An intelligent lighting system employs energy efficient outdoor lighting and intelligent sensor technology in cooperation with video analytics processing. The lighting system selectively illuminates outdoor spaces and identifies and evaluates events in a scene monitored by a video camera, thereby to facilitate proactive and appropriate security responses to those events. Selective use of advanced lighting fixtures may significantly reduce costs of lighting areas that are monitored by security systems such as streets, public parks, and parking lots, while simultaneously improving security, safety, and traffic control. Energy savings alone, for a properly designed system, are estimated at 50%-90% of current usage. When combined with remote monitoring, such systems may prevent accidents and criminal activity.