More Security, But With Few Barriers

Security at the Idaho Legislature is tighter than ever before, even if some lawmakers doubt they need it.

The college students who once guarded the place in the evening have been replaced by uniformed security guards. An Idaho State Police officer has been assigned to the mall area full time.

Stickers bearing the security office’s phone number have been placed on all phones in the House and Senate.

House Speaker Michael Simpson and Senate President Pro Tem Jerry Twiggs last summer decided to beef up security. But Twiggs said the moves are intended to increase safety without creating unnecessary barriers.

“We’re not going to spend a lot of money on metal detectors. We’re not going to have 24-hour around-the-clock security, but we are going to heighten (security) during the busy times of the day when people are in the Capitol,” Twiggs said.

Statehouse officials say past threats - and a heated political environment - make additional security measures necessary.