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The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

The Student News Site of Saint Louis University

The University News

DPSEP head leaves for Dome; interim named

Roland Corvington, director of the Department of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, has left Saint Louis University to oversee corporate security for the Edward Jones Dome and America’s Center, according to a statement released by the University. He has been replaced on the interim by Cpt. Christopher Bingham, assistant director of field operations for DPSEP. Bingham’s appointment began on Monday, April 30.

“Professionals like Roland Corvington do not come along every day,” William Kauffman, vice president and general counsel for the University said. “The SLU community is fortunate to have benefitted from his expertise and leadership. We wish him well as he moves on to Edward Jones.”

“Along with his two years at SLU, Chris Bingham has nearly 20 years experience in the military, law enforcement and campus security. The University is fortunate to have someone with such an extensive background available to step in,” Kauffman said.

Bingham joined the SLU community in 2011 after serving as assistant chief of security at Georgia Gwinnett College in Lawrenceville, Ga., where he coordinated an effective police force to provide security to faculty, students and campus visitors. He also assisted with the development and accreditation of the college’s police department and created an emergency action plan for the campus.

Previously he was with Georgia Perimeter College and also served on the Gwinnett County Police Department. He was a member of the U.S. Air Force military police where he was responsible for the security of multi-million dollar aircraft, Air Force members and civilian personnel.

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Bingham received his undergraduate degree in business management from Shorter College in Georgia before going on to earn his master’s in criminal justice from the University of Cincinnati.

When he first arrived at SLU, Bingham was named as the assistant director of administration, where he was in charge of enforcing policy and procedure, as well as maintaining and issuing equipment, such as uniforms. He was promoted nearly a year later to assistant director of field operations, where he coordinated, supervised and scheduled officers on a day-to-day basis.

Bingham said he was surprised to find out on Friday, April 26, that he would be taking the DPSEP interim director role.

“It was a surprise, and I think it was because [Corvington] had a tremendous opportunity that was presented to him, and that he just couldn’t say no to,” Bingham said. “With his caliber of expertise and experience, I think it’s an understood decision.”

Bingham compared Corvington’s change of employment to a similar decision he made when he left Georgia to come to SLU. “[Sometimes] it’s time for a change. Change happens; that’s how you better yourself.”

The interim director of DPSEP was effusive in his praise of his officers While the department has undergone several organizational changes, name changes and has moved locations, Bingham said the officers have provided balance to the department.

“The common denominator, the steady denominator, is the officers, and they are tremendous,” Bingham said. “They are seen on campus, they have great work ethic, they care, and they really care about the job and the students that go here.”

Bingham also was confident in the department’s ability to respond to a life-threatening situation, such as an on-campus shooter or bomb threat.

“I think people are more aware because of the times we live in,” he said. “We’ve trained … when to shoot at an assailant and … how to chase an active shooter through a building. We are trained for that. We are prepared. I know that for a fact.”

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