Local group addresses security industry issues

The Ozarks Chapter of ASIS International is working to help local security professionals meet the challenges that come with their jobs.

Until the organization became international, it was known as the American Society for Industrial Security. Founded in 1955, its headquarters are located in Alexandria, Va. ASIS International has more than 33,000 members worldwide, and 78 members from Springfield, Fort Leonard Wood, and Arkansas actively participate.

According to the Web site www.asisonline.org, the group is the largest organization for security professionals, offering educational programs and conferences, and issuing certification for protection, physical security, and investigative personnel.

According to John West, general manger of BioMetAccess and vice chairman and secretary of the Ozarks Chapter of ASIS International, the local chapter received its charter in February 2001.

The Ozarks has presented regional meetings attended by 40 to 50 members for the past two years.

Varied representation

Members of ASIS International – and the local chapter – come from a variety of companies in the security sector.

West’s company, BioMetAccess, represents the industry’s supply side.

“We do biometric access control, fingerprints, retinal scans, and integrate them together with alarm systems,” he said.

Shirley Wheeler, treasurer and corporate manager for Midwest Security Inc., provides security guard and patrol service mostly for industrial and commercial properties and special events. Bill Deal, chapter chairman and security supervisor for City Utilities, comes from a federal law enforcement background.

“CU is a consumer of security products and services: cameras, guard forces, a wide range of security responsibilities,” Deal said. “ASIS is very helpful on a lot of levels. They offer training and publications, and many networking opportunities.”

Allen Woody, facilities manager for the Springfield-Greene County Library, works on special projects for the Ozarks Chapter of ASIS International, and he said that doing so is beneficial.

“That’s one of the key advantages of having this group together. You’ve got the diversity that we have in Springfield and ASIS overall,” Woody said. “The library looks at safety and security, and we have both contract and staff security. ASIS helps with training and resources for our staff.”

The Ozarks Chapter has presented four online or phone-based virtual programs in the past year, and it will offer another such program, focused on workplace violence, March 8.

Midwest Security’s Wheeler said such opportunities to learn and network can be extremely helpful to her position.

“We’re a local firm, and everything we do is right here. Being part of ASIS and having all of this expertise at my fingertips is great,” she said. “If I have a problem and need assistance with something, I’ve got all of these experts that I can dip into.”

Deal said that converging information security with physical measures such as access control is one of the primary issues facing the security industry.

“Organizations may need a single person to oversee both sides, and ASIS helps to connect them. We receive monthly magazines with timely topics: drugs, violence, workplace, legal issues, background investigations,” Deal said. “What stages does a person go through in the workplace before he becomes violent? The idea is to provide beneficial information to members.”

Woody said that the library is concerned about identity theft, and he appreciates the information available to him through ASIS.

“We can compare notes with other members and help each other,” Woody said. “Security is not just one element. If we share the problem, somebody else can give advice or possible solutions. ASIS is a great resource and supportive membership.”

Prospective members

West said that one challenge facing the Ozarks Chapter is making prospective members aware of its existence.

“We have an all-volunteer leadership, and it’s hard to get information out to prospective members. We’d like to educate people in what we do and can offer,” he said. “For example, we need to meet and work with human resources and information technology departments to let them know that there are resource programs available.”

Those programs, Deal added, include helping companies be prepared for disasters – natural or otherwise.

“After Hurricane Katrina, we all learned that it’s important to be attentive to natural disasters and make sure emergency preparedness plans are up to date,” he said. “It’s difficult and time-consuming, but plans have to be ready and in place and ready to go before something bad happens. Our chapter and the international group are good resources for anyone who needs to develop plans and responses.”

About ASIS

The Ozarks Chapter of ASIS International meets at noon on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell Ave. Membership requirements include work in the security profession and national and local chapter dues. Student memberships also are available. For more information, visit asisonline.org. [[In-content Ad]]