ASIS International Receives ANSI Approval for Private Security Service Provider Standard

ASIS International (ASIS), received ANSI approval for its standard, Management System for Quality of Private Security Company Operations Requirements with Guidance (ANSI/ASIS PSC.1-2012). Developed by a Technical Committee comprised of more than 200 members from 24 countries, this standard establishes a mechanism for Private Security Companies and their clients to provide demonstrable commitment, conformance, and accountability to the principles outlined in the International Code of Conduct (ICoC) for Private Security Service Providers.

Private Security Service Providers including Private Security Companies (collectively "PSCs") play an important role in protecting state and non-state clients engaged in relief, recovery, and reconstruction efforts; commercial business operations; diplomacy; and military activity. The purpose of this standard is to improve and demonstrate consistent and predictable quality of services provided by PSCs while maintaining the safety and security of their operations and clients within a framework that aims to ensure respect for human rights, national and international laws, and fundamental freedoms.

"This remarkable international effort demonstrates the importance of this industry sector in support of peace and stability around the globe," says Dr. Marc Siegel, commissioner, ASIS International Global Standards Initiative and chairman of the Technical Committee. "PSCs need to conduct their business and provide services in a manner that respects human rights and laws. The standard creates a differentiator for PSCs to assure quality of services while maintaining the safety and security of their operations with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms."

PSCs have become critical elements for supporting peace and stability efforts in regions where the capacity of societal institutions has become overwhelmed by human and natural-caused disruptive events. PSCs operating in areas of weakened governance need to provide essential services and conduct their business with an obligation to carry out due diligence to prevent incidents, mitigate the consequences of incidents, report them when they occur, and take corrective actions, as well as preventative actions to prevent a reoccurrence.

"The United States government supports the principles of the ICoC and Montreux Document," says Gary Motsek, deputy assistant secretary of Defense, U.S. Department of Defense. "Using its communication platform, ASIS established a community around the world to address a crucial interest of governments and civil society everywhere. PSCs can now demonstrate commitment and accountability to the ICoC and Montreux Document."

"The standard raises the bar for industry best practices consistent with the goal of simultaneously promoting stability and respect for human rights," says Christopher Mayer, director, Armed Contingency Contractor Policies and Programs at the U.S. Department of Defense. "The U.S. Department of Defense has initiated the process to use the ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1 for contracting services of PSCs. This international initiative increases the requirements for quality and ethical PSC services. We recommend that clients, both governmental and non-governmental, around the world adopt this standard for their contracts with PSCs."

ASIS continues to develop the series of standards in support of the ICoC and Montreux Document with upcoming standards for conformity assessment, a maturity model for the phased implementation of the ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1-2012, and guidance on ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1 for maritime security.

 

Featured

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

  • DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. Read Now

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.