Director James Applauds Governor’s
Unprecedented Focus on Public Safety in State of State Address
JEFFERSON CITY, Jan. 12, 2006—In last night’s
State of the State address, Gov. Matt Blunt reestablished his commitment
to public safety and emphasized the role gathered intelligence, interoperable
communications and competitively paid law enforcement personnel play
in protecting this great state.
“As a 27-year law enforcement veteran, I appreciate
Governor Blunt’s unprecedented commitment to protecting our
most vulnerable citizens and supporting our law enforcement professionals
who give tirelessly and selflessly of themselves to keep our communities
safe,” said Mark James Director of Public Safety.
Blunt remains committed to ensuring homeland security
efforts are backed by a solid command structure. The creation of the
Missouri Information and Analysis Center (MIAC) is the first time
in Missouri history life-saving intelligence will be passed through
a 24-hour a day, seven day week operations center with trained analysts
looking for local terrorist, extremist groups and criminals.
Blunt also reaffirmed his commitment to enact a “Jessica’s
Law” in Missouri that would put first-time child sex offenders
in prison for 25 years and subject them to lifetime electronic monitoring.
Being faced with dismal budget projections immediately
after taking office, Gov. Blunt was forced to make tough budget decisions.
After his first year in office, the state is poised to reap the benefits
of the governor’s responsible actions. Blunt is calling for
a much needed salary increase for all state employees and more impressive
an additional four percent for law enforcement personnel including
Water Patrol, Capitol Police, Alcohol and Tobacco Control, and the
Fire Marshal’s office.