Thursday, April 19, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Names ATF Agent to Campus Security Task Force
Governor Highlights Efforts to Protect StudentsKANSAS CITY– Gov. Matt Blunt today discussed the state's focus on campus security with UMKC educators and safety officials and named law enforcement agent Michael Boxler to serve on his Campus Security Task Force. Blunt formed the Task Force to evaluate Missouri's campus emergency response plans and ensure close communications between higher education and public safety communities.
"We are working to make every school campus in Missouri a safe learning environment," Gov. Blunt said while visiting UMKC's campus safety office. "As we extend our thoughts and prayers to all those struggling with the senseless tragedy at Virginia Tech, we are reminded of the need for continued focus on school safety and homeland security to better protect our students."
Mark James, Director of Public Safety and Dr. Robert Stein, Commissioner of Higher Education will lead the task force that will provide a comprehensive report focused on initiatives to improve safety standards and heighten security within buildings and facilities on campuses.
Michael Boxler, of Lee's Summit, is Missouri Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). He supervises ATF operations in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa and Nebraska. Boxler has been with ATF for approximately 20 years. He previously served as a police officer at Central Missouri State University and as a U.S. Army Officer.
Blunt will soon be naming others to the group which will include 2 and 4 year public and private higher education leaders, law enforcement, public safety associations, student representatives and others.
"In the aftermath of the tragedy at Virginia Tech, we are all more conscious of the need to reevaluate our individual and collective approaches to ensure safe collegiate environments," said Commissioner of Higher Education Dr. Robert Stein. "Higher education applauds Governor Blunt for making safety on our campuses a priority of his administration. By appointing persons with experience in several professions, our Task Force will be well positioned to design a statewide approach adaptive to all locations that will ensure rapid response to any future threats."
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.