Courthouse security to be assessed

By Melinda L. Lucas

Courthouse security was the main topic of discussion during Monday morning’s meeting of the Shackelford County commissioners and other elected officials.

Precinct 1 commissioner Steve Riley, in light of a recent alleged threat at the local elementary school campus, suggested that elected officials consider taking security steps to protect county employees at the Courthouse.

“It’s a shame we even have to be talking about this, but in this day and time, we have to be cautious,” said Riley.

He pointed out that there are three doors at the Courthouse that are open to the public during regular business hours – the east door next to the parking lot, which is the most used, along with the north and west entrances.

The commissioners discussed closing all but one door to limit access, and sheriff Edward Miller noted that the west entrance would need to be remain open, since it is the handicap access. 

The possibility of a security camera was also discussed, with the feed monitored by the dispatchers at the sheriff’s office.

Justice of the peace James Breeden noted that although there are “panic buttons” in each office for emergency situations, they have not been tested nor have the batteries been changed in quite a while.

He proposed that all county offices test their buttons that afternoon at a prescribed time so the sheriff’s office could determine if all of them are working.

Miller suggested that county judge Robert Skelton consider testing the buttons once a quarter or set up some other kind of regular schedule. 

Skelton has already contacted a security specialist about scheduling a time to assess county security and make recommendations.

Since the parking lot door is utilized by most Courthouse visitors, commissioners were hesitant to lock it without notice.

“When the work on the parking lot starts and people can’t park there anyway, that might be a good time for transition,” said precinct 3 commissioner Lanham Martin.

Eventually, the county officers decided to lock the west door effective immediately, but they postponed any other action until after the security assessment.

“We take courthouse security very seriously, and we know that we have other measures to take, but I think that will be a good place to start,” said Skelton. 

Signage will be placed on the west door advising visitors to go to one of the other entrances.

Breeden said that he would start the test for the panic buttons at 1:00 p.m.  that afternoon, then other offices would test theirs in succession.

Other Business

•The burn ban was lifted by Skelton last week because of wet weather, and because of expected rainfall this week, the commissioners decided to take no action to reinstate it.

•A budget adjustment for $28,400 in funding for work on CR 134 in precinct 3 was approved.

•The treasurer’s report for December 2019 was also approved.

•Precinct 2 commissioner Ace Reames reported that he is looking into putting up speed limit signs on Griffin Road near the baseball fields and on McComas Lane next to the cemetery.

•Skelton invited elected officials to attend a luncheon planned Feb. 25 for Walker Sayle Unit clients and employees to show the county’s appreciation for work done by clients over the last few months.

•Riley reported that he will serve on the scholarship selection committee for the West Texas County Judges and Commissioners Association.