STATE HOUSE POLICE FORCE PROPOSED

March 25, 2009 by senatormcconnell

The Senate Judiciary Committee approved a bill Tuesday to establish a Capitol Police Force.

Senate President Glenn McConnell, R-Charleston, said the new force would ensure the safety of thousands of visitors, state employees and lawmakers who are at the Capitol each year.

The new force, which would consist of the House and Senate sergeants-at-arms and the marshal of the S.C. Supreme Court, would replace security now provided by the Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Public Services.

McConnell said the force is necessary because Gov. Mark Sanford stripped security from entry points to the State House grounds last year.

Senators who opposed the measure said it was unconstitutional and usurped the governor’s authority. The bill, which passed 17-5, goes to the full Senate.

The State

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