NCJ Number
100613
Journal
Journal of Security Administration Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (1984) Pages: 7-24
Date Published
1984
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Social science studies provide an empirical base for physical, personnel, information, and generic security.
Abstract
Physical security designs should derive from empirical studies of territorial behavior as well as sociologocial studies of behaviors stimulated by building layout, the presence of guards and other uniformed personnel, and the commercial nature of various establishments. Personnel security is concerned with embezzlement and theft by employees as well as with shoplifting and robbery by persons outside the organizaton. Sociological studies provide insight regarding the etiology of such criminal behavior and the social networks that facilitate such crimes. Information security has benefited from analyses of the occupational socialization of highly skilled professionals, the adaptation of social research methodologies to problems of private crime control, and theories regarding the functions of secrecy and human exchange. The social sciences have developed a body of generic knowledge applicable to security education and administration. Social-structural approaches inform the evolution of private security in relation to society's economic structure, and social-process theories identify human frailties that threaten profitmaking and the quality of life. 10 notes and 117 references.