Police Dep't sees administrative changes

and Marisa Katz As the first step in a major administrative overhaul of the University Police Department, Managing Director of Public Safety Thomas Seamon yesterday revealed plans to eliminate the post of chief of police, currently held by George Clisby. Effective February 1, the responsibilities of that post will be divided between two newly created positions. Current Director of Victim Support Maureen Rush will take on the position of director of operations. Clisby will hold the post of director of administration. Victim Support Lieutenant Susan Holmes will become acting director of Victim Support, Seamon said. Seamon added that a search will begin soon for a permanent director. Under the new command structure, Clisby will oversee administrative, communications and long-term development programs. Rush will take over the day-to-day operations of the police force, including supervision of patrol cops and detectives, a job formerly performed by Clisby. According to Seamon, the restructuring is a "lateral change" for both Clisby and Rush and both positions will be equal in rank, he said. Seamon said that under the old system, Clisby had been "in the unenviable situation of having to deal with larger administrative issues as well as daily crises." The reorganization will provide the department with a "depth of experience complementing the strong points of both people," he said. "I am confident that people in the University will see the logic behind the changes," Seamon said. "We know we can do better, but we need the ability to look at ourselves." The director also expressed his confidence in both Rush and Clisby. "[Clisby's] experience at the operational level, coupled with his administrative abilities, make him the perfect choice to assist me in making needed strategic changes," Seamon said. Rush, who was a lieutenant in the Philadelphia Police Department before joining the University staff, also has significant operational experience, according to Seamon. Clisby said he is happy with the reorganization. "The quality of life on campus has to improve tremendously," he said. "We see ourselves as leading the way." Seamon said Clisby will work toward several specific goals, including training and professional development programs and the development of a computerized information and record system. Seamon also said he planned to apply for national accreditation for the department. According to Seamon, accreditation would serve to compare the University against police departments across the country, and allow for a systematic evaluation of the department. "Many of the changes will be gradual, designed to clear roadblocks in the system," Seamon said. Rush also expressed optimism about the new arrangement. "I am starting on good footing by inheriting an efficient department," she said. Rush added that she plans to work on enhancing the visibility, accountability and service of the department. The upcoming reorganization marks the first major change in the department since October of 1990, when the position of commissioner of Public Safety, now known as managing director, was created. "The new structure is fairly standard for police departments of this size and larger," Seamon said. Such structural reorganization is typical of the arrival of a new administration, explained Seamon, who came to the University in September after 25 years with the Philadelphia Police Department. Other changes proposed by Seamon include new alarm systems and closed-circuit security cameras to be placed in dormitory rooms both in the high rises and the Quadrangle. Within the next six months, the University community might see turnstiles designed to reduce unauthorized entrance to the high rises and improved blue light phone service, according to Seamon. But before such full-fledged programs can be initiated, the department must look into redesigning police headquarters to provide the necessary technology.