An audit of the Wisconsin Capitol Police has revealed that officers responded faster to emergency alarms in legislative offices than they did to other building alarms. The audit was prompted by concerns about response times, with a state senator reporting in 2022 that they triggered an emergency alarm and received no response. The issue was further highlighted when an armed man entered the Capitol in October looking for Gov. Tony Evers. The Capitol Police, responsible for security at the Capitol, also provide security at state properties across Wisconsin and protect the governor, state lawmakers, and members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
In response to the concerns raised, Capitol Police made several changes, including improving the emergency alarm system. Following an external audit conducted by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police Department, lawmakers ordered another review by the Legislative Audit Bureau, which was released. The latest audit found that Capitol Police responded 4.3% faster to legislative alarms than to other alarms triggered between 2021 and 2023. However, the audit recommended better recording of response times and improving the agency’s assessment of those response times to enhance training and guidance for officers.
The audit also highlighted the need for Capitol Police to enhance recruitment and retention efforts, with the vacancy rate for positions increasing from 17.3% in July 2021 to 18.2% in July 2023. Recommendations included the creation of a mentorship program and bolstering training to attract and retain officers. In response to the audit’s findings, Department of Administration Secretary Kathy Blumenfeld stated that all recommendations either have been implemented or are in the process of being done. Wisconsin’s Capitol is known to be among the most open in the country, lacking metal detectors or screening upon entry, with multiple doors for public access.
The audit also revealed that while concealed weapons are allowed in the Wisconsin Capitol, firearms cannot be openly carried. The man arrested in October for entering the Capitol with a loaded handgun in a holster claimed he had no intentions of harming anyone. Comparatively, 39 other states have metal detectors at their capitols, with 31 states having X-ray machines to scan items brought into the buildings. The audit’s recommendations aim to enhance security measures at the Wisconsin Capitol, ensuring the safety of government officials, employees, and visitors to the state’s legislative buildings. By addressing response times, recruitment, and training, the Capitol Police can better fulfill their duty to protect and serve the community.
