Official word from Penn’s Division of Public Safety: The uniformed individual who gave new meaning to “packing heat” when he exposed himself to a female student was not some rando who stole a uniform (as was previously guessed), but an actual officer on the payroll of Allied Barton (the mercenary squad that staffs 80+ weapons-wielding positions for Penn).  Allied guards fill street patrols and walking escort positions.  Which means, the security guard who walked you back from the library the night you were out studying late, and you asked for an escort because it was dark and scary and you were afraid a creepy pervert might jump out and wave his penis at you? Guard and perv were one and the same, this time.

While we anxiously await details on the offending guard (like how many inches and how does it hang), get a load of Public Safety’s official memo on the incident and measures they are now taking to ensure the “walking escort” service doesn’t become that kind of escort service. After the jump.

 Division of Public Safety Response to November 11, 2007 Incident

 Penn’s Division of Public Safety has had a productive partnership with AlliedBarton Security Services since 1996 when the organization, originally known as SpectaGuard Inc., partnered with the Penn Police Department to become the first security company in the country to employ street patrol as a routine part of its operation. Regretfully, on Monday, November 13, 2007, an AlliedBarton Security Officer compromised the integrity of not only DPS and AlliedBarton’s mission, but also the public’s confidence in the many services that the Division provides to the Penn community. After providing a walking escort to a female student, the Officer allegedly indecently exposed himself to the complainant. The Divison of Public Safety and Allied Barton do not and will not tolerate any improper conduct, especially criminal conduct.

This Security Officer’s offensive and utterly inappropriate behavior has cast an unwarranted shadow on the hundreds of other dedicated DPS and Allied Barton employees and personnel who work diligently 24//7, 365 days/year to uphold the University’s comprehensive safety and security plan.

Please be advised that immediate corrective action has been taken to remove this Security Officer from campus. Pending the outcome of the investigation, AlliedBarton intends to comply with all company policies and procedures, as well as any corresponding disciplinary action. Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, this security officer will no longer be employed on the Penn account in any capacity.

Currently, AlliedBarton Security Officers and Penn Police Officers work cooperatively to ensure the security and safety of the Penn community. AlliedBarton Security Services has been an instrumental partner in helping to curtail crimes on and off campus by strategically employing over 83 Patrol Officers on Sentry Positions and Bicycle and Walking Patrols between the hours of 5pm and 5am. All Security Officers are subject to an extensive application process, including comprehensive drug and criminal background screenings and rigorous interviews to determine both the candidate’s technical and interpersonal capabilities.

AlliedBarton and the Divisoin are committed to taking both short and long-term steps to ensure that the highest caliber of Security Officers are hired and receive the necessary training and support to provide exceptional service. This includes a restructuring of procedures specifically related to the visibility of Security Officers and the ability to determine the legitimacy of the Officer’s employment at AlliedBarton as part of the University’s contract.

As a result of last night’s incident, AlliedBarton and the Division of Public Safety have devised an action plan of both short-term immediacy and long-term strategic planning steps. The following immediate changes in policy and procedure will occur in order to ensure that Security Officers are easily identifiable as legitimate employees of the University, guarantee quality assurance of service, and enhance Security Officers’ sensitivity to the diverse community whom they serve.

• Photo Identification: Over the course of the next few days, all AlliedBarton Security Officers will be required to wear photo identification badges while on patrol, either on a lanyard around his/herneck or on an armband
• Roll Call: Prior to commencement of all shifts, Supervisors will continue to reinforce the appropriate expectations and norms regarding diversity and sexual harassment
• Age Hiring Policy: The minimum  hiring age for all new AlliedBarton Security Officers assigned to foot patrol at Penn will be increased to 25 years old
• Second Interview Process: Second interviews conducted by AlliedBarton’s Account Manager will become a standardized part of the interview process
• New Protocol for Walking Escort Assistance: All AlliedBarton Security Officers will adhere to a new protocol when conducting a walking escort, which will include the Security Officer wearing their AlliedBarton security identification at all times. At the beginning of each escort, the Security Officer will immediately introduce him or herself before proceeding with the escort. After the escort, the Security Officer will continue to give a security card which provides the Officer’s name and contact information for customer service feedback
• Quality Assurance Program: AlliedBarton, in conjunction with Penn student leaders, will develop procedures and mechanisms to assess Security Patrol Officer performance

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