Become anUrban Security Coordinator

Maybe you have thought about protecting people or looking out for others, and standing up for justice. But rather than entering a traditional role as a police officer, you could become an Urban Security Coordinator and use the wide world of technology to keep our people and places safe.

Becoming an Urban Security Coordinator allows you to make a real difference in your community. You’ll be responsible for implementing strategies to protect people, infrastructure, and assets in urban areas. Your work will contribute to creating safer and more resilient cities for everyone to enjoy.

Urban Security Coordinators will take a big-picture role in the future of security and law enforcement. They will coordinate between the human elements of security and the various technologies such as drones, robots, AIs, etc. to help make cities safer. 

Urban Security Coordinators will likely also have to work with community groups and regulatory bodies to ensure that the technology meant to protect people isn’t being used harmfully. 

They’ll also be involved in helping to train police officers and security guards in the use of new technologies and will develop urban security systems that are built to a community’s specific needs

An Urban Security Coordinator plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and security of cities. They work to ensure that urban areas are protected from various threats, including crime, terrorism, and natural disasters.

As an Urban Security Coordinator, your primary role is to assess, plan, and coordinate security measures to mitigate risks and threats in urban settings. This includes collaborating with law enforcement agencies, emergency services, local authorities, and community stakeholders to develop comprehensive security strategies. 

You’ll oversee the deployment of security personnel, surveillance systems, and emergency response protocols to ensure a prompt and effective response to incidents.

This career combines elements of law enforcement, emergency management, and public safety to create a secure and resilient urban environment.

What would you do on a daily basis?

• Risk Assessment: Analysing potential threats to the city
• Security Planning: Developing comprehensive security plans that address identified risks
• Surveillance and Monitoring: Utilising surveillance systems and technology to monitor urban areas for suspicious activities.
• Incident Response: Coordinating the response to security incidents, such as crimes or emergencies.
• Community Engagement: Working with community organisations to promote safety awareness
• Policy Development: Advising on and helping to implement security policies.

Urban Security Coordinators can work across various sectors where safety and security are paramount. These industries include:

• Government
  • Collaborate with local councils, government agencies, and law enforcement bodies like the local police force to implement urban security initiatives and policies.
• Transportation
  • Ensure the safety and security of public transportation networks, including airports, train stations, and bus terminals.
• Commercial Real Estate
  • Protect commercial properties, shopping centres, and business districts from security threats and risks.
• Event Management
  • Coordinate security arrangements for major events, festivals, and public gatherings to maintain safety and crowd control.
• Critical Infrastructure
  • Safeguard critical infrastructure such as power plants, water treatment facilities, and communication networks from security breaches and sabotage.
• Education
  • Implement security measures in schools, colleges, and universities to create safe learning environments for students and staff.

To be successful as an Urban Security Coordinator, these skills and qualifications may set you on the right path:

Analytical Skills 

The ability to assess complex situations and identify potential risks is crucial.

Communication Skills

Strong verbal and written communication skills are needed to effectively coordinate with multiple agencies and communicate security plans to the public.

Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to think quickly and make decisions under pressure is essential, especially during emergencies.

Technical Proficiency

Familiarity with surveillance technology, cybersecurity measures, and other technical tools used in urban security.

Leadership

Strong leadership skills are necessary to manage teams and coordinate large-scale security operations.

Many STEM subjects like mathematics, physics, information technology, and geography can help to develop skills in data analysis, spatial awareness, and digital security.

• Mathematics
  • Learn mathematics to develop analytical skills and the ability to interpret data, essential for assessing urban safety trends and patterns.
• Physics
  • Study physics to understand the principles of forces and structures, which helps in evaluating and improving the safety of urban environments.
• Information Technology
  • Gain IT skills to manage security technologies, including surveillance systems, and analyse digital data for urban security planning.
• Geography
  • Learn geography to understand spatial patterns, urban planning, and environmental factors that influence urban security management.
• Criminology
  • Understand criminal behaviour, crime prevention strategies, and security threats in urban environments.
• Emergency Management
  • Learn about disaster preparedness, crisis response, and recovery efforts to manage security incidents effectively.
• Urban Planning
  • Explore city design, land use management, and community development to incorporate security considerations into urban design.
• Communication Studies
  • Develop strong communication skills to liaise with stakeholders, convey security messages, and coordinate response efforts during emergencies.

Urban Security Coordinators get to tackle current challenges, develop innovative security solutions, and collaborate with diverse teams to safeguard our cities.

• Coordinate City Safety Drills
  • Organise city emergency response drills, like simulated evacuations or crisis management exercises, to ensure the community is prepared for any situation.
• Analyse Live Surveillance Feeds
  • Monitor live surveillance footage and use AI software to detect and respond to potential security threats, ensuring the city stays safe.
• Use Drones for Urban Patrols
  • Deploy drones to patrol busy urban areas, checking for safety hazards, and gaining a bird’s-eye view of potential risks that are hard to spot from the ground.
• Collaborate with Cybersecurity Teams
  • Work closely with cybersecurity experts to safeguard the city’s digital infrastructure against hacking, data breaches, and other cyber threats.
• Design Safe Spaces Using Virtual Reality
  • Use virtual reality technology to visualise and plan safe public spaces, helping create parks, streets, and community areas that promote security and comfort.

