MHP, MSU develop pilot computer-reporting system Increasing the number of Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers at locations and times when and where there may be a higher degree of accidents with fatalities can save lives. Determining how many trooper patrols to schedule during university sporting events, large concerts and other major special events throughout the state can help prevent tragedies. These are just two reasons why the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Mississippi State’s Social Science Research Center have joined together to upgrade the state safety agency’s system for analyzing patrolman reports. Scientists at the center are using satellite imagery to develop a pilot computer program that overlays traffic data about accidents, fatalities and other critical information into a mapping system. The computer-based program enables officers to see in real time what is effective and to adjust their locations on the basis of the latest information. The previous penciland-paper system developed in the 1990s resulted only in basic information and required significant manpower and time to analyze individual trooper reports.
Capt. Randy Ginn, left, of the Mississippi Highway Patrol in Starkville and Lee Weiskopf, research associate at Mississippi State University’s Social Science Research Center, review reports produced by the research center based on data from the state agency. As of July, all highway patrol districts in the state use the upgraded reporting system.
Tuck among ‘leading business women’ Amy Tuck, special assistant to the president, is among 50 professionals in the 2009 “Leading Business Women in Mississippi” program. Sponsored by the Mississippi Business Journal, the annual honor recognizes individuals with significant professional and personal accomplishments, as well as major levels of influence. Tuck, a former District 15 state senator and two-term lieutenant governor, assumed current duties at her alma mater in 2008. An Oktibbeha County native and 1985 political science graduate, Tuck also holds a 1994 MSU master’s degree in public
policy and administration, as well as 1989 law degree from Mississippi College. Her public roles also have included service as secretary of the Mississippi Senate. At MSU, Tuck continues to promote state economic development activities. She provides consultation on public policy issues and interacts with a wide variety of local, state and federal officials to ensure that the land-grant institution continues to be aligned with public needs.
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