SB 921 will increase safety and accountability

Safety is a top priority for law enforcement and major concern for citizens. Sexual misconduct is among those concerns, particularly as it pertains to college campuses. Parents worry about their children, and students worry about being protected from danger and exploitation. A new law, Senate Bill 921, is a step toward greater security for all involved.

The legislation, which Gov. Jay Nixon signed, shores up Southeast Missouri State University's previous system whereby law enforcement informed the university of a students' sexual crimes.

"The new law requires a formalized written arrangement with city police, and we will have a written arrangement, but we have had that working for many years now," Kathy Mangels, the university's vice president for finance and administration. The new law, she pointed out, strengthens a policy already in place.

This reinforcement is a positive step, as it transforms what was more of an honor system into a formal policy of accountability and communication. It provides clarity and prevents people and crimes from sliding through the cracks. With the danger sexual predators pose, there is no room for slip-ups and breakdowns.

Southeast already has some procedures in place other universities do not, which contributes to a safer educational community. For example, Southeast has "18 commissioned officers and three noncommissioned security officers," according to a story by Lindsay Jones. Southeast is required to report how many and what kind of incidents occurred both on and off campus annually, due to the federal Clery Act of 1990 and the Violence Against Women Act, which was signed in March 2013. SB 921 is a wise addition to those measures.

We are all-in for every common-sense improvement that is focused on keeping students safe and holding criminals accountable.