2008 Woodie Awards
Security reboot
Improvements to security raise questions of effectiveness
Andrew Dombalagian '09
Issue date: 1/31/07 Section: News
In response to concerns raised about public safety at Saint Joseph's University, the Department of Public Safety has implemented extensive new security measures on and around campus. Several updates on campus have already been put into place, while others are still in the works.
According to Bill Mattioli, Director of Public Safety at St. Joe's, it is unclear whether or not the expenses incurred by these new measures will result in an increase in student tuition; Mattioli doubts such a thing would happen.
The Security Department's main goal is to ensure safety on campus by increasing the visibility of their personnel and precautions, both to students and offenders. To this end, many new security positions have been created and filled by hiring three new security officers, four new security supervisors, and by contracting Allied Barton Security Services.
Allied Barton officers have replaced the security personnel in all the residence halls for the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift. This move has made 14 St. Joe's officers available for patrol during those times. Additionally, four Allied Barton bicycle officers have been assigned to daily patrols between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Allied Barton personnel attend an initial eight-hour training course to familiarize them with St. Joe's policies and protocol, and training is ongoing as they work. An on-site supervisor from the firm also oversees their work. Those affiliated with campus security are also required to earn Act 235 certification within six months of hiring.
When questioned about rumors that all St. Joe's security will be outsourced to Allied Barton, or another firm, Mattioli firmly denied them. Mattioli stated that such a program has "never been brought up and never talked about." Allegations that the contracts for existing security personnel, coming due this year, will not be renewed are "just a bad rumor," and Mattioli promises that the department intends to renew the contracts of current St. Joe's officers during negotiations with their union in the summer.
According to Bill Mattioli, Director of Public Safety at St. Joe's, it is unclear whether or not the expenses incurred by these new measures will result in an increase in student tuition; Mattioli doubts such a thing would happen.
The Security Department's main goal is to ensure safety on campus by increasing the visibility of their personnel and precautions, both to students and offenders. To this end, many new security positions have been created and filled by hiring three new security officers, four new security supervisors, and by contracting Allied Barton Security Services.
Allied Barton officers have replaced the security personnel in all the residence halls for the 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shift. This move has made 14 St. Joe's officers available for patrol during those times. Additionally, four Allied Barton bicycle officers have been assigned to daily patrols between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.
Allied Barton personnel attend an initial eight-hour training course to familiarize them with St. Joe's policies and protocol, and training is ongoing as they work. An on-site supervisor from the firm also oversees their work. Those affiliated with campus security are also required to earn Act 235 certification within six months of hiring.
When questioned about rumors that all St. Joe's security will be outsourced to Allied Barton, or another firm, Mattioli firmly denied them. Mattioli stated that such a program has "never been brought up and never talked about." Allegations that the contracts for existing security personnel, coming due this year, will not be renewed are "just a bad rumor," and Mattioli promises that the department intends to renew the contracts of current St. Joe's officers during negotiations with their union in the summer.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
louise Brown
posted 1/31/07 @ 9:43 AM EST
Congratulations on beefing up your security efforts. The students will be happy to put up with the minor inconveniences mentioned for the short period of time needed for new security personnel to become familiar with the campus operations. (Continued…)
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