Security now unified under SpectaGuard

SpectaGuard hired many employees from other companies, allowing them to remain at Penn. The University recently completed its long effort to consolidate several security contracts with one company, as the SpectaGuard Security Company took over all campus security services. The University had employed a variety of companies -- including the largest provider, Allied Security Service -- for the past several years. Director of Security Services Chris Algard explained that the unification under SpectaGuard -- which went into effect on January 6 -- will improve campus safety by promoting communication and cooperation between security guards and University Police. But despite the shift to SpectaGuard, many of the guards who had worked for companies like Allied are still working for the University -- in SpectaGuard uniforms. Guards from most other companies had the option of joining SpectaGuard and remaining at the University if they met SpectaGuard standards. Algard said University officials wanted to avoid putting security guards out of work by signing with the new company. And a high number of employees from former companies were able to make the switch. For example, many guards in the School of Nursing changed companies but stayed in their posts, according to Steve Schneider, the school's facilities coordinator. And Bernard Urquhart, an account manager for residences with SpectaGuard, formerly held the same position with Allied. Before agreeing to hire new employees, SpectaGuard subjected them to criminal history checks, drug screenings and integrity surveys. In many cases, the same employees are now earning higher wages as result of the transition, while the University's costs remain approximately the same. Algard said the value of the unified service and increased technology provided by SpectaGuard would justify whatever cost increases might arise, Algard said. "You get what you pay for," he explained. "The difference is what the program will bring." He added that officials hope to retain guards who are happier and more committed as result of the higher wages, thus improving the quality of their service. The contract change came after a long period of review and examination of the state of security services. A recent report noted that "unbalanced deployment and inconsistent guard service levels across schools and centers creates risks and illogical liabilities." Algard expressed confidence that the consolidation will alleviate some of these potential problems. "[Unifying under SpectaGuard] reduces risk and balances security guard deployment," he said. He added that a consortium representing the University's different schools considered 14 security companies before deciding on SpectaGuard. "We went through an extremely detailed evaluation, and SpectaGuard came out with the best performance and has the best reputation in the city with universities and hospitals," he said.