New Master Plan Development To Include Campus Safety Review

New York, NY, October 14, 2002 - As part of the development of a new master plan for the Barnard College campus, the administration has engaged the Bratton Group to review security and safety.

The Bratton Group, whose founder was William Bratton, former New York City police commissioner and newly named to that post in Los Angeles, has been asked to review the general security implications of the new master plan, which will call for the reconfiguration of the physical layout of campus and the redesign of selected facilities and buildings.

"The security review reflects the importance that the Barnard administration places on the safety and security of our students, faculty and employees," said Andrew Manshel vice president for finance and administration. "At the same time, this review is a normal part of the development of any new master plan. Bill Bratton is uniquely well qualified to help Barnard analyze its security needs. As the leading advocate of the "Broken Windows" theory of policing, Bratton understands that our campus can be both open and secure. We are particularly pleased that he and his team have agreed to complete this assignment, even though Bratton was recently name to be Los Angeles' police commissioner. We certainly wish him the best in his new responsiblities."

Working with Director of Security, William Plackenmeyer, Bratton Group team members will be on campus to analyze Barnard's current polices and security protocols for gaining access to campus property and to specific buildings.

Bratton Group consultants will evaluate security procedures and the security infrastructure, keeping in mind that Barnard wants to remain an open-campus, but one with the capability to quickly close off campus property if needed to ensure safety.

The Bratton Group will also review the shuttle service to determine its effectiveness and efficiency of the shuttle service as a safe method for transporting students, faculty and employees around campus. Consultants will also meet with local New York City Police Department precinct command staff and police officers to discuss security issues on and around the Barnard campus.

Contact: Suzanne Trimel, Barnard College Office of Public Affairs, 212-854-7583