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Aug 14
Sand Technologies
Feeling safe is one of the most basic expectations people have of where they live. In our recent Smart City Sentiment survey of 2,000 U.S. residents, 64% of people said they would relocate just to feel safer. When crime becomes a concern, city residents are less likely to use public spaces, trust city services and are slower to embrace new things their city offers.
The use of AI in public safety is transforming how cities approach crime and security. Using capabilities such as predictive analytics, real-time data and natural language processing, AI helps public safety teams spot risks earlier, respond faster and make it easier for people to get help. These tools are reshaping the future of law enforcement from reactive responses to a more proactive, citizen-focused approach.
Public safety technology is often associated with surveillance systems. However, technologies such as AI, IoT, 5G and broader smart city initiatives are reshaping public safety and opening up new ways to make cities safer. The next generation of AI-driven public safety focuses on three connected areas:
The primary focus in enhancing public safety is prevention. Stopping crime before it happens protects residents, helps cities use resources more wisely, builds trust in public services and creates safer, better-planned communities.
AI is making this possible by turning large, scattered data into actionable insight. Law enforcement agencies can analyze years of crime data, community reports, weather patterns and local events to predict where problems are likely to arise. Predictive policing can cut crime by up to 40% while helping cities deploy resources more proactively. These tools need to be implemented with care, as biased data or algorithms can lead to unfair targeting if not properly managed.
Prevention is not limited to crime. Public safety also depends on the infrastructure that people rely on every day. AI-driven solutions, such as hydraulic monitoring systems that detect weaknesses in water systems and smart wastewater management platforms that prevent overflows and contamination, enable cities to address problems proactively. In the UK, these tools have already helped utilities reduce leaks, mitigate contamination risks, protect public health and save over £1.3 million per year.
Response is the second area of change. In an emergency, speed makes all the difference, and AI is helping cities gain those crucial minutes. Smart traffic systems link the GPS of emergency vehicles with traffic signals to trigger green lights in real time. In one Bay Area city, this AI-enabled smart routing system helped reduce fire department travel times by 69%, from 46 to 14 minutes.
Similarly, data aggregation platforms now bring together data from 911 calls, cameras, sensors and traffic feeds into a single operational view. These advanced command centers use this unified data to show incident locations and closest available units, making it easier for responders to act immediately instead of piecing information together.
Finally, AI is also changing the use of surveillance footage. Instead of watching endless screens, smart systems now analyze police body‑cam recordings, generate detailed written summaries of incidents and index key moments automatically. This automation has cut report-writing time by half, allowing officers to spend far more time in the field instead of behind a desk.
Victim support is the most overlooked aspect of public safety, and AI has the potential to make the most significant difference for people already affected by crime. After a crime or crisis, victims often face a maze of agencies, deadlines and complex procedures at the very moment they feel least able to manage them. AI-powered platforms are beginning to change that by bringing information and services together in one place.
In the US, for example, organizations are building centralized systems that guide victims through their rights, connect them to local resources, offer multilingual support and adapt as their needs change. For rural communities, where access to services is limited, this digital help can be the difference between getting support and going without.
Other tools go further: chatbots provide 24/7 answers, automatic translation removes language barriers, and case tracking sends reminders about court dates or paperwork. Some platforms even match victims with counseling or financial aid based on their location and situation. These solutions turn a complex recovery process into something faster, clearer and more humane.
The Smart City Sentiment Report made one thing clear: people want to feel safe in ways they can see and in ways they can’t. Visible safety comes from lower crime rates and a stronger sense of security in public spaces. Invisible safety comes from trusting that city systems and technologies used are fair, protect their data and respond when it matters.
While residents are open to AI in public safety, for these solutions to gain trust, they must focus on making life simpler, faster and fairer, especially for the most vulnerable. Cities should prioritize providing systems that restore confidence in their operations, benefiting their citizens, rather than merely showcasing the latest technology.
Restoring this confidence can be achieved by first designing systems for fairness and transparency. This goal includes ensuring algorithms are explainable and regularly audited to avoid bias. Protecting data and privacy is also key. Agencies that use AI must establish clear guidelines for how data is collected, stored and used.
Ultimately, collaboration is just as important as code. City leaders, first responders, technology partners and citizens all have a role in shaping how these public safety systems are designed and used. Collaboration is also the answer to one of the most frequently asked questions: Will AI replace the police? When people see AI as a tool that supports, rather than replaces human judgment, trust in its use grows.
Smart cities are defined by their technology, but the real test is trust. Without safety, physical and digital services are of little value because people won’t use them. By focusing on human needs, AI can transform public safety by preventing harm, coordinating responses during crises and facilitating a less isolating recovery process. Cities that get this right will be smarter places where public safety is visible and trusted.
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