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Increased Security Measures Start at Ohio Statehouse
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – Increased security procedures are taking effect at the Ohio Statehouse this week.
The State Highway Patrol said visitors to the public building would have to start passing through a metal detector as of Monday, and backpacks are now prohibited. Troopers will continue to inspect purses and other bags.
The patrol also planned to limit entry to the building to two street-level entrances.
Patrol spokesman Lt. Craig Cvetan says legislative and state leaders and the board that oversees the Statehouse revisited security procedures after recent deadly attacks in Paris. They determined measures should be strengthened to ensure people’s safety.
A security and facility committee of the board that oversees the Statehouse planned to meet Monday morning.
More than 200,000 people visit the capitol annually, and hundreds work there.