Author: Cafferata, Fernando Gabriel
Title: Privatisation of Security in Latin America: Review
Summary: The privatisation of security in Latin America has recently gained the attention of scholars, politicians and policymakers alike. Until a few years ago, this issue had not been studied in depth, and therefore little time-series statistics or systematic historical data exist. Nevertheless, as insecurity has been growing exponentially in the region, the privatisation of security has captured the public’s attention. The state’s inability to address rising crime rates and the increasing concerns of citizens generate a growing demand for the services provided by private security companies (PSCs). Most of the literature on the subject revolves around a series of common issues that are the main theoretical and empirical findings of this document. Only eight documents examine the privatisation of security in Latin America. Of these, the first complete, in-depth analysis – and the most accurate so far – was produced in 2009 by FLACSO-Chile’s Citizen Security Program. Most of the other documents were produced at the initiative of the Organization of American States (OAS). Between them, these two organisations have produced more than 60% of the regional documents and more than 75% of the country-specific documents on PSCs. From the survey of the literature presented here, we identified eight “further research” areas. Of these, accurate parameter estimation regarding the number of PSCs, private security agents and weapon possession by PSCs is the most vital area of research to start with as well as the most difficult one in which to gain traction.
Details: Santiago, Chile: Global Consortium on Security Transformation, 2010. 29p.
Source: Internet Resource; GCST Working Paper Series, no. 3
Year: 2010
Country: South America
URL:
Shelf Number: 119457
Keywords:
Crime Prevention (Latin America)Private Security (Latin America)Privatization |
