An automated threat detection and deterrence apparatus includes an imaging device configured to detect a subject in a subject area, a deterrent component including a directed light deterrent, wherein the directed light deterrent includes a first deterrent mode and a second deterrent mode, the directed light deterrent is configured to perform a first deterrent action on the subject when in the first mode, the directed light deterrent is configured to perform a second deterrent action on the subject when in the second mode, and a processor communicatively connected to the imaging device and the deterrent component, wherein the processor is configured to identify the subject as a function of the detection of the subject, determine a behavior descriptor associated with the subject, select one of the first deterrent mode and the second deterrent mode and command the directed light deterrent to perform an action based on the selection.