Commissioners purchase new high-tech security screening system for courthouse
Weapons detection unit will move visitors through more quickly
Mike Jones/Observer-Reporter
A new high-tech weapons detection system backed by artificial intelligence will soon be installed at the Washington County Courthouse, giving sheriff’s deputies more information while screening people through security and hopefully moving visitors into the building more quickly.
The Washington County commissioners during their Thursday morning voting meeting unanimously approved the purchase of two screening units and two baggage X-ray units through York County-based MProtective LLC that will cost $94,120 per year over four years.
The new system will replace the outdated metal detector and bag screening equipment currently located at the West Cherry Alley entrance, and the other unit will be placed at the main entrance, allowing county officials to reopen the courthouse doors facing South Main Street. The systems are now widely used at sports stadiums across the country as a more efficient means to move large crowds through security, but it’s the first time it will be used in a county courthouse in Pennsylvania.
“As someone who worked in the courts for almost two decades, I understand that courtroom security is crucial,” Washington County Commission Chairman Nick Sherman said in a written statement. “Very few people are in court for good reasons, emotions can run high and even a simple situation can escalate. With so much violence in the world today, it’s imperative that we protect our county employees and the public.”
The Evolv Express Weapons Screening unit allows people to walk through security without stopping or emptying items from their pockets, which county officials said will make for a safer and more efficient screening process that will reduce wait times for visitors. The Evolv eXpedite Bag X-Ray units will also improve screening for the numerous brief cases and bags that visitors bring into the courthouse.
“As the former sheriff and (a state police) law enforcement officer, I understand the importance of keeping up with technology to keep our courthouse safe,” Commissioner Larry Maggi said, adding that this security upgrade is an important and necessary measure nowadays.
“We need to be at the forefront as technology constantly evolves,” Commissioner Electra Janis added. “We don’t want to invest in something that will be outdated in just a few years. Embracing innovation is key to keeping our facilities secure.”
The upgraded system is powered by AI, giving deputies more tools at their disposal as they work to keep the courthouse safe. It’s not known when the new systems will be put into service since the deputies must first train on the equipment before they’re implemented in the courthouse.
All of this comes as Sherman said following the meeting that he is hopeful the courthouse’s main doors facing South Main Street will be able to reopen in time for the Washington County Bar Association’s Fall Gala on Oct. 18. The charity gala this year is celebrating the 125th anniversary of the courthouse opening in 1900.
The courthouse’s main doors have been closed since late 2019 when construction on the front portico shuttered them to allow crews to work, and that entrance remained off limits to the public due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic that began shortly after. County and courthouse officials have been working since last year to reopen the entrance – the original doors are to be refurbished and a new security procedure is being formulated – with hopes it will be available to the visitors later this month.