Public commenters press Dimmit County for written metal-detector policy; judge says policy in the works

Dimmit County residents urged commissioners on Nov. 18 to adopt a written policy for courthouse metal-detector screenings after several people said searches had been applied inconsistently.

Miss Sandra Wong told the court that "if there's not a policy, then I think maybe the securities need to handle things maybe a little differently," describing incidents in which some people were scanned while others were allowed to pass without screening. Other public commenters described constituents returning home after being asked to repass through screening and said staff have been criticized when people are inconvenienced.

County Judge Martha Onset responded that she installed the metal detectors "out of abundance of caution" and said the devices were purchased using funds from an Operation Lone Star grant applied for by Miss Rodriguez. Onset said she has instructed courthouse security staff to follow existing protocols while a formal written policy is drafted. "If you guys don't want the courthouse security, we'll take it off," she said, adding her primary concern is employee safety.

Commissioners and speakers agreed a clear, written policy would reduce inconsistent treatment. Several commissioners urged that any new policy be applied uniformly so "there shouldn't be any special treatment for anybody." The court did not vote on a policy at the meeting; Judge Onset said staff has followed up with Keith Franklin, who is working on a draft policy to bring back for the court to consider.

Next steps: commissioners requested staff return with a written policy for review and possible formal action at a future meeting.