Kinnison appointment

The Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission oversees the standards, regulations and curriculum for the state's law enforcement officers. It is responsible for making sure Missouri has the best law enforcement possible.

Cape Girardeau police chief Carl Kinnison's appointment to the commission without doubt will help the nine-member state board do that job even better.

An Explorer Scout who washed patrol cars as a teenager, Kinnison worked as an animal control officer for the city while pursuing his bachelor's degree in criminal justice at Southeast. He also has a master's degree in administration of justice from Southern Illinois University.

Kinnison, 50, has instructed at the Southeast Law Enforcement Academy for almost 25 years.

He was the assistant chief before being named chief of the Cape Girardeau Police Department in 2005.

In choosing Kinnison, the Missouri Department of Public Safety was looking for someone who is recognized for his professionalism and leadership. They found him.