Page 76 - Security Today, March/April 2025

A I - B A S E D R I S K M I T I G A T I O N
AI-BASED RISK MITIGATION: THE NEXT ADVANCEMENT
IN VIDEO SURVEILLANCE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
M I C H A E L P E V E L E R I S V P O F S A L E S F O R AT L AS I E D
S
afety is at the forefront of every organization and cov-
ers a gamut of scenarios, not just weapon-fueled lethal
threats. It also includes smaller-scale and everyday situ-
ations like slipping hazards, fallen persons, unauthorized
vehicles, and more. These issues cause disruptions in daily
operations and cost companies and facilities money and
downtime, so a fully realized security plan must involve actions that
facility personnel should take once a hazard of any size occurs.
Informing everyone that a hazard exists, where it’s located, and
what actions to take is imperative for maintaining personal safety.
AI-powered risk mitigation and threat detection technolo-
gies are becoming increasingly important components of a facil-
ity’s comprehensive safety strategy. When overlayed with existing
video surveillance systems, the threat detection software continually
monitors live digital security camera feeds to detect threats in real
time, providing a constant shield of protection. These platforms
don’t just identify risks; they proactively protect against danger from
day-to-day hazards and more critical incidents such as weapon
detection and violent acts.
Albeit important, risk mitigation and threat detection soft-
ware is just one aspect of a facility’s layered security solution, which
needs three key capabilities from their overarching communica-
tion and security solution:
1) detect potential or active problems
2) inform the right people instantly and effectively
3) manage incidents to a successful resolution.
Achieving those goals requires a robust solution that includes
a mass notification or reliable and modern public address system,
video surveillance coupled with AI machine learning risk mitigation
software, and a central platform to automate announcements, in-
structions, and support response plans once threats are identified.
H O W R I S K M I T I G AT I O N W O R K S
Risk mitigation and threat detection solutions turn a traditionally reac-
tive or archiving system of security cameras into a proactive, predic-
tive detection system without adding addi-
tional security headcount and successfully
outperforming human-based detection.
By pairing breakthrough AI technolo-
gy with existing security camera infrastruc-
ture, the resulting solution protects against
a growing collection of risks, including gun
violence and less severe risks, such as slip
and fall hazards, trespassing, and more.
The AI technology analyzes patterns and anomalies in the
camera feeds without storing or using personally identifiable in-
formation (PII) or facial recognition. Some software uses a simple,
non-disruptive connection between cameras and a video manage-
ment system, router, or switch — all that’s needed is minimal space
for equipment, power, and a network connection.
R I S K M I T I G AT I O N E X A M P L E
One of Iowa’s fastest-growing K-12 school districts was looking for
a way to make its buildings safer without interrupting the learning
environment, creating privacy issues, or overspending its budget.
Rising gun violence was a top concern, but so was securing the
buildings in the evenings and on weekends.
This K-12 district installed a risk mitigation and threat detec-
tion platform and customized its detection parameters based on its
specific needs. Different alerts were created based on the type of
hazard detected, and the system was programmed to alert appropri-
ate people responsible for that type of threat via a central software
solution when a detection occurred. There were no privacy issues
because the platform does not store PII or use facial recognition.
The platform provides multiple levels of protection for a vari-
ety of situations, such as students in the building alone after hours.
Pre-determined stakeholders receive a trespassing alert, allowing
administrators to address the situation immediately. If an injury had
occurred and a student was unable to get up, a fallen person alert
would have ensured help arrived quickly. The district’s administra-
tors used this example to re-educate staff on potential liabilities and
the importance of complying with standard operating procedures.
In less than one year, the district was alerted to 829 risks,
including spills, falls, trespassing, and more.
S I M P L I F Y I N G T H E S E C U R I T Y L A N D S C A P E
Risk mitigation and threat detection platforms are becoming in-
dispensable in modern security plans. The rapid dissemination of
information during emergencies, coupled with advanced risk de-
tection technologies, enhances overall safety and preparedness.
Organizations can successfully implement these advanced security
measures by fostering collaboration across departments, ensur-
ing transparent communication, and emphasizing the long-term
benefits. As the security landscape continues to evolve, embracing
these technologies is essential for maintaining robust and adap-
tive security strategies. With continuous advancements in AI and
machine learning, risk mitigation platforms will evolve to offer even
more sophisticated threat detection capabilities.
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