ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Security standards organization ASIS International recently announced the release of its revised American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-approved standard dedicated to investigations.
The revised standard “provides requirements and guidance for the collection and examination of information pursuant to an investigation,” the association announcement says.
Related Article: 9 Ways to Prove Sexual Assault Without Physical Evidence
“Investigations are important fact-finding tools in an ever-increasing complex business world,” the ASIS announcement says.
“Whether conducting an internal investigation using in-house expertise or contracting external investigators, the new ASIS Investigations Standard provides detailed discussion as to what needs to be done to conduct efficient, suitable, and cost-effective investigations supporting the highest possible return on investment.”
How ASIS Developed its New Investigation Standard
A technical committee comprised of security subject matter experts from around the globe took part in the development of the revised Standard. The revised standard contains information and tips to manage an investigations program such as:
- Understanding the context and environment of the organization
- Stakeholders and key players, their roles and responsibilities
- Investigative impacts and outcomes
- Establishing objectives, scope, and methodology
- Mechanics of conducting an investigation
- Handling and using information in investigations
- Performing individual investigations
- Building an investigative process to minimize pitfalls and identify opportunities to improve
“The revised Investigations Standard is a valuable tool that any security team should have in their toolkit,” says Patrick Cooper, ASIS International’s Investigations Standard Technical Committee chairman and ASIS Professional Standards board director, in the announcement.
“The standard provides detailed and practical guidance for individuals and organizations seeking to conduct proper and professional investigations, both in public and private sector, and in a global context,” he says.
Related Article: 8 Best Practices for Navigating Complex Title IX Investigations
“Great investigations don’t happen by accident—they happen by design,” says Sue Carioti, ASIS International vice president of certification and standards. “The ASIS Investigations Standard, when implemented, offers investigators a high degree of assurance that their investigations will be effective, ethical, meet their intended objectives, and provide the mechanisms required for continuing improvement.”
Standards like this one are only possible through the dedication and expertise of technical committee volunteers. If you are interested in being part of the team that creates an ASIS Standard, reach out to [email protected] today.
ASIS International will be releasing more standards in 2025, including the ASIS Executive Protection Standard and the ASIS School Security Standard.
This article was originally published in CS sister publication Security Sales & Integration.
