Seamon drafts security initiative

Managing Director of Public Safety Thomas Seamon said yesterday that he is putting the final touches on a new master plan for campus security. The plan, which will be announced in the very near future, will be implemented over the next three to four years. Seamon's plan -- which he said is in "the final stages of development" -- comes less than a year after University President Judith Rodin unveiled a new security plan, which had been developed by then-Police Commissioner John Kuprevich. But Rodin said last week that Seamon's blueprint has taken the place of last year's proposal. Seamon's plan is expected to address long-standing issues such as plans for a new Public Safety facility, technological improvements and recommendations on the future of the security kiosks, according to high-ranking police sources. In addition, the plan will probably address training issues for University Police, and improved accountability within the department, the sources said. Most importantly, the plan is expected to give the department its first "clear operational directive." Under Director of Administration George Clisby's tenure as chief of police, many officers had complained of a lack of direction in the department, sources said. Rodin's plan had called for the creation of "community walks" on main campus arteries, security/information kiosks, the posting of security officers in various University buildings and the development of uniform security standards for campus buildings and security personnel. At the time, Rodin said the plan represented "significant new steps toward our goal of a safer Penn." The report card on the plan, however, has been mixed. The kiosks, for example, were originally supposed to be staffed by "specially trained security officers," until 5 a.m. But the kiosks are currently only staffed throughout the day, and serve primarily as information booths. At night, roving Allied guards use the kiosks primarily as shelter during inclement weather. Director of Police Operations Maureen Rush said a decision must be made as to whether guards should be stationed in the kiosks or whether students are better served by guards who are seen walking around campus. In addition, the "uniform security standards" Rodin's plan called for have still not been developed. Seamon said he had been asked by Executive Vice President John Fry to develop his plan upon taking over as managing director. He said his plan will incorporate some components of Rodin's plan. "A lot of good things have already been done," he said. Seamon stressed that the administration has been closely involved with the development of the plan. "The plan that will be adopted will be with the clear approval of President Rodin," he added. Seamon said the plan will "evaluate what has happened in the interim," and is part of an effort to "continuously improve safety on campus. "We're always looking for the way to provide service to the University. We're not locked into any method or security vendor," he explained. "We're prepared to change." Seamon said that after the plan is complete, it will be submitted to various groups of students for feedback. "It's fairly obvious what student sentiments on security are," he said. "Those are obviously of prime importance to us."