Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.
The Expanding Scope of Public Safety Procurement
Public safety today goes far beyond uniforms and patrol vehicles. It encompasses emergency preparedness, digital infrastructure, real-time communication, and specialized equipment for events, everyday operations, and crisis response. Here’s a look at the broad categories procurement teams are managing:
Event & Crowd Safety
Whether it’s a local concert or a major citywide gathering, public events require thoughtful safety planning. Procurement teams are responsible for sourcing critical components including:
- Security staffing to manage crowds and respond quickly to incidents
- Access control systems that maintain secure, efficient entry and exit
- Surveillance systems for real-time monitoring
- Medical personnel and equipment for emergency response
- Traffic control solutions like signage, barriers, and re-routing services
Effective event safety planning helps minimize risks, ensures regulatory compliance, and creates a safe experience for attendees and staff alike.
Every Day Public Safety Operations
Day-to-day safety services also depend on a wide range of reliable, up-to-date equipment and services. Procurement professionals support police, fire, EMS, and corrections with:
- Firefighter PPE and turnout gear
- EMS supplies, medical devices, and telehealth tools
- Law enforcement gear including body-worn cameras, weapons, and forensics tools
- Inmate tracking, uniforms, and surveillance systems in correctional facilities
- Community safety initiatives such as disaster kits and mobile command systems
Each of these areas plays a part in protecting the public and supporting first responders.
The Role of IT in Public Safety
Technology is reshaping public safety across every function. From smarter dispatch to evidence management and real-time collaboration, IT is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Key innovations include:
- Records Management Systems (RMS) for accurate, accessible data
- Drones and Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for surveillance and disaster response
- EMS technology including ePCR, GPS tracking, and hospital integration
- Body-worn cameras and digital evidence management for transparency and compliance
- Next-generation 911 and CAD systems to streamline emergency communication
As these systems become more advanced, they require thoughtful procurement to ensure interoperability, compliance, and cybersecurity.
The Power of Cooperative Purchasing
Supporting all these safety efforts efficiently means having access to the right suppliers, pricing, and expertise. That’s where OMNIA Partners comes in.
Streamlined Sourcing from Trusted Suppliers
OMNIA Partners connects procurement teams with a national network of industry leading suppliers who understand the unique demands of public safety. Whether you’re sourcing emergency response gear or the latest surveillance technology, cooperative contracts allow you to procure what you need in a streamlined process.
Cost Savings Through Aggregated Purchasing
Government agencies often face tight budgets and growing needs. Cooperative purchasing leverages the buying power of thousands of entities to offer competitive pricing—helping procurement teams, no matter how large or small, stretch limited funds without compromising on quality.
