The Fallout of Citizen Security in Democratic Countries: Police, Authoritarianism, and Hard-on Crime Policies

In recent years, many democratic countries have witnessed a hardening of public security policies marked by a resurgence of authoritarian practices, increased use of force, and heightened police lethality. This paper critically examines the implications of these trends for citizen security and democratic governance. We explore the relationship between the intensification of "hard on crime" policies and the erosion of civil liberties. Our discussion focuses on the rise of authoritarian tactics within democratic frameworks, analyzing how these practices undermine the rule of law and public trust in security institutions. We examine the increase in police brutality and the abuse of force, with emphasis on how these actions disproportionately impact marginalized communities. The paper also analyses racial and ethnic bias towards suspects, the effects of ongoing “war on drugs” policies, and their consequences, such as the rise of incarceration among young black men, Latinos, and women from socially deprived neighborhoods. Furthermore, we investigate the role of political rhetoric and media in shaping public perceptions and policies related to crime and security, highlighting the consequences of punitive security measures on social cohesion and justice. Finally, the paper addresses these practices' legal and ethical challenges, offering insights into potential reforms and alternative approaches to citizen security that uphold democratic principles.