Meeting for the first time in the new courthouse addition, the Vilas County board of supervisors adopted a courthouse security plan starting January 1 to protect both visitors and staff at an estimated cost of $150,000 for the first year.
One non-lethally armed security person contracted through Per Mar, Inc will screen all persons entering a single public entrance electronically, require pockets be emptied, and have all purses and packages searched. Any items classified as “weapons” will be confiscated and not returned, including such things as pocket knives and lighters.
County board chair Ron DeBruyne said the resolution language is deliberately vague since not all operational details can be made public. Court security systems will be developed by the Sheriff and Judge and be separate from the main entrance. A deputy sheriff will inspect all public areas at closing time and staff are responsible for their respective office areas.
Although no security system is 100 percent secure, the board felt this action is a reality of the times we live in.
