CLINTON —
Law enforcement officials from across eastern Iowa this week told Congressman Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, they believe the issues of mental health and gun control need to be addressed in order to decrease school violence.
Iowa’s Second District Congressman held an hourlong conference call with law enforcement officials to discuss safety in schools. He said it was the first of a series of meetings he plans to hold with mental health professionals, parents, school administrators and to develop a strategy for dealing with school violence.
“We know this, too, is a complex issue,” Loebsack said. “I think we knew that before the Newtown event, as well. But we also know there aren’t any quick fixes. I’m here to be open minded about what all of you think we should be doing.”
The 14 police chiefs and sherriffs pointed to mental illness, school resource officers and background checks as key pieces to solving the school violence issue.
Among the officials who joined Loebsack on the call was Clinton Police Chief Brian Guy. One of the problems begging to be addressed, according to Guy, is the shortage of space available for mental-health patients.
“Even under an emergency committal basis, right now we are putting the cart before the horse. We will call to find out whether or not there is bed space available before an order is issued,” according to Guy. “And that’s certainly no way to provide this critical service to the customers if you will, of the state.”
Other law enforcement officials discussed the use of school resource officers as a means to offset any potentially violent incidents that could occur at a school. The Clinton School District has three SROs, which were formerly funded through a federal grant when they were first introduced in the mid 1990s. The costs were absorbed by the city and school district more than a decade ago.
“People would ask, ‘Wow, you have police officers in school. Is Clinton that bad?’ The answer is ‘no, Clinton is that good’ that we were proactive at the time. Now we see the value of school resource officers across the country,” Guy said.
Loebsack declined to take a stance on President Barack Obama’s gun control proposal, which calls for universal background checks and enact bans on military-style assault weapons.
He said he will seek input on the issue before he makes a decision.
“I want to hear from as many people as possible about what we should be doing,” Loebsack said.
Local News
January 18, 2013
Officials eye reform to address violence
- Local News
-
-
Clinton law enforcement honored
CLINTON — Members of the Clinton Police Department and Clinton County Sheriff's Office commemorated National Police Week with an awards ceremony and a memorial ceremony to honor those who protect the community.
-
2 finalists named for city administrator
CLINTON — Two finalists have been selected in the search for Clinton's next city administrator: Clinton Finance Director and interim City Administrator Jessica Kinser and Joliet, Ill., Assistant City Manager Benjamin Benson.
-
Jail escapee pleads guilty
CLINTON -- A man who escaped from the Clinton County jail on April 6 will spend as much as 10 years in prison. Kendrell Keith, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to the escape and the second-degree theft charge that put him in jail.
-
Council targets late bills
CLINTON - Business owners won't be able to dodge sewer bills while staying in operation under an ordinance amendment that was approved by City Council members Tuesday.
-
Trying to find a family member
CLINTON — Jean King's heart aches for a daughter she never knew. Christmas time especially brings sorrow and speculation about the daughter she gave up for adoption 36 years ago. "I wonder what she's doing. I wonder if she's successful. I wonder how
- Council explores new solid-waste system CLINTON -- City officials are considering paying the Minnesota firm that evaluated the solid waste system $17,000 to help in the search for a solid-waste service provider. The $17,000 would be paid to Springsted in order for the firm to assemble a r
- Sewer rates to rise CLINTON -- Sewer rates for Clinton residents will be on the rise again after City Council members gave first approval of a 9.5 percent increase Tuesday. The increase will bring the sewer rate from $8.18 to $8.96 per unit for residential customers.
- State awards railport road with grant CLINTON -- Development for Clinton's Lincolnway Railport received more financial support Tuesday as state officials approved a grant that will pay for 80 percent of a road into the industrial park. The Iowa Transportation Commission on Tuesday appro
- Lunch prices to rise CLINTON -- Clinton students will need to spend another dime for lunch next school year after the Clinton School Board approved an increase in lunch prices. The increase is due to the the federal guidelines for paid lunch equity, which ensures suffi
- ADM receives tax credits CLINTON -- Archer Daniels Midland will receive more than $2.5 million in tax credits as part of a settlement in the property tax dispute between the company and the city of Clinton Board of Review. As part of a settlement that was entered into on T
- More Local News Headlines
-
