Human Factors in security: User-centred and socio-technical perspectives

Over the last 25 years, security research and knowledge has developed in many ways. There have been increased numbers of taught courses relating to criminology and security, high-impact research being published in dedicated journals and, from that, more guidance and support communicated to corporate and private security practitioners (Fisher and Gill, 2012). Some aspects of security research have been driven by recent trends in radicalisation (for example, al Shabab and Islamic State); high-profile terrorist attacks (such as the Westgate Mall attack in Nairobi and Charlie Hebdo attack in Paris); or the need to secure major events (such as the recent Olympics). However, all these developments have seen a growing emphasis on the need to identify indicators of hostile or criminal intent and safeguard public and crowded spaces against potential attacks. In addition, underlying and enduring issues in security have gained prominence, such as the increasing need to consider civil and ethical concerns and responsibilities of those conducting security, along with a clearer understanding of the social and operational contexts and practices of detecting crime.