Official: Cap. Hill police break protocol

WASHINGTON, March 10 (UPI) -- Capitol Police frequently violate security protocol by not screening congressional employees, the U.S. House sergeant at arms told a House subcommittee.

Sergeant at Arms Bill Livingood, in testimony before the House Appropriations Committee Legislative Branch subcommittee, said a policy requiring every congressional staffer to be screened through metal detectors upon entering the U.S. Capitol building was not being consistently enforced, The Hill reported.

"I am very aware that there are inconsistencies, because I hear about them from members and staff in security screening processes," Livingood testified.

He said he and Capitol Police Chief Phillip Morse have been reminding officers of the policy.

Members of the subcommittee and other officials said there have been numerous cases of lawmakers and staff members entering the Capitol without screening for weapons or other banned items, when the lawmakers were hustling to get to votes or meetings, The Hill reported.

The hearing came less than one week after a man who wounded two guards was killed in a shootout with officers at an entrance to the Pentagon.

Capitol Hill police and the personnel at the Pentagon aren't part of the same force.