The role of private security in the protection of critical infrastructures

Veerle PashleyFree University of BrusselsDepartment of Criminology

‘In 537 A.D., the Goths besieging Rome destroyed its principal aqueducts, a major

component of the city’s critical infrastructure. Without their water supply, Rome’s defenders

lost the will to fight and the city was destroyed’ ( Shenoi, 2008: 1; Van Nevel, 2010)

Aims & scope

Studying critical infrastructures and its protection: current challengesThe criminologist, security and thinking about the unthinkable in a changing landscapeThe vital role of Private SecurityConclusion

Studying Critical Infrastructures (1) Lack of research Parallels between the judicial definition of SEP in

Belgium (1998) & the creation of a European program regarding CIP

Negotiations between public & private organisations Several events impacted current developments, e.g.

terrorist attacks (New York, Madrid & London), environment (Eyjafjallajökull volcano in Iceland)

Dislocation of infrastructures

Scientific and Economic Potential Relatively new assignment, especially in comparison with

two other missions: internal security & external security State Security and Military Intelligence

In Belgium: law 30th November 1998 judicial framework state security but also for military intelligence services: A process of intelligence (Shulsky & Schmitt, 2002): information

(actual & potential threats), activity (gathering, analysing, processing & countering), organisation (carrying out information activities) defensive/protective

Problem judicial framework unclear definition still a long way to go from here

Reaction Belgian intelligence committee ‘Protecting a nations economic potential (defensive & offensive) is about the protection of its infrastructure and know – how, guaranteeing the enhancement of the production of labour/work and capital/fortune’

Scientific and Economic Potential The main aim protecting a nations well being markets, work,

knowledge, productivity…. Focus on organisations (private & public): companies, research &

education centres, technologies… Importance: PPS & prevention Main threats: economic espionage, infrastructures, sabotage … So why just recently? Since the end of the 20th century increasing

focus on economic security Prosperity in highly developed countries is vulnerable & dependent

on the international economy (Gosselin, Leysen & Verbeke, 2007) Protecting economic and scientific welfare as part of the national

security plans

Scientific and Economic Potential Focus Action Plan tackling threats

The economical sovereignty Protecting critical infrastructures (creating a network of

information between partners) Securing scientific research & development Safeguarding a free, secure & honest environment

Global economy = international competition = shifting strategies

Strategic economic interests around the globe Regulatory assignment to gather, analyse & process

intelligence in order to protect the SEP

SEP - CIP Threats & targets Example threats:

Dangers: recording confidential information of a financial & economic nature, public infrastructures such as communication networks and control air traffic

Definition CIP Dependence on services the size and interdependence between infrastructures can create serious damage chain reaction (cascade effects) damage: socially, economically, technologically US security reducing vulnerabilities creating networks between partners

The criminologist, security & thinking about the unthinkable (2)

Studying security Threats:

Direct measurable – visible – tangible Indirect Wicked Problems (Gosselin, 2012) widening

the scope things that could happen thinking about the unthinkable how?

Pressing need for strategic debates

Concept ‘Security’ mostly researched focussing on direct criminal threats, e.g. terrorism

Striving towards a wider research scope

Figure Security: Adam Crawford, 2012

Role Private Security Research Private Security (nationally – internationally) Research Private Security in Europa White Papers

(CoESS) growth private security ‘New Political Economy’ (Adam White)

Economic Governmental

Current developments: enhancing international security strategies

Private security: judicially, scientifically, structurally

Role Private Security Junior partner – Economic – Public private divide – self

ownership – integral security management International model! Private Security on a European level

Re-defying PPS on a broader scale importance Harmonisation Need coordination at all levels Central unit

- Strengthen the position of PS at a European level

Role Private Security More specifically:

Impact critical infrastructures on several organisations (ICT, water transport, energy…)

Being prepared how we respond is vitally important CIP protection according to their know how, function,

data and continuity Role private security specialisation at market segments

(Cools, 2013) How to respond? At all levels networking

Challenges for the future Problem of ‘security’

impacting CIP PPS collaboration SEP – CIP – Research The vital role of private

security Protecting our SEP & the

necessity for a better (international) policy, e.g. chemical industry, environment (Iceland volcano)…

Questions?

Veerle.Pashley@vub.ac.be