (91%) of first responders are more likely to extend their career timeline if they have the freedom to work remotely. This demonstrates a strong desire for flexibility and mobility, which dispatchers could have with cloud-native infrastructure.
  • Eighty-nine percent of first responders use their mobile phones as part of their everyday work tasks, revealing a critical need for mobile-friendly technology to ensure they can work anywhere and stay connected to the people they serve. 

First responders support AI adoption.

  • A majority (65%) of public safety agencies are adopting AI, which 77% of first responders support. Eighty-four percent think AI would save time, and 72% believe it could help reduce crime. AI and other emerging technologies like cloud-native software systems support first responders and allow them to spend more time in the community.
  • Eighty-one percent of first responders trust their agency to use AI responsibly, which opens the door for conversations about modernizing the technology they use on the job to create efficiencies and better protect the community.

The Mark43 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends report includes complete survey results and trends.

Using the expertise of emergency responders collected through the survey, insight from Mark43 customers and input from leading luminaries in law enforcement, the Mark43 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report identifies the below emerging six trends that will impact public safety in 2024 and beyond: 

  1. Artificial Intelligence is here to stay.
  2. Modern technology is a solution to the recruitment and retention crisis.
  3. Technology systems must be resilient and secure.
  4. Mobility is not the future, it’s the now.
  5. Breaking data out of silos is critical for facilitating community trust and multi-agency coordination.
  6. Gun violence still requires a relentless focus, and modern technology is a critical component.

“In 2024, we will see leading public safety agencies prioritize cloud-native systems and responsibly embrace AI to support efficiency and mobility, better allocate resources, and ultimately, serve their communities even more effectively,” Polega said.

Survey methodology

A national online survey of 349 first responders was conducted by Propeller Insights between October 3 and October 18, 2023. Respondents opted into an online database; from there, they were targeted based on demographics. To further confirm qualifications, respondents were asked to verify their information in the survey itself with self-identifying qualifications. The maximum margin of sampling error was +/- 5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.

About Mark43

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first records management system, computer-aided dispatch and analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Working with more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com.

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TMC Net: First Responders Sound Alarm on Cybersecurity, Disaster Preparedness

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By: Greg Tavarez

Depending on who’s asked, people’s perceptions of first responders may vary. But from what I can tell, many associate calmness and support with these professionals. The nature of their work requires them to stay composed and focused in emergency situations. The ability to remain calm under pressure lets first responders make quick and effective decisions, provide assistance and maintain control of challenging situations.

However, a wave of anxiety is rippling through the ranks of America’s first responders, fueled by vulnerabilities in their own technological infrastructure. A nationwide survey released by Mark43, a cloud-based public safety software company, reveals widespread concern about cybersecurity, disaster recovery and the overall resilience of IT systems critical to their work.

“We heard a resounding response from first responders across the country. They are concerned about their public safety agency’s ability to withstand cyberattacks and natural disasters, given the ever-increasing number and severity of bad actors attacking public infrastructure as well as the uptick in extreme weather incidents,” stated Matthew Polega, co-founder and president, Mark43.

In fact, in the 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report, 82% of respondents expressed worry about their agency’s data being compromised or locked down by ransomware, a 6% increase compared to the 2023 survey. This fear isn’t unfounded – many reported experiencing cyberattacks firsthand, leaving them scrambling to contain breaches and restore essential services.

The report also reveals a deep-seated frustration with outdated and inadequate technology. Sixty-eight percent of respondents remain anchored to physical locations for essential paperwork. This reliance on antiquated systems leaves them vulnerable to power outages and natural disasters, potentially crippling operations during emergencies.

“Public safety professionals made it clear that they need access to modernized systems — like cloud-native CAD and RMS — to improve the security and resilience of their agencies, so they can respond faster to community members in need,” said Polega.

The survey’s findings extend beyond internal concerns, with first responders urging broader action on a national level. A strong majority advocate for the adoption of federal standards for first responder IT security, reporting and efficiency.

