NEW YORK – 26 June 2024 –Mark43, the leading cloud-native community safety software provider, today announced new research that reveals a strong desire by UK residents for their police forces to embrace modern, secure, resilient technology to keep them and their data safer.
This new research – which is based on an online survey of 1,062 UK residents conducted by Propeller Insights on behalf of Mark43 between May 1 and May 13, 2024 – indicates that the vast majority (89%) said that they support investments in technology to free police to engage with their communities, with emergency backup call handling systems, software to pinpoint locations and modern report writing systems. Nearly as many (85%) said that sharing data and information in real time with neighbouring police forces and partner agencies would enable even more crime prevention and resolution.
“Our new research indicates significant excitement to modernize the technology used by police to free them to spend more time on essential operational priorities and create safer communities,” said Mark43 Co-Founder and President Matthew Polega.
Residents support police systems that are resilient and secure
A strong majority (93%) of residents would like their local police force to have a backup emergency dispatch system in case of outages; this can be addressed through cloud-native technology. Sixty-seven percent of the group said that would provide them with an increased feeling of safety during emergencies
The same large share (93%) indicated that they would prefer their local public safety agencies to use current software that updates in real time.
Modern technology can help stretched police forces increase visibility, attract talent
The vast majority (86%) of respondents said they want to see more police in their communities, with 78% responding that they specifically support greater visibility for crime prevention.
Eighty-seven percent said that more opportunities for police to engage with young people through community sport and school programs could help solve recruitment issues.
Freeing police to spend more time in communities can protect even the most vulnerable
The UK government is working to address issues such as violence against women and girls, which it has acknowledged in a recent initiative.
Seventy-eight percent of the Mark43 survey respondents said they want to ensure first responders have the ability to respond effectively to such challenges.
In fact, 75% of the survey group said that they would support modern technology to enable that.
Polega said: “By empowering police with modern reporting and call handling systems, forces can free police from mundane tasks, and more police officers can go back into their communities to do what they do best: keeping citizens safe.”
Older people are keen on modern technology for police
People of all ages said that they want to see a heightened police presence in their communities. However, this desire was particularly pronounced among people ages 55 and older, 94% of whom said that they want to see more police on the street.
A smaller, but still significant, 69% of the 18-24 age group felt that way.
Older generations are also most inclined to support increased police force funding.
Nearly a third (30%) of people aged 18-24 voiced support for more police funding.
Even more (60%) of individuals 45 and older advocate for that.
A fair share (42%) of people ages 18 to 24 and even more (72%) people ages 65 and older support local police forces investing in a secondary, backup call handling system.
“When local police forces have access to the best technology, everybody benefits,” said Polega. “Enhanced reporting systems like Mark43’s cloud-native records system empower local police to share data in real time so that they can better serve and keep their communities safer. Mark43 is committed to bringing the best community safety technology to police forces across the UK.”
Mark43 hosted a UK Supplier Day on 24 June 2024 in London. At this event, attendees heard from Mark43 and Amazon Web Services about the current landscape of policing and community safety technology in the UK.
Survey methodology
For the online survey, UK residents opted in to an online database and were targeted based on demographics. To further confirm qualifications, survey respondents were asked to verify their information in the survey itself by self-identifying their qualifications. The maximum margin of sampling error for the survey was +/-3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.
About Mark43
Mark43 is the leading cloud-native police 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 290 local, state and federal public safety agencies across the United States and United Kingdom, 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.
Hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean officially began on June 1, and with National Weather Service forecasters predicting storm activity to be “above normal” this season, some Florida cities are readying technologies that can help with response.
Strong storms can knock out power lines and cell towers and interrupt internet service, putting the cloud-based technologies used by emergency dispatch units and first responders at risk. But some Florida cities are adding layers of technology that can work under these limiting conditions.
The Miami suburb of Coral Gables upgraded to a cloud-based computer-aided dispatch platform, which provides redundancy to ensure its 911 never goes down. Tampa expanded its collection of mass communication tools, layering methods of outreach so even if there’s no cell service or internet, emergency management officials and residents can still access and exchange crucial information in the event of life-threatening situations.
Ed Hudak, the Coral Gables chief of police, told StateScoop that having a cloud-based system means one less worry during a catastrophic event like a hurricane or cyberattack.
As part of Coral Gables’ effort to make its systems redundant, Hudak said, the city recently built a public safety building, which now houses the city’s police department, fire department and emergency operations center. Previously, the departments were located in different buildings. Hudak said the physical consolidation allows the entire city to use one server, easing the ability of fire, police and emergency systems to communicate with one another during severe weather.
