Links between Private and Public Sectors in the Republic of Macedonia

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present the private sector’s evolving role in defence and security, the development of the private security industry and its links to the public sector in the Republic of Macedonia. It examines the background to the privatization of security, the services provided by private security companies, access to the market and regulation of the private security industry. Design/Methodology/Approach: The paper is based on a qualitative methodology and information was gathered using a text analysis method as well as by systematic examination of relevant events in Macedonia. Findings: Over the last decade the private security sector has become professionalized, as the government has made legislative efforts to introduce controls. Whilst in most cases members of the private security industry do not pose a direct threat to the state or to its citizens, significant concerns remain, ranging from cases of improper criminal, political or paramilitary affiliations, to the improper use of force in individual cases. Originality/Value: The value of this paper is primarily due to lack of literature concerning the inclusion of the private security sector in comprehensive security sector refor