July 1 will mark the end of Len Boudreault’s career at Carleton, as the 62-year-old after 18 years of service with the department of university safety.
Since becoming director 10 years ago, Boudreault has overseen the department, which numbers more than 105 staff members. The department includes parking and technical services, as well as patrol services such as student safety patrol and Carleton University Student Emergency Response Team.
Born in a small village in P.E.I., Boudreault said he always wanted to work with law enforcement and security.
“A man in my community, you either join the military, try the police or become a criminal. All the jobs as criminals were filled up so I became a policeman,” Boudreault laughed.
Before moving to Ottawa and beginning his Carleton career, originally as a crime prevention officer, Boudreault delved into police work, including airport policing and a member of the RCMP for 25 years.
“It’s been 18 years. Anybody I was with on the RCMP is also retired now,” said Boudreault when asked if he missed his old job. “It was wonderful while I was there and, like Carleton, I did the things I wanted to do and now it’s time to move on.”
A graduate of Carleton himself, the campus has been more than a workplace for Boudreault. Graduating in 1990 as a night student with a BA in law and a certificate in law enforcement studies, Boudreault said the university gave him “a chance to achieve a dream.”
Over the years the department has improved security measures several times.
In 2008, $1.6 million was invested into CCTV cameras, assistance phones and swipe card locks on certain buildings to enhance campus defences.
This past year, the department of safety developed its emergency notification system (ENS), which notifies staff and students of possible threats by text and email.
Boudreault remarked how the campus has come a long way these last 18 years, now with 250 to 300 security cameras across campus.
“When I came here, they had two radios and two cameras. One of the cameras didn’t even work,” Boudreault said.
Tracy Simmons, administrative officer of the department of campus safety, said she has worked alongside Boudreault for many years and, like others, is sorry to see him go.
“During Len’s tenure at Carleton, the campus has seen an increase in the number of crime prevention programs, more communication and an increase in officer visibility,” Simmons said. “Things will definitely be different without Len. There is only one Len Boudreault.”
Boudreault said he plans to take a well-earned rest.
“All I’m going to do is watch my grandchildren grow,” Boudreault said.