First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other

For this supervisor role, we found no example of a single AI system doing all the work. Supervisors need judgment and people skills that are hard to automate. Instead, AI is mostly helping with parts of the job.

For example, companies have started using patrol robots in buildings: one news report describes five-foot machines that scan for fired alarms or unusual movement while human guards watch along ^[1]. These robots “complement” guards – making the guards’ work easier – rather than taking their place ^[1]. Police departments have also tested AI devices, such as Boston Dynamics’ “robot dog” (Spot) on dangerous calls.

Spot costs about $75,000 each and is used where risk to officers is high ^[2]. In another area, agencies use AI in surveillance cameras and sensors: an OECD report notes that police apply AI to analyze video and data faster and more accurately, improving threat detection and response times ^[3]. There are even AI tools for support tasks.

For instance, one sheriff’s office used an AI video tool to translate a safety message into several languages automatically, saving staff time ^[4]. In short, technology is helping with routine patrols, monitoring, and communications – but the core leadership, planning and decision‐making still fall to human supervisors. Human judgement and empathy remain crucial.

Whether AI is adopted quickly depends on many factors. On the plus side, AI can save money and effort. One report estimated that a security patrol robot could save about \$79,000 per year per guard by handling routine checks ^[1].

AI can also optimize resources and free people for complex tasks ^[3]. With guard shortages in some places, the promise of “glowing eyes” robots or smart cameras is attractive. However, adoption can be slow because of cost, trust and ethics.

Robots and AI systems are expensive and need maintenance – the NTYPÂ Spot unit itself costs tens of thousands ^[2]. More importantly, people deeply trust human officers, so any AI use must be handled carefully ^[3]. Experts warn that mistakes (so-called “hallucinations” by AI) can spread false information and break that trust ^[4].

For now, most organizations use AI as a helper, not a replacement. As one security news story put it, robots “complement” human guards so people can focus on higher-level work ^[1]. In summary, AI tools are available and growing, but practical and ethical concerns mean that first-line supervisors will still rely heavily on their human skills for the foreseeable future.