Public Security
The terms public safety and public security are often used interchangeably. However, public security is a more specific concept that applies to policing and related services.Justice System
The justice system of a nation including courts, prisons and programs for the rehabilitation of offenders.Intelligence Services
The collection, analysis and dissemination of information in support of law enforcement, national security, military and foreign policy objectives.Cybersecurity
Agencies with offensive and defensive information security capabilities.Emergency Services
Firefighters, ambulances and other emergency services.Public Health
The healthcare system of a nation such as public hospitals, clinics and labs.Public Infrastructure
Safety related public infrastructure such as highways, roads, waterways and coastal infrastructure. For example, a hill that has been engineered to prevent a landslide.Urban Planning & Design
The planning and design of cities such as building codes that increase fire safety.Emergency Management
Agencies that lead preparation, response and recovery from disasters such as a hurricane, earthquake or chemical spill.Food Safety
Standards and inspections that guarantee the safety of a nation's food supply.Consumer Protection
Regulations and enforcement related to the quality and safety of products and services. For example, a government that forces a recall of a vehicle model with serious braking defects.Customs & Border Protection
Control of the flow of people and goods into a country.Safety Culture
Media and communications designed to create awareness of safety. For example, a subway service that communicates passenger practices for saying safety in subway stations.Transportation Safety
Regulation and enforcement related to transportation safety. For example, regulations regarding aircraft maintenance and operations.Occupational Health & Safety
Agencies charged with making sure workers are safe on the job. For example, regulations regarding safety precautions and working conditions in mines.Nanny State
Nanny state is a term for state paternalism whereby a nation doesn't allow people to make their own decisions regarding calculated risk. For example, a city that tries to ban a sport such as surfing because they decide it is too dangerous.Notes
The list above isn't exhaustive.Public safety concerns the fundamental values of society such as rights, freedoms, privacy, morality and the definition of quality of life.There is often a trade-off between freedom and safety. For example, the freedom to drive extremely fast might be likely to decrease safety.| Overview: Public Safety | ||
Type | ||
Definition | A system of rules, enforcement mechanisms, infrastructure and services that reduce risk to life and quality of life. | |
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