For the second issue in our Executive Protection Organizations Worldwide series, we talked with Kevin Palacios, ASIS International Executive Protection Community Chair.
Executive Protection Organizations Worldwide — ASIS International
Here is a closer look into the organization, benefits for its members, and industry standards.
1. Can you tell us a bit more about ASIS International?
ASIS International, originally known as the American Society for Industrial Security, was founded in 1955 with the aim of professionalizing the newly emerging field of industrial security. The organization sought to unite security practitioners and become a focal point for security education, research, and professional development.
Over the years, ASIS International has grown into a global community of 34,000 passionate security professionals, each dedicated to the protection of assets—people, property, and information. Today, ASIS is the largest professional security membership organization in the world, comprising public and private security practitioners, academics, consultants, and others affiliated with the advancement of security worldwide
2. What kind of professional development opportunities do your members experience?
ASIS International offers a wide range of professional development opportunities for its members. These include board certifications such as the Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), and Professional Certified Investigator (PCI).
Members also have access to educational programs, including webinars, workshops, and the Global Security Exchange (GSX) Annual Seminar and Exhibits, which is the security industry’s most influential event. Additionally, ASIS publishes the award-winning Security Management magazine and provides networking opportunities through its chapters and over three dozen Subject Area-specific communities.
I currently represent the ASIS Global Executive Protection Community (EPC), the EPC focuses on executive protection as a business enabler, helping members keep leaders safe and productive while protecting organizational interests.
3. What are the benefits of membership to the ASIS Executive Protection Community (EPC) only unique to this community?
ASIS Executive Protection Community (EPC) membership offers several exceptional benefits. The EPC is a resource for security professionals interested in executive protection matters.
Members of the EPC can ask questions, share resources, be informed on the latest issues and trends, and have access to specialized knowledge and best practices for safeguarding high-profile leaders in business and government, all while building a global professional network.
The community also offers a mentoring program, international collaboration opportunities, a quarterly Webinar open to the public, and an Essential in Executive Protection certificate. We are also working on an EP ISO-type standard.
4. How would the ASIS EPC enforce or monitor members to ensure they’re following your industry standards?
The ASIS EPC enforces and monitors industry standards through a combination of education, certification, and peer review. Members are encouraged to obtain certifications such as the CPP, PSP, and PCI, which require adherence to ASIS standards and a professional code of conduct.
The community also provides ongoing education and training to ensure members stay current with best practices. Additionally, ASIS has a Professional Standards Board that oversees the development and implementation of standards and guidelines. This board ensures that members are following industry standards and provides a mechanism for addressing any deviations.
5. Why should practitioners or EP companies only adopt ASIS standards and not others?
What sets you apart compared to other organizations and standards? ASIS standards are developed through a rigorous, consensus-based process involving input from diverse security professionals. This ensures that the standards are comprehensive, practical, and applicable to a wide range of security scenarios and are truly global.
ASIS is also an ANSI-accredited Standards Development Organization, which adds an additional layer of credibility and recognition. The organization’s commitment to continuous improvement and its global reach make ASIS standards highly respected and widely adopted. By adopting ASIS standards, practitioners and EP companies can ensure they are following best practices and maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
6. What impact do you see the standards making in 5 years? Which challenges do you need to overcome to accomplish your standardization goals?
In the next five years, ASIS standards are expected to have a significant impact on the security industry by promoting consistency, enhancing professionalism, and improving overall security practices.
However, there are challenges to overcome, such as keeping up with rapidly evolving security threats and technologies, ensuring global adoption of standards, and addressing the diverse needs of different regions and industries. To accomplish these goals, ASIS will need to continue its efforts in education, outreach, and collaboration with other organizations and stakeholders.
7. How will your organization expand globally and bring the standards outside of the US?
ASIS International is committed to expanding its global reach and bringing its standards to security professionals worldwide.
This is achieved through an impressive worldwide network of more than 250 chapters in various countries, partnerships with international organizations, and participation in global events.
ASIS also offers its certifications and educational programs in Spanish and English languages and multiple formats to accommodate the needs of security professionals in different regions. By leveraging its global network and resources, ASIS aims to promote the adoption of its standards and best practices on a worldwide scale
8. Are there any technological advancements you’re currently using that you think could benefit others in the industry?
ASIS is exploring the use of advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to enhance security operations and improve decision-making. ASIS International is at the forefront of integrating technological advancements into its security practices.
These advancements include the Security Risk Assesment (SRA) standard and the Enterprise Security Risk Management (ESRM) guideline, which aligns security resources with organizational strategy to manage risk.
Also, I have personally been working on an Executive Protection Risk Management (EPRM) framework to help EP professionals identify and prioritize assets and risks, creating a data-driven Executive Protection Program that supports the organization’s mission. I will publish a book on this subject this October.
9. How will the industry benefit from your organization in the near future?
In the near future, the security industry will benefit from ASIS International’s continued efforts to provide high-quality education, certification, and standards. ASIS’s EPC commitment to Executive Protection professional development will help our industry professionals stay current with the most current trends and best practices, enhancing their skills and advancing their careers.
The community’s focus on global collaboration and outreach will also promote the adoption of consistent EP standards worldwide, improving overall security practices and outcomes. By fostering a sense of community and providing valuable resources, the ASIS EPC will continue to play a crucial role in advancing the Executive Protection profession.
10. What do you think about the results of the UNI Global Union survey saying that “One in five security workers feel “very unsafe” in their jobs and that approximately 50% have experienced at least one form of harassment or discrimination on the job?” How do you believe that could be remedied?
The results of the UNI Global Union survey are concerning and highlight the need for improved safety and working conditions for security workers. To address these issues, it is essential to implement comprehensive training programs that emphasize prevention, conflict resolution, and professional conduct.
Organizations should also establish clear policies and procedures for reporting and addressing harassment and discrimination, ensuring that workers feel supported and protected. Specifically, mental health is a professional issue that touches Executive Protection practitioners and everyone in the Security Industry. We should focus on fostering a culture of respect and inclusion within the security industry; this will help us create a safer and more positive work environment for all employees.
As additional information, ASIS GSX will be held 23-25 September in Orlando – Florida, and we are planning an EPC Hub gathering onsite on 23 September at 12:15 ET
