Texas Wesleyan has hired a new security firm that will begin patrolling the

campus in March, according to university officials.

Sunstates Security will replace Guardsmark Security on March 1, said Blake

Bumbard, campus security manager.

The switch to Sunstates is the result of complaints about Guardsmark officers last

semester, Bumbard said. Students voiced their dissatisfaction in forums last

November, which led to a review of four security firms.

“The student forums and concerns really made us look for a new security system

to provide us a higher quality service,” he said. “We have always had an ongoing

review on how to make things better.”

Sunstates’ presentation and reviews were impressive, said Pati Alexander, vice

president of enrollment & student services.

“We were looking for a company that focused on customer service,” she said.

“The current officers do not speak to the students and faculty.”

Wesleyan is also planning to have a group of retired Fort Worth Police

Department officers on campus evenings and weekends starting June 1,

Alexander said.

Hiring Sunstates, and paying for the retired officers and their equipment, will

increase Wesleyan’s security budget by $800,000 per year, Alexander wrote in an

email.

But an improved security force, with more experience and better training, is

invaluable, Bumbard.

“Students’ initial impression of the officers will be changed,” Bumbard said.

Sunstates officers have received better training than those working for

Guardsmark, Alexander said. Also, Sunstates officers have EMT and CPR

emergency training.

Sunstates will provide service that will make students feel more at ease, Bumbard

said.

“Security will be greatly improved due to the new officers’ experience and

training,” Bumbard said. “I think students will feel a lot safer.”

There will also be more officers on campus. Whereas Guardsmark has four

officers on campus at all times, Sunstates will have six, and management will be

on campus eight times per month, Alexander said.

“That impressed me most – that’s more than most security firms,” she said. “They

have great management and are so involved. We need to make sure the students’

needs are met. They’re our top priority.”

Chris Shaddix, a senior pre-law student, said he is happy about the new security

firm. He believes security should be the highest priority at Wesleyan.

“I have had my belonging stolen from my car on campus last year,” Shaddix said.

“My hope is that the school is able to hire the most qualified personnel.”

Sunstates prides itself on being a proactive partner with a manager-to-officer

ratio three times that of the industry standard, company Executive Vice President

Denis J. Kelly wrote in an email.

The company has worked closely with Wesleyan to increase the visibility of

officers on campus and their professionalism, Kelly wrote.

“We believe the reasons for their selection will align with the benefits and

improvements the TWU students, faculty and staff will experience,” he wrote.

“Those benefits will include a more visible, proactive, customer service focused

security team dedicated to working closely with everyone on campus.”