Information

[MSPofficer]

I have interviews this week with a few security companies. Does anyone have any info on any of these places. Good or Bad? Interstate security, Icon, and Midwest protection.

Thanks
God Bless

[Hank1]

I have interviews this week with a few security companies. Does anyone have any info on any of these places. Good or Bad? Interstate security, Icon, and Midwest protection.

Thanks
God Bless

My apologies, but can not offer any information as I have never applied nor met anyone from these companies. Good luck!

Be Safe,

Hank

[msofin]

I have interviews this week with a few security companies. Does anyone have any info on any of these places. Good or Bad? Interstate security, Icon, and Midwest protection.

Thanks
God Bless

googled all companies, this is the first time I've heard of these companies. Only found a website (I didn't due an extensive search) for Midwest protection. The owner doesn't seem to have very much experience, although he is a 'Certified Protection Officer'. Found this website when I searched that title, http://hits.astcorp.com/index.html
Has anyone ever heard of that company or certification before? If so, have you gone through the training programs and found them useful? I do find it very interesting and will try to found out more information. I wonder if any of their certifications are recognized by the 'big boys' (AlliedBarton, Securitas, Wackenhutt)

Good luck to you MSPofficer! The best advice I could give you now is go to the interviews, ask lots of questions, and compare it to your work experience (good/bad). Let us know how the interviews go and of course ask us questions with any concerns you may have regarding these companies. With the knowledge on this board you will definitely get an informed answer!

[Security]

googled all companies, this is the first time I've heard of these companies. Only found a website (I didn't due an extensive search) for Midwest protection. The owner doesn't seem to have very much experience, although he is a 'Certified Protection Officer'. Found this website when I searched that title, http://hits.astcorp.com/index.html
Has anyone ever heard of that company or certification before? If so, have you gone through the training programs and found them useful? I do find it very interesting and will try to found out more information. I wonder if any of their certifications are recognized by the 'big boys' (AlliedBarton, Securitas, Wackenhutt)

Good luck to you MSPofficer! The best advice I could give you now is go to the interviews, ask lots of questions, and compare it to your work experience (good/bad). Let us know how the interviews go and of course ask us questions with any concerns you may have regarding these companies. With the knowledge on this board you will definitely get an informed answer!

Never heard of the company before, but the CPP is a prestigious certification awarded by ASIS International.

[msofin]

Never heard of the company before, but the CPP is a prestigious certification awarded by ASIS International.

I probably shouldn't have to ask this, but will anyway: Would successful completion of this certification help me to advance my career in the security industry?

[Security]

I probably shouldn't have to ask this, but will anyway: Would successful completion of this certification help me to advance my career in the security industry?

I would say absolutely seeing as how most management positions require or at least prefer that you have it, but in order to be eligible for the certification you must have one of the following:

1.) Bachelor's degree and seven years of security experience, including at least three years in responsible charge of a security function, or 2.) nine years of security experience, including at least three years in responsible charge of a security function.

Source: asisonline.org

Best,
Erik

[NRM_Oz]

Best of Luck - there are many operators who work in small groups. CPP certification or the like does not mean much if the person is a full blown wanker or has faked his credentials. If you get a few interviews done, then compare the weigh ups and be sure to ask questions such as benefits, etc.

[bpdblue]

Since no one could give you much, if any, info on the companies your asking about, you might want to check the companies through the Better Business Bureau, at BBB.org

They may be able to shed some light on the companies by the complaints people may have made about them.

GOOD LUCK.

[N. A. Corbier]

None of you except those of us who have been in the Twin Cities area are going to have heard of them. They're small companies.

Midwest Patrol / GSSC has a member on these forums.
Icon is having... issues... I hear.
Never heard of Interstate.

As far as the CPP: Keep in mind, in the US, we don't really have "Close Personal Protection," we call it "EP" or "Executive Protection." Its an ASIS certification called "Certified Protection Professional," and is just one of the several ASIS certifications that members or potential members can get.

Some people care about ASIS certifications. Others don't. Much like IFPO, outside of the security industry, nobody cares unless they've been given reason to.

[Security]

As far as the CPP: Keep in mind, in the US, we don't really have "Close Personal Protection," we call it "EP" or "Executive Protection." Its an ASIS certification called "Certified Protection Professional," and is just one of the several ASIS certifications that members or potential members can get.

Some people care about ASIS certifications. Others don't. Much like IFPO, outside of the security industry, nobody cares unless they've been given reason to.

There are only three certification programs currently offered by ASIS. The PCI and PSP certifications are new and really aren't that prestigious, but the CPP is recognized worldwide as a valuable professional credential.

[sgtnewby]

I have interviews this week with a few security companies. Does anyone have any info on any of these places. Good or Bad? Interstate security, Icon, and Midwest protection.

Thanks
God Bless

Midwest Patrol / GSSC was my first security job. They aren't too bad, but bounce you around alot. And, I have also worked for Inner State Protection (not interstate). One of the old bosses that is not there anymore, still owes me $100.00 for an item I sold to him back in the day. The old owner was a retired St. Paul cop, he was a good guy, but I haven't really heard anything good or bad about the current owner.

[Eric]

googled all companies, this is the first time I've heard of these companies. Only found a website (I didn't due an extensive search) for Midwest protection. The owner doesn't seem to have very much experience, although he is a 'Certified Protection Officer'. Found this website when I searched that title, http://hits.astcorp.com/index.html
Has anyone ever heard of that company or certification before? If so, have you gone through the training programs and found them useful? I do find it very interesting and will try to found out more information. I wonder if any of their certifications are recognized by the 'big boys' (AlliedBarton, Securitas, Wackenhutt)

Just wanted to make sure this was clear as one post was talking about certified protection officer and it progressed to certified protection professional..And yes, earning one could be good for you. Search this forum for posts about them to decide if it works for you.

Certified Protection Officer - CPO - IFPO.ORG
Certified Protection Professional - CPP - ASIS.ORG

[MSPofficer]

Sorry for the confusion, but I was referring to midwest protection agency. I have an interview this friday.

Thanks
God Bless

[NRM_Oz]

There are a number of clones of recognised qualifications and yes a CPP through ASIS is recognised in Australia as well as o/seas. I have completed a few bits and pieces of training in the USA in EP, CPP or ABCDEFG...... Z whatever you wish to refer to it this week, which were NOT recognised in Australia until assessed by someone here and the flags were raised and all was happy with our stupid laws. But again, any formal certifications can mean nothing if the person who has them is a nut-case or fruit-loop.

N.A again thanks for the clarification with the different names / terms used around the world. I have heard EP and CPP called a number of different things in the USA but all the same thing (ie. Executive Detail, Protective Services - more common in Australia and a host of other similar names).