Association of Threat Assessment ProfessionalsATAP was founded in 1992 as a non-profit organization comprised of law enforcement, prosecutors, mental health professionals, corporate security experts, probation and parole personnel and others involved in the area of threat and violence risk assessment. The purpose of ATAP is to afford its members a professional and educational environment to exchange ideas and strategies that address such issues as stalking, threats, and homeland security.
High Tech Crime Investigation AssociationHTCA is designed to encourage, promote, aid and affect the voluntary interchange of data, information, experience, ideas and knowledge about methods, processes, and techniques relating to investigations and security in advanced technologies among its membership.
International Association for IdentificationWorld’s oldest and largest forensic science/identification association bringing together those engaged in forensic identification, investigation and scientific examination of physical evidence. It has information about upcoming conferences and an Ethics and Code of Conduct.
The NFPA provides free online access to its codes and standards, its journal publications from 1907 to the present, and its Applied Research reports.
Occupational Outlook HandbookSearch for the word “weapons” and you will retrieve occupational classifications for Military Enlisted Tactical Operations and Air/Weapons Specialists and Crew Members. While used primarily for career information, you can glean some information about the laws that affect the field of personal protection. It provides a good description of the job, training, and a discussion on the use of technology (weapons and computers). Search on “homeland security” and access several PDFs, focusing on government, law enforcement and private for profit opportunities.
Operations Security Professional’s AssociationA nonprofit organization dedicated to improving awareness of Operations Security procedures, as well as building cohesion amongst its members. OSPA members work together behind the scenes to further the discipline, as well as creating and sharing information on a wide range of subjects, such as information security, OPSEC briefings, Security Briefings, and OPSEC program management.
Urban and Regional Information Systems Association – URISA: The Association for GIS ProfessionalsThis nonprofit association is comprised of professionals using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and other information technologies to solve challenges in state / provincial and local government agencies and departments. Students can join and receive membership benefits for $20 per year. With membership one can access conferences, educational opportunities, professional events, publications and virtual resources.
