Gazette Online, IA
07-20-07
Panel: Arming campus police up to schools, regents
By Rod Boshart
The Gazette
DES MOINES - A panel of security experts assembled by Gov. Chet Culver to
review safety measures at state universities in the wake of the Virginia Tech
slayings today released its findings but left the decision of whether campus law
officers should be armed up to the three school presidents and the state Board of
Regents.
"Protecting the safety and security of Iowans is the top priority of the
Culver/Judge Administration," Lt. Governor Patty Judge said in discussing ways
to make state-run college campuses safer.
She said the panel came up with recommendations to improve campus safety
but left the issue of arming campus security up to the institutions and its oversight
board.
However, State Public Safety Commissioner Gene Meyer said he would prefer to
see campus police carry weapons since they are trained, certified law officers,
and the three security directors at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University
and the University of Northern Iowa also say they support the move.
Gary Steinke, executive director of the state Board of Regents, said the panel will
await recommendations from the three state university presidents before
deciding whether to change current policy which does not authorize campus
police to carry weapons but allows their use in emergency circumstances.
Steinke said public sentiment is roughly evenly divided on the issue of arming
campus security officers with both sides making reasoned arguments. He
expected the issue might come before the regents something this fall - allowing
officials at all three campuses to solicit student, faculty and public input prior to
the presidents' making their recommendations.