Market Trends of Public Safety Hardware Industry
Investments in Public Safety-related Projects Are Increasing
- Public safety stands as a cornerstone of effective governance. However, in recent years, numerous communities have significantly reduced their allocations to public safety. Consequently, this trend has translated into diminished police and fire personnel, longer emergency response times, and an overall decline in public safety standards. Prioritizing investments in public safety is about safeguarding communities, and it is also a prudent economic decision.
- Enhanced security concerns, driven by rising criminal activities, are fueling the demand for surveillance cameras. Enterprises, governments, and individuals are increasingly turning to these solutions to monitor their premises effectively and mitigate risks. Furthermore, as urbanization and global infrastructure development surge, the need for surveillance systems to safeguard critical facilities and ensure public safety is amplifying. In 2022/23, the United Kingdom allocated approximately GBP 43.9 billion to public order and safety. The largest portion of this budget, totaling GBP 25.3 billion, was directed toward the police service.
- Public investments in community safety manifest in various forms, including funding for law enforcement, bolstering public infrastructure, and supporting social programs. Each avenue holds promise in enhancing community safety. Law enforcement is a cornerstone in these investments, with its visible presence deterring crime and its actions dissuading potential wrongdoers. Meanwhile, investments in public infrastructure, like enhanced street lighting, deter crime and improve visibility, fostering a safer environment.
- Amid growing recognition of technology's vital role in public safety, federal and state governments in the United States are bolstering their funding efforts. Post-pandemic, there was a notable uptick in initiatives to modernize public safety communication and infrastructure. A clear testament to this commitment was the Biden administration's 2022 announcement of a substantial USD 10 billion allocation for public safety enhancements.
North America is Expected to Hold the Largest Market Share
- In recent years, North America has witnessed a steady increase in the adoption of surveillance cameras. This surge can be attributed to rising security concerns, a spike in urban crimes, and a heightened need for enhanced surveillance and safety measures. Entities ranging from enterprises to governments and even individuals are recognizing the pivotal role surveillance cameras play in thwarting criminal activities and aiding in investigations and evidence gathering.
- As the United States faces the pressing issue of aging public safety infrastructure, the efforts of several cities to revamp and modernize their facilities mark the initial steps in a broader national mandate. Almost half of the nation's fire stations and public safety structures have exceeded their planned life spans. This, coupled with a projected expenditure of USD 70 billion for upgrades, underscores the urgent need for bolstered public safety measures.
- In April 2024, Congressman Salud Carbajal, alongside Grover Beach officials, unveiled a significant USD 543,000 federal grant. This grant, a result of Carbajal's efforts during the 2024 federal budget deliberations, was included in the bill signed into law by President Biden. The allocation empowers the Grover Beach Police Department with crucial equipment upgrades. These upgrades encompass advanced in-car video recorders, public safety cameras, license plate readers, and versatile multi-band radios. Such enhancements are poised to elevate public safety standards throughout the Grover Beach community.
- The FirstNet Authority, in collaboration with AT&T, unveiled a significant commitment to bolster public safety communications in the US. Through its partnership with AT&T, the FirstNet Authority is set to channel USD 6.3 billion over the next decade. Additionally, there is a potential for an extra USD 2 billion, subject to ongoing discussions, aimed at further enhancing public safety coverage. These investments are strategically designed to not only expand FirstNet but also ensure that public safety remains the focal point of advanced, life-saving technologies.