BOISE, Idaho – Boise State University‘s head of security and police services has voiced his opposition to proposed legislation that would allow guns to be legally carried on campus, claiming that it could cost the university nearly $2 million annually.
Senate Bill 1254 would prevent guns from being allowed in dormitories and venues where more than 1,000 people gather. However, John Uda, BSU’s head of security and police services, believes allowing firearms on campus will bring new threats to campus, Boise State Public Radio reports.
“With guns prohibited on campus, any situations involving a firearm are an immediate 911 emergency,” Uda said in a memorandum to Boise State officials. “With the passage of SB 1254, security officers will now be making regular contact with armed faculty, staff, students and visitors in non-emergency situations. Officers will now have to be trained in ‘good gun v. bad gun’ situations and, most importantly, be expected to handle the results of ‘bad gun’ situations.”
As a result, the university will have to revamp its campus security department and create a public safety department that would include armed officers. An university analysis infers that it would cost $895,050 the first year, and then $1.42 million each for the following two years to overhaul the campus security department.
Additionally, Uda believes that the university would have to increase security measures, including adding metal detectors to all entrances to venues like the Taco Bell Arena, Bronco Stadium and The Morrison Center.
Uda isn’t the only one opposing the bill, which is currently in the House. Idaho’s eight public colleges and universities have opposed allowing concealed weapons on campuses. Additionally, K-12 schools, as well as the Idaho state board of education have pledged to fight the proposed legislation.
