Yuba County ups security, installs metal detector at Government Center
It should be a little safer to conduct business in the Yuba County Government Center.
The county recently installed a metal detector at the entrance in an effort to keep both the public and staff safe.
“The screening equipment was installed on June 12 to increase the security posture for employees and citizens transacting business in the building,” said Tim Mccoy, director of administrative services.
The county said incidents in communities around California and the country prompted the action. Though the Government Center has dealt with security issues since it was built, only a handful have reportedly been volatile. This effort, officials said, is more of a proactive approach, rather than reactive.
Mccoy said the public’s reaction so far has been “overwhelmingly positive.”
Installing the equipment cost the county $25,311, which includes one X-ray machine with roller tables, one metal detector and two hand wands for the security guard company hired by the county to screen at the entrance.
Public information officer Russ Brown said all other county buildings have restricted public access already. For instance, the courthouse has metal detectors and scanners, and Health and Human Services has full-time security in the lobby, even though the public doesn’t have access to the different offices inside the building.
“The security requirements for each county facility are continually evaluated and applicable measures will be taken as appropriate,” Mccoy said.
The Yuba County Government Center is home to departments such as administrative services, agricultural commissioner, assessor’s office, auditor/controller, board of supervisors, community development, county administrator, clerk-recorder, county counsel, emergency services, human resources and organizational services, information technology, public guardian, and treasurer and tax collector. Mary Pasillas, an employee in the Yuba County Board of Supervisors office, walks through the security check at the Government Center in Marysville on Thursday.