SECURITY TIGHTENED AT ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE

Security at the Missouri attorney general's office in Cape Girardeau has been heightened, but officials declined to say why.

On Tuesday, the inner doors to the office, situated near the intersection of Kage and Mount Auburn roads, remained locked. Visitors were let into the building by a private security guard employed by Wolsey Investigative Service Inc. It wasn't immediately clear how long these steps have been in place.

James A. Pinkston, the assistant attorney general based in the office, declined to comment on the reasons for the increased security. He referred all inquiries to Attorney General Jay Nixon's main office in Jefferson City.

Scott Holste, a Nixon spokesman, said he couldn't elaborate on what prompted the increased security.

"I really can't comment on security measures or issues at our Cape Girardeau office," Holste said in a telephone interview. "Obviously, government offices have to deal with security issues on a fairly consistent basis. It is not information we are able to provide to the public."

Holste also wouldn't say when the security measures or others not immediately visible to visitors -- were implemented or how long they would remain in place.

Sgt. Carl Kinnison of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said the department has received no reports of threats against the office or its personnel.

Calls to the offices of Wolsey Investigative Service went unanswered.