Mapping Resident Perspectives on Safety, Participation, and Security Devices: Insights into Community Security Governance in Urban China.

Abstract

Community safety is maintained through both security devices and resident-involved safety activities in contemporary China; however, limited empirical research has compared their respective influences on perceptions of safety, or further discussed security governance from the perspective of residents' lived experiences. Drawing on questionnaire data from Suzhou Industrial Park, China, and integrating quantitative results with qualitative insights, the study reveals that residents generally report a high sense of security, with neighborhood relationships exerting limited influence. The anonymity characteristic of modern communities subtly shapes this dynamic. Despite privacy concerns, security devices enjoy widespread acceptance, driven by perceived protective value and familiarity. Participation in community safety activities is moderately high, supported by certain contextual conditions and promotional efforts. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance community safety, including optimizing surveillance management while ensuring privacy protection, fostering inclusive engagement through targeted outreach, and enhancing urban living services to promote long-term residency.