What would the people of this city say if it was suggested that Ames police officers should not be allowed to carry firearms? I think the majority of the people in this community would take issue with this. Why then is it so different with ISU DPS officers? They are sworn, state-trained, state-certified police officers.

These officers complete the exact same training as any other law enforcement official in the state of Iowa. They are trained in the proper use of firearms just like any other police officer in this state. Why then does the Board of Regents and ISU continue to not allow these officers to carry firearms? Stun guns are a step in the right direction and give officers an additional tool to perform their jobs.

But the ultimate goal should be to allow DPS officers to carry firearms. Their job is to protect and serve the ISU community. The Board of Regents needs to give them the proper equipment to provide the best level of protection to this community and the best protection to themselves. I have heard the argument in the past that armed Ames officers can always be called in to back up an unarmed DPS officer should they become involved in a situation that requires a firearm.

The question is, will the Ames officer always make it to the situation in time? Why wait for an unfortunate incident to happen to a DPS officer when the Board of Regents and ISU have the power to change this today?

Joseph Stanisz

Alum

Ames