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by Josh Calixto
For decades, public safety agencies have served as early adopters of cutting-edge security technology. Tasked with protecting lives and maintaining order in unpredictable environments, these organizations have had to innovate faster than most—integrating AI, smart sensors, and real-time communication tools long before they became commonplace in the private sector.
What’s emerging now is a higher-level shift, as the tools pioneered for police departments, emergency responders, and city infrastructures are finding valuable new applications in other industries.
A Shining Example for Smart Security
City governments and public agencies are already applying smart technologies to great effect. Their surveillance systems can recognize weapons or unusual activity, with automated alerts triggered by sound, motion, or even license plate readers. Their biometric scanners integrate with real-time threat databases, while IoT-connected streetlights and environmental monitors help prevent crimes before they happen.
But when it comes to bringing security into a new era, public safety technology has successfully adjusted to two key evolutions that every industry should be taking cues from:
- Artificial intelligence: In a recent national survey, over 90% of public safety professionals voiced support for AI solutions—especially those that enhance real-time situational awareness.
- Data privacy: Meanwhile, nearly 85% of respondents reported experiencing cybersecurity incidents, making resilient infrastructure a non-negotiable foundation for public operations.
From Safer Streets to More Secure Branches
Branches aren't just transaction points; they’re community touchstones that draw significant daily foot traffic and carry high-value assets. Unfortunately, this makes them vulnerable to all sorts of threats, from armed robbery to workplace violence. Traditional security systems are often reactive: they record what happened but typically don’t have the ability to prevent incidents in real time. Modern public safety technology is introducing new ways to change that. Financial institutions now have the opportunity to:
- Deploy AI tools that detect weapons and suspicious behavior as it happens
- Send discreet, instant alerts to security teams or local law enforcement
- Maintain regulatory compliance by processing data entirely on-premises
- Integrate seamlessly with existing camera systems and infrastructure
One standout solution discussed in the FTSI webinar was AEYE Defend, an AI-powered weapon detection platform. Originally designed for public agencies, AEYE Defend has found new relevance in financial environments.
What makes AEYE Defend distinct is its ability to detect threats before they become incidents. The system scans live surveillance feeds using AI trained to recognize weapons and high-risk behaviors, then sends real-time alerts to authorized personnel—quietly and quickly. Because the data remains on-premises, institutions can ensure regulatory compliance without exposing customer or employee information to third-party systems.
What Comes Next
The convergence of public safety and fintech is still just beginning, but as AI, machine learning, and IoT sensors become more accessible and affordable, we’ll see broader adoption across industries that depend on both human safety and operational excellence.
Financial institutions have a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve by adopting technology already proven in the public sector.
To find out how your financial institution can leverage public safety-grade threat detection for your business, contact us at solutions@ftsius.com