You can now claim your Chapter's Complimentary Seminar Registration for the 57^th Annual Seminar and Exhibits on 19-22 September in Orlando, FL. Once you have selected or awarded your recipient, complete the attached form and return via e-mail to: RegionsandChapters@asisonline.org or fax to: +1.703.519.6298.

Remember, this complimentary registration may only be presented to a current paid member of your chapter, or it may be awarded to one of your regional officers (SRVP, RVP or ARVP). It is also important to remember that this complimentary registration may not go to the same member for more than three consecutive years.

The sooner you get the free registration form completed and submitted, the sooner the chapter's recipient of this year's award can receive their confirmation letter in the mail with all the pertinent details.

You can download the registration form is attached in two formats:

· Word Document that you can complete and return via email attachment; and

· PDF that you may complete electronically or print and return by fax to ASIS International Member Services at +1.703.519.6298.

NOTE: This attached Seminar Registration Form is not to be used for the Reach Out campaign chapter award winners.

Does your organisation's strategic plan call for growth in Asia-Pacific, Middle East or Europe? If so, sponsorship of the ASIS Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition, of the ASIS Middle East Security Conference & Exhibition and of the ASIS European Security Conference & Exhibition offers you a great opportunity to gain exposure and to raise the visibility of your brand, products, and services among key decision makers in these regions.

Review and select from an extensive list of sponsorship and exhibit opportunities:

• ASIS 5th Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition- 5-7 December 2011 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• ASIS 3rd Middle East Security Conference & Exhibition - 19-21 February 2012 - Dubai, UAE
• ASIS 11th European Security Conference & Exhibition - 15-17 April 2012 - London, UK

Identify the one that is most in line with your marketing strategy and budget, or contact us to shape a tailored package that best suits your company's needs.

For further information on the Middle East Security Conference & Exhibition and on the European Security Conference & Exhibition, please contact: ASIS International EMEA Bureau - Tel: +32 2 645 26 74 - Fax: +32 2 645 26 71 - contact@asisonline.eu

For further information on the Asia-Pacific Conference & Exhibition, please contact: ASIS International Asia-Pacific Bureau - Tel: +61 2 8211 2712 - Fax: +61 2 8211 0555 -asiapacific@asisonline.org

Organised crime is changing and becoming increasingly diverse in its methods, group structures, and impact on society, reveals Europol's 2011 Organised Crime Threat Assessment (OCTA).

The bi-annual report, which assesses current and expected trends in organised crime affecting the European Union, explores how a new criminal landscape is emerging, marked increasingly by highly mobile and flexible groups operating in multiple jurisdictions and criminal sectors.

"Organised crime is a multi-billion euro business in Europe and it is growing in scale. The further expansion of Internet and mobile technologies, the proliferation of illicit trafficking routes and methods as well as opportunities offered by the global economic crisis, have all contributed to the development of a more potent threat from organised crime," says Rob Wainwright, Director of Europol.

The report highlights the fact that criminal groups are increasingly multi-commodity and poly-criminal in their activities, gathering diverse portfolios of criminal business interests, improving their resilience at a time of economic austerity and strengthening their capability to identify and exploit new illicit markets. Activities such as carbon credit fraud, payment card fraud and commodity counterfeiting attract increasing interest due to a lower level of perceived risk.

Please click here for more.

Source: europol.europa.eu

The CSO Roundtable, a group of senior security executives from the world's largest organisations, is hosting the 2^nd CSO Roundtable Latin America Summit in Brazil, a two-day security summit in São Paulo (7-8 November 2011, at the Renaissance São Paulo Hotel). This event will cover critical business and security issues such as public/private collaboration during a crisis; dealing with cultural differences in a global organisation; corporate security's role in preventing internal fraud; protecting executives and their families; and many more important topics. And of course the country's security preparations for the World Cup and the Olympic Games will be a major focus of discussion. Last year's Summit drew more than 100 security executives from around the world to discuss the business opportunities and the security challenges facing Brazil. We expect as many as 150 senior executives from around the world will attend the Summit this year. Contact Peter Piazza for sponsorship opportunities or more information.

The Roundtable will also hold a CSO track at the ASIS International 57^th Annual Seminar and Exhibits in Orlando, Florida. This programme will feature private sessions with Jeb Bush and Vicente Fox. Sessions, led by senior security executives from some of the world's largest companies, will look at public/private collaborations during a crisis; social media risks and rewards; becoming trusted advisor to the CSO; how global changes in corporate liability put companies and executives at risk; and what the revolutions in the Middle East will mean to multinationals in the near and long terms. This programme is available for free for CSO Roundtable members, and for an additional charge for eligible members of the Roundtable.

