Page 20 - AUCSO Newsletter 5_Neat

3) Review of technology – The development of AI

University security technologies and cloud-based systems such as CCTV, access control, incident
response systems and radio platforms all evolve at lightning pace. University security teams need
to constantly review their technologies and ensure they are upgraded regularly to ensure the
maximum benefit of the investment in these systems is utilised.

Security services need to keep a very close eye on the development of AI for use in CCTV systems.
Traditionally university security CCTV systems are passive and only used after an event takes place.
This needs to change into the proactive monitoring of CCTV networks to enhance operational
practices, prevent crime and manage multiple incident capacity more effectively.

4) The return of extensive travel
The return of extensive travel around the globe for staff and students is welcomed after a lengthy
period of not being able to travel, but with this comes some concern amongst members.

Incidents involving staff and or students outside of the UK bring with them complexities and the
expectation for our teams to ensure staff and students are safe irrelevant of their location. If a critical
incident occurs in a country where the university doesn’t have any local colleagues or partners that
are trusted, there is an air of anxiety – maybe unnecessarily but without that local knowledge, or
trusted agency there is nervousness.

UK universities attract significant numbers of international students and our reputation for student
safety and security is paramount in continuing to attract internationally. Student experience has
been a KPI for UK universities for several years. Our teams are at the forefront of ensuring the safety
and wellbeing of our students and therefor our teams are a crucial element of the student experience.

5) More collaboration within the sector

The university security sector is traditionally very insular and tends to operate in silo type
environments. More collaboration is
needed between our institutions, the
sector, external agencies, statutory
bodies and the wider security industry
on a local, regional and national level
as this will enable us to share best
practice, provide mutual support,
learn from the experiences of others,
and improve professionalism across
the whole sector.

- 20 -