Letter From the Executive Director - End of the Year Updates to Industry

As 2024 comes to a close, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year. Serving you-the companies, instructors, and security officers who make up the private security industry-has been our privilege and a source of pride. Your engagement, trust, and partnership inspire us daily, and we are truly grateful for the opportunity to support your important work. 

This year has been one of growth, innovation, and collaboration. We've achieved remarkable milestones, setting the stage for an even brighter future. Allow us to share some of the highlights of 2024: 

• Strengthening Cybersecurity and Technology: We completed our full onboarding with the State of Louisiana Office of Technology Services, significantly enhancing our hardware and cybersecurity protections. This ensures the integrity of our systems and provides a robust foundation for supporting the industry in an increasingly digital world.
• Formalizing Compliance and Auditing: This year, we completed and formalized our compliance unit and audit process, auditing every company with an active license in 2023. This effort upholds accountability and serves as a valuable resource to help businesses meet regulatory standards.
• Innovating Training and Education: In 2024, we introduced a first-class, four-hour training curriculum that can be delivered in person or virtually to those meeting the requirements of our statutes, ensuring accessibility and flexibility for industry professionals.
• Preparing for Future Sustainability: After a comprehensive 15-month fee study, we gained Board approval to pursue a fee increase in the 2025 legislative session. This step is critical to maintaining the quality and scope of services that the industry requires.
• Modernizing Our Legal Framework: We initiated a complete rewrite of the statutes governing our work and plan to introduce this legislation in the 2026 legislative session. This ambitious effort is designed to modernize our regulatory framework and better serve the industry's evolving needs.
• Engaging and Supporting Instructors: This year, we hosted our first-ever instructor conference, bringing together industry leaders to share knowledge, strengthen networks, and collaborate on best practices.
• Expanding Accessibility: We implemented an online proctoring service for company owners and instructors and began developing a free online testing platform for security officer exams. These advancements increase accessibility and reduce barriers to entry for industry professionals.
• Promoting the Industry: Recognizing the importance of visibility, we launched a statewide marketing campaign to promote the private security industry, showcasing its vital role in safeguarding communities and supporting public safety.
• Roundtable Discussions: We have started the process of holding meetings throughout the state with company owners and representatives to discuss initiatives and provide a forum for meaningful and open dialogue.

These accomplishments reflect the shared commitment between our agency and the industry to excellence and innovation. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain steadfast in our collaborative, inclusive, and responsive approach. We aim to provide the highest quality service with total transparency and accountability. 

This has been a highly productive year, and we are excited about the opportunities ahead. Thank you for your dedication to protecting our communities and for allowing us to partner with you in your success. 

Kindest regards,

Major Carl Saizan (Ret. LSP)

Executive Director

Full letter here.