Abstract
Aim: The purpose of this publication is to define the system of public safety management (PSM) and to create a model in accordance with complexity theory.
Introduction:
Methodology: Purpose of the publication was achieved on the basis of research carried out under the project titled “Coordination, communication and trust as factors driving effective inter-organizational collaboration in the system of public safety management”. This project was financed by the National Science Centre based on decision reference no. DEC-2012/07/D / HS4/00537. To achieve the aim a desk top exercise was performed, analysing Polish and overseas literature. Additionally, 15 unstructured interviews were conducted with members of the police service, fire service and emergency medical rescue staff.
Results: As a result of research and analysis, the public safety management process was established. Entities participating in this process were identified as well as the formations responsible for performing tasks were typyfied. A model of the public safety management system was created based on the complex system theory approach and further enhanced by the features of a complex adaptive systems (CAS).
Conclusions: The performed analysis has revealed a research area covering contemporary public safety management. Additionally, PSM was defined as a dynamic structure of an infinite number of entities whose aim is to ensure the safety of all participants in a given administrative area, using existing resources within established formal rules and informal relationships. This system is characterized by a unique variety of activities and continuous adjustments to a current environment and emerging needs. Under PSM individual competencies of participating establishments complement each other. Operations are undertaken on the basis of legal, organizational and situational circumstances as well as daily practices, which strengthen formal and informal relationships and organisational behaviours of individual entities. Further studies need to identify and analyze the factors, which influence the effectiveness of operations implemented by PSM system.
Keywords: public safety management (PSM), public safety, PSM system, Complexity System Theory, Complex Adaptive System (CAS)
Type of article: original scientific article