What happened to Kaylee Sawyer was an absolute tragedy and it makes sense that family members, and also legislators, believe there is something that could have been done to prevent her death. There are efforts underway to improve training and screening for security professionals. Those efforts, if implemented correctly, will achieve concrete results. Edwin Lara, the man who murdered Kaylee, apparently had passed a background check and was working in a capacity as a security officer in a marked vehicle when he killed her. Altering the vehicles security officers use more than likely would not have saved Kaylee's life. A security officer, although not a police officer, is still a "trusted individual." How about putting the time and energy on this bill for true reform, as other states are doing? -- IFPO.
From KATU.com:
SALEM, Ore — A bill is getting bipartisan support in the Oregon Legislature as it looks to making sweeping changes to how privately hired campus security officers are brought on the job and how they operate while patrolling.
"The security of our students and the protection of those students is paramount," said State Senator Tim Knopp, one of the bill's chief sponsors. "It's too late to save Kaylee, but we want to honor her memory by protecting every other student in the best way we can."
Kaylee Sawyer was murdered in July 2016. Edwin Lara avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to killing her. Investigators say he tried to sexually assault her before he intentionally ran her over with his marked campus security car.
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Knopp says had "Kaylee's Law" been in place at the time, Sawyer may never have gotten in Lara's vehicle.
"Essentially what she believed was happening was she was in a secure location with a trusted individual," Sen. Knopp said. "It turns out that that trusted individual had evil intent and ultimately murdered her and was able to get her in the back of what looked like a police vehicle because she trusted that it was a safe place."
Under Senate Bill 576, privately-hired campus security officers would not have red and blue flashing lights on their vehicles. Large front bumpers, like the one Lara had on his car, would also not be allowed.
Those security officer vehicles would also be required to be equipped with GPS tracking technology and a surveillance camera so colleges and universities can keep better track of them.
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The International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) is dedicated to providing meaningful and cost effective security training for security guards and protection officers.
We believe that education is a necessary and essential part of professional security training and the security officer’s background. IFPO serves individuals, security companies, and organizations that have their own private security staff. Our students and members benefit from the recognition and standing that the prestigious IFPO certification conveys.
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International Foundation for Protection Officers Mission Statement
Mission Statement Part I.
The International Foundation for Protection Officers provides professional learning opportunities for security practitioners, to impart the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to maximize job performance and enhance career potential.
Purpose: to make a positive difference in the quality of the participant’s job performance and elevate the professional status of students who partake of our learning opportunities.
Business: to supply committed security practitioners with a quality education to help achieve their highest potential and provide recognized accreditation for successful completion of educational goals.
Values: commitment, integrity, responsibility, and standards of excellence, provide the platform that supports our journey as we pursue our mission.
Vision Statement
Commitment to Excellence: To be the recognized center of excellence and primary provider of education and training products and services to the security industry.
Mission Statement Part II.
“The International Foundation for Protection Officers is committed to the support and professional development of protection officers and supervisors. Through advocacy, promoting training standards, and providing accessible training, education and certification opportunities, we seek to enhance their professional standing as well as increase and diversify the value of the vital services they provide.”
