A local chapter of one of the world’s largest security management organisations, ASIS International, has partnered with the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies to host the first local edition of the Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Programme.
A group of students graduated from the training programme on Saturday.
Programme Dean of the Security Administration and Emergency Management Department at the Cipriani College of Labour and Cooperative Studies, Adrianna Archer, said the CPP is a preparatory programme delivered through a partnership between the college and the ASIS International San Fernando Chapter.
“So this programme represents more than the completion of a 150 hours of instruction. It reflects your commitment to professional excellence, lifelong learning, leadership and the advancement of security management practices in Trinidad and Tobago.”
Foundation member of the ASIS International San Fernando Chapter, Hayden DeFour, underscored the importance of the training, noting the evolving role of security professionals.
“The key is that we are no longer just security practitioners, we are risk managers, and we are also valuable contributors to any organisation to which we are aligned. And in that regard, everything that we do is aligned to improving the success of that organisation. And you have to show in a measurable way how your role, your function, contributes to the bottom line.”
Chairman of the San Fernando Chapter, Carlos Neptune, reminded graduates that the certification represents more than just a title.
“The CPP designation is not just a credential. It is a symbol of excellence, integrity and leadership of our profession. Each of you demonstrates that discipline and determination that define true security professionals. This journey was not easy. It demanded long hours of study, critical thinking and collaboration.”
Graduate Robert Chance said the programme provided a broader understanding of the field of security.
“The programme itself that we are basically the first candidates of, or what we would call the guinea pigs, has brought us to the last months, an emphasis on security but an insight to what is needed in going forward. It is also to be said that ASIS not only challenges each of us who are participants from different cadres of security experience studies to understand the greater picture.”
To earn the CPP designation, candidates were required to master areas including crisis management, investigations, physical security, business principles, as well as security principles and practices.