Highland councilors, police and staff discuss protocol for officer interactions with elected officials and study building security upgrades

Highland City Council heard Highland Police Department guidance on interactions between officers and elected officials and directed staff to explore security upgrades for city facilities.

Police protocol guidance: A police spokesperson with decades of law‑enforcement experience advised elected officials to treat officers with “respect and professionalism,” avoid using official position to influence policing decisions, and to avoid giving instructions to officers at the scene. Officers said most contacts are recorded on body‑worn cameras and that elected officials should make initial disclosures (for example, that a firearm is present) but otherwise comply with lawful officer directions. The presenters said Highland will generally ask an outside agency to handle incidents that involve elected officials or city employees, especially when a conflict of interest could arise.

Building security review: Council asked staff to explore modest, low‑visibility options to improve security at Highland City Hall, the council chamber and the library’s public counter while preserving accessibility. City Administrator Erin Wells asked for authorization to consult architects or security firms, gather cost estimates and return with recommendations; she said some elements may be discussed in closed session because of security sensitivities. Council members said they favor increased protection that is not overtly fortress‑like and directed staff to make ADA access and public openness a priority while evaluating physical and procedural measures.

Next steps: Staff will solicit design options and cost estimates and bring a report back to council for budget consideration. The city has no current dedicated budget for security retrofits; staff said fund balance would be the likely source for initial work.