Governor’s Campus Security
Task Force Meets with Virginia Law Enforcement, ATF
JEFFERSON CITY, May 24, 2007-Gov. Matt Blunt’s
recently appointed Campus Security Task Force held its second meeting
today. The committee, co-chaired by Mark James, Director of Public
Safety and Dr. Robert Stein, Commissioner of Higher Education, heard
firsthand testimony from Virginia State Police and the U.S. Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“The task force is doing good work to strengthen
campus security throughout the state,” Gov. Blunt said. “The
responders of the Virginia Tech tragedy graciously came today to share
their experience with the task force. Their perspective will provide
valuable insight on how we can keep our campuses safe for students
and educators.”
The Virginia State Police and ATF agents charted the
Virginia Tech massacre timeline. Both law enforcement agencies gave
an informative presentation outlining their role in the investigation
including strengths and weaknesses with response to the April 16th
shooting. The task force heard suggestions on how to prepare and streamline
a response strategy.
“One of the best ways to pre-empt bad situations
or discover the solutions to traumatic events is by networking with
peers,” James said. “This task force allows us to reach
across disciplines and receive the maximum payout in emergency crisis
planning.”
The group also discussed an Internet-based tool called
the Emergency Response Information Program (ERIP) purchased by the
Governor’s Homeland Security Advisory Council. This program
assists schools, colleges, universities and licensed day care facilities
in planning and training for an emergency.
The members also met in subcommittees which are designed
to examine specific issues including planning and prevention, risk
mitigation and recovery, and communication and rapid response.
“The collective perspectives brought together
in the creation of this task force have enabled us to make important
strides in identifying factors crucial to assembling an effective,
comprehensive plan for enhancing safety throughout higher education
communities,” Dr. Stein said. Preliminary results from a survey
taken by Missouri colleges and universities describing their emergency
crisis plans were given to task force members to analyze and make
recommendations on how to better prepare our campuses.
The goals of the task force are to promote a widespread
partnership between school administrators and the public safety community,
as well as examine the safety and security of higher education institutions
throughout the state.
The group is scheduled to meet again on June 7 and June
11, in St. Louis and Kansas City respectively. During these meetings,
the public will be invited to give their testimony. The committee
also welcomes any written input to be submitted to dpsinfo@dps.mo.gov