Introduction
Increased security breach within the University is of a major concern to the students and the administration. Rarely a month passes without a security issue being reported. Despite numerous arrests and prosecutions, it seems that the perpetrators are so determined to carry out crimes within the University. The security issue should now be approached from a different perspective to deter perpetrators. It is the high time that the University Security Department adapts and implements recommendations from recent survey which called for increased security measures to guard the University population and properties.
Main text
Theft and Vandalism are some of the major security concerns in the University. Exactly two months ago, the Information Technology Lab was vandalized and IT equipment worth thousands of Pounds stolen and damaged. The IT was paralyzed department for a whole week as arrangements were made to restore the Laboratory for use by students. A lot of students missed their classes. The university spent over 8 million pounds to replace the equipment that was stolen and damaged. The question on everyone’s mind is, was there enough security at that time to protect the University’s property?
Two weeks ago, two culprits managed to break into the University’s President’s Office with the sole aim of stealing important documents related to the tendering of the State Of Art Administration Block contract. How they managed to gain entry through the main gate, to the Administration compound still remains a puzzle. The two perpetrators were able to get the document find their way out of the office only to be spotted by the guards when slipping out through the main gate. The two were apprehended and taken to court.
These are some of the security breach incidences that have occurred within the university in the recent past. Students are concerned about their own security as it seems it is no longer safe to be at Webster University. To solve the security issue, I am proposing a number of recommendations which when implemented will see a reduction in crime in the university within the next two months.
One of the most viable solutions is to for the university to form a partnership with concerned parties in a bid to deter crime. It is of vital importance for the university to work in close cooperation with the members of the community in the neighborhood surrounding the University and the Community Police Department. This is because most of the crimes are planned in the neighborhood and the perpetrators are members of the community. As such, members of the community are likely to have a hint on a planned crime that they can pass over to the Community Police Department. The police can act by alerting the University security department and/or by backing up the University security before the perpetrator strike. Community involvements in matters relating to University security have worked successfully in most parts of the United Kingdom and I believe it will work here at Webster University.
Access control is also paramount in securing the University population and properties. The current perimeter fence is dilapidated and I think it is time to replace the fence with Electric Chain Link Fence to secure the whole University compound. The perimeter fence should be checked regularly for any break and damage which could give access to perpetrators and when necessary, repairs should be done. Any stranger found within the university compound should undergo security grilling to determine his/her intention. This will send a strong signal to members of public of the alertness of the University’s security system.
The current security guards seem incapable of handling university security matters. Instead of direct hiring of the guards by the University, I would recommend that the Administration enter into a contract with a reputable security company that will offer 24 hours security service to the University. This way, the administration can comfortably concentrate on other important issues knowing that another party is handling the security matter. De-linking the security department from other department will assist the university in holding the security company responsible incases of any security breach; in turn the security group will have to devote their services to the Webster University security to avoid damaging their reputation.
To implement the three strategies aimed at curbing crime and security issues within the university, the administration should launch security campaign in the neighborhood. This will involve talking directly and engaging members of the community to support the joint security initiatives.
The administration will need to talk to reputable security companies based in the UK. Group 4 Security is one the most reputable group in the United Kingdom and the United States and I would recommend that the university approach and negotiate with this security group for security services.
On the issue of the perimeter fence, there are many companies that sell and install electric chain link fences with over 2 years guarantee. The administration can approach one of the companies based in the United Kingdom for the best deal.
If implemented, the three strategies will reduce crime rate within the University by over 80% in the next 2 months. The strategies will offer an everlasting solution to the current problems been experienced at the University. When fully adopted and put in operation, the strategy will make Webster University one of the most secure places in the UK. The student will feel secure and content knowing that they can comfortably concentrate on their studies, and the administration will be able to concentrate on other important issues related to the running of the Institution. It is for this reason that I urge all the concerned parties to support these strategies as they are the only viable solutions to the security concerns in the University.
Summary
Close co-operation between Webster University administration, members of the community surrounding the university and the Community Police Department, backed up strict access control in the university will help in deterring crimes. The security department should be de-linked from the administration department by contracting reputable security company to offer 24 hours security services to the University. This is will reduce crime rate and security issues within the university in a short time.
Reference
Safer Campus for Students, Web.
Security Consultancy Services, Web.
Student security, Web.