“As long as you have power, which could be a generator, you’re going to have connectivity,” Hudak said. “I don’t have to worry about my servers getting blown up, if in fact we have some kind of breach at the building. And we have two huge generators, so I won’t lose power there.”
Hudak said his department also recently designed a satellite truck that allows law enforcement to access its primary or backup dispatch systems from anywhere in the state.
“This truck also has three types of redundancy, so it can talk through cell phones, it can talk through satellites and it can talk through regular hard lines,” he said. “We have been able to basically flip the switch and have those conversations, which is important when it comes to public safety.”
‘Multiple teams, to multiple facilities’
In Florida, severe storms that produce catastrophic devastation live in recent memory. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian made landfall in southwestern Florida at Category 4 storm, producing catastrophic storm surge, damaging winds of up to 156 mph and historic flooding across the central and northern parts of the state.
According to NOAA’s report on Ian, the storm was responsible for more than 150 direct and indirect deaths in Florida and $112 billion in damage, making it the costliest hurricane in state history and the third-costliest in United States history.
Eric Hayden, Tampa’s chief information officer, told StateScoop that preparations in the city happen year-round with table-top exercises and trainings. But communications, he said, are the “number one priority” for command and control, as well as for situational and community awareness during the city’s natural disaster response. And as in Coral Gables, Tampa is focusing on redundancy by operating back-up dispatch facilities.
“We can also relocate our 911 groups, the actual teams, to multiple facilities,” Hayden said. “They can actually operate from their hardened facility they’re in today. But we also have another hardened facility that if they lose their primary facility, or any component of it, we can actually safely move them to another facility, and they can continue dispatching 24 hours a day. So instead of having a secondary application, we have multiple locations with the same application duplicated.”
Hayden said his department’s internal communications portal, WebEOC, allows city officials to communicate with other agencies in the state. Even if power is lost during a hurricane, Hayden said, the system ensures Tampa doesn’t lose contact with the rest of the state.
Other tools include real-time vehicle location tracking, which response teams can use to report progress if they’re clearing debris, information city officials can share with the public. The city also has radios that operate on non-emergency spectrums, if all else fails.
“Let’s say we lose cellular communications, or telephone communications or internet for a lot of the communities, then we also have ham radios throughout the region so that we can get messages back and forth to neighborhoods and communities,” Hayden said.
For communicating with the public during emergencies, Hayden said the city relies on partnerships with local news stations and uses AlertTampa, an alert system that sends texts, calls and emails to citizens.
But one of the most important pieces of the city’s response in the event of system failure, Hayden said, doesn’t involve technology at all.
“We have neighborhood canvassing teams, which means those are our teams that are actually deployed in the neighborhoods and they go door to door and they post information,” he said. “It’s things like ‘tune into this channel,’ or in case major outlets are down, we can actually tell them where to look for something else.”
‘So many layers’
Floridians are concerned about the potential for technology to fail during catastrophic weather. In a recent survey by the software company Mark43, 81% of Floridians said they didn’t get immediate help during extreme weather.
Seventy-nine percent of Florida residents surveyed said they support increasing federal funding to local public safety agencies for technology upgrades. Eighty-one percent said their local law enforcement agencies should prioritize tech upgrades, and 85% said they support more spending on emergency preparedness tools.
NOAA’s forecast for this season includes between eight to 13 storm systems that are predicted to become hurricanes, meaning they feature winds of 74 mph or faster. The weather agency predicts four to seven of those storms will become major hurricanes.
“Severe weather and emergencies can happen at any moment, which is why individuals and communities need to be prepared today,” FEMA Deputy Administrator Erik Hooks said as part of NOAA’s forecast last month. “Already, we are seeing storms move across the country that can bring additional hazards like tornadoes, flooding and hail. Taking a proactive approach to our increasingly challenging climate landscape today can make a difference in how people can recover tomorrow.”
Hayden said he feels confident that Tampa has taken a proactive approach, but that no technology upgrade can guarantee safety in the face of natural disasters.
“We expect a lot of this tech to stop,” Hayden said. “That’s why we have so many layers of it. We have our online portals, we have our offline portals, we have our ham radios, we have our regular public radios. All of those together provide multi-layered protection.”
Corrected June 20, 2024: This story previously incorrectly stated that Coral Gables was using a backup CAD system.
NEW YORK — May 30, 2024 —Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, today announced new research revealing that a strong majority (86%) of Florida residents believe local first responders should be equipped with the technology necessary to respond to hurricane-related incidents and that nearly three-fourths (74%) worry about power outages affecting 911 response times, during what is slated to be one of the most active hurricane seasons to date. To address their concerns, Floridians call for critical public safety technology upgrades so that first responders have the tools needed for rapid response, emergency deployments, and spending more time delivering life-saving measures to people in their communities.
