New security measures under consideration at Providence City Hall

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Providence officials are considering boosting security at City Hall, including adding metal detectors and closing some entrances to the public.

The newly-created Special Committee on Public Safety discussed the potential security upgrades at its first meeting Wednesday afternoon.

Providence Police Sgt. Kenneth Vinacco recommended adding cameras and issuing key cards to city employees to access city buildings and offices.

He also recommended locking down the first floor and having the public come in through one entrance with a metal detector.

The upgrades are estimated to cost $101,000. The city has already earmarked $250,000 for security in a bond approved last week.

Councilman Nicholas Narducci said he wants to have the proposed measures up and running by the end of March.

Providence City Hall was evacuated Thursday afternoon after a suspicious package was left outside the license office.

The building was given the all-clear 20 minutes later, though the incident remains under investigation.