According to independent security consultant Robert W. Hayes, CPP, CFE, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks soon could result in security becoming the most-regulated industry in America. The security executive was in charge of security at Georgia Pacific Corp., Atlanta, at the time of the Al Qaeda and anthrax attacks. Speaking during his popular session at the roundtable, Hayes backed up his theory by citing recent executive orders, federal and state legislation, and new regulations created by more than a dozen federal agencies. “This is not a fad,” Hayes said. “This is a tidal wave coming at us.” Security guidelines and recommendations now being issued almost monthly by various associations across virtually all industry segments appear to be an effort to head off more government interference, Hayes said.
One participant noted that a sizeable segment of practitioners were not even aware of new mandates.