Mediation & Security-related professions

The design and implementation of local crime prevention and urban security policies require an array of skills that draw upon criminology, sociology, law, political science, statistics,  management and urban planning. Besides public authority professionals, they involve other stakeholders, such as the volunteer sector, civil society, businesses, and  private security companies. All these actors have different cultures, modus operandi and  purposes, but they should all be involved in co-producing local security.  

As to crime prevention professionals, they are faced with new challenges as crime and its social causes and consequences evolve. They need to master multiple skills and be able to work across different disciplines. Recruitment criteria and training opportunities must evolve to keep pace with these changes.  

Mediation
Cities, schools, families and businesses are all formed of positive relationships that create  bonds through multiple emotional commitments or interests. But it is also important to be mindful of the disputes, tensions and conflicts, sometimes violent, that can occur. In such situations, mediation can contribute to restoring positive communication, creating and repairing those bonds, preventing violence, and peacefully managing and resolving  conflicts.  

Mediation is a free, direct and rapid process that is inexpensive and effective. It can take  the form of social, familial or legal mediation. Many cities across Europe use it to diffuse tensions and solve local conflicts, thus preventing escalation to violence.  

> Positioning

In its 2025 Security, Democracy and Cities manifesto, Efus calls for crime prevention to be recognised as a profession at both national and European levels. Indeed, given the growth of the private security sector and the fact that it remains fragmented, greater professionalisation is needed. Efus calls for harmonising training programmes based on shared principles and methods, and to harmonise at European level the role and responsibilities of private security personnel. 
Regarding mediation, Efus calls for local political decision-makers to actively support it as an effective conflict-resolution method. Besides local and regional authority staff, it would be beneficial to raise awareness and provide training in mediation in local communities and schools. 
On a broader scale, an international initiative – potentially led by the United Nations – could be launched to promote mediation worldwide. Establishing an international year of mediation would also help raise awareness and encourage global participation in such conflict resolution efforts.

> Recommendations from the 2025 Security, Democracy and Cities manifesto

> Report from the 2024 Security, Democracy and Cities conference
– Prevention Professions