Principles of security management: Applying the lessons from crime prevention science

Abstract

The effective management of security-related risks relies on three basic principles: (1) understanding what may be at risk of loss or compromise, from whom, and in what context; (2) successfully assessing the range of factors that may make a risk event more likely and/or more harmful to stakeholders; and (3) making informed and defensible decisions about responses that may be appropriate in the circumstances. The chapter considers established security management practices and their theoretical underpinnings, drawn from the science of crime prevention. In doing so, this chapter explores the application of international standards in the assessment and management of security-related risks. The chapter concludes by reinforcing the need to make informed security management decisions, supported by documenting the evidence and assumptions behind the decisions.