Public safety committee hears courthouse, school security issues

Polk County is prepping for two of their highest profile court cases in years. The death penalty is a possibility, and with the eyes of the public watching, the public safety commission is looking to increase courthouse security for the benefit of both the staff and the accused.

Doug Elkins came to the group’s meeting prepped with photographs and ideas for structures, and while nothing was officially approved, those present did get a general idea of what their options were.

Most of the ideas took form as fences. The group is attempting to balance functionality with appearance, but since Courthouse No. 2 is surrounded by streets, the visibility, size, and numerous other factors naturally have to be considered when choosing the right one.

There is still no exact timeline for when the trials will begin, but the group is clearly looking to take action soon.

“I understand the board wants it to look nice, but we have to do something sooner than later,” County Chairperson Jennifer Hulsey said.

While the fences would likely be temporary, the committee seemed interested in funding a permanent sally port that would allow officers to park inside and escort inmates without outside interference.

It’s an item used in numerous police stations and one that Sheriff Johnny Moats described as a need.

“That’s a need when unloading inmates,” Moats said. “We need a sally port because everyone just walks up on us. It needs to be built into the building, I’d say.”

The group is considering the appearance of the port, too, and should Courthouse #2 become obsolete, the sally port could be re-purposed. Elkins will return to future meetings with more ideas, but before anything is approved or funded, the Polk County Board of Commissioners would have to review and vote for what they actually build.

Any fences or ports added would be the latest in a long line of security improvements the board has implemented. Earlier last year, Courthouse No. 2 saw improved security cameras and additional magnetic locks. There are also badge readers and other safety measures included. Most recently, a new roof was put on the structure.

The safety concerns extend much farther than the courthouse, and the Polk School District Police’s Michael McGee was present during the May 16 meeting to speak on plans to run through their active shooter plans.

While the plans are all on paper, the county has been adamant about officers getting hands-on practice with their plans. Now, with the creation of the PSD Police, there’s another element that needs to be given practical experience.

“We’ll have a couple different sessions and run everyone through the plans,” McGee said. “We’ve been talking about it for several months.”

Such training typically takes place when students are out of school, but there was talk of potentially having a few volunteer students around to make the training more realistic. McGee also addressed the recent Rockmart High School lockdown and mentioned he would be reviewing the correct course of action when dealing with shooting threats.

“We’re trying to train them because some are really good, but some of them really don’t think about it and they panic,” McGee said. “Their main goal (should be) to notify the principal or SRO first and then 911. We’re addressing that with each one of the schools. We’re gonna do some training with them and get them up to date.”

There were numerous other items on the agenda, but Assistant County Manager Barry Atkinson was not available to cover the vehicle accidents, the standalone 911 committee, or the courthouse benches and planters. Each was tabled.

Those interested in the future of any items can look forward to county commission meetings on the second Tuesday of every month at 72 Clines Ingram Jackson Rd. beginning at 7 p.m. Work sessions are hosted the day before meetings at 5:15 p.m.

Thanks to their partnership with Fresh for Less through Wholesome Wave Georgia, the Rockmart Farmers Market has been making sure those with SNAP and EBT can take home healthy, nutritious food for years now.

Locals can double up to $50 at the market and take home more food at essentially half the cost. While not available for certain made-to-order products, those in need can stock up on plenty of seasonal produce, meats, and other essentials while making sure local farmers can keep producing.

Now, the market is taking the program a step further by helping citizens sign up and learn about SNAP benefits. Officials from Wholesome Wave Georgia will be at the Thursday, May 23 market from 2 through 6 p.m. on Water Street to offer free screening, enrollment, and renewal for SNAP and EBT.

Locals need only bring a photo ID, their lease, their most recent pay stub, and an award letter for social security and or S.S.I. to get started.

Those interested in learning more about the program can find additional information by visiting https:// www.wholesomewavegeorgia.org/georgia-fresh-forless.

Those already enrolled can exchange their SNAP dollars at the front booth of the market. While doubling up to $50 is possible, shoppers are free to choose how much they spend. Spending $10 will get you $20 in market tokens; spending $20 will get you $40 in market tokens.

Dozens of vendors are selling goods such as grass-fed beef, spring produce, honey, mushrooms, pimento cheeses, and much more.

A full list of vendors can be found by visiting http:// www.rockmartfarmersmarket.com.

The event is one of many steps the market has taken to increase awareness and utilization of the program.

Wholesome Wave’s 2016 Customer Survey shows that Georgia Fresh For Less helped 80 percent of shoppers increase their daily servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, and local farmers manage to move much more product thanks to participants.

Aside from a few breaks during Thanksgiving and Christmas, the market is held year-round. Those interested in visiting can do so every Thursday from 2 through 6 p.m. on Water Street.

Floyd Polk Medical Center currently sits as the market’s major sponsor. More details about the group can be found by visiting https:// www.polkhospital.org.