Trustees vote Seamon new VP for Public Safety

Thomas Seamon was named a University vice president after three years of heading the Division of Public Safety. Managing Director of Public Safety Thomas Seamon was always more than just your average police officer. Since joining the Philadelphia Police Department in 1969, Seamon, 51, has worked his way up through the ranks to become the University's newest vice president -- a rare post for any law enforcement officer to attain. The University Board of Trustees voted last Friday at their summer meeting to promote Seamon, who came to Penn in 1995 from the PPD, to the position of vice president for public safety, effective July 1. "Tom Seamon has built one of the most progressive university public safety programs in the country," University President Judith Rodin said. "He has played a vital role in our ongoing effort to make Penn safer for all members of the University community and our neighbors." However, Seamon's new title will not affect his responsibilities within the University and the Division of Public Safety. "The creation of the vice president's position does not change the chain of command in the police department," Seamon said, noting that the managing director's position will not be filled. "I remain the head of the division and a sworn police chief." He added that the only administrative changes underway in the division is the upcoming addition of the Office of Fire and Occupational Safety to Public Safety. Rodin noted that the high priority of Public Safety within the University was the reason for the managing director's position to be promoted to vice-presidential status. "The Division has grown significantly over the past several years, and the services it provides are critical to the well-being of the University," she said. "It fully merits leadership at the vice-presidential level." In his role as managing director, Seamon has been responsible for implementing a strategic plan for campus security. Under the plan, the University doubled the number of investigators on its police force, contracted with Spectaguard to consolidate all security guard operations and increased the use of crime-fighting technology. Seamon also oversaw the design and construction of the new public safety facility at 4040 Chestnut Street that houses nearly all of the University's safety and security services. "He has developed a public safety strategy, and he has attracted a team of highly skilled professionals that have met the law enforcement challenges faced by this institution," Executive Vice President John Fry said. "His efforts have positioned Penn to continue to work in strengthening its surrounding neighborhoods." Seamon received a bachelor's degree in history from St. Joseph's University in 1969 and a master's degree in public safety from St. Joseph's in 1990. He rose to the position of deputy commissioner in the PPD -- the number two spot in the department -- before coming to Penn.

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