As Government Does its Part
to Prevent School Violence, Missouri Communities Must Seize Active Role
JEFFERSON CITY, October 11, 2006-Director of Public
Safety Mark James today stressed the importance of stopping school
violence and provided a launching pad list of preventative
measures parent, principals and students can take in leading the effort
to combat school violence.
“As we continue to witness horrific school shooting
acts around the nation, it is important to seize this opportunity
to take a stand for common sense gun safety,” James said. “The
vast majority of
Missourians who own firearms are responsible and understand the importance
of safe storage and the proper way to handle guns. It takes a coordinated
effort among educators, law enforcement, government and most importantly
parents to communicate this message to our children.”
The importance of adult responsibility and proper firearm
storage in the home is heightened in light of the recent school shootings.
According to the U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center,
two-thirds of the 41 students involved in 37 school-shooting incidents
since 1974 got their guns from their own home or that of a relative.
The Department of Public Safety continues to reach out
to its law enforcement partners and teacher’s associations to
network with those communites to ensure Missouri has the proper tools
in place to investigate threats in school, manage situations of concern,
and create safe school climates.
DPS is involved with the Missouri School Board Association
in preparing for an October 19th web-based telecast to Missouri schools
as well as first responders, to discuss best practices and other school
safety related issues. This program will involve a panel of subject
matter experts who will discuss school safety in Missouri, and answer
viewer’s questions.
State government continues to strive to prevent school
violence and everyone has a role including parents, principals and
students. Parents can ensure guns are not easily accesible, communiate
clearly on violence issues, work with other parents to develop standards
for
school-related activites. Principals can work with state officals
ensuring they have proper emergency plans in place, work with law
enforcement officers on how violent situations will be handled and
offer training in voiolence prevention. Students can study prepared
emergency routes, report suspicious behavior, and learn how to manage
anger effectively.
The Department of Public Safety encourages anyone who
owns a gun and does not posess a gun lock to visit our Department
located on the 8th floor of the Truman Building in Jefferson City
and pick up a free gun lock.The Office of Homeland Security had provided
a link via their web site at www.dps.mo.gov/HomelandSecurity/index.htm
to resource material on school violence.