Security beyond the state: exploring potential development impacts of community policing reform in post-conflict and fragile environment

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the significance of understanding police perspectives on community policing as a means of addressing insecurity, particularly within the context of localised and asymmetrical conflicts. It highlights the pivotal role of the police in shaping community security and the substantial impact they can have (positive or negative) in fragile environments. The study contends that the localised nature of the community policing effectively addresses security and development issues and empowering citizens. Qualitative interviews were conducted with senior police in Islamabad, to assess the implementation and potential impacts of community policing in Pakistan’s Federal Capital Territory. The findings reveal how the historical foundations of police structures and operations – which date back to the colonial period – have led to the promotion of fear, mistrust and manipulation under successive regimes. Despite these challenges, the findings are promising highlighting enhanced human security through context-specific community policing. Finally, the paper argues that the movement towards community-oriented policing marks a departure from the control of elites within state systems, and encourages values such as local ownership, social cohesion, mutual engagement, accountability and agency. These developments have profound implications for global security and justice.

KEYWORDS:

• Community policing
• conflict
• security and development
• local ownership
• social cohesion
• trust
• Pakistan

Notes

1 A ‘written document prepared by the police when they receive information about the commission of a cognisable offence’, usually lodged by the victim or someone on their behalf (CDPI-Pakistan n.d., 1).

2 A traditional assembly of leaders (in Afghanistan and Pakistan) that makes decisions by consensus and according to the code of conduct called Pakhtunwali.

3 A political system originating from the Indian subcontinent. It is found mainly in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri-Lanka and Nepal. Traditionally, these assemblies settled disputes between individuals and between villages.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Muhammad Abbas

Dr. Muhammad Abbas is an accomplished community development practitioner and emerging researcher in security and development studies. His Research focus encompasses international and human security, sustainable development, police reforms, and trust challenges in postcolonial states. A recipient of the Higher Education Commission-Pakistan scholarship, Dr Abbas pursued his doctoral studies in RMIT University's school of Global, Urban & Social Studies, Melbourne, Australia.

Vandra Harris Agisilaou

Vandra Harris is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Global, Urban & Social Studies at RMIT, Australia. Her work focuses on humanitarian and development contexts, with particular attention to civil, military, and police actors; young children; and applied ethics.