The Folks Behind the Scenes
Vanier College is comprised of an array of staff that all work hard to make the school operate properly. For this month’s issue, we are featuring the security team that work 24/7 at Vanier College. Let’s hear what Prevention and Security Officer, Robert James Taylor, has to say about his position and how important the security team is.
What are your job responsibilities?
‘’As the Prevention and Security Officer for Vanier College, my role covers a very wide range of responsibilities. Day to day, I oversee all the activities of the Security Department, including the supervision, scheduling and training of our uniformed agents. I also take the lead on investigations and emergency operations (at the operational level in conjunction with college Administrators), manage our video surveillance systems and aid in access-control systems, and coordinate community relations initiatives” (Taylor, 2025).
”On the administrative side, I manage various software systems used by Security including our video surveillance system, multiple reporting and security software systems, access control system, and the lost-and-found service. I’m also responsible for maintaining our emergency operation protocols and equipment so that our team is always ready. On any given day I may move between all of these areas — from setting up new Security Agent’s access to systems, to managing or initiating investigations, to coordinating with other departments on an emergency response’’ (Taylor, 2025).
What direct support can Security offer students or staff (e.g., for lost phones)?
‘’We can offer direct support in many ways. Some examples:
- Responding to and intervening in emergencies and safety concerns.
- Providing safety escorts on campus.
- Investigating crimes, incidents or wrongdoing.
- Assisting with access issues (ID cards, locked doors, permissions).
- Managing lost-and-found items and helping reunite them with their owners.
- Overseeing parking and permits.
- Being available as a first point of contact when someone doesn’t know where else to turn or just needs someone to listen’’ (Taylor, 2025).
Is there a message you’d like to share with the Vanier College community?
‘’Yes. The most important thing I’d like people to know is that Security personnel at Vanier are here to help. Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of students, staff and visitors. Protecting people, property and information is at the heart of what we do, but we also strive to create an environment where community members feel comfortable approaching us. Security should be seen as a resource and a partner, not just as rule-enforcers. While enforcing policies is part of our mandate, our deeper goal is to offer assistance, protection and to contribute to everyone’s success by maintaining a safe and welcoming campus where people can learn and grow’’ (Taylor, 2025).
‘’Security at Vanier is on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our agents and staff work with the intention of helping and being inclusive of all members of the community’’ (Taylor, 2025).
The VCSA Insider would like to thank Prevention and Security Officer, Mr. Robert James Taylor, for taking taking the time to be interviewed.
