Keeping Students Safe

Jerome Cooper work as the nighttime security guard at one of The New School’s residence halls. He’s been a security guard for over 30 years.

“Interacting with the students, for the most part, is a pleasure. They’re respectful, compliant. It can get a little busy on Friday and Saturday night, but I enjoy it,” said Cooper.

Reflecting on one of his best days on the job, Cooper recalled a time when he received validation from his supervisors and felt fulfilled, knowing his role at The New School was vital to the safety of the students.

“I remember we had a situation with a person who was emotionally disturbed trying to talk to and touch one of the students, and me and my coworker, we kind of ushered him out and handled it,” said Cooper.

“The director called us and said he really appreciated it, so that was really cool. They do that here -- if you’re doing a great job they let you know, and that feels good. It’s nice to feel appreciated and know you’re valued.”

Cooper began working on and off around 1986 and spent some time at Allied Universal, the world’s largest provider of private security guards, before landing his job at The New School in 2019. So far he has had a wonderful experience, despite the commute to StuyTown from his home in Harlem, and has gotten acclimated to working nights after so many years.

When it comes to working nights, you “get used to it,” he said. “And my coworkers are great to work with. Everyone cooperates, no drama, we help each other when we need to. My supervisors are supportive and always have our backs. You don’t always get that, you know.”

This kind of positive work environment is not a given. Cooper was previously a night security guard at a men’s shelter, and had to de-escalate situations with drugs, mental illness, violence, and police. In the wake of these experiences, he is grateful to at worst handle the occasional appearance of a homeless person, which can be dealt with diplomatically and often without police intervention.

In his free time, Cooper enjoys listening to his large collection of R&B records, reading about American and world history, and spending time with his wife and family.

“I’ve never done a lot of traveling, so when I retire, hopefully in a few years, that’s something I would like to do. I’m the only person in my family that’s never been to Africa.”