Commissioners confirm courthouse security officer and discuss employee carry and training

Commissioners confirmed there is a designated courthouse security officer and discussed staff carrying of weapons and available training.

A sheriff's-department officer identified in the meeting as Colton Boston was named as the courthouse security officer who should be present regularly; meeting participants agreed to ask that officer to visit county offices and provide contact information. A phone number for the courthouse security contact was given during the meeting as 539-237-0583.

Commissioners and staff discussed whether employees other than elected officials may carry firearms in the courthouse and noted training would be required if employees are allowed to carry. Participants said two county employees are certified firearms instructors and offered to provide training or range time; others said they would be open to nonlethal options such as batons if legal and trained.

No change in policy was adopted; commissioners requested that the security officer introduce himself to office staff and that staff discuss training options and legal limits before any policy changes about employee carry are made.

Ending: Staff said they will coordinate with the courthouse security officer to visit offices and provide contact details; commissioners did not adopt a policy change regarding employee carry at this meeting.