Enhancing Physical Security Programs with Generative AI

Bill Davis, Sr. Director, Physical Security, Ally

Bill Davis, Sr. Director, Physical Security, Ally

As the security landscape evolves, physical security leaders are under increasing pressure to be more proactive, data-driven and integrated into the broader risk management strategy. One of the most promising advancements driving this transformation is the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). Far from being just a buzzword, generative AI has the potential to significantly enhance physical security programs by improving situational awareness, streamlining workflows and enabling more intelligent decision-making.

Modern security operations generate a massive amount of data, video footage, access control logs, incident reports, visitor records and more. However, the true value of this data lies in the ability to analyze and synthesize it into actionable intelligence. Generative AI excels in this area. By ingesting structured and unstructured data, generative AI models can generate summaries, identify patterns and even create predictive risk models.

For example, a generative AI tool can review weeks of access control logs and video analytics to flag anomalies, such as repeated failed badge attempts at odd hours, then generate a concise report for a security analyst. It can also correlate this data with recent security incidents or external threat intelligence to suggest proactive measures.

Physical security programs often rely on standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure a consistent response to threats and incidents. Generative AI can assist by dynamically drafting or updating SOPs based on new regulations, changes in building layouts, or emerging risks. During a crisis, AI can also serve as a virtual assistant, guiding security personnel through emergency protocols in real time and suggesting next steps based on evolving inputs.

“When deployed responsibly, generative AI enhances the capabilities of physical security teams, allowing them to respond faster, think more strategically and align more closely with business objectives”

Moreover, generative AI can help reduce human error in incident reporting by assisting officers in drafting consistent, well-structured narratives with proper terminology and formatting. This not only improves documentation but also makes post-incident reviews and audits more efficient.

Generative AI can be integrated with video surveillance and real-time analytics systems to help interpret live feeds. By summarizing activity from multiple cameras, it can reduce cognitive load on operators and bring focus to key events. For instance, AI can generate natural-language alerts such as ‘Unauthorized vehicle entered Lot B at 2:13 a.m.’ or ‘Unattended bag in lobby for over 10 minutes.’

In the training domain, generative AI can simulate threat scenarios using virtual environments or natural language roleplays. This enables more engaging and realistic training for security staff, helping them better prepare for high-pressure situations.

Security leaders are often tasked with justifying investments or communicating risks to executives who may not be familiar with security terminology. Generative AI can help translate technical assessments into business-friendly language, generate executive summaries and even create visual presentations to support security strategy proposals.

While generative AI is not a replacement for experienced security professionals, it is a force multiplier. When deployed responsibly, it enhances the capabilities of physical security teams, allowing them to respond faster, think more strategically and align more closely with business objectives. As the technology continues to mature, organizations that embrace generative AI in their security programs will gain a critical edge in resilience and operational effectiveness.

Physical Security

Risk Management

Artificial Intelligence

Video Surveillance

Cognitive

virtual assistant

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