A new international survey of frontline responders highlights how artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data are reshaping policing, with clear implications for New Zealand as police grapple with rising demand, workforce pressures and public expectations.

The 2026 Public Safety Trends Report, commissioned by public safety technology company Mark43, draws on surveys conducted in October 2025 with 487 United States first responders alongside a smaller survey of 49 United Kingdom policing professionals and interviews with industry experts.

The research identifies five key trends, led by the rapid shift of artificial intelligence (AI) from concept to frontline tool. Some 93% of respondents support AI use, with applications already assisting in report writing, incident response and crime analysis.

However, the report stresses that AI must remain tightly controlled. Kathleen M O’Toole, a former police chief in Seattle and Boston and now a Mark43 adviser, says its value lies in “enhancing accuracy, efficiency and officer safety while maintaining a strong commitment to privacy”.

UK policing perspectives support that caution. Sir George Hamilton, former Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and Mark43 adviser, says AI “is not about replacing people… it’s about enabling better decision-making” and helping police focus on prevention and problem-solving.

Workforce pressures are also a major theme. The report links outdated systems to inefficiency and low morale, with 77% of respondents saying legacy processes slow their work.

Ben Haiman, executive director of public safety and justice at the University of Virginia, says streamlining workflows “gives officers essential time back to serve their communities”.

UK respondents similarly prioritised reducing administrative burden and improving officer wellbeing, highlighting common challenges across jurisdictions.

Cybersecurity emerges as another critical issue, with 90% reporting some form of cyber incident in the past year and 98% of respondents saying heightened security measures are essential when evaluating new technology.

If not, the impact can adversely affect response times, officer safety and public trust. “Cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue; it’s a leadership issue,” says Donny De Lucca, a former police chief and past president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

UK insights suggest agencies are still balancing cybersecurity with other priorities. Sir George says that while standards are tightening, forces must ensure safeguards do not create barriers to public access.

The report also highlights the growing importance of data in policing. Some 95% of respondents said they are expected to use data to demonstrate impact and justify funding.

Dr Tanya Meisenholder, director of police research at the NYU Policing Project, says effective policing depends on “reliable data that can be turned into practical insight”.

Rob Carden, the UK National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for digital, data and technology, says high-quality data enables agencies to “understand risk, allocate resources, and plan with confidence”.

Finally, the report points to growing demand for integrated systems, with 92% of respondents seeing greater opportunities for collaboration through shared platforms.

The report concludes that while technology will play an increasingly central role, success depends on keeping people at the centre of policing, ensuring tools enhance – rather than replace – professional judgment and frontline experience.