Veteran HPD officer/administrator heads UH Hilo campus security

University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo
Contact:
Alyson Kakugawa-Leong, (808) 974-7642
Director, Media Relations, University Relations
Posted: Oct 19, 2009

Former Honolulu Police Department Deputy Chief Warren J. Ferreira has been appointed director of campus security at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

A resident of Hilo, Ferreira brings more than 40 years of law enforcement and security experience to the university. Following his retirement from the Honolulu Police Department, he served as corporate director of security for Outrigger Hotels.

Ferreira will begin by assessing the university’s existing security functions and developing a comprehensive security and safety approach that meets the current and future needs of faculty, staff and students. He plans to bring what he describes as a “value added” and customer service approach to UH Hilo campus security.

“Becoming director of campus security affords me an exceptional opportunity to develop a security program from the ground up,” Ferreira explained. “The task, although daunting, is not without some significant personal and professional rewards.”

UH Hilo security is responsible for patrolling 712 acres of university property, including several off-campus locations, which constitutes the largest area in the University of Hawaiʻi System to secure. Within the area are 622 residential students who live on campus 24/7. Security has most recently been a function of contract guard services and has lacked a permanent employee as director.

“The growth in student enrollment and complexity over the past decade demands an expert in campus security and emergency response to direct this crucial area of campus operations, so we’re very pleased to have someone of Warren’s caliber join us,” said Dr. Debra Fitzsimons, vice chancellor for administrative affairs. “Providing a safe and secure campus is one of the most important services an institution of higher learning can provide its students and we take that responsibility very seriously.”