“It’s no secret that our domestic emergency response infrastructure is fragile. Floridians are concerned about the impact that ever-increasing natural disasters are having on emergency response and legacy public safety systems. They called for modern, cloud-native, secure and redundant technology systems that grant agility and speed to their first responders in times of crisis,” said Mark43 Co-Founder and President Matthew Polega.
The residents of Florida also voiced concern about the impact of natural disasters on emergency response systems and safety specifically during major tourist seasons. Nearly three-fourths (73%) of the Florida residents said they are concerned about first responders’ ability to keep their communities safe during spring break and summer vacation. Updating first responders’ technology suites can provide the resiliency needed during these busy times. The vast majority of residents call for upgrades to modern cloud-native technology offering redundancy, security, and maximum efficiency to help ensure first responders can move rapidly to help those in need.
The new research also revealed that:
77% of Florida residents have been concerned about natural disasters in the past year. This concern may be mitigated with increased trust in local public safety agencies’ ability to respond and modern, reliable technology.
81% of residents surveyed admitted to not getting immediate help during extreme weather. That can be due to a variety of reasons, including staffing shortages or technology issues that result in delayed responses. Modern technology can help close these gaps.
79% of Florida residents favor more state or federal funding to upgrade technology used by local public safety agencies.
81% believe their local law enforcement agency should prioritize investment in modern technology, and 85% request a specific investment in emergency preparedness tools.
92% would be concerned if their local public safety agencies used outdated software that doesn’t update in real time.
87% of Florida residents prefer to have a backup emergency dispatch system in case of outages. In a state where natural disasters are common, redundant public safety technology is essential.
70% of Floridians believe an increased police presence in the community would create a benefit of visibility and stop crime from occurring.
Generational insights
There are some differences in responses by generation in Florida.
Floridians aged 65 and older are the biggest proponents of local law enforcement investing in modern technology (90%) compared to younger generations (77%). As a state with one of the highest population percentages over the age of 65, this call for investment is critical to support the communities that the first responders serve.
Ninety-three percent of this older generation favors more state and federal funding to upgrade emergency preparedness tools, and 96% note this is especially critical for responding to hurricane-related incidents in a timely manner. Younger generations also support this to a significant but lesser extent (72%).
Specifically, 95% of those aged 65 and up want their local public safety agency to have a backup dispatch system in case emergency systems go down. This compares to 78% of younger generations who feel the same way.
Florida residents over the age of 65 have the biggest fear of power outages affecting 911 response times due to hurricane-related events: 88% noted this concern.
Older residents call for police presence within their communities. More than 82% of those aged 55 and older think visibility can help prevent crime. Sixty-three percent think having modernized technology will also help them feel safer, which is surprisingly tech-forward compared to their “digital native” younger counterparts aged 18 to 24 who are more hesitant (34%).
With first responders being pulled in different directions thanks to competing responsibilities, both older and younger generations are proponents of using modern technology to help create time to engage with the community (87% and 65%, respectively).
Florida residents also have deep concerns about their agencies using end-of-life or “sunsetted” technology that will not be functional in the near future for record-keeping and dispatch, with older generations being the most concerned at 92%.
“The concerns of Florida residents and their proposed solutions align with Mark43’s mission to empower communities and their governments with modern technologies that improve the safety and quality of life for all,” said Polega. “Cloud-native modern tech systems like the Mark43 public safety platform allow officers to spend more time in their communities doing the work they intended – and that their constituents expect and deserve.”
Survey methodology
An online survey of 1,026 Florida residents was conducted by Propeller Insights between April 25 and May 6, 2024. Respondents opted in to 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 +/- 3 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 250 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.
New York, NY – May 21, 2024 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, is excited to announce the appointment of Teresa Carlson as a board observer. Carlson, a visionary leader with over 25 years of technology experience, has a proven track record of driving business transformations for leading SaaS, data management, and cloud companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Splunk, and Microsoft.
“We are delighted to welcome Teresa Carlson as a board observer,” said Bob Hughes, CEO of Mark43. “Her remarkable track record in driving innovation and growth in the government technology industry, combined with her strategic vision and leadership, makes her a perfect fit for Mark43. Teresa’s insights will be instrumental as we continue to scale and deliver modern solutions for public safety agencies who deserve the best technology.”
Carlson’s distinguished career spans leadership roles at some of the most influential technology companies in the world. Recently, she served as President and Chief Growth Officer at Splunk, where she spearheaded global efforts to transform data into actionable business insights. Carlson also spent more than a decade at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she founded and led the Worldwide Public Sector and Industries business unit, spearheading their expansion into the federal, state and local government markets. Additionally, Carlson has a significant background at Microsoft Corporation, where she has held various leadership roles including, Senior Vice President and Executive in Resident, Vice President of US Federal Government and General Manager of the U.S. Civilian Agencies and NGOs.
