Since the beginning of 1386 (2007), the implementation of projects known as “Improving Social Security” has been on the agenda of the National Police. The aim of this project is to combat crimes such as harassment, theft, distribution of drugs and psychotropic substances, alcohol consumption, violence and harassment, spread of immoral images, lack of hijab, and non-native clothing, which are considered to directly affect the security of individuals in society. In previous years, this project was pursued under different titles, with a categorization of crimes. Projects such as “Thunder”, “Discoverer”, “Lightning”, etc. were carried out, each addressing specific crimes at specific times and locations.

After more than fifteen years since the beginning of these plans and what was started with the hope of eradicating crimes that affect public security, time has passed and it is possible to judge the effectiveness of efforts to restore social security under the title of these plans and to see if the goals of these plans have been achieved in increasing social security or not. It is also necessary to examine the policies of the law enforcement and judicial authorities in maintaining and creating public security and reducing and preventing crimes, and to what extent these institutions have been efficient and effective in fulfilling their duties.

In the beginning, what seems to be overlooked in social security enhancement plans is the inappropriate and unprofessional definition of social security in the discussed plans, which has led to the heterogeneity of crimes in the target society. In this regard, it can be said that placing hijab in the same category as crimes such as theft and pursuing individuals who engage in the distribution of so-called obscene images, and placing it in the category of hooligans and troublemakers, has undermined the legitimacy and acceptability of this plan. The public opinion has also not been unaware of this issue and, based on different studies, it can be said that in the early years of the implementation of this plan, public opinion and media initially focused on the presence and necessity of addressing hijab, the distribution of alcoholic beverages and drugs, and the prevalence of obscene images in this plan, and raised objections and concerns about these issues, especially the focus on dealing with people’s clothing as a priority in disrupting social security. Therefore,

This plan, even in its early years, was unable to attract and involve the community for various reasons and led to the deterioration of executive personnel. This issue was addressed through multiple researches and diagnoses in order to involve the general public. (2) The proposed measures to involve the public and gain their trust also included the effectiveness of law enforcement against criminals, but perhaps people were not properly informed that these plans would only have superficial effects and would not have a specific impact on security, but rather aimed to create a sense of security rather than actual security. The four main goals of the “Thunder” plan, which was implemented to combat crimes in a periodic manner, include the identification of police stations, revitalization and prevention of stagnation in police stations, reflecting activities to increase mental security in society, and targeting neighborhood-based plans. (3) We can see that according to the stated goals of this plan, which has been implemented in more than sixty stages so far, we cannot expect purity in creating

One of the important factors contributing to the long-term inefficiency of this plan is the fact that these plans, particularly the “Raad” plan, have focused on identifying high-crime areas and targeting the geographical areas with high crime rates in specific regions of Tehran. However, it is unclear why, after sixty stages and fifteen years, there has still been no fundamental action taken to reduce the crime-causing factors in these areas, and why there is still a need for the implementation of the sixtieth stage of the strike operation to combat the high number of criminals and crime occurrences in these areas. Is it defensible to focus on the locations of crime and operations based on location and one-dimensional examination of crime instead of focusing on the crime-causing factors and factors that nurture criminals after sixty stages of plan implementation?

Although creating fear and insecurity for criminals is an important factor in reducing crime, and it seems logical that certain areas in urban geography require increased attention in creating social security, the mentioned plans can only be effective and efficient in the short term, not as sufficient and long-term methods. This is because, first of all, the continuity of creating fear is in conflict with annual and monthly punitive plans, as it provides enough breathing room for the possibility of committing crimes. Secondly, multiple criminologists have put emphasis on the abundance and diversity of factors influencing crime, and paying attention to crime-prone areas in urban geography and the proliferation of crime centers is one of the most influential factors in the occurrence and control of crime and the creation of social security, not the most important factor. This issue reminds us of the need for reconsideration in the plans discussed in this note and paying attention to various factors in controlling crime and creating social security, such as economy, education, media, etc.

The necessity of reconsideration and attention to long-term factors in controlling crimes is understood by answering the question whether the plans for increasing social security in 2007 were intended as temporary relief or considered a fundamental solution. If we consider them as operational with short-term goals, we should witness a review of their methods and effectiveness. And if we expect long-term effects, we should refer to statistics and figures of crime increase in recent years, which in this regard it seems we cannot say we are witnessing a significant decrease, and we cannot say that the aforementioned aggressive and severe plans have been able to leave a lasting impact without considering crime-causing factors. Nowadays, with the increase in crime occurrences that decrease social security, such as theft, robbery, etc., it is clear that crime prevention requires more complex and precise long-term solutions, rather than harsh and intermittent punishments, with an emphasis on displaying the authority of the police and demonstrating social security.

The weakness of criminal laws in appropriate punishment for those who violate social security should also be considered as one of the factors leading to public disappointment in ensuring social security. Insufficient deterrents, lack of proportionality between crime and punishment in numerous cases, and failure to anticipate suitable preventive measures for repeat offenders are all examples of how efforts to ensure security have been rendered futile.

After fifteen years since the start of the intended plans, nothing remains of this plan except occasional news and reports on the detention of dangerous criminals; news that are followed with disappointment and weariness, without any prospect of reducing crimes by the society. The methods used in these plans are often met with negative reactions; because the methods used by the law enforcement in dealing with crimes are also ineffective and require a review of protocols; because today’s society has significant differences with the society at the beginning of this plan. Nowadays, people do not find hope in creating security through beating and accusing, and the show of power by the law enforcement. If it can be said that social security plans in previous years have been successful in declaring power and creating a sense of security in the society, today it cannot even be identified as the minimum achievement; because power and sense of security are all overshadowed by actions that contradict the rights of the accused and harm the public opinion, such as accusing, torturing, and publishing unauthorized

Notes:

1- Abdii, Ramazan Ali, and Kashaf, Hamid Reza, “Investigating Strategies for Developing Public Participation with the Police in the Plan for Improving Social Security,” Quarterly Scientific Research Journal of Social Security Studies, Issue 44, Winter 94.

“Brojardi, Mahdokht, and Dezhbani, Arzoo, Reflection of the Implementation of Social Security Plan in Media, Journal of Social Order, Fifth Year, Issue 3, Fall 92.”

2- Abdii, Ramazan Ali, and Kashaf, Alireza, “Examining Strategies for Developing Public Participation with the Police in the Plan for Enhancing Social Security,” Scientific-Research Quarterly Journal of Social Security Studies, No. 44, Winter 94.

3- Narooqe, Ne’matollah, Allahvardi, Farhad, and Kazemi Jouybari, Mehdi, the impact of police plans on increasing social security with emphasis on the “Raad” plan in the 20th district of Tehran, Journal of Police Science Research, 22nd year, No. 2, Summer 2020.