David Douglas, AWZ Ventures discusses the roles that AI-based X-ray screening, video analytics and facial intelligence play in keeping people safe over the Thanksgiving holiday.

The holiday feeling

Thanksgiving, a time for gathering with loved ones, bustling holiday travel and Black Friday shopping frenzies, unfortunately brings with it a surge in criminal activity.

Large crowds, heightened distractions and unoccupied properties create a perfect storm for crimes such as airport security breaches, commercial burglaries and even predatory behavior in shopping malls.

With over 30 years of law enforcement experience and my current role as Client Business Executive Director at AWZ Ventures, I’ve observed how technology, particularly AI-driven solutions, can be a game-changer in mitigating these risks.

Here’s how advanced tools like those from Corsight AI and NeuralGuard are shaping the future of public safety during high-risk periods like Thanksgiving.

The rush at airports

Thanksgiving week sees airports teeming with travelers, creating fertile ground for concealed threats to go unnoticed.

Traditional screening methods often struggle under the pressure of large volumes, leading to increased wait times and potential gaps in security.

NeuralGuard’s advanced X-ray screening technology fills this critical gap.

By using AI algorithms to detect concealed weapons and explosives with unmatched precision, NeuralGuard enhances airport security efficiency without compromising safety.

Whether screening thousands of bags or ensuring that sterile zones remain uncompromised, this technology keeps travelers safe in high-pressure environments.

Vacant commercial spaces

As retailers prepare for Black Friday, stores often stockpile inventory, making them prime targets for burglary.

The chaos of Thanksgiving weekend offers a convenient cover for criminals seeking to exploit these vulnerabilities.

This is where Corsight AI’s pattern detection technology comes into play.

By analyzing surveillance footage in real-time, Corsight AI identifies suspicious behavior, such as repeated loitering around closed commercial spaces or tampering with locks.

These early warning signs can alert security personnel before a burglary occurs, protecting assets and minimizing losses during this critical retail period.

Protecting families at malls

Shopping malls become holiday hubs during Thanksgiving, attracting families, including children.

Unfortunately, these crowded spaces can also draw individuals with malicious intent, including sex offenders.

Corsight AI’s watchlist alerting system is a vital tool in addressing this threat.

By cross-referencing faces captured on surveillance cameras with known offender databases, this technology enables mall security teams to identify and intercept potential threats before harm occurs.

Its ability to function in real-world conditions – low visibility, crowded environments and poor camera angles – ensures families can shop with peace of mind.

The bigger picture

The rise in Thanksgiving-related crimes is a reminder of the importance of integrating advanced security solutions into everyday environments.

AI technologies like those from Corsight AI and NeuralGuard don’t just respond to incidents; they proactively prevent them.

By analyzing patterns, detecting anomalies and identifying high-risk individuals, these tools are transforming public safety, ensuring that holidays are a time for celebration – not fear.

In a world where the nature of crime is becoming increasingly sophisticated, our security measures must evolve in kind.

Thanksgiving should be about gratitude and togetherness, not vulnerability.

By leveraging AI-driven solutions, we can safeguard the spaces where memories are made, ensuring that the holiday spirit remains untainted by the shadows of crime.

As we enter the Thanksgiving season, let’s embrace the potential of these advanced technologies to protect our communities.

The true spirit of the holidays – safety, love and connection – deserves nothing less.