Jefferson County plans metal detectors, baggage screening and more armed guards at Human Services Building after incidents

Todd Caulfield, Jefferson County safety and security supervisor, told the General Services Committee in its May meeting that county facilities have seen increases in access-control failures, aggressive visitors, unhoused people sheltering on county property and theft or vandalism.

"Access control is the foundation of a good security program," Caulfield said, describing it as "the first line of defense" for county buildings. He told the committee that public-facing facilities must balance openness with employee safety and that staff sometimes allow unscreened people in through side doors, which undermines access controls.

Caulfield outlined several recurring problems: agitated visitors who escalate quickly, unhoused people loitering and sleeping on county property, and thefts linked to substance-use issues. He described a recent apparent fentanyl exposure at a DMV counter after a visitor produced a white powder while surrendering license plates; staff closed and decontaminated the area, and Caulfield…