Security investment decisions become easier
From closed-circuit cameras to sophisticated sensors, investments that go towards improving security for Europeans are constantly rising, bringing a host of ethical, political and social considerations into play. Hospitals, transport services and public buildings require high-tech solutions that address all these different factors, prompting a need for a transparent and participatory decision support system (DSS) for security investments. Choosing the right approach and security system from among a large choice of technologies and strategies has become pivotal for ensuring safety and security in Europe. Against this backdrop, the EU-funded project 'Decision support on security investment' (DESSI) is developing a robust system providing support for investments in security. It is working on the required methodology and infrastructure for the DSS, considering research and procedure design related to the whole process. Already, the project team has defined the system's criteria, and conducted two workshops with experts and stakeholders. It outlined the overall process and illustrated scenarios for using the system. DESSI is currently building an understanding of the challenges that face security investments in the post-911 era. It is also looking at how political frameworks lead to decisions on security investment. Once the envisioned web-based assessment prototype tool for security decisions is completed, it will be tested rigorously in real scenarios to check its viability. Intended user groups include local and regional public authorities, developers of security solutions, businesses such as energy companies or chemical plants, and social organisations, including the media, non-governmental organisations and other actors. This powerful DSS intended for end users of security investments will reveal the advantages and disadvantages of each investment. It will help promote a more transparent and participatory decision-making process in this respect and ultimately strengthen security on many levels.
Keywords
Security investment, investment decision, security solution, safety, transport, public building, decision support system
