Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being applied to many industries and applications from speech and language processing to quality control and autonomous driving. AI is the ability of a machine to make complex decisions independently based on comparing environmental input to a pre-defined data set. AI systems capable of machine learning (ML) are self-aware systems that learn, reason, and calculate the best outcome based on past experiences to become smarter over time. 

AI is already used in many facets of security, notably fraud detection and prevention. Powerful AI systems are capable of analyzing billions of transactions every day for patterns and anomalies in retail, banking, healthcare, insurance, and even social media. Why shouldn't the security industry benefit from the advantages of predictive intelligence for things like scheduling, task management and yes, even crime prevention? 

AI Advantages for Security Guard Firm Operations 

AI can help security guard firms simplify all manners of internal operations for enhanced productivity in hiring, staffing, and scheduling. 

• Security guard candidate screening. Weed out undesirable candidates faster. AI applications can automatically perform background checks and vet employment histories, even research a candidate’s social media activity to reveal attitudes or uncover past conduct. 
• Interview, training, and post scheduling. Streamline the application process with managed interview scheduling. Conduct onboarding through emails and automated workflows to ensure all employment documents are in order. Integrate new hire training with LMS systems to automate certification and licensing requirements. Once onboard, AI can automate event scheduling and staffing levels based on guard availability and specific metrics for each assignment (armed, language, CPR skills, etc.). 
• Automate routine tasks. Reduce stress and lower guard burnout rates by allowing AI systems to perform mundane, repetitive tasks like checking all the lights are off or monitoring room occupancy levels through smart cameras instead of using live patrols. 
• Address staff shortages. AI programs can monitor smart camera systems with motion detection in the absence of a live dispatcher. The system operates 24x7, never gets distracted, takes a lunch break, or a sick day. 

AI Advantages for Crime & Damage Prevention 

On the flip side, AI has several security applications in the field to help prevent crime and property damage at the source. 

• Facial recognition technology. AI can compare faces in a crowd to a database of images to search for wanted or missing people on a scale and with accuracy not possible by humans. AI can monitor and create databases of people frequenting banks, train stations, airports, and government buildings for future suspect identification. 
• License plate recognition. This commonplace application uses algorithms to scour parking lots in malls, airports, stadiums and the like for stolen vehicles or owners with outstanding warrants or fines. 
• Video analytics for occupancy monitoring. Public spaces have maximum occupancy levels. Rather than have guards manually count heads at every entrance and exit, smart cameras fixed on all egress points automatically track a running total of entering/exiting occupants to help regulate attendance. 
• Remote camera monitoring. Installing smart cameras with motion detection technology on premises in combination with remote monitoring is the most cost effective and comprehensive strategy to prevent crime and property damage. These systems are usually monitored in a central command center by trained dispatchers, who are alerted to suspicious activity by the system. As noted above, these systems are “always on” and can perform their function with minimal human assistance. 
• Faster response windows. AI models can be built to recognize emergencies and alert authorities faster than a manual response. For example, instantly checking building temperature sensors when an alarm goes off to see if the issue is related to a fire before calling the fire department. 
• Predict crime trends. AI systems with machine learning capabilities can correlate incidences of crime to related events that enable law enforcement agencies to deploy resources more efficiently. For example, every time there is a concert at the stadium, there is an uptick in criminal activity in the park across the street. AI helps law enforcement get ahead of the curve. 

For all of these applications human supervision remains essential. While AI can alleviate the burden of mundane tasks or assist humans to make better decisions, even the best AI systems can be fooled by bad data. If the algorithm isn’t just right, if the dataset is not accurate, bad decisions can result. The best solution is AI plus human oversight to provide a subjective perspective before initiating an appropriate threat response. 

At Trackforce Valiant, we employ leading technologies like AI in combination with experienced security personnel on behalf of our clients to implement comprehensive security solutions. For more information on how we can help you find innovative yet cost-effective answers to your security needs, visit us at trackforcevaliant.com.