By Anastasia Tsioutas

The University’s Public Safety was put under the test when Kroll Inc., a risk consulting company, recently conducted a thorough evaluation of University security.

Kroll’s assessment, conducted this summer, specified both good and bad aspects regarding University security. While the status and condition of campus security were commended, problems were addressed with specific recommendations.

“I think it’s a good idea that the University is taking extra measures to ensure that Public Safety is doing their job and that campus security is suitable,” junior Elizabeth Malenovsky, said. “Especially since there have always been complaints about the Public Safety Department.”

Melissa Connolly, assistant vice president for University Relations said Kroll Inc. was hired by President Stuart Rabinowitz to conduct an assessment of Public Safety. The decision was a response to security questions brought up during a town hall meeting, which took place in the 2002-2003 academic year.

According to the report, “Hofstra University’s Emergency Notification and Response Plan provides a strong example of the type of plan required to ensure continuity of operations during and after a major incident that impacts the University.”

“Suggestions made were fairly minor, many of which Public Safety has already implemented,” Connolly said.

Kroll representatives also conducted onsite interviews with 10 faculty members from various departments, such as Public Safety, Campus Life, University Relations and the Health and Wellness center, as well as students.

As a result of these interviews, it was determined that during emergency situations, both faculty and staff are adequately aware of their responsibilities and individual roles.

The company split their emergency management assessment into two distinct parts. The first half of the report dealt with the September 2003 version of the University’s Emergency Notification and Response Plan. According to the report, this plan is continually updated and reviewed by University administrators.

The report also stated, “The Public Safety Department conducts an extensive background screening process for officers… A criminal record check is conducted in the home state of the applicant as well as New York.”

“It makes me feel safe to know these Public Safety officers are upstanding citizens not only in New York but also in whichever state they are from,” sophomore Andrew Hirsh said.

Kroll Inc. not only determined the University has numerous means of communicating during emergencies, but also maintains a good relationship with University faculty, staff and municipalities that respond to these emergencies.

Kroll Inc. listed emergency management findings and recommendations for the University in order to assist in improving the University’s security measures.

Kroll Inc. is known for doing security assessments throughout the country and is considered to be the world’s leading investigation, intelligence and security firm. Their highly trained academic specialists have worked with over 250 schools nationwide. According to the Kroll Inc. Web site, the company’s goal is to develop realistic safety precautions, while making sure to maintain the school’s open spirit of campus life.

Even though there is no written policy prohibiting University staff from speaking to the media, it is understood that a no “talking to media during a crisis” policy exists.

“As a new professor, I was not told about this policy. If it is understood, it is not by everyone,” Margaret Ann Finucane, a journalism professor, said. “University employees have the same freedoms and rights as other citizens.”

Kroll Inc. recommended the University draft a policy, which should emphasize that only selected personnel should be responsible for addressing the media.

The majority of findings by Kroll Inc. involved contact lists and job descriptions listed in the University’s Emergency Notification and Response Plan. One specific issue that was addressed is the University’s emergency contact list. This list contains 16 individuals to contact depending on the emergency. Kroll Inc. suggested minimizing this list to prevent confusion.

“If there is a situation where the Public Safety director and vice president for Campus Life are unable to contact the control desk in a timely manner, all individuals listed would be contacted,” the report said. “This may create a problem with having too many individuals on scene or involved in the decision making.”

The second half of the report is an evaluation of the overall state of the University’s security. Kroll Inc. examined risk management, business continuity, student life and security. Most importantly, Kroll was interested to see how all these areas interacted with one another.

Kroll Inc. assessed that, “under the leadership of Edward Bracht, director of Public Safety, the University has developed and implemented a program that can be categorized as an industry best practices operation.”

The company does, however, admit that there were certain conditions that were not in agreement with industry standards. “These limitations were shown to have already been audited and acknowledged with a plan to address each condition,” the report said.

“Kroll was particularly impressed by support demonstrated throughout the University. Those individuals interviewed from the student body and academic departments, expressed positive comments about the Public Safety Department,” the report said. “Many noted that Public Safety provides a much needed service.”

Bracht is currently working under pre-9/11 operational levels. Kroll Inc. suggested the role of the director should comply with post- 9/11 requirements.

Another finding assessed by Kroll Inc. was regarding campus lighting. The report found that the best lighting is found in and around newer buildings and parking areas. Less light was found in and around residence halls.

“Consideration should be given to a more security friendly design. Landscaping in some areas is conducive to higher probability of opportunistic crimes such as sexual assault,” Kroll Inc recommended.

“When I lived in Nassau, I would never feel safe if I came home late at night because the parking lots were so dark and so secluded,” senior Nati Har-Sinay,said. “With all these stories you hear, you would think they would make these places feel safer.”

More information about the status and credibility of the University’s Public Safety and security can be found in their own Campus Safety Report for the 2004 academic year.

“Hofstra University’s department of Public Safety boasts a team of administrators and officers who among the best at any university in the United States,” according to the Campus Safety Report. “In fact, the security training at the University has become the model for the New York State Security Guard Act.”