County commissioners wrestled to balance security concerns with fiscal responsibility as they discussed recommendations for security improvements at the courthouse and other county buildings on March 12, 2013. The recommendations came from a security committee that was formed after the December 2011 courthouse shooting. After working with a consultant, the committee formulated a list of improvements they considered of highest priority.
Recommended were security cameras in the courthouse, Community Center, and Highway Department buildings, duress buttons in all offices and meeting rooms, an intercom system, a keycard access system that would be programmed by computer to allow various levels of access, a walk-through X-ray machine and a metal detector like those at airports, and two full-time entrylevel bailiffs to staff the X-ray machine and metal detector during normal courthouse business hours. The total cost of the equipment would be just under $164,118 and the cost of two new employees was calculated at $119,100 a year.
Commissioner Garry Gamble said he understood the importance of safety but thought the recommendations were an overreaction to the shooting. “My sense of things is wow, this is an awful lot of money,” he said.
Commissioner Bruce Martinson said that he had difficulty with the idea of hiring two full-time employees and that he didn’t think a shooter would necessarily be stopped by a guard at the door.
“Our committee was unanimous on this,” said commissioner and committee member Sue Hakes.
“We are the people who experienced this,” said Public Health & Human Services Director Sue Futterer. “I would ask that you not take it lightly.”
“I cannot support this,” said Commissioner Gamble. “That does not mean I do not take seriously what is being represented.”
Assistant County Attorney Molly Hicken said she realized that the people who experienced the shooting might not be the most objective, and that was one reason they hired a consultant.
“If you were actually in the building when it happened, you would have a lot different perspective on it,” said Commissioner Hakes. “I feel a responsibility to the people who work here and I feel a responsibility to the people who come here to use the services in this building.”
“Every department in this building is at some point in danger,” said Commissioner Heidi Doo-Kirk.
Sheriff Mark Falk said, “Violence is trending upwards,” and offered statistics to support his statement. “People say lightning doesn’t strike twice. We’re not dealing with physics — we’re dealing with human nature. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when.”
Commissioner Gamble said he was not trying to minimize the risks. “This is a huge, emotionally charged issue,” he said.
“Everyone is kind of watching this county to see what we do,” said Sheriff Falk.
The board voted unanimously to purchase the recommended equipment except for the X-ray machine and the metal detector at a cost of just under $138,418. They will discuss purchasing that equipment and hiring the staff to operate it during their regular meeting on April 9.
In other security news:
. The board approved the purchase of 12 tactical shields to be carried in Sheriff’s Department vehicles.
. The board authorized the purchase of five replacement vehicles for the Sheriff’s Department.
. Sheriff’s Department personnel will participate in an active shooter training with the Border Patrol at the courthouse April 5-7. Participants will have handson training with simulations in the courthouse on Saturday and Sunday of that weekend.
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