Allied guards to patrol along campus walks

U. Police to keep current beats Allied Security guards will begin patrolling central walkways on campus tomorrow, University Police Commissioner John Kuprevich said last night. The initiative is a component in the master security plan unveiled by University President Judith Rodin last week. The security guards will patrol and walk beats along designated "Community Walks" created by the new security plan. These walkways are designed to encourage additional pedestrian traffic and will feature improved lighting, an expanded blue light phone system and the construction of security kiosks to be staffed by contracted guards. Security Services Director Christopher Algard said six uniformed Allied guards will start patrols of Hamilton, Locust, Smith and Woodland walks from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., seven days a week. Algard said the presence of security guards should serve as a deterrent to crime. "They're going to be eyes and ears, and provide high visibility for those walkways," he said. "Is it possible to walk the length of Locust [Walk] and not see a guard? It is possible -- but it is highly unlikely. "If you stand on the Walk for 20 minutes, you should see someone," Algard added. He added that the Allied guards will not be armed, and will not have the power to detain suspects. They will, however, be in constant radio contact with University Police. Algard also said that University Police officers will continue to maintain their existing patrol routes, which will overlap with the security guard assignments. "These guards are not for police functions," he said. "It is putting more people out on the streets to watch for the same thing." Not everyone is pleased with the new plan, however. Kuprevich said the Fraternal Order of Police, the union representing University Police officers, has resisted implementation of security guard patrols. He said the FOP has voiced concerns that the program violates the collective bargaining agreement and that security guards will be doing work reserved for University Police officers. Yet Kuprevich said he does not see the new guard patrols conflicting with the collective bargaining agreement. "This is not to replace campus police officers," Kuprevich said. "This is to create a security presence on campus." But University Police Officer and FOP President Dave Ball said he was hesitant to embrace the new patrols. "Good luck to them if they want to patrol," he said last night. Penn Watch President Jon Brightbill said he favored the program because it would give his town watch operation more flexibility in terms of its patrols. The Wharton sophomore said the the Allied guards will patrol the center of campus while Penn Watch focuses more on the edges of campus. "The more people out there who are paying attention, the better," Brightbill said. "This is about making the campus safer and making people feel safer." Algard added that training for the patrolling Allied guards will begin today.

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