Smartphone Usage Will Make Citizens Safer, says Frost & Sullivan

The growing usage of smartphones brings an opportunity for citizens to help First Responders work faster, according to business research & consulting firm Frost & Sullivan. Advanced analytics, smart technologies and improved communications can raise the quality of information gathered and drive a more proactive approach to serious crime and terrorism.

Frost & Sullivan estimates that the number of smartphones shipped annually will reach 500 million units by 2015.

“The presence of smart mobile devices in our societies will become increasingly ubiquitous, not only for communications and entertainment needs, but also for other uses in our daily lives,” says Saverio Romeo, Frost & Sullivan senior industry analyst for ICT. “Companies and public organizations are increasingly adopting intelligent devices such as smartphones and tablets for making their activities more efficient and cost-effective.”

Examples of smartphones being used to promote community intelligence include iWatch Dallas – an app offered by the local police department in Texas, which enables citizens to report suspected crimes – and a similar app in the UK, launched by Runnymede Police.