Taskforce on Security Sector Reform and Organised Crime
The Taskforce will develop evidence-based strategies to improve the involvement of security sectors in serious and organised crime (SOC).
Security sector reform (SSR) is a priority for many governments and international donors, yet efforts are often compromised by the complex links between security institutions, organised crime, and political interests. These connections limit the effectiveness of reforms, donor efforts and pose serious risks to stability and development.
The Taskforce brings together leading experts in SSR, experienced policymakers, and practitioners working in development contexts. Its mission is to provide governments and donors with up-to-date, evidence-based strategies to address the involvement of security sectors in serious and organised crime (SOC). The Taskforce will provide an opportunity for policymakers and researchers to connect and collaborate, fostering practical approaches for tackling SOC within security forces.
Aims and objectives
The Taskforce aims to:
- Develop practical guidance
Offer concrete guidance that donors can adopt to reduce security sectors' involvement in serious and organised crime.
 - Strengthen collaboration
Bring together policymakers from leading development organisations to share insights, improve approaches to SSR, and foster connections for future cooperation.
 - Synthesise evidence
Compile and analyse the latest research on effective SSR measures, including the political conditions under which they succeed.
 - Influence policy and practice
Contribute to thought-leading publications that will shape policy discussions and guide future SSR initiatives.
Latest publications
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SOC ACE Research Programme
The Serious Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Evidence (SOC ACE) research programme’s overarching focus is on generating rigorous research that engages directly with policy and practice to uncover more feasible options to tackle serious organised crime (SOC), illicit finance, kleptocracy and corruption. By putting political analysis at the heart of our research approach, SOC ACE helps to demonstrate the role that research can play in making more politically feasible options more visible to reformers.
Funding
The programme is funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and led by the University of Birmingham in collaboration with a number of other leading research organisations.