South Dakota Police Chief Mum on Security Changes at Library

RAPID CITY, S.D. (AP) - The Rapid City police chief says he won't release the specifics of a decision to upgrade security at the city's largest public library.

The library board in the last few months has agreed to hire a private security firm and add a police department liaison to deal with public safety issues.

Rapid City Police Chief Steve Allender tells the Rapid City Journal that the public doesn't need to know what prompted the changes.

The Journal reports that the library is on pace to see nearly 300 police calls this year, which would surpass the record high of 264 calls in 2009.

State Sen. Mark Kirkeby of Rapid City, who is challenging Mayor Sam Kooiker in Tuesday's election, says the public has a right to know details about security.

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