Associated Press
11-15-07
Iowa State police begin carrying guns
AMES, Iowa (AP) -- Police at Iowa State University police have begun carrying
guns, less than two weeks after the state Board of Regents approved a policy
arming campus police.
Iowa State is the first of the state's three public universities to arm its police.
Officials at the University of Iowa are still reviewing policies and officer
qualifications, spokesman Steve Parrott said.
Officials at the University of Northern Iowa are moving ahead more slowly
because faculty groups have opposed the change, said Public Safety Director
Dave Zarifis.
He said his department has created an advisory board that will meet Nov. 30 to
talk about a timeline for arming campus police.
The regents voted 6-2 on Oct. 31 to approve a comprehensive security plan that
includes arming university police for the first time in 40 years.
The plan also requires the schools to develop an emergency communication
system, identify people who may be a risk to the campus and create a training
program for campus police.
Iowa State police began carrying their weapons on Monday.
"Our position has always been that police should carry firearms," said police
Cmdr. Gene Deisinger. "It's unfortunate that there is undue attention to the
weapons."