ASIS International introduces new ANSI-approved investigations standard

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—ASIS International has 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. It can be found as an eBook here, or in print here. 

Investigations are important fact-finding tools in an ever-increasing complex business world. 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. 

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 valuable information and helpful 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 ASIS International’s Investigations Standard Technical Committee Chair and ASIS Professional Standards Board Director Patrick Cooper, PCI. “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.” 

"Great investigations don't happen by accident - they happen by design," noted ASIS  International Vice President of Certification and Standards Sue Carioti, CAE, CSP. "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." 

ASIS International will release more industry standards in 2025, including the ASIS Executive Protection Standard and the first ASIS School Security Standard, both of which are expected to be released later this year.