Newsmakers: Capitol Police Chief David Erwin
In his most extensive interview since his July 23 appointment, Capitol Police Chief David Erwin said his goal is to return the Capitol to "normalcy" and an environment that is not threatening to visitors, Capitol workers and legislators. Erwin, a former State Patrol lieutenant, said the protest singers who often rally inside the Capitol rotunda at noon are not complying with advance-permit requirements, but he did not say when his agency would try to enforce those rules. As the former head of the Patrol’s Dignitary Protection Unit, Erwin said threats to the governor, lieutenant governor and their families increased significantly over the last 20 months and every threat must initially be taken seriously. Erwin also said he hopes the Capitol tradition of open access can remain.
