Gilman’s New Head of Security: Joseph Martin

Did you know Gilman recently hired a new head of security? You’ve probably met him already, but you just didn't know it. He is outside every morning directing school traffic on our Roland Avenue entrance and exit. 

Joseph Martin, our new security director, was hired in March to replace long-time chief of security Jeff McGhee, who recently left. He is committed to “providing a safe and secure environment” which he believes is second only to providing “that great Gilman education” that he remembers so distinctly growing up as a Baltimore native.

 Mr. Martin is married and has a daughter in her freshman year of college and a son in the 7th grade. Mr. Martin, a former soccer player, loves watching and coaching his son in soccer. He also is an avid watcher of the Premier League, specifically West Ham and taking his family to Orioles games, Ravens games, or local soccer games. “I just like doing stuff with my family and kids,” he says, “like going to the beach, vacationing together, and going to sporting events.

Mr. Martin is a retired law enforcement officer who “worked for almost twenty years with the Harford County Sheriff’s office doing a variety of different assignments in different divisions and units.” While a sheriff, he spent two years as a school resource officer for Edgewood High School. He was Friends School’s head of security for a year and a half before coming over here mid-year. “I just like being in a campus setting and being around. And I’m very familiar with the private school atmosphere,” explained Mr. Martin. Being head of security “just seemed like [the] perfect retirement job for transitioning out of law enforcement.” That is why Mr. Martin was quick and quite excited to send in his resume and apply for the job when it opened in the winter. Mr. Martin said, “this is...a prestigious place to work.” 

Since Mr. Martin arrived over spring break, he has been constantly trying to improve the overall security of the school while letting our neighbors and community use our  facilities. One focus is overall lighting on the campus especially where the athletic fields are located. He’s also focused on upgrading many old security cameras to help improve Gilman’s “overall security footprint.” He also discussed how Gilman outsources our security at nights and on weekends to a private security company; in contrast, Friends, where Mr. Martin last worked, hires retired law enforcement personnel who do night security for them. 

Lastly, Mr. Martin strongly believes in physical security, going around patrolling, meeting people, and getting his name out there in hopes that if anyone ever needs or wants to talk to him they can and know how to. 

Whether it be improving Gilman’s campus lighting so that one of us doesn't trip one winter morning, directing traffic so we don’t get run over when commuting to school, or properly regulating policy towards our neighbors and Roland Park community so we aren’t bitten by a loose dog, Mr. Martin is relentlessly trying to improve Gilman’s security, student protection, and health. Though obviously busy, he wants everyone to know who he is and that he is here to keep us safe. Whether you even knew we had a new head of security or not, I think everyone should count themselves lucky knowing Mr. Martin is now a Gilman Greyhound and is looking after all of us.