News Release

University Police receives vests, equipment through ‘Working For Blue’





The Northwest Missouri State University Police Department recently was the beneficiary of an estimated $10,000 worth of new equipment through a Kansas City, Missouri, news station’s effort to raise money to provide free ballistic vests to Kansas City-area law enforcement agencies with a need.

WDAF-TV’s “Working For Blue” initiative, in partnership with SHIELD616, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides top-rated vests and ballistic helmet kits, provided nearly 180 protective vests and helmets to 32 different agencies across Kansas and Missouri. Northwest’s University Police Department received eight vests, eight trauma kits and eight magazine holders through the generous support of donors who have contributed to the campaign that began in October.

Northwest Lt. Amanda Cullin represented the University and its police department during a presentation of the equipment in Kansas City.

“The equipment will provide our officers with an increased level of protection as well as allow us to respond in a more efficient manner to dangerous situations,” Northwest Police Chief Dr. Clarence Green said.

WDAF reported that more than half of police agencies in Kansas and Missouri have 10 or fewer officers. At the same time, the vests, which cost about $1,200, should be replaced every five years to guarantee effectiveness. Budgeting and absorbing those costs can be challenging for small agencies.

The University Police Department has primary responsibility for all law enforcement, emergency management and safety on campus while working closely with outside law enforcement agencies to serve the surrounding community. The department consists of 10 state-commissioned police officers, two full-time dispatchers and an office manager, in addition to nearly 50 student employees who work in the areas of security patrol, dispatch, data entry, parking enforcement and community engagement as well as the University’s Safe Ride Home program.

For more information about the University Police Department and its services, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/police/.