NCJ Number
98467
Journal
Professional Protection Volume: 3 Issue: 6 Dated: (March/April 1983) Pages: 36-39
Date Published
1983
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A security consultant argues that the field of security is so broad that security consultants must identify their areas of specialization.
Abstract
People entering the private security field have a wide range of backgrounds, ranging from law enforcement to alarm installation. Almost 30 areas of security specialization exist. Because no standard definition exists regarding what a security consultant is, security consultants often attempt jobs for which they are not qualified. This harms the overall professionalism of the security industry. The American Society for Industrial Security has set professional standards and established the Certified Protection Professional designation. Candidates must qualify both in mandatory subjects and in 4 of 13 specialized areas of knowledge. Security consultants must recognize that they are problemsolvers and must not go to school on their clients' time unless an explicit understanding exists to that effect. They should enroll in courses, study technical journals, and work under the guidance of accepted authorities in the field. Consultants must also give accurate and unbiased information rather than trying to sell a particular product or service. All security professionals will ultimately profit from this specialization and identification by consultants of their own specialties. Three sources are listed.