The Next Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Physical Security

Artificial intelligence is already redefining what it means to secure the physical world, but the AI tools transforming security operations today are just scratching the surface of what’s possible.

AI in physical security has been focused primarily on accelerating investigations: helping operators search footage faster, identify people or vehicles of interest and piece together incidents after they occur. As AI models become more capable and intuitive, they’re evolving from reactive tools into proactive partners. The next generation of AI won’t just help security teams respond faster—it will help them deter incidents altogether.

We’re already seeing this shift happen. Natural language interfaces are making complex searches conversational, allowing operators to ask questions in plain English rather than navigating multiple systems and filters. Predictive analytics surface anomalies in real time, identifying unusual patterns before they escalate into security events.

But the real transformation will come as these capabilities integrate into agentic workflows: AI systems that can orchestrate entire sequences of actions, pulling in security operators at the right time to make key decisions. Imagine an AI that doesn’t just alert an operator to suspicious activity, but automatically triggers deterrence measures, adjusts camera views, locks down access points and notifies the right responders—all while keeping the operator informed, in control, and able to take decisive action.

This shift will free security professionals to focus on their highest-value work: strategic thinking, complex decision making and the kind of judgment calls that require human context and expertise.

The physical security industry stands at an inflection point. Organizations that embrace this new AI-powered future will create safer buildings, campuses and communities around the world and empower security leaders to do their most meaningful work.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.

This article originally appeared in All Things AI, a newsletter presented by the SIA AI Advisory Board.