At GSX 2024, one of the world’s premier global security conferences, policing-related topics were front and center, from advancements in technology like drones and body-worn cameras, to pressing issues like recruitment and retention challenges, and concerns surrounding personal safety and campus crime
Held in Orlando from September 23-25, the event convened about 16,000 safety, security, military and law enforcement professionals worldwide. More than 500 booths filled the exhibit hall floor, coupled with more than 200 educational sessions covering the security world.
Below are some of the top law-enforcement-related takeaways from the event in the areas of technology, trends, careers and partnerships.
Technology
Drone use by law enforcement has surged in recent years, with over 1,800 police departments and sheriff’s offices now operating at least one drone. However, uptake in the private security sector, despite the technology’s numerous benefits, has been slow. In fact, during a session on drones, only 2 out of 200 attendees raised their hands when the presenter asked if they currently deploy unmanned aerial systems.
In contrast, drone use is far more widespread in industries such as building and pipeline inspections, aerial photography, and agriculture. Additionally, there were few drone manufacturers present on the exhibit hall floor, although several anti-drone companies showcased their solutions. Drones have become an essential tool in protecting the nation’s infrastructure, much of which is overseen by the attendees walking the exhibit hall floors.
Long a staple of policing, body cameras are edging into the private security world. Some video analytics companies showed their intelligent bodycams, featuring AI alerts based on what is seen or said, as well as video search capabilities. They promoted their cameras as solutions that advance efficiency and reporting while mitigating liability.
Private security is also exploring the next generation of walkie-talkies. The new advancements include the integration of multiple networks, including Quad SIM LTE and 5G, all major U.S. cell networks, simultaneous cell-WiFi and automatic network switching. New technology also uses AI to instantly translate communications into more than 30 languages.
Gunshot detection, while not new, is improving and expanding its feature set. Some solutions provide instant gunshot detection to both police and building security, including precise location and timing, assailant movement, and weapon classification. One company recently rolled out a system specific to indoor use for locations like schools, government facilities, malls and entertainment complexes. Another technology promoted its system as capable of pairing shot reports with associated imagery and video from nearby cameras. Several other companies integrate gunshot detection into product suites, including such capabilities as panic alarms, vape detection, investigation management, and mass notification.
Trends
The same societal forces that strain police budgets and challenge recruitment and retention efforts also affect private security. As police look to broaden their sources of talent, they draw from the security officer pool, which squeezes private security companies. Population and generational trends foretell potentially difficult times ahead, though companies are turning to alternatives and supplements such as robotics and AI to address the shortage of personnel and skills.
Another trend that threaded through the show was the importance of self-care and mental health. Several sessions, and a few booths, addressed mental wellness issues faced by both the security and law enforcement communities. Discussions centered on seeking professional help, accessing resources and support services without stigma, practicing stress management, building social connections and communication skills, and tapping into personal strengths.
Careers
Private security is a popular second career for retired law enforcement officials, but the corporate world and its responsibilities can come as a shock to public servants. The final day of the conference was devoted to global law enforcement, with special educational tracks and events. Security executives from Coca-Cola and Visa described their career trajectories from policing into corporate security. Another panel explored the journeys of three security professionals who overcame a series of failures and ultimately persevered after transitioning from long careers in law enforcement.
Several sessions touched on public-private partnerships and the critical roles of communication and trust in those relationships. These relationships were featured in sessions covering diverse topics such as threat investigations, school safety, organized retail crime, identity theft and the 2017 Mandalay Bay shooting.
This article captures just a bit of the synergy present between law enforcement and private security, as well as the enormous opportunity that exists between these two worlds. Beyond looking for a post-retirement job, private security conferences offer a largely untapped opportunity for relevant education, networking and technology.
