The Division of Public Safety says changes to the walking-escort system are prompting positive feedback about the service.
Beginning in November, DPS required Allied Barton security officers to carry visible photo IDs and give students a service card with their names and an e-mail address for feedback.
As a result, DPS has received a number of positive comments in the months since the cards have been used.
The changes stem from an incident last November when a security guard exposed himself to a student and was subsequently fired.
"People have just been so fabulous when they get that card," said Vice President for Public Safety Maureen Rush. "They actually take the time to say thank you."
DPS has received about 65 positive comments related to walking escorts since December, said Cherie Heller, associate director.
One example of this positive feedback, said Allied Barton District Manager Sidney Toombs, was a woman whose husband was undergoing heart surgery at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.
After using the walking escort system frequently while her husband was in the hospital, the woman e-mailed DPS to share her experiences with the guards she had met.
"It wasn't just that they'd helped her out - it was the personal touch," Toombs said, adding that the officers had helped the woman get through her husband's surgery.
One Allied Barton officer is now recognized each month for excellent service.
Another new precaution being taken with the walking escort system is that all guards change into their uniforms upon arrival at work, rather than before they come.
The night of the exposure, an e-mail circulated on several Penn listservs suggested that the man was an imposter wearing a security guard's uniform.
"There's a lot of supervision," Rush said. "There's not going to be anyone who's trying to impersonate an Allied Barton security officer."
Rush added that, in addition to preventing the theft of uniforms, having the officers change at work also helps keep them from getting pulled into situations while traveling to or from work.
Other changes to the walking escort system include new jackets for the guards and new bicycles with front headlights, both of which are being introduced throughout the fall.
College sophomore Sabrina Benun, who uses the walking escort system regularly, said she remembered getting a card from the escort almost every time she called an escort, if not every time.
"I always feel safe with a walking escort," she said. "I've never felt uncomfortable or like anything bad could happen to me."
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.