PRIVATE SECURITY IN GUATEMALA: THE CASE OF SUPERVISION AND CONTROL

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua underwent a series of internal conflicts, largely as a result of economic and social inequalities and repressive political regimes, fueled by the policies of the two main superpowers at the time. Since 1996 when the peace agreements were signed the presence of private security companies in Guatemala has increased significantly, given the climate of insecurity and demand for protection by society at large. The provision of security by the private sector is challenging the state's role as the main actor responsible for the security and safety of citizens and the protection of their assets. In the absence of an efficient legal system or regulatory structure, these private sector activities raise issues of legality, legitimacy, and accountability in the area of security policy. This paper seeks to analyze the state of control and supervision of the private sector in the field of public security in Guatemala.