Please click here to learn more about the CSO Roundtable.

Security Convergence can be defined as a set of processes which brings together all those dedicated to security to protect people, information and property. In many organisations physical security and information security are managed by two separate departments. The European convergence movement realises that organisations are increasingly vulnerable to blended threats and emphasises the value of being able to prioritise risks and respond effectively to cyber attacks. The awareness that people are able to exploit technology to their advantage has led Information Security leaders to join forces with traditional security professionals and develop strategies designed to combat these new attacks. This is what convergence means in reality rather than in the text book.

There are many benefits to a holistic approach to security management. These range from significant cost savings when a company uses its own IT resources and infrastructure rather than outsourcing it to third party providers to faster response times achieved through effective communications in a crisis. In April 2010 a working party in the UK led by the Information Security Awareness Forum highlighted some other key benefits. In a white paper published with PwC entitled, 'Convergence of Security Risks: Addressing the Security Dilemma in today's age of blended threats.' We agreed that, "There is immense value in having a single point of ownership for all aspects of your organisation's security. This senior leader can take responsibility for managing risk to both tangible and intangible assets. A dotted line to the audit and risk committees is vital, and a direct reporting line to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) can ensure that the issues raised are understood and addressed at the highest level. It's important to ensure that the Board and the business have a complete picture of the security risks the organisation really faces, and plans in place to deal with them. The COO would only need to meet with one person to consider all security risks. This could lead to up to 50% fewer meetings with the Security department and a confidence that all areas of security are now more effectively managed. A common line of reporting would be established that would enable experts from each security area to examine vulnerabilities together and ensure all incidents receive the necessary attention they deserve. As a consequence one report would be produced. This would help prioritise the most important risks and give a single view of key threats and vulnerabilities".

Converged security management also benefits companies when they engage in new security projects. Increasingly organisations are installing IP enabled CCTV and access control systems. This dependence on the IT infrastructure brings the advantages of speed and immediate access but also introduces vulnerabilities which are not always identified by physical security managers. Hence it is vital for each area of security to work closely on such projects and maintain that relationship throughout the system's lifecycle. The issue of secure systems development is only achievable by a converged approach to security management.

Since 2007 the Information Security Awareness Forum has brought together information security and physical security organisations in the UK to consider ways to help companies and individuals recognise increasingly converged threats. In this way it has been an excellent example of how people from across the security industry can work together in responding to these risks and the paper highlights some of the key principles. Alessandro Lega, chair of the ASIS Security Convergence sub committee has been looking at ways to link similar organisations in Italy and has met with a lot of interest. There are several leading security associations in Italy which have expressed their support for this new approach. Alessandro has also promoted this strategy to several leading Italian companies and he has been warmly received. The new ASIS Security Convergence sub committee includes leaders from across Europe who are developing similar ways to engage with their security colleagues. Some of the committee are Information Security leaders while others are from the physical arena. All share the conviction that only by creating a dynamic fusion of ideas in a unified approach to security will we effectively protect our people, information and property.

By James Willison, Vice Chair, ASIS European Security Convergence sub committee.

A Brussels conference was told that collection of airline passenger data in the US has helped combat a series of potentially "devastating" terrorist attacks.

Many MEPs have criticised PNR as a potential infringement of human rights.

But Tom Bush, of the US department of customs and border controls, said passenger name records (PNR) had "proven to be one of our most valuable tools" in tackling terrorism.

Bush was part of a high-level delegation of US officials who were in Brussels on 17 May to update EU officials on implementation of the EU directive that requires airlines to pass on names and booking information of passengers before travelling to their destinations.

Please click here for more.

The security risks facing your organisation are greater than ever, yet these rising challenges may not be reflected in your budget. How can you communicate a clear business case for investments in security? How can you present your strategy so the C-suite will listen and approve your recommendation? How can you manage your own resources to make the most impact for your organisation? The Wharton/ASIS Programme for Security Executives offers core business knowledge from one of the world's leading business schools. This two-week certificate course is taught by many of the same faculty who have made Wharton's MBA programme one of the top-ranked in the world. The Wharton/ASIS programme covers the core concepts of business to broaden your managerial and strategic perspectives, enhance your business instincts and sharpen your ability to tackle management challenges. It will help you work more effectively with other leaders in your organisation and communicate the bottom-line impact of security decisions.

