Revealing community security within the Australian security continuum

Abstract

The Australian security continuum is broad, with its more traditional subdomains clearly understood. However, significant parts of this continuum are not well known or examined. The study used an exploratory interpretive approach to examine the Australian security domain functions through an analysis of protection-associated job descriptions (N = 170) and criteria language. Thematic analysis uncovered discrete patterns of protective roles, resulting in the emergence of community security. The study revealed that community security has jurisdictional boundaries, with functions to maintain community protection, safety, crime prevention and other community services; however, community security is underrepresented in security literature. Community security addresses broad wellbeing issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour and homelessness. Consequently, greater recognition of community security is necessary, along with its participants and their language.