No arrests or incidents since security heightened at Capitol

By Cy Ryan

Friday, April 9, 2010 | 6:59 p.m.

CARSON CITY — There haven’t been any arrests or any contraband seized since security was tightened at the state Capitol in the wake of a March 31 letter warning Gov. Jim Gibbons to resign.

In fact, Gibbons hasn’t been in his Carson City office since a group called Guardians for a Free Republic sent notices to Gibbons and governors in other states to quit or it would quietly commandeer state offices.

But all Capitol visitors, including children, and unrecognized state workers now must put their belongings on an X-ray machine and go through a body scanner.

Nevada previously had one of the most open capitols, and visitors could wander through without scrutiny by Capitol police.

It’s isn’t clear when, if ever, the old system will return.

Daniel Burns, communications director for Gibbons, said there have not been any arrests and no more threats.

Gibbons and previous governors took great pride in having the Capitol open to the public, he said. “He is looking forward to when the security will be removed,” Burs said.

He said the state Department of Public Safety is “actively working” with the FBI on the case.

Lynn Hettrick, the governor’s deputy chief of staff, said the extra security may not be removed until the primary election in June.

Jerry Hafen, public safety director, said a vulnerability study conducted several months ago found the Capitol was not adequately protected. He called it “too open.”

The governor is not happy with the extra security, Hafen said, “but we want to make sure it is safe.”

He said he could not say when or if the X-ray machine and body scanner would be removed. But reasonable people expect this type of security, he said.

So far, the X-ray machine and body scanner have turned up a couple of pocket knives but no terrorists. All visitors, including groups of school children, are screened.

After the governor received the demand for his resignation, the public safety department installed boulders on the walkways in front of the Capitol so a vehicle cannot be driven into the building.

Hafen said they will probably be replaced with planters, and he’s seeking federal funds for the project.

The Nevada Legislative Building, south of the Capitol, does not have the same level of security, even when lawmakers are in session. The Nevada Supreme Court uses an X-ray machine and body scanner only when the court is hearing oral arguments.