Genetec released public safety-specific findings from its 2026 State of Physical Security Report based on a survey of physical security end users, channel partners, systems integrators, and consultants worldwide.

Public safety agencies are primarily using physical security data to support frontline safety and real-time operations. According to the report, 81% rely on the data to improve real-time situational awareness, while responding to public safety emergencies was also cited as a top application.

“Public safety agencies are under increasing pressure to do more with fewer resources,” said Phil Malenscik, vertical account manager in the Public Sector at Genetec Inc. “By bringing together physical security data from multiple systems, officers can see the full picture more quickly, respond faster, and stay safer on the job. At the same time, automating routine tasks gives teams more time to focus on protecting their communities and making decisions that really matter.”

When asked which metrics justify physical security investments, increased officer safety ranked highest, cited by 63% of respondents, followed closely by faster response times and improved situational awareness.

Reflecting the importance of streamlined workflows and faster access to critical information during and after incidents, as acceleration of investigations and shorter time to incident resolution were both noted at 41% and 44%, respectively.

Workforce limitations were the biggest challenge facing public safety organizations, with 44% of respondents citing lack of staff and the need to do more with less as their primary concern.

According to Genetec, these constraints are driving interest in solutions that reduce investigative workload, improve information sharing and enable agencies to operate more efficiently without compromising safety.