The Senate Select Committee on Homeland Security held its inaugural meeting today at the Louisiana Office of Emergency Preparedness’ headquarters in Baton Rouge. District 33 State Senator Robert Barham (R-Oak Grove), who chairs the committee, called the meeting so members could get a firsthand look at security initiatives in Louisiana.

“After seeing the presentations and the facilities today, I can say that the people of Louisiana should be reassured that we are at the forefront of our efforts in this country, and probably no state exceeds our ability to provide security for our citizens,” Senator Barham said. “As legislators and members of this committee, security is our job. But ensuring individual freedoms is also equally important to us, and we want to be absolutely certain that we don’t compromise the citizens’ constitutional liberties.”

The committee members received presentations from the Louisiana National Guard and the Louisiana State Police, detailing the steps taken to both ensure safety and security of the people and facilities of Louisiana and to prevent any possible terrorist threat. They also toured the compound, located at the State Police headquarters in Baton Rouge, which includes information, communication and media relations centers active for any kind of emergency.

The Senate Select Committee on Homeland Security, formed by Senate President John Hainkel last year, is working cooperatively with a similar committee in the House of Representatives and coordinating its efforts with the Louisiana National Guard, state police, local law enforcement officials and the various state agencies involved in the development and implementation of Louisiana’s homeland security plans. The select committee will present any findings and recommendations to the senate in the upcoming session.

Others named to serve with Senator Barham on the Senate Select Committee on Homeland Security are Senators Charles Jones, Louis Lambert, Jon Johnson, Butch Gautreaux and Clo Fontenot and James David Cain.