County boosts security — Commissioners to address annex security concerns
Security concerns at the Weston County Courthouse Annex prompted county commissioners to approve the installation of a new access control system designed to regulate entry into the building and improve safety for employees and visitors. The installation was approved at the board’s June 2 meeting.
During a recent meeting, county officials discussed long-standing concerns about the annex, which houses the Weston County Attorney’s Office, University of Wyoming Extension Office and other county functions.
Employees described the building as having little to no security measures in place despite serving members of the public involved in court proceedings and other potentially volatile situations.
“What we’re concerned about is annex security. There’s no security in that building,” Sheriff’s Deputy Dan Fields said. “They’re sitting ducks over there.”
The proposed system includes electronic door locks, magnetic locks and a video intercom system that would allow employees to see and communicate with visitors before granting them access to the building. Officials said the setup would function similarly to the entry systems used at schools and other law enforcement facilities.
According to the discussion, the annex currently has no mechanism to control access beyond signs asking visitors to stop and wait before entering.
Weston County 4-H educator Erin Persche said that they often have no way of knowing what is occurring elsewhere in the building until they physically open a door and enter a shared hallway.
“We don’t know what’s going on on the other end of the building until we open the door,” she said, noting that staff and children frequently move between offices, storage areas and restrooms located in other parts of the facility.
County officials said the concern is not conflict among the offices housed in the building but rather the nature of the work performed there. The annex serves victims seeking protection orders, county attorneys handling criminal cases and other individuals involved in legal proceedings.
It was noted that security audits conducted in the past have identified concerns at the facility and explored possible long-term solutions, including redesigning portions of the building to separate public traffic from office space.
Commissioners also heard reports that some employees have become concerned enough about ongoing cases that they are avoiding parking near the building.
“There’s two cases that are open right now that there’s real high concerns for,” Persche said, adding that employees in the attorney’s office had raised concerns about both personal safety and vehicle security and were not parking in the annex parking lot to avoid potential issues.
The University of Wyoming Extension Office, which regularly hosts youth programs and activities, was also cited as a reason for improving security.
Commissioners expressed concern about children using the building while other offices deal with criminal and civil matters involving potentially agitated individuals.
Fields noted that the different offices in the building don’t necessarily mesh well.
The commissioners agreed, suggesting that further discussion on a long-term solution to the concerns is necessary. At this time, though, the board agreed that immediate action was warranted.
The proposed access control system costs about $9,700. Commissioners ultimately approved a motion authorizing installation of the system at a cost not to exceed $9,000, with funding to come from the county’s courthouse security account. The system also includes an annual cloud-based service fee of approximately $180.
Commissioners approved the purchase unanimously.
County officials also discussed seeking reimbursement through a state courthouse security grant program. Although the annex was not included in a previous security assessment, officials said state representatives indicated the county could still apply for funding assistance.
The grant application period opened on June 1 and closes Aug. 31.
Even with potential grant funding available, commissioners agreed the security improvements should move forward immediately.
“We’ve kind of been kicking this can down the road for a while,” Commissioner Vera Huber said. “Whether we get it or we don’t get it, we’re still going to need it.”
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