“I am honored to join Mark43 as a board observer,” said Teresa Carlson. “Mark43’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public safety and the company’s focus on creating secure, innovative solutions for the public sector – and particularly the federal market – resonates deeply with me. I look forward to contributing to their mission and helping support their next phase of growth.”
Carlson also serves as an advisor at General Catalyst, where she provides strategic guidance to help drive innovation and growth for portfolio companies. Mark43 continues to lead the way in providing advanced cloud-native solutions for public safety agencies that streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the safety of communities. Carlson’s cloud expertise will be particularly valuable as Mark43 continues to meet the growing needs of the federal government sector, with the recent announcement of achieving FedRAMP High Authorization to ensure they have the best technology solutions available.
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 250 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.
MARYLAND – Stunning new technology that has launched in over 250 cities across the globe has now made its way to Maryland’s law enforcement.
“At Mark43 we really understand the gravity of our mission, and our focus is to always improve the public safety outcomes for community members and first responders alike.” Matt Polega, Co-Founder of Mark 43, says this is the program of our time. First responders such as 911 operators, EMS, Firefighters, and Police officers can all use this program.
“The Mark43 is a technology platform is a solution for public safety agencies across the globe.” Matt tells us that officers can spend up to half their shift just by doing paperwork alone, stopping them from protecting our communities and homes.
“Most people probably wouldn’t be aware, but the technology that is supporting our first responders is pretty fraile, pretty fragile, and not at all built for the 21st century.” The Mark43 offers a cloud-native platform that covers record management, computerized dispatch, and analytics. The program will help officers by cutting down the time it takes them to write reports.
Matt also tells us how the program has also made it easier for 911 operators to work from home, as many find that more comfortable. He also told us that this technology will help the 911 operators reach officers in a quicker amount of time.
The company wanted to acknowledge that it is National Police Week, and this is their way of help those who help others.
NEW YORK – May 16, 2024 – Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, is proud to announce its partnership with the Fox Valley Park District Police Department in Illinois, to deliver its modern and secure records management system (RMS). The deployment of Mark43’s cloud-native RMS has empowered officers with an efficient, reliable, and user-friendly system that makes report writing easier leading to increased community engagement and enhanced public safety.
With a commitment to leveraging modern technology, the Fox Valley Park District Police Department recognizes the value of Mark43’s RMS in saving time, harnessing analytics to improve operations, and delivering real-time information to support public safety. By transitioning to a cloud-native platform, officers now have access to important information on the go, enabling them to effectively ensure guests have a safe and enjoyable environment and experience with the use of trails, parks, programs, and facilities.
Larry Lapp, Chief of Police and Public Safety at the Fox Valley Park District Police Department, said: “We are excited to be using Mark43 to enhance our public safety capabilities and support our officers and ultimately our park-goers. The straightforward user-friendly interface, coupled with advanced analytics and Mark43’s in-person seamless training, ensures that our officers and users can maximize efficiency and focus on our core mission of creating a positive effect on the lives of our community members and visitors while keeping them safe.”
Matt Polega, Co-founder and President of Mark43, said: “Public safety agencies deserve modern technology, and we are honored to partner with the Fox Valley Park District Police Department to support its officers as they work to keep community members and guests safe. By leveraging Mark43 technology, Fox Valley Park District Police Department is now able to save time on administrative tasks and spend more supporting community members and visitors to ensure they have an enriching experience in the Fox Valley Park District.”
The technology that powers Mark43 RMS is assisting the Fox Valley Park District Police Department by enabling faster report-writing, easier National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) reporting which all enhances work performance and supports job satisfaction. The partnership with Mark43 also includes in-person training to equip officers with the necessary skills to leverage the platform effectively, along with dedicated 24/7/365 customer support.
By embracing innovative solutions like Mark43 RMS, the Fox Valley Park District Police Department reaffirms its dedication to providing efficient and effective law enforcement services, advancing public safety initiatives, and fostering stronger community relationships. Mark43 remains committed to empowering law enforcement agencies across Illinois, building on successful partnerships with agencies like the Berwyn Police Department, the Hometown Police Department, and the Melrose Park Police Department.
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 250 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.
The technology upgrade will provide faster, more efficient emergency response throughout the state using Mark43’s single-platform CAD and RMS
NEW YORK — May 8, 2024 —Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider, announced today that it has launched its single-platform computer-aided dispatch (CAD) and mobile capabilities with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (DPS). The implementation of Mark43’s CAD includes Mark43’s mobile dispatch application, analytics, and multiple interfaces, helping the New Mexico DPS achieve its mission of comprehensive law enforcement services to support a safer state.
