Anthony Artrip

Director 

December 22, 2004

The Medical School Community

Dear Colleagues:

As many of you know, I have been with the University for over twenty years.  In 1983, I started here with only 15 members in our department and virtually no electronic security systems.  Today, I am happy to be among over eighty members of the Security & Parking team, some of the greatest people I have ever worked with.  Our security systems have expanded into some of the most sophisticated in the industry. We now manage some 400 card readers, over 200 video surveillance cameras, and are moving into the fast growing industry of motel room style locks, which are featured on all doors in the Lois Pope Life Center and the Batchelor Children Center.  I am truly thankful to have been a part of it all. 

Over the years and still today, one of our greatest challenges is the theft of wallets, purses, and equipment from unlocked and/or unattended offices, laboratories, desks, and storage areas.  It is with this in mind that I appeal to our community for help. 

As many of you have learned the hard way, a theft can occur when you are least expecting it. Individuals involved in theft from offices are sometimes dressed neatly or professionally and often conform to the surroundings.  It is easy for someone to put on a lab coat, pick up a manila folder and stroll into your area.  These individuals are bold and confident.  Such individuals have been observed in unattended offices searching through desk drawers.  If approached, these individuals will pretend that someone else is helping them, to be using your phone, looking for a job, or simply decline any help that you may offer.  We even had one individual walk into a waiting room, instruct a patient to enter a dressing area, and disrobe.  The individual offered to take care of the patient’s belongings, and left with the patient’s handbag while the patient was changing into a gown.  Several employees have been victimized after leaving their area unattended for only a few minutes while going to the copy center or even to the restroom.  Please be alert and do not fall victim to scams; these individuals are true professional in their business.