Estonian population’s sense of security and contribution to internal security volunteering according to public opinion surveys
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Internal Security Institute of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Ensuring the protection of the lives and property of its people and a general sense of security is one of the most important tasks of all countries.
People’s trust in the state and its institutions plays a crucial role in building up a sense of security. In recent years, the global security situation has changed, making the stability of a country’s security increasingly dependent on the contribution of its citizens to its internal security, including voluntary activities, like assistant police, volunteer maritime rescue, volunteer rescue, the Defence League and neighbourhood watch. Internal security public opinion surveys of 2016–2022 show that people feel they are safe in Estonia. The surveys highlight that, over the years, the existence or the lack of the sense of security has had a considerable impact on the interest and willingness of the people to participate in volunteer activities.
People of Estonia have high confidence in the Police and Border Guard Board, the Rescue Board and the Estonian Defence League, and this forms a strong basis for involving volunteers. The people of Estonia have a strong interest in volunteering, and the target level goals set in the Ministry of the Interior’s development plan for volunteers are achievable. The active participation of citizens in security efforts, which is supported by the state, enhances security in society. A strong community that cooperates with the security authorities and encourages volunteering is of critical importance in creating a secure and stable environment.