The Future of Campus Security and the Role of Telepresence Officers
- By Chris Ciabarra
- February 28, 2025
The security landscape is undergoing a transformative shift as innovative technologies redefine how we safeguard public spaces, schools, hospitals, and other critical environments. 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 advancements. In 2023, we introduced AI-powered evasion detection software. 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.
This year, we are excited to introduce our most revolutionary innovation to date—a technology that is poised to usher in a new era in campus security.
Telepresence Security Officers: Multiplying Security Presence
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.
How Do Telepresence Security Officers Work?
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 individuals 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.
Building a Safer Future: Comprehensive Campus Security Systems
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 individuals are inside. An ideal system would include the following elements:
- Outdoor Cameras: Monitor the premises for suspicious activity.
- Exterior Locking Doors: Prevent unauthorized access from the outside.
- Visitor Management System: A secure entryway foyer where visitors sign in and receive a digital badge.
- Turnstile Access Control: Badges are scanned to unlock turnstiles, managing access to controlled areas.
- Bag Screening: Bags are scanned with AI-powered x-ray technology.
- 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.
- Controlled Entry Points: Secondary turnstiles and locking doors prevent unauthorized entry, even in bypass attempts.
- Telepresence Security Officers: Human-guided Telepresence Security Officers stationed in designated locations throughout the building multiply security presence and enhance threat detection and response.
This multi-layered approach ensures that individuals with concealed weapons cannot advance further into the building, significantly reducing risks. Retrofitting existing facilities may involve adding doors, turnstiles, and detection systems. Future building designs, however, should seamlessly integrate these features to create a safer, smarter campus environment.
Enhancing Security. Reducing Costs
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 technology 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 technology 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
The Power to Meet Mandates
On September 27, 2024, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation directing the California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board, by March 1, 2027, to require hospitals to implement weapons detection screening and personnel education and training policies. Telepresence technology can help make it possible for organizations to comply with these new mandates.
A Comprehensive Vision for Safety
Athena Security’s integrated solutions extend beyond a single weapons detection system to encompass an advanced visitor management system, automated lockers, AI-powered evasion detection, AI-enabled X-ray screening, and now Telepresence Security Officers. Combined, these technologies form a cohesive security framework to help ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
The Future of Security
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 seamless blend of human oversight and cutting-edge automation.
This article originally appeared in the March / April 2025 issue of Campus Security Today.