Students give Allied Security mixed reviews

In a neighborhood where crime against students is prevalent and shootings occur just blocks from residences, the University is constantly challenged to maintain high levels of security. Almost two years ago, McGinn Security Services, the company the University had employed since 1987 for residential security, was fired after guards were caught sleeping on multiple occasions in campus residences. Allied Security, Inc., a private security firm, replaced McGinn in August of 1994, receiving a three-year contract. With more than 75 employees on campus, it is Allied's duty to prevent crime and to respond and assist when problems arise. "Our primary function is to provide security and safety for University students, employees and their guests," Allied Branch Manager Gordon Ellis said. Allied was originally responsible only for safeguarding campus dormitories. Since then, Allied's responsibilities have expanded, with University President Judith Rodin's security plan to create Community Walks and security kiosks. And Allied's duties will continue to evolve as increased security technologies change campus safety, officials said. As changes occur, many students said they have noticed an improvement in the efficiency of Allied guards and campus safety at large. But others said they believe the problems with campus security and Allied officers still exist. RESIDENTIAL WATCH Allied is one of five security firms employed on campus, but its officers are most widely seen by students since more than half of them are on duty in residences. According to Security Director Chris Algard, the University paid Allied for more than 100,000 hours of security at campus residents last year. He said Allied officers, when on duty, are responsible for checking to see that each person entering a residence has a valid PennCard that is in fact his or her own.