The International Foundation for Protection Officers
(IFPO) was established as a non-profit organization in January
1988 for the purpose of facilitating the training and certification
needs of protection officers and security supervisors from
both the commercial and proprietary sectors.
To meet this objective, the Foundation established a professional
association. Associate and Corporate Membership is available
to individuals involved in the security industry. In addition,
the IFPO developed a number of comprehensive distance delivery
styled courses; the Basic Protection Officer (BPO), the
Certified Protection Officer (CPO) program, the Security
Supervision and Management (SSMP) program, and the Certified
in Security Supervision and Management (CSSM) program. All
programs are designed to be completed through a self paced
schedule of home study. The BPO programs are now available
on-line as well as on CD-ROM. Many corporations and institutions
have adopted these programs and integrated them with their
existing staff development process and training guidelines.
The Foundation also publishes a quarterly newsletter, "Protection
News", with circulation to all IFPO members as
well as candidates enrolled in either the CPO or CSSM programs.
This publication is designed to keep professionals current
on trends within the security industry and is full of valuable
information and commentary pertinent to the enhancement
of life, safety, and property protection.
