The University of Pennsylvania ranked #1 in safety and security in the higher education sector, according to Security Magazine’s “Security 500” list. This is the seventh consecutive year that Penn has taken the magazine’s top honors in their respective vertical market.

The Security 500 Benchmarking Survey tracked 17 vertical markets and collected unique data where appropriate (such as patients in healthcare) and applied this data to key metrics. The key metrics collected this year include: Security Spending/Person, Security Spending/Revenue, Security Officers/Employee, and Security Officers/Facility. The survey received its information from data supplied directly by national universities and colleges, as well as data obtained through public resources and records.

Security magazine states that the “purpose of the Security 500 is to create a reliable database to measure your organization versus others and create a benchmarking program among security organizations. The results will enable you to answer the question, “Where Do I Stand?” as a basis of an ongoing peer review process.”

“It is no surprise that Penn has a consistently top notch program,“ said Mark McCourt of Security Magazine. “They are successful, in large part, because [they] understand the credibility, relationship and language issues in an executive setting. He continued, “the team is well trained and ex

ecutes in a manner that enhances Penn’s brand while ably managing risk and resilience issues.”

“We are honored to be recognized for the 7th year in a row by Security Magazine, as the #1 Public Safety organization in the country within the University Market. The ongoing support of our President Amy Gutmann, Executive Vice President Craig Carnaroli, Provost Vince Price, and the dedication of the women and men of the Division of Public Safety and Penn Medicine Security keep us at the top of our field,” said Maureen S. Rush, the Vice President for Public Safety.

Penn’s Division of Public Safety has seven departments, which are responsible for enhancing the quality of life, safety and security of the Penn community. The University of Pennsylvania Police Department and Security Services provide a visible presence in the Penn Patrol Zone. They are supported by our Security Technology Department and PennComm Communications Center, providing extra eyes on the street. Fire & Emergency Services and Special Services work to protect, inform and support the members of our community. The Division is comprised of 176 personnel, 116 of which are sworn University of Pennsylvania Police Officers. 

http://www.securitymagazine.com/articles/83677-security-500-rankings