How AI Camera Analytics and Access Control Systems Automate Tailgate Detection

A secure entrance is only effective when everyone entering follows the proper access procedures. Yet one of the most common physical security vulnerabilities can begin with a simple act of politeness: an employee holding the door open for someone behind them. Tailgating and piggybacking remain recurring access control challenges [1], even in facilities equipped with electronic credentials.

Combining artificial intelligence (AI) camera analytics with Physical Access Control Systems (PACS) gives organizations a way to detect these incidents automatically while reducing the need for constant manual monitoring.

How AI Camera Analytics and Access Control Work Together 

Traditional access control systems record credential activity, but a valid badge swipe does not necessarily mean only one person entered. Integrated AI video analytics can compare physical entry counts with access control events to identify discrepancies [2].

Overhead cameras monitor individuals crossing a designated entry point while the PACS records authorized badge swipes. If two people pass through a doorway after only one credential is presented, the system can flag a potential tailgating event.

Depending on the platform and configuration, detected incidents can generate real-time alerts and associated video records for security personnel to review [2]. This creates a more complete record of activity than credential logs alone.

Closing the Security Gap Created by Courtesy 

Tailgating does not always involve someone deliberately attempting to defeat security. Employees may instinctively hold doors for colleagues, visitors or unfamiliar individuals without considering whether those people have presented valid credentials.

This behavior creates a difficult challenge for security teams. Access control research has identified tailgating, piggybacking and propped doors as recurring workplace security issues [1], demonstrating why electronic credentials alone cannot address every entry-related risk.

Automated detection helps close this gap by identifying mismatches between authorized entries and actual foot traffic. Rather than stationing an officer at every doorway or turnstile, organizations can use alerts and recorded footage to prioritize incidents requiring attention.

Using Automated Alerts to Improve Security Oversight 

Integrating AI cameras with PACS allows security teams to move beyond reviewing isolated badge transactions. Tailgating alerts can appear alongside other access control events [3], helping personnel investigate suspicious entries and respond more efficiently.

Recorded incidents can also reveal recurring problems at particular entrances or during busy periods. Security managers can use these findings to evaluate entry procedures, adjust monitoring practices and identify opportunities for additional employee training.

However, automated detection should support security personnel rather than replace their judgment. A flagged event indicates a possible access violation, not definitive proof that an individual entered without authorization.

Addressing HR Policies and Workplace Culture 

Technology introduces an important human consideration: what happens when an executive holds the door for an employee who has not swiped their badge?

If every detected incident automatically becomes a disciplinary violation, a system intended to improve security could create unnecessary workplace friction. Employee monitoring raises privacy and labor-relations concerns [4], making policy development essential before deployment.

Organizations should coordinate with HR, legal counsel and union representatives where applicable to establish clear expectations, appropriate incident-review procedures and consistent enforcement. Security teams should also explain how the technology works, why individual credential use matters and how employees can raise concerns.

Ongoing training and transparent communication help employees understand new security technology [5] while reinforcing a workplace culture that values both courtesy and secure access.

Strengthen Your Access Control Strategy With Surveillance Secure 

AI-powered tailgate detection brings video surveillance and access control together to address a security vulnerability that credentials alone can miss. Successful deployment requires the right camera placement, system integration and employee policies.

Surveillance Secure can help your organization explore how integrated security technologies fit its facility and operational needs. 

Contact Surveillance Secure today to discuss a smarter approach to access control and automated tailgate detection.

 

Sources:

1. https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/02/access-control/access-control-consultants/
2. https://www.acti.com/applications/tailgating-detection
3. https://help.verkada.com/access-control/integrations-and-alerts/configure-access-control-event-alerts/access-control-tailgate-detection
4. https://www.shrm.org/topics-tools/employment-law-compliance/viewpoint-union-strategies-to-confront-automation-workplace
5. https://www.asisonline.org/security-management-magazine/articles/2024/10/culture/new-technology-security-culture/