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LaSalle County board member raises alarm over building access despite large security spending
Summary
A LaSalle County board member identified only by surname Hague pressed for stronger first-layer building access controls, saying employees use many unsecured entrances even after the county spent on cameras, fobs and active-shooter buttons; the chair said he will discuss concerns with law enforcement.
A LaSalle County board member identified in the transcript only by the surname Hague urged tighter first-layer security for the county building, saying current measures rely heavily on cameras and response systems rather than preventing unauthorized access.
"We spent $20,000 in active shooter buttons," Hague said, and "we've spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on cameras, fobs, cabling" but many employees still enter through roughly 10 different entrances without checks. He added, "32 to 40% of all active shooter events are done by an internal employee." Hague urged the board to consider simple access controls that would reduce internal risk.
A staff member who spoke afterward suggested stationing two trained, armed officers at the main downtown entrance and said officers who can carry firearms — not unarmed bailiffs — would improve response at peak times. The staff member also proposed a civilian protection canine as a costlier alternative.
LaSalle County board member Joe Asherpinski responded that he would raise the concerns with Lieutenant McGrath and the sheriff. "I'll I'll talk with Lieutenant McGrath, and maybe we can talk with the sheriff," Asherpinski said, and asked staff to follow up with law enforcement to explore options.
The exchange came during the meeting's open-floor discussion about building safety; the board did not take formal action at the meeting. Asherpinski said he would report back after consulting with sheriff's office leadership.
Details and context: Hague said the county spent about $20,000 on active-shooter buttons and "hundreds of thousands" on cameras and related systems; he said doors were routinely propped open and a significant share of threats can be internal. The staff member noted patrol and bailiff staffing constraints on upper floors and said cameras help monitor entrances but do not replace a physical security presence.
Next steps: Asherpinski said he would speak with law enforcement leadership and the sheriff's office to review access-control options and staffing needs; no motion or budget decision was made at this meeting.
