Sheboygan is securing the county courthouse as it becomes one of the last in SE Wisconsin to install x-ray machines and metal detectors.
With often tense situations a courthouse can bring, officials say now is the time to put safety first as the equipment is already in place.
Sheboygan County Administrator Adam Payne told TODAY’S TMJ4 they made this decision after completing a study and surveying employees.
“The reason we’re doing this now is because we’re probably one of the largest counties in the state that has not yet to implement a secured entrance,” Payne said. “Over 90 percent of our employees responded that they would feel safer if there was one secured entrance, so it was really us listening to our staff and acting on that.”
The security enhancements are just part of a $1 million project that also includes handicap parking improvements. It will cost $200,000 a year to staff the new machines.
Sheboygan County District Attorney Joel Urmanksi says they studied other areas similar in size like Marathon County where they average 10-12 weapons seized per day.
"The things that people can try and hide in secure and bring in is shocking,” Urmanski said. “I can tell you that in the past, razor blades have been found in bathroom garbages.”
Sharon Kaboord, is happy security is getting the attention it deserves.
“There are so many crazies out there doing things today that I just think we need to do all we can to be safe and secure,” she said.
Everything will be up and running by October.
