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Public Safety Committee approves 3-year courthouse security contract, advances single-point screening plan
Summary
The Portage County Public Safety Committee approved a three-year contract with Telon Protection Agency to provide unarmed security at a planned single-point courthouse screening; the sheriff said unarmed contractors will staff the checkpoint with armed deputies available for backup and the contract will be paid from the sheriff's budget.
The Portage County Public Safety Committee voted to approve a three-year contract with Telon Protection Agency to provide security guard services for the county courthouse, the committee's chair announced after a voice vote.
The sheriff told the committee the single-point access plan is intended to centralize courthouse screening and that the county determined “we best buy unarmed, private security, which would save the counties in, funds.” He said the unarmed contractors will staff the checkpoint while armed deputies will be located nearby to provide backup in incidents that require a law enforcement response.
Committee members and staff described the policy (Portage County policy 808) as a working document that will be phased in. The sheriff said the timing depends on construction and fixture work for the new front access and family courtroom; he estimated implementation could begin around Sept. 1, but described that date as tentative while bids and construction are finalized. The sheriff also said the contract work and related policies will include an MOU to define procedures and oversight.
Committee members asked about logistics and safety. One member said they were “impressed with the cost figure,” and asked whether the unarmed checkpoint would have immediate access to an armed responder; staff confirmed an armed deputy will be present for backup and that the design includes a permanent station on the first floor with other positions nearby. The sheriff said procurement and interviews included county staff participation to vet screening, training and use-of-force policies.
The fiscal note presented to the committee lists the contract amount and indicates the sheriff’s office budget will cover the expense. The committee moved to approve the resolution, received a second and carried the motion by voice vote. The sheriff said the matter will move to the full county board for final action.
The committee also reviewed the larger single-point screening plan under Policy 808, discussed side agreements with city staff to preserve limited access for city functions (planning and zoning and certain voting activities), and agreed to a phased “soft” rollout before full enforcement.
