Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds is asking lawmakers to approve $2 million dollars to establish the Governor's School Safety Bureau.
Reynolds says the Bureau would help schools districts and police deter and prevent tragedies, and respond to any threats.
WHO-TV 13 reports the proposed School Safety Bureau would have have full-time instructors available to the state's students and teachers and first responders.
“News headlines about school shootings and threats at unsuspecting communities across America are becoming all too common,” Reynolds says. “Although those headlines don’t often involve schools in Iowa, we can’t wait until they do to act.”
Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens said most school threats are made online through anonymous messaging systems or gaming platforms. The new agents will be trained to investigate, identify and act on such threats.
The plan also includes a 24-hour tip line, web-based application and app for smart phones to allow students to anonymously report tips.
Bayens said 13 other states have app-based anonymous reporting systems.