*****Security: An Introduction. By Philip P. Purpura, CPP; published by Taylor & Francis Group/CRC Press; available from ASIS, item #1920, 703/519-6200, www.asisonline.org; [1] 637 pages; $69 (ASIS members), $76 (nonmembers).

For a long time, the security profession has lacked a comprehensive text addressing the fundamentals of protecting people, assets, and organizations. Security: An Introduction by Philip Purpura, CPP, is that book.

Purpura has written a work that can be used as a text for the student studying security or in a criminal justice program, as a reference book for security specialists, and as a guide for organizations. He draws on his vast experience as a security professional to provide an exhaustive security curriculum for students, instructors, seasoned security professionals, and administrators alike.

The book consists of four sections that address the history of the security profession, protection of people and assets, risk management, and the future. The content is organized in a textbook format. Each chapter lists learning objectives and terms to know, and ends with a quiz that serves to stimulate the reader’s thinking and retention. The information provided flows well, is pertinent, up-to-date, and utilizes proven security principles. Supporting material in the appendix includes an excellent template for assessing the needs and security status of any site.

In Security: An Introduction, Purpura has provided the security community with a thorough and well-organized text that addresses every aspect of security in a definitive way. This book, likely to become an influential one, could be a useful resource for both students and security practitioners.

Reviewer: David Sayer is owner of Orion Security Consulting and manager of investigations for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he has worked for 24 years in executive and facility protection. He is a member of the ASIS International Cultural Properties Council.
 

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