Certification Profile: Ricardo Torres, CPP 

Ricardo Torres, CPP, did not start his career in security—or at least not directly. Torres began his career overseeing industrial plant operations, which included supervising a matrix team responsible for security. At the time, Torres lacked expertise in the security space, so he decided to learn more about key concepts related to his work, including physical security, guard management, executive protection, and crisis prevention. 

This exposure to security interested Torres, and he saw the importance of an effective security program, so he wanted to learn more. He enrolled in a formal security management training course through the security community in Colombia, where he expanded on the security basics he had learned.  

There, he was also introduced to ASIS International for the first time. Torres quickly realized that ASIS provided a good opportunity to continue to grow in his security education, so he decided to join and pursue certification. 

In 1998, Torres became a member of ASIS International. Through his membership, Torres was able to connect with other security professionals both in his community and across the globe. He highlights how the community encouraged him to develop as a security practitioner. 

“When I first became an ASIS member, it opened the door to an entirely new world of opportunities,” Torres says. “I was impressed by the caliber of professionals involved, the depth and breadth of topics discussed, and the cutting-edge technologies showcased. The ability to connect with members worldwide and participate in specialized seminars and global events highlighted the immense value of being part of such a recognized and respected organization.” 

Soon after joining ASIS, Torres earned his Certified Protection Professional (CPP®) certification. The experience of studying for and earning his certification enabled Torres to push the bounds of his security knowledge and validate his industry expertise. 

“Earning the certification marked the transition from simply having knowledge of security matters to being recognized as a specialist in the security industry,” Torres says. “It validated my expertise with the backing of a respected global association, enhancing my credibility and opening doors to new professional opportunities within the field.” 

As soon as he joined ASIS, Torres became an involved member and volunteer. He first worked with his local chapter to coordinate meetings and recruit new members. After earning his CPP, Torres started mentoring other members on the certification and recertification processes and establishing credibility in the security sector. 

“My favorite part of membership is the ability to connect with likeminded professionals worldwide, exchanging knowledge and insights that help address complex security risk challenges,” Torres says. 

Torres has worked in the security industry for more than 30 years in local, regional, and global roles across multiple countries including Colombia, Mexico, and the United States. He is now a member of the Florida West Coast chapter and leads his own consulting firm, Metis Risk Consultants. The organization provides tailored security solutions to small and midsize enterprises to enhance resilience and more effectively manage risk. 

“Starting with limited knowledge of the field, I embraced every opportunity to learn, from gaining hands-on experience to earning my CPP certification and actively engaging with ASIS International,” Torres says. “I’m particularly proud of contributing to the growth of the security community in different countries, regions, and global operations while mentoring others to achieve their own professional milestones.” 

Emily Callahan is a communications specialist for ASIS International. Connect with her on LinkedIn here.