Dates: 31 October-4 November 2011 and 23-27 January 2012

Tuition: $14,500

Go online to learn more and register.

In 1992 an ASIS delegation headed by Jeff Burke, former DG NSA, visited the new Russia. They were hosted by Victor Budanov, former GRU General. The Russian Chapter of ASIS is now chaired by Victor´s son Dmitry Budanov.

Now the Russian Chapter of ASIS is inviting a limited number of ASIS members to an international chapter meeting in Moscow on 15-16 August. This will be a unique opportunity to meet Russian security professionals and learn about what is going on and the near future in the Republic of Russia.

Dmitry Budanov and the Russian Chapter have done their best to prepare a professional programme. This event will be special as Eduard Emde, CPP, will be prepare his presidency as the first non-American ASIS President. Therefore, Eduard Emde has expressed a wish to make the meeting in Moscow "not too big" and cosy. Hopefully, we will welcome as well Ray O´Hara the 2011 ASIS International President.

Potential delegates are invited to register before June 15.

According to Dmitry Budanov approximately 20 ASIS Russia members will attend. Don´t wait too long with your registration as this is a rare opportunity. Questions can be forwarded to Dmitry Budanov or Hans Wermdalen.

The Joint Research Centre and Kyoto University have announced on 13 May that they have agreed to strengthen co-operation aimed at limiting the impact of natural disasters on the population and on critical infrastructures.

The Joint Research Centre is the scientific and technical arm of the European Commission. It is providing the scientific advice and technical know-how to support a wide range of EU policies.

The agreement was signed by the JRC's Institute for the Protection and Security of the Citizen (IPSC) and the Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI) of Kyoto University.

The two parties have agreed to explore the possibilities of joint research projects, workshops and short-term exchange programmes for scientists and students. Amongst the planned joint activities is the exchange of experience and know-how on disaster risk- and damage assessment in populated areas in crisis situations.

Please click here for more.

Source: Joint Research Centre

In 2008, the ASIS Foundation launched the Connecting Research in Security to Practice (CRISP) report series. Designed to provide practical, researched-based techniques, reports present concise summaries of available research, deliver expert analysis, and offer proven approaches and best practices. Authors link existing scientific security research to real world "on the ground" practice to help security professionals tackle a wide range of security issues.

Professionals with expertise in specialist aspects of security are sought to submit proposals on a specific security concern. If you would like to suggest authors or topics-or if you're interested in writing a CRISP report-please go online or contact ASIS Foundation staff.

Intellectual property rights (IPR), which comprise patents, trademarks, designs and geographical indications, as well as copyright and rights related to copyright, have been around for centuries. Often, without our even realising, they affect our daily lives: they protect the technology we use (cars, mobile phones, trains), the food we eat and the music we listen to or the films we watch. But in the last few years, technological change and, in particular, the growing importance of online activities, have completely changed the world in which IPR operate.

The existing mix of European and national rules are no longer adapted and need to be modernised. That is why the Commission has adopted on 24 May a comprehensive strategy to revamp the legal framework in which IPR operate. The objective is to enable inventors, creators, users and consumers to adapt to the new circumstances and to enhance new business opportunities. The new rules will strike the right balance between promoting creation and innovation, in part by ensuring reward and investment for creators and, on the other hand, promoting the widest possible access to goods and services protected by IPR. Getting this balance right will make a real difference to businesses by encouraging investment in innovation.

The strategy deals with many issues to ensure IPR are covered comprehensively - from the patent a business needs to protect an invention to tackling the misuse of such inventions via a proposal which will strengthen action on counterfeiting and piracy.

Please click here for more.

Source: European Commission - Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry

Statesman Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give." As the ASIS Foundation Annual Chapter Giving Campaign gets underway, you have a unique opportunity to promote the security profession and to prepare its practitioners to meet the challenges ahead. Your contribution will make it possible for the ASIS Foundation to advance its mission of providing relevant research and vital education opportunities that serve to enhance the security profession.

Contrary to the Danish Government's claims that Sweden already has customs checks in place of the sort it intends to, the EU Commission points out that those are not systematic and therefore legal. Copenhagen is willing to meet with Brussels officials to bring its plans in line with EU law.

"According to our information, Sweden does not have systematic and permanent border checks," David Boublil, a Commission Spokesman for Home Affairs said during a press briefing on 16 May.

