During the past week, much has been made of University PoliceOfficer Rob Duplain's inexperience.
At this point, we don't know whether a veteran officer would'vereacted any differently. It isn't clear whether someone whograduated from the academy could've made better decisions andaverted the sad conclusion to Saturday morning's events.
No one can deny, however, that Michael McKinney's death broughtthe issue of training and preparation for police to the center ofthe public stage.
Under Indiana law, Duplain was given the duty to protectcitizens and the right to carry a firearm into potentiallydangerous situations prior to attending the police academy. Hedidn't carry pepper spray because he wasn't authorized to do so,but he did have a gun.
It might be that none of this contributed to McKinney's death.But even if that's the case, the fact that Duplain was given solittle training before being told to "serve and protect" isdistressing.
At least one officer with a similar level of experience remainson the UPD force, according to Gene Burton, director of publicsafety. Others are serving in departments elsewhere in Indiana.
Because of the high profile of McKinney's death, the StudentGovernment Association has an opportunity to make life better andsafer, not just for Ball State students, but for Hoosiersstatewide.
The vigil planned for the end of this week is a good start. Itwill help students remember a friend and begin to heal. But itisn't enough.
SGA should propose and pass a resolution asking the Indianalegislature and the Ball State administration to reevaluate therequirements police must meet before being given deadly weapons.Such an evaluation would promote the safety and peace of mind ofthe entire university community.
SGA exists as a vehicle to deliver the voice of the students tothose with the power to make decisions. The senate should send amessage to the university and the state as soon as possible: Weexpect more work to go into preparing our defenders.
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