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How can the British Government increase the effectiveness of conflict related policing missions? This study of conflict related international policing from the British Government’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office focuses on the key capacity gaps facing the policing elements of international missions. The study finds that the quality of officers deployed – their ability to effectively carry out their roles – is a key capacity gap.
Policing is a critical element in international efforts to maintain law and order and restore the rule of law in states transitioning from conflict to peace and stability. Increased recognition of this over the last decade has led to a rising demand for international police officers, capable of carrying out more complex roles in a greater variety of environments.
Straightforward monitoring and reporting roles have been replaced by a requirement for executive operational policing and longer term rebuilding, reform and development of national police capacities. Policing components of missions may need to provide expertise in paramilitary policing, community policing, investigative and intelligence policing, and the development of leadership, professional standards and organisational and administrative capacities. Conflict related policing missions and operations are now carried out by international and regional organisations. The increased demand is such that various EU and UN missions are now operating significantly below their mandated strength of international police officers.
Individual police officers need delivery skills, which include executive policing, training, coaching, advising, mentoring, and consultancy and donor coordination. Increasing quality requires, amongst other things:
If the UK is to develop a more effective model of support, the following measures need to be implemented:
Author: FCO
Source: FCO, 2009, 'Review of Conflict Related International Policing', Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), London, United Kingdom
Size: 46 pages (420 kB)