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Vermont Legislature
Follow VPR's statehouse coverage, featuring Pete Hirschfeld and Bob Kinzel in our Statehouse Bureau in Montpelier.

'How Can I Help You Be Heard?' Capitol Police Chief On Balancing Protesters And Statehouse Security

Capitol Police Chief Matthew Romei speaks with Jane Lindholm.
Matthew Smith
/
VPR
Capitol Police Chief Matthew Romei speaks with "Vermont Edition" host Jane Lindholm about Statehouse security on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2020.

Capitol Police Chief Matthew Romei is in charge of one of the smallest deputized police forces in the state. At just four full-time officers, his job is to keep the Vermont Statehouse safe and open to the public — while also providing security for state lawmakers.

On a normal day at the Statehouse, lawmakers, lobbyists, tourists, and journalists can breeze in and out without any barriers. There's no security presence at the doors on most days, and no need to state your business, produce an ID, or have your bags checked. 

One day before climate protesters interrupted Gov. Phil Scott's State of the State addressVermont Edition spoke with Chief Romei about how he and his officers maintain a balance between an open, welcoming government and statehouse, and keeping the building and its legislators safe.

Broadcast on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020 at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Jane Lindholm is the host, executive producer and creator of But Why: A Podcast For Curious Kids. In addition to her work on our international kids show, she produces special projects for Vermont Public. Until March 2021, she was host and editor of the award-winning Vermont Public program Vermont Edition.
Matt Smith worked for Vermont Public from 2017 to 2023 as managing editor and senior producer of Vermont Edition.
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