Verizon Frontline survey shows daily AI use by first responders rises to nearly 32%
VZ•Verizon’s 2026 Frontline survey found that nearly 32% of first responders use AI daily, almost three times the 2025 share. The survey also found daily drone and robot use rose to 26% from 15%, while 77% of respondents ranked network resilience and reliability as their top operational requirement.
1. Survey findings
Verizon published its 2026 Frontline Public Safety Communications Survey, which found daily AI use among first responders rose to nearly 32%, almost tripling from 2025. Fifty-six percent of agencies expect daily AI use within three years, and daily drone and robot use increased to 26% from 15%.
2. Network requirements
Network resilience and reliability ranked as the top operational requirement for 77% of respondents, ahead of speed or bandwidth considerations.
