Contributions of Private Security Companies to Security Oversight at Local and National Levels: the Case of Bole Sub-city, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Taffese Negash — 2024-04-20

Private security companies play vital role in local and national security, especially by enhancing public safety and improve security in communities. The objective of the study was to assess the contributions of private security companies to security oversight at the local and national levels: the case of Bole Sub-city. To address the objectives of the study, exploratory research design was used. The study is qualitative by research design and participants of the study were selected using purposive sampling technique. Both primary and secondary methods were used in the data collection. The researcher used participants from private security companies, Addis Ababa Peace and Security Office and Police Officials. The data collected from participants through interview and document review were analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings of the study show that the contributions of private security companies have been so enormous which among others include support law enforcement, reporting on incidents and calls, and enhance public safety by creating conducive environment. Indeed, these were achieved all through commendably guided coordination between police and private security companies on the area of crime prevention, training, sharing criminal pertinent data with the police. However, findings of the study also unveil that the cooperation were challenged by lack of continuous information sharing, lack of standardized training, lack of clear rule and regulations, lack of insurance and social benefits for guards which are identified as major problem. The study recommends that enhancing security oversight effectiveness by establishing rules, enhancing training, developing trust, and sharing information, improving payment systems and updating social benefits for private security personnel.

Exploring Social Impacts of Crime on Victims: The Case of Addis Ketema Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Melesse Kindu Biks — 2024-04-20

This study aimed to explore the social impacts of crime on victims in Addis Ketema. It employed a cross-sectional research design and a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings showed that among the victims in Addis Ketema sub-city in Addis Ababa, crime hinders social cohesiveness and relationships, particularly among victims, their family members, friends, and acquaintances. The impact of crime extends to every aspect of the victims' lives, causing misery until they recover. Furthermore, crime adversely affects the victims' ability to perform day-to-day activities, engage in social interactions, and maintain relationships. The study also highlighted that criminal target victim by studying their behaviors and vulnerabilities, with factors such as lifestyle, accessibility, social ecology, and carelessness increasing victims' exposure to crime. Victims often bear the burden of caring for their families and relatives, which maybe the very reason that exposed them to crime incidents. As a result of victimization, trust in the police institution, police officers, and surrounding neighborhoods/communities is diminished. Therefore, it is recommended that the police commission establish a victim treatment and handling system.

Ethiopian Journal of Police Studies

Contributions of Private Security Companies to Security Oversight at Local and National Levels: the Case of Bole Sub-city, Addis Ababa Ethiopia

Exploring Social Impacts of Crime on Victims: The Case of Addis Ketema Sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia