Formal and informal policing in Iraq (GSDRC Helpdesk Research Report 1176)

Abstract

Query Identify literature on improving public security in Iraq through formal and informal policing mechanisms. Overview The literature on improving security in Iraq is mostly focused on military analysis with relatively few insights and recommendations to be found on improving formal policing and the government systems that underpin them. Research for this report was unable to find literature on informal policing mechanisms with the exception of some recommendations relating to private security companies and ethnic militia. This annotated bibliography, therefore, looks at a range of material on security and policing and identifies key messages and recommendations from it. Much of the material is from a small number of US-based experts and tends to not reflect the current context but instead provides general suggestions for approaches to reform