Friday, April 20, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Governor Names Campus Security Task Force; Talks Safety with Students, Officials
ST. LOUIS– Gov. Matt Blunt today met with students, safety officials and campus leaders at Harris-Stowe State University to discuss the state's ongoing efforts to protect campus security. Blunt tapped Harris-Stowe President, Dr. Henry Givens and others to serve on the Campus Security Task Force, which he formed to evaluate Missouri's campus emergency response plans and ensure close communications between higher education and public safety communities.
"We are working to identify and implement best practices to protect our students, faculty and staff in a time of emergency," Blunt said. "We all mourn the horrendous tragedy in Virginia and, now, are even more focused on continued efforts to make every school campus in Missouri a safe learning environment."
Blunt asked Mark James, Director of Public Safety and Dr. Robert Stein, Commissioner of Higher Education to lead the new Campus Security Task Force. The group will provide a comprehensive report focused on initiatives to improve safety standards and heighten security within buildings and facilities on campuses.
The governor named the following members to serve on the task force:
- Michael Boxler of Lee's Summit - Missouri Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)
- Kyle Brenneman of Hannibal - Dean of Student Development, Hannibal LaGrange College
- Nancy Bush of Jefferson City - Center for Emergency Response and Terrorism Director, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
- Lynn Carter of Jefferson City - Deputy Director, Missouri Department of Mental Health
- David Fedder of St. Louis - Partner, Bryan Cave
- Paul Fennewald of Jefferson City - Homeland Security Coordinator, Missouri Department of Public Safety
- Kevin French of Springfield - Director of Safety and Security, Drury University
- Dr. Henry Givens of St. Louis - President, Harris-Stowe State University
- Van Godsey of Jefferson City - Director, Missouri Information Analysis Center
- Clarence Green of Maryville - Director of Campus Safety, Northwest Missouri State University
- Matthew Headrick of Warrensburg - Criminal Justice Student, University of Central Missouri
- James Hughes of Kirksville - Chief of Kirksville Police Department
- John Jordan of Jackson - Cape Girardeau County Sheriff
- Colonel James Keathley of Jefferson City - Superintendent, Missouri State Highway Patrol
- John Kraemer of Cape Girardeau - Associate Professor, Southeast Missouri State University
- Thomas Malecek of Town & Country - Director of Corporate Security, Brown Shoe Company
- Ron Olinger of St. Joseph - Vice President of Financial Planning and Administration, Missouri Western State University
- Mark Potratz of Park Hills - Director of Public Safety, Mineral Area College
- Gary Snavely of Springfield - Director of Safety and Transportation, Missouri State University
- Don Strom of St. Louis - Chief of Police for Washington University
- Rod Surber of Joplin - Director of Public Information, Missouri Southern State University
- Dorla Watkins of Parkville - Vice President for Finance and Administration, Park University
- Jack Watring of Columbia - Director of University Police, University of Missouri - Columbia
- Sheriff Greg White of Jefferson City - Cole County Sheriff
- Chuck Witt of Columbia - Assistant Fire Chief, Columbia Fire Department
The governor has asked his Campus Security Task Force to produce a report before the fall semester.
Additionally, the governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council has focused federal dollars to purchase an Internet-based tool called the Emergency Response Information Program (ERIP). The program helps schools, campuses and licensed day care facilities plan for an emergency. The council also set up a school safety working group and has reached out to educators across our state to identify best practices to protect students, faculty and staff in a crisis.
The governor also committed more than $10 million in federal funds to ensure compatible communication among law enforcement officials and first responders when a disaster strikes. In the event of tragedy, the ability to save lives is greatly enhanced when emergency workers responding to a crisis can easily share information and coordinate response.
Blunt has also worked to assure students are safe at Missouri's K-12 schools. Last October Blunt participated in a forum for state leaders, school districts and law enforcement to discuss school safety issues and goals to protect schools and students. He added an education representative to the state's homeland security team and called on educators to get involved in school safety planning.