Regulation, Licensing, Education, and Training: The Path to Professionalism in the Security Industry

Any quest for professionalism mandates serious licensing requirements and quantifiable standards or levels of personal achievement, education, and experience. Security personnel must be both aware and strictly attentive to the dramatic surge of law and legislation outlining required levels of training and standards. The security industry itself wishes some level of standardization in matters of licensure, regulation, and professional standards. Professionalism for the security industry remains an empty promise without a commitment to education, scholarly research and development, and academic rigor. Certification programs play a critical role in the development of a professional class within the security industry. The true test of professionalism should be its unwavering dedication to ethical conduct, professional values, and occupational integrity. The National Council of Investigators and Security Services publishes a well-rounded and reasoned code of ethics for security professionals.