Difference Between National Security And Public Security

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Fear about violence and crime in daily life is one of the main drivers that places public security at the top of any government’s agenda (Chabat, Jorge, "Mexico's War" 135). The concept of insecurity can be an overwhelming force in both politics and the private life of individuals (Bailey, John and Dammert, Lucia 1). When high levels of fear or feelings of insecurity exist, it tends to generate a feeling of mistrust towards other individuals (Bailey, John and Dammert, Lucia 10). This mistrust will eventually disincline citizens to connect in public areas such as parks, city plazas or commercial enterprises and instead will lead citizens to seek safety in the comfort of highly securitized compounds and fortified homes (Herrera-Lasso, Luis 288). …show more content…

On the one hand, national security focuses on the defense of the state from external threats, such as other state or non-state actors (such as terrorist groups and transnational gangs) (Bailey, John and Dammert, Lucia 1). Where the military is usually the institution that is entrusted with ensuring national security (Bailey, John and Dammert, Lucia 1). On the other hand, public security as the name implies, can de defined as the safeguarding of citizens and governmental institutions from violence and criminality (Uang, Randy Sunwin 27). Dangers derive from actors such as felons, terrorists, drug gangs and any individual acting against the public good who is actively contributing to the deterioration of society (Uang, Randy Sunwin 27). Responses to public security risks are mainly managed by law enforcement agencies such as the police and intelligence services (Bailey, John and Dammert, Lucia 11). Therefore, the actors that are charged with protecting it must abide by the rule of law and respect the civil rights of individuals (Herrera-Lasso, Luis 293-294). Both of which necessitate an effective law enforcement that prioritizes citizen security and protection from any extralegal or illegal coercion by state officials or other actors (Herrera-Lasso, Luis

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