University seeks to add security officers
Joshua Neiderer, Editor-in-Cheif
Issue date: 9/26/07 Section: News
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In an attempt to support a beleaguered University Police Department (UP) and address safety concerns, USF administrators have begun a bidding process to bring in a private security force to patrol campus.The intent is to lighten the load on UP by providing unarmed security guards to patrol areas on foot and take care of some of the mundane tasks, such as locking doors and operating security systems, that now fall to UP officers.
Some officers and representatives of the Police Benevolent Association (PBA) said the university's move is misguided and could divert funds which might otherwise be used to improve UP's patrolling force.
Instead, unarmed security guards - who aren't subjected to the same rigorous background checks as UP officers - would be used to patrol the campus and ultimately call the officer to the scene if an incident were to occur, said three UP officers who requested anonymity.
"We were totally blown away when we heard (USF's plans to bring in security guards)," said Corporal Stephanie Crookston, a representative of the PBA, which represents UP in ongoing negotiations with the University. "It seemed to us like they were saying, 'Hey look, we're addressing the security concerns,' without actually addressing them."
However, officials with the University insist that money used to fund a security force will not affect the negotiations with UP.
Any money used to fund a
security force would be
non-recurring. This means any contract signed would be limited to one year and the force would be subject to re-evaluation before it is renewed, Vice President of Student Affairs Jennifer Meningall said.
Additionally, all security guards would be subject to background checks and regular drug tests, Meningall said. The agency would report directly to the chief of police and be used to free officers to patrol campus and focus on emergency situations.
"We want eyes and ears across campus," Meningall said. "This is a way to prevent (officers) from having to do non-policing work, such as locking doors or attending low risk events, like a wedding."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Charles K.
posted 9/26/07 @ 12:59 PM EST
For a University that prides itself on investing in research, learning and now sports, its a real shame that they can't provide for proper pay and staffing of a Police Department that will protect these investments. (Continued…)
JURKI
posted 9/26/07 @ 2:53 PM EST
"We want eyes and ears across campus," Meningall said. "
We alrady have eyes and ears across Campus. They're called Students, Staff, visitors, and should they observe a crime or suspious activity they should be able to call 911 and request a POLICE OFFICER not an unarmed Security Guard. (Continued…)
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