EDITORIAL: A worthwhile consolidation

It's about time the University consolidated all of its guard contracts under one company. The benefits of having Spectaguard handle all of the University's security needs are numerous. There is now a uniform security plan across campus as opposed to the many smaller companies we previously had. The retention of the guards from the other security companies was a smart move by Spectaguard. It brings a level of consistency to the security offered on campus. Plus, few guards lost their jobs as a result of upper-level contract negotiations. And, as Security Director Chris Algard said,, the increase in health benefits and salaries will make for happier guards, more willing to stay awake on the job. And having one guard company will improve communication between individual guards and boost the quality of the proterion they provide. Spectaguard will set up a center of command -- at Public Safety's temporary mini-station on 40th Street -- where guards can call to remain in constant communication with each other. And since they are located in the same office as University Police, cooperation will improve. The new Public Safety headquarters on Chestnut will also have new telecommunications installed when it is completed. While we don't know how much money the contract with Spectaguard saved the University, the benefits the consolidation brings to the overall safety of campus are more than just financial.