ISO Publishes Security Operations Management System Standard based on ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1:2012

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 24, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the International Organization for Standardization published the international standard, ISO18788 Management system for private security operations — Requirements with guidance for use. The standard was based on the widely accepted American National Standard ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1:2012 Management System for Quality of Private Security Company Operations – Requirements with Guidance, which is used for contracting in the United States and United Kingdom.

The ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1:2012 has already proven to be a game changer for companies providing or contracting private security operations. With the publication of the ISO international version of the standard, it is anticipated that the rapid uptake in the public and private sectors will increase as more countries use the standard to set the benchmark for conducting security operations consistent with law and the Montreux Document on Pertinent International Legal Obligations and Good Practices for States related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies during Armed Conflict of 17 September 2008; the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoC) of 9 November 2010; and the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights; Implementing the United Nations "Protect, Respect and Remedy" Framework 2011.

The ISO18788 is the culmination of the effort of the unique team of participants in ISO Project Committee 284 that brought together users of security services, providers of security services, law experts, governments, and human rights and civil society groups. The standard provides requirements and guidance for a management system with auditable criteria for improving the professionalism of security operations consistent with respect for human rights, legal obligations and good practices related to security operations, particularly in conditions where governance and the rule of law have been undermined by conflict or disaster. The standard will provide a mechanism for security providers and their clients to provide demonstrable commitment, conformance and accountability to the principles outlined in the ICoC.

Organizations conducting or contracting security operations 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 demonstrate a consistent and predictable level of professionalism of organizations conducting or contracting security operations. Its risk and business management focus drives continual improvement of the efficiency and safety of security operations while maintaining the safety and security of clients and local populations 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 efforts around the globe. Organizations need to conduct their business and provide services in a manner that respects human rights and laws. The standard creates a differentiator for organization conducting or contracting security operations. It helps assure a high level of professionalism and quality of security services. IT helps organizations to identify opportunities to improve the safety and security of their operations with respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms." says Dr. Marc Siegel, Commissioner, ASIS International Global Standards Initiative and Chairman of the ISO Project Committee 284.

Private security operations have become a critical element for supporting peace, development and stability efforts in regions where the capacity of societal institutions has become overwhelmed by human and natural caused disruptive events. The Standard helps organizations 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 actions to prevent a reoccurrence.

"The Standard will raise 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 US Department of Defense. "The US Department of Defense is using the ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1 for contracting services of private security companies and the new ISO18788 will be recognized as an equivalency. This international initiative raises the bar for quality and ethical private security company services. We recommend that clients, both governmental and non-governmental, around the world adopt this standard for their contract with private security providers."

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) designated ASIS International, the world's largest association for security management professionals, to serve as Chair and Secretary of ISO Project Committee 284. The ISO/PC used the input from clients, security providers, and other affected and interested parties to refine and update the ANSI/ASIS.PSC.1 based on feedback from its usage in the field.

ABOUT ASIS INTERNATIONAL

ASIS International (ASIS) is the largest membership organization for security management professionals that crosses industry sectors, embracing every discipline along the security spectrum from operational to cybersecurity. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness of security professionals at all levels.

Through hundreds of chapters across the globe, ASIS develops and delivers board certifications and industry standards, hosts networking opportunities, publishes the award-winning Security Management magazine, and offers educational programs, including the Annual Seminar and Exhibits—the security industry's most influential event. Whether providing thought leadership through the CSO Roundtable for the industry's most senior executives or advocating before business, government, or the media, ASIS is focused on advancing the profession, and ensuring that the security community has access to intelligence, resources, and technology needed within the business enterprise. www.asisonline.org

The work of preparing ASIS Standards and Guidelines is carried out through the ASIS International Standards and Guidelines Commission and its committees. ASIS International is an ANSI accredited Standards Development Organization and actively participates in the International Organization for Standardization, developing standards and guidelines within a voluntary, nonproprietary and consensus-based process, utilizing the knowledge, experience and expertise of ASIS membership, security professionals and the global security industry. View a complete list of all ASIS Standards and Guidelines currently under development.