Editor’s Note: This editorial was originally published April 29, 1978 in the Rapp Street Journal, ACC’s student paper at the time. The author is unknown.

There is a growing consensus attesting to the fact that the “expansion” of ACC’s Security Department is wasteful, unnecessary and counter to the unwritten canons of departmental management. In short, why would two different department heads be appointed to security when one is sufficient? To govern only two officers, also.

Reliable sources inform us that Elmer Pouge, a former maintenance worker and Facilities Coordinator at ACC, is in the process of being appointed Security Supervisor. Concern over Mr. Ouge’s abrupt promotion despite his questionable experience with security has caused unrest among many. The bomb threat at ACC in early March was undeniably, a situation in which experience was a must. Elmer Pouge was in charge of security when the threat was made. Had such a bomb actually been planted, the results might have been disastrous: proper procedutes weren’t followed. Indeed, some of you might be surprised to learn now that there really was a bomb threat.

Standard procedure for bomb threats include notifying division heads and instructors, who in turn inspect their assigned sections for discrepancies. Use of the two-way radio is prohibited; if the bomb is radio-actuated, walkie-talkie signals could set it off. The search conducted by Pouge and the authorities lasted the heavy side of two and one-half hours. In addition, the search crew communicated via radio.

Mr. Pouge’s experience has been almost entirely in the field; he has little background for a law-enforcement management position. His anticipated promotion would place him at the top of the security hierarchy, ahead of yet another administrative man: the Security Director. Below the two of them will be a few officers. Dean of Administration, Norm Lloyd, was unavailable for comment. However, his secretary acknowledged the fact that nothing is completely conclusive right now. As yet, only the job description has been completed; a State-level Management Board must finalize Pouge as Supervisor in the near future. It is our contention that Elmer Pouge is not qualified for the position and in the interests of safety, efficiency, and common sense, he should not be approved.