JEFFERSON CITY — After several setbacks during and after his nomination as acting Director of the Public Safety Department, Dr. Daniel Isom has been confirmed by the Senate as permanent Director. The vote was 31 to 2.

“This is a huge victory for us to start the session,” Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, said. 

Dr. Isom’s consideration had been separated from other nominees by the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee. Several Majority Caucus members had threatened to hold up the nomination.  Yesterday, Dr. Isom was recommended by the committee by a vote of 10-1.

Dr. Isom is Sen. Nasheed’s constituent. As such, Sen. Nasheed presented him to the committee and spoke on his behalf. “It was very frustrating for me to have this potential setback,” she said. “Dr. Isom has the best credentials for the job. He is the most qualified. Missourians need him as Public Safety Director.”

Dr. Isom has two masters’ degrees and a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice and Criminology. He served as Chief of the St. Louis Police Department.  Majority Caucus members came to a mutual agreement with Sen. Nasheed on the nomination after further discussion.

“It’s encouraging that we can reach across the aisle and come to an understanding, that is what the Senate is all about,” Sen. Nasheed said.