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Head-to-head · Public Safety software

ARMS vs First Due

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 4 checks side by side
Higher score ARMS #1 in Public Safety software 9.4/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Contact End2End
First Due #7 in Public Safety software 8.8/10 Pricing on request ✓ 4 of 4 features Visit First Due

ARMS leads on 0 checks, First Due on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreARMS · 9.4/10

ARMS scores higher on our rubric for public safety software: 9.4 against 8.8 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.

On deployment options, ARMS gives you Both where First Due offers Cloud.

ARMS is the better fit for full-service agencies needing CAD and RMS. First Due is the better fit for fire and EMS departments with broad operations.

  • ARMS fits best

    Full-service agencies needing CAD and RMS

  • First Due fits best

    Fire and EMS departments with broad operations

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Side by side

Feature ARMS 9.4/10 Visit ↗ First Due 8.8/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.8
Ranking #1 in Public Safety software #7 in Public Safety software
Best for Full-service agencies needing CAD and RMS Fire and EMS departments with broad operations
Pricing model Paid Paid
Starting price Pricing on request Pricing on request
Free plan Not checked yet Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Self-hosted Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, Windows Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Phone, Docs · 24/7 Phone
Integrations 12 integrations 8 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise
Features ARMS 4/4 · First Due 4/4
Dispatch management ✓ ✓
Records management ✓ ✓
Emergency call handling ✓ ✓
Mobile field access ✓ ✓
Specs
Deployment options Both Cloud
Our review
Pros
  • Combines dispatch, records, officer mobile access and evidence tracking
  • Supports cloud SaaS and self-hosted deployment options
  • Includes UCR, NIBRS, Clery and customizable statistical reports
  • Combines incident reporting, ePCR, CAD workflows and mobile response.
  • Covers inspections, scheduling, personnel, assets, training and command.
  • Connects with CAD systems and public-safety tools including Esri and Hexagon.
Cons
  • Pricing requires contacting the company
  • Capabilities and deployment options may vary by module
  • Broad suite may exceed the needs of agencies seeking a single-purpose tool
  • Broad module coverage may be more than a narrowly focused agency needs.
  • Pricing is provided through a sales conversation rather than published plans.
  • Cloud deployment may not suit agencies requiring on-premises software.
Our verdict

ARMS brings dispatch, records management and field access together for municipal police, higher-education, healthcare, K-12 and other public safety agencies. Its computer-aided dispatch supports call initiation, unit assignment, standard…

Read the review →

First Due brings operational tools for fire and EMS agencies into a cloud-based platform. Its scope reaches from incident documentation and electronic patient care reporting (ePCR) to prevention, scheduling, assets, training and incident…

Read the review →
  1. ARMSPublic Safety software 9.4Pricing on request
  2. First DuePublic Safety software 8.8Pricing on request

Strengths and trade-offs

  • ARMS — where it wins

    • Combines dispatch, records, officer mobile access and evidence tracking
    • Supports cloud SaaS and self-hosted deployment options
    • Includes UCR, NIBRS, Clery and customizable statistical reports

    Where it doesn't

    • Pricing requires contacting the company
    • Capabilities and deployment options may vary by module
    • Broad suite may exceed the needs of agencies seeking a single-purpose tool

  • First Due — where it wins

    • Combines incident reporting, ePCR, CAD workflows and mobile response.
    • Covers inspections, scheduling, personnel, assets, training and command.
    • Connects with CAD systems and public-safety tools including Esri and Hexagon.

    Where it doesn't

    • Broad module coverage may be more than a narrowly focused agency needs.
    • Pricing is provided through a sales conversation rather than published plans.
    • Cloud deployment may not suit agencies requiring on-premises software.
  • ARMS9.4/10 · Pricing on request

    A broad CAD and records suite for agencies that need connected dispatch and case workflows.

    Contact End2EndFull verdict →
  • First Due8.8/10 · Pricing on request

    A cloud platform spanning incident response, prevention, staffing, assets and training.

    Visit First DueFull verdict →

More comparisons

All public safety software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update