The practice of consulting came of age in 1984 through the International Association of Professional Security Consultants. The organization defined consulting, set certain standards and developed a professional code of ethics. The principles of a speech I delivered at that organization’s first meeting on Feb. 11, 1985 in Clearwater Beach, Fla., still apply.
From my minutes of that meeting: “In attendance were nine practicing consultants. They developed a constitution and came up with a name: the American Academy of Protection Consultants. They had expectations, but for whatever reasons, the Academy didn’t fly. The time just wasn’t right. But the time now is right. We are re-gathered here, and we, too, have expectations, and we are already airborne. And we will grow. As the security industry continues in maturation and sophistication, so will the needs grow for professional guidance and counseling.”