Private security companies (PSCs) play an increasingly important role in the security sector of most countries in Europe and elsewhere. As providers of security services, PSCs and their activities have a direct impact on security, human rights and a country’s democratic order. It is therefore in the interest of the public that PSCs are effectively regulated and accountable for alleged wrongdoings.

An overview of the situation in Southeast Europe and beyond indicates that security sector oversight bodies, such as parliaments, so far have shown very little interest in overseeing the private security sector. There seems to be a lack of understanding of the role that private security plays in the security sector and how key principles of good security sector governance, such as transparency, participation, efficiency and accountability, apply to them.