New Mexico DPS’s deployment of Mark43 CAD builds on its existing partnership as it has used the Mark43 records management system (RMS) since March 2023. Using the Mark43 RMS has enabled faster report writing through intuitive workflows and the reduction of manual entry giving users more time to focus on mission-critical priorities. Now, with Mark43’s single-platform CAD and RMS, data captured in the field will seamlessly flow into the Mark43 reports and analytics New Mexico State Police relies on to provide their officers, dispatchers, and executives with superior innovation, resiliency, security, accessibility, and value.
“Mark43 is proud to partner with the New Mexico Department of Public Safety to deliver our single-platform CAD and RMS to upgrade their technology suite,” said Mark43 Chief Executive Officer Bob Hughes. “Our modern and secure platform will help save time for dispatchers and officers leading to faster and more efficient emergency response, while also enabling them to streamline workflows, enhance communication, and put the safety and well-being of their communities first.”
“Our dispatchers can now prioritize calls for service, identify the status and location of responders in the field, and effectively dispatch personnel to calls,” said Jason Bowie, Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Department of Public Safety. “New Mexico State Police (NMSP) officers can now receive messages in the field via their various devices, including mobile data terminals (MDTs), radios, and cell phones, placing real time information at their fingertips. The ability to access a modern, secure, and enhanced computer-aided dispatch across the state is critical for our officers. This system boosts our ability to access critical data in real-time, ensure faster deployments, and share mission critical information with our partners across the state. It means more time in the field and less time writing reports.”
“Our priority has always been the safety and security of the communities we serve. We are continuously exploring and implementing new technologies and software solutions to enhance our capabilities to complete that mission,” said Troy Weisler, Chief of the New Mexico State Police. “These tools enable us to be more proactive, efficient, and responsive in our efforts to combat crime, ensure public safety, and protect our officers.”
“This single-platform system interfaces with multiple agencies and computer systems that serve law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services, providing enhanced communication across multiple agencies and jurisdiction. The NMSP provides dispatching services for a variety of agencies, including New Mexico Corrections, New Mexico Game and Fish, Mora San Miguel and Socorro counties; and federal partners such as the U.S. Wildlife Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and about 10 other partners,” Weisler said.
“The transition to Mark43 CAD was smooth,” said Glendora Orphey, New Mexico Department of Public Safety Communications Director. “We are excited about the current features and look forward to future feature enhancements.”
Mark43’s CAD operates as a natural extension of the dispatcher, call taker, and in-field first responder during an emergency response. The implementation of Mark43 Analytics centralizes CAD data in real time with the goal of enabling agencies to make informed, data-driven decisions. The Mark43 CAD user interface is built to mirror how a telecommunicator thinks, making the process of inputting information into the system logical and adaptable to the evolving nature of a call. The CAD allows calls to be taken from anywhere, no matter where or what type of situation, and can scale to support increased digital workloads during an emergency thanks to no usage or bandwidth restrictions.
This software deployment followed months of testing between DPS Communications, New Mexico State Police, and the Department of Game and Fish. It also included comprehensive training for officers and dispatchers. With this partnership, users have access to 24/7/365 customer support to ensure seamless deployment.
Mark43 continues to expand its footprint across the State of New Mexico, including partnerships with the Albuquerque Police Department, the Rio Rancho Department of Public Safety, the University of New Mexico Police Department, and the Village of Angel Fire Police Department.
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 250 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.
Mentoring. Women who have already made it need to reach back and help those who are coming up behind them. Regardless of their role in the agency, women in leadership positions need to get involved in the hiring and retention process. Some agencies have gone so far as to assign mentors to all new hires.
Despite strides towards equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership and management roles across various sectors. In this series, we would like to discuss the barriers to female advancement in these areas and explore actionable strategies for change. We are talking with accomplished women leaders, executives, and pioneers who have navigated these challenges successfully, to hear their experiences, tactics, and advice to inspire and guide the next generation of women toward achieving their full potential in leadership and management roles. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Ganesha Martin.
A highly sought after expert on police and community safety, Ganesha Martin’s unique perspective stems from her experience working in local government in the mayor’s office and police department in Baltimore City, and now working with departments and communities around the country. She regularly speaks and trains on DOJ consent decrees, police transformation and accountability, and public safety. She’s a member of the Council on Criminal Justice, an invite-only, nonpartisan organization and think tank for leaders in the criminal justice field.
