Security: How Much is Too Little?

[Dreamyar]

The presence of security, law, and military persons in uniform has always been a comfort to me. It is easy for me to agree that a presence of authority figures gives a sense of safety and protection; we can also agree that too much presence, to the point of a dominating one's vision, is at the very least intimidating, at the very worse threatening & oppressive.

Often I have heard how some nations increase security measures to the point of being accused of being a Police State; often at the panic-stricken voices of those who are fearful of the nation's enemies. It is easily agreed that too much security deprives if not paralyzes everyone's freedom.

So if we are to make that assumption -that too much security is a bad thing and SOME security is a good thing- then how much is too little? How many authority figures is enough to provide safety for everyone without the drawback of oppression?

Any Thoughts on this would be appreciated.

[Smugglers and Mercs]

so your nation doesn't end up in chaos. but doesn't end up being to oppressed either. so you can keep a eye on your people so that if anything does happen you can respond but not to make the presence of authority figures to obvious.

[Cerb]

Rather than state what is too much or too little, I'll give an example of security that I found very reassuring without feeling like "big brother' was watching me.

About 11 years ago I flew out of London Heathrow, at which time (and maybe still to this day) security was run primarily by the Asian Defence League. The staff members were courteous and firm controlling the security, giving a visible presence but they were also non-threatening.

There were also armed police (armed with H&K MP5s) were there, but they weren't really that visible.

I like the feeling of having a group with a real passion for keeping people safe, backed up with governmental force if necessary.

[Bad Infinitum]

I'm not usually comfortable unless there's a firearm within a hundred yards of me... so I usually carry one myself.

That said, I don't feel like police in my hometown have nearly enough presence. It's upsetting to see so many muggings go down around here, especially in such a busy campus town, but then you see four or five cars stopped for "backup" at a routine traffic stop. Even if the vehicle needs searched, that can be done with one additional officer. Those other two or three officers could be out catching criminals rather than ruining some poor guy's day.

In general, I don't feel safe walking down the street unless I see a police car every ten minutes. Chicago, the closest major city to me, is great about that, but down here, there's rarely more than one an hour. It's upsetting.

[Guy]

PAI, the only police you'd usually see here are at sports events, and at night (especially weekends) close to the City ('Downtown'). And even most of them are traffic police trying to stop drink-driving.

However, Melbourne is a very, very, safe city. Maybe more police isn't the answer...

[Cerb]

I think there's an illustration here. A person has to weight the question based on their current surroundings.

I live in Idaho. Violent crime is rare here. Whenever we see a cop it's usually in a traffic stop and most crimes are alcohol or drug related.

Now, here's the thing. In Idaho there's a simple rule. Wave a gun, knife, or a wooden spoon in a threatening manner, and the police will shoot you.

Some might say that's too much. I say I know not to wave a spoon at someone.

So to ask the question, begs that the person considering the question considers their own civil ideals. I like a safe city, and that seems to limit people in some respects. People know that exhibiting behavior that could be construed as potentially unlawful will be prosecuted quickly and efficiently.

So a side question is, are you satisfied with your local security, and is it being driven by the populace of the area in which you reside?

I think that Idaho definately represents the desires of the majority in this case. Heh, in all honesty, I can state that I love my home state.

[Dreamyar]

My home city of Frederction, New Brunswick, Canada has its crimes; to my knowledge mostly drug & traffic violation related. I have very little discomfort when seeing a uniformed & armed police officer driving the roads and walking about the city. The problem I find in my case is not too much or well-armed police but a distinct lack of presence. In the few years I've lived here I have rarely seen a patrol car or policeman.

That said,

I have run into my fair share of overly zealous law enforcement and sometimes face direct confrontation with a police officer or other enforcer for very little good cause. I will admit that most of my troubles have been in countries quite foreign to me. I understand the need for security and the presence required; I certainly wish I had more of it where I'm from.....what worries me is that an all too common solution to a problem is to have military or highly-armed presence in some cases.

I am happy to remain unarmed and am quick to report suspicious activity -though not so much that I waste valuable response time. I would be much happier to see more cars on the road and less aggressive security.

I suppose I am advocated a more passive security presence than an active or aggressive one. (though certain situations would merit the more aggressive method of course.)