As a frontline during the Bosnian war in the early 1990s, the southern city of Mostar has stood as a vivid symbol for ethnic division. In the two communities of Podhum and Brankovac Saferworld devised two community-based policing projects to tackle localised security concerns and give residents a greater say in their security provision.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, 15 years after the conflict, deeply institutionalised ethnic divisions remain. Under-resourced police and local authorities lack the means to respond effectively to problems such as poor housing, drug abuse and the proliferation of firearms left over from the war. In addition a legacy of state centralised control has often led to the exclusion of ordinary people from decisions about how their security will be provided.

During the war the communities of Podhum and Brankovac witnessed fierce fighting. Today, local resident’s safety and security is being compromised by different concerns. Unemployment, high levels of drug usage and poorly lit areas, present major safety concerns for local residents. After many consultations with communities and the local police, Saferworld found that to address some of these concerns, repairing the trust between the citizens of Podhum and Brankovac and the police service was a priority.

The key feature of community-based policing (CBP) is for the police and community to work together to jointly develop solutions to problems of crime, disorder and safety issues to improve the quality of life for everyone in that community. It helps develop an accountable and professional police service and allows people to have a say in policing in exchange for their participation and support. CBP is based on the principle of local ownership: the police and the public have a shared responsibility to ensure a safe and secure environment.

Saferworld and local partner Centre for Security Studies (CSS) established local community safety working groups which include both members of the public and the police. One initiative resulting from of the working groups was a newly installed public mailbox. This allowed local people to anonymously inform police about problems they were facing in their community without the fear of repercussion or reprisal.

Saferworld also provided technical advice to the Bosnian-Herzegovinan Government which meant the community pilots will help shape national strategy on security sector and justice reform. As part of this assistance, Saferworld and CSS have also helped Bosnian police officials develop a handbook on community-based policing to help police officers to work together with communities in identifying and solving safety problems. It contains practical and accessible tools, such as templates, checklists and forms, to help officers to analyse the context, indentify community problems with the local community and deliver efficient responses.