Security chiefs in schools and universities have entered 2026 under a challenging set of circumstances, reported G4S.
In the latest G4S and Allied Universal report, it found that 45% of security chiefs report that the threat of violence toward executives has increased over the last two years – one of the highest rates across all sectors.
“The primary security goal”
Rachelle Loyear, Vice President, Integrated Security Solutions at Allied Universal said: “The safety of students and faculty is always the primary security goal for in-house teams, but the safety of campus leadership has now become an additional top-tier concern for security chiefs in the education sector.”
Smart campus model
At the same time, the sector is pivoting to AI-powered technology and smart security infrastructure: 41% of security chiefs say that both AI-powered video surveillance and analytics and AI-powered intrusion detection and perimeter security are crucial technologies for their operations over the next two years.
Nearly four in 10 (39%) say the same about smart security infrastructure – a network of connected devices and systems that work together to protect people, data and property using automation, sensors and real‑time monitoring.
Close to half (45%) of security chiefs in the sector state investment in new security technology and infrastructure is their top budget priority this year.
“Exactly where it is needed most”
Loyear continued: “The move toward a ‘smart campus’ is less about replacing people – and more about making sure security officers are in the right place at the right time.
“AI-powered tech gives smaller teams an extra set of eyes to monitor vast campuses more effectively.
“This ensures that the expertise of the security professional is focused exactly where it is needed most,” she concluded.
World Security Report
These are key findings from the World Security Report, commissioned by Allied Universal®, the world’s leading security and facility services provider, and its international business, G4S.
2,352 chief security officers (CSOs) in 31 countries at medium and large, global companies with total revenue exceeding $25 trillion took part in the research. 99 CSOs from the education sector were surveyed.