In 2019 she was one of 40 community policing experts invited to Nairobi, Kenya to share community policing strategies during the Convening on Civilian Police Reform by the Open Society Foundations. She was also selected as a Top 40 under 40 by the International Chiefs of Police and the Baltimore Community Mediation Center’s advocate of the year. Martin’s expert commentary has been featured in The New York Times, The Baltimore Sun, CNN and the Washington Post among others.
Never one to be intimidated by what others see as impossible, Martin is using her talent to move the needle on some of society’s most challenging social problems. Her ability to translate both sides of an issue, quickly overcome distrust and move things forward helps her get things done. Her commitment to use communication as a bridge to unite opposing groups, diffuse conflict and foster real human connection makes her an invaluable asset to anyone seeking to bridge an insurmountable divide. But her fundamental belief in the universal human potential for rehabilitation and understanding pushes her towards her biggest goal to create practical pathways to progress.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
I started as a lawyer. I never wanted to be in policing but ended up there because I wanted to work on building bridges between people. Like many in our marginalized communities, I initially came to policing with a mistrust of police. I saw firsthand what can happen when law enforcement demonstrates a lack of compassion for communities of color. But I still went into policing because I knew that I could use my experiences as a way to bridge the gap between the police and the community. When I went to work at the Baltimore Police Department as the chief of staff to the commissioner, my opinion of the police began to change as soon as I got to see the job. I went to police funerals. I went to scenes. I saw the lack of equipment. And I saw the lack of care for police in general. They show up every day and put their lives on the line, and too often it feels like nobody cares.
I also saw how our actions impacted the community. I saw how those actions in turn shaped the community’s view of the police.
No matter where I’ve worked, I’ve been a collaborative leader, negotiator, and consensus builder among diverse stakeholders. I am passionate about building and cultivating safe spaces for suppressed voices and uniting communities of color and public safety.
I find if you bring people together — get them out on that bridge, get them to meet in what I call “the messy middle” — then both sides can come to some understanding. You may not solve all of the problems, but both sides can at least see each other as people. I believe that the police can be catalysts for racial equality, primarily by leading these tough conversations with the community.
Today I do that work at Mark43 where I lead the advisory services team. We provide evidence-based and data-informed support to jurisdictions, public safety agencies and communities. We work closely with agencies to identify their challenges and goals and design solutions that are specifically tailored to address their needs. We are committed to helping law enforcement agencies continuously improve themselves. We help our customers design initiatives and programs that support engagement between police organizations, the communities they serve, academic partners and other corporate entities.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
My most compelling experience occurred in 2015, on my first day as chief of staff to the Baltimore police commissioner. As I dashed from meeting to meeting, my day was interrupted by a call from a friend who had just been released from a detention center and had been traumatized when officers assaulted him.
Hours later, I received a second call. An officer on the line told me my friend was in another jurisdiction and had been arrested while experiencing a mental-health crisis. A hospital had refused to admit him, and the officer said he feared for the worst and asked if he could take my friend to another hospital.
I agreed, and then I waited, and worried, until the officer called back at 3 a.m. My friend was safe. After thanking the officer profusely, I sat on the floor and cried. My friend had been one of the lucky ones.
For far too many people, these episodes do not turn out this way. Why? We depend too heavily on police for too much, and we expect officers who get little more than an introduction to the complexities of mental health disorders to know how to manage a complex situation with standard-issue tools — a badge and a gun.
My friend was lucky because the officer who resolved his case was in a well-funded suburban police department, had special training and knew what to do. All communities deserve well-trained officers who show up prepared to help, not to harm. In my job for the Baltimore police commissioner, I resolved to make this the norm in our city, and in my naïveté, I thought everyone would jump on board.
Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your path to leadership?
My most significant accomplishment thus far is the decision to stay the course and remain committed to police reform and community advocacy after the murder of George Floyd and the killing of Tyre Nichols. On both occasions, I really questioned if I was doing enough and if I should give up. After much prayer and thought, I decided to stick with police reform. I think it will be one of the most consequential decisions in my life.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My fifth grade teacher Ms. City pushed me. She entered me in the spelling bee, oratory contest, and encouraged me to run for class president (which I won). She saw in me what I did not see in myself. She helped instill confidence and perseverance in the face of all challenges.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
The Alchemist. It reminds us that the treasure we need to change the world lies within us.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
“If not me, who? If not now, when?”
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
For me, that world is a better place when police and the community work together, trusting in each other, to ensure safe communities. I would say I’ve used my experience more than my success to achieve that. Now, I work directly with police departments to develop new strategies for improved policy, training and public safety with a focus on including rank and file and community voices. I design ways to proactively work with community members, hear their needs and improve the police/community dynamic before tragedy strikes. I’m proud, in my role as an executive at a leading public safety technology company, to work directly with police leaders in many jurisdictions across the U.S. on how they can leverage data and modern technology to better serve their communities in a more impactful and effective way.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this report, only about 31.7% of top executive positions across industries are held by women. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from leadership and management?
