Commission To Mull Tighter Security At Government Center

BROOKSVILLE - Admission to the Hernando County government center will require security checks for visitors and employees alike if county commissioners approve a recommendation by staff.

"We based our decisions and recommendations on what judicial staff felt was best to have total security in the buildings," said Pat Fagan, director of parks, facilities and recreation, who headed a committee to look into the issue.

As part of the strategy:

- All points of entry to government center would be closed except those to the first-floor atrium and one elevator from the basement parking area.

- One of the center's three elevators would run only from the basement to the first floor.

- The four existing security stations - metal detectors, X-ray machines and deputies - currently in front of the building's judicial areas would be moved to the atrium entrances. One station would be located in front of the elevator coming from the basement to check employees and visitors as soon as they exit.

- The second-floor bridge that connects the old courthouse and the government center would be closed except in case of an emergency.

This plan would save the $40,000 cost recently approved to pay additional deputies to man a new security station in front of the commission chambers. The station was added so the chambers can be used for court proceedings.

One drawback, Fagan warned: Taking one of three heavily-used elevators out of service.

An alternative plan the commission will consider Tuesday would place an additional security station at the elevators on the basement level. Visitors would be screened there, allowing all three elevators to travel to all floors.

That would require the $40,000 annual cost for deputies at the basement security station, plus another $72,000 for three public service aides and modifications to the handicapped entrance and the Law Library area.

Both options would cost $25,000 to add doorways on the second floor bridge connecting the two buildings.

The recommendations come after Judge Daniel Merritt Sr., chief judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit, and Clerk of Court Karen Nicolai asked commissioners to enact tighter security measures.

Nicolai and Merritt were joined on the committee by Sheriff Richard Nugent, interim county administrator Larry Jennings, county facilities manager Craig Becker and judicial services staffers.

Whatever option is selected, Fagan said he is hopeful the public will understand the need for the measures and be patient as any kinks are worked out.

"It's going to be a trial-and-error type situation for a short period of time and if there are adjustments that need to be made, we'll address those issues," Fagan said.

There are always tradeoffs to make a place safer, Chief Deputy Michael Hensley of the sheriff's office said.

"Good security is not cheap, and it's not convenient," Hensely said. "You're either going to have the illusion of security, or you're going to have security." Nicolai said she was "very excited" by the prospect of safer conditions for her staff.

Many people who could be potential threats are coming through her office, she said. Employees are frequently dealing with criminals and couples in domestic violence cases, "where tensions are high," Nicolai said.

Nicolai said she began requesting tighter security at the courthouse as long as a decade ago.

Those requests have become more urgent in the last three years or so, and Hernando County is likely among the last in the state to screen all visitors, she said.

"I hate to say it," she said, "but it's a sign of our times."