A message from the Public Safety Department

Consistent with best practice reviews occurring throughout the University, the Barry University Public Safety Department recently completed an internal review and assessment leading to several key changes:

- While 50 State Security has been a valued business partner to the University for many years, the decision was made to test the market to ensure the University was achieving best value from our public safety business partner.

- Based on the responses received to that request for proposal (RFP) process, the decision has been made to transition from 50 State to Allied Barton.  Allied Barton has a higher education division with significant experience in college and university settings. This expertise will help to ensure Barry and our public safety officers remain up to date on ever-changing federal regulations and provide the desired level of service to the University community. Allied Barton also brings technology expertise that will assist the Public Safety Department in developing a stronger infrastructure.

- Allied Barton will not only assist in serving the public safety needs of the main campus, but will also be serving the Orlando Law School campus and our site in Hollywood. This will allow for a unified, consistent, and comprehensive public safety program for Barry.

- The internal analysis of the department also led to the decision to bring shift supervisors and dispatchers in-house. Integrating these positions will help to ensure continuity in these critical roles, regardless of the external public safety organization with which Barry decides to partner.

The full transition will be accomplished by December 1, 2013. Plans have been established to facilitate a smooth changeover from 50 Sate to Allied Barton. While inevitable with transitions such as this, you will see new faces on campus; however, Allied Barton is committed to providing the highest level of training necessary for new public safety individuals at Barry to be effective in their jobs from day one. 

Additionally, 50 State employees who meet Allied Barton’s qualifications and are interested in pursuing an opportunity with Allied Barton may choose to interview with them and will also be trained to Allied Barton’s standards.

We appreciate your support as we make this important transition to better serve the Barry community.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this transition please feel free to contact me directly at gwilhelm@barry.edu or Cherie Knudson at cknudson@barry.edu.

George Wilhelm
Director of Public Safety