Chapter 173

The next week went fast we were so busy. Mark and I flew to Gainesville, Fl, Greensboro, NC, and Prattville, Al, on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to do security audits. Those colleges wanted a complete security audit from an outside source. They were going to pay for our services.

We spent 12 hours on the grounds at Gainesville. Our jet landed at 4 am and with no traffic Mark and I were standing in front of their security office 30 minutes later. I surprised the hell out of the security person on duty. The lights were on but the door was locked as I tugged lightly and I could see the top of a head over the counter.

Since this was a JBG happening I had my JBG badge and ID in leather carrier like the TV cops use. Jenny had picked out the badges. They were as close to a cop as you could get and still be legal. All security badges looked liked that until you read them. I did not want that kind of ID case but I was out numbered 5 to 1 when we discussed carry credentials when the security person was not in a uniform.

I opened the credentials and placed them flat on the door glass and pounded on it with my hand. The result was hilarious. The chair fell over because I saw feet in the air then the top of a head and eyeballs looking over the counter before he summoned up enough courage to open the door.

By the time he managed to open the door I decided to continue the rouse. In my angriest voice I could muster, "Where is your Chief of Security? He was to meet us here an hour ago!"

The name tag he wore said he was Richard. "He never comes down here. His office is over at the main building. He may be over there."

I had only been standing in the door a few seconds but I could smell the coffee pot burning dry.

"Have you any good coffee in here or just that stinking mess that is burnt?" I asked. The question must have made him realize what had happened. He took off in the direction of a smoking coffee maker in the side counter.

He turned with the pot in his hand, "Won't be any good coffee here for a while."

Mark had followed me in. "Mark." "Yes Ma'am."

"There is one of those donut coffee shops a couple miles back. Go get us some coffee and a couple dozen assorted donuts. Better get a couple of the gallon size meeting specials they have. Get the real stuff. We are going to be here a while."

While Mark was gone I changed my tone and began to pick Richard's brain about their security and how they operated it. After several cups of good coffee and a donut or two, at first light Richard gave us a complete tour of the grounds.

They had a very nice college. Their security department was well qualified but to small. They did not have enough video cameras in critical areas. The system they had was current and could be easily expanded. They did have electronic ID cards but their only function was to bill meals to their account.

Cindy was at her finest in creating great documentation for each audit. I had close-in color maps of the Gainesville campus. I drew symbols where I thought more cameras should be installed and the direction they should be pointing to get the greatest benefit. I noted areas that needed more lighting for increased safety at night. I also noted that they several areas that needed shrubbery substantially cut back and reduced in height or completely removed.

At 3 I met with the chief of security and the board members responsible for safety and student security, along with the college dean. With the maps, diagrams and my notes I explained my findings. I explained the direction and placement of cameras and why. I did the same with every item on my list.