Corps Security’s Andrea Strong examines the technological transformation of modern security services.

The security industry’s technological capabilities are evolving at a rapid pace.

They stand to greatly enhance the skills of on-the-ground officers, but not without a pragmatic and realistic approach towards the timeline of change expected.

The potential of technology seen as new, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) seem to dominate the headlines across all sectors.

Though the changes they could offer are welcomed, they can enhance the work of on- the-ground security officers, rather than immediately transform the entire industry.

One major focus of the industry is integrated monitoring systems, helping to make building maintenance more efficient, convenient, and even cost saving.

Additionally, the 2025 PTSN switch off will dominate the sector in 2024, as organisations need to update legacy systems.

Though exciting advancements involving AI and VR are on the horizon, much change is needed before the commercial value of these bigger shifts are proven to the industry. 

The potential of AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has obviously been a dominating topic of the past few years, and the attention is warranted.

AI can greatly enhance the capabilities of the human eye through machine learning algorithms.

Its development can be applied to the monitoring of public and commercial spaces from both a safety and occupancy perspective.

AI can currently enhance technologies in use, like CCTV, fire and intruder alarm monitoring, and personal protection services.

For example, it can identify false alarm activations for remote monitoring services, so that those monitoring can focus on genuine activations.

AI facial recognition software – or Automated Facial Recognition ­– can also allow for greater detection of potentially threatening subjects.

This involves biometric readings, where machine learning algorithms can spot the physical characteristics of potential threats.

When integrated into monitoring systems, AI could detect individuals in a crowd, or swiftly identify individuals in anti-terror scenarios.

This information could then be shared with authorities.

Though AI is promising, its implementation is still in its infancy stage.

Before being rolled out on a national level, AI’s abilities need to be streamlined and its accuracy thoroughly tested.

It will be exciting to see how AI further develops, especially as its advancements in the past two years were so swift.

VR’s place in the industry

Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology capable of improving security officers’ training across a wide range of scenarios.

VR’s ability to accurately simulate several scenarios is especially important as security firms branch into different sectors dependent on new customers.

Currently, VR technology can immerse training officers in patrolling scenarios, and in potentially threatening situations: managing protests, suspect packages, aggressive people, and potential hostile reconnaissance.

These minutes-long models offer swift training for new and experienced officers alike.

Research has found that the average 75% retention rate from VR technology is significantly higher than traditional reading and writing methods, which have 5-10% retention rates.

Though not yet a standard part of officer training courses, VR can greatly enhance officers’ learning experiences.

It is paramount that the safety of staff is prioritised, and offering immersive and well-adapted VR training initiatives gives officers the best toolkit for responding to a range of dangerous scenarios.

Staff training is a promising application of VR, and I expect it to grow in popularity.

PTSN Switchover

As the public switched telephone network (PTSN) is set to be switched off by December 2025, organisations using the existing system across all sectors will need to digitally change to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

For the security industry itself, the switchover has been well anticipated and firms have put changes in place prior to 2025.

VoIP can be more productive and efficient as signals are received and sent at a faster rate, ensuring a speedy response to any scenario.

However, many clients are not ready for the switchover yet.

Though the promises of advanced technology like AI is exciting, first the groundwork for safe, secure, and fast services need to be prioritised.

To ensure there is not an overwhelming influx of change needed at the end of 2024 and early 2025, I anticipate that security firms offering technical support will need to address their customers’ move to VoIP throughout this year.

Ensuring this change is completed will usher the newer, digitised era in a structured fashion.

Cyber attacks

Cyber-attacks are an ever-present threat in modern society.

Akin to the PTSN switch off, ensuring that firms are secure against their growing threat is an essential and needed step.

For example, the self-assessed Government cyber essentials accreditation, or technically verified cyber essentials plus, are baseline ways to assess your organisation’s safety.

The need to upgrade, renew, and stay up to date with basic safety assets will ensure that firms have the capacity to grow and utilise any enhancements necessary.

From a monitoring perspective, this involves having a regularly tested disaster recovery system.

If the alarm receiving centre is compromised, a “hot site” that is equipped to function and monitor all alarms is a complex but necessary requirement.

Integrated Platform Solutions

A new era of integrated solutions is on the horizon.

A building with both CCTV and a Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (PIDS) may be well-equipped, but integrating these systems allows clients to have greater visibility of any situation requiring action.

Together, they provide a more rounded and fuller picture of a situation so that the right process and solutions can be delivered to protect the clients, assets, and people.

CCTV, access control, and fire and intruder alarms are being increasingly integrated into singular systems, so that data can be viewed and analysed swiftly.

These more integrated systems minimise false alarms in the Alarm Receiving System (ARC): for example, when the first authorised person to access a building allows the alarm to automatically deactivate, its integration prevents unnecessary activations being sent to the ARC.

Organisations, especially those that are large and complex, are also investing in singular platforms beyond monitoring.

Capturing data on building occupancy, power consumption, and health and safety helps organisations understand their resource use, and the captured data allows them to maximise their buildings’ efficiency.

Developing technology can transform integrated systems, helping organisations be more accountable for the monitoring of their premises and improve how reactive they are.

The consolidation of data aids efficiency, makes decision-making easier, increases the safety of security systems, and can be cost saving.

That’s not to say that integrating multiple systems doesn’t come with challenges.

It is essential that the different systems are managed correctly, and regulatory requirements are achieved, first.

What’s in store for 2024

No one can know the future.

That’s certainly the nature of security – an attempt to prepare for future scenarios not always foreseen.

The focus on integrated platform solutions will be essential for this preparation, allowing firms to constantly monitor estates or properties and secure them, all from one place.

These preparations are how firms can identify and respond to potential threats; perhaps through AI enhanced monitoring systems and VR training, but also by staying up to date with current needs, like VoIP systems and cyber accreditations.

The future may be unknowable, but technologies can help us prepare for it.

This article was originally published in the May Edition of Security Journal United Kingdom. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.