04/24/2012 -ASIS International (ASIS), 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 ( PSCs) play an important role in protecting state and nonstate 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.”

 A panel discussion on the standard and its use in the contracting process will be presented on Monday, September 10, 2012 at the ASIS International 58th Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Philadelphia.

The standard is available for download through the ASIS Web site,www.asisonline.org.