Non-Subscriber Extract
Shield of safety? - The role of private security companies
By Graeme C S Steven
16 November 2007
The alleged killing of 17 Iraqi civilians by Blackwater on 16 September 2007 and subsequent repercussions, have once again highlighted the role of private security companies (PSCs) in international peacekeeping and reconstruction campaigns.
The US Congress is conducting an investigation into the 16 September shootings. Blackwater has said its employees only opened fire after coming under attack themselves.
The events have exacerbated popular impressions of these types of companies as unregulated organisations committing a vast array of crimes, despite the fact that this may not be the case. However, while the increase in use of PSCs by militaries and international firms has ensured their regulation is of greater importance, it is also vital to analyse why such events occur and how they can be prevented.
If regulation and measures to prevent the recurrence of these events are impossible, then the use of PSCs will continue to be fraught with controversy and evolve into the common stereotypical 'mercenary' image. However, if effective regulation can be enforced and such events prevented, then PSCs could continue to have a role to play as adjuncts to military operations and vital security providers in unstable situations.
It is not in the organisational interests of a PSC to be involved in the killing of local nationals. Indeed, the use of PSCs in Afghanistan has not yet led to the scale of events alleged to have happened in Iraq in September and October. Therefore, there must be factors that have encouraged or made more likely the recent events in Iraq.
Three factors are particularly interesting in the Iraqi theatre. The diversity in quality and professionalism of PSCs; the profit motive of the organisations; and the increasingly hostile operating environment. All three have implications for those operating 'on the ground' and could therefore contribute to incidents.
It is perhaps the first reason that has created the most debate in international media about the use of PSCs. It is important to note that despite stories of allegedly unprofessional PSC conduct either in the media or among PSC personnel, any regulartory reporting of more professional conduct is either non-existent or often goes unnoticed.
Stories including allegations of misconduct will always be more attractive to media commentators than a story portraying PSCs as doing their jobs effectively, without contact, casualty or compromise.
Nonetheless, although it is almost impossible to grade the professionalism of PSCs without personally auditing each one, there are some extremely professional PSCs operating in Iraq. High-quality recruitment, retention, training, discipline and operating procedures adopted by a PSC all add to its professionalism and make any negative event (contact or casualties) less likely.
The more professional PSCs tend to recruit from experienced military personnel, including special forces, special duties and specialist police units. In addition, they will have a high level of training before deployment to theatre (by the PSC or an accredited training provider), supplemented by continuous training in theatre.