Borough Checks Up on Private Security Patrols

The West Chester Borough Council Public Safety Committee heard testimony from ELPS Private Security owner Jeff Stein on Tuesday about the effectiveness of the borough’s campus neighborhood security patrols.

“It’s very difficult to determine if it’s helping,” said committee chair Jordan Norley.  “Objective criteria are hard to come by.”

In March, council agreed to initiate a pilot program in conjunction with West Chester University to contract with a private security firm to help patrol the university neighborhoods on Thursday through Saturday nights from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“I will say having graduated from West Chester University this as been an eye-opening experience,” Stein said.  “I have to admit I’ve been surprised by the amount of young intoxicated individuals.”

Stein also agreed with Norley, saying that it was hard to quantify whether the program has been successful or not, but he felt that overall it’s been beneficial.

“We’re an additional eight sets of eyes,” Stein said.  “We strategically place ourselves so that we can identify large parties and also take note of any property damage.”

“We think of ourselves as a glorified neighborhood watch,” Stein added, “But instead of being a neighbor looking out the window, it’s kind of like we’re carrying the window with us.”

According to Stein, the majority of the students he encounters are compliant with suggestions from the security teams.

“Most of the time we just need to tell people to keep it down,” Stein said.  “The first thing a lot of the kids want to do is show us their I.D.s.  They think we’re from the Liquor Control Board, and they want to prove they’re over 21.”

Stein also said that the patrol has prevented several fights.

“A lot of the time we can see it coming.  You’ll have two guys walking towards each other from opposite ends of the street.  All we need to do is shine our flashlights in that direction, and they scatter.”

The initial program is scheduled to run until the end of the spring semester.  In June, council will discuss instituting the program on a more full-time basis for the following school year.

“We’re by no means trying to take the place of the police,” Stein said.  “The police have always been quick to respond when we call them, and they have been very supportive.”