New security measures are now in place for visitors and employees entering the Pittsburg County Courthouse.
According to a memo released publicly by the Pittsburg County Sheriff’s Office, new security measures at the Pittsburg County Courthouse were ordered by the County Commissioners.
Beginning on Monday, April 21, all employees and visitors are now required to pass through a security screening device located at the west entrance of the courthouse. The main courthouse doors will now be exit-only and will no longer be used as an entrance during regular business hours.
Prohibited items include weapons of any kind, drugs and alcohol, selfie sticks, fireworks, flags/signs with poles, outside food or drinks, and any other items deemed unacceptable by the Board of County Commissioners.
Backpacks will also not be allowed at the courthouse. Diaper bags, medical bags, fanny packs, clutches, and purses will be allowed inside the courthouse after inspection.
All packages entering the courthouse must also be scanned through a security device.
More rules were also released as part of the memo for employees of the courthouse:
- All employees shall be required to pass through a security screening device and have all belongings and packages pass through a package scanner. Employees should plan their morning accordingly so that they can be in their office by their normal start time, as these new security measures could, on some days, add additional minutes to their ability to access the courthouse. Employees will be required to pass through the security screening device for reentry any time they leave the courthouse property.
- Employees shall be allowed to use the west entrance (by the handicap parking lot), the ground level north alley entrance,e and the handicap entrance. Any employee who opens these doors for other employees or visitors shall be subject to disciplinary action, including termination. No one enters this courthouse without being screened. Access control to the main courthouse doors shall be set to locked and will not be accessed during regular hours. After-hours access shall be given as needed upon written request by the elected official.
- Food and drinks shall be allowed by employees only. Employees who decide to have food delivered shall be required to meet delivery persons at the handicap entrance. The ·general public will not be allowed to bring outside food or drinks into the courthouse.
- No weapons shall be allowed through security with the exception of CLEET-certified law enforcement and those who are allowed by state statute. Anyone bringing items not allowed shall be required to return any unallowed items to their vehicle.
- Those with laptops and other electronic devices should notify security so that they are not scanned, as it can damage these devices.
- Additional requirements may be needed as time passes to determine issues that may have been unknown or unforeseeable at the time of implementation. These shall also be passed along by memo as they arise.
“We apologize for the inconvenience that these measures may cause to our employees, but please know that these measures are put into place for your security as well as that of the public who visit our courthouse daily,” the memo states. “It is all done that we may keep everyone safe and to give our employees peace of mind when they come to work daily.”