INTRODUCTION

One of the primary functions of national governments is to provide security for its people. Since the earliest times this has meant protecting against crossborder invasions and infiltrations from other governments or individuals who are believed to threaten the national order or social structure (Rotberg, 2003). Establishing national security is necessary so that other government services can be delivered. These include systems for regulating the norms and mores of the society generally, as well as establishing systematic means of managing disputes, establishing and enforcing legal codes, and facilitating economic markets, among others. The ability of governments to ensure the security of the nation state also helps to promote the sovereignty of the nation and demonstrates the competence of political leaders.

Though border guards were originally established to defend against incursion from other countries, increasingly, their role has shifted toward managing what have been called “nontraditional” or “critical” security threats, such as smuggling and trafficking (Farer, 1999). To secure nation states from external threats most countries have established police organizations that are responsible for managing border areas.