The Danish Government last week announced they will repopulate customs barracks on the borders with Sweden and Germany in a bid to stem trafficking of illicit goods and to track down stolen cars, citing a surge in cross-border criminality.

Recent data privacy breaches involving Sony and Apple show that "companies do not take the protection of personal data seriously enough," said Viviane Reding, the EU Commissioner in charge of justice and fundamental rights, in an interview with EurActiv.

"What has happened in the last few weeks just shows that things are not going in the right direction. The protection of personal data doesn't work properly," said Reding, a vice-president of the European Commission.

Earlier this month, Sony admitted that names, addresses, e-mails, birth dates, phone numbers and other private information might have been taken from online services running on its flagship PlayStation 3 games console.

And Apple Inc. was under the spotlight as well when it emerged that its best-selling product, the iPhone, was collecting customer data to track their locations.

In 2002 the European Union created the European Arrest Warrant (EAW), a fast-track system for surrendering people from one European country to another to face trial or serve a prison sentence.

The EAW has removed many of the traditional safeguards in the extradition process. If a court in one country demands a person's arrest and extradition, courts and police in other countries must act on it. In 2009, this fast track extradition system was used to extradite over 4,000 people across the EU.

Fair trials, a London-base NGO recently issued a report where it proposes changes considered as necessary to ensure that the European Arrest Warrant works efficiently. The suggested reforms are separated into 3 sections:

• Safeguards already contained in the EU legislation creating the EAW (the "Framework Decision")
• Safeguards not expressely included in the Framework Decision but that could be implemented at national level without changing the Framework Decision
• Amendments needed to improve the operation of the EAW, which would require European cooperation to amend the Framework Decision

Please click here for more.

Source: Fair Trials International

Locked fire exits and silent fire alarms impeded the evacuation of the European Parliament in Strasbourg during a fire drill, European Voice reported.

The exercise was supposed to test the ability of the Parliament's security staff to evacuate the Parliament's buildings quickly and safely.

Most MEPs were in the plenary chamber when the alarm bell rang at 12.15pm on 7 June. They were escorted out of the building by an underground exit, but the evacuation of staff, visitors and MEPs who were not in the chamber went less well.

The alarm bell did not sound in all parts of the Louise Weiss building, which houses the plenary chamber, MEPs' offices and the press centre, nor did it sound in the adjacent Winston Churchill building, leaving some staff and visitors uncertain as to whether they should evacuate. Some of those trying to escape the building found that fire exits were locked.

Please click here for more.

Source: europeanvoice.com

According to Euractiv, carbon market queasiness resurfaced on 19 May when a vote on plans to disguise the serial numbers of EU carbon allowances (EUAs) was postponed to give Member States more time for debate.

A green light for EU plans to transfer 300 million market-ready EUAs to the European Investment Bank (EIB) will now have to wait until mid-June.

By disguising the serial numbers, the European Commission had hoped to allay fears among traders and investors that they could be handling stolen property, after a series of frauds.

But because investigative, tax and regulatory authorities would still have access to the serial numbers under the new short-term security proposals, business concerns remained.

"The notion that you achieve an awful lot by disguising the serial numbers is false," Henry Derwent, President of the International Emissions Trading Association said.

"It is not good enough because the market wants to know whether they're actually going to get some money or whether it is all going to be taken away from them," he said.

Please click here for more.

Source: euractiv.com

Webinars

29 June: Security Guards and Technology: Working Together

20 July: Putting Your Program to the Test

27 July: Is Your Video Smarter than a Fifth Grader?

Webinar Archive

Click here to access a complete list of recent recordings.

eLearning

This month highlighting:five New programs

Nonviolent Confrontation Management

Truck Hijacking Response

Executive Protection: A Practitioner's Overview

Strike Preparation and Contingency Planning: A Complete Management Guide

Post Strike Employee Return to Work Program

Classroom Programmes

20-23 June: Assets Protection Course III: Functional Management.

20-24 June and 4-8 July | Oegstgeest, Netherlands: Resilience Management Systems Lead Auditor Course

11-12 July: Executive Protection

11-13 July: Organisational Resilience: A Holistic Approach to Security, Preparedness, and Continuity Management

11-14 July: Physical Security: Advanced Applications & Technology

13-14 July: Conducting Corporate Investigations

Executive Education

27-30 June: Effective Management for Security Professionals