EDITORIAL: The benefits of consolidation

Giving one company control of all campus security activities should result in lower cost, better service. The decision marks the third transition in as many years for residential security -- currently provided by Allied Security, after McGinn Security Services guards were found sleeping on the job in 1993. While these rapid transitions are unsettling and raise questions about the wisdom and efficiency of the bidding and contracting processes security firms go through, the selection of Spectaguard to service and oversee the security of campus buildings should have a number of positive end results. First, because the company will provide security at all University buildings, from classroom facilities to dormitories, from libraries to Franklin Field and the Palestra, administrators should have more control over the quality of security services and the rationale behind guard deployment patterns. Additionally, by stationing two of its account executives and a full-time staff trainer on campus, SpectaGuard will be able to respond to complaints more effectively and to address questions, disputes and Penn's changing security needs more quickly. The University's security needs are broad, and since SpectaGuard is a regional firm with experience in areas other than higher education, its expertise should prove valuable in the months -- and years -- ahead. Finally, the University should always attempt to get the greatest possible value for its security dollars. Hopefully, this new contract incorporates some type of volume discount, but not at the expense of safety. Off-campus residents will testify that the smiling SpectaGuards assigned to patrol areas west of 40th Street each night have already become an appreciated part of their routine. These guards' colleagues will be a welcome addition to other areas of campus life, as well as a key part of University Police's crime-fighting efforts.