Private security's accountabilities within polycentric assemblages

Berg, J. and Shearing, C. (2022) Private security's accountabilities within polycentric assemblages. International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice, 46(1), pp. 1-13. (doi: 10.1080/01924036.2020.1788959)

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Abstract

This article will reflect on the multiple ways in which private security can, and is, being held responsible and accountable to the public (and other security providers), in formalised, polycentric, or nodal assemblages. Drawing on empirical research conducted on plural policing partnerships, the article will show that private security is influenced by market forces, but that this is part of an interwoven, layered, formal-informal system of accountabilities – most of which are bottom-up and relational, rather than top-down and legislated. In fact, drawing on the work of John Braithwaite, we show that horizontal or circular forms of accountability (or accountabilities) play a large role in aligning the private sector to the public interest or common good within pluralised environments.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Berg, Dr Julie
Authors: Berg, J., and Shearing, C.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > School of Social and Political Sciences > Sociology Anthropology and Applied Social Sciences
Journal Name:International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice
Publisher:Taylor & Francis
ISSN:0192-4036
ISSN (Online):2157-6475
Published Online:06 July 2020
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2020 School of Criminal Justice, Michigan State University
First Published:First published in International Journal of Comparative and Applied Criminal Justice 46(1): 1-13
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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