This paper describes the legal framework for the development and operation of the private-security sector in the Federation of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Bosnia-Herzegovina's Law on Protection of People and Property provides the legal framework for the establishment and operation of private protection agencies. Although the issue of private security was partially addressed by the 1986 law on the Social Self-defense, its provisions have not been suitable for contemporary private security operations. The operations of private protection agencies focus on the protection of persons and property through the use of various protection mechanisms that involve security technology, surveillance, and environmental design. Current law recognizes and legitimizes this sphere of private security operations. The Law on Protection of Persons and Property formally distinguishes between the state security mechanisms and private protection strategies and operations. Under this law, private protection agencies are authorized to act as private commercial entities in preventing and responding to crime within the parameters defined by the law. Mandated standards require that these private protection agencies develop a professional, trained staff that operates skillfully and ethically in the performance of its duties. 5 references