I527-290 ESRIF Final Report (WEB).indd - European Commission

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Mobilisation of citizens for enhancement of societal security
Citizens have to be prepared for security incidents and to behave optimally to avoid personal harm. A signifi cant challenge
is to strengthen their behaviour in case of security incidents and calamities. Citizens have an enormous capacity for
observation of signals indicating the risk of a potential security incident, they are usually the best position for the very
fi rst response to the incident and they can contribute to the emergency response immediately after it has occurred (see
Working Groups 2 and 4).
Protection of soft targets
Soft targets are all those places where people routinely reside, gather or recreate while not in transit or where the public
is admitted, as well as some forms of public transportation, whether they require exceptional security plans (major events)
or not (fi xed targets). The primary goal of any initiative devoted to protecting soft targets should always be the protection
of people. The scope of this action is to introduce proactive and coordinated measures in collaboration with the private
sector to strengthen the protection of soft targets, the ultimate aim of which is to guarantee normal life. In particular,
certain categories of travelling groups, including pilgrims, immigrants and displaced persons, require heightened protective
measures, especially in terms of receiving coordinated response measures and security warnings. Targets that require special
attention are VIP’s and major events.
Resilience of society for calamities
After large scale disasters or security calamities the transport infrastructure for the rapid evacuation of people from
dangerous areas has been downsized in a number of cases. An infrastructure with a good balance of transport corridors
and shelter areas for large number of people can greatly reduce the number of potential victims.
Warning systems and new interventions concerning terrorist acts by organised groups and networks
Prevention and suppression of organised criminal activities
Creation of cross-cultural, cross-generational and cross-societal links
In order to increase the resilience of society and its resistance towards violence, human links of solidarity should be created
across cities between communities, between rich and poor, between the highly educated and the undereducated. The
methodology used should value the potential represented by local communities and newcomers, and the resource that
culture represents. Such methodology should furthermore be oriented towards the development of practical solutions and
allow all members of society to participate.
1.2.1.3 Systemic needs
The well-balanced functioning of a secure society requires more than capabilities. The society should provide suited
arrangements and infrastructure for eff ective responses to undesired behaviour, acts and developments. Essential systemic
needs concern:
Legislation
The Hague Programme highlighted the need to develop an EU intelligence-led law enforcement mechanism to enable
decision makers to defi ne European law enforcement strategies based on thorough assessments. Availability of and access
to information, production of European criminal intelligence and enhanced trust between law enforcement authorities at
European and international level, constitute its core elements.
A common European structure for cooperation between actors involved in urban security
Definition of the goals and the implementation of security at urban level require involvement of all actors of security
and prevention – local and regional authorities, police, judiciary, administration, health and social workers, including
the youth and popular and immigrant classes. A common European structure is needed for cooperation in new
developments comprising the various aspects of Urban Security (including social and societal pre-conditions,
youth frustration, unemployment and criminal behaviour, urban violence, the role of police, feelings of insecurity,
radicalization and terrorism).
Civil rights
• Protecting Privacy : Social, legal and ethical issues of surveillance
• Personal responsibility for own security
Economic stimulation by enhancing societal security
• Standardisation
• European network of validated test facilities for the specifi c application fi eld of security products and systems
• Approaches for creating critical mass for new products and services
ESRIF FINAL REPORT - PART 2 • Working Group: Security of Citizens