Founded in 2002 and based at the School of Criminal Justice, the Center for the Study of Public Security (CSPS) offers a multi-disciplinary approach bringing together Rutgers-Newark faculty in the areas of terrorism, policing, globalization, constitutional rights, law, environmental safety, business, public health and more. Collaborating partners within the university include the Division of Global Affairs, Rutgers University School of Law, and Rutgers College of Nursing.

CSPS’s primary objectives include the academic study of the roots and dissemination of terrorism, and the ways in which democratic societies can effectively address and cope with terrorism and other threats to public security. The Center has included in its mandate an outreach component, coordinating discussions and consultations across academic, professional, corporate and governmental agencies.

CSPS has been active in a number of different areas of interest. In February, 2003, the Center sponsored a conference on “Technology and Terrorism: Preparation and Response.” This meeting drew more than 80 individuals from government, law enforcement, public health and the private sector, who discussed security issues relating specifically to technology. The overwhelming response from attendees indicated that further dialogue among and between these groups was needed. In early June of that year, the Center in partnership with The Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Prudential Financial and Horizon hosted a summit on Health Security in New Jersey. The thrust of the June summit was to analyze the strategic planning and preparedness efforts of the state’s public health organizations, law enforcement agencies, corporations and government officials that are focusing on the issue of unconventional health threats.

 In 2004, CSPS held a summit on the Social, Economic and Legal Consequences of Heightened Security. The real and perceived vulnerability of people, institutions, structures and physical environment following the events of 9/11 prompted numerous protective responses. This heightened security has consequences. Different perspectives have emerged as a consequence of heightened security, particularly around two issues: comprehensive strategic planning, and balancing safety and security with individual rights. Barriers exist and our goal is to probe these conflicts. As such, the objectives of the conference included: an assessment of whether greater security is being achieved (and risk is being minimized) by current practices, policies and laws, and whether alternative public policies can be recommended to decision-makers in these areas of public security.

In the Spring of 2006, CSPS held a Forum on Security and the Role of the Media. The focus on safety and security since September 11 has been unprecedented. One way we are aware of this is by the unceasing media coverage. It seems that the “war on terror” dominates the news, drives agendas of federal/state/local policymakers, and continues to affect decision-making in boardrooms and at the dinner table. Concerns about safety and security are pervasive around the world and in our communities. In the coming year, with the Division of Global Affairs, the Center will sponsor a series on gloablization and security.  Our initial speaker will be Mr Richard L Cañas, Director of the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security & Preparedness.  The talk will occur on September 25 in the Baker Court Room, Center for Law and Justice, at 10 am.

In an unprecedented way, the Center engages all parts of the University (e.g. Criminal Justice, Law, Nursing, Engineering and Business) in exploring with community agencies the major consequences of heightened security that comes from the threat of terrorism. CPSP represents the Newark campus on the Rutgers University Homeland Security Initiative and is part of the newly formed statewide consortium on homeland security.

Further, the center engages students and faculty in developing an ongoing research program around the topics that will be the focus of our conferences. An early product of this work is a research paper published in the Campbell Collaborative Criminal Justice series, entitled "The Effectiveness of Counter-Terrorism Strategies: A Campbell Systematic Review," authored by Cynthia Lum (George Mason University), Leslie W Kennedy (Rutgers University) and Alison Sherley (Rutgers University). This paper can be viewed at http://campbellcollaboration.org/doc-pdf/Lum_Terrorism_Review.pdf. 

The center is directed by Dean Kennedy