This was one of the stronger growth segments in 2001 and will probably continue to be in 2002. The principal applications have been traffic enforcement, including parking meters, traffic light monitoring and automated speeding tickets. Additional innovative approaches are emerging in filing of reports of misdemeanors (through either on-line filing systems or by out-sourcing to personnel and systems provided by private companies).
Security concerns will most likely effect this growth but mostly in an indirect way. As illustrated by the airline security measures enacted, public-sector employees will largely handle public security measures. But the drain on personnel for these measures will create an increasing demand for the "support" methods noted above. Increasingly, law enforcement is focusing on using law enforcement officers in the jobs for which they are best trained and relieving them of the less critical support duties.
While this is still an emerging market segment, expect continued growth throughout 2002.
Taken in total, these sectors all illustrate a growth pattern and for some, significant opportunities. While there remains an array of negative market pressures (misinformation campaign, institutional inertia, etc.), public-private partnerships will continue to grow throughout 2002.