Enhancing security technology assessment
In the security sector generally, threats and the means for combating them are ever-evolving. That is why a constant process of assessment is required. However, once assessment has proven the efficacy of certain technologies or approaches, there is the risk that this can lead to inertia and irreversibility. In turn, it may become increasingly difficult to shift the status quo once a selection has been made. The EU-backed SIAM (Security impact assessment measure – A decision support system for security technology investments) project set out to address this challenge. The project team used multidimensional assessments known as STEFI to evaluate the factors of security, trust, efficiency and freedom infringement. SIAM developed an assessment support system that considers the complexity of technologies, economic features, cultural differences and societal dimensions. Based on four case studies in airports and public transport hubs and a comprehensive review of the state of the art, the system is designed to guide users in their assessment of security measures and technologies. This is achieved by structured questions on issues concerning security, trust, efficiency and freedom infringements. The system also functions as a database, storing questions and their related assessment routes and making them available to various users. Different assessment scores are used to show the extent to which the experience, know-how and views of various stakeholders have been captured. The system can be downloaded for free via the project website. SIAM worked to help policymakers, watchdogs, facility managers, and transport and civil aviation authorities cope with the increasing complexity of assessments by providing a systematic approach for measuring the potential impact of security measures and technologies.
Keywords
Security technology, airports, STEFI, public transport, security measures
