News Release

01-31-08

UNLV's Institute for Security Studies Security Forum a Success

On November 8, 2007, the Institute for Security Studies, in support of its mission to expand the body of knowledge relating to homeland security, presented a panel discussion on school security.

Present at the forum were some 55 attendees from the public, including students, school administrators, and emergency managers. Attendees heard from a panel of community professionals and law enforcement and fire practitioners a discussion of the measures being taken to safeguard students, staff and faculty on college campuses.

UNLV's Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate College, Dr. Ron Smith, introduced forum moderator Dr. Stavros Anthony, a member of the NSHE Board of Regents and a 25-year veteran of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. In his opening remarks, Dr. Anthony stressed the importance of Nevada's colleges and universities being kept safe.

"We are very fortunate today to have men and women who can give us their thoughts on university and college safety issues," said Dr. Anthony.

Dr. Anthony then introduced Conrad Hafen, who was representing Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto. Mr. Hafen commented on the security work being done by the Nevada Attorney General's office and on the importance of local, state and national offices working together on security issues.

"It is my hope today that this will be a new beginning, when we can all come together to discuss these important issues," said Mr. Hafen, "so that our sons and daughters who attend school now, and those who will attend in the future, will feel safe and secure as they continue with their education."

Following Mr. Hafen's remarks, special guest Nevada State Senator Dennis Nolan was introduced. Mr. Nolan, former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Transportation and Homeland Security and an active supporter of homeland security measures, expressed enthusiasm for the forum and the statewide cooperation that such events encourage.

"Our office is very excited about the opportunity to work with the Attorney General's office and this forum on these important issues," said Mr. Nolan.

After Mr. Nolan completed the opening remarks, an informative and dynamic panel discussion ensued. Panel participants included Jose Elique, Chief of the UNLV Police Department; Adam Garcia, Director of Police Services at the University of Nevada, Reno; Rod Jett, Undersherriff of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department; Alan Osborne, Deputy Fire Chief of the Clark County Fire Department; Dr. Dale Carrison, Chair of the Nevada Commission on Homeland Security; Dave Shepherd, Senior Executive Vice President, Infinite Contingencies Group; and Dr. Rebecca Mills, UNLV Vice President for Student Life.