Paper short abstract:

This paper focuses on the relationship between the police and non-statutory security actors in the city of Luanda, with the objective to determine in which circumstances non-state security actors complement, accommodate, compete, substitute or undermine state security providers.

Paper long abstract:

The relationship between police and non-statutory security actors in the provision of everyday security is an under-researched aspect of policing in Luanda, Angola. Little research has proved that bringing together different agents or organisations with different logics, mechanisms, norms, values, and motivation will lead to more inclusive public safety and security mechanisms. Therefore, this paper focuses on the relationship between the police and non-statutory security actors in the city of Luanda, with the objective to determine in which circumstances non-state security actors complement, accommodate, compete, substitute or undermine state security providers. Specifically, this project examines the objectives of the identified non-state actors, their resources and modus operandi, and the nature of the cooperation with the police. The output of the interactions between the police and the identified non-state actors and the residents' experience will be highlighted. I argue that in less homogenous urban residential areas, in the context of limited statehood and fragility, non-statutory security actors have a less constructive relationship with the police and other statutory security providers.