Flock Forward 2025 Tackled the Toughest Problems in Public Safety—Here’s What We Learned

When the Palm Springs Police Department faced a terrorist bombing, they didn’t just respond—they acted with precision, coordination, and speed. That response wasn’t luck. It was the result of intentional investments in modern tools and training that allowed officers to act quickly and keep panic at bay. Stories like this framed the tone at Flock Forward 2025, where leaders from across the country shared what it takes to solve today’s most urgent public safety challenges.

Breaking Down Fragmentation

One of the biggest obstacles highlighted was fragmentation. Agencies are often forced to rely on a patchwork of outdated tools that don't communicate with each other, slowing down investigations and leaving critical gaps. In response, communities are adopting centralized platforms that connect everything from license plate data and drone feeds to 911 transcripts and audio alerts. This kind of unified system helps agencies see the full picture in real time and respond more effectively.

Addressing Retail Crime and Violence

A growing challenge for both the public and private sectors is the sharp rise in retail shrinkage, driven by more complex and often violent shoplifters, and an increase in in-store violence since the COVID-19 pandemic. These incidents impact not just bottom lines, but also the safety of employees, guests, and communities. Leaders at Flock Forward stressed the need for deeper collaboration between law enforcement and retailers to create safer environments and deter repeat offenders.

“Post Covid, we had seen, year-over-year, increased violence in our stores –– everything from overnight break-ins to disruptions of business to smash cases,” said Director of Loss Prevention at Ulta Beauty, Rory Stallard. 

“We were looking for technology that would help us bridge the gap and collaborate [with law enforcement]. It really centered around our company culture and protecting our associates and our guests. So, by taking some of the things that we were doing and leveraging some of that technology to help us solve crimes faster, we can eliminate some of these bad actors from being in our store, we can prevent [crime], and we can try to be more proactive versus reactive. Flock really fit the bill for some of the things that we wanted to be able to do.”

Technology Filling Staffing Gaps

These tools are also helping fill in where staffing gaps remain. Drone programs, for example, allow agencies to respond faster and cover more ground without requiring more personnel. In one panel, leaders explained how civilian pilots and automated routines make drones a reliable part of everyday patrol, search and rescue operations, and large event monitoring. What used to take hours or multiple units on the ground can now be achieved in minutes from the air.

Partnership and Collaboration

The speakers at Flock Forward also emphasized the importance of collaboration outside an agency’s walls. In many cities, businesses are stepping in to support safety efforts through partnership. When crime prevention becomes a shared responsibility, both sides benefit. One panel focused on how retailers are integrating with local departments to protect customers and staff, while also helping law enforcement respond more effectively in real time.

Beyond high-profile emergencies and long-term staffing strategies, the conference also explored how agencies are using these systems in day-to-day operations. From traffic management to crowd control at local events, real-time awareness gives officers better context and leads to better outcomes. One department shared how they created a pop-up operations center in a leased apartment during baseball season, combining video feeds and mobile patrols to ensure fan safety without straining citywide resources.

A Shared Mission for Safer Communities

These stories, tools, and partnerships share a common thread: they work best when aligned around a clear mission. At Flock Forward 2025, that mission was reframed—helping to build thriving communities. Whether by solving crime faster, preventing harm before it happens, or creating space for public trust to grow, public safety agencies are embracing technology not as a quick fix, but as a long-term strategy to build stronger, more resilient communities.

Watch Flock Forward On-Demand to see the technology unveiled at Flock Forward that’s transforming how agencies protect communities and help build thriving communities.