Assessment of PSC’s role in Kosovo
Project Name: Assessment of PSC’s role in Kosovo
Location: Prishtina, Kosovo
Field: Security/Democratic oversight of the security institutions
Target Group: PSC’s in Kosovo/Security Experts/MP’s/Government Officials/Citizens
Implemented by: Kosovar Center for Security Studies, KCSS
Supported by: Balkan Trust for Democracy (BTD) and Royal Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Duration: 03/01/2009 – 16/02/2009
Private Security Companies (PSC) are expanding industry. One of the significant changes in the security issues has to do with the emergence of the PSC’s in the world. The range of services provided by PSC’s varies from those engaged as private detectives, to guarding the transport of valuables, security in shopping and business centers, airports, as well as nuclear and military facilities.[1]
In the period of post-conflict, the PSC emerged rapidly even in Kosovo. Their role by some has been considered as important. However, in the other side there are still uncertainties about the status of PSC’s in Kosovo. Based on some surveys, very few in Kosovo are aware about the competencies of the private security guards. Furthermore, the role of PSC’s in the security sector is becoming more important day to day. There is no doubt that the process of Security Sector Building (SSB) in Kosovo consist on the rapid emergence of this private security industry. It is estimated that the private security industry in Kosovo makes up more than 3000 security guards increasing day to day.[2]
Kosovar Centre for Security Studies (KCSS) is implementing a project “Assessment of the Private Security Companies Performance”. The project foresees the draft of a assessment paper on the topic and organizing a roundtable by inviting the stakeholders (citizens, MP’s, international community and PSC’s representatives).
Strategic project objective
The strategic objective of the project is the assessment of the role of PSC’s in Kosovo.
Objectives of this project are as follow:
Raising the issue of PSC’s in Kosovo
Assessing the Draft Law on PSC’s which has to be approved by the Kosovo Assembly
To increase the role of civil society for the PSC performance in Kosovo
To bring relevant experts and governmental officials in a roundtable
Promoting the democratic oversight of PSC
Raising the issue of gender composition in PSC’s
Raising the issue of minority composition in PSC’s
Additional objectives of the project are as follow:
To release recommendations and instructions from the civil society point of view
Supporting and contributing the Committee on Internal Affairs and Security, Assembly of Kosovo
Providing expertise from a local specialized organization (KCSS)
To bring an international relevant expert on the PSC’s issues
Assessment of Private Security Companies in Kosovo
Vlerësimi i kompanive private të sigurisë
Ocena stanja privatnih bezbednosnih kompanija
[1] Born Hans, Caparini Marina, Cole Eden, Regulating Private Security Companies in Europe: Status and Prospects, DCAF, 2007
[2] SEESAC, SAWL and Private Security Companies in SEE: A cause of effect or insecurity, 2005, p.97
