Mercy Fekadu (Ph.D.)Mahader Teshome2025-04-012025-04-012021-07https://etd.aau.edu.et/handle/123456789/5258The title of this thesis is the roles and challenges of private security companies in Addis Ababa. Specifically, this research sought to answer four main research questions. It explores the roles played by private security companies, explores the challenges private security companies face, analyzes how private security companies function in the absence of regulation on PSCs, and to understands the perception of clients towards PSCs. To carry out this research, the researcher used qualitative methodology and exploratory research design. Data were collected through in depth interviews and FGD with managers of private security companies, security guards, PSCs customers, security guards, and police officers. The findings of this thesis show that the PSCs play an important role in providing security in society but some barriers prevent private security companies from being effective in their performances. While mainly technical and managerial issues like the lack of regulations for PSCs, a misconception of the PSCs by different actors, lack of adequate training, and the wage for security guards, are mentioned as major barriers; there is a deeper security issue seldom mentioned. For private security companies to perform well and ensure the safety of society, these obstacles must be resolved by the relevant bodies.en-USPrivate securitysecurity companiesregulating the private securityThesis