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?
Published by: The Guardian
Date: Ongoing
Format: Web
What is it? A specialised section of the Guardian website focussing on surveillance issues within the UK. It consists of articles, videos, blogs and public discussions.
How useful is this? While not focussed primarily on the future this large and detailed section provides a very useful focal point for UK surveillance related information. The main theme is that of government surveillance of citizens; how data is collected, what happens to that data, and issues arising from this (including CCTV surveillance, DNA collection, police activity and response etc).
Published by: The Guardian
Date: Ongoing
Format: Web
What is it? A specialised section of the Guardian website focussing on security issues within the UK with a focus on crime and terrorism. It consists of articles, videos, audio, interactive guides, blogs and public discussions.
How useful is this? While not primarily focussed on the future this large and detailed section provides a very useful focal point for UK security related information. The main theme is that of crime and terrorism; how the government is responding to changing security risks (including cyber attack and terrorism), what more needs to be done, as well as issues around civil liberties with links to surveillance.
Other comments: A further list of useful and relevant links can be found on the left hand side of the page.
A Report on the Surveillance Society
Published by: The Surveillance Studies Network (SSN)
Date: 2006
Format: PDF (517KB)
What is it? A report and scenarios published for the UK Information Commissioner by the Surveillance Studies Network examining the pervasiveness of surveillance within our society and the many issues that arise from this.
How useful is this? This report essentially looks in detail at the history of surveillance, how increasing pervasiveness and integration – much at a subtle level – has led to the surveillance society we have today, and the major issues and consequences that result from this. Section C is especially useful for anyone wanting an original, creative but also realistic overview of how surveillance may look in the future. It examines two case studies of an average easy to relate to family firstly based in the contemporary (2006) surveillance society, and then again 10 years after that. This future scenario focuses on increasingly intelligent CCTV and monitoring technology, national ID cards, as well as debates on access to and use of personal information. The report ends by looking at regulation, what’s wrong with current regulation and suggestions and opinions on what is needed in the future.
Other comments: The Scotland Herald wrote an informative piece summarising the future scenario envisaged within the report. It can be found here.
A smaller summary of the report, the appendices, as well as a public discussion document can be found on the SSN website.
The Surveillance Studies Network also publish a quarterly peer reviewed journal. It is very academic and may be difficult to quickly engage with provide a wealth of in depth approaches to surveillance on very specific and particular subjects.
Discuss
How will this affect your organisation? Have you considered it during your strategic planning? Can you share any interesting relevant links?
Log in or join for free to comment.