This approach not only ensures consistency in IT security measures but also streamlines reporting protocols to create a more synchronized and efficient response mechanism. By fostering collaboration and adherence to common standards, the aim is to fortify the overall resilience of first responders in the face of diverse and evolving challenges.

Mark43, for example, delivers a modern, intuitive and mobile-first records management system, computer-aided dispatch and analytics platform. Working with more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is helping first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community.

“Our 2024 U.S. Public Safety Trends Report shows that technology plays a central role in everything a public safety agency does, and by using Mark43 technology, police departments can improve the safety and quality of life for all,” Polega added.

The future of community safety hinges on ensuring first responders have the tools and resources they need to navigate an unpredictable world.

Edited by Alex Passett

Original Story: https://www.tmcnet.com/voip/news/articles/458418-first-responders-sound-alarm-cybersecurity-disaster-preparedness.htm

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For the 8th consecutive year, Mark43 is selected to the 2024 GovTech 100 by Government Technology Magazine

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NEW YORK – January 17, 2024 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, was named to the Government Technology Magazine GovTech 100, an annual list of 100 companies focused on, making a difference in, and selling to state and local government agencies across the United States.  

Bob Hughes, Chief Executive Officer of Mark43 said, “Making the 2024 GovTech 100 for the 8th consecutive year reaffirms our position as a leader in government technology, and we are excited about the continued impact we can make for state and local public safety agencies. At Mark43, we are dedicated to empowering public safety organizations with the tools they need to enhance efficiency and overall effectiveness. With Mark43, first responders can rely on a true partner to deliver a secure, reliable and resilient CAD and RMS.” 

The Govtech 100 was first published in 2017 and is compiled by a working group of the GovTech Biz editorial team, investors, former officials, outside data partners and other relevant market experts. Mark43 has been included on this notable list since its inception. The Govtech 100 recognizes Mark43’s cloud-native Public Safety Platform for its ability to deliver for state and local government agencies across the United States.  

Matt Polega, Mark43 Co-founder and President said, “First responders deserve reliable, resilient and modern technology, and Mark43’s mobile-first Public Safety Platform is the rock-solid foundation that state and local government agencies can depend on. We thank Government Technology Magazine for this recognition.” 

About Mark43   

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Working with more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com. 

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Melrose Park, Illinois Police Department to transform operations with the Mark43 records management system

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NEW YORK – January 16, 2023 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, today announced that the Melrose Park Police Department has signed on to implement Mark43’s cloud-native records management system (RMS). The partnership will provide Melrose Park’s 70 sworn officers with a secure and reliable data-driven platform that supports the safety of the entire community. 

Anthony Greco, Deputy Chief of the Melrose Park Police, said: “We are thrilled to be working with Mark43. Our officers deserve the best available technology, and the Mark43 RMS will give our officers real-time, mission-critical information so they can successfully support our community and keep our residents safe.”   

Matt Polega, Mark43 Co-founder and President said, “We are excited to partner with the Melrose Park Police Department to meet their mission of spending less time writing reports and more time on other critical priorities in their community. By moving away from an on-premises tech platform to one that is cloud-native, they are a clear leader in public safety for Illinois.”  

Mark43 RMS is an intuitive records management system that will be used by officers and staff in everyday policing. Hosted on AWS GovCloud, it enables faster report-writing, integrated compliance standards, and a superior user experience that leads to enhanced work performance and job satisfaction. The Mark43 RMS was built to automatically guide users to capture detailed information for National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), making it easier for agencies to comply with federal standards and supports more accurate crime reporting. 

The new partnership also includes robust training to ensure that officers are adept at using the new platform, as well as 24/7 customer assistance to give Melrose Park ongoing customer support.  

Mark43 continues to partner with new police departments in Illinois. This partnership follows the recent announcement of the Berwyn Police Department and the Hometown Police Department signing on to deploy the Mark43 Public Safety Platform.   

About Mark43   

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Working with more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com. 

