Panel studying Minn. Capitol security nears report

Published 9:28 am Wednesday, November 14, 2012

ST. PAUL — A committee charged with recommending security upgrades for the 17-building Minnesota Capitol complex expects to review a preliminary report next month and approve it by mid-January.

The report will include recommendations about staffing levels for security personnel and physical changes to the Capitol complex intended to minimize threats.

The panel of legislators, law enforcement and government building managers has been meeting for months. Some of its work has taken place in sessions closed to the public because members were discussing security vulnerabilities.

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The complex covers 140 acres but the centerpiece is the century-old Capitol, which currently operates without metal detectors. Several doors are accessible only by key swipe cards and security cameras hang in many corridors.