ASIS International receives ANSI approval for world’s first standard to support the Code of Conduct for private security service providers

By Canadian Security  April 23, 2012  

ASIS International (ASIS), an international organization for security management professionals, 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.”