Page 44 - SyI Quarterly - Q3 and Q4 Edition 2023

Our Membership

Effective Artificial Intelligence

implementation in the operational

security environment (Part 1 of 2)

By Martin Lynch MSyI

This paper forms part one of a two-part discourse on how artificially
intelligent security systems may influence physical security in the
contemporary and the future. Part two will focus on the limitations
and considerations for security professionals in the coming paradigm
of machine learning, computer vision, and AI-enabled systems.

Part 1

Deus ex machina or God in the machine was used in Greek antiquity to find an easy fix for a troublesome
theatrical plot, the scriptwriters would have the gods descend and put the world to rights, in a somewhat
implausible manner. This seems to be a familiar theme when considering how the commercial sector
would have us perceive artificially intelligent machines for our industry. We are, as security professionals,
a gift horse for the glossy brochures and the fast-talking sales executives who may be offering a god-in-
the-machine solution to our woes. These woes may be fiscal, human-centric or nebulous in nature, but
they are there. Considering these thoughts, have you been asked by the CFO or CEO, ‘How might artificial
intelligence (AI), better enable the delivery of the security department’s services to the populous or
paymaster’? The offer of an easy fix is alluring. Can we as Security Managers garner these options to better
suit the operation or pocket by reducing perhaps the manpower needed or can we reduce the ingress
times for our patrons by utilising this technology? The recent adverse press for the Wimbledon queues
may affect your venue too. AI-enabled devices may offer solutions to a great many issues, satisfy the
demands of the board, or cut queuing time and improve customer ingress experience. However, how do
you as the expert, satisfy your own environment’s specific operational security needs with technology?

It is my intention in these two essays to promote thought and discussion at The Security Institute and
perhaps the greater security field. It is up to you: the security professional, to make an informed decision,

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