Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Security topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County adopts ordinance standardizing weapons policy and security screening at specified county buildings
Summary
After public comment and staff presentations, Chippewa County approved a new ordinance defining prohibited weapons in county buildings, exceptions for certain employees and judges, and screening authority for security officers; the ordinance passed on first reading after the board waived a second reading.
The Chippewa County Board adopted an ordinance establishing security rules for county buildings that defines weapons, sets screening authority for security officers and lists exceptions for employees and some officials.
Judge Ben Lane, speaking during public comment before the business agenda, told the board the courts support the measure. "This ordinance provides a separate tool in the toolbox for our security officers to help them do their jobs," Lane said, adding it would clarify prohibited items, notices and enforcement.
The ordinance (Chapter 2, Article 4) applies to county facilities the board identified as higher‑risk public buildings: the courthouse (circuit court), the county jail and sheriff's office buildings, the county highway department buildings and the county administration/maintenance locations on East Spruce Street. The text defines "weapon" broadly and authorizes screening anywhere in a covered facility when a security officer has a reasonable suspicion of a threat.
The ordinance includes exceptions for tools and devices used by vendors or employees in the course of their duties, and it allows county employees to possess personal defense sprays that meet state law restrictions. County staff said the allowance for defensive spray was added after department‑head consultation because employees may leave buildings late at night and need personal protection.
The board voted to waive the usual second reading by a two‑thirds margin and then approved the ordinance on the same night; the final approval vote was 18–2.
Board discussion included requests for clarity on how screening would be applied and the standard officers must meet before asking a person to submit to screening. County staff said security officers must base screening on reasonable suspicion and may ask people who refuse to comply to leave county property.
Ending: The ordinance takes immediate effect; staff will implement screening procedures, update signage and provide guidance to employees and the public on applicable exceptions.
