A shotgun marriage: Security sector reform and development, a case study of police reform in Haiti

The thesis explores the relationship between security and development, through the case study of Canadian security sector reform in Haiti. Over the last 15 years, the traditional security paradigm has undergone a significant revision allowing the inclusion of non-military ideas such as human security within a wider conception of security. As the concept of security evolves, linkages between security and development are increasingly addressed and identified by the development community. One manifestation of the merger of development and security may be seen in security sector reform. The Canadian police reform project undertaken by the RCMP and CIDA in Haiti is used as a case study to examine the practical combination of development and security concerns in a developing country. The project is evaluated through the use of seven security sector reform principles that contribute to wider sustainable development in a community. The CIDA/RCMP project is found to have had little positive impact on either the general security situation in Haiti or on promoting sustainable development within the security sector or in wider Haitian society. Lessons learned are presented in the conclusion for future security sector reform initiatives. Security and development should be addressed simultaneously to promote a safe environment, capable of supporting high levels of human security and human development.