The images are seared into our memories, instances of violence in public places. Mass shootings at schools and entertainment venues, and the same types of or similar acts at other facilities.
Nearly all of the public buildings in Columbus were planned before threats and actions against government, schools and local residents began to intensify.
That is an indication of how society has changed, and how local leaders and residents must adapt to prevent as best as possible such violence from occurring in their communities.
That’s why it’s heartening to hear that local officials are taking important steps to provide a safer environment for employees, students and others with building modifications and security changes to reflect today’s environment.
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Bartholomew Consolidated School Corp., which began classes Wednesday, has announced multiple changes that are to take effect by Aug. 24. They are:
Single entry points to schools. Doors that lead to school hallways and the main office be locked when a guest enters building. Visitors will press an intercom button to communicate with the main office.
Hand-held metal detectors. Bartholomew Consolidated has ordered 46 from the state, which provided them free of charge. The district still has to set guidelines for use.
Badges for staff and visitors. Staff will wear badges when they are in the building. Visitors must wear electronically issued ID badges when in the building.
Background checks for visitors, who will provide an ID card such as a driver’s license so a vetting process can take place before entry.
These plans are on top of the $70,000 the district has spent for security improvements so far this year, including hardware and software, cameras and door locks. Bartholomew Consolidated also plans to add three more school resource officers in January to improve coverage among district’s 18 buildings.
The city also has recognized the need for improved safety and has earmarked $100,000 for a safety assessment plan of Columbus City Hall and other municipal buildings. That’s needed, because city hall in particular was designed and constructed at a time when safety concerns where minimal at best. Thus the building’s limited visibility between departments and the upper and lower levels.
Changes at city hall could potentially follow the lead of those made at the Bartholomew County Courthouse across the street. It has limited its public entrance to the east side, where visitors must pass through a metal detector and are subject to hand-held metal detectors. Also, one or two deputies protect the courthouse, and do so with camera surveillance and communication with each office.
It’s unfortunate that greater security measures are needed in communities such as Columbus in today’s environment. But, it’s good to know local leaders are taking seriously potential threats to residents, and doing what’s necessary to ensure safety in public buildings.
