How can corruption in security sector reform (SSR) be addressed? This Brief highlights the highly political and context-specific nature of corruption. Donors must ensure that anti-corruption programmes are consistent with local standards and political will. It is important to coordinate anti-corruption programmes, and to address both low- and high-level corruption simultaneously.
SSR is a process of realigning the security establishment to be more attuned to the needs of society. However, corruption in the security sector damages society’s trust in the government and undermines this process. What is perceived as corruption will vary across cultures, as norms and values are context-bound. In a context of poverty or conflict particularly, allegiance to personal loyalties such as one’s family or ethnic, religious, or socioeconomic identity often outweighs allegiance to the state or to abstract rules.
In the security sector, corruption occurs most often in contracting and procurement. As there is a tendency to overextend rules of secrecy and confidentiality in this sector, citizens tend to be unaware of the impact that high-level corruption has on their lives. Petty corruption, however, is highly visible and constitutes a major obstacle to effective security sector reform.
- Corrupt procurement is facilitated by the use of multiple subcontractors, which masks the actual perpetrators.
- Subcontractors may be located in various countries and may be protected by barriers of language, inadequate legal systems and special privilege.
- As the implementation of large contracts is spread out over time, payoffs and kickbacks can materialise long after the signing of the contract.
- Even if an official is fired for malfeasance, corrupt payouts from the contract may continue.
Donors should consider addressing corruption in SSR a top priority. In order to address corruption effectively, they need to understand the culture and political context. Recommendations include the following.
- Assess the extent, form and causes of corruption in the country and the political will for anti-corruption reform in the government and civil society.
- Articulate a common set of standards for an anti-corruption strategy that fits the host country’s political will and cultural context. Ensure that police officers understand legal standards and are fully briefed on the codes of ethics, operational guidelines and the consequences for breaking the rules.
- Clarify measures of success for external oversight bodies and maintain internal accountability for corrupt behaviour.
- Support the creation of decent work conditions for the police, military and bureaucrats in government institutions: this should include provision of adequate salaries and a safe environment.
- Focus on officer welfare, including the daily pressures that influence decision-making. Ministerial reforms should ensure that rank and file police officers receive their salaries, and that police families have access to appropriate housing, schooling and medical care. Clear opportunities for merit-based promotions and advanced training are important.
- Support the establishment of internal accountability mechanisms within the police department such as an inspector general or internal affairs office, as well as external citizen review boards to deal with citizen complaints and officer misconduct.
- Ensure that foreign firms, NGOs and domestic officials are not engaging in corruption.
