Bernardi Dissents as Council Moves to Tighten Security
Drafting of a plan for tighter security at Los Angeles City Hall, including “electronic surveillance equipment” in halls, was ordered Tuesday by City Council.
Mid-San Fernando Valley Councilman Ernani Bernardi cast the only vote against the security measures. “I think it’s ridiculous,” he said. “I just resent the fact that we have to lock ourselves in.”
The measures include reducing the number of entrances to City Hall, adding security officers and installing closed-circuit TV monitors in halls near council offices.
They were prompted by a report from the county grand jury recommending increased security, citing “the current state of worldwide unrest.”
The grand jury recommended that the city also install metal detectors at the entrance to council chambers, a proposal the council rejected in 1982.
Tuesday’s action directed the city’s General Services Department to prepare a plan to implement the security measures and return it to the council for approval.
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