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11. Gendarmeries and constabulary-type police: Roles and responsibilities of police with mixed military and civilian characteristics

Author:
Ronja Harder and Jasper Linke
Publication Date:
01-2019
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
Gendarmeries and constabulary-type police go by many names, but all combine characteristics of both the military and civilian police. Because of their unique skill sets, demand for such forces to face new threats to domestic and international security has increased everywhere. However, the mixed military–civilian characteristics of gendarmeries and constabulary-type police pose special challenges for democratic civilian control and the appropriate use of force, especially in domestic law enforcement. This SSR Backgrounder describes the roles and functions of gendarmeries and similar forces and explains how applying the principles of good SSG enables them to fulfil their legitimate mission of protecting both state and human security with respect for human rights and the rule of law. This SSR Backgrounder answers the following questions: What are gendarmeries and constabulary-type police? What roles can gendarmeries play in domestic security? How can gendarmeries contribute to international security? Are gendarmeries compatible with democratic security governance? What does SSR mean for gendarmeries?
Topic:
Security, Human Rights, Law Enforcement, Military Affairs, and Rule of Law
Political Geography:
Geneva and Global Focus

12. New Psychoactive Substances: Challenges for Law Enforcement Agencies and the Law

Author:
Kalliroi Ziavrou
Publication Date:
06-2018
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies
Abstract:
New psychoactive substances (NPS) present a new global phenomenon in the drug market. This phenomenon is characterized by the emergence of a significant number of new substances every year that are not controlled under international drug control conventions, which means that their trafficking is legal. These substances are designed to mimic traditional illicit drugs and may cause severe adverse health effects.Over the last few years, the unprecedented rate of NPS proliferation has resulted in significant risk to public health; the numbers of people who become sick or addicted as well as the number of fatalities are consistently growing at an alarming pace. With the aid of the internet, new psychoactive substances are spreading at such a rapid rate that law enforcement agencies cannot respond quickly enough when it comes to identifying and regulating these substances. This paper will address the NPS phenomenon, presenting why the issue is generating increased interest worldwide and how it has provoked new challenges for law enforcement agencies (LEA) and policymakers. Beginning with a presentation of the current NPS crisis, this paper will demonstrate how illicit networks have managed to flood the drug market with NPS and examine the emerging issues for the involved communities and countries, legislative and judicial communities, and populations worldwide. Finally, it will discuss current governmental responses and containment measures and offer suggestions on how to counter the challenge using a holistic approach.
Topic:
Law Enforcement, Internet, Drugs, and Public Health
Political Geography:
Global Focus

13. Monitoring Law Enforcement Agencies: A Guide for Ombuds Institutions

Author:
Nazli Yildirim Schierkolk
Publication Date:
12-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Razumkov Centre
Abstract:
This Series of Monitoring Products is designed to facilitate the work of National Human Rights (Ombuds) Institutions on monitoring the security sector. The series provides guidance on relevant best practices and may also be used for relevant capacity development trainings. DCAF has also developed a number of products to assist Ombuds institutions on both broad and highly specific oversight and policy challenges, particularly in terms of gender equality and human rights monitoring within the armed forces.
Topic:
Security, Gender Issues, Human Rights, Law Enforcement, and Inequality
Political Geography:
Global Focus

14. The National Guard of Ukraine: Development Options

Author:
Philipp H. Fluri
Publication Date:
05-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Razumkov Centre
Abstract:
У цьому дослідженні Женевського центру демократичного контролю над збройними силами (ДКЗС) розглядаються приклади сучасних структур національної гвардії та обґрун- тування доцільності їх утримання. Хоча кожен з них повинен розглядатися індивідуально, однак при цьому може бути отримано важливі уроки для країн, які стикаються з проблемою реформування своїх безпекових структур.
Topic:
Security, Governance, Law Enforcement, and Armed Forces
Political Geography:
Ukraine and Global Focus

15. Intelligence Oversight: Ensuring accountable intelligence within a framework of democratic governance

Author:
Ronja Harder
Publication Date:
01-2017
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF)
Abstract:
This SSR Backgrounder explains how the principles of democratic control and oversight can be applied to intelligence services. Oversight of intelligence matters, because intelligence services can pose a threat to democratic governance, the rule of law and human rights, even while acting in the public interest. Applying the principle of good security sector governance through a system of democratic control and oversight ensures intelligence services are both effective and accountable while providing security for the state and for its people. This SSR Backgrounder answers the following questions: Why is democratic oversight of intelligence important? How does democratic oversight of intelligence work? What are typical challenges for democratic oversight of intelligence? How does internal control of intelligence contribute to good governance? How does executive control of intelligence contribute to good governance? What role does parliament play in democratic oversight of intelligence? How is the justice system involved in the control and oversight of intelligence? How can public oversight apply to intelligence?
Topic:
Human Rights, Intelligence, Governance, and Law Enforcement
Political Geography:
Geneva, Europe, and Global Focus

16. Global Dimensions of Organized Crime and Ways of Preventing Threats at International Level

Author:
Nika Chitadze
Publication Date:
06-2016
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Connections
Institution:
Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes
Abstract:
The present paper predominantly focuses on the different approaches related to the definition of organized crime, the primary conditions that create a convenient foundation upon which organized crime can develop, the main activities of organized criminal groups, and leading organized criminal formations across the different regions of the world, in particular, the Italian Mafia, the Japanese bōryokudan (Yakuza), Chinese triads, Colombian drug cartels, and Russian criminal organizations (“Russian Mafia”), and so on. The second part of the paper is dedicated to the review of the international experience of fighting against transnational organized crime, particularly with regard to different international conventions and agreements within the nineteenth century and first half of the twentieth century. It also explores this phenomena on a UN-level and with reference to a range of European institutions (the EU, Council of Europe). The concluding section sees an examination of the role of law enforcement agencies in the fight against organized crime.
Topic:
Crime, International Cooperation, Law Enforcement, and Organized Crime
Political Geography:
Global Focus

17. Terrorism and Organized Crime

Author:
Sam Mullins and James K. Wither
Publication Date:
06-2016
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Connections
Institution:
Partnership for Peace Consortium of Defense Academies and Security Studies Institutes
Abstract:
This article begins with an assessment of the similarities and differences between terrorists and criminals, including profiles, methods, systems of organization and motives. Notably, the article identifies seven categories of crimes committed by terrorists: 1) Inherent/violent, 2) Preparation/facilitation, 3) Funding, 4) Specialized terrorism offenses, 5) Vigilantism/public relations, 6) Miscellaneous/Spontaneous/Unrelated Offences, and 7) Previous criminal records. Next, the crime-terror nexus is discussed and four types of relationships between terrorists and criminals are identified: 1) Interaction, 2) Appropriation, 3) Assimilation, and 4) Transformation. The article concludes with a discussion of the concept of convergence between terrorism and organized crime, and implications for counter-terrorism and law-enforcement.
Topic:
Terrorism, Law Enforcement, Counter-terrorism, and Organized Crime
Political Geography:
Global Focus