Security Theatre is defined as follows;
Security theater has been defined as security measures which have little perceived or real influence or effect on security whilst being publicly visible and designed to make the lesser-informed believe that countermeasures have been considered and are employed.
It was first coined in response to the security efforts made in particular at airports. Even the famed cast of CBC’s 22 Minutes has had fun with it. (Watch Video)
It has its advantages and disadvantages and not just explicitly with airport security but with other security applications in the security world. The perception of security is sometimes a better deterrent that actual security countermeasures. If people feel that they are safe, they perceive that measures and countermeasures are there to assist them in their experience (whatever that might be) then the theatre has put on a fine show.
Although the downside is that it could project the perception of a risk that actually doesn’t exist. The gated community. If it’s a low crime area, what are the gates protecting you from? How about those announcements we repeatedly listen to in department stores, “Security scan section F, security scan section F”. To some experts these announcements have reduced the number of shoplifting incidents.
Not all scenes of the security theatre are going to be effective, nor may they project the right message. You may need to just tweak the actors you’re using and your set design.
Break a leg.