U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID),throughitscommitment tosecuritysector reform (SSR), works to support good governance and rule of law, conflict prevention, mitigation and response, andreintegrationandreconciliationprogramsaimedatbuilding civiliancapacitytomanage,oversee, and provide security and justice.

Security Sector Reform (SSR) is the set of strategies, policies, procedures, and processes, programs and activities that a government undertakes to improve the way it provides safety, security, and justice. The overall objective is to provide these services in a way that promotes an effective and legitimate public service that is transparent, accountable to civilian authority, and responsive to the needs of the public. SSRisanumbrellatermthatmightinclude integratedactivitiesinsupport of:defense andarmedforces reform; civilian management and oversight; justice; police and law enforcement; corrections; intelligence and national security; border management; disarmament, demobilization and reintegration (DDR); and/or reduction of armed violence. The security sector includes both military and civilian-led organizations, and personnel operating at the international, regional, national and/or sub-national level. Relevantactorsinthe broadersecuritysectorapparatusmayinclude state securityproviders, governmentalsecuritymanagementandoversightbodies, civilsocietyorganizations(CSOs), andnon-state security providers.