Digital transformation is the profound and accelerating transformation of business activities, processes, competencies and models to fully leverage the changes and opportunities of digital technologies and their impact across society in a strategic and prioritized way, with present and future shifts in mind. With technology driving society in new directions and society, in turn, driving a revolution in the use of technology, it is time for a re-think about how the public sector collaborates with tech-savvy citizens.
Digital technology enhances public safety
The seamless exchange of data is not just key to the global economy. Public safety agencies can also benefit from improved information flows – and use ICT to respond more efficiently and effectively in critical situations. For example, police and fire departments, as well as the military, can leverage smart analytics to identify and capture data relevant to homeland and national security. They can combine information from multiple sources to create a complete picture of the situation they face. In particular, police departments can employ the latest traffic reports and information building plans and maps for their activities – updated in real time.
Moreover, cutting-edge ICT systems have transformed crisis and disaster management – helping to determine the location of injured people, where rescue crews are already at the scene, what kind of aid is needed, and more. The right technology gives public safety agencies an accurate overview of circumstances, enabling them to effectively manage their operations, and efficiently coordinate human and technical resources. As a result, help arrives sooner, and exactly where it is needed.
Mobility provides greater transparency and safety on site
ICT systems not only improve planning from a distance – they enhance on-site operations. Made-to-measure solutions for law enforcement generate records of events as they unfold, and guide police officers through statutory imperatives and constraints – minimizing errors and administrative effort.
For example, to create efficient, paperless processes, German police i.e. uses T-Systems mobile office solutions, enabling officers to verify people’s ID in the field – and eliminating the need to drive back to the station. It raises efficiency, provides greater transparency, and frees up time for core public safety tasks.
Collaboration within and across agencies
Once data is available in a digital form, the next step is to share it within and across agencies. Consequently, ICT solutions that interoperate with external information systems are essential. Captured data can then be exchanged, and the creation of duplicate entries avoided. In our increasingly connected world, cooperation is critical to public safety. Only by working hand-in-hand can law enforcement agencies effectively organize manhunts, coordinate operations, and rise to the challenges of globalization and digitization.
