Editor’s Shelf Book Review
Security Science: The Theory and Practice of Security, C.L. Smith PhD & D.J. Brooks PhD
ISBN:9780123944368 Publisher: Elsevier Science (Butterworth Heinemann)
Despite my disclaimer that I know both authors very well – Messrs. Smith and Brooks have clearly established themselves at the forefront of international security science, importantly with a foreword and endorsement from Professor Martin Gill.
The structure of the book allows the concept of security to be appropriately explained, including defining security concepts for individuals, groups, nation states and international systems. Thereby the authors cleverly establish the concepts and parameters of Security Science.
Dr. Brooks, in particular, is known for a systems approach to security management, developed in detail in Chapter 2 and Chapter 3 delves into Security Risk Management, with emphasis given to threat, criticality and vulnerability, along with important influences of perceptions and culture.
Security Science takes the reader through the vast array of built environments, physical security, and detection systems before bringing these critical aspects together in Chapter 7 dealing with Integrated Identification Technology, followed by Knowledge Management and Business Continuity Management. These areas are naturally fundamental to the security discipline and these chapters presents the security profession as a fascinating and equally complex field of study.
Finally, the authors provide important and welcome thought leadership on the Future of Security, and was one of the first chapters I read through for personal interest. Because it is this chapter which gives the emphasis of why the preceding chapters are so important to the security industry and profession, globally. Acknowledging and understanding the scientific concepts of security allows us to turn towards the future with greater clarity and indeed, an enhanced sense of security – for greater human security and innovation in security related technologies.
I’m reliably informed this book is now standard for security science students at Edith Cowan University. Deservedly so, as this text is of the type and quality that all security practitioners into the future will either have on their own shelf or will have referred to numerous times during their studies and careers. Well done to the authors for such an impressive and important contribution to the international field of security science.
Chris Cubbage CPP, GAICD
Executive Editor, Asia Pacific Security Magazine
