BESECURE Project

BESECURE (Best practice Enhancers SECurity in Urban REgions) project commenced in April 2012 and is due to be completed in by the end of March 2015. The BESECURE team consist of 14 partners and is coordinated by the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO). Urban security is a complex challenge to modern urban environments. Many factors influence urban security, from the physical layout to the social and economic makeup of urban zones, from national policies to the daily practices of local public services. Europe has seen rapid expansion of its urban environments, and the rise of new types of communities due to migration, economic tensions and social developments. 

These developments demand a better understanding of urban security throughout Europe, and more sensible policy development and implementation on these matters. For this reason, it is vital to share knowledge and practices among stakeholders throughout Europe, and to jointly work on a better common understanding of urban security..

The project worked towards a better understanding of urban security through examination of different European urban areas. The besecure team worked together with local policymakers, organizations and communities to understand the local urban environment, and to evaluate the besecure outcomes and tools. 

By examining eight urban areas throughout Europe, BESECURE built a comprehensive and pragmatic knowledge base that supports policy making on urban security challenges by sharing best practices in use throughout Europe, and by provides visualization and assessment tools and guidelines that help local policy makers to assess the impact of their practices, and improve their decision making”