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Pine County outlines phased single‑point courthouse security plan with uniformed, unarmed staff
Summary
County staff described a phase‑1 courthouse security plan that adds a staffed kiosk, cameras and signage at the north entrance and could later expand to full screening; the board heard details about hours, staffing pool and limits on continuous coverage.
Pine County commissioners heard a multi‑phase plan to increase courthouse security that starts with a staffed kiosk, cameras and on‑site monitor and could be expanded later to full single‑point screening.
The plan was presented during the facilities update by a county staff member. The initial, “phase 1” elements are a kiosk and a camera at the north (main) entrance, a monitor inside the lobby and signage to channel entry, along with replacement of lighting and other building improvements. The presenter said: “It's just going to be a uniform presence that has quick communication,” and described the presence as intended to be a visible, non‑armed deterrent.
The county intends the staffed presence to cover courthouse open hours, roughly 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and to use a pool of trained staff rather than a single permanent hire. The staff member said the plan assumes there could be “brief periods” when the post is unattended because a single person may need to leave for duties such as escorting someone to an office. County officials said that guaranteeing continuous coverage would require additional hiring and funding.
Commissioners asked whether other doors would be locked once the north door becomes the primary entry. Staff said the building’s automatic accessible entry design will allow a system where people approach on the right to enter and exit on the left, and that signage and training will be used to change patterns of use. The presenter noted that metal detectors are not part of the initial phase and that the metal detector currently at the top of the stairs will remain, with the new kiosk and camera providing a visible presence for visitors.
The board discussed costs in general terms; no new budget appropriation was approved during the meeting. Commissioners also discussed the tradeoffs between an unarmed uniformed presence and the much higher cost of employing armed security.
The facilities committee will continue implementation and report back on staffing needs, costs and any request for additional funding.
Ending: Commissioners did not take immediate formal action on the security plan at the meeting but directed staff to continue implementation work and to return with further staffing and cost details.
