Post‐conflict private policing: experiences from several former Yugoslav countries

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the development of the private security sector in several former Yugoslav countries that have gone through difficult post‐conflict reconstruction including the field of security.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes a qualitative approach to data collection that includes interviews with experts in the field of private security from several ex‐Yugoslav countries.

Findings

While much effort is invested in the rebuilding of new, democratic public police forces in post‐conflict societies, little attention is usually paid to non‐state providers of security, for example, private security industry. Private security could, potentially, be both a crucial additional stabilising factor in assuring security in post‐conflict environments and a cause of instability if it lacks legislative control, professionalism and ethical guidance. Hence, both the state and the police should support the private security industry in helping it to achieve legitimacy and, where appropriate, partner state bodies. A well‐regulated private security sector could also become a substantial employer of large numbers of demobilised combatants in post‐conflict societies. Analyses of private security sectors in several former Yugoslav countries that experienced conflict identify a number of potential advantages and challenges. On one hand, in those countries with appropriate legislation in this regard, private security is becoming a valuable additional provider of security, while on the other hand, even strict regulation has failed to prevent some private security companies maintaining links with paramilitary, political and organised crime groups. Legal regulation is a precondition for the stable development of private security in those countries focussed upon in this paper, and this is not possible without appropriate action regarding the training, integrity and ethical behaviour of private security officers.

Research limitations/implications

The results are limited to developments in ex‐Yugoslavia, and may not be easily generalized to other situations and venues.

Practical implications

This paper provides a useful source of information for security policy makers and security experts in post‐conflict societies.

Originality/value

This paper extends understanding of the development of private security in post‐conflict societies.

Citation

Sotlar, A. (2009), "Post‐conflict private policing: experiences from several former Yugoslav countries", Policing: An International Journal, Vol. 32 No. 3, pp. 489-507. https://doi.org/10.1108/13639510910981626