Seton Hall has switched its security provider from Securitas to Allied Universal, one of the largest private security organizations in the country.
Allied Universal serves government agencies, universities, hospitals and other private corporations around the nation.
“This is a proactive and planned transition designed to strengthen the University’s safety operations and enhance service quality,” Monica Burnette, vice president of student services, said. “Allied Universal brings extensive experience serving higher education institutions nationwide, with an emphasis on training, professionalism and community engagement.”
Burnette added that the change in security providers “reflects Seton Hall’s continued commitment to providing a safe, secure, and welcoming environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors.”
In a press release published by University Relations, Allied Universal Global Chairman and CEO Steve Jones said, “We are excited to have been chosen to work with Seton Hall University as a higher education campus safety partner.”
Despite the change, Burnette assures the community that the transition will be smooth and will continue to put the interests and safety of its community first.
“The University’s Department of Public Safety and Security will continue to oversee all aspects of campus safety, including staffing, patrols and emergency response,” Burnette said. “The change in contracted partner will not alter any existing safety procedures or points of contact.”
The transition in security partners has not seemed to impact any currently existing methods of communication, management, or protocol, according to Rezin Morrison (Mo), a security guard who has been with SHU for the past 18 years.
“All that’s changed is the uniform," Morrison said. “Everything is basically the same, and that’s the best part about it. It’s just me welcoming everybody and seeing everybody, and I’m thankful that the students, faculty, and all involved see it fit for me to be the person that I am and to be able to share it with the community.”
Moe remained a part of the SHU community throughout the transition, expressing relief that he was able to continue doing what he loved despite the change.
“I was hoping that they thought enough of me to want me to stay, and as it turned out, because of my relationship with the university, they felt it fitting for me to be here,” he said.
Students have expressed their hopes that the change may address some safety concerns they have faced on campus.
“My top safety concern is whenever the SHU ride can be slow to pick up or occasionally not work at all,” Jenna Root, a sophomore history major, said. “As a woman getting off campus late, that can be scary.”
Some students view the transition between security companies as an opportunity for security officers to integrate into the community.
“I want security officers to be friendly and welcoming,” Trenton Stevens, a sophomore diplomacy major, said. “I want them to feel like a part of the Seton Hall community and not place themselves apart.”
Another potential benefit of this transition is increased transparency.
“I would like it if security officers could send more emails or potentially host some seminars or talks about how they want to improve campus safety,” Zain Arfeen, a sophomore psychology major, said. “I think it’s important to incorporate these policies with the student body on board, so they know what’s actually going on.”
No Allied Security employees at SHU were available for comment.
Carmine Sortino is a writer for The Setonian’s News section. He can be reached at carmine.sortino@student.shu.edu.
