6 | APSM Asia Pacific Security Magazine | November 2012

Asia/Pacific

Effective security programs depend on a comprehensive working knowledge of available resources, to include the identification and development of strategic security

relationships. This is especially important for organizations operating in the Asia-Pacific region, where customs, culture and language barriers challenge even the most experienced security professional. Resources include security personnel, websites and organizations associated with government establishments, host country security services, private security companies, expatriates as well as local citizens. The safety and security of personnel and operations depend on the knowledge and assistance gained through interaction with and utilization of these resources.

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE

An excellent starting point to find security-related information of importance to organizations operating in the Asia-Pacific region is government websites. The Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/), British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/) and the U.S. Department of State (DoS) (http://www.state.gov/travel) provide current information on safety and security issues, public announcements, travel advisories, significant anniversary dates, terrorist group profiles, country crime and safety reports, special topic and foreign press reports. Many other governments maintain internet websites on which travel advisories and safety/security related information are posted.

Another resource is accessed through participation in the U.S. DoS Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC). During OSAC meetings, members can directly interact and

network with both private sector and government security personnel. U.S.-registered companies with an interest in security can join and attend these meetings, usually alongside representatives from the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate Regional Security Office. Members have the added benefit of presenting and discussing security issues of concern, as well as sharing lessons learned and best practices. The DoS OSAC internet website can be found at http://www.osac.gov.

BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

Business Chambers of Commerce are an excellent networking resource and often include a safety and security committee dedicated to ensuring its members receive timely and accurate security information. The American, Australian, British and Chinese business communities form the most well known Chambers of Commerce focused on the Asia-Pacific region. The region also hosts many Rotary Clubs for business and professional leaders, as well as other prominent business groups such as the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide. Members of these organizations network to promote their market areas and routinely share information of mutually beneficial interest. These types of groups can be valuable sources of safety and security information, often focusing on common problems and real solutions.

ASIS INTERNATIONAL / ASIA CRISIS AND SECURITY GROUP

The American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS) International provides security professionals the opportunity

to network and share information of mutual security interest among its members. Regional conferences highlight key interest items through professional presentations and vendor exhibits, promoting innovative ideas in an effort to solve shared security problems. The ASIS internet website is located at http://www.asisonline.org. Membership is open to all security professionals, as well as those interested in the security field.

Another exceptional organization operating within the region, the Asia Crisis and Security Group (ACSG), is comprised of security, crisis and continuity professionals representing multi-national corporations and non-governmental organizations. Group members regularly share information and best practices, leading to enhanced organizational security and crisis management methods for their respective organizations. The ACSG website is located at http://acsgroup.org/.

HOST COUNTRY SECURITY SERVICES

Conducting business in a foreign country can be difficult without a well-rounded knowledge of the operating environment. Key to this is the relationship you build with your host country law enforcement and security services. It is in this arena that many organization security professionals fail to establish an effective relationship. The importance of relationship building within the host country’s security services can never be underestimated, as this can enhance mutual cooperation and increase understanding of potential threats. Liaison efforts must go beyond dinner and drinks. Through the presentation of security seminars and subject matter expert exchanges, organizations can establish their team as experts, gain mutual respect, heighten information sharing and focus local security services on areas of industry interest. These activities can be cost effective by drawing on staff knowledge and skills, as well as industry experts.

One example is where Company A, a major maritime shipping agent, is concerned about recent thefts in and around a primary port area. Company A’s security department or designate engages port security personnel and develops a seminar/subject matter expert exchange focusing on port and supply chain security. Participants include not only port and local security/law enforcement personnel, but also Company A’s designated security personnel. End result is a sharing of information regarding safety and security concerns and relative problem solving discussions, all leading to a safer and secure port. A “win-win” situation for both the company and host nation.

PRIVATE SECURITY COMPANIES

Depending on your budget, private security companies can be an excellent source of information and assistance in the establishment and operation of an effective program, especially when your own security department is limited in personnel or specific skills/expertise. Security companies are usually staffed by former military, law enforcement and/or security service personnel with specific skills, country and regional expertise. Private companies can provide a wide range of services, to include personnel augmentation,

consultations, security/vulnerability/threat assessments, due diligence and other investigations, instruction and the presentation of seminars or subject matter expert exchanges. Representatives of these companies can be found at the various OSAC, Chamber of Commerce or industry-specific organizational meetings.

EXPATRIATES AND LOCAL CITIZENS

One of the most cost effective security resources are expatriates and local citizens within the region. Developing and maintaining social relationships with these individuals can lead to a wealth of “ground truth” information, depending on a person’s local knowledge, access and status. If your industry is port or maritime related, it would be a good idea to have friends or contacts in and around the port areas. Dependent on your industry focus, areas of interest can also include airports, other transportation hubs, factory districts, oil, gas and/or mining sites. The information you receive through casual conversation can be of value when weighed against official information obtained through private or governmental organizations. The old adage “Listen, you might hear something” certainly holds true here for the security professional.

SECURITY SUCCESS

The integration and utilization of the above resources, strengthened by the resultant development of mutual respect, understanding and information sharing, is the recipe for security success. A proactive security professional will ensure that all available resources are engaged, positive relationships are formed with counterparts and the organization’s assets are protected. This is the gold standard for security in the Asia-Pacific region.

About the AuthorScott M. Bernat is a civilian Special Agent of the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). His 25 year career has spanned the globe, with particular emphasis on the Asia-Pacific region, where

he has developed, implemented and managed numerous security and investigative programs focused on threats to the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as violations of U.S. and Foreign criminal laws.

Building an effective

security program in the Asia/

Pacific region.

By

Scott M. Bernat

“Security companies are usually

staffed by former military, law

enforcement and/or security

service personnel with specific

skills, country and regional

expertise.”

Asia/Pacific

November 2012 | Asia Pacific Security Magazine APSM | 7