Campus Security Shifts: Seton Hall Partners with Allied Universal Amid Outsourcing Trend

SOUTH ORANGE, NJ – October 29, 2025 – Seton Hall University today announced a partnership with Allied Universal®, a leading security and facility services provider, to enhance campus security programs. While the university frames the move as a positive step towards a safer environment, the deal arrives amidst a broader national trend of universities increasingly outsourcing security functions – a shift raising questions about cost, expertise, and the evolving nature of campus safety.

Allied Universal will provide trained personnel, safety patrols, and emergency response support, bolstering Seton Hall’s existing public safety framework. University officials emphasize that the partnership will allow them to leverage Allied Universal’s specialized expertise and resources. Steve Jones, CEO of Allied Universal, expressed enthusiasm, stating the company is “excited to have been chosen… as a higher education campus safety partner.”

However, the decision isn’t occurring in a vacuum. Across the nation, colleges and universities are re-evaluating their security strategies. A recent surge in campus incidents, coupled with budgetary pressures, is driving many institutions to explore outsourcing options. While some universities maintain robust internal police forces, others are supplementing or replacing them with private security firms like Allied Universal.

The Rise of Outsourced Campus Security

The trend isn’t merely about cost savings, though that’s certainly a factor. According to industry analysts, specialized security firms can offer a level of expertise and technology that many universities struggle to maintain in-house. “Universities are facing increasingly complex security challenges, from active shooter threats to cyberattacks and property crime,” explains one security consultant, speaking anonymously. “Private firms like Allied Universal invest heavily in training, technology, and risk management, offering a more comprehensive solution.”

Our research indicates that universities are seeking benefits beyond personnel. Allied Universal offers advanced technologies like video analytics, access control systems, and emergency communication platforms, which many institutions find difficult to implement and maintain independently. This aligns with a broader push toward ‘smart campus’ initiatives, where technology plays a central role in enhancing safety and security.

Balancing Safety and Student Life

However, the shift to outsourced security isn't without its concerns. Student groups and faculty unions are often wary of increased security measures, fearing they could create a more restrictive and less welcoming campus environment. “We want to ensure that any new security measures don’t infringe on students’ privacy or create a climate of fear,” stated one student government representative. “It’s important to find a balance between safety and maintaining an open and inclusive campus.”

Seton Hall officials acknowledge these concerns and emphasize that the partnership with Allied Universal will prioritize community policing and engagement. “Allied Universal’s approach emphasizes professionalism, training, and engagement with the communities they serve,” said Sergio Oliva, Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Security. “This aligns closely with Seton Hall’s mission and our own Public Safety philosophy.”

However, critics argue that private security firms may lack the same level of accountability and transparency as public police forces. Concerns have been raised about potential conflicts of interest and the use of excessive force. “It’s crucial to have clear guidelines and oversight mechanisms in place to ensure that private security personnel are held accountable for their actions,” notes one legal expert. “Universities need to ensure that these firms adhere to the same standards of conduct as public law enforcement.”

Allied Universal’s Growth and the Competitive Landscape

Allied Universal’s expansion into the higher education market is part of a broader growth strategy. The company has been aggressively acquiring smaller security firms, expanding its footprint and service offerings. It now competes with other major players in the industry, including Securitas, G4S, and ADT, all vying for lucrative contracts with universities and colleges.

Industry reports suggest that the higher education security market is projected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing concerns about campus safety and the demand for specialized security services. This creates a competitive landscape where firms must constantly innovate and adapt to meet the evolving needs of their clients.

According to one anonymous university administrator, the decision to partner with Allied Universal was based on a thorough evaluation of several security providers. “We looked at their experience, training programs, technology, and overall cost,” they explained. “Allied Universal stood out as the best fit for our needs.”

Looking Ahead

The partnership between Seton Hall and Allied Universal reflects a significant shift in the landscape of campus security. While the move offers potential benefits in terms of expertise and technology, it also raises important questions about cost, accountability, and the balance between safety and student life. As more universities explore outsourcing options, it will be crucial to carefully consider these issues and ensure that any new security measures are implemented in a way that protects both the safety and the rights of the campus community. The success of this partnership – and others like it – will depend on open communication, collaboration, and a commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all.

It remains to be seen how this partnership will unfold, but it undeniably signals a new era in campus security – one where universities increasingly rely on private security firms to protect their students, faculty, and staff. The challenge will be to ensure that these partnerships are effective, accountable, and aligned with the values of the institutions they serve.