Communications systems, transportation and the management of critical infrastructures through ICT are just some tasks that require constant monitoring and control if they are to remain effective and trouble-free.
For example, how does the efficacy of physical security match up to the amount of information running through myriad systems and networks? Is information shared in the best possible way to ensure law and order is maintained? How can the diverse needs of mass transit hubs and critical infrastructures find a common approach to security?
These are just some questions we explore in this issue, firstly taking a look at some of the new challenges for urban security surrounding the role of physical systems in the face of information overload and too many unconnected systems and how security professionals and emergency responders need the support of automated monitoring and alerting solutions and assisted decision-making in their operations. We also discover how technology is assisting security and safety executives at urban mass transit, seaport and airport operations, with both common and diverse challenges.
Official policies and initiatives at regional and national levels, are also examined such as an overview of what the European Organisation for Security (EOS) is focusing on under the current EUROSUR and CISE initiatives, and how they could fit into a more comprehensive approach on Integrated Maritime Surveillance (IMS), for example. Interestingly this is spawning a new concept and idea for a business model, which they are calling ‘The Internet of the Sea’ or the ‘Blue Economy’.
Elsewhere, in the context of disaster management, it is revealed how the European Commission’s CRISYS project aims to assist the population, environment, economy and in general the whole society by helping achieve better protection and a more rapid return to a reasonable quality of life in the aftermath of a crisis.
Finally, a specific national governmental approach is examined as Wales moves on legislation to make sustainable development the central organizing principle of Welsh public service organizations.
John Matthews