Section 24-7-100.2 - Legislative declaration(1) The general assembly hereby finds that the efforts of security officers employed by institutions of higher education to protect the persons and property of their environments are important elements of effective public safety management.(2) The general assembly acknowledges the operational and environmental acumen of security officers of institutions of higher education regarding their facilities and the importance of including representatives of the institutions in emergency preparedness planning and training efforts conducted by local law enforcement agencies and emergency planning agencies intended to reduce the likelihood of, and develop effective responses to, emergency situations occurring at their facilities.(3) The general assembly hereby encourages ongoing cooperation efforts among local law enforcement agencies, emergency planning agencies, and the security officers of institutions of higher education regarding emergency preparedness and response planning and training and development of communication capabilities supporting effective coordination among these groups during emergencies.L. 2008: Entire section added, p. 87, § 5, effective March 18.