Moderator: Welcome to theolympian.com's second online chat. I'm statehouse reporter Adam Wilson, and we'll be quizzing Capitol Security Chief Dan Eikum about safety issues on the hill.

Moderator: Mr. Eikum, can you tell us a little bit about what you do at the Capitol?

Dan Eikum: Capitol security oversees a total of four entrances, and we are responsible for all public areas in the Capitol. Everyone entering the capitol is screened for contraband.

Moderator: What kind of numbers have you seen as far as visitors and prohibited items entering the Capitol so far?

Dan Eikum: We started the program Nov. 13 until Jan. 25, we have had the following totals:
131,121 people screened
48,286 items x-rayed
30 people carrying concealed weapons
Two of those decided not to bring their weapon into the building
We have held 21 knives from going into the building, all with blades over 3-inches long
7 cans of pepper spray
Several bullets
And a sledgehammer.
All of those items were left at the screening station and returned to the owner when they left.

Moderator: A question from Dave in Olympia. "If concealed firearms are permitted under the dome, with a permit, then what kinds of things are prohibited?" We've listed some of those above already, but perhaps Mr. Eikum can describe how he determines whether an object should be allowed in the Capitol.

Dan Eikum: Dangerous weapons as defined by RCW (Revised Code of Washington) would not be allowed in the buildng. Explosive devices and components thereof would not be allowed in the building. Pepper spray and metal objects longer than 3 inches also would not be allowed. Dangerous chemicals, and a whole list of things that we have. It's also judged on a case-by-case basis, for instance "sledgehammer" isn't on the list, but you don't need a sledgehammer to go see the governor.

What we're finding is that people come in with things they forget are on their person, like a screwdriver.

Moderator: How are the rules for carrying in weapons different from the rules on airlines?

Dan Eikum: We allow small knives, like a Swiss Army knife, into the building. We also allow fingernail clippers.

Moderator: How has the response been from visitors, legilslators and state employees been to these new security measures?

Dan Eikum: For visitors it's been positive because we've been able to get large crowds in the building very quickly. Legislators, as far as I know, have received the changes well. We have received positive comments from state employees. Keeping in mind, several months ago people were concerned about not getting into the building quickly. Some were worried that there would be large crowds outside the doors, waiting to enter, but that has not happened. People have entered quickly through the security screening without being impeded. For example, on Jan. 12, the day the governor was sworn in, we screened 10,040 people. It was also the governor's ball, in which we screened 5,475 of that number, all after 5 p.m, and there were no lines.

Moderator: From Betsey in Lacey, "Is terrorism at the Capitol a serious threat?"

Dan Eikum: Terrorism should be taken seriously throughout the United States and certainly the Capitol is an attractive target, as is every other Capitol in the United States. We are more concerned about domestic issues here in the state of Washington. Passionate issues are discussed at the Capitol on a daily basis and people who are passionate about what they believe in necessitate appropriate security measures in the Legislative building. So that the legislators can safely do their jobs and visitors be able to visit the Capitol safely.

Moderator: From Mike in Lacey, "Why are we spending so much on Capitol protection if we allow guns inside the building?"

Dan Eikum: Prior to implementing the screening devices at the Capitol, nobody knew how many guns came into the building or who had them. Today, we are able to contact these people, make sure they have a valid concealed weapons permit, and it also provides information to governor, House and Senate security to let them know who is in the building with a concealed weapon. It gives the trooper on our security staff a chance to assess the person carrying the weapon. The trooper can find out if the person is angry, upset or just visiting. We didn't know those kind of issues before, and we do now. That makes the building and the people that work there safer.

Moderator: Do you support legislation that would ban firearms in the Capitol?

Dan Eikum: The Department General Administration, who I work for, has supported these kind of bills for many years and I would support that as well.

Moderator: From Karen in Tumwater, "How many people do you have on your security force?"

Dan Eikum: During session it ranges from 34 to 40, keeping in mind that we provide security in the Capitol 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. During the interim, which is most of the year, we have 26 to 28 employees, still 24/7.

Moderator: Our last question, do any legislators carry concealed weapons?

Dan Eikum: At times.

Moderator: Thank you for your time Mr. Eikum. If readers have more questions his phone number is 360-786-1924.

Dan Eikum: I would encourage people who have not been in the Legislative Building to come visit us.

Moderator: Come back next Wednesday at noon for a chat with Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia.