Difference between revisions of "Economic impact of security measures"

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With the help of security measures it is possible to eliminate the risk of a terrorist or criminal event, or at least reduce the risk. [[Measure|Security measures]], however, also generate [[Economic impact|economic impact]], here referred to as the '''economic impact of security measures'''. This includes the costs of securing a specific urban object, but also the costs and benefits regarding the secondary impact of security measures.
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With the help of security measures it is possible to eliminate the risk of a terrorist or criminal event, or at least reduce the risk. [[Measure|Security measures]], however, also generate [[Economic impact|economic impact]], here referred to as the '''economic impact of security measures'''. This includes the costs of securing a specific urban object, but also the costs and benefits regarding the secondary impact of security measures.
   
== Description ==
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== Description ==
Security measures require time and money by private agents, companies and the public authorities, exacting [[Economic impact|economic cost/impact]]. The costs of security measure contain the relatively straightforward [[Primary economic impact|direct expenditures]] on capital equipment and operational costs, and in addition generate various types of [[Secondary economic impact|secondary effects]]. Whether these primary and secondary costs are making sense from an economic point of view, depends on many factors, not in the least one's perspective. Perspective is important while, for example, costs of anti-terrorism measures might be insignificant from a national perspective (at least for most EU countries), this does not imply that certain local authorities (e.g. London city in anticipation of the Summer Olympics) and private sectors (e.g. the aviation sector) have to deal with very substantial costs of security measures. Moreover, even if costs of security measures are not significant, public authorities, but also society as a whole should strive to maximise the social benefits and minimise the social costs of security measures, avoiding wasteful expenditures.
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Security measures intend to increase the level of security, lowering the negative [[Economic impact of security threats|socioeconomic impact of crime]] and terrorism. However, security measures also require time and money by private agents, companies/developers and the public authorities, exacting [[Economic impact|economic cost/impact]]. The costs of security measure contain the relatively straightforward [[Primary economic impact|direct expenditures]] on capital equipment and operational costs (temporary and permanent), and in addition generate various types of [[Secondary economic impact|secondary effects]].
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Whether these primary and secondary costs are making sense from an economic point of view, depends on many factors, and can be answered by two distinct sets of questions:
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# Are the envisioned security measures cost effective from a socioeconomic point of view, or are there better alternatives?
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# Which specific agents (individuals, companies, sectors, authorities) are affected by the security measures and to which extend? How do the envisioned measures adjust the behavior of these agents, and of course of the criminals/terrorists?
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[[Economic tools]] such as the [[social cost-benefit analysis]] (first question) and [[economic impact study]] (second question) can help the decision makers to answer these questions and to prevent wasteful expenditures on security (of course in colaboraiton with insights from criminology, sociology, etc.).
   
 
==Types of impact of security measures==
 
==Types of impact of security measures==

Revision as of 10:08, 30 January 2013


Economic impact of security measures

With the help of security measures it is possible to eliminate the risk of a terrorist or criminal event, or at least reduce the risk. Security measures, however, also generate economic impact, here referred to as the economic impact of security measures. This includes the costs of securing a specific urban object, but also the costs and benefits regarding the secondary impact of security measures.

Description

Security measures intend to increase the level of security, lowering the negative socioeconomic impact of crime and terrorism. However, security measures also require time and money by private agents, companies/developers and the public authorities, exacting economic cost/impact. The costs of security measure contain the relatively straightforward direct expenditures on capital equipment and operational costs (temporary and permanent), and in addition generate various types of secondary effects.

Whether these primary and secondary costs are making sense from an economic point of view, depends on many factors, and can be answered by two distinct sets of questions:

  1. Are the envisioned security measures cost effective from a socioeconomic point of view, or are there better alternatives?
  2. Which specific agents (individuals, companies, sectors, authorities) are affected by the security measures and to which extend? How do the envisioned measures adjust the behavior of these agents, and of course of the criminals/terrorists?

Economic tools such as the social cost-benefit analysis (first question) and economic impact study (second question) can help the decision makers to answer these questions and to prevent wasteful expenditures on security (of course in colaboraiton with insights from criminology, sociology, etc.).

Types of impact of security measures

Although largely similar, there are differences in the economic effects of (see also clickable map below):

Economic effects of anti-crime security measuresEconomic effects of anti-terrorism security measuresSecurity measures crime & terrorism.jpg
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