Carroll College/Customized Service

Founded in 1909, Carroll College is a liberal arts college located in the center of Helena, Montana. The school offers its 1,400 students a range of academic options including pre-professional studies and cutting edge research opportunities; it is consistently ranked as one of the top colleges in the West.

While the crime rate for the city of Helena is very low – five times below the national average – the college doesn’t rely on statistics.  For the last three years, the college has contracted Securitas to help ensure the safety of the campus populations and grounds. 

Securitas officers provide overnight service from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., which include extensive campus patrols by foot.  An array of technological tools allow the officers to record and report their experiences so that the college staff, who work opposite hours, are kept up to date.  “When I come in the morning, I will have a report that tells me who the officer on duty was and basically tells me everything they’ve done and what they’ve encountered,” says Bennett MacIntyre, Carroll College’s Director of Community Living.  “If a door isn’t working or if something is unlocked, I know, which is great.”

Officers do, however, interact directly with students through services such as campus escorts and by coordinating with student Community Advisors (or C.A.s – a  role similar to Resident Advisors), who are on duty in the residence halls through the evening hours. “What’s great is that they work closely with their student staff. If they notice a party, they’ll tell the C.A,” notes MacIntyre.  C.A.s can also call on officers to provide assistance in reigning in rowdy and boisterous behavior.  

In addition, Securitas has worked with Carroll College to provide a specialized parking attendant who is on duty from 8 a.m. through 4 p.m.  About two years ago, MacIntyre explains, the college instituted a parking pass system that provided paid parking for specific lots. The passes would generate modest revenue and allow faculty and staff to park in reserved spots.  

Initially, this service was run by students, but results were mixed.  “We already had the contract with Securitas, so we told them what we needed,” says MacIntyre. “Now we have an officer who checks all lots, looks for decals, and writes parking tickets.  The officers are also very good at finding duplicate parking passes.”   Many parking passes that students report as lost are usually at some point found hanging on a car, he says.  “Now there are repercussions; everyone knows it is consistent and everyone knows we take it seriously.”  

To MacIntyre, success lies in prevention and attitude.  “Success is anytime that Securitas finds out something and lets us know, and anytime something isn’t stolen.  So those are lots of little successes.” 

“The Officers engage students, take what they do seriously and take pride in their work.  If I’m working late, they’ll see my light on and stop by and say hi; they care about what they do and that is important.”

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