NORWICH – County officials are calling it a sign of the times. Fatal events that have occurred in public places all over the state and nationwide have lead local policy makers to question the safety of the Chenango County Office Building.
Although no plan to enhance the security system at the County Office building has been finalized, the proposal to do so has been in the spotlight for quite some time. In March, the Chenango County Agriculture, Buildings and Grounds Committee first addressed the issue out of concern for the safety and security of public employees. While any effort to increase safety measures would come with a price tag – estimated to top nearly $80,000 to secure the County Office Building – officials questioned if it’s a worth while expense and whether or not enhanced security will actually help prevent tragic events at the building’s downtown location in Norwich.
Eight months later, members of the committee addressed the issue again during their November meeting; and with recent recommendations from the Chenango County Sheriff’s Office regarding possible improvements, they’re ready to move on to the next step.
Earlier this year, sheriff deputies conducted a walk-through of the building with the security agency that will prospectively contract with the county. An updated security plan is presently in the hands of the county attorney and officials are also seeking consultation from the county’s Information Technology (IT) Department, said county Buildings and Grounds Director Julie Gates. Hopes are to hear back by early next year before the proposal to go through with upgrades returns to members of the Buildings and Grounds Committee.
“There have been questions raised by county department heads about security in the office building,” Gates said, noting that the facility houses the Chenango County Family Court, mental hygiene services and a mental health outpatient clinic, as well as a few offices for the county Department of Social Services. People who visit the buildings “don’t always do it under the happiest circumstances,” she added.
There are a total of eight entry points at the building, including maintenance and storage entryways, and multiple points of access that are more prone to public use. The goal, explained Gates, is to limit access to primary entry points on the north side of the building (the Fair Street entrance) and the east side of the building (from the main parking lot off Court Street).
Other plausible security upgrades include increased surveillance cameras inside and outside the county office building, keypads or key fob locks on all doors for public employees and a web based security program to help monitor the facility. Designated personnel to manage surveillance footage and oversee future maintenance and upgrades of the high-tech security system has yet to be determined.
“What we want to do to improve security is pretty basic,” said Gates. “This is something we hope will help us control access into the building ... It will still be open to the public, but we will have more safety measures in place.”