Page 82 - Security Today, March/April 2025

T E L E P R E S E N C E O F F I C E R S
THE FUTURE OF CAMPUS SECURITY AND THE ROLE OF
TELEPRESENCE OFFICERS
C H R I S C I A B A R R A I S T H E C O - F O U N D E R A N D C T O O F AT H E N A S E C U R I T Y
T
he security landscape is undergoing a transformative shift
as innovative technologies redefine how we safeguard
public spaces, schools, hospitals, and other critical envi-
ronments. AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing safety
by enhancing detection accuracy, streamlining operations,
and optimizing resource allocation.
In line with this evolution, Athena Security Weapons Detection
System, Inc. has consistently pioneered cutting-edge advance-
ments. In 2023, we introduced AI-powered evasion detection soft-
ware. In December 2024, we further expanded our capabilities with
the integration of AI X-ray technology into our existing Weapons
Detection System, enabling both systems to operate seamlessly
from a single console managed by one operator.
T E L E P R E S E N C E S E C U R I T Y O F F I C E R S : M U L T I P LY I N G S E C U R I T Y P R E S E N C E
Telepresence security is an innovative concept that combines
advanced technology with human oversight to provide scalable,
non-invasive security solutions. Telepresence Security Officers are
life-sized holograms of security personnel projected in a public
area–such as a hallway or lobby.
At high-traffic entry points, personnel and Telepresence
Security Officers can work together to efficiently screen and respond
to guests, while at lower-traffic entrances, Telepresence Officers can
augment staff coverage by maintaining a visible security presence.
H O W D O T E L E P R E S E N C E S E C U R I T Y O F F I C E R S W O R K ?
The new Telepresence technology allows one security officer to
monitor one or more locations simultaneously. Security officers,
stationed within the building or remotely, can interact with individu-
als in real-time as a hologram, and provide guidance, respond to
guests’ questions or dispatch an in-person officer in the event of a
physical emergency. This approach not only enhances personnel and
cost efficiency, it also offers a powerful deterrent to potential threats.
B U I L D I N G A S A F E R F U T U R E : C O M P R E H E N S I V E C A M P U S S E C U R I T Y S Y S T E M S
Integrated security systems provide a proactive and robust approach to
campus safety, with Telepresence Security
Officers playing a vital role in a complete
end-to-end ecosystem that starts at the
entryway. A truly effective security system
begins by addressing threats before they
enter the building and continues once in-
dividuals are inside. An ideal system would
include the following elements:
1. Outdoor Cameras: Monitor the premises for suspicious activity.
2. Exterior Locking Doors: Prevent unauthorized access from
the outside.
3. Visitor Management System: A secure entryway foyer where
visitors sign in and receive a digital badge.
4. Turnstile Access Control: Badges are scanned to unlock turn-
stiles, managing access to controlled areas.
5. Bag Screening: Bags are scanned with AI-powered x-ray
technology.
6. Concealed Weapons Detection: Individuals pass through AI-
powered concealed weapons detection systems that identify
threats in real time and alert officers when someone attempts
to bypass the system.
7. Controlled Entry Points: Secondary turnstiles and locking doors
prevent unauthorized entry, even in bypass attempts.
8. Telepresence Security Officers: Human-guided Telepresence
Security Officers stationed in designated locations throughout
the building multiply security presence and enhance threat de-
tection and response.
E N H A N C I N G S E C U R I T Y . R E D U C I N G C O S T S .
Personnel costs are one of the largest expenses for organizations. A
full-time security officer can cost over $80,000 annually, and many
facilities require multiple officers per shift. Athena’s “Workforce
Multiplier” technology and Telepresence Security Officer technol-
ogy significantly increase the capacity of existing security personnel
while maintaining— or even enhancing— security effectiveness.
Organizations can meet the security demands of the future
by utilizing technology to enhance the capacity of personnel. By
utilizing AI-enabled screening and telepresence security technol-
ogy guided by security staff, organizations can:
• Significantly lower staffing expenses
• Reduce human error in threat detection
• Free up security personnel for more dynamic and critical in-
person roles
T H E F U T U R E O F S E C U R I T Y
AI-enhanced security innovations represent the future of on-premise
physical security systems. By integrating advanced AI technologies,
reimagining entryway systems and incorporating telepresence
technology, organizations can create safer environments while
optimizing resources. From schools and hospitals to government
buildings and public spaces, the future of security lies in the seam-
less blend of human oversight and cutting-edge automation.
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