Sussex County introduces visitor-screening ordinance, cites plan to add metal detectors

The Sussex County Board of County Commissioners on May 27 introduced Ordinance 26-07, a first-reading measure that would codify administrative rules for visitor management and operations at the county administrative building and related public meetings.

Commissioner Henderson, who explained the item after a member of the public asked about it, said the county has met with Sheriff Strada and the county administrator and "we are planning on adding metal detectors to protect the commissioners and the ... public," noting other municipalities have used similar screening measures. The ordinance was offered for first reading and the clerk was authorized to advertise a public hearing set for June 10, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Commissioners discussed the proposal briefly at the meeting. One commissioner described the change as a needed step to protect officials and attendees in light of rising political violence, and said visitors will undergo the same security screening as attendees. The motion to adopt Ordinance 26-07 on first reading was moved and seconded; a roll-call vote recorded unanimous support from Commissioners Carney, Deputy Director Degrew, Commissioner Henderson, Commissioner Silverthornne and Director Space.

Under county procedure, the ordinance will be advertised and a public hearing held on June 10 prior to any final adoption. The board did not adopt a final ordinance at the May 27 meeting; this action constituted introduction and authorization to publish the notice of hearing.