ASIS Completes Work on PSC Series of ANSI Standards

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 11 -- The ASIS International issued the following news release:

ASIS International is pleased to announce the release of 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), completing the PSC--Private Security Company or Private Security Service Providers (collectively referred to as "PSCs")--series of ANSI standards. This series 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.

The PSC series includes:

* ANSI/ASIS PSC.1-2012 (https://www.asisonline.org/Standards-Guidelines/Standards/published/Pages/Management-System-for-Quality-of-Private-Security-Company-Operations-Requirements-with-Guidance.aspx?cart=b6420b419533477db9dde2189d3efd97): Management System for Quality of Private Security Company Operations - Requirements with Guidance

* ANSI/ASIS PSC.2-2012 (https://www.asisonline.org/Standards-Guidelines/Standards/published/Pages/Conformity%20Assessment%20and%20Auditing%20Management%20Systems%20for%20Quality%20of%20Private%20Security%20Company%20Operations.aspx): Conformity Assessment and Auditing Management Systems for Quality of Private Security Company Operations

* ANSI/ASIS PSC.3-2013 (https://www.asisonline.org/Standards-Guidelines/Standards/published/Pages/Maturity-Model-for-the-Phased-Implementation-of-a-Quality-Assurance-Management-System-for-Private-Security-Service-Provider.aspx): Maturity Model - Phased Implementation of a Quality Assurance Management System for Private Security Service Providers

* ANSI/ASIS PSC.4-2013 (https://www.asisonline.org/Standards-Guidelines/Standards/published/Pages/Quality-Assurance-and-Security-Management-for-Private-Security-Companies-Operating-at-Sea-Guidance.aspx): Quality Assurance and Security Management for Maritime Private Security Companies - Guidance

Led by ASIS, more than 200 experts from 24 countries helped develop this series. They are the world's first standards designed to manage risks related to security services, while protecting the rights of the individuals impacted by these services.

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. The PSC series of standards achieve these goals. Using a high-level, business management approach, the PSC.1 standard covers the risk management, financial, physical, ethical, and human rights aspects of PSC operations. The standard provides measurable and auditable criteria that PSCs can use in developing their internal processes and procedures, as well as for contracting authorities to build into their business agreements.

As Dr. Marc Siegel, commissioner of the ASIS Global Standards Initiative, explains, "It's all about improving business and risk management in the organization 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."

Conformance to the PSC.1 standard is now required in U.S. 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.

"The business and risk management principles outlined in these standards will benefit PSCs in areas of the world lacking rule of law, as well as those service providers seeking to enhance their enterprise-wide business and risk management," said Siegel. "Simply put: these principles will support the business objectives of any security service provider."

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