05 - The State is Shifting Security Costs to Citizens – A Step Towards a More Efficient Society

In modern society, the concept of security is gradually changing. In the past, states were the primary and almost exclusive providers of public order and security. However, today, more and more responsibility is shifting to citizens, private companies, and communities. This trend is not accidental—it reflects economic realities, technological advancements, and changes in the perception of the state’s role.

One of the main reasons why states are transferring security costs to citizens lies in limited budgetary resources. As economic pressures grow, governments face the need to rationalize expenses and focus on key areas, while secondary functions are left to the private sector and individuals. This relieves the public sector, allowing resources to be allocated more efficiently to strategic security issues, such as combating organized crime and terrorism.

The increased role of citizens and the private sector in security brings numerous benefits. Private security companies often operate more flexibly and adapt more quickly to new threats and technologies. Citizens, in turn, become more aware of their own responsibility for safety, which strengthens social cohesion and encourages initiatives such as neighborhood watch programs, surveillance systems, and educational self-protection programs.

Moreover, decentralizing security costs fosters competition among service providers, leading to better and more efficient solutions. Private firms innovate, introduce new security methods, and develop specialized protection systems, which can result in higher security standards compared to often slow and bureaucratic state structures.

Additionally, citizens and communities have greater control over costs when hiring private companies rather than relying on state services. The private sector allows for price transparency, customization of services to specific needs, and cost optimization according to the community’s budget capabilities. Unlike state institutions, which often operate with fixed budgets and slow administrative processes, private firms offer more flexible payment models, enabling more efficient spending and better returns on security investments.

Of course, it is essential to find a balance—the state should not completely abandon its fundamental function of protecting citizens. However, shifting certain security aspects to the private sector and individuals contributes to a more resilient and adaptable society in the long run, where citizens actively participate in maintaining their own security.