Systems (100) and methods (600-900) for adaptively controlling a transmitter field in an EAS detection system. The methods comprise: detecting the presence of a first person located in proximity to a first pedestal of the EAS detection system using a first proximity sensor disposed on the first pedestal; determining a first distance value representing a distance from the first pedestal to the first person whose presence was previously detected using distance information obtained from the first proximity sensor; using the first distance value to select a criteria for use in determining whether the alarm issuance should be inhibited; and adaptively controlling the alarm issuance if the criteria which was previously selected is met based at least on a first amplitude of a security tag signal received at the first pedestal.