Former Naval Commander John Petrie said he is eager to talk with students and administrators regarding security concerns after being named the assistant vice president for Public Safety and Emergency Management.

GW officials announced the creation of the new post in December, calling for an examination of the current system and a person to oversee and manage GW crisis and emergency preparedness plans.

Petrie, who previously served as commanding officer for the world’s largest naval complex in Norfolk, Va., will report to GW Vice President and Treasurer Louis Katz and work closely with other University departments.

“All large organizations . have people who professionally focus on security,” GW President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg said. “With the September 11 agenda in mind, we have decided to put a little more energy into security.”

Trachtenberg said he expects Petrie to help analyze GW’s current security system and suggest procedures to ensure future security.

“We really want to take a look at the whole issue at arms length,” he said. “We need to see that GW has thought through all concerns from the small things, like making sure all the fire extinguishers are in the right places, to developing an overall plan.”

Petrie said he plans to build on the existing security strategy the University has in place.

“We need to reach across bureaucratic lines,” Petrie said. “It is necessary to work with the whole university in order to make things uniform.”

Petrie said GW’s emergency plans were “impressive” for the world prior to Sept. 11 but need updating. The most important task, Petrie said, is to prepare for an event that would affect the whole GW community. Citing the scattered Virginia, Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom campuses, he said the first step in campus-wide coordination is an effective communication system.

Petrie said installing a radio system is a necessary communication improvement to allow for emergency communication in case of a loss of telephone power. Other possibilities include a campus-wide siren or public address system

He also said developing an emergency plan for disabled community members is important.

“A loudspeaker system is useless for someone who cannot hear,” Petrie said. “We have to consider how we will move someone who is disabled.”

Trachtenberg noted the importance of having a coordinated strategy.

“I don’t think we ever looked over all of our campuses and facilities and communications,” he said.

Updating class schedules regularly, preparing for large-scale emergencies before they occur and developing an effective plan to restore operations after a disaster are all part of Petrie’s plan to update GW’s crisis management. Michael Freedman, vice president of communication, previously held his responsibilities.

“Quick electronic restoration is very important,” said Petrie, citing internet and e-mail service as an important component to disaster recovery.

“Safety of the community and restoration of normal day-to-day life are primary,” he said.

Petrie also said GW’s rapid response to the situation confronted on Sept. 11 helped the University improve its emergency preparedness.

Trachtenberg said Sept. 11 made University officials realize the need for Petrie’s position and an evaluation of current security provisions.

Trachtenberg called the new security an initiative a “prophylactic” and
“insurance policy” for the University.

“We are looking to find out what to do for a number of contingencies . if there are possible demonstrations, a fire and so forth,” Trachtenberg said. “Its important to think it through while we are calm rather than on the fly.”

Petrie said he plans to work with the University Police Department, Student Disability Services, Parent Services, the GW Hospital, the Student Association and any other university organizations or leaders who are willing to help him.

“It is important for me to meet with student groups to hear their
needs,” Petrie said. “I want community input and criticism.”

Another important factor for emergency preparedness and crisis management is trust, Petrie said. He said this comes from experience learned while working with young sailors in the United States Navy.

“If you are dealing with an emergency and you can trust the police, and they seem confident in what they are telling you to do, then people will not panic,” he said.

Petrie said the University must develop a method of recognizing the symptoms of a disaster in order to anticipate problems. He also said students need to learn to protect themselves with common sense.

“We can empower people by giving them the right information with which to make decisions,” he said.

Among Petrie’s other goals is creating a link on the GW Web site to highlight changes in the new emergency plan. During winter break he sent “comfort cards” to GW parents, informing them of current emergency contact information for the University.

“I am excited about this job,” Petrie said. “I think it is wonderful for me, and I definitely feel a part of the GW community.”
Mosheh Oinounou contributed to this report