In the five years that Pro-Vigil has conducted The State of Physical Security survey, one thing has been clear – physical security continues to be an issue for businesses across the country and crime is having an impact on their bottom line. What were the impacts in 2024? And what are businesses doing, if anything, to combat incidents in the new year? The fifth annual edition of the survey covers that and more. Let’s take a look at some of the key findings.
Turning to AI
Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot have gained popularity among the masses in recent years. What many business leaders still don’t realize is that AI is also hard at work behind the scenes of physical security solutions like remote video monitoring (RVM) services, helping spot suspicious activity and speed up the detection and response process vital to keeping them secure.
The State of Physical Security Entering 2025 report showed that while an education and adoption gap still exists, businesses are catching on. Only 7% of business leaders polled said they are using AI in their physical security strategy, while 36% believe AI can be a useful tool in stopping these incidents from taking place. 36% may not be a majority, but it’s up 7% from last year’s report, showing the gap is beginning to close as businesses continue investing in physical security solutions and technologies that can result in real business benefits far beyond security alone.
Video Surveillance Reigns Supreme
In the face of rising crime, Pro-Vigil took a step back and asked respondents what strategies they are deploying to combat thieves and vandals. Respondents indicated installing video surveillance cameras as their number one change made (47%) – the top answer every year the survey has been conducted.
Additionally, 45% said they use RVM services – and not just for security. Many respondents report using video monitoring for purposes beyond security including monitoring worksite conditions (39%), customer/employee liability incidents (24%), and employee performance (22%) rounding out the top three use cases.
Security Survey Results
In conducting the survey for The State of Physical Security report, Pro-Vigil polled more than 160 business leaders across a variety of industries to understand how their physical security challenges and strategies evolved in 2024, as well as their outlook for 2025. Additional findings include:
- 91% of respondents said physical security incidents increased or stayed the same in 2024, with12% of that total reporting an increase.
- Rising local crime (23%) and the state of the economy (15%) were the top two reasons companies believe incidents increased.
- Looking ahead to 2025, nearly a quarter (23%) of respondents believe incidents will increase in the year ahead, with 64% predicting they will stay the same.
There’s much more to explore. To check out the 2025 results, download the full State of Physical Security Entering 2025 report now. Want to learn more about how Pro-Vigil can help secure your business? Contact us today.
