“Decision makers neglect that bringing order requires more than the presence of an authority symbol.”
The Symbolic Approach Failure occurs when decision-makers mistakenly believe that the mere establishment of patrol bases or police stations will inherently guarantee public order and safety.
This approach assumes that the visible presence of law enforcement facilities or personnel will act as a deterrent to criminal activity and automatically foster a sense of security within the community.
However, this belief overlooks the complex nature of crime and disorder.
The presence of patrol bases and law enforcement stations is not regarded seriously if the system responsible for establishing these structures fails to assign personnel who are willing and capable of enforcing the desired order. When decision-makers install these symbols of authority but remove the necessary capabilities to implement law and order effectively, criminals and hostile actors do not perceive them as legitimate or credible.
Precise alignment and determination between the authority and those responsible for enforcing order are essential, as it takes more than the presence of flags and buildings to bring stability.
Decision-makers must ensure a cohesive vision and shared commitment to maintaining order within the community.
