Worldwide, the [private security] industry is experiencing a period of rapid growth, and when effectively regulated and fully accountable, can make a valuable contribution to the provision of security. However, the activities of an uncontrolled or poorly regulated private security industry can present governance problems and in transitional or post-conflict states, can act as an obstacle to peacebuilding, good governance and sustainable development...[S]ecurity sector reform programmes...in...post-conflict and transitional states...often fail to take into account the operation of private security providers...The guidance note provides a good starting point for assessing whether the private security industry is problematic within a country...