illustration for the drivers of inequality

Driver Category 2.5

Inadequate and unequal distribution of policing, security and safety in public spaces and workplaces; and protection of infrastructure and resources

The state’s failure to protect all people equally is covered by this driver category, particularly with regard to vulnerable individuals that are at risk of racism and all forms of hate crime and domestic violence. It includes those living in insecure neighbourhoods, vulnerable groups such as asylum seekers, refugees, displaced people, etc.

The state’s responsibility to protect vulnerable individuals in institutions (prisons, old people’s homes, care system) is also covered in this category.

At the other end of the spectrum, the issue of some groups being much more secure, due to their ability to invest in their own private security services or due to capture should also be considered.

An important factor that needs to be considered is expenditure and the distribution of resources for police and judiciary.

Guiding Questions

Security and protection efforts: neighbourhood level

  • What is known about the allocation of police resources between neighbourhoods?
  • Is there evidence that affluent areas have better resourced police stations, more police officers and stronger crime reduction efforts?
  • How does the allocation of police resources compare to population size and crime trends?
  • Is there evidence that police carry out more aggressive policing strategies in poor neighbourhoods?
  • What information exists regarding the use by the rich of private protection devices and their own security infrastructure?
  • Do high-income households use alarms, armoured doors, window bars or other products to protect their homes?
  • Do they live in gated communities or hire private security firms for services to protect their homes and families?
  • Is there any evidence that the use of private security in certain neighbourhoods is displacing crime to other areas?
  • What physical infrastructure is in place to promote physical security in poor neighbourhoods?
  • Is there adequate street lighting, transport options and frequency of bus stops (or practice of request stops) to enable people to move about more safely at night?
  • How does this type of infrastructure compare between rich and poor neighbourhoods?
  • What efforts is the government making to reduce segregation between neighbourhoods and to regenerate and make safer the areas that have the highest crime rates?
  • Are affordable houses for low-income families in segregated neighbourhoods or is there a policy to mix housing types and land-use?

Security and protection for vulnerable groups at risk of violence

  • How are women treated when they report a crime of physical, sexual or psychological violence?
  • Do police (and others working in the criminal justice system) afford women dignity and respect in their treatment?
  • Are police officers and other staff appropriately trained in this area?
  • What forms of support does the government provide women at risk of violence and domestic homicide?
  • Is safe accommodation provided as well as other forms of support (counselling, income-support)?
  • Are adequate policies in place to help protect children from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, including via online activities (‘cybergrooming’)?
  • Are support services available for child victims?
  • Are law enforcement agencies properly trained and equipped to respond to child protection issues?
  • Are they properly trained to identify vulnerable children at risk?
  • Is there investment in anti-trafficking activities?

Indicators

Potential indicators to monitor the drivers of inequalities in this main driver category

  • Allocation of police resources (budget or staff) across neighbourhoods in major cities (by population size and/or crime trends)
  • Amount spent on private security firms (or employment by private security firms)
  • Amount spent on programmes to prevent gang violence; slum upgrading programmes
  • Amount spent on domestic violence prevention and support programmes (national and by region)
  • Amount spent on child protection (national and by region)

Candidate Policies

To see related Candidate Policies in this main driver category please click here.