Commissioners approve Protection Plus screening at courthouse; contract to start first Monday in June

Billy Ingalls, operations director for Protection Plus, presented a proposal to add weapons‑detection screening at the Randolph County courthouse and recommended a mix of equipment and staff to minimize intrusion while detecting metal and contraband. "Sufficient staff would be appropriate to have one civilian security guard and one law enforcement" presence, Ingalls told commissioners, adding the company would use local officers where possible and provide handheld wands and queueing barriers to smooth entry.

Commissioners asked about space, power and contingency plans if a machine fails; Ingalls said X‑ray machines could be repaired in three to five business days and the metal‑detection units could be replaced within 24 hours. Commissioners discussed signage for emergency exits, temporary ropes prior to full installation and whether some individuals (such as attorneys) should use an alternate entrance as a policy decision.

After discussion, a commissioner moved to pursue an agreement to begin security screening the first Monday in June; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote. Ingalls said he would draft a contract for the commissioners and the county council to review ahead of installation and that Protection Plus would train local staff to operate the equipment.

The motion directs staff to work with the vendor on contract terms and start‑up logistics; commissioners did not finalize contract language or a funding source during the meeting. Next steps include review of the draft contract and presentation to the county council for final approval.