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Thursday, September 07, 2006
Ind. Gov't. - Limited access to Statehouse and adjoining buildings underway
Niki Kelly has a lengthy report today in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette titled "Statehouse tightening its security." Here are some quotes that caught my eye [emphasis added]:
INDIANAPOLIS – Visitors to the Indiana Statehouse and adjoining government buildings will have to go through metal detectors for the first time in state history under a recommendation approved Wednesday by the Indiana Counter-Terrorism and Security Council.The Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Administration will implement the plan via administrative rules in the coming months. * * *
Recently the state has implemented an ID card-access system for state employees that will be used heavily when public access to the buildings is reduced to two doors at the Statehouse and one door each at the north and south buildings.
At those doors, any member of the public wanting to enter would have to go through a magnetometer – or metal detector – to gain entry, according to the recommendation. X-ray machines would search bags.
Police could perform a pat-down search only if the person voluntarily agreed to it.
Dietz said the purpose of the searches is only to identify deadly weapons – including firearms, stun guns, biological diseases or viruses, grenades, bombs and other explosive devices – and not to look for drugs or other illegal paraphernalia.
He said the state would have to “take out a loan” to personally staff all entry points.
Only members of the public must go through the detectors as employees have IDs that will allow them access via card readers at other doors.
In addition, some people entering the building are specifically exempted from the law against carrying firearms in the Statehouse, including various law enforcement officials as well as legislators and members of the judiciary.
A number of lawmakers have permits to carry guns and sometimes have them on the floor during debate, according to a 2003 Journal Gazette story.
Renner had no explanation for the special treatment of legislative members except to say the details of the plan could be changed by the state police and the Department of Administration upon implementation.
Tunnel access between the buildings would also be shut off to the public, according to the recommendation. * * *
Several members asked whether the two public access doors for the Statehouse – the second-floor door along Capitol Avenue and the first-floor door along Senate Avenue – could adequately handle the buses of schoolchildren who sometimes visit or other large events such as rallies.
Dietz acknowledged there might be delays but said “we have to start somewhere.” Mobile equipment will open up additional public entry screening points if needed.
Posted by Marcia Oddi on September 7, 2006 08:17 AM
Posted to Indiana Government