Security a 24-Hour Challenge

The New York Police Department recognizes what everyone in the field needs to be mindful of: Security is a 24-hour challenge that, despite reasonable efforts, isn’t infallible in a free society.

Such reflections, by officials in New York and elsewhere, are prompted by three incidents in which New York’s “bicycle bomber” has set off homemade bombs at places and times that suit his own purposes. His attacks have been occurring around 3 A.M., the latest on March 10th when a small bomb exploded at a military recruiting station at Times Square, doing minor damage.

The incident, reports Securityinfowatch.com, was the third in which a hooded bicyclist was caught by a surveillance camera pedaling away from the scene.

The Infowatch piece is worth reflecting on, not because it invalidates reasonable security measures – like surveillance cameras – but because it also suggests the limits of “best effort” security measures, at least initially, when an attacker acts at times and places of his own choosing – like 3 A.M. in a sleeping city.

However, the publicity being given to the “bicycle bomber” is itself a security tool. New Yorkers, however few, who are on the streets in the wee hours are likely to be more aware of suspicious activity and, these days, are likely to have cell phones for a quick call to 911.

As the N.Y. PD is explaining, security techniques may become more extensive,  but they can’t become stifling in a free society. Sometimes, you need to wait for “bicycle bombers” to become a bit too brazen. Mayor Michael Bloomberg says the Times Square recruiting station will stay where it is.