While many Harvard guards are satisfied with their training, some have criticized the training and qualifications of their supervisors.

In fact, several department employees say guard supervisors do not attend the annual training sessions.

In addition, several veteran guards and former supervisors say there is no formal training program for supervisors at all.

"It's left to the other supervisors to train [the new supervisor]," said one veteran employee. "They don't force you to do it."

Harvard security guards used to be supervised by police sergeants and lieutenants, graduates of police academies.

Now, neither Manger of Operations for Security Robert J. Dowling nor any of the five guard supervisors is a police officer.

None of the veteran employees interviewed could explain the trend toward civilian supervisors. Nor could they explain Behenna's promotion to supervisor despite his disciplinary record, or security supervisor Thomas F. Henaghan's promotion, which occurred immediately after his probation period.

Many guards interviewed this week were optimistic about the prospect for improving the training program and standards for supervisors.

"For two years, we've been trying to get this issue solved," said one longtime employee who was hopeful about the new investigation.

"I think they thought in time the problems would go away."