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Lock Haven council debates continued use of armed guard at City Hall after staff cites safety incidents and contract costs
Summary
Council members questioned the need and cost (about $180/day, ~ $46,800/year) of a contracted armed security guard at the single‑point City Hall entrance; city manager and police chief defended the practice citing staff safety and recent municipal building shootings elsewhere.
Council discussed whether to continue a single‑point entry with a contracted armed guard at City Hall. City staff reported the guard is provided by Vetforce Security, a local disabled‑veteran‑owned firm, and costs roughly $180 per day; staff estimated that annual cost at about $46,800 and said the expenditures appear in the city’s general fund budget line.
The city manager explained the decision followed threats against administrative staff beginning in 2019 and cited other Pennsylvania municipalities that later experienced shootings at municipal buildings as justification for the security posture. The manager said the guard program used a wand screening approach and a local contractor to provide an affordable option rather than installing metal detectors or extensive physical modifications during an unsettled renovation plan.
Police leadership said removing the guard creates a risk because an armed or violent person could harm staff before officers can respond from their nearby station. The chief said he has observed the contracted guards escorting people and assisting with administrative tasks and described them as "super friendly, very approachable." A council member urged that alternatives be examined, such as using police staff, installing a bulletproof window or a secured lobby system with buzzer access, and asked staff to review options during upcoming renovation planning.
No formal vote to eliminate the guard was taken; council directed staff to continue the discussion and review cost and design alternatives as part of future building renovation plans.