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Security Magazine: First responders look to technology to prevent cyberattacks

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By: Security Staff

According to a Mark43 report, 82% of first responders worry that their organization’s data could be stolen or fall victim to ransomware. This is a 6% increase, showing a need for enhanced security like cloud-based computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS).

Ninety-one percent of first responders have experienced cybersecurity-related issues in the past year like phishing, scam calls and malware attacks. Scam calls and malware/viruses are now the leading cybersecurity concern for first responders, overtaking phishing from last year’s survey.

Ninety-two percent of first responders also are somewhat or very concerned about how their agencies would handle a tactical response to cyberattacks or physical attacks at large-scale events like sports games, concerts and conventions.

A majority of first responders are also very concerned about the impact of natural disasters and power grid failures on their agencies, with 84% reporting that such events can overwhelm public safety agencies and impact the service they deliver to their community. Ninety-six percent would be somewhat or very concerned if on-site mission-critical servers that are used in on-premises systems were in a location in the path of a hurricane or other major weather event.

More than two-thirds (67%) of first responders have experienced dispatch outages, and 88% have experienced other IT malfunctions. Eighty-four percent of first responders using CAD systems have experienced a CAD outage that impacted response times, including over a third (35%) who experience CAD outages six to 10 times per year. Seventy-five percent of first responders reported that inefficient IT systems cause outages, delays and other malfunctions. 

First responders also lay out solutions for the cybersecurity, disaster recovery and dispatch outage concerns and problems they report, including their top three: more accurate reporting (52%), increased efficiency (51%) and increased data security (51%), all of which are easily attainable with modern cloud-native systems.

Ninety-three percent believe the general public would feel better if their local public safety agencies were required to adhere to federal cybersecurity standards, like FedRAMP, which mandates a premier and standardized approach to security and risk assessment for cloud technologies.

First responders and the general public agree on this issue, as nearly 80% of general population respondents expressed support for local adoption of federal law-enforcement technology standards in a separate survey.

Read the full report here.

Original Story: https://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/100315-first-responders-look-to-technology-to-prevent-cyberattacks

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Hometown, Illinois Police Department selects Mark43 RMS to get officers out of the report-writing room and back into the community

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NEW YORK — January 9, 2024 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, today announced that the Hometown, Illinois Police Department has signed on to implement Mark43’s records management system (RMS) and analytics technology. The Mark43 RMS supports a variety of law enforcement operations, including evidence collection, police report writing, case management, and crime analysis. This gives the Hometown Police Department a modern platform that will enhance the effectiveness of first responders and support the safety of the entire community.   

Lou Dominguez Jr., Hometown Police Department Chief said, “We are excited to be partnering with Mark43. The Hometown Police Department provides premier law enforcement services to our community, and the Mark43 RMS gives us the same platform used by many of our nation’s largest agencies and, on top of that, superior customer service. This technology platform will move our agency into the 21st century and will ensure that the men and women of the Hometown PD are able to spend less time on report writing and more time engaging with our residents.”  

Matt Polega, Mark43 Co-founder and President said, “We are proud to partner with the Hometown Police Department to deliver modern, state-of-the-art technology to their officers. Mark43 RMS will save thousands of administrative hours, which will act as a force multiplier to Hometown, allowing their officers to spend more time in the community helping people.”  

Mark43 RMS is an intuitive records management system that will be used by officers and staff in everyday policing. Hosted on AWS GovCloud, Mark43 RMS enables faster report-writing, integrated compliance standards, better case management, and superior user experience that leads to enhanced work performance and job satisfaction. In addition, Mark43’s 24/7 customer assistance will provide Hometown ongoing support to ensure seamless service. 

Additionally, Mark43 OnScene enables police officers to access or input data using their mobile devices while in the field, saving them hours of report writing at a desk and providing invaluable information in critical moments. The intuitive, easy to use Mark43 RMS will also ensure accurate crime reporting with the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS).  

This partnership follows the recent announcement of the Berwyn (IL) Police Department signing on to deploy the Mark43 Public Safety Platform.   

About Mark43   

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Working with more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com. 

