HD17 - Security Staffing in the Capitol Area
Executive Summary: Most State agencies in the Capitol area need and receive police and security services, spending about $10 million annually. Seventy agencies receive police or security services through the Capitol Police, the Department of General Services, an in-house staff, or through private security firms. While the services of private security firms are the least expensive, agencies are also generally less satisfied with these services. If the lower service level is acceptable, some savings through the use of private security firms may be possible. It is not feasible, however, to use such services extensively at the seat of government without a probable decline in the quality of services. STUDY APPROACH In April 1989, a member of the General Assembly requested that JLARC "make a survey of State institutions within the Capitol area using either Capitol Police or private security to determine the security needs, the effectiveness of the activity and the financial feasibility of the two alternatives for providing security." This request was subsequently approved by the Chairman of JLARC. A study approach was presented to the Commission in May. In June and July, all agencies in the Richmond area were surveyed. Data were collected from 89 agencies. Every known Capitol Police and DGS post was visited and examined, as were many in-house and contract security posts in State agencies. Numerous agency heads, police, guards, supervisors and others were interviewed. ALL AGENCIES NEED SECURITY, BUT THERE IS NO OVERALL STATE POLICY ON SECURITY Almost all agencies cited the need for police and/or security services. However, there is no overall State policy guiding agencies in the determination of risk or the selection of appropriate police/security coverage. More than half of the agencies surveyed cited security incidents occurring in the past year. More serious incidents included a bomb threat, thefts of State and personal property, harassment of State employees, and a homicide. Less serious incidents included ongoing problems with parking violations, vagrants, trespassing and other nuisance activities. Police and security services available to State agencies vary greatly -- both in form and expense. Forms range from around-the-clock police protection to no service at all. Costs generally increase as the level of service increases. In addition, services are available from a number of providers. Some agencies receive extensive police and security services from the Division of Capitol Police. Others receive security or "watch" services from the Department of General Services, in-house security staff, or through contracts with private security firms. Some agencies rely on a mix of service providers. MOST AGENCIES ARE SATISFIED WITH THEIR CURRENT SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS In the absence of overall State policy as guidance, most agencies' security arrangements have evolved towards a level of coverage they find satisfactory. While the degree of satisfaction varies, a majority of agencies are either satisfied or very satisfied with their coverage, regardless of the form. As shown in the table below, agencies were most satisfied with the Capitol Police and in-house staffs, the two most expensive forms of coverage. Agencies which perceive themselves as having a high level of risk have generally been successful in procuring a high level of coverage. The Department of Information Technology, for example, replaced private security coverage with the Capitol Police. The Virginia Supplemental Retirement System replaced private security coverage with a small in-house force. Other agencies have successfully augmented in-house police and security forces with contract security staff. COSTS VARY BASED ON LEVELS OF SERVICES A total of $10 million was spent by 23 Richmond-area agencies on police and security services in FY 1989. Costs among agencies varied widely, and agency personnel frequently commented that "you get what you pay for." The most expensive providers (based on cost per full-time equivalent (FTE) employee) were Virginia Commonwealth University Police ($31,178 per FTE), the Capitol Police ($29,693 per FTE), and the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Police ($25,730 per FTE). These agencies provide full police services. In-house staffs also varied substantially in costs. The two agencies incurring the least costs (the Virginia Employment Commission and the Department of Worker's Compensation) employed non-classified security staff for $9,417 and $8,794 per FTE, respectively. Agencies with full police services incurred the most expense. Agencies with in-house staff had moderate costs. Private contract staff were the least expensive. To cut costs, a number of agencies have engaged in the use of extensive contract staff to supplement their full-time staff. Advantages to this approach include: • Security expertise can be developed by full-time staff. • Knowledge of agency operations and loyalty can be expected of full-time staff. • Continuity is provided by in-house staff. • Costs can be reduced with inexpensive contract staff. • Expanded service coverage can be achieved. CURRENT LEVEL OF CAPITOL POLICE STAFFING The number of Capitol Police assigned is appropriate to the force's existing levels of responsibility. Day-to-day post and patrol requirements are sufficient to occupy the force virtually full time. Session activities, special events, and demonstrations stretch the force, however, and any significant new activities would require either new staff or cutting back on some existing activities. OVERALL SECURITY LEVEL AT THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT IS ADEQUATE Few agencies (12 of those surveyed) said they had unmet needs. While some agencies, particularly the Virginia Museum, the Science Museum, and the Court of Appeals, expressed concern regarding the level of security services available to them, most agencies were satisfied with services and did not feel a high level of unmet need existed. While there is no upper limit to the amount of security which can be attempted, risk can never be eliminated -- no amount of prudent action can fully discourage or prevent all possible criminal activities. Further, security risks must be weighed against other values, such as public access, freedom of movement, and other demands for funding. Overall, security appears to be sufficient at the current time. SOME IMPROVEMENTS ARE POSSIBLE While security levels overall are adequate, steps can be taken to improve the current system. • Criteria should be developed by the Legislative Support Commission for the assignment of Capitol Police. • An interagency task force chaired by the Secretary of Administration should develop a model policy for State agency security. • The Capitol Police and State Police should help agencies which have special needs develop security plans and policies. • Additional training should be considered to further protect art and antiquities in the Capitol and Mansion. • The Department of Military Affairs should pursue the possibility of federal funding support for its Capitol Police positions. This would result in general fund savings of $100,000-$150,000 annually. • Replacement of Capitol Police with security officers at some less critical posts should be considered. • Additional safeguards and performance standards should be built into contracts with private security providers. |
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