Specifically Speaking: Hugh Sonk discusses the impact of AI and cameras on physical security design

CHICAGO—Hugh Sonk, senior physical security consultant with Stantec Consulting Services, sees advancements in AI analytics and cameras as a tremendous benefit when it comes to physical security design.

“The capabilities of AI are rapidly advancing, enabling us to achieve more efficient and effective security solutions than ever before,” he said. “The advancements in cameras featuring object detection and attribute extraction are particularly exciting. I incorporate these capabilities almost exclusively in my designs.”

As part of Security Systems News’ monthly column Specifically Speaking, the following is an exclusive Q&A with Sonk:

SSN: What's your role at the company?

SONK: I serve as a subject matter expert in physical security, developing Basis of Design documents for our projects, writing specifications, selecting equipment, and supervising our security designers who are responsible for project layouts and CAD/Revit work.

SSN: What kinds of systems do you design/specify, and what services does the company provide?

SONK: Physical security falls under the Buildings umbrella and is part of Specialty Services, specifically the Technology Group. The Technology Group encompasses a variety of technologies integral to modern buildings, including ICT cabling infrastructure, audio-visual systems, and physical security.

I lead the physical security team in the Chicago office, focusing primarily on video surveillance, intrusion detection, access control, perimeter protection, license plate recognition, visitor management, weapons detection, threat assessments, and site surveys.

SSN: What vertical markets does the company specialize in? Any interesting projects that you can mention?

SONK: We primarily work in vertical markets such as health care, data centers, warehousing and logistics facilities, general office and tenant buildings, and university campuses.

One particularly interesting project we are currently completing involves a local university with an urban campus and several high-rise parking structures that have experienced security issues.  After studying the architecture, conducting site visits, and discussing crime trends with local law enforcement, we decided to incorporate advanced AI analytics along with cameras featuring real-time attribute extraction.

The AI-equipped cameras will determine which views populate the monitors in the Security Operations Center (SOC) at any given time. This should help reduce operator fatigue, as displayed cameras will show only the information that requires human review and may necessitate intervention to prevent criminal activity.

Beyond the AI and object detection capabilities, the system can identify aggressive voices, glass breaking, gunshots, and other sounds indicative of emergencies, automatically bringing relevant camera feeds to the SOC.

SSN: How did you get started in security and designing/specifying?

SONK: I led a security integration company for several years and often encountered designs that I felt were inadequately executed by the design firms. This motivated me to transition to the “other side” of the industry, focusing on design and specification, which I have been doing for nearly a decade.

SSN: What is your view on the industry moving forward?

SONK: The physical security industry is at an incredibly exciting juncture. Corporations and institutions are increasingly recognizing the importance of safeguarding their occupants, leading to a greater willingness to invest in physical security measures compared to previous years.

This is also a promising time for professionals in the field. I have never seen so many job postings for physical security experts, from designers to senior consultants and in-house security directors. Opportunities abound, accompanied by competitive salaries that reflect the industry's growing significance.

In summary, the future of physical security looks very bright, with ample opportunities for growth, innovation, and advancement.