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DPS reports 58 threats elevated for assessment; staffing gaps persist
Summary
Department of Public Safety told the committee 58 threats have been elevated to assessment year-to-date; a full-time threat investigator will transition to the BCA, a threat matrix will be distributed, and Capitol security reported more than 20 vacancies with 140 applicants yielding 16 hires and three troopers starting in December.
The Department of Public Safety told the Advisory Committee on Capital Area Security that threats directed at legislators or the Capitol have increased this year and that 58 incidents have been elevated to an assessment level.
Colonel Bogayevich reported the department has hired a full-time threat investigator who will transition to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to manage formal investigations. He said the department produced a threat matrix — intended to guide first responders and staff on how to handle reports — and that it will be distributed to leaders, judicial staff and tenants on the Capitol Grounds.
On staffing, the colonel said the Capitol Security force had "20 plus" vacancies to fill. Of roughly 140 applicants for open positions, background checks yielded 16 hires who are expected to start in the coming weeks; three additional sworn troopers are scheduled to begin in December.
DPS representatives said they have provided virtual training to troopers, run recent on-site fire and active-threat trainings and are working on operational changes such as key-card restrictions and improved communications for tenants. Sergeant-at-arms staff confirmed the threat matrix will be emailed to members and staff in the near future.
Committee members thanked DPS for the update and asked about distribution and briefing plans; the colonel said leaders have been given copies to share.
