Market Trends of Latin America Public Safety Industry
Software Component to Hold Significant Market Share
- Rising criminal activities are a prevalent trend in the public safety market. Under criminal law, illegal activities are defined as any activity that necessitates the physical or mental act of committing the crime. According to Semaforo Delictivo, domestic violence was the most frequent crime in Mexico in January 2024, with an estimated 20,814 reported incidents. Vehicle theft was the most common property crime, with 11,887 reported incidents. The increasing prevalence of criminal activities is a driving factor in the public safety market.
- Security personnel and video surveillance systems have been stalwarts for law enforcement in ensuring public safety. To enhance public safety, secure communities, and protect sensitive data, police departments are turning to advanced tools. This includes harnessing video and data analytics and integrating various video feeds for real-time insights and surveillance.
- For instance, in June 2023, the Federal District Court of the Brazilian capital, Brasilia, implemented a new security system to protect defendants from escape during trial and to detect potential criminals roaming its premises. With intelligent video analytics, authorities are alerted to possible riots, which triggers police action and prevents an outbreak of violence. Additionally, 30 buildings are managed from a single location.
- By deploying smart city technologies like IoT sensors and data analytics, cities can bolster public safety through efficient traffic management, swift emergency responses, and environmental monitoring. As technology evolves, investments pour in, and governments act, numerous Latin American cities harness technology to tackle challenges and uplift their residents. Leveraging technology elevates living standards and environmental sustainability, boosts productivity, enables better decision-making, and catalyzes economic growth, propelling the market forward.
- Public safety agencies are responding to the escalating impact of climate change, marked by a surge in both the frequency and intensity of weather-related incidents. These agencies are investing strategically to bolster their disaster preparedness and response capabilities. The region's vulnerability to natural disasters underscores the imperative for Latin American and Caribbean nations. Hence, disaster risk reduction must be a cornerstone of their policies, plans, and investments.
- A significant example was the European government's decision in July 2023 to allocate EUR 43 million (approximately USD 46.08 million) as a humanitarian aid fund for Latin America and the Caribbean. This fund is earmarked to tackle challenges from the crisis in Venezuela and food shortages to natural risks, transcontinental migrations, and the repercussions of widespread violence and displacement.
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Brazil to Witness Significant Growth
- Brazil is witnessing a rapid expansion of its urban areas, a trend often correlating with heightened crime and safety concerns. With their inherently higher population densities, urban regions demand stricter public safety measures to safeguard their residents. Addressing public safety is paramount in tackling these urban security challenges. In 2022, the World Bank noted a substantial shift, with Brazil's urban population reaching 87.56%. It is estimated to grow further as CIA data projects an annual urbanization rate change of approximately 2.47% for Brazil from 2020 to 2025.
- Using technology for public security purposes, such as surveillance cameras and emergency communication systems, has necessitated the modernization of law enforcement and public security agencies. Surveillance cameras are essential to public safety, as they assist in responding to emergencies. For instance, in July 2023, the financial capital of Brazil, Sao Paulo, announced plans to install 20,000 cameras equipped with facial recognition technology to enhance public safety. Such trends will drive the country's demand for record management and criminal analysis solutions.
- Organizations in Brazil are increasingly turning to cyber security services and products, given the country's status as a prime target for cyber threats. Kaspersky Lab, a leading cyber-security firm, highlights Brazil's prominence in banking trojan attacks, with 1.8 million attempted infections recorded between June 2022 and July 2023. As technology rapidly evolves, so do cyber threats in Brazil. Businesses are grappling with various attacks, from ransomware and social engineering to IoT-based incursions and supply chain breaches. Notably, public safety agencies across the region are ramping up investments in cyber security to fortify critical infrastructure and data.
- Brazil continues to face challenges with elevated criminal activities, notably in homicide and robbery. While there has been a decrease, homicide rates persist as a major concern. Data from the Brazilian Citizen Council for Public Safety and Criminal Justice indicates that Salvador had the highest number of reported homicides in 2023. These circumstances have underscored the urgency for heightened law enforcement and public safety efforts to curb illegal activities and bolster the market's growth prospects.
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