The three pillars of citizen security
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64217/logosguardiacivil.v4i1.8569Keywords:
citizen security; crime prevention; criminal investigation; communication and security; police leadership; public security policies, citizen security, crime prevention, criminal investigation, communication and security, police leadership, public security policiesAbstract
Citizen security has become a cornerstone for ensuring the full exercise of rights and freedoms in modern societies. However, the definition and scope of this concept have been subject to academic and legal debate due to the diversity of related terms (public security, public order) and the evolution of security policies across different historical contexts (Freixes y Remotti, 1995). This article proposes a theoretical framework that structures citizen security into three essential pillars –prevention, investigation, and communication– supported by mission-oriented leadership as an integrative axis. Through a doctrinal and normative analysis, we explore the foundations of each pillar and their interrelationship. We highlight the importance of proactive crime prevention by reducing target vulnerabilities and offender motivations (Cohen y Felson, 1979), effective investigation to ensure accountability and deterrence, and strategic communication both to engage citizens in security and to manage the subjective perception of insecurity. Likewise, we examine how participative and adaptive leadership within security forces is crucial to implement these pillars in practice. Finally, the implications of this tripartite approach are discussed in comparison with traditional security models, and improvements are proposed for public policies and policing practices aimed at achieving more effective, legitimate, and sustainable citizen security.
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