ASIS International Underwrites Study on Worldwide Trends in Private Security; Eastern Kentucky University's Justice & Safety Center Chosen to Conduct Research.

Business Editors

ALEXANDRIA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 11, 2003

In an effort to eliminate a dearth of statistical information about the size and scope of the security industry, ASIS International (ASIS) and the ASIS Foundation have given Eastern Kentucky University's Justice & Safety Center a $150,000 grant to research worldwide trends in private security. The grant will be matched with another $150,000 from EKU's College of Justice & Safety. The project is to be completed by September 2004.

Since the events of Sept. 11, 2001, the security industry has been under more scrutiny than ever before. However, information about the size, scope, and breadth of the industry has been spotty at best, with the last major study undertaken more than ten years ago.

"We want to determine where the security industry is today; how the events of 9/11 changed the security industry, and identify some emerging trends," said Dr. Pam Collins, director of the Justice & Safety Center. "This is internationally significant because we will be producing the only document of its kind that provides a snapshot of the industry."

Faculty colleague Dr. Kay Scarborough, JSC staff members, and Dr. Gary Cordner, who served the past six years as dean of the College before returning to the classroom, will assist Collins in the research.

Highlights of the report will include revenues and expenditures of the entire industry, plus those of eight different subsets of the industry--alarm companies, contract guards, private investigators, consultants/security engineers, locksmiths, manufacturers, high-tech security, and contract vs. proprietary security. Employment, security management, investigations, legal aspects (U.S., Canada, and U.K.), the protection of intellectual property, and the impact of security on other industries will also be examined.

Daniel H. Kropp, CPP, outgoing president of ASIS, played a major role in initiating the research. "It was clear that we needed up-to-date information regarding the size and scope of the security industry, partially because of the large number of media inquiries we receive, as well as the increasing number of security management courses being offered in colleges throughout the U.S.," said Kropp. "I feel strongly that ASIS should be a repository of such research, so I am pleased that this endeavor was launched while I was president."

About the Justice & Safety Center

Eastern Kentucky University's Justice & Safety Center was established in 1998 when the College of Justice & Safety was designated as a Kentucky "Program of Distinction" to advance the justice and safety professions through information dissemination, research, evaluation, and technical support. Since its inception, the Justice & Safety Center has received more than $25 million in federal and state funding for various programs and projects that address state and national public safety issues.

About ASIS International

ASIS International (ASIS) is the preeminent organization for security professionals, with more than 33,000 members worldwide. Founded in 1955, ASIS is dedicated to increasing the effectiveness and productivity of security professionals by developing educational programs and materials that address broad security interests, such as the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits, as well as specific security topics. ASIS also advocates the role and value of the security management profession to business, the media, government entities, and the public. By providing members and the security community with access to a full range of programs and services, and by publishing the industry's number one magazine -- Security Management -- ASIS leads the way for advanced and improved security performance.