the role of private security in the protection of critical infrastructures veerle pashley free...
TRANSCRIPT
The role of private security in the protection of critical infrastructures
Veerle Pashley
Free University of Brussels
Department 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 challenges
The criminologist, security and thinking about the unthinkable in a changing landscape
The vital role of Private Security
Conclusion
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)…
