The Lincoln County Sheriff's Department has additional funds from the state to screen visitors, but due to limited space, the department is trying to find a better location in the Lincoln County Courthouse. Screenings currently take place at one of two patio entrances there. 

It is cramped, though. A line backs up to the entrance as people empty their pockets and walk through a metal detector. People jostle for space as they are scanned by deputies and women wait in line for the nearby restroom.

Now picture being an employee and having to enter and exit the building several times per day. Sheriff Todd Brackett wants to reduce waiting time for those who need to be screened and streamline the process for employees who have already passed a security check.

“My feeling is that they shouldn't have to be screened every time,” Brackett said of the state employees and courthouse staff.

However, it could cause some friction among those waiting in line if deputies just wave these employees through. Brackett is investigating two potential solutions: a key code entry at one of the other courthouse doors and an ID card swipe system. Brackett said either solution could cost approximately $600. 

County Administrator John O'Connell said during a recent meeting with County Commissioners that he was concerned about key codes being shared, thereby jeopardizing security. He said a system enabling an employee to swipe an ID card would be better. Brackett said he would consult with Maintenance Supervisor Jim Hopler to determine the actual cost of each system, though he believes a key coded entry would be less expensive. 

Brackett said he would also share his written policy on such a system with county employees and department heads. In the meantime, the sheriff's department will try screening in the entrance by the Deeds office, “to see if it will be any smoother.”

“When you screen someone, you want that to be as brief as possible,” Brackett said, adding that in light of statewide problems with people smuggling illegal drugs and guns into courthouse buildings and the emotional atmosphere of proceedings, security is of utmost importance. 

A special employee entrance would help to streamline the screening process and would be a step in the direction of daily screenings at the courthouse. Brackett will share his findings with commissioners at their next meeting December 4.