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Pine County outlines single‑point courthouse entry plan; first phase emphasizes cameras and kiosk not armed security
Summary
The facilities committee reported plans for a single‑point entry at the north courthouse door using a kiosk, camera and staff presence (initial equipment estimate ~$13,000); full screening with additional staffing would be a later phase and more costly.
A facilities committee representative updated the Pine County Board on planned courthouse security changes intended as a phased approach to a single‑point entry.
Committee members recommended a Phase 1 package that includes a kiosk, camera, monitor and signage at the north main entrance, with an estimated equipment cost of about $13,000. The committee emphasized that the initial approach would rely on a uniformed staff presence and remote monitoring rather than an armed security officer. "We're not going to make the general public go to a metal detector yet," the presenter said, describing a camera and staff kiosk near the north door and a managed flow into and out of the building.
Board members asked about hours of coverage and whether the position would be a new hire or staffed by a rotating pool. The committee said the intent is coverage during courthouse hours (roughly 07:30–16:30) with one identified staffer and trained substitutes; longer‑term options could include additional staffing and full screening if the county chose to expand the program.
Commissioners and court representatives that attend security committee meetings indicated support for incremental steps. No formal budget appropriation or hiring decision was made at the meeting; commissioners were informed of the plan and noted potential future personnel costs if the program expands.
