What is the difference between private security companies and mercenaries, at a time when the public is confused between the two?

The distinction mainly lies in the legal framework, the missions, and the purpose of the interventions. A private security company operates in strict compliance with national and international laws and follows a regulated path of professionalization, whereas mercenarism functions in opacity and illegality. A security company is transparent in its activities and acts primarily in a defensive role—protecting and securing people and property. Mercenary, on the other hand, involves direct participation in armed conflicts on behalf of third parties, taking part directly in hostilities. This is precisely why this activity is prohibited by numerous international conventions, notably the 1989 UN Convention.

What are the fields of action of a private company in a host country?

As mentioned earlier, the fields of action defined by the contract and local legislation are precise. The range of services includes the physical protection of sites, critical infrastructures, or personnel (embassies, companies, NGOs, international institutions); mobile and static surveillance, including security patrols, access control, and video surveillance; security risk analysis and strategic advice; supervision of the host country’s security agents; as well as logistical support or coordination with local partners.

What are the selection criteria for a private security company for an international institution?

International institutions apply strict rules for the selection of private companies. First comes compliance with the host country’s regulations, including licenses and authorizations, as well as adherence to certain standards such as ISO certifications, most importantly ISO 18788:2025 on security operations management. This standard provides an organizational framework to establish, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain, and improve security operations management. It also, and above all, entails responsibility regarding respect for human rights. This ethical approach to human rights is further reinforced by two key documents: the Montreux Document, which ASP has signed, reaffirming existing obligations related to private security companies’ activities; and the International Code of Conduct for Private Security Service Providers (ICoCa), of which ASP is a certified member.

If the company passes the compliance stage, it is then evaluated on its proven professional experience in the area, its logistical and human deployment capabilities, its financial and fiscal transparency, and above all, its human investment in local personnel. These criteria are designed to ensure professional, reliability, and ethical intervention.

What added value does ASP bring in a market saturated by demand?

In a saturated market, ASP stands out through several factors. First, our experience of more than 20 years and our operational footprint, strengthened by solid partnerships, specialized operations, and transparency in our actions, inspire client trust. Our restructured, leaner organization also brings greater flexibility. ASP is valued for its understanding of the host country’s political, cultural, and social dynamics, as well as its knowledge of local regulations, particularly labor laws, with the aim of building quality partnerships.

Of course, the quality and reliability of our personnel are also central. Staff are selected through a process that includes verification of areas of expertise, regular updates of required skills, and mandatory training. At the same time, social and medical coverage conditions allow staff to work with peace of mind. This focus on people, our primary investment, is reflected in our very low turnover rate, which indicates strong employee satisfaction.

To conclude, I would say that over the years we have enhanced our capacity for reactivity and flexibility in the face of rapidly changing situations. Our best example to date is the COVID-19 crisis, which had only a minimal impact on our clients.