Section 1.1. Prevalence of Interstellar Piracy (Page 1 to 89)
Interstellar piracy has reached endemic proportions within the New Republic, as evidenced by the recent assaults on the liners Ithorian Peace and Stella Artois, and the theft of supplies from a convoy of Druckenwell vessels near Dantooine (although, in the latter case, Druckenwell's vessels conducted themselves in an irresponsible manner; however, the threat of piracy is real). Hundreds of millions of credits in stolen or misappropriated goods are lost each fiscal year as a result of piracy (see page 77 for exact figures).

Piracy has always been an obstacle to interstellar commerce, particularly on the Outer Rim. However, it has become an industry since the period of time between 4 ABY and 7 ABY, during which the Empire was defeated and its resources absent from the stringent counter piracy programs it had enforced from 22 BBY up until that time (see, for example, the Battle of Khuiumin on page 37). With both the Remnant's and the New Republic's fleets occupied in a state of mutual war, the act of piracy became more prevalent and pirate infrastructure was permitted to build for a period of nearly 2 decades, up until the present (see pages 52 and 53 for an abbreviated timeline).

Although the end of the war brings an opportunity to use the New Republic's fleet for the purposes of patrol and pursuit of pirates (preferably in concert with the Remnant's fleet, in an arrangement similar to our mutual agreements against smuggling), the task has undeniably become a complicated one. Particularly concerning are instances of state sponsored piracy, usually on the Outer Rim; this latter problem requires a comprehensive, development solution which this report does not undertake to address.

Section 1.2. Combating Piracy, Conventional Means (Page 90 to 172)
The New Republic's efforts to counter piracy over the last decade have been characterized mostly by specific operations to counter specific acts of piracy, based on intelligence in the form of tips from allied factions such as the Smuggler's Alliance (such as Rogue Squadron's interception of "Invid" pirates at Alakatha, in 11 ABY). Without a comprehensive program to target the infrastructure and funding of pirate organizations, however, and to regularly patrol commercial trade routes (especially the more remote trade routes of the Outer Rim), such organizations can reconstitute themselves and continue to operate.

Most pirate organizations commonly operate out of remote areas on the edges of star systems, for instance, or in asteroid belts. The easy availability of surplus or second hand vessels (as a result of 3 decades of war in a 4 decade span) means that these groups can be surprisingly well equipped, and for this reason the New Republic has been reluctant—during war time—to commit the necessary resources to these remote areas even though, studies have shown, the New Republic fleet consistently outperforms pirate and smuggler forces (in contrast, the Imperial Starfleet often did not).

The Commerce Council recommends, as a provisional measure, increased reconnaissance actions of suspected and known pirate strongholds including in regions outside of New Republic space, from which pirates often strike (see pages 137 and 138 for a table on acts of piracy from 14 ABY to 19 ABY, and their points of origin). Intelligence gathered from such missions can be used to organize direct engagements, or can be provided to local law enforcement officials for the purpose of doing so. The Council also emphasizes, again, the importance of random patrols of trade routes, and recommends that New Republic vessels be given standing authorization to pursue pirate forces.

Section 2.1. Training/Arming of Commercial Vessels and Crew (Page 173 to 255)
Civilian vessels and cruise liners in particular are a favored target of pirates because, often, it is presumed such vessels can be seized with little or no armed resistance (although many institutions, such as the Brentaal Commerce Academy, offer courses in the defense of one's vessel from acts of piracy; it is, nonetheless, uncommon). The Commerce Council recognizes the dangers involved in armed resistance to pirates and, accordingly, leaves this to the Captain's discretion. However, we also recognize that the presence of armed crews and/or security forces does deter boarding attempts in at least 72.4% of cases (see page 203 for detailed figures).

While dedicated security forces on cargo vessels is costly, it is recommended that shipping companies consider assigning such forces to particular vessels in their fleets on a random basis as an act of deterrence (or consider contracting this task to security companies such as, for instance, Patriot Defense Services, Inc.). Security droids, however, are far more practical and also recommended provided that such droids conform to legal standards.

Section 2.2. Other Methods of Deterrence (Page 256 to 410)
The Commerce Council endorses the use of tracking, or "homing" devices, distributed randomly in high value cargo containers. This is an inexpensive method of discouraging the theft of that cargo by pirates, and will assist in the attempts of law enforcement to locate stolen goods. Other anti-theft devices, such as "SmartWater," advanced identity scanners in cargo areas, and false containers are also recommended. Ion bombs (or "EMPs") hidden inside cargo containers, although more expensive, can disable pirate vessels for later retrieval by authorities. All of these devices are available on the open market (with the exception of ion bombs, which typically require a permit).

Of course, a convoy formation with proper escort is always the most effective deterrent to piracy. The methods described in this section assume an unavailability of proper escort and conventional defense measures (see page 351 for an abbreviated list of deterrence measures, and their approximate effectiveness).

Section 3.0. Conclusion and Summary (Page 410 to 508)
See full report for more detail.