The global supply chain disruptions of recent years have affected all industries, but the public safety sector — particularly police, fire and emergency medical services — has been hit exceptionally hard.

This sector relies on the timely and consistent availability of critical supplies to ensure that first responders can do their jobs effectively. Yet today, numerous challenges are making it increasingly difficult to keep those essential items in stock. Following are the three major supply chain issues currently impacting public safety, along with how manufacturers can mitigate the risk of shortages and delays.

Personal protective equipment shortages. Key items include masks, gloves and protective suits. Even with the fading of the initial COVID-19-triggered surge, many departments continue to struggle with delayed deliveries. During the pandemic's peak, nearly 70% of fire departments reported PPE shortages, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Police departments face similar challenges, especially with N95 masks for public engagements.

What Can Manufacturers Do?

To tackle PPE shortages effectively, manufacturers should implement digital supply chain planning systems. These enable diversification by reducing reliance on a single supplier or region. They lead to the establishment of multiple production sites and collaborating with local suppliers.

Artificial intelligence-based demand forecasting tools allow for accurate predictions of PPE needs, minimizing shortages during spikes in demand. The integrating of just-in-time (JIT) inventory strategies further enhances responsiveness to changing market conditions.

Delays in equipment and vehicle availability. A significant challenge for public safety agencies is the delay in acquiring specialized equipment and vehicles, such as police cars, ambulances and fire trucks. Police departments in particular are facing vehicle shortages, leading to costly maintenance on aging fleets.

According to the Fire Apparatus Manufacturers' Association, lead times for fire trucks have doubled, often exceeding 18 months. This prolonged wait creates operational gaps, hindering departments' ability to replace outdated or broken equipment. Public safety agencies must find innovative solutions to streamline procurement processes and address these critical shortages.

What Can Manufacturers Do?

Public safety vehicle and equipment manufacturers must build redundancy into their supply chains. Establishing strong partnerships with multiple suppliers for critical components, like semiconductors, can ensure production continuity despite disruptions.

Investments in advanced supply chain planning and supplier relationship management systems enhance flexibility, allowing rapid shifts between components or suppliers to minimize downtime. Manufacturers can also collaborate with public safety agencies to develop modular equipment designs, enabling substitutions of available components without sacrificing functionality.

Logistical bottlenecks and inventory management challenges. Global shipping delays, misaligned distribution networks, and poor inventory visibility leave police, fire, and EMS departments struggling to access essential supplies promptly. A 2022 Deloitte report found that 56% of public safety departments in North America identified inventory-management issues as a significant barrier to operational readiness. Many departments lack awareness of their actual inventory levels, leading to overstocking or understocking.

What Can Manufacturers Do?

Manufacturers should adopt advanced technology for real-time inventory management. Solutions such as radio frequency identification (RFID) tracking and internet of things (IoT) sensors provide accurate, up-to-date stock information. Collaboration with public safety departments to centralize inventory management systems can further reduce waste, and ensure timely delivery of critical supplies.

Predictive analytics allow manufacturers to foresee potential supply chain bottlenecks and adjust logistics proactively. AI and machine learning can optimize operations by rerouting shipments to avoid congestion and dynamically modifying production levels based on demand forecasts.

Price increases and the impact on budgets. The escalating costs of raw materials, shipping, and labor have significantly impacted public safety departments. Police, fire and EMS teams are facing increased expenses for everything from uniforms to specialized medical equipment, further straining their financial resources. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reported that in 2022, 58% of U.S. fire departments had to postpone or cancel equipment purchases due to budget constraints, a situation worsened by rising supply chain costs.

What Can Manufacturers Do?

Innovations like 3D printing for essential components, and the creation of more durable, multi-use equipment, reduce the need for frequent replacements. Additionally, long-term contracts with public safety agencies can lock in prices and ensure a consistent supply, protecting against volatile market fluctuations.

The role of the public safety director. To maintain operational continuity amid supply chain challenges, public safety directors have adopted innovative strategies. Many have initiated cross-department collaborations, enabling police, fire and EMS teams to share equipment and supplies. For instance, a fire department might loan PPE to a neighboring police force in exchange for essential gear, fostering a resource-sharing network. Additionally, some departments are bulk-ordering supplies to stockpile critical items, while others are turning to local sourcing for a more reliable supply of necessary goods.

According to Brian Blomstrom, Director of Public Safety for Greenville, Michigan, “There are two major areas that impact my ability to keep both the community and the members of this department safe: communication and training.”

Blomstrom said his agency is struggling with radio shortages and failing supply chains. Officers are sharing batteries during shifts, swapping them multiple times a day, and there aren’t enough to keep all radios charged.” We'd love spares,” he said, “but supply disruptions make it impossible.”

Continuous training is essential, Blomstrom added. But effective training depends on reliable communication devices for all involved. “It's challenging to run efficient sessions when we face communication inconsistencies.”

Blomstrom said his supply chain costs have surpassed budget increases approved by the city council, turning procurement into a guessing game. “Planning 12 to 16 months ahead is challenging, and we shouldn't have to worry about having enough supplies or funds for critical equipment.”

What Can Manufacturers Do?

Supply chain challenges in the public safety sector are multifaceted, affecting everything from PPE to vehicles to everyday equipment. Manufacturers have a crucial role to play in minimizing these disruptions by diversifying their supply chains, investing in technology tools such as real-time inventory management and AI forecasting, and creating more resilient, adaptable production systems.

As public safety departments continue to adapt and overcome these supply chain challenges, collaboration between manufacturers and public safety agencies will be key to ensuring that first responders are never left without the critical supplies they need to protect their communities. By working together, the public safety sector can become more resilient in the face of global supply chain disruptions, safeguarding those who keep us safe.

Stephen Dombroski is director of consumer markets with QAD Inc.