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Site private security staff should participate in training prior to and during the contract timeframe to make sure that security staff operate according to the required standards. Sites are responsible for the quality and frequency of training. Sites may share their training materials with private security contractors and/or review the training materials used by security contractors to train their own staff.

The frequency and content of training varies according to the existing levels of capacity of the private security contractor staff and commensurate to the potential social and human rights impacts related to security. Task 2, Task 4, and Task 5 should enable sites to identify a tailored programme that addresses any identified gaps.

Technical training and training in human rights and the VPs is essential. Training should also prepare security staff to engage with community members appropriately and impartially and might therefore need to include issues such as gender sensitivity and local cultures and traditions.

Security management is about engagement as well as protection. How contractors relate to, and interact with, local communities can be as important as what measures and procedures they employ. Hiring from communities can support better stakeholder relations and can reduce the risk of misunderstandings resulting from cultural differences. Equally, recruiting or using local people to provide security services brings potential challenges. There may be a conflict of interest, or reluctance to act against a fellow community member.

Box 4E.5 Inclusion and diversity

Sites should consider the composition of the security force. Security is an important gender issue. How women and men perceive security can differ significantly. Women are more likely to feel threatened by a strong security presence and are far more vulnerable to harassment and intimidation.

While security can be a male-dominated function, it is critical to ensure that women make-up a significant percentage of the guard force security complement. Female guards are essential wherever searches of female staff or contractors are required.

Similarly, in contexts of ethnic or religious diversity, sites should make every effort to ensure their security provision is representative of local communities.

4E.2 Guidance | Do
4.Impact and risk prevention and management  |  4E Security management and the voluntary principles on security and human rights (VPSHR)  |  4E.2 Guidance  |  Do