Oklahoma Ramps Up Security in Capitol Building

Oklahoma Ramps Up Security in Capitol Building

Oklahoma leaders announce new security measures for the Capitol, including guard stations and banning public access to stairwells.

Leaders in the Oklahoma House have decided to ramp up security in the state Capitol building by erecting guard stations in hallways, banning public access to stairwells and hiring ex-police officers licensed to carry a gun.

The increase in security was imposed by majority Republicans as a new session opened on Monday. House Speaker Charles McCall denied the measures were prompted by a two-week teacher walkout, which was peaceful and did not result in any arrests. 

Instead, he said the security measures were enacted as a way to be proactive in ensuring the security and safety of the people who visit the Capitol. 

McCall was able to confirm that at least one ex-police officer had been hired on as security for the Capitol building. The new House sergeant is "trained and experienced in identifying security vulnerabilities." He said limiting access to the stairwells would allow members to more easily access the chamber and that the guard stations outside the offices of the top two House leaders were to provide information to visitors.

The No. 2 House leader, Rep. Harold Wright, acknowledged the teacher walkout — which at times packed hallways and member offices with frustrated teachers — played a role in the decision.

"I think because of some of the issues that occurred last year, mainly to provide for a little more decorum in the House, that was part of the reason for it," said Wright.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Planning for Your Perimeter

    Planning for Your Perimeter

    The perimeter is an organization’s first line of defense and a critical element of any security and surveillance program. Even if a building’s interior or exterior security is strong, without a solid perimeter surveillance approach any company or business is vulnerable. Read Now

  • The Key Issue

    The Key Issue

    It is February 2014. A woman is getting ready in her room on a cruise ship when she hears a knock on the door; it is a crewmember delivering breakfast. She is not presentable so she tells him to leave it by the door. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Communications

    Achieving Clear Communications

    Technology within the security industry has adapted to numerous changes through the years, from the early days of analog devices to today’s IP-based solutions, networked cameras, and access control solutions, in addition to analytics, cloud-based products, virtual security guards, and more. Read Now

  • Taking Flight

    Taking Flight

    Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • BIO-key MobileAuth

    BIO-key MobileAuth

    BIO-key International has introduced its new mobile app, BIO-key MobileAuth™ with PalmPositive™ the latest among over sixteen strong authentication factors available for BIO-key's PortalGuard® Identity-as-a-Service (IDaaS) platform. 3

  • LiftMaster Garage Door Opener

    LiftMaster Garage Door Opener

    LiftMaster Transforms the Garage Door Opener Into a Sleek Smart Home Device That Does More Than Open and Close the Garage Door 3

  • LenelS2 BlueDiamond™ mobile app

    enelS2 has introduced its Indoor Location subscription-based service for businesses and other organizations using LenelS2’s BlueDiamond™ mobile app version 2.1.8 for smartphones. 3