Governor’s Campus Security
Task Force Seeks Public Input
JEFFERSON CITY, June 18, 2007- Gov. Matt Blunt’s
Campus Security Task Force is wrapping up its information gathering
phase and preparing to merge their suggestions into a report to be
presented to the governor no later than Aug. 15.
The committee, co-chaired by Mark James, Director of
Public Safety and Dr. Robert Stein, Commissioner of Higher Education,
is seeking any additional opinions or suggestions from concerned Missourians
to be reviewed before final suggestions are made.
“Our primary purpose is to engage a wide spectrum
of community leaders,” James said. “Campus security goes
beyond the boundaries of any given campus and affects a variety of
groups and people across the state.”
During initial phases, the task force heard firsthand
testimony from Virginia State Police and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) as well as held public testimonies
in St. Louis and Kansas City where students, academic staff, faculty
and concerned members of the public expressed their beliefs on issues
of campus safety and security.
“Our call for comments is truly a desire to deepen
our campus security study and urge anyone who might have been too
timid to testify or had scheduling conflicts to submit their ideas
electronically,” Dr. Stein said.
Now, the task force wishes to receive input on issues
such as increased electronic surveillance, armed campus security guards,
identification badges, the extent of information sharing among institutions,
potential legislation and mandatory emergency training. Members of
the public are encouraged to submit materials on any matters related
to campus security. Submission of best practices and information pertaining
to existing programs are especially encouraged.
Written commentary should be sent to adam.hanna@dhe.mo.gov
or Adam Hanna, Missouri Department of Higher Education, 3515 Amazonas
Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109.