Currently, there are no widely recognised celebrities specifically known as Urban Security Coordinators. However, several Australians have made significant contributions to security and emergency management fields, playing key roles in protecting communities and critical infrastructure.

Dr. Caroline Graham

A professor specialising in urban security and resilience at RMIT University in Melbourne, who advises city councils on public safety, emergency management, and urban design for secure communities.

Dr. Claire Richardson

An urban planner and safety consultant who has worked on public safety and urban resilience projects in Melbourne, including initiatives around safe public spaces and infrastructure.

As an Urban Security Coordinator you might benefit from a mix of traits that complement your technical skills and leadership abilities.

• Analytical
• Decisive
• Resilient
• Empathetic
• Organised
• Strategic

Starting at University is a great way to begin your security career! A degree in criminal justice, emergency management, public administration, or a related field is often required. Some positions may also require advanced degrees or specialised certifications. You could consider:

• Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Bachelor of Emergency Management
• Bachelor of Urban Planning
• Bachelor of Security Studies
• Bachelor of Public Safety
• Master of Security and Risk Management

• Blend Your Passions
  • You can combine your interest in technology, law, and urban planning to create a unique skill set tailored for urban security coordination. Consider interdisciplinary programs that allow you to explore multiple disciplines simultaneously and gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing urban environments.
• Real Projects
  • Engage in hands-on projects that simulate scenarios, such as designing emergency response plans for cities or conducting risk assessments for public spaces. Collaborate with students from different backgrounds to tackle urban security challenges from diverse perspectives.
• Professional Development
  • Take advantage of workshops, seminars, and industry certifications to enhance your knowledge and skills in areas like crisis management, community engagement, and security technology.

Continuous learning and professional development are essential for staying updated with the latest trends and best practices in urban security coordination.

During your studies, you’ll acquire a broad understanding of various topics relevant to urban security coordination. Here’s what you can expect to learn:

• Risk Assessment
  • Evaluate potential security threats and vulnerabilities in urban environments, ranging from crime and terrorism to natural disasters and public health emergencies.
• Crisis Management
  • Develop strategies and protocols for responding to security incidents and emergencies, including coordination with law enforcement agencies, emergency services, and community organisations.
• Urban Planning
  • Explore principles of urban design, land use management, and environmental psychology to create safer and more resilient cities.
• Policy Analysis
  • Analyse legislation, regulations, and policies related to urban security and public safety, and assess their implications for urban planning and development.
• Community Engagement
  • Engage with diverse stakeholders, including residents, businesses, government agencies, and not-for-profit organisations, to build trust in urban security initiatives.

Gain practical experience through work experience programs during your high school years, internships, volunteer work, or part-time positions in organisations involved in urban security, emergency management, or community safety. 

You can also participate in student run projects, research initiatives, or extracurricular activities related to urban security coordination to develop valuable skills and networks within the industry.

If you’re eager to enter the workforce sooner or prefer alternative learning pathways, consider the following options:

Micro Learning

Explore online courses, workshops, and certifications focused on specific aspects of urban security coordination, such as crime prevention, disaster response, or risk management. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of self-paced learning opportunities.

Job Outlook and Salary

The demand for Urban Security Coordinators is expected to grow as cities continue to expand and the need for comprehensive security measures increases. The salary for this position can vary widely based on location, experience, and education level. 

On average, Urban Security Coordinators can expect to earn between $70,000 and $130,000 per year, with opportunities for advancement and higher salaries in larger cities or more senior positions.

• Government Agencies
  • Work for the Department of Justice, Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage, or local councils to develop and implement urban security strategies and initiatives.
• Security Firms
  • Join private security firms offering urban security consulting services to businesses, government organisations, and community groups.
• Mining Industry
  • Support the mining sector in implementing security measures for remote sites and infrastructure projects.
• Transportation Sector
  • Contribute to security efforts in major cities’ transportation hubs, including airports, train stations, and ports. 
    • HINT: Check out Metronet for current opportunities!
• Event Management Companies
  • Assist in coordinating security operations for large-scale events, festivals, and sporting competitions.
• Cybersecurity Companies
  • Explore opportunities in cybersecurity firms focusing on protecting urban infrastructure and digital systems.
• Smart City Initiatives
  • Get involved in international projects aimed at developing smart cities with advanced security technologies and infrastructure.
• International Organisations
  • Work for global organisations such as the United Nations or Interpol in promoting urban security and crime prevention initiatives worldwide.
• Urban Development Projects
  • Join enterprise corporations involved in urban development projects in emerging markets, ensuring security considerations are integrated into urban planning and construction processes.