The first obstacle we need to overcome is recruitment. We cannot elevate more women into leadership positions until we have more women in the ranks from which to draw. The representation of women in policing has been stuck at 12% or less for years. We need to continue our investment in movements like the 30 X 30 Initiative, which seeks to increase the representation of women in police recruit classes to 30% by 2030. This is a critical part of the effort to help pave the way for more diverse and representative leadership.
Another key obstacle is culture. For too long, everything about policing has been oriented toward the ideal of a male officer, and this discourages women from continuing on in their career. This can include everything from on-call requirements for so-called “elite” units, which disproportionately impact female officers and detectives who traditionally have served as primary caregivers for their children or aging parents, to parental leave policies, or even to something as overlooked as the cut of the uniforms. Agency leadership needs to set a tone of inclusion by taking a hard look at policies that may limit the desire of female officers to stay and advance their careers. We often talk about fair and equitable policies as if women are the only beneficiaries. When we take into consideration and care for the whole person as an employee, the entire organization benefits.
Mark43, where I work now, has consistently been a strong supporter of the types of conversation such as the one we are having today. This sends a message to the agencies that we support, and we continue to serve as a thought partner whenever we can.
This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become leaders and managers?
The data unequivocally supports the positive impact of women in law enforcement. Female officers exhibit lower rates of excessive force, receive fewer complaints and lawsuits, are perceived as more compassionate by communities, exercise restraint in discretionary arrests and yield better outcomes for crime victims, particularly in cases of sexual assault.
Increasing the recruitment of women into law enforcement not only strengthens the profession of public safety but also enhances the fabric of our communities. By elevating more women into leadership roles, we can strengthen de-escalation techniques and problem-solving strategies throughout the entire public safety organization. This, in turn, fosters an environment where more women are encouraged to join and advance their careers in law enforcement.
Can you please share “5 Things We Need To Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and Management?”
1. Actively recruit more women into the ranks at public safety agencies. The next generation of leaders are right now in an academy classroom, and we need to boost the number of women into those classrooms if we want to see an increase in female supervisors, commanders and, yes, chiefs over the next 25 years.
2. Increased visibility. A colleague at the LAPD, Depuy Chief Ruby Flores says, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” To see a woman in uniform can have a powerful effect on a young woman who may not have otherwise considered a career in policing. Likewise, for female officers just starting out, seeing a female supervisor or commander can have an equally powerful effect on their decision to stay or go. Women in leadership need to find ways to get into the field and into the community, where they can be seen and where they can inspire the younger generations.
3. Mentoring. Women who have already made it need to reach back and help those who are coming up behind them. Regardless of their role in the agency, women in leadership positions need to get involved in the hiring and retention process. Some agencies have gone so far as to assign mentors to all new hires.
4. Improve the culture. Department leadership needs to look at the policies in place and see if they are at all exclusionary or discouraging for women who are looking to advance their careers. The Metropolitan Nashville Police Department put into place specific policies to ease the return of officers from maternity leave.
5. Listen to the women who are doing the work. Over the past few years, we have worked with Maureen McGough and Chief Ivonne Roman at the 30×30 Initiative to facilitate and co-host a series of listening sessions across the U.S. At these sessions, we heard from women serving their communities. These sessions were specifically designed to capture actionable insights to help attract more women to law enforcement careers and support their professional development. They generated actionable ideas and have proven to be a powerful tool in the critical work of finding solutions to recruit and retain women in law enforcement. They are a great example of what we should be doing more as a profession: listening.
In your opinion, what systemic changes are needed to facilitate more equitable access for women to leadership roles?
Empowering women in law enforcement isn’t just about breaking barriers; it’s about reshaping the very fabric of justice.
Getting more women into law enforcement is a crucial step forward, but it’s only the beginning.
We must ensure that they not only enter but also stay, supported by a culture that intentionally nurtures their leadership path.
It’s about more than just representation; it’s about fundamentally shifting the dynamics of power and influence within our agencies.
What strategies have you found most effective in mentoring and supporting other women to pursue leadership positions?
I recently finished a listening tour across the country with 30×30. In Waco, Texas where they have their first female police chief, her staff shared with me that for the first time ever the most popular costume among their girls was a police officer. In another jurisdiction, they had just promoted their first female lieutenant, who told us she only tried out for the promotion because for the first time they had a female chief and she saw herself in her. What we have seen constantly is that if you see yourself in someone else, then you believe you can do it!
