Deployment of 5G broadband technology has the potential to dramatically improve the effectiveness of  law enforcement and public safety organizations – much the way first responders of earlier eras benefitted from the advent of fingerprinting, two-way radios, digital databases, and DNA testing. As a ubiquitous enabling technology, however, 5G’s effect on public safety could be even bigger. Compared to prevailing broadband technology, 5G’s enhanced bandwidth propels data with less latency and faster speeds – up to 20 times faster. 

Most important, perhaps, 5G’s ability to quickly move massive amounts of data could enhance emergency teams’ situational awareness – a key factor in the effectiveness of their responses and outcomes. By providing more data, from more sources, in real time, 5G is expected to be the IT backbone that will provide heretofore unavailable levels of clarity to first responders, enabling them to make reliable, evidence-based decisions.  The challenge for law enforcement groups and other public safety organizations will be to integrate networks, mobile devices, Internet of Things, and other data resources and hardware to provide first responders with a clear, comprehensive view of fast-moving emergencies.  

Potential topics include: 

• Steps public safety organizations can take to smooth the transition to 5G
• Real-time utilization and storage of massive data
• Supply chain
• Integrating data from multiple sources – cameras, Axon bodycam, traffic information, drones, IoT, crowd sourcing, etc. – to deliver actionable intelligence to first responders
• Ensuring the security of 5G-enabled systems 
• Use case scenarios