'Significant' security lapses at state Capitol

Minnesota hasn't followed the lead of other states in securing its State Capitol, relying largely instead on unarmed guards and entrances without metal detectors, leaving the historic building and nearby complexes vulnerable to threats.

That was the conclusion of a Legislative Auditor's report detailed Wednesday that urged Gov. Tim Pawlenty and the Legislature to take swift action to correct the shortcomings.

The Capitol security force has been increasingly stretched thin in recent years, with fewer guards responsible for more buildings, the report said.

In his findings, Legislative Auditor Jim Nobles recommended that legislators resuscitate a nearly decade-old Capitol security review committee that met infrequently before disbanding.

Sen. Ann Rest, DFL-New Hope, chairwoman of the Legislative Audit Commission, said she would talk with Pawlenty about whether legislation is needed for a new security inquiry. Rest called Capitol security "certainly minimal."

Nobles noted that Capitol security is important not only to the government employees who work there, but also to thousands of people who visit for school trips, rallies or hearings.

"Events in schools, courthouses and other states' capitols are a reminder that security threats are real," the report said.

Last year, a man with a gun who was at odds with the Morrison County Board walked into a board meeting at the courthouse in Little Falls, Minn., through an entrance without a metal detector. The man held officials hostage before he was killed by police.

Joel Alter, who helped conduct the Capitol security evaluation, said: "We think it's appropriate before something bad happens to take steps to make sure security is in place."

Little action expected

The report said Minnesota lagged behind many other states in security measures to protect the Capitol complex, which includes the Judicial Center, State Office Building, Department of Transportation and other buildings.

For instance, only Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nebraska and North Dakota have fewer full-time sworn peace officers at Capitol complexes than Minnesota. Minnesota employs two sworn peace officers year-round and adds a third during the legislative session, and relies primarily on unarmed security guards.

Wisconsin has about 40 sworn peace officers, who make up its entire Capitol security force.

"Peace officers have greater authority than security guards -- notably, to make arrests in a variety of situations and to carry firearms," the report said. They also must complete extensive training not required of security guards.

The number of Capitol security guards has declined as the complex has grown. Security staffing dropped from 49 in 1999 to 39 in 2008, a period when several large state office buildings opened.

Minnesota also is one of 27 states that do not have metal detectors at their Capitols. Unlike most states, Minnesota also does not regularly use metal detectors for Supreme Court hearings.

While seeking action by the Pawlenty administration, legislators and the judiciary, Nobles acknowledged that officials may never approve substantial new changes.

"I think they just have a hard time with recommendations that would limit access and cost money," he said.

The audit report interviewed some state employees who expressed concern about whether the government was prepared to deal with emergencies.

Rest said she and several senators with whom she shares office space came up with their own evacuation plan in the event of an emergency that prevented them from leaving normally.

"We decided we'd take down the drapes and go out over the balcony to get out of the building," she said.

Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion said after Wednesday's commission hearing, that the governor last year favored spending $3 million over two years to hire 20 more security staffers, either guards or licensed police, but that the proposal went nowhere.

"Maybe based on this recommendation we'll gin up our request of last year and ask what we asked for before, and maybe there will be some more impetus behind this audit to be more successful," Campion said.

Pat Doyle • 651-222-1210 Bob von Sternberg • 612-673-7184

AUDITOR'S RECOMMENDATIONS

• The Legislature should establish a committee with representatives of the executive, legislative and judicial branches to make recommendations on improving Capitol complex security.

• The Department of Public Safety should propose adding police officers to the Capitol security staff. Gov. Pawlenty and the Legislature should consider funding projects to enhance Capitol security.

• Capitol security should develop detailed, written plans for responding to emergencies.