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Help Net Security: Tech upgrades for first responders are a necessity, not a luxury

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By: Staff

Public safety professionals want technology upgrades and adoption of federal standards for first responder IT security, reporting and efficiency, according to Mark43.

first responders cyberattacks concerns

“We heard a resounding response from first responders across the country: They are concerned about their public safety agency’s ability to withstand cyberattacks and natural disasters, given the ever-increasing number and severity of bad actors attacking public infrastructure as well as the uptick in extreme weather incidents,” said Matthew Polega, President, Mark43.

“Public safety professionals made it clear that they need access to modernized systems — like cloud-native CAD and RMS — to improve the security and resilience of their agencies, so they can respond faster to community members in need. Our 2024 report shows that technology plays a central role in everything a public safety agency does,” added Polega.

First responders face growing concerns amidst cybersecurity surge

The ever-increasing number, severity and cost of cyberattacks is reflected in the concerns and experiences of first responders. 82% worry that their organization’s data could be stolen or fall victim to ransomware, a 6% increase over the 2023 survey, showing a need for enhanced security like cloud-based computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and records management systems (RMS).

91% of first responders have experienced cybersecurity-related issues in the past year like phishing, scam calls and malware attacks. Scam calls and malware/viruses are now the leading cybersecurity concern for first responders, overtaking phishing from last year’s survey.

92% of first responders also are somewhat or very concerned about how their agencies would handle a tactical response to cyberattacks or physical attacks at large-scale events like sports games, concerts and conventions.

Natural disasters, grid failures raise alarms

The vast majority of first responders are also very concerned about the impact of natural disasters and power grid failures on their agencies, with 84% reporting that such events can overwhelm public safety agencies and impact the service they deliver to their community.

Alarmingly, 96% would be somewhat or very concerned if on-site mission-critical servers that are used in on-premises systems were in a location in the path of a hurricane or other major weather event.

67% of first responders have experienced dispatch outages, and 88% have experienced other IT malfunctions. 84% of first responders using computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems have experienced a CAD outage that impacted response times, including over a 35% who experience CAD outages six to 10 times per year.

75% of first responders reported that inefficient IT systems cause outages, delays and other malfunctions. This is an increase of 8% over a similar survey last year. Seconds matter in emergency response and can impact lifesaving services for those in need.

First responders also lay out solutions for the cybersecurity, disaster recovery and dispatch outage concerns and problems they report, including their top three: more accurate reporting (52%), increased efficiency (51%) and increased data security (51%), all of which are easily attainable with modern cloud-native systems.

93% believe the general public would feel better if their local public safety agencies were required to adhere to federal cybersecurity standards, like FedRAMP, which mandates a premier and standardized approach to security and risk assessment for cloud technologies.

Public safety agencies scale up data collection amid tech boom

Driven by new technology and increases in federal, state, and local compliance requirements, public safety agencies have been collecting more data of varying types in recent years. Capturing, analyzing, and disseminating this data in thoughtful ways is essential to building and maintaining community trust and advancing public safety goals. However, determining how to effectively share this data can be challenging.

In 2024 leading agencies will develop ways to break down information silos and coordinate their systems and data to inform decision-making and effective crime fighting. These efforts will include:

  • Building trust through data transparency efforts.
  • Using modern technology to enable data and system interoperability.

“As we approach 2024, first responders expect public safety agencies to use modern technology solutions that are resilient and reliable so they can focus on keeping their communities safe,” Polega said. “In 2024, we will see leading public safety agencies prioritize security and resilience to support critical decision-making, better allocate resources, and ultimately, serve their communities even more effectively.”

In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of mobile applications by public safety agencies. Technology advances have made it easier to take first responders’ workflows off laptops and mobile data terminals (MDT) and onto their mobile devices. As a result, the ability of first responders to use handheld devices is becoming less of an added benefit for agencies and rather a necessity.