How would you advise a woman leader about how to navigate the challenges of being a woman in a leadership role within a male-dominated industry?
First of all, try to be as authentic to yourself as possible. Always listen, even to your critics. I have created some of the most successful programs based on listening to my haters. Play chess not checkers: Be very strategic in when you lead from the front or from the back and whom you send on your behalf to get things done. You do not have to always fight the battle; there are many ways to win the war.
How do you balance the demand for authoritative leadership with the stereotypical expectations of female behavior in professional settings?
It is hard. You always second guess yourself. Was I too strong or was I too weak? Then you get to the point that you are twisting yourself in knots trying to conform to everyone else’s standards. We have to realize WE made it this far based on who we are, and we have to stand on that. We deserve to be here. We are smart. We are hardworking. We are strategic. We get things done. No one handed us these opportunities on a silver platter. We can do it! Lastly, do not stay somewhere you have to prove your value. Go somewhere you are appreciated. There are fair people who will recognize your value and pay you accordingly.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
It is funny you ask that. I am participating in a program called the Decade Game that calls you to plan your most epic life over the next 10 years. It encourages me to write a stand; my working stand is “I stand for a world where CARING for the WELFARE of all reigns supreme in all aspects of our lives.”
Destination: Beacon of Conscious Caring Liberating Humans to experience the truest form of freedom and joy while on the earth.
NEW YORK — May 7, 2024 —Mark43, the leading cloud-native public safety software provider today announced that it has earned the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP®) High Authorization through agency sponsorship by the United States Secret Service (USSS). Mark43 brings the most secure computer-aided dispatch (CAD), records management system (RMS), and analytics platform to more than 250 public safety agencies and their communities. This designation is a recognition of the trusted platform that Mark43 delivers for federal, state and local public safety and educational customers.
With this FedRAMP High Impact Level authorization and StateRAMP High authorization, public safety agencies that partner with Mark43 can be confident that they are receiving the most resilient platform on the market. There are 421 specific controls mandated by the government, and this FedRAMP Authorization ensures mature security controls at every level. Mark43 systems also undergo rigorous audits by government-selected auditors at least once a year, ensuring transparency and accountability. Mark43, now authorized at the FedRAMP and StateRAMP High level, has streamlined the process for agencies by eliminating the need for extensive vendor reviews. This allows agencies to concentrate on their primary mission — serving their communities.
“Between managing highly sensitive data and being a primary target of constant cyberattacks, the stakes are higher than they have ever been for public safety agencies,” said Mark43 Chief Executive Officer Bob Hughes. “With cyberattacks costing nearly $5 million on average and disrupting vital operations, public safety agencies must choose CAD and RMS vendors proven to uphold the highest level of security controls. Public safety agencies can rely on Mark43’s resilient CAD, RMS, and Analytics solutions to safeguard critical data and ensure uninterrupted operations, allowing them to focus on keeping their community members safe. This milestone underscores our unwavering commitment to always putting public safety professionals first.”
“By achieving FedRAMP High Authorization, Mark43 verifies our rigorous standard of compliance and demonstrates to customers across the globe that we will deliver the modern and highly secure solutions that government agencies depend on,” said Mark43 Chief Information Security Officer Larry Zorio. “First responders on our platform can focus on keeping their communities safe, knowing that Mark43 will ensure their security and resiliency.”
“Mark43 partners with federal, state and local agencies to deliver the most secure public safety platform available,” said Mark43 Vice President of Federal and Emerging Markets Patty Trexler. “With this FedRAMP High Authorization, we couldn’t be more excited to work with our U.S. federal government customers to deliver the reliable and modern solution they deserve.”
Public safety agencies continue to fall victim to cyberattacks, disrupting their ability to respond and keep their communities safe. Combating these bad actors is not just about protecting data; it’s about safeguarding lives and ensuring the uninterrupted operation of emergency systems, like CAD and RMS. Further, in a recent national survey of U.S. first responders, 91% said they experienced cybersecurity-related issues in the past year. The threat is no longer an “if,” but a “when,” so preparedness is a must.
This achievement builds upon Mark43’s aggressive security posture, including SOC 2 and SOC 3 attestations, demonstrating its unwavering focus on protecting its public safety customers. Built on Amazon Web Services (AWS) GovCloud, Mark43 will continue to provide the premier industry-leading security controls available for public safety.
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 250 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, visitwww.mark43.com.
About FedRAMP
FedRAMP is a U.S. government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization and continued monitoring for cloud providers. This program provides a cost-effective, risk-based approach for adopting and using cloud services by federal departments and agencies. You can learn more here.
