DPS reports 58 threat assessments this year, staffing shortfalls and planned hires for Capitol security

At the Nov. 21 meeting of the Advisory Committee on Capital Area Security, Department of Public Safety representatives updated the panel on threat assessments, staffing and training for Capitol security.

Colonel Bogaevich reported that 58 threats year-to-date were elevated to an assessment level that prompts coordination with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The department has hired a full-time threat investigator who will work with the BCA to manage and investigate elevated threats. The Colonel also described workforce challenges: more than 20 Capitol security officer vacancies remain; while 140 people applied for open positions, only 16 were hireable after background checks and will begin within weeks. Three additional sworn troopers are scheduled to start in December.

DPS staff said they are working on key-card restriction policies, communications for tenants on the Capitol Grounds, and statewide virtual training for troopers assigned temporarily during session. The Sergeant at Arms indicated the office will email the committee a threat matrix that explains how to escalate and handle threats and that leaders have received copies for distribution to tenants and judicial staff. Training activities this week included an evacuation and an active-threat presentation reportedly attended by over 700 invited participants.

Committee members expressed appreciation for the threat-matrix tool and encouraged wide distribution to leaders and tenant agencies.