House Sergeant at Arms Suggests "Panic Buttons" for Lawmakers
In a memo released to all House members on Thursday, House Sergeant at Arms Bill Livingood outlined security guidance for lawmakers - and suggested that all House members consider installing "panic buttons" in their district offices in the event of dangerous situations, according to The Hill.
In the memo, reportedly entitled "General Security Guidance for Members and Staff" and delivered to all House offices on Thursday, Livingood also advised members to travel to events with "sufficient staff," establish alternative "ingress and egress" routes, and secure a trustworthy means of transportation.
"The recent tragedy in Arizona has reminded everyone in the congressional community of the need to remain alert and vigilant at all times," Livingood wrote in the memo.
Some members already have panic buttons in both their district and Capitol Hill offices, The Hill reports, including Georgia Republican Jack Kingston. But the number of representatives who have such devices in either office is unclear. And while the Capitol is equipped with a number of sophisticated security provisions - including the presence of Capitol police and metal detectors - many representatives lack similarly protective measures in their district offices.
In the memo, Livingood advised Hill staffers to make sure preparation for events included "familiarization and orientation to include all emergency exits," as well as "reliable communication devices," and emergency numbers for "police, fire, medical."
Other suggestions included obtaining security cameras for district offices, maintaining a presence of two or more people during the operational hours of district offices, and maintaining up-to-date, easy-to-access emergency contact numbers.
"Security awareness and proper planning must be an integral part of every member's office routine," Livingood wrote. "This is a team effort, as we rely on you to assist us -- no one knows your district and the people in it better than you. The office of the sergeant at arms, working with the U.S. Capitol Police, stands ready to assist in any way we can."