The current generation of incoming first responders are digital natives who grew up with technology and are accustomed to using their mobile devices as their primary way of interacting with the world. Public safety agencies are entering a time when the new generation of members coming on to the job interact with technology in a fundamentally different way than those who came before them.

Original Story: https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2023/12/29/first-responders-cyberattacks-concerns/

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Mark43's cutting-edge records management system launches with the Warren Ohio Police Department

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NEW YORK — December 15, 2023 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety company, today announced the official deployment of its records management system (RMS), case management module and analytics application within Ohio’s Warren Police Department. This deployment demonstrates the Warren Police Department’s commitment to streamlining and upgrading its reporting technology to deliver improved service to its community.  

The Warren Police Department is the first agency in Ohio to go live with this platform, joining more than 200 agencies across the country and United Kingdom using Mark43 technology to improve public safety. Customers using the Mark43 platform have seen a 50% reduction in arrest reporting time and an 80% reduction in incident/offense reporting time. Now, the Warren Police Department will be able to save thousands of administrative hours, which will help officers to spend more time in the field helping people. 

Eric J. Merkel, Chief of the Warren Police Department, said, “We are thrilled to put the best technology available into our officers’ hands. This partnership provides our officers with an intuitive RMS they need to do their jobs more efficiently. By equipping them with tools that are easy to use, our officers will spend less time on report writing and spend more time out in the field, fighting crime and engaging with the community.” 

“We heard loud and clear that the Warren Police Department wanted to make sure their officers were spending more time in the field and less time on paperwork, and with Mark43, they’ll be able to do just that,” said Mark43 Co-founder and President Matt Polega. “We are proud to partner with such a committed police department and support their mission of keeping the residents of Warren safe. By deploying our cloud-native platform, the City of Warren is a clear leader in public safety for Ohio.” 

The Mark43 RMS provides the Warren Police Department with a modern, secure and comprehensive platform for report-writing, investigations, and data sharing which will be used by officers and staff in everyday policing, including on the front line, as officers aim to solve and deter crime and keep the people of Warren safe. Additionally, Warren now has an RMS platform that enables easy compliance with the Ohio Incident Based Reporting (OIBRS). Participation in this system allows for a unified language in tackling crime, enhanced transparency and streamlined planning and resource allocation across state and local agencies.

The technology that powers the Mark43 RMS will assist officers and staff by enabling faster report-writing, better case management, and enhancing work performance and job satisfaction and will act as a force multiplier by taking time back from administrative tasks and letting officers spend more time out in the field, with the community. The cloud-native technology provides best-in-class security and reliability, meaning that users can now access vital data quicker than ever, significantly improving officer safety, situational awareness, and their ability to serve. 

Warren PD is now also deploying the Mark43 Case Management module and Analytics application. With Mark43 Analytics, the Warren PD is now able to leverage their data to identify patterns and evaluate their day-to-today operations. In addition, users can create customized dashboards and data visualizations to help draw actionable insights. Warren PD is also now able to distill information to inform mission development, operational changes and determine performance metrics. 

Through Mark43’s premier case management capabilities, Warren PD investigators now have seamless access to up-to-date report information and resources for a more streamlined workflow. They can also monitor live updates to related information collected in Mark43 RMS. In addition, investigators can track all tasks related to a case to stay organized, ensure timely completion of responsibilities, and collaborate with their department members. This improved workflow saves time and can also help them solve crimes and keep their community safe.  

About Mark43   

Mark43 is the leading cloud-native public safety technology company. By delivering a modern, intuitive and mobile-first Records Management System, Computer-Aided Dispatch and Analytics platform, Mark43 empowers governments and their communities to improve the safety and quality of life for all. Working with more than 200 local, state and federal public safety agencies, Mark43 is transforming how first responders use technology to respond, engage and serve the community. Mark43 provides the tools, resources, expertise, and security foundation that public safety needs today, tomorrow, and beyond. For more information or to request a demo, visit www.mark43.com. 

Mark43 is the trusted leader in public safety technology, providing a secure, all-in-one platform for agencies to save time, stay compliant, and ensure community safety.

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