Certifications: Investigators Wanted

The American Society for Industrial Security, or ASIS International, is on a certifying tear. ASIS announced the Professional Certified Investigator (PCI) certification, designed for those who conduct investigations on behalf of clients. PCI joins other ASIS-sponsored professional certifications such as the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) program for security managers and a new Physical Security Professional (PSP) certification.

The PCI designation is part of an ASIS effort to bring order to the crowded field of security professionals. That job is especially important given the increasing demands being put on security professionals and the growing interest in the field, says Greg Sanders, promotions chairman on the ASIS-affiliated Professional Certification Board.

“Everyone claims to be a security expert,” Sanders says. “So it’s necessary for us to vet certifications that pop up in the security industry.” ASIS verifies that security professionals applying for the PCI certification have a minimum of nine years of investigations experience or seven years of investigations experience with a bachelor’s degree. PCI applicants must also have at least three years of case management experience.

In addition, applicants must pass an examination with questions on topics such as managing caseloads, collecting evidence, handling investigative tools and giving testimony. The new certification should be helpful to ex-law enforcement and government personnel who have experience with managing caseloads, collecting evidence and testimony, and who want to work in the private sector.

Rather than apologizing for the addition of yet another acronym to the security lexicon, Sanders notes that the new letters are a byproduct of the increasing reliance on experts of all kinds to provide specialized services.

The first PCI examination will be used to benchmark performance. Additional information can be found on the ASIS website at www.asisonline.org.