Pa. Senate security officers is clear
The need for
After reading the editorial “Sanity on Security: Why Does the State Senate Need a Security Team, Too?” (Jan. 4), I felt compelled to respond. This call for the elimination of security protection is astonishing.
With the number of public safety concerns and threats in state buildings and public venues continually increasing, it is clear that danger within public spaces has unfortunately become today’s reality. For an annual cost of $700,000, we are able to provide round-the-clock security to Senate employees, Senate visitors and Senate offices. Safety is the core responsibility of our officers, in addition to their role coordinating on certain matters with Capitol Police and the Department of General Services, maintaining order for members and visitors during session and facilitating parking. Senate security is just as vital as the security protecting the mayor’s office or Allegheny County Courthouse.
Capitol Police certainly provide prompt attention to emergency situations; however, they are responsible for a limited scope of routine security coverage. In addition to maintaining daily order and safety, Senate security officers have provided assistance during recent threats. In December, Senate security helped to inform and protect employees during the tragic shooting at the foot of the Capitol steps. During another incident earlier last year, a Senate security officer first discovered that an individual had broken into the Capitol and was engaged in vandalism with a fire extinguisher.
While I believe strongly in our need for Senate security, this security is not my only concern. Over the years I have been actively engaged in determining ways to offer increased protection within Pennsylvania schools. I am proud to have led the effort to provide increased security for children, teachers and school administrators through Pennsylvania’s School Resource Officer grant program.
Disparaging the need for security because of the actions of one individual is shortsighted. Safety is not a matter of privilege — safety must be a top priority for all areas of our commonwealth. SEN. JOE SCARNATI
President Pro Tem Pennsylvania Senate
Harrisburg