Public security is a topic of enormous relevance to society. And also, of great complexity. Many factors impact results and there are many actions and projects that the government body needs to manage to ensure a an efficient public safety policy.
In this context, "strategic management" is essentially the conscious and well-organized management of all organizational resources (human, financial, physical, etc.) to achieve goals and fulfill objectives.
Strategic management in public security
Breaking down the concept, Strategic Management is essentially the conscious and well-organized management of all organizational resources (human, financial, physical, etc.) to achieve goals and fulfill objectives.
When thinking specifically about a management process aimed at increasing the effectiveness of public safety policies, the process begins with diagnosing the current situation, followed by strategic planning This planning not only identifies the flaws and strengths of the safety system but also points to ways for improvement.
The diagnosis, conducted from the perspective of the various agents involved in public safety, tends to identify shortcomings more clearly and propose solutions more easily.
This creates a foundation for developing a strategic planning that aligns with the practical realities of public safety. In other words, a solid document that outlines, among other things:
Ways to reduce the risks society is exposed to;
Allocation and utilization of resources;
The social impacts of implementing public safety policies;
Methods to balance productivity, cost, and benefits in operations.
Once the plan is ready, success indicators and monitoring routines are defined—a critical factor in ensuring the planned outcomes are effectively achieved.
Developing a plan and implementing strategic management in public safety at a municipal, state, or national level begins with establishing a results-oriented culture..
Goals Program – Public Indicator Management
Strategic planning often spans four years and is publicly presented as a Goals Programbefore the executive branch's term begins. This initiative aims to materialize, publicize, and allow for social oversight of the government’s agenda. It's important to note that the Goals Program isn’t limited to public safety but covers all areas of public administration.
Given the program's complexity and the vast number of indicators to monitor, a meticulous action plan is necessary. This plan is built on projects that unfold into tactical and operational actions. Such organization helps public employees assimilate objectives more effectively and align their efforts with achieving faster and more efficient results from the proposed actions.
Currently, the Goals Program is mandatory in some Brazilian cities, with São Paulo being one of the pioneers in adopting this management and social oversight tool. However, there is a constitutional amendment proposal
Increased Transparency in Public Safety Management
Focusing again on public safety, the strategic plan can include actions integrated with other sectors, such as education and human development, to contribute to crime prevention and informed control. It can also set goals to reduce the incidence of strategic crime indicators.
Additionally, the plan involves various organizations, such as the Civil Police, Military Police, and the Public Security Secretariat.
To manage such an important and extensive program—with a large number of indicators and overlapping responsibilities across organizations—having a system that automates the management of indicators, projects, actions, and employee performance is essential.
With software that automatically tracks progress toward proposed goals, project development, associated costs, and employee performance, governmental agencies can optimize available resources, share information efficiently, develop regional integration strategies, and, most importantly, increase transparency in governance.
Having a system that tracks goal achievement and the execution of the planned action plan enables governmental agencies to form a pact with society, where indicators and goals are published transparently and clearly for everyone to understand. Citizens can then monitor progress and hold the government accountable for what was planned. This fosters trust and inevitably brings greater benefits to the population.
Moreover, a strategic plan for public safety must transcend political agendas and outlast individual administrations, as it involves long-term planning. After all, these are structural changes that take time to implement..
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