Security Measures in State Capitols
(as of 2/11/02 3:36 pm MDT)
Note: For a copy of the February 2002 Legisbrief on Capitol Security, contact kae.warnock@ncsl.org.
Following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, many state capitol buildings were closed for the day or closed to the public. Since that date, all states have begun to re-examine capitol security. The following information is a summary of security measures under consideration or implemented, so far. Security in capitols is changing on an almost daily basis at present and much of the security information is confidential at present. What information is available will be posted below.
Arkansas
Security in the Capitol has been heightened. Public access has been limited to two entrances and magnetometers are used. Card key access for staff.
California
Security in the Capitol has been heightened. Public access has been limited to two entrances. Sixty concrete planters have been placed around the capitol as vehicle barriers.
Colorado
Considering permanently installing metal detectors and limiting access to the building. On October 9, access was limited to one entrance, visitors screened by a metal detector and bags are searched. The mail is screened before delivery. Dome is closed to tour groups.
Connecticut
Capitol security was reviewed prior to Sept. 11 and upgrades are currently being undertaken. Public access has been limited. Concrete planters will be placed around the capitol as vehicle barriers.
Florida
Capitol security is being re-evaluated. Recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on the Security and Protection of the Capitol Building Complex are currently under review. Security at the Capitol has been enhanced. General Public and personnel without I. D. card access must enter at the East and West entrance of the Capitol and pass through metal detectors, manned by Division of Capitol Police personnel before entering the complex. Employees and members use photo ID card keys to access the building. All entrances to the Capitol Complex are closed to the General Public between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., Monday through Friday. All mail, and packages, from all sources, is being scanned via X-ray equipment off-site before being delivered. Armed guards now stand outside the office of Governor Jeb Bush.
Idaho
Capitol security is currently be re-evaluated. Public access has been limited. Security patrols have been increased, as have the number of state police on site. Security staff is checking IDs of those entering state parking garage. No cars are allowed to park around the entire block, or across the street surrounding the building. Additional parking restrictions are in place in other parts of the Capitol mall. Additional state police are working with the present officers. Additional security measures and state police officers will be added when the 2002 legislative session begins. Concrete barriers have been placed on the capitol grounds and two streets have been blocked.
Iowa
On September 6, security officials were given approval to begin installation of security measures including electronic door locks, card reader and badge system, and duress buttons. Possible future security may include increasing the number of state troopers patrolling the capitol complex, issuing card key access for legislators and statehouse employees, installing metal detectors and security cameras, and restricting truck access.
Kansas
Wooden barricades went up around the Capitol in Topeka on October 8 to prevent vehicles from parking under covered entrances. The wooden barricades were replaced with concrete barriers October 11.
Kentucky
Visitors must show a photo ID and they are limited to designated tours. All state employees are required to wear ID badges.
Louisiana
Increased State Police patrols have been put into effect in the area of the capitol complex. The Capitol Building and its grounds are monitored 24 hours per day by way of video surveillance equipment and police patrol. Both chambers have their own security forces which have been supplemented during the special session by state police troopers. Security has issued revised I.D./Access cards to the Capitol staff, and purged all previously issued cards.
Public access to the Capitol Building is now restricted to the front and rear of the Capitol Building. To enter either the House or Senate Chamber while the bodies are in session, visitors must pass through a metal detector. All persons and packages are subject to search prior to admission into the legislative facilities. Access to the Senate floor and adjacent galleries has been restricted to legislators and staff only. To accommodate the visiting public so that they may view the proceedings of the Senate, closed-circuit televisions have been set up which supplement the balcony seating within the Chamber.
Maryland
Installing magnetometers and limiting public access. Card key access for staff.
Massachusetts
Installing magnetometers.
Michigan
Capitol security was increased as part of the standard operating procedures after the attack of 9-11. Senate security staff is on high alert and is checking all packages and personnel entering Senate areas as well as restricting parking in front of Senate buildings.
Minnesota
Security at and around the capitol complex is and continues to be evaluated. Each of the buildings in the capitol complex have been limited to one public entry. The Capitol Security Force will also be expanded in the future.
Missouri
Capitol security is being re-evaluated. They have increased police presence. Public access has been limited to entry points where officers are posted or where video cameras record those entering/leaving the building. Immediately after the U.S. attack on terrorist strongholds in Afghanistan, the Missouri Capitol was closed to visitors as a precautionary measure. Gov. Bob Holden ordered restricted access to many state offices. Visitors will have to show identification, will be scanned using hand-held metal detectors and may have their bags searched. Access to most state buildings will be limited to a single entrance and exit. Parking spaces near some buildings will be restricted or eliminated.
Photo identification cards will soon be issued to state employees, who will be required to wear them while working.
Montana
Visitors must specify their destination or be part of a guided tour to gain entrance to the capitol.
North Carolina
Capitol security was increased in August following a bomb threat.
North Dakota
All visitors to the Capitol building, including employees, are now required to use either card keys or to pass inspection by officers from the North Dakota State Patrol. Troopers will be stationed at every door that does not already have card key access capabilities.
Oklahoma
Gov. Keating issued an Executive Order establishing the "Governor's Task Force on Security for State Employees. The task force will focus on assessing current safety and security issues; identifying needs for additional measures for the protection of State employees; developing plans for additional safeguards; and recommending any necessary additional security measures.
Oregon
Capitol security has limited access to three doors into the building and limited access to underground parking to authorized vehicles only. Under consideration are photo IDs and additional security cameras.
Pennsylvania
House of Representatives and Senate Security offices purchased magnetometers. The Department Of General Services purchased x-ray units. A temporary remote mail delivery site was instituted on 09/12/01and all mail for Offices located with in the Capitol Complex is being screened at this site. The House Security office instituted a new ID system on 9/12/01 (The system was installed earlier this year and coincidentally came on line in September.).
South Carolina
Proposed measures include: Installing barriers at strategic locations around the capitol complex. Requiring government employees, lobbyists and media members to wear state-issued identification badges. Hiring additional officers to provide security at the State House garage and three buildings on the complex.
South Dakota
Limited number of doors for public access. Guards at these entrances.
Texas
Security in the Capitol has been heightened. An additional measure has been to post troopers and traffic barricades at the Capitol drive's entries and exits. Persons parking in the underground extension must use their electronic access/I.D. badge to raise the cross arm to enter the garage. All deliveries to the loading dock area are regulated and subject to search.
Utah - Orange barrels like those used as barriers on highway construction sites have been placed around the capitol. The state will build a reinforced steel fence around the Capitol Campus that is both secure and pleasing to the eye.
West Virginia
Special session on October 21 will address enhanced security at the capitol.
For more information, write or call:
Phone: 303/856-1553
Fax: 303/364-7800
Kae Warnock: kae.warnock@ncsl.org
or
Phone: 303/856-1431
Fax: 303/364-7800
Sarah Huber: sarah.huber@ncsl.org
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