HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Huntsville Hospital has rolled out a suite of advanced security tools across its campus to boost protection for patients, staff and guests. Leadership has directed investment over three years to integrate artificial intelligence systems that oversee daily activity and respond to incidents.
The hospital’s security team deployed facial recognition software alongside license plate reading (LPR) technology at key entrances. Those tools strengthen tracking of individuals and vehicles that come and go. “If we have a bad actor at one of our facilities, whether they exhibit traits of workplace violence or have committed thefts, we can just insert their photo into the system,” said Zach Sledge, security technology manager at Huntsville Hospital. “Then we will get a notification the moment they come back on our property.”
More than 1,800 cameras powered by AI now scan interior corridors, parking lots and perimeters. Configured to spot people and behavior patterns, the system can detect a fall in a lobby, a person loitering near an entrance or sounds associated with a medical crisis. Security staff get real-time alerts when any unusual event takes place.
LPR technology has already led to arrests of two suspects who broke into vehicles parked on hospital grounds. In a separate case, police used video recordings to identify a vehicle and physical descriptions after a bank robbery spilled onto the hospital property. Those details proved crucial for a swift arrest.
Late last month, the security team added self-service kiosks at three sites: the main campus, Women’s and Children’s Hospital and Madison Hospital. Visitors use these stations to check in, print badges and access wayfinding maps under staff supervision.
Security personnel have undergone instruction to manage AI alerts and operate the kiosk network. Teams partner with local law enforcement and emergency responders.
Officials plan to extend AI-powered monitoring to off-site clinics. Data encryption standards and strict access controls protect all video feeds from unauthorized use.
