Apple Hosts Global Police Summit, Showcases Tech Innovations for Law Enforcement

October 10, 2024
Apple Hosts Global Police Summit, Showcases Tech Innovations for Law Enforcement
  • In October 2023, Apple hosted the Global Police Summit at its Cupertino headquarters, focusing on how law enforcement can leverage its products for surveillance and policing.

  • The summit attracted police representatives from seven countries and was strategically scheduled before the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in San Diego.

  • Discussions at the event highlighted the use of Apple technologies, including iPhones, Macs, Vision Pro, and CarPlay, with police agencies sharing their successes and innovations.

  • Among the presentations, the New Zealand Police showcased an iOS app called OnDuty, designed to connect officers to a national database for efficient access to police information.

  • Despite a historically tense relationship with law enforcement, illustrated by its refusal to assist the FBI in hacking an iPhone in 2015, Apple has been increasing its collaboration with police through various initiatives.

  • Gary Oldham, who leads Apple's public safety initiatives, reported significant growth in the company's market share for public safety technology, reaching as high as 100% in some countries.

  • Although there were concerns about the potential cancellation of the summit, police agencies expressed a strong desire to enhance their use of Apple products in their operations.

  • There is notable interest among police departments in utilizing Apple’s CarPlay technology within police vehicles, with ongoing discussions about potential collaborations with car manufacturers.

  • California police agencies, including the LAPD and Orange County Sheriff's Department, have actively tested and implemented Apple products for various policing applications.

  • The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has been testing Apple's Vision Pro to create virtual surveillance data hubs, and the LAPD is also trialing the technology.

  • Oldham indicated a shift in Apple's approach, expressing uncertainty about securing a budget for the 2024 Global Police Summit, raising questions about the event's future.

  • The 2023 summit marked a return for Apple after the previous Global Police Summit in 2019, which had been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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