The Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police (GACP) Spring Training Conference brought together more than 400 public safety leaders from across the Peach State to explore evolving concepts in modern policing. As first-time attendees, the Nomad GCS team was there to listen and learn about pain points and complex challenges facing law enforcement today—and into the future.
One key theme emerged across breakout training sessions and through the more than 125 vendors in the tradeshow area: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions are rapidly becoming commonplace—if not essential—in effective public safety operations.
Shifting Landscapes for Law Enforcement
Law enforcement professionals and first responders today are being asked to do more with less, and more to the point, to think differently about how they serve. Technology plays a central role in meeting new demands, from navigating rising transparency expectations and the drive for faster response times, to more frequent interagency coordination needs. Example applications abound:
- AI-powered tools such as facial recognition and automatic license plate recognition
- Cloud-based platforms for incident management, evidence tracking, and records management
- Real-time data sharing and mobile connectivity for operations in the field.
At GACP, it was clear that agencies are actively seeking solutions that go beyond the traditional scope of policing hardware—tools that support shared intelligence, mobility, and efficiency.
AI in Action
In the breakout session discussing AI in law enforcement, presenter Joseph Lestrange summed it up in his opening message: Artificial Intelligence is here to stay.
AI is no longer theoretical in the world of public safety. It’s already improving effectiveness and efficiency in many applications. Video and audio analytics, social media trend analysis, predictive mapping for resource allocation, and intelligent trend studies of records management systems and crime databases are all ideal AI use cases.
While concerns about privacy and accuracy remain, contemporary AI tools are designed to augment—but not replace—trained human judgement. Agencies are exploring how to implement these tools responsibly as force multipliers, enhancing situational awareness and response effectiveness while balancing public trust and data ethics.
SaaS: Flexibility, Speed, and Collaboration
SaaS platforms are transforming how law enforcement agencies operate, especially in terms of mobility and collaboration. Cloud-based solutions allow access to critical systems from virtually anywhere, such as incident reporting and records management systems (RMS), digital evidence access and sharing, and real-time data communications that extend across jurisdictions and departments.
One takeaway from GACP was an emphasis on interoperability in SaaS solutions. The ability of different tools and systems to securely share data is critical when agencies coordinate during fast-moving events such as natural disasters, public gatherings, or large-scale emergencies. SaaS, when properly implemented, makes this possible.
Operations on the Move
SaaS and AI solutions rely on connectivity. That’s a challenge in mobile operations, where cellular coverage can be inconsistent. This difficulty is highlighted during disasters or emergencies, when networks may be overwhelmed or completely offline.
Increasingly, agencies are investing in primary and redundant options to ensure continuous connectivity. Tools like cellular blending technology, satellite communications, and flyaway connectivity “kits” offer network access in austere conditions. With so many options available, agencies can evaluate their needs (and budgets) to determine what solution fits best. But the message is simple: With SaaS and AI adoption on the rise, connectivity is no longer optional.
In the spirit of doing more with less, many agencies are also seeking mobile capabilities with a broader range of applications. While there will always be a time and place for large mobile operations centers, smaller, cheaper, and faster options with similar connectivity capabilities (i.e., a law enforcement patrol vehicle) may add flexibility to deployments that don’t require larger platforms. This smaller form factor adds a layer of scalability to mobile operations, leveraging the same connectivity suite to power routine activities as well as covering the initial needs of an expanding incident.
The Challenge Moving Forward
While the benefits of AI and SaaS are clear, adopting new technology presents real-world challenges. Cybersecurity and data protection are at the top of the list, as any breach can have far-reaching implications for operations, increase liability, and even compromise digital evidence. Legacy systems can also make it difficult to integrate emerging technology, and training for officers and support staff takes time away from other tasks. Consideration also has to be given to sustainable funding models for service subscriptions or cloud-based systems.
Both vendors and session presenters emphasized the importance of thoughtful implementation for SaaS and AI services. Technology should serve the mission—not the other way around.
What We Took Away
As guests at GACP, we appreciated the opportunity to connect with law enforcement leaders and better understand their evolving needs. We left with a clearer understanding of how technology is shaping the future of public safety—and how mobile, connected, resilient solutions will play a critical role.