Cape Girardeau police chief named to state commission

Cape Girardeau police chief Carl A. Kinnison was named by Gov. Matt Blunt to serve on the state Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission. The commission sets the standards, regulations and curriculum for law enforcement across the state.

Kinnison's responsibilities will include assisting the nine-member board in establishing the training regimen for law enforcement personnel, formulating definitions, rules and regulations for the administration, and advising the director concerning duties as outlined by state laws, said Brian Jamison, deputy director for the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

The commission, established in 1988, works with training facilities across the state to make sure they are providing law enforcement officers with consistent and professional training, such as in the use of firearms, criminal investigation, law, traffic regulations, racial profiling, and technological skills.

"The bottom line is to learn to be the best police officer you can be," Kinnison said.

According to Jamison, the job qualifications are fairly specific. The commission is made up of police chiefs, sheriffs, one law enforcement representative, one state representative and one resident; no two members can be from the same congressional district.

They aim to choose those recognized and respected for their leadership and professionalism, in the interest of working toward making law enforcement a profession as opposed to just a job, Jamison said.

Kinnison, 50, holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Southeast Missouri State University and master's in administration of justice from Southern Illinois University.

Assisting with law enforcement training is hardly new territory for Kinnison. He was an instructor at the Southeast Law Enforcement Academy for nearly 25 years.

"His well-rounded resume helps make him a huge asset," Jamison said.

Kinnison, who will serve a term of three years if his appointment receives Senate approval, said he is looking forward to being able to serve on the commission that sets the training standards.

"It's [a subject] near and dear to my heart," Kinnison said.

bdicosmo@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 245