LETTERS: SAFER STORES AT NIGHT

To the editor:

At 12:46 a.m. Friday, Feb. 9, the life of our 21-year-old daughter, Jennifer Pribble, was stolen during a violent crime. Just moments earlier a masked gunman had entered the 24-hour convenience store in Bowling Green was she was alone working the midnight shift.Jennifer's assailant robbed the cash register, taking a minimal amount of cash, then shot her -- even though she offered no resistance. Security cameras recorded the entire crime, and we are grateful for the few leads they have produced.

The convenience-store business has become a high-risk industry. While offering rewards for information leading to the conviction of the murderer is generous, this money could be better spent preventing future robberies and homicides by following a few simple, cost-effective measures outlined in "Jennifer's Law." After all, what is the value of a human life?

We are asking Missouri legislators to sponsor and approve "Jennifer's Law," which mandates stricter 24-hour convenience-store security measures throughout the state. The law would include the following provisions:

-- Install a silent alarm.

-- Install at least six security cameras inside the building.

-- Assign at least two or three employees to every shift.

-- Install a phone in the rear of the building accessible to the employees.

-- Install bright lighting around the entire exterior perimeter.

-- Install security cameras with wide-angle lenses on all sides of the exterior.

-- Or post a 24-hour security guard on the premises.

St. Louis County already has a similar law. Let's make it statewide.

Bowling Green is a small town. Here, the job of convenience-store clerk is one of the few available to high school graduates. Jennifer needed her job, as do the other convenience-store clerks. Employment is necessary in our society. But she didn't choose to work the midnight shift, and especially not alone. It was mandated by her employer as a cost-saving measure. (If being open 24 hours is counter-productive, then why not temporarily shut down during the least profitable shift?)

The unthinkable happened to Jennifer. It's not supposed to happen, especially not in a small town. It's not supposed to happen to someone you know, let alone to a family member. It could happen to your family. We can't get Jennifer back, but please let something good come from this tragedy. We need your help in making "Jennifer's Law" a reality. Let your legislators know you support "Jennifer's Law" by signing petitions, which are being distributed throughout the state, and by writing letters.

It's going to be difficult to fight big business in getting this legislation passed, especially the oil companies that franchise most of Missouri's convenience stores. They'll want to save a few dollars at the expense of employee safety, as was the case for Jennifer. A few days before she lost her life, a second person was removed from the midnight shift. These companies have the means of hiring powerful lobbyists to fight the public on this issues. But there's strength in numbers. We, the people of Missouri, can make "Jennifer's Law" happen.

We appreciate the care and support everyone has shown us since Jennifer's death. Everyone seems to be asking what they can do to help. Well, this is it. Write those letters. Sign those petitions. And keep praying.

JIM and SANDY BOWEN

Bowling Green

EDITOR'S NOTE: While store policies vary around Missouri, most convenience stores in this area that are open all night have at least two employees on duty at all times. Many of the stores that close at or before midnight also have at least two employees on duty, although there are a few stores that close before midnight with only one employee on duty during the evening hours.