Commissioners approve five-day courthouse security after recent incident

Parke County commissioners voted to expand courthouse security coverage from three to five days a week after discussing a security breach at the courthouse last week. Chairperson (meeting chair) argued the county’s role is to provide funding while courthouse staff determine operational details, and moved to appropriate funds immediately.

"But my proposition is as follows that, we appropriate the funds for 5 day security at the courthouse starting as soon as possible," the chair said during the meeting, urging a faster timetable for adding an officer to the courthouse schedule. Commissioners debated single-point entry, improved panic-notification use and the cost and practicality of metal detectors and a screening room.

Facilities and public-safety staff described possible hardware and staffing options. One staff member outlined a plan to use an east-side archway to create a small screened room with a metal detector and an interior door that could be buzzed open after screening. He also warned that single-point entry presents tradeoffs, including elevator access and custodial impacts. The board scheduled a working session on courthouse security for Sept. 18 to review options and cost estimates.

The motion to appropriate funds for five-day security was made, seconded and approved; commissioners instructed the sheriff’s office to begin scheduling the expanded coverage as soon as the appropriation is in place, with staff reporting the schedule would start Monday after funding arrangements were confirmed.