Queens pol proposes 'panic alert' system for hotel maids

A Queens state assemblyman is proposing a bill to give hotel housekeepers "panic alert" devices to keep them safe from sexual attacks. The idea was spurred by the accusations of sexual assault on a maid against IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) said the case shines a light on how vulnerable these housekeepers are. 

"We send hotel workers, housekeepers, into rooms by themselves, without any other staff, without any other security," Lancman told reporters yesterday. "Assaults and inappropriate conduct against and toward housekeepers in hotels is actually very common, and we need to do everything that we can to protect them."

The "panic alert" devices would notify hotel security when activated.

Strauss-Kahn was indicted last week on charges of sexual assault after a maid at the Sofitel Hotel said he tried to rape her and forced her to perform sex acts on him.

Strauss-Kahn was released on $1 million bail and a $5 million bond to guarantee he'll show up in court. He's slated to be arraigned June 6.

Messages left at Lancman's Queens and Albany offices weren't returned.