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ASSOCIATIONS
It is important that at least one local management representative of the contract firm be an active member of state and national associations which actively monitor and evaluate federal and state legislation effecting the security industry.
This is the only economically feasible manner for the firm to verify it remains in compliance with changes in regulations and keeps abreast of new equipment and techniques, as well as court rulings which might signal changes in exposure to clients.
Firms whose principals actively participate in association projects, work on legislation, provide input and advice to legislators or testify at relevant house and senate hearings are generally the well-respected professional security providers.
The only legitimate national organization which exclusively represents the contract service sector of private security is:
National Council Of Investigation & Security Services, Inc.
908 21st Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Although the previously mentioned ASIS is the largest national or international security organization, it is concerned with the overall private security field with emphasis on proprietary security management. Often, in the opinion of this writer, ASIS interests are not necessarily the identical interests of the contract service management. For instance, on occasion ASIS or its chapters have opposed legislation which would regulate or provide oversight with the proprietary services while endorsing measures to further regulate contract services. However, ASIS membership is obviously very beneficial and many of the seminars held by the organization are directed specifically to the concerns of contract service management.
There are other respected national organizations, but their focus is on related services. NALI, for instance--the National Association of Legal Investigators, is a professional organization benefiting private investigators specializing in litigation matters and related services for the legal profession. Membership here is of little value to contract security firms.
Additionally there are a variety of other so-called national associations which are really just tools for marketing insurance or books--or just set up for collecting fees in exchange for the false credibility they furnish to the "members." Usually these organizations provide large award certificates issued, not for the recipient having done anything, but as the primary benefit of membership. Others provide certifications, badges and spurious items which might impress the uninitiated. In most cases the sole qualification for "membership" in the organizations is the payment of a fee or purchase of products or insurance.
Most states have professional associations which monitor local legislation and receive regular national input from the NCISS, ASIS and other sources. Active membership in these associations is beneficial--perhaps even critical--to the contract security service and, by extension, provides benefits to the clients of the service.
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