Research shows the use of physical security data is driven predominantly by officer safety and situational awareness. Nearly nine out of 10 respondents of the survey said security data is leveraged to keep officers safe, and 81% said it is used to bolster collaboration between agencies as well as real-time situational awareness. 

Another top application is responding to public safety emergencies (81%), emphasizing the importance of data in time-critical incidents. Investigations are another use case for physical security data, with 78% reporting the information helps to save time. 

In the public safety sector, there are a number of challenges organizations contend with, but workforce limitations are cited as the top concern, with 44% saying they lacked staff yet were expected to do more with less. 

Which metrics tend to help justify physical security investments? According to respondents, the following are highest: 

• Officer safety (63%)
• Decreased response times (52%)
• Increased situational awareness (48%) 
• Faster incident resolution (44%) 
• Shorter investigations (41%)

This data is pulled from Genetec’s 2026 State of Physical Security Report and includes a global survey of end users, systems integrators, channel partners and consultants.