In Las Vegas, there are two risks that weigh heavily on the mind of casino operators, violence and COVID-19. Over the past few months, casinos have been trying to operate while implementing safety and health measures for the coronavirus pandemic. On top of that, facilities have been faced with a new threat, violent acts on the strip. Shootings, fights and other acts of violence have unfortunately become common place in the region. To try and combat both, the Plaza Hotel & Casino has decided to add a new artificial intelligence style surveillance system to the property. The system can look for fevers as well as hidden firearms.
Plaza Casino Going High Tech
The casino is using new technology to take care of both threats. When a threat is detected, such as a fever or firearm, the system will alert the security staff of the casino. Threats include guns, knives, bombs, and even disturbances such as fights or altercations. Coronavirus symptoms like fevers as well as people without masks are also detected.
On top of that, the system will detect inappropriate social distancing and excessive occupancy in a space. Overall, the new PATSCAN Multi-Sensor Covert Threat Detection Platform provides an all-around security system for the casino covering all potential threats.
Canadian-based company Patriot One Technologies is behind the technology and installed it inside the casino. The technology is hidden inside the walls of the casino and uses several sensors to detect issues within the property.
Artificial intelligence directs the system and software is used to learn experiences as it monitors for any possible on-site threats. According to Peter Evans, the CEO of Patriot One, the platform is driven by AI and will use a network of sensors to detect situations or information. This information is then used to provide action to the user.
Sensors will be installed near the entrance of the property to help detect issues coming in as well as within the immediate outside area. Visitors will not be able to see the monitoring system as it functions. Anyone with a fever, or hiding an item like a firearm, will be approached by security members immediately as the system directs them to do so.
Fighting the Virus and Violence
The installation of this new system comes at a time when Las Vegas is struggling with coronavirus cases as well as an onslaught of violence. Las Vegas Metropolitan police have been trying for several weeks to stop the increase in violence. Patrols have increased and officers are on foot and on the roadways to try and reduce crime.
The number of coronavirus cases have also increased. Both of these issues have led to a need for such technology as that system being installed in the Plaza Casino. With this non-invasive system, the casino can remove a potential threat, be it physical or health wise, before anyone is in harms way.
It will be interesting to see how the upgraded system works and if any other casinos decide to do something similar within their properties.
