NASCO concludes first contract security summit
May 30, 2006 3:40 PM
The National Association of Security Companies (NASCO) held the first NASCO Contract Security Summit at the Hall of States Building in Washington, D.C., which attracted nearly 70 senior, contract security executives, as well as representatives from the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Protective Service.
The Summit was developed by NASCO to facilitate discussions and focus attention on the latest trends and issues impacting the contract security industry. John Mica (R-FL), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Aviation, welcomed participants and began the day by discussing his role in the TSA opt-out program, as well as the increased need for private security to support government security efforts. "Your industry needs to show Congress how private security works," Mica said.
Tracy A. Henke, assistant secretary for the Office of Grants and Training, spoke about the importance of private security personnel participating in joint training with federal agencies. She also pointed out that the DHS is certifying more and more state training programs.
The summit also featured sessions designed to foster an open discussion about issues directly impacting contract security operations.
Cliff Ingber, of Ingber and Ingber, spoke on trends and issues surrounding contract security, including private security regulations and standards in various states; the impact of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) on security guards' duties and training; pre-assignment training possibilities; and the impact of the SAFETY Act on private security.
Dr. Shelley Kirkpatrick of The Homeland Security Institute held an interactive session on individual motivations behind insider threats and the practices used to minimize risks associated with the hiring process.
Participants also met with Congressional leaders and senior staff on Capitol Hill, including visits to the offices of Senators Harkin (D-IA), Feinstein (D-CA), Specter (R-PA), Burr (R-NC) and Dole (R-NC), as well as meetings with Congressmen Frelinghuysen (R-NJ), Engel (R-NJ) and Nussle (R-IA). These Congressional meetings addressed specific issues but also served a greater purpose -- the introduction of NASCO and contract security to key Hill contacts.
"We need to continue to discuss and identify common areas of interest, both in the government and the commercial security markets, so we can better represent the contract security community," said NASCO executive director Joseph Ricci.
Visit www.nasco.org for more information.
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