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Security and surveillance

Security measures by the current Government have focused on terrorism and anti-social behaviour (see decreasing tolerance of anti-social behaviour).  In response to an increased perception of threat, high visibility measures such as ASBOs and higher levels of community policing have developed, alongside greater surveillance measures, including CCTV, ID cards and use of biometric data.

What are the implications?

• High visibility measures may reassure citizens who perceive there is a high level of threat and may also reduce levels of crime.
• Measures to increase safety form an integral part of policies to strengthen social cohesion.
• Public spaces are increasingly policed and monitored not only by the State, but by private security companies.
• Privacy concerns as more information is held on individuals and some object to what they see as a ‘big brother’ state.
• As more people have access to the internet and broadband, covert surveillance such as Spyware may become more widespread.
• Civil liberties concerns around aspects of a number of security policies such as the anti-terrorist Act and the naming and shaming of children with ASBOs may increase.
• Security and surveillance may become greater priorities for public spending.

Moving forward

Developing social cohesion and building social capital is a key part of creating ‘safer’ feeling communities.  VCOs are often able to reach and help give a voice to sectors of society, such as those responsible for ‘anti-social behaviour’ that others find ‘hard-to-reach’.

• Does your organisation have a role in tackling the causes of anti-social behaviour?
• Can you help facilitate dialogue between those seen as responsible for anti-social behaviour and the wider community?

Has your organisation taken appropriate security measures?

• Are you aware of any specific risks that terrorism poses to your organisation? 
• What measures have you taken to manage these risks?
• Have you ensured adequate software to tackle viruses and spyware is in operation on your computers?

 Want to know more?

This driver is a stub and will be completed soon.  Here we will link to external documents and resources for further reading.