When designing facilities from the ground up, several key safety factors are understandably considered to ensure the safety of occupants. HVAC and fire code compliance—like fire suppression systems, smoke detectors, and proper ventilation—are crucial. Planners ensure new facilities have clear exit paths, accessible exits, and adequate lighting. Facilities may incorporate basic security measures such as CCTV or IP cameras, access control systems, or metal detectors; however, these measures may be insufficient to address the changing nature of threats.

Facility design often prioritizes aesthetics and functionality for everyday usage over operations, crowd management, and security and threat detection—instead leaving these issues as an afterthought. To prioritize safety and security from the outset and leverage digital innovation as a guest experience enhancement, incorporating innovative technologies from the onset, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered weapons detection, makes it part of the solution before its absence becomes a future operational problem.

Integrating Threat Detection into Facility Design

To integrate threat detection with security protocols into facility design, several changes are necessary and require collaboration between architects, security experts, operations, and facilities managers to design facilities that balance and optimize safety, security, and functionality. Additionally, facilities must:

• Incorporate safety and security into the design process from the outset, and understand the “flow” of business operations.
• Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities.
• Collaborate with security experts and architects to design facilities that balance safety, security, and functionality.
• Invest in innovative security solutions like AI-powered patron screening for a multi-layered approach to security.
• Develop and regularly practice emergency response plans.
• Provide ongoing training and education for security personnel and facility staff.
• Establish clear communication channels between security, facilities, and operations teams.
• Continuously monitor and update security protocols to address threats.

Safer entry protocols that incorporate threat detection can enhance the arrival experience by:

• Reducing wait times through efficient screening processes.
• Improving security through effective threat detection.
• Enhancing the overall sense of safety and security for occupants.
• Streamlining the entry process through innovative technologies like biometric authentication.
• Providing real-time feedback and analysis to improve security protocols.
• Enhancing the overall efficiency of facility operations.

The Cost of Neglecting Threat Detection in Facility Design

When threat detection becomes a priority alongside functionality and aesthetic, facilities and venues can maximize their space and manage traffic in a way that prevents “blind spots” and promotes coherent movement. It’s all about designing a space that’s both safe and functional. But when threat detection is an afterthought, it can be a challenge to make it work in a way that makes sense. Take older venues, for example. They were often built before the events of 9/11 and then introduced to the requirement to screen patrons for weapons. Smaller venues, lobbies, and walkways have limited options for deploying traditional metal detectors and larger weapons detection systems like those found in airports. The introduction of AI-powered weapons detection solutions may address this problem with a smaller footprint per ingress volume.

Retrofitting an existing facility with threat detection measures can be a costly and disruptive process, with expenses ranging from tens of thousands to millions of dollars.

Implementing Best Practices in Facility Design and Security

There are constantly new and emerging threats posing significant risks to facilities and occupants. The increasing frequency and severity of violent incidents, terrorist attacks, and cyber breaches prove that there’s a need for proactive and innovative approaches to security.

The consequences of security breaches can be devastating, resulting in loss of life, property damage, and reputational harm. Regulatory requirements and industry standards increasingly mandate robust security measures and now make it essential for facilities to prioritize security in their design and operations.

Adopting best practices in facility design and security is no longer a nice-to-have but a must-have. It is essential for facilities to prioritize security, invest in innovative technologies, and foster a culture of security awareness and preparedness directly from the blueprint stage. By doing so, facilities can protect their occupants, assets, and reputation—and create a safer and more secure environment.

Joshua Douglas is the senior vice president of product and engineering at AI-powered security solutions company Xtract One Technologies. He is a recognized expert in the fields of behavioral analytics, cybersecurity, and physical security working within schools, healthcare, government, critical infrastructure, and commercial business.

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