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In this July 13, 2011 photo, a capitol security officer makes his way past an entrance to the State House in Augusta, Maine. Visitors to the Maine State House, and many of those who spend a lot of time there, may be in for something of a surprise. Long k Pat Wellenbach, Associated Press
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In this July 13, 2011 photo, a capitol security officer stands by a new X-ray machine, not in use yet, at the State House in Augusta, Maine. Visitors to the Maine State House, and many of those who spend a lot of time there, may be in for something of a s Pat Wellenbach, Associated Press

By Associated Press

AUGUSTA, Maine — Visitors to the Maine State House, and many others who spend a lot of time there, may be in for something of a surprise.

Long known for its open doors and low level of security, the State House will soon have two walk-through metal detectors and X-ray machines at its main entrance.

Capitol Police Chief Russell Gauvin says the move to tighter security is part of a national trend and he's studying how other state capitols implement their systems.

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Gauvin says Maine will start screening as early as September and tweak it before it's fully implemented in January when the Legislature returns.

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