Private security companies and the deterrence of terrorism: A study of business houses in Kigali City-Rwanda

Abstract

This study evaluated the role of Private Security Companies (PSC) in deterring terrorism, taking business houses in Kigali City-Rwanda as case study. It analyzed the role of the PSC in deterring terrorism-related cases in the same mentioned area, the measures adopted and implemented by the PSC to deal or lessen terror acts together with the hindering aspects with view to ascertaining whether PSC are responding to the threat effectively and hence producing recommendations. The study approached purposely selected resourceful persons in the Department of Staff charged with proposing and implementing policies within the PSC and the guards on ground in charge of daily guardianship. This is because these are the major actors in charge of internal security of the business houses which have been identified as soft target of terrorist acts. The present thesis research analyzed the level of competence of the staff in the fight against terrorism in business houses of Kigali City-Rwanda. Among the measures adopted by PSC to deter terrorism in business houses of Kigali City, the checkup on entrances and monitoring the inside movements have been enhanced. The in-depth assessment of the counter-terrorism measures implemented by PSC indicates that the measures have promising results overall. The mechanisms applied have greatly contributed to make sure that terror acts are downplayed then security of business houses is obvious. However, some of these mechanisms are convenient to the already existing terror threats but need to be improved.