POINT PLEASANT — The days of entering the Mason County Courthouse from its many entrances without being searched, are over.
Unfortunately, it’s a fact of life that not everyone entering a public building has the best of intentions. For this reason, visitors to the Mason County Courthouse will have to go through security checkpoints starting Monday, Dec. 17. These changes to courthouse security are permanent.
There will now be only two ways into the Mason County Courthouse - the second floor entrance which faces Sixth St. and the first floor entrance which faces Main St. The first floor entrance is handicapped accessible. A deputy with the Mason County Sheriff’s Department will be stationed at each of the entrances from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Everyone, including employees, who arrive at the courthouse will have to step through a metal detector and be subject to a search by a deputy. Purses, briefcases and backpacks will also be searched.
County office holders who have to visit the courthouse after hours can still use their keys to gain entry at other points in the building but the doors must be locked immediately after entering or leaving.
Mason County Commissioner Rick Handley said the courthouse has lacked these updated security measures and especially given the recent events across the country which were a result of violent attacks in public places, they are obviously needed. Handley said now’s the time to initiate these changes and be proactive should any problems arise.
The Mason County Courthouse already has video surveillance inside as well as outside the building.
Yes, Sandy Hook is and will always be a tragedy. One that should never be far from our minds. But the last act of violence of this type that occurred in Mason County was in the 1970's when Bruce Sisk blew up the county courthouse!Over 30 years ago. Let's be realistic and think this thing through before we go all Wyatt Earp, 'cause when you start looking at my right to protect myself, you're looking for trouble.