ASIS releases two new ANSI Standards for private security

ASIS International, an organisation for security professionals, has released two new ANSI standards: Maturity Model for the Phased Implementation of a Quality Assurance Management System for Private Security Service Providers (PSC.3) and Quality Assurance and Security Management for Private Security Companies Operating at Sea - Guidance (PSC.4). The move completes the PSC - Private Security Company or Private Security Service Providers (collectively referred to as PSCs) - series of ANSI standards.

The new standards will help private security service providers ensure quality of service, manage risks and protect human rights in areas of the world where rule of law has been undermined due to acts of war or natural disaster, as well as in the maritime environment.

“It’s all about improving business and risk management in the organisation to provide a better quality and marketable level of security services.  Respect for the rights of individuals is inseparable from providing high-quality security services. Implementing these standards will serve as a differentiator for security companies worldwide,” said Dr Marc Siegel, commissioner of the ASIS Global Standards Initiative.

The PSC series includes: ANSI/ASIS PSC.1-2012: Management System for Quality of Private Security Company Operations - Requirements with Guidance; ANSI/ASIS PSC.2-2012: Conformity Assessment and Auditing Management Systems for Quality of Private Security Company Operations; ANSI/ASIS PSC.3-2013: Maturity Model - Phased Implementation of a Quality Assurance Management System for Private Security Service Providers; ANSI/ASIS PSC.4-2013: Quality Assurance and Security Management for Maritime Private Security Companies - Guidance.

The effective delivery of aid and services to regions with compromised rule of law often depends on the use of PSCs to help restore critical infrastructure and facilitate long-term stability. Due to the nature of this work, it is imperative for PSCs to be well regulated, disciplined and properly staffed.

Conformance to the PSC.1 standard is now required in US Defense Department contracts for private security functions, as well as those contracted through the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The PSC.2 Conformity Assessment standard provides guidance for auditing and conformity assessment of the PSC.1. The PSC.3 Maturity Model uses a phased implementation approach to implement the PSC.1 so companies can establish achievable and maintainable goals based on their specific needs.

The PSC.4 for Private Maritime Security Service Providers arose from the global threat posed by crime and piracy in international waters. This standard provides guidance for these PSCs to implement the PSC.1 in the maritime environment in a manner that is safe, legal and respectful of human rights.