Campus security beefed up

In light of recent events, security has become a hot-button issue for managers of public spaces, airports, and university campuses nationwide. At Caltech, the security force has recently undergone changes, some of which are visible—the uniforms are now a handsome blue and gray—and others that were made to improve overall safety, according to Gregg Henderson, Chief of Campus Security and Parking Services.

Before safety became such a top priority, his office was already implementing many improvements. Saul Chapin, a consultant and chief of Northwestern University’s campus security force, visited the campus in February and made several recommendations.

“Implementation of selected recommendations began in July 2001,” Henderson said. “The initial move was made so that security now reports to Al Horvath, the vice president of business and finance.”

For the last eight years, Caltech has contracted with GHG Security Services, which provides 20 security officers. To enhance the security office’s capabilities, the Institute hired a deputy chief, four supervisors, and a department assistant, all of whom report to Henderson. The supervisors will oversee the contract force so that a Caltech employee in on campus around the clock.

Loren Kajitani was hired in November to take on the new deputy chief position. With 25 years in the security industry, she has served as a consultant to school districts and private industry

“Loren will handle the day-to-day field operations, patrols, and provide training to officers in specific areas, from report writing to dealing with difficult situations,” Henderson said. “With her on board, I’m able to devote my time to meeting with the campus community to see what their needs are. Our responsiveness is substantially better.”

The security force also manages the web of cameras, access controls, and electronic security systems at the entrances to certain areas and buildings. Greg Powell, an eight-year member of the security office, has assumed the new role of security systems administrator to manage the control room located in the Holliston parking structure.

The new hires include Juan Balcazar, who had previously worked as a contract employee at Caltech for three years, Kathleen Carpenter, who has eight years of experience in security, Brett Miller, who has 12 years of experience in security and was recently a field supervisor, and Tom Ryan, the former director of security for a small college in southern Vermont.

In addition, this week marks the debut of the new campus security web page, located at www.security.caltech.edu. Security bulletins, personnel profiles, weekly updated incident reports, and emergency numbers can be found there.

“The last few months have been an exciting time for the Security Department,” Henderson said. “The additions and changes will bring us to that next level of service to the campus community.”
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