Programska skupina
Varnost v lokalnih skupnostih
Primerjava ruralnih in urbanih okolij
Programska skupina
Varnost v lokalnih skupnostih
Primerjava ruralnih in urbanih okolij
Ljubljana, Slovenia & Gujarat, India, 23 April 2026, 09.00-16.00 (CET) (MS Teams, online)
Security begins at the local level—where people live, work, and build their communities. As global challenges increasingly shape everyday life, understanding and strengthening local safety has never been more important. The 9th International Student Conference on Local Safety and Security builds on a decade of research led by the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security at the University of Maribor. Since 2015, this research stream has explored how safety and security function at the community level—examining prevention, risk management, and the roles of institutions and citizens in maintaining local stability. What stands out in studying local perspectives on safety and security is the strong emphasis on student involvement. By actively including graduate students in research and conference participation, the initiative helps bridge theory and practice, preparing future professionals in criminal justice, criminology and security fields. The conference will bring together master’s students from the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security at the University of Maribor, master’s and PhD students from Parul University, and Erasmus+ students studying at the Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security during the 2025/26 academic year. This international gathering highlights the importance of academic collaboration and knowledge exchange in local safety and security. The conference is proudly supported by both universities, the Erasmus+ programme, and the Slovenian Research and Innovation Agency, ensuring a dynamic and well-supported platform for emerging researchers and future professionals.
Opening of the conference
Igor Bernik, Dean, Faculty of Criminal Justice and Security, University of Maribor, Slovenia
Introductory address: Prof. dr. Gorazd Meško
Panel 1 – International Perspectives
Chair: Katja Eman
Sustainable Development and Reducing Inequality in Access to Cyber Space Related to India
Nitish Bhadraka
Global Refugee from a Local Perspective
Mansi Makwana
Rurality and Crime from Indian Perspectives
Tanha Patel
Peer Violence in Schools and Prevention in India: From Juvenile Justice Care and Protection Act Perspective
Arya Sandilya
Prejudices Against Certain Minority Groups and Attitudes Towards Punishment
Amandeep Singh
Protecting the Unheard: Criminal Minds, Vulnerability, and Justice for Non-Verbal Children with disabilities
Gouri S Nair
Safety and Security in Artificial Intelligence Era: An Analysis of AI Policy Documents from India, USA, UK, Japan & Australia
Muhammed Munavvir P K
Local Safety & Security in Public Transport in the Czech Republic
Jana Neuwirthová & David Vítek
Stalking as a Threat to Local Safety in the Czech Republic
Eva Plačková, Valentýna Páclová
Media Representations of Crime and Local Safety
Iga Cackowska & Kateřina Foretová
Panel 2 – Crime, Disorder and Feelings of Safety
Chairs: Katja Eman & Nejc Vrhunc
Security Perception and the Role of the Media in Local Communities
Manca Velikovrh & Pia Miletić
The Use of Psychoactive Substances Among Youth in Educational Institutions in Slovenia
Andrea Davidović & Sara Grlica
FCrime in Urban and Rural Areas
Karin Pavlovič & Eva Accetto
Perception of Personal Safety in the Local Community: Young vs. Older Adults
Neža Valentinčič & Jasna Zemljarič
Safety and Security of the University of Maribor Students: An Example of the Faculty for Criminal Justice and Security
Špela Planinšek & Jasmina Smrečnik
Physical and Social (Dis)order in Relation to Safety in Local Communities
Lucija Jeseničnik & Tinkara Domjanič
Peer Violence in Schools and Prevention
Špela Grum & Hana Lindner
The Impact of Marginalized Social Groups on Security in the Local Community
Deja Čerček & Zala Kovač
Panel 3 – Social Control, Policing, Law Enforcement – Urban and Rural Perspectives
Chairs: Katja Eman & Tamara Grošelj
Rurality and Crime
Monika Lepoša & Aleksandra Rozina
Juvenile Delinquency Prevention: The Impact of Protective Factors in Rural and Urban Environment
Vida Wåhlmark
Organisation of Municipal Security Bodies and a Legal Analysis of Their Powers Now and in the Future
Paskal Zupan & Dorijan Kolar
Police Work with Juveniles
Anđela Makitan & Maja Klobučar
Satisfaction and Efficiency of Police as Perceived by Residents of the Republic of Slovenia
Tia Hladnik & Laura Lavrič
Panel 4 – Different Perspectives on Local Community Safety and Security
Chairs: Katja Eman & Polona Leben
Strengthening Resilience to Ensure Cybersecurity in Local Communities: The Contrast Between Older and Younger Generations
Nejc Vrhunc & Mark Bizjak
Sustainable Development and Reducing Inequality in Access to Cyberspace in Slovenia
Jana Kalan & Ninika Kadunc
Sustainable Mobility and Traffic Safety at the Local Level
Miha Mazi
Local Institutional Integrity as a Method against Organized Corruption for Sustainable Development
Emma Birk & Anja Antončič
Security Aspects of Village Guards, Watch Groups and Other Forms of Community-Based Security Initiatives
Yvonne Misculin & Gregor Petrič
Panel 5 – Victimological Perspectives
Chairs: Katja Eman & Mark Bizjak
Prejudices Against Certain Minority Groups and Attitudes Toward Punishment
Marjeta Banko & Polona Leben
Global Challenges of Refugees from a Local Perspective
David Vasić & Tea Gregel
The Use of Illicit Drugs and Related Issues in Slovenia
Tamara Grošelj & Karin Habat
Elderly Homeless Drug Users: Social Exclusion and Safety Challenges for Local Communities
Neža Vodeb & Biba Bernik
Final Comments and Closing of the Conference
Nejc Vrhunc, Biba Bernik & Prof. dr. Katja Eman
