Mark Smith Appointed to Texas Private Security Board

On December 14, 2007, Texas Governor Rick Perry announced to Secretary of State Phil Wilson the appointment of Company President Mark L. Smith to the Texas Department of Public Safety Private Security Board. The Texas Private Security Board governs the licensing and regulation of all private security companies and personnel in the State of Texas. Mark Smith brings to the appointment a family heritage of over 100 years in the private security business in Texas. In addition, Mark is a Life Member of Associated Security Services and Investigators of the State of Texas (A.S.S.I.S.T.), the industry association that was instrumental in establishing the licensing agency itself. Since then, Mark has continued to work with the State Legislature to raise the level of professionalism for the security industry in the State.

Seeing a need for enhanced cooperation between private security and law enforcement in order to protect the citizens of Texas, Mark served on the original Steering Committee to form Law Enforcement and Private Security (L.E.A.P.S.) in Dallas, an organization dedicated to cooperation between private security and local police forces through workshops, symposiums, and information sharing. L.E.A.P.S. organizations have subsequently formed in other cities such as Houston, El Paso, and more. The L.E.A.P.S. movement has generated national interest.

For all these reasons, Governor Perry made the right choice, for Mark Smith brings to the Texas Private Security Board a unique combination of business knowledge and industry experience. Congratulations, Mark!