Culture & Security Risk Management: 4 Country, 5 City Comparison

Not only is the word security distinctly different around the world, but so too is the culture which enables, shapes and supports protective and preventative 'security' initiatives.

The following article offers a global fly around of security risk management in varied contexts within different public environments.

Firstly, unpacking online search results, demonstrated not only is security definitions and terms highly varied but it also modified by context.

Above all else, security remains very personal, according to ideology, experience, culture, gender, age and community influences such as insecurity, unsafe, representation and cognitive threat/risk awareness.

One size does not fit all, despite the seeming similarity of crowds and public groups.

That is, a public crowd can be comprised of locals, visitors, transients and disparate clustering of heterogeneous individuals.

Culture is both local and something you take with you, from which you view the world and local environment in which you current inhabit.

Fear, Uncertainty and Doubt

Feelings wax and wain....security measures are mostly permanent. Certainly much longer than individual and community sentiment.

Returning to the crowd concept, any one group of people have a mix of feelings at any particular time. That is, some may be happy, sad, fearful, uncertain or laden with doubt. Paradoxically, the crowd and environment may create feelings of inclusion, insecurity, unsafe and doubt. Especially if view from alternate perspectives such as gender, culture or by visitors to the area.

What may make 'sense' in terms of security at the time, may loose relevance or create and distort individual feelings over time, including safety.

Security for who, when and at what time/s?

The next few images are taken from personal, international travels. The objective is to make comparisons of perceived threats and the public security measures applied as a result, across cultural lines. In other words, what one city and local community feels about security threats such as terrorism, is translated and physically implemented in vastly different ways, resulting in vastly different aesthetics, protection and norms.

France

Paris

Not long after a series of public terrorist attacks from marauding/active shooters, I was fortunate to be in France with work.

Albeit extremely discreet, Paris (particularly high tourist visitation areas) is a city of fortifications ranging from ancient times to present day. Some are prominent due to sharp, asymmetrical lines in environments not consistent with harsh Euclidean geometry. In other words, square concrete blocks aren't consistent with century old palaces. However, many tourists (some oblivious to the intent) capitalised on the additional streetscape and used the blocks for countless selfies and elevated photo opportunities of the stunning surrounds. Armed police and military roamed the area as public guardians and custodians of peace.

Public security and public space appeared consistent with the objective of open, inviting and safety public experiences.

Nice

Much further south, towards a more coastal region of France, Nice took a different approach. Art and security became one. Contemporary shapes, solid obstacles and fortified bollards segmented pedestrians and vehicles. Even those with malicious intent. Straight lines appeared where straight lines existed for centuries before, and more rounded or 'softer' shapes presented occasional new additions in other areas in order to prevent a clash of cultural aesthetics.

Communities and areas all over France routinely utilised and installed retractable, reinforced steel bollards to control and regulate access.

Australia

Melbourne, Victoria

Following a mass fatality event using a motor vehicle in Melbourne, Australia, hasty solutions were applied. Harsh, bare concrete and construction materials were used and remained in place for years.

Late public security measures demonstrated the resistance and lack of support by government and community, until a major, fatal incident occurred.

The obstacles were then gratified and became and eyesore for locals and visitors alike.

Correction and catch up remain ongoing across the city.

However, 'damage' was done and public security measures in this instance were more corrective than preventative.

Pakistan

Quetta

In an area considered 'hostile' to locals and visitors alike, design, culture and beauty remain. In a far north area of Pakistan, close to the Afghanistan border, during time of high military conflict, and oasis prevailed.

Thick fortified walls to protect agains mortar and rocket attacks, heavily fortified walls and doors and armed patrols did not dampen the visual aesthetics.

Most professionals will notice and acknowledge the small potted planters as sub-optimal physical security and protection from vehicles, but it is culturally tolerable.

An excellent example of the cultural trade-off between life and security, in hazardous environments.

United States

New York

Not surprisingly, New York is a very security and terrorism aware city, as expected by most visitors. I was there at a time when President Trump was in residence, resulting in significantly more security agency representation and activity.

Some security measures are subtle, some are confronting. While US Citizens are familiar and comfortable with the military appearance and resourcing of their police, it is a cultural adjustment for visitors. It does make one feel like you are in a hostile environment too.

What is natural in one community can result in security and cultural cognitive dissonance for others

United Kingdom

London

London is another city familiar with and diligent in their approach to terrorism and terrorist tactics. As a result, there are subtle and stark reminders around the city, especially where there are high volumes of foot traffic and tourist attractions.

Some physical security features 'blend' with the environment, others pay respects to nautical and historical protection practices across the UK and Commonwealth.

Security is ever present, especially when it comes to camera and video surveillance.

Discipline, control, constraint, history and protection are ever present throughout the city.

What may work here in terms of security may not be culturally appropriate or acceptable in other, even Commonwealth locations.

Integration

Security remains a community pursuit and approval process. That is, security is a public and private community sport. There are winners and losers. The stakes are high.

Built environment, fortified design, high-tech trade-offs and public freedoms all play a role, not to mention cost.

Security integration is much, much harder than stated in the brochures.

Time Cycles

Security measures take time. Some are cheap, fast and nasty. Others are elegant, sustaining and costly. Choices are made.

Many choices are made by individuals far removed from an understanding of the threat, security sciences or public safety.

Success has many fathers, failure is an orphan.

At a time of limited and restricted international travel, I thought the above reminders and examples of security across cultural and temporal scales was timely for governments, security professionals and corporates.

Fortified existence has been a trait of humans and communities for centuries. Some are returning to these influences. High walls, gated communities and armed sentinels observing the coming/going of all.

Beware the habits and practices perpetrated or justified in the name of security

Tony Ridley, MSc CSyP MSyl M.ISRM

Security, Risk & Management Sciences