State Capitol

Security Concerns

HARTFORD (AP) –– Calling it a top priority, Gov John G. Rowland Monday asked legislative leaders to take immediate steps to further tighten security at the state capitol.

Among other things, the governor is asking that all visitors to the building be required to sign in and out.

Several new security measures were implemented last month after anthrax was discovered at the US Capitol. On October 18, Capitol Police closed all but one of the five doors to the state capitol and restricted access to the adjacent Legislative Office Building.

A second door at the Capitol was opened the next day, but armed officers remain assigned to each entrance at the Capitol and LOB. Most visitors are questioned before being allowed to enter either building.

While the new measures were a good start, they did not go far enough, Rowland said, adding that he was dismayed to learn that not all visitors are required to sign in.

Rowland’s letter did not mention any specific security breaches, but he has complained publicly that FBI agents were not stopped by police when they visited his Capitol office recently.

“I appreciate the increased police presence in the Capitol and its parking lot,” Rowland said in the letter. “However, the status quo is insufficient to meet the security needs of the employees and visitors at the state Capitol.”

The letter, which was delivered to the two highest-ranking lawmakers Monday afternoon, asks for the heightened security measures to begin within 24 hours.