Enhancing Peace of Mind on Campus through Contract Security

Safety and security on a college or university campus is critical. The right blend of security solutions and depth of resources can create a truly comprehensive security program that helps students, faculty and the wider campus community feel safer. 
When reviewing your campus security program, identify a security partner with the essential subject matter expertise to be consultative during initial planning and through the review process. Institutions will ultimately benefit most from vendors with the breadth of experience to support them and help them reduce the related areas of risk.

Colleges and universities should be able to rely on their contract security partner to be their subject matter expert. In other words, it is important to look for companies with a track record at providing a tailored, turnkey security solution that creates additional value in the areas of quality service, experienced management, and thought leadership. Well-trained security professionals can help to reinforce the institution’s brand every day.

A trusted provider’s campus experience should also extend beyond the traditional campus boundaries to the larger community. If an institution is considering contract security services, leadership should expect that a security partner will recommend strategies and realistic solutions that multiply the abilities of the entire campus public safety team. 

In addition, ask about these key areas when selecting a campus security services provider:

•    Professional campus security officers should be trained in typical compliance for Clery and Title IX, but also cultural sensitivity and working with diverse populations within and outside of the campus community. 
•    Campus security professionals should be able to manage a wide range of responsibilities, from routine tasks, to emergencies, serving as a visual deterrent and approachable resource, while working in conjunction with police and the campus community. 
•    Regularly provided, transparent and clear information at any time will include accurate and timely reporting of all measures of contract security service. This may include incident reports, daily logs, tour completeness, payroll accuracy and training compliance. 

Monitoring tangible measures and key performance indicators will help to guarantee compliance, lower the campus’s overall public safety and brand reputation risk. An effective, efficient security partner provides institutions of higher education with peace of mind that their contract security force is operating as expected.  These critical elements are at the core of a successful contract campus security program dedicated to providing a comprehensive security solution.

For further insight in developing a 21st century campus public safety and security program that offers value to your campus, please download Allied Universal’s Guide to Contracting for Higher Education.

  About the Author
  Stephen Aborn is Director of Higher Education at Allied Universal.