Increasing public safety through augmented reality technology utilized by police officers

Augmented reality (AR) technology presents a promising avenue for enhancing public safety measures within law enforcement, yet its integration into police operations remains largely unexplored. This study addresses the research question: How can police officers in Canada utilize augmented reality technologies to increase public safety? Through an extensive review of literature spanning over two decades, encompassing diverse fields such as security, military, and emerging technologies, this research examines the feasibility and implications of AR adoption within policing agencies. The findings reveal the potential benefits of AR technology in enhancing various aspects of policing, including criminal investigation, training, and situational awareness. Despite the promising prospects, significant challenges, and concerns, such as legal, privacy, and funding constraints, hinder the widespread adoption of AR technology in law enforcement. The discussion underscores the imperative for proactive policy development and comprehensive research initiatives to address these challenges and unlock the transformative potential of AR in revolutionizing policing practices. While the adoption process may be slow and fraught with complexities, the study highlights the necessity for law enforcement agencies and policymakers to embrace emerging technologies like AR to safeguard communities effectively in the digital age.