ASIS joins Identity Protection Program coalition.

ASIS International has joined with three leading security associations to form a coalition to advocate a Six Point Identity Protection Program that will help prevent identity theft without hampering the ability of private investigators to support the judicial system, the legal community, law enforcement, corporate security, and private citizens who are victims of identity theft.

ASIS's partners in the new coalition are the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS), Security Companies Organized for Legislative Action (SCOLA), and the International Association of Security and Investigation Regulators (IASIR).

In addition, a letter was sent to the congressional leadership and members, signed by the largest, most recognized professional security associations, advising Congress to take a cautious approach to restricting access to personal data and other measures that may have a significant adverse effect on the judicial system, law enforcement, and corporate America.

The Six Point Identity Protection Program includes conducting thorough credentialing of new accounts and those where a review indicates a new check is in order, denying Internet sales of personal identification information to the general public, increasing penalties for the misuse of personal information, and enacting legislation requiring data providers to notify customers of breaches.

It also includes prohibiting use of Social Security numbers on identification documents such as healthcare insurance cards, drivers' licenses, and state permits, and allowing access to personal data for licensed individuals who can demonstrate a need and have submitted to a background investigation.

"We strongly urge Congress to fully investigate the facts surrounding the recent data breaches and illegal access and use of personal identification information," said ASIS President Daniel J. Consalvo, CPP, "but we feel that investigators play an important role in supporting the security and crime prevention focus of our members, senior security vice presidents, directors, and managers. It is essential that their legitimate access to personal information be maintained."

"We strongly support the protection of personal identification information and welcome every opportunity to work with congressional leaders to address this important issue," says Brian McGuinness, president of the NCISS. "State licensing processes and existing laws, regulations, standards, and restrictions already govern access to and distribution of personal identification information. We need better enforcement and stiffer penalties for those caught breaking the rules as well as support legislation that requires customer notification when a breach does occur."

Founded in 1975, NCISS is the nation's largest association for investigation and security services companies, with more than 900 member firms representing nearly 15,000 investigators and security services professionals. NCISS encourages the exchange of information and best practices to improve performance and raise ethical standards. NCISS works closely with state investigation associations and other security organizations to advocate and sustain the activities of investigators and security service professionals.

IASIR represents the interest of 36 agencies in 26 states and five Canadian provinces and is an influential organization throughout North American that monitors legislation in an effort to ensure the continued growth and professionalism of the private security and private investigative industries.

SCOLA is a coalition of private security associations that was organized in 1988. It is composed of the National Armored Car Association, the National Electronic Security Alliance, and the NCISS. SCOLA members share information on issues that could affect the private security industry. These associations represent the alarm, armored, investigative and security officer industries.

Over the years, they have worked together to respond to electronic monitoring legislation, labor issues, and regulatory matters affecting private security. A major benefit is the sharing of information about pending legislation in state legislatures.

For a copy of the coalition's letter to Congress or the Investigators Professional Code of Ethics, or for more information about the coalition, please contact Joseph Ricci at 703/519-7162 or [e-mail]. The letter and additional information about the coalition can also be found on the NCISS Web site at www.nciss.org.