How effective is PSC1 in providing a quality check of Private Security Companies?

PSC1 (Private Security Company 1) is a certification standard established by the International Code of Conduct Association (ICoCA) to provide a framework for the responsible conduct of private security companies (PSCs). PSC1 sets out specific requirements related to the management and operations of PSCs, including human rights, ethics, and quality management systems.

The effectiveness of PSC1 in providing a quality check of PSCs largely depends on the implementation and adherence to the standard by PSCs themselves. While the certification process itself can provide a level of assurance that a PSC is meeting certain standards, it is ultimately up to the PSC to implement and maintain the necessary policies and procedures to meet those standards.

However, the PSC1 standard does provide a useful framework for assessing the quality and performance of PSCs. The standard requires PSCs to have strong management systems in place, including policies and procedures related to human rights, use of force, and training. PSCs must also undergo regular audits and assessments to ensure they are meeting the standard’s requirements.

Similarly, ISO 18788:2015 provides a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving the Security Operations Management System (SOMS). 

ISO 18788 gives business and risk management the framework for SOMS, while demonstrating conduct of professional security operations to meet clients’ and other stakeholders’ requirements, in addition to accountability to law and respect to Human Rights and consistency with voluntary commitments to which subscribes.

ISO 18788 draws on provisions from and provides mechanism to demonstrate compliance with relevant principles, legal obligations and voluntary commitments and good practices of:

• The International Code of Conduct for Private Security Providers (ICoC) 2010
• The Montreux Document on Pertinent International Obligations and Good Practices for States Related to Operations of Private Military and Security Companies During Armed Conflict, 2008
• Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework, 2011

While both PSC1 and ISO 18788 focus on the responsible conduct of private security companies, there are some differences between the two standards. PSC1 has a stronger focus on human rights and ethical standards, while ISO 18788 has a broader focus on the management of security operations.

While PSC1 and ISO 18788 can be an effective tool for quality checking PSCs, their effectiveness ultimately depends on the commitment of PSCs to meet the standard’s requirements and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance.