“This is really what we need to be manned with. We need to be having somebody at the West Desk and the East Desk”, said Lead Security Officer Rio Hanson. “Ideally, we just want more manpower to protect you guys and have people at every entry point.” After an understaffed year for the security team, two new security officers, Alex Foster and Amanuel Bekele, joined the security team this fall. 

The team has gelled quickly under Hanson’s leadership, and she believes the new officers work well together. “It’s been pretty awesome and pretty easy. They’re a perfect extension of what I [want] to be as a security officer,” Hanson said. Foster and Bekele were enthusiastic about their work with Hanson, and they highlighted the knowledge they gained from her guidance. Bekele said that he learned about “being responsible for all these kids.” Foster echoed the sentiment, “Hav[ing] fun and focus[ing] on what’s important, which is making sure you guys are safe.” 

Bekele previously worked in security at companies such as UPS, Caterpillar, and the Davis Center in Minneapolis and is now stationed at the West Entrance Desk. He hopes to “get done all my work and be successful in all my classes,” as he balances both security and studying computer science at Minneapolis Community & Technical College. 

Foster came from the Minnesota Department of Corrections where he worked as a corrections officer. Located at the East Entrance desk, he highlighted the security threats in the parking lot, and mentioned that the team now “walk[s] the lot pretty often now, every 30 to 45 minutes.” While there have not been any other threats this year, the security team has been invested in preventing break-ins. “Most of the time I go out there and just watch,” Hanson said. “I’ve seen a couple people change their route because they see someone watching.” 

All three members of the security team emphasized the importance of a relationship with the faculty and student body. Foster expressed, “Come talk to me if you have an issue, I’m always here.” Hanson welcomed students to stop by the security office for any reason. “My office is always open for anyone to come in here. We do more than just issue cards and make sure you don’t hit each other in the parking lot. We actually do care about you.”