|
My first ASSIST state convention with security professionals
Lt. Barry Bogle, El Paso Police Department
When Dave Scepanski asked me to attend the 2004 ASSIST Conference, I really wasn�t sure what to expect. As a lieutenant with the El Paso Police Department and involved with local security companies, I knew of some of the issues that ASSIST was bringing to the forefront of law enforcement professionals and law makers in Texas. Dave�s primary concern has always been the professionalism of the security profession. But when I attended the 2004 conference I was really amazed with the efforts being made by Dave Scepanski and the members of ASSIST to bring their organization to the cutting edge of today�s security industry.
Today�s security industry is certainly different from the pre-9/11/01 days. Concerns range from Homeland Security issues, to staffing and training concerns, to the increased use of technology in almost every facet of the industry. The importance of their mission and their contribution to the nationwide concerns regarding terrorism was obvious among the conference presenters and attendees alike.
Two things make a successful conference: content and presentation. The content, the issues and subject matter, of this conference contained both pertinent and important information. I was especially attentive during the presentation on Homeland Security and the Private Sector presented by Jay Kimbrough, the Director of Homeland Security in Texas. Equally informative was the presentation on the Texas Private Security Bureau. Valerie Fulmer and Cliff Grumbles both did an excellent job of informing the attendee on updates and addressing their concerns.
Regarding the presentation aspect of the conference, I must commend Dave Scepanski and his staff on a well planned, well organized and highly effective conference. The setting for the conference, South Padre Island, speaks for itself. The weather was beautiful and the accommodations were great. The State Convention planned several excursions and activities that allowed for numerous networking opportunities. The whole experience was very professional and enjoyable.
The work that ASSIST is trying to do is very important. As law enforcement professionals, we must seek a strong relationship between the police officers on the street and the security profession. As the security profession expands its role to prevent terrorism and to professionalize its workforce, law enforcement can stand to only benefit from the result.
|
