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Richland County committee: courthouse video cameras turned on; audio off, signage and metal-detector use debated
Summary
The Richland County Public Safety Standing Committee was told courthouse lobby and courtroom video cameras were activated this week but audio is not being recorded. Committee members discussed signage, training, intermittent metal-detector screening and next steps for small‑courtroom AV upgrades.
The Richland County Public Safety Standing Committee heard that courthouse lobby and small‑courtroom cameras were switched on "literally yesterday," but audio recording is not enabled, a county staff member said during the meeting.
Committee members were told the cameras are recording video while configuration, access controls and training remain in progress. "Audio is not on," Jason (county technology staff) said when asked whether the system captures sound. He said additional back‑end configuration and user training will follow once installation is complete.
The committee discussed how the presence of cameras affects where attorneys and others should hold conversations in the building. A judge's office and other committee members asked whether hallway conversations are recorded, and Jason said video is always running but audio is not. Committee members agreed that if audio were to be turned on in the future, signage would be required to inform people that audio recording was in use.
The committee also reviewed courthouse security measures beyond cameras. The judge is attending a security conference and will report back, the committee heard. Several members reiterated support for having intermittent metal‑detection screening at the courthouse entrance—used on busy days or when the public gallery is full—as a deterrent and a way to increase awareness that weapons or contraband are not permitted in the building.
Separately, the committee discussed upgrades for audio/video in the small courtroom. County staff said older campus audio equipment examined for reuse would not integrate reliably with newer systems. A temporary cart solution was considered but providers and the state raised concerns that a cart would create audio and reliability problems. County staff said they will revisit the project after the camera/access control work is completed and once funding is identified.
Committee members asked staff to send a formal update to the judge and court staff noting that cameras are on and that training and final configuration remain underway. Jason said he would circulate an email summary once the project is further along.
