(Bio)politics of security locally

Security plan of Helsinki

Abstract

In the article I analyze the security plan of Helsinki supposing that its goal is to conduct or change patterns of thinking, attitudes, taking a stand and behavior regarding certain issues assembled under the title of security. I investigate this process applying critical discourse studies. First, I ask, how security is problematized and represented. Next, I analyze, what kind of measures it is going to undertake to improve the state of affairs of security further.  Further, I analyze, how the residents of the city are allured and persuaded to become identified with the security thinking and the objectives of the plan.

In the representation different kind of pre-emptive action, with which one tries to prevent criminality, social exclusion, accidents as well as harms of intoxication is emphasized strongly. Further, the objective is collaboration with the officials and different sources, groups and individuals. One of the aims is that citizens themselves would share responsibility to preserve security. On the other hand, it is verified that inequality is increased and that all citizens are not capable of responsible autonomic action and a way of life.