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OPINION

Image courtesy KPMG

By Dr Mike Short CBE

3 June 2013: Police forces and emergency services strive to keep up in a digital world where social media, mobile applications and connected cars are key elements in maximising their activities. The big shift towards the Internet of Things will improve modern policing as we know it.

I envisage a 10-fold growth rate in data by 2017. This exponential growth in data urges the police force and emergency services to prepare themselves for a digital switchover and make the most of this intelligence.

We are already witnesses of how mobile devices can be used in aid of the police force and the public. Evidence can be gathered with camera phones or with mobile devices left at the crime scene.

Police forces must keep up with the digital change and become an integrated part of this digital world. They must take advantage of consumers’ capability to help them, whether it’s reporting incidents or building up support groups.

Apps are not yet police or emergency services centered, but they will play a vital role in better policing alongside mobile internet in terms of social media. Having apps in the hands of the public eases the process of reporting to the police or giving evidence. Apps in the hands of the police also makes it easier for different police forces to share information.

For example, by 2015,  eCall will be equipped in every new car. In case of a traffic accident, the car will automatically call the nearest emergency centre.

Gunshot detection is another interesting M2M technology which is being tested by The Chicago Police Department. It successfully identifies shots fired within seconds of the event, before it is even possible to make a 911 call. The M2M possibilities for police and emergency services are infinite.

This post originally appeared on our M2M blog. For insights and news on the M2M industry, follow the team @m2mtelefonica