New Criticism of State Capitol Security Measures

A pair of Democrats from Waterbury and Danbury want the entire General Assembly to consider changing the security systems installed at the state capitol over the summer.

“Personally, I’d take the whole damn thing out," said State Rep. Bob Godfrey, who represents Danbury. "Give it to Bradley Airport."

Godfrey is leading the effort to reverse the $600,000 security upgrades, including metal detectors, wands and new security staff.

He said he feels there's now a barrier between legislators and residents just trying to meet with their elected officials.

“If I have constituents who come up, I just can’t get them into the building easily," Godfrey explained. "Are we assuming that my mother is a terrorist?"

After years of receiving security recommendations, legislative leadership finally decided on the current system last year and installed it over the summer.

Capitol Police oversee the contracted firm that staffs security checkpoints in the Legislative Office Building and the Connecticut Capitol.

Staff, press and members of the General Assembly are given computer-coded badges that allow them access to bypass security in both buildings. In the LOB, there are open-air turnstile-type entrances and exits.

The Connecticut Capitol contains closed vestibules allowing only one person to enter the building at a time. That's an issue Godfrey has had personal experience with.

“I've been trapped in some of the air locks," he said. "The system counted me as two people once and... this wasn’t well thought through.”

Visitors to the Capitol on Friday said they thought the building was beautiful.

Cindy Davis from Canterbury said getting through the security wasn't a problem and that it was "much, much easier" than at the airport.

She also said she felt an extra layer of security just going through the metal detector.

“I think it does give you that feeling of a little bit of safety,” she explained.

Lawmakers could consider Godfrey's proposal to discuss changing the system over the next few months.

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