The recent tsunami in Asia and a number of terrorist attacks over the last years have demonstrated the need for quick and organised responses in crisis management situations. How can we respond quickly and effectively? Recent experience in crisis management situations suggests that technology can help save lives and restore security. The European Commission is planning a wide-ranging European Security Research Programme to help reinforce the security of European citizens. The Preparatory Action already under way includes a number of projects, such as one improving the security surveillance technology for crowded areas like a sport stadium or metro stations that could be targets for terrorist attacks, by using a range of sensors to detect dangerous behaviour.