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Office: (740) 351-3810; FAX: (740) 351-3179
E-mail: tconn@shawnee.edu

(Photo and cutline by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

            A reception was held in the Elliott Lobby of Shawnee State University’s Administration Building on Tuesday, June 3 to welcome the new Chief of Security Robert Pratt. He comes to the university with more than 30 years experience in law enforcement.

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(Article by Phyllis Noah, communications coordinator)

            Robert Pratt, of Portsmouth, has been named the new security chief at Shawnee State University bringing more than 30 years service in law enforcement to the university.
            Pratt retired from the Portsmouth Police Department after 27 years service beginning as a patrol officer and retiring as captain of the Detective Division. He then accepted a position as assistant superintendent of the Scioto County Juvenile Detention Center and began a security program for Portsmouth Metropolitan Housing Authority before coming to the university.
            “I grew up here in Portsmouth and I saw what this used to be and how it evolved into the beautiful campus that it is,” Pratt said. “When I saw this job available, I knew this would be a great opportunity and I knew they wanted to accelerate their security program here on campus. Everyone here has been so fantastic and welcoming.”
            Pratt has an associate’s degree in law enforcement technology and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, both from Ohio University. He is also a graduate of Northwestern University School of Staff and Command through the Traffic Institute, comparable to the national FBI academy.
            “Our goal is to have a safe environment at the university for our students, faculty, staff and our guests,” he said. “We have 12 security officers and provide 24-hour service to the university. We are looking to expand programs and additional training for our officers.”
            On Friday, June 13, six of the security officers attended training at the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy in London, Ohio, and in August, six officers will be attending campus security training in Cincinnati.
            The SSU Security office provides a 24-hour escort service for anyone on campus who needs an escort to their vehicles or dormitory. They provide parking passes and assist in many of the campus activities.
            A new program in cooperation with the Portsmouth Police Department called ICE (In Case of Emergency) will provide people who have cell phones a way for security officers or first responders to easily find their emergency contacts. Call the Campus Security office at (740) 351-3232 for more information.
            “We just want to provide the best service we can to the university community,” Pratt said.