Bag searches and metal detectors are routine outside council or commission chambers in most counties including Pinellas, Polk and Hillsborough.
That is especially true on meeting days.
Pasco County is an exception.
Pasco County Chairwoman Kathryn Starkey thinks it is time to rethink the county’s policy.
She brought up the topic at the conclusion of the county commission’s meeting on Dec.1.
(File Photo)
“I’ve had a couple incidents with people who might be considered fairly unstable,” Starkey said after the meeting. “It just really makes me concerned.”
County staff plans to report back to commissioners with data on costs and feasibility of installing metal detectors at the West Pasco Government Center in New Port Richey and the Historic Dade City Courthouse.
Other government buildings also could be included in plans to beef up security.
Starkey aired her concerns just a day before a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California left 14 people killed and more than 20 people injured.
It was another in a list of what the Federal Bureau of Investigation now labels as “active-shooter” incidents where an individual or individuals kill or attempt to kill people gathered in a confined area.
According to FBI data, there were 160 such incidents from 2000 to 2013, and the number is on the rise.
“I sure don’t want to see something happen here that happened in California,” said Starkey, in a phone interview on Dec. 3.
There was little enthusiasm for pursuing metal detectors during the commission’s Dec. 1 meeting.
Cost, in part, was an issue.
“It’s the taxpayers’ building,” said Pasco County Commissioner Mike Wells.
“I think it’s okay to look at what other counties do,” Wells said. “Safety is No. 1. I agree with you there.”
County Administrator Michele Baker said the design of the government center in New Port Richey included room to allow metal detectors. But constitutional officers and commissioners, at the time, didn’t want to pursue that.
Ted Schrader, another commissioner, said he’s not sure the idea will find support now.
“I suspect you’re going to get some pushback from that,” Schrader said. “How do you pick and choose which buildings?”
He noted that security cameras are in use.
“A camera doesn’t stop someone coming in with a gun,” Starkey said. “I can tell you, there are employees here who are not comfortable.”
With its multiple entry points and limited lobby area, the Historic Dade City Courthouse, could pose some logistical challenges.
Tampa City Hall is a historic building similar to Dade City’s courthouse. Instead of using metal detectors there, Tampa police officers search bags and use security wands to screen people.
Outside Hillsborough County Commission chambers, sheriff’s deputies operate a metal detector.
“In this day and age it’s a sad thing, but we want to know if people are bringing guns,” Starkey said.
Published December 9, 2015
