Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The House’s chief law enforcement officer is urging lawmakers to designate an aide to coordinate with local law enforcement in the wake of the shooting rampage in Arizona.
In a three-page letter to lawmakers and their staff on Thursday, Sergeant-at-arms Bill Livingood spelled out several practical steps to ensure the safety of members of Congress and their aides. He said not every public event requires a member of law enforcement, but an officer’s presence is a decision best reached in consultation with authorities.
He said the designated person in each congressional office should alert authorities of a controversial topic at a public event or any possible threats.
Among the steps to protect a district office, Livingood suggested the installation of a panic button to alert local police.