New BUPD position to focus on public safety

PUBLISHED by The Daily Free Press

The Boston University Police Department recently hired Scott Pare, former security chief at Logan International Airport, to help improve security on the BU Medical and Charles River campuses as deputy director of public safety.


Pare's 30 years of experience with the Massachusetts State Police force will be an important part of new initiatives, particularly security at a Biosafety Level 4 laboratory being built at the Boston Medical Campus, BUPD Chief Thomas Robbins said.

The lab, which is at least 75 percent finished, will house Ebola, anthrax and plague for high-level research. Security at the lab has long been a concern for community groups.

BU spokesman Colin Riley said Pare has been with the BUPD for two weeks already.

"He's very eager to assist with the professional police department that we have here and keep it focused on its mission," Riley said.

"With the advent of the [National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories] project, his experience at Logan Airport working with Homeland Security and counterterrorism action would be invaluable in both campuses," Robbins said.

Robbins said Pare would benefit biolab security with transportation of biological agents, security of the lab itself, processing procedures, training public safety officers and other safety measures.

Robbins was brought onto the BUPD in June 2006, leaving his position as Massachusetts State Police superintendent.

"Chief Robbins is a formal colonel of the state police . . . He knew of [Pare's] expertise," Riley said.

BUPD Captain Robert Molloy said he thinks Pare is professional and knowledgeable though he's only been with the force for a short time.

"He has lots of experience and a command presence that I think is going to be a great asset to the command staff here at BUPD," Molloy said.