Perspectives: April 2025

How is connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT) benefiting policing?

The integration of IoT devices enables the police to efficiently gather information and streamline operations to investigate crime and keep communities safer. Connected devices allow dispatchers and supervisors to monitor situations in real time and allocate resources more effectively. IoT-generated data is also fueling predictive policing strategies, collecting incident and crime data, social media activity, and environmental data to help anticipate hotspots or hazardous situations. Data-driven insights support proactive initiatives that prevent and detect crime and provide community safety and reassurance. Connectivity doesn’t just mean more data; it also facilitates better collaboration and coordination among officers, departments, and other organizations. While the connectivity revolut