The Center for Security Studies (KEMEA) is a scientific, research and advisory body that supports the Ministry of Citizen Protection on matters of security policy and anti-crime policy. It operates as a “think tank” for security stakeholders, conducting theoretical and applied research, producing studies, particularly at the strategic level, and providing advisory and consultative services for the benefit of the Ministry and of the central and broader public sector.
KEMEA was established in 2005, drawing on the knowledge and experience acquired by the Greek State in planning and implementing the security measures for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. It is a legal person governed by private law, based in Athens, with administrative and financial autonomy, operating in the public interest and supervised by the Minister of Citizen Protection. It is staffed by Hellenic Police personnel, specialised researchers and experts in security policy matters.
In its work, KEMEA takes as constant points of reference the provisions of the Greek Constitution, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU and the European Convention on Human Rights. Its principal aim is to establish itself as a point of reference for every activity relevant to its mission, both in Greece and abroad.
Indicatively, KEMEA:
- conducts research programmes and studies on internal security for the Ministry of Citizen Protection, its services and other bodies;
- prepares and implements research programmes, as representative of the supervised bodies, on behalf of or in cooperation with counterpart bodies of the EU, other states and international organisations;
- studies the phenomenon of crime and designs methods for the exercise of anti-crime policy, in accordance with constitutional principles and fundamental rights;
- monitors technological developments in security systems;
- supports cross-border cooperation procedures;
- organises conferences, seminars and workshops, publishes scientific findings and provides certified training and studies;
- supports the internships of undergraduate students and the research work of postgraduate students and doctoral candidates; and
- is jointly competent, together with the National Organisation for the Certification of Qualifications and Vocational Guidance (EOPPEP), for certifying the professional proficiency of private security personnel.
At European level, KEMEA participates as a founding member of the Board of Directors of the European Organisation for Security (EOS) and is a member of the Board of Directors of the European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO). Since 2016, it has also been a partner of the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), organising on its behalf training programmes for law enforcement officers across the European Union.
The Centre’s six strategic research priorities are:
- combating organised crime and its transnational networks;
- preventing radicalisation leading to violent extremism and terrorism;
- enhancing security in cyberspace for the state, citizens and businesses;
- strengthening border surveillance and security;
- strengthening resilience against disasters, emerging crises and emergencies; and
- implementing actions in the field of social/preventive security, the protection of human rights, the prevention of discrimination, social inclusion and support for vulnerable groups.
