The U.S. Secret Service is using advanced video surveillance technology to help secure the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York City. While the agency maintains a visible presence throughout the city, it also relies on a network of cameras managed by its Video Technology Branch (VTB) to support protective operations.
Preparation for this year’s UNGA began months in advance, with VTB identifying strategic locations and installing cameras before world leaders arrived. “The camera feed from our devices provides real-time information to our communication center, which can then relay it to our agents and officers on the ground. This gives them the most accurate and up-to-date information,” said Jean Paul, a VTB security specialist who requested partial anonymity.
Multiple camera feeds are monitored at several command posts, which serve as nerve centers for coordinating protection during National Special Security Events (NSSEs). The Department of Homeland Security designates such events, allowing the Secret Service to provide heightened security measures.
In addition to UNGA, VTB has supported other major events including the Army’s 250th Birthday Parade in Washington, D.C., the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Forum in San Francisco.
“It’s a critical component, because as decision makers are sitting at the communication center, they have ‘eyes on’ at every location where an incident might occur. This allows them to make informed decisions in a split second,” Jean-Paul added.
Camera placement is determined with input from external partners who have expertise in local challenges such as power supply reliability and environmental obstacles like trees or buildings. Once installed, high-resolution cameras allow command centers to monitor activity closely. If a suspicious vehicle is detected, details like make, model, license plate number—and sometimes even driver description—can be quickly shared with agents and law enforcement partners on site.
“The capabilities on these cameras are impressive,” Jean Paul said. “One of the things we try to do is stay with the most up-to-date, cutting-edge technology.”
Eric Davila, chief of VTB, noted that artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning tools are being piloted during UNGA. These technologies can identify suspicious activities or objects; for example, an unattended bag would trigger an alert after a set time period. AI tools can then help review footage to determine who left it behind.
“By using AI and machine learning technology, we can identify suspicious activity quickly using these tools. But also if an event occurs and we need to investigate something, we can jump straight to the events as identified by the technology,” Davila explained.
Depending on results from this pilot program at UNGA, there may be wider adoption of these technologies at future events such as the White House Easter Egg Roll—where tracking separated children or parents could be made easier through AI search functions.
Rick, another technical security investigator who asked not to use his last name for privacy reasons, stressed that teamwork is essential for addressing issues during large-scale events like UNGA. He said that maintaining overall safety requires staying ahead of potential threats: “Having real-time information helps us stay on the leading edge of our responses, whether it's chem, bio, radiological, hazmat, whatever's going on in the areas where we have protectees,” Rick said. “We're going to be the first ones to know.”
