We still didn’t find those B&E punks…

Much like the rest of the world, the University of Calgary rang in the year 2000 with few problems. According to Campus Security Manager Lanny Fritz, attacks of the Y2K bug were few and far between.

"The switchover went very well," said Fritz. "We had a full team complement. In other words, we had seven people working. We were all prepared for any shortcomings or mechanical failure. Fortunately, there were none."

In addition to the full team, 30 officers were on call for New Year’s Eve. Campus Security also coordinated 200 other staff from various departments in case extra help was necessary. There was no need to call anyone for assistance.

"There were one or two minor glitches with some of the older systems, but nothing that caused any delays or any expense that I’m aware of," explained Fritz. "[The problems] were almost unnoticed."

Fritz believes the lack of problems can be attributed to complete preparation and total readiness. Earlier in the year, Campus Security hired a Y2K consultant to assist in planning. As well, several upgrades, including new power generators and extra radios, were purchased. Campus Security also ran through several mock disasters, including one that called for the draining of all the water in the Earth Sciences building, something that has never been done before.

"We basically envisioned a huge utility failure," said Fritz. "We shut off all the water and all the electricity and we drained all the water… just to practice. If this [a power failure] happened Dec. 31, and it was 20 or 30 below, there would be a huge concern for the freezing of pipes and causing millions of dollars of damage to a structure like Earth Sciences."

Like New Year’s, the entire month of December was quiet. The biggest problem was, once again, car prowlings.

"That’s a city-wide problem at Christmas time," said Fritz.

Over $17,000 was stolen last month alone. Fritz suggests a good New Year’s resolution is to keep valuables out of sight, such as in the trunk, to prevent thefts.

"Not only are packages inviting, but for the people committing these offenses, it’s Christmas too, and a source of their revenue," Fritz said.

Campus Security proved to be a training ground for the Calgary Police Service yet again, as Kelly Kliewer resigned to join the force.

"He went through the rigors of different selection processes and was successful," Fritz explained. "We wish him the best."

As always, Safewalk is available to anyone who needs a walk to a building, car or train station. They can be reached at 220-5333, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.