The integration of AI in physical security extends beyond static systems
Artificial Intelligence (AI) holds immense potential to transform the private security sector by enhancing efficiency and reducing costs, said senior IPS officer Manish Shankar Sharma. Speaking at a two-day security leadership summit, Sharma, a 1992-batch Indian Police Service officer currently serving as Additional Director General of Police in Madhya Pradesh, highlighted how AI can streamline operations through automation and real-time monitoring.
“AI can optimise cost efficiency by automating routine tasks such as guard scheduling, incident reporting, and monitoring, thereby reducing operational expenses,” Sharma said. He emphasised that the technology can also play a pivotal role in fraud detection and asset protection. “By deploying AI tools that monitor transactions and activities in real time, anomalies in sectors like retail, banking, and logistics can be detected, safeguarding valuable assets.”
The officer underscored AI’s potential in reshaping access control systems. “AI-driven biometric authentication and facial recognition systems offer seamless, efficient, and secure access management for businesses, housing societies, and industrial facilities,” he explained. These systems can enhance security while simplifying access procedures, particularly in high-traffic areas.
Sharma also highlighted the role of AI in enhancing video surveillance. “AI-powered CCTV systems equipped with real-time video analytics can identify unusual activities or behaviours, thereby improving security in high-risk areas such as malls, hospitals, and office complexes,” he said.
The integration of AI in physical security extends beyond static systems. “AI-powered drones, thermal cameras, and motion sensors can be deployed to monitor large facilities such as factories, warehouses, and energy plants,” Sharma added. These technologies can provide comprehensive coverage, particularly in remote or expansive locations where traditional security measures may fall short.
According to Sharma, the adoption of AI in the private security sector will help address longstanding challenges, improve efficiency, and build trust with clients. “By leveraging AI, private security firms in the country can ensure sustainable growth and remain competitive in the market,” he said, calling AI “the single most exciting technology to emerge in the past several decades.”
The summit, organised by the Central Association of Private Security Industry, served as a platform to explore how cutting-edge technologies like AI can shape the future of security in India. Sharma’s address underscored the need for the industry to embrace innovation to enhance service delivery and meet the evolving demands of the security landscape.
