Press Release - Sept 4, 2007
OFFICE OF GOV. BILL RITTER, JR.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, SEPT. 4, 2007
CONTACT: Evan Dreyer, 720.350.8370
GOV. RITTER ANNOUNCES IMPROVEMENTS TOCAPITOL SECURITY PROCEDURES
New procedures will balance open government with public safety
Gov. Bill Ritter today announced new Capitol security measures that will enhance public safety procedures for visitors and employees while maintaining an open, accessible government in one of the state's most popular tourist destinations and historically significant buildings.
"Following the tragic incident at the Capitol on July 16, I asked the Colorado Department of Public Safety to conduct an All Hazards Vulnerability Assessment of the Capitol," Gov. Ritter said. "That assessment involved a full audit of current security measures as well as gathering input from nearly 100 employees, elected officials and visitors."
"Working together with legislative leadership from both parties, I will be submitting a set of recommendations to the legislature's Joint Budget Committee tomorrow. These recommendations will balance an open and accessible government with the need to keep dangerous weapons from entering the Capitol so that we can keep the people who visit and work here safe."
The security recommendations have an estimated cost of $1.6 million for FY 07-08 and call for:
-
Controlling public access into the Capitol through the north and south entrances, with magnetometers, X-ray machines and security officers at both entrances ($735,000).
-
Installing quick-card access devices for Capitol employees and elected officials for use at all entrances ($10,000).
-
Increasing Colorado State Patrol trooper presence throughout the Capitol, increasing Command Center staffing and providing portable radios to some Capitol staffers to enhance emergency communications ($515,000).
-
Installing a magnetometer, X-ray machine and security officers at the Legislative Services Building, located across 14th Street from the Capitol ($360,000).
New signs will be prominently displayed to guide the public to the north and south entrances, and large group visits will be coordinated with the tour desk for easy and quick access into the Capitol.
The Governor is also recommending several additional steps to partner with employees, the legislature and others to improve safety at the Capitol:
-
Establish a Capitol Safety Advisory Committee, with members representing a cross-section of Capitol employees, to voice concerns, share best-practice ideas and make security recommendations.
-
Implement a training and awareness program for elected officials, staff and other employees. This program would:
-
Provide updated Crisis Intervention Training to all uniformed security officers and other key Capitol personnel.
-
Educate Capitol personnel about safety programs, such as the Colorado State Patrol Escort Program and panic button system training.
-
Maintain and enhance security education and refresher training for legislators and staff prior to each legislative session.
-
-
Implement a training and awareness program for the public to help prevent confusion and ensure the expedited movement of the public and tour groups into the Capitol.
-
Training and exercising a Capitol Emergency Action Plan.
Additional security needs will be analyzed at other facilities within the Capitol Complex this fall.