BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter says he has asked the top official at the Idaho State Police to help make public schools safer. Otter said Friday during The Associated Press Legislative Preview that retiring Col. Jerry Russell work with Department of Education leaders to analyze school security and make recommendations. The partnership comes in the wake of the Dec. 14 shootings of students and teachers at a Connecticut elementary school.

Otter says that tragedy forced him to think about the safety of his own grandchildren and all students attending Idaho's schools. Russell served 26 years in law enforcement before becoming ISP director in 2007. He is scheduled to retire this month. Russell's task includes a thorough assessment of existing safe school laws and policies and considering new ideas to improve security.

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