Private security guards protect communities, businesses, public facilities, events, VIPs, homes and infrastructure. And the need is growing. Global spending on private security is expected to double from $241 billion in 2016 to $496 billion in 2028. In the United States, more than 1.2 million people work as security guards; worldwide, the figure is nearly 7.9 million.
However, there is a significant shortage of these skilled workers, and the situation is not expected to improve. Exact information is hard to come by, but many companies report that they cannot hire as many skilled workers as they need and that they experience 100 to 300 percent turnover annually. That means there is no way to get ahead of the curve. While salaries certainly play a role in employee retention, employees can also feel insecure and move to less risky industries, such as e-commerce or hospitality.
Physical security companies can use technology to augment human capabilities to meet the increasing demand for talent, skills and services. Technology can help scale the capabilities of small teams, minimise the risks security guards face on the job and enable them to do their jobs more efficiently and effectively. It could also help security companies attract and retain employees, as employees feel more protected in their jobs and can defend themselves against unjustified accusations.
Physical security companies that may have paused their IT investments can rest easy knowing that hardware is no longer as expensive as it once was due to rapid development, market competition, global supply chains and innovative SaaS pricing models. At the same time, software can help generate recurring revenue, deliver quick ROI and increase margins.
Skills every physical security company should have
If they have not already done so, security company leaders should consider the following:
Equipping security guards with body cameras
Body cameras are commonly used by police and provide high-resolution video and audio recordings, even in low-light conditions such as dark buildings. They are also used by security firms and industries such as retail, where conflicts with the public are on the rise. Employees wearing body cameras are more accountable for their actions, which they know are being recorded. Body cameras also help de-escalate conflicts, as potential attackers know their recordings can be used in criminal cases. They also help prevent or end legal proceedings, as a visual audit trail with time and date stamps and an audio commentary recording disproves false claims.
Use of AI-supported surveillance
It’s not always practical to use human staff for surveillance. For example, companies with large campuses or remote locations may not be able to employ—or may not want to—a full security staff. Commercial development projects may need protection but may not have the necessary infrastructure for on-site personnel. And at concerts or sporting events, a small team may be responsible for the security of tens of thousands. AI-powered surveillance capabilities can extend the reach of security. These systems apply image recognition and computer vision to video feeds from stationary cameras to detect, for example, unauthorized intrusions, suspicious behavior, or other incidents. These capabilities allow lean teams to focus on the biggest risks and threats and leave routine monitoring to technology.
Integration of hardware and software
Integrated hardware and software allow security companies to take advantage of the best new features because features and upgrades are delivered over the air. SaaS-like upgrades also extend the life of the hardware, improving their ROI.
Replacing and expanding human roles
Augmenting human talent may not always be an option when companies cannot hire enough staff, maintain continuity across shifts and accounts, or work in extremely high-risk areas. In these cases, replacing humans with technology may be the best option. Security companies are:
Use of drones and robots
Drones provide an eye in the sky, monitoring the airspace above facilities. This can be invaluable for military installations, remote physical infrastructure such as oil rigs, and companies with valuable intellectual property or those supporting national security missions. Drones with thermal imaging cameras can monitor large areas and detect intruders in low-visibility conditions, such as at night. Teams monitoring their data can then direct security teams to precisely targeted areas.
Enabling remote monitoring and control
Many organizations operate valuable unmanned physical infrastructure, such as electrical substations, telecom cable stations, bridges, and more. Executives may want to protect these assets but not deploy local security forces. They can use AI-powered monitoring services 24/7. In electrical substations, for example, remote monitoring augments access controls and looks for unauthorized intruders; it quickly detects emergency conditions such as smoke, fire, arc flashes, or potential overheating events and alerts first responders.
Take ethical and legal considerations into account
As security companies deploy more and more technology, they must consider ethical and legal issues. Technologies such as body cameras, drones and robots capture and store detailed video and audio recordings of individuals, crowds and actions in different locations in real time. While individuals at large public events likely expect to be monitored, people who work there or live in communities may not.
Addressing data protection concerns
Organizations using security technology should post public notices that sites are being monitored and indicate that people entering those areas accept these terms. When securing private areas, those responsible will likely want to communicate in writing with residents and other community members. These notices should include how the technology will be used and how video and audio footage will be stored, accessed and secured.
Data verifiability
Technology should be kept in good working order and provide clear video and audio feeds and date and time stamps. Leaders should establish policies for video surveillance and archiving, such as whether humans and AI or AI alone will review footage and how long the footage will be stored. Security companies in high-conflict or litigious industries should retain footage for longer for legal proceedings, while residential security firms may delete footage within 30 days.
Working together to protect communities and businesses
Technology can free security teams from the drudgery of foot patrols and let them focus on issues that need to be investigated. Likewise, technology can help small teams make a bigger impact. And as legal risks and threats increase, recording events on video can often be the best defense: It helps defuse tense situations and reminds everyone involved that there is a true record of what happened.
