How important is security at our state Capitols? The answer seems obvious to security professionals but the reality is, security at many Capitol buildings is seriously lacking. A shooting in January was a wake up call for officials in Texas; and state officials in Minnesota simply rely on hope to keep their government facilities safe with an open access security policy.
Big 3 Okay Capitol Security—Statesman.com—3/9/10
The Texas Capitol is in the process of amping up security after a shooting earlier this year. The Department of Public Safety has acknowledged the need for increased security by authorizing bike patrollers, bomb-sniffing dogs, a mass notification system and more in-depth training for security officers.
Security Concerns Over Capitol Being Too Open—WCCO (Minneapolis, Minn.)—3/8/10
Budget woes and a firm belief that openness is good thing are to blame for the almost non-existent security at the Minnesota Capitol. No metal detectors and unrestricted access leaves the security responsibility up to a few trained officers.
State Capitols may be painting red targets on their backs with serious security deficiencies. They have to be prepared before a security breach occurs. It is better to anticipate security threats then to react to them. A lesson we hope more of our state Capitol buildings don’t have to learn the hard way.
