Columbus City Council is looking to beef up security, specifically for council members.
The Council says this has been in the works for about a year, and that Columbus Police added officers to the executive security unit. Those officers would be present during meetings, public appearances, and more.Elected officials, they do go out in public and right now its a troubling time in America, and our city is no stranger to that," says Brian Steele, FOP executive president.
FOP says protecting Columbus government officials is a priority, but figuring out additional staffing for a department that's already thin can be tricky.Steel says CPD is a seniority based department, which means that's how jobs are filled. Lets say, hypothetically, the chief wants to hand-pick someone -- that's something they're going to have to go through FOP for if they do not do that. There are different things that labor union does to file grievance on that," Steel explained.In a statement to ABC 6 / FOX 28 Sunday night, a spokesperson said the division of police added officers to the executive security unit to cover the council.
This unit will enhance member and public attendees’ security at council meetings, hearings, external town halls, parades, festivals and other public events." There is a lot of anti government protests, anti police protests protestors come down to city hall who have defaced city hall before. I think we're just trying to see law and order is being re-established in our city and this is one step further to protect those individuals," Steel added.Steel says any time a proposal is brought to FOP, they take it seriously.It wasn't clear how many officers would be allotted, or what the cost would be.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Southwest Airlines announces 2 new nonstop flights from Columbus to San Diego, Kansas CityBoth stops are considered among the top destinations for Columbus travelers, according to the Columbus Regional Airport Authority.
Read more »
Five recommendations from a slate of strong contenders for City Council at-large seatsThe Inquirer endorses Nina Ahmad, Rue Landau, Drew Murray, Katherine Gilmore Richardson, and Isaiah Thomas in City Council at-large race.
Read more »
Vickie Paladino, Ari Kagan & Inna Vernikov: The Post's City Council endorsementsNovember 7 City Council elections offer opportunity to continue GOP momentum in Brooklyn and Queens districts in the NTYC elections of 2023.
Read more »
Advisor to LA City Council's Soto-Martinez resigns following antisemitic commentsJosh Androsky, a senior advisor to Hugo-Soto Martinez, made Holocaust-related jokes on X, about Jewish comedian and actress Amy Schumer.
Read more »
LA City Council Takes First Steps Toward Legalizing Street Vending on Walk of FameKevin Tidmarsh is Weekend Edition's Associate Producer. Kevin started out in audio making an independent history podcast at Pomona College before going on to work for NPR's Morning Edition, KCRW and Stitcher.
Read more »
Rent control, rat infestations and cannabis are hot topics in Hoboken City Council racesA dozen candidates running for the City Council made their case as to why they should be elected to handle the city's pressing issues.
Read more »