Eye Spy Private High: Re-Conceptualizing High Policing Theory

• NCJ Number: 215235
• Journal: British Journal of Criminology Volume: 46 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2006 Pages: 641-660
• Author(s): Conor O'Reilly; Graham Ellison
• Date Published: July 2006
• Length: 20 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Theoretical); Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United Kingdom

Annotation

This paper expands Brodeur's (1983) concept of "high policing" (the maintenance and protection of the state and dominant political actors that extends into economics and politics) to include the use of private security personnel.

Abstract

Brodeur distinguishes between the functions of "high policing," which aims to advance and protect the existence and interests of a particular government and its personnel, and "low policing," which maintains public order and controls crime in general. The first section of the paper traces the theoretical development of the "high policing" concept, focusing on Brodeur's original theoretical concept and its relevance to current academic debates about the many facets of security enterprises. Although recognizing the theoretical and conceptual limitations of Brodeur's original theoretical framework, the authors argue for retaining his concept of the domain of "high policing," but with the added dimension of the role of private security companies and personnel in high-policing functions. The paper's second section addresses contemporary activities of "private high policing," specifically the increasing role of leading security consulting firms in the provision of state security and transnational policing. This is illustrated through a description of the security contracts between the U.S. Government and private security firms in the conflict/reconstruction events in Iraq. The discussion shows the increased interaction of public and private security actors in the functions of high policing, suggesting that this development signifies a trend in which private corporations are used to protect and advance the interests and pursuits of the state. The paper concludes with the warning of the inherent threats to democratic government of such a trend, in that it holds the potential for state-corporate corruption and criminality. 82 references