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Working Together:
ASSIST and ASIS International
By Neal P. Mulchrone, CPP, Vice President, ASIS International Region 6, ASSIST Member
ASSIST Membership:
I am honored to submit this article at the request of Mr. Dave Scepanski, President of ASSIST, for what I feel will be a vital publication for the security profession.
Many ASSIST members are also ASIS International members. Conversely, many ASIS International members also belong to ASSIST. This is a strong statement of the true partnership these entities must continue to forge.
This partnership was called into action recently by Jay Kimbrough (Director, Texas Office of Homeland Security). Director Kimbrough requested a summit with the Texas leadership from both of these entities to call together a select group of security representatives for an important meeting. This meeting was held, with a capacity crowd, on June 23, 2004. We covered specific communication items that will solidify the efforts of private and public security in these times of heightened homeland security. I am confident that both ASIS International and ASSIST had a vital role towards the success of this gathering.
I have also gained a professional benefit via ASSIST with items like professional educational opportunities. Truly, Professor Frank Torres at the Technical State College in Harlingen, Texas, has developed groundbreaking opportunities in this area. I am confident that his efforts will prove to be advantageous not only for security officers, but the business entities they serve.
ASIS International has a strong focus on education/certification. In addition to the long-standing CPP (Certified Protection Professional), the designation of PCI (Professional Certified Investigator), and PSP (Physical Security Professional) are now being offered. All three designations require prerequisites, testing, and re-certification. The business community respects, and in some cases requires, these board certified credentials from their security directors and/or security vendors.
In closing, I would encourage all security professionals to join ASIS International. Texas has chapters in Dallas, Houston, Gulf Coast, San Antonio, El Paso, and Austin. Our web site
(www.asisonline.org) lists meeting and contact information.
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