Clallam County plans single-point courthouse entry; superior court declares courthouse a weapons-free zone

Clallam County staff told commissioners on Sept. 22 they will ask the Board to approve a personal-services agreement with ASSA ABLOY Entry Systems to install a single-point automated entry at the county courthouse.

The quoted installation cost is $52,950 plus tax and the project is listed as a capital-approved project. Facilities staff described the planned layout as an outer sliding door and an inner sliding door with a vestibule in between; metal-detection equipment, stanchions and screening trays will be installed inside the vestibule. Staff estimated installation would be a two-day process and that temporary diversions and signage would be used to guide the public.

Commissioners and staff discussed signage and policy. Todd, the county administrator, said the Superior Court has declared the County Courthouse a weapons-free zone and that court-issued direction removes ambiguity and will require policy updates. "So we do need to go back and make sure that the policies are admitted to reflect that," he said, adding staff are coordinating court-cited RCWs for signage language and that the sheriff's office will staff the single-point entry when operational.

Staff answered questions about public disruption and inclement weather management. They said temporary barricades and rerouting through sheriff's entrances were possible; staff noted individuals sometimes gather at the courthouse before 8 a.m. and that organizers typically take shelter for bad weather. Facilities staff said the inner and outer doors will be on the courthouse right-hand approach and that exit doors inside will swing open.

Staff said signage language has been coordinated with the judge, the sheriff and county counsel and that interior equipment (metal detector, trays, stanchions) is on hand. Commissioners directed that county employee access using key cards be clarified to align with the court's declaration and county policy. Installation was expected in the coming weeks, with a six-week follow-up noted for post-installation progress.