Video cameras, access locks to be installed
Polk County decided this week to install video cameras in various locations at the historic courthouse in Columbus, as well as increasing the security of the courthouse’s back doors.
Commissioners met Monday, May 16 and unanimously approved purchasing the security equipment for approximately $10,400 from Security Appliance Company. The total includes video cameras, the door access system and installation.
Polk County Systems Coordinator Marche Pittman said the clerk of superior court, the bailiff and the sheriff asked his department for cameras for the lower level of the courthouse and access control equipment for the rear doors of the courthouse.
The county set aside $10,600 for courthouse security in this year’s budget. County manager Ryan Whitson said the cameras and door security should be installed within the next couple of weeks.
The bid included four 2MP video cameras that will record activity in the building constantly, Pittman said. As the cameras run out of storage space for the videos, earlier recordings will be overwritten.
The circa 1859 courthouse will be the second county building to receive security enhancements. The Womack building across the street that houses county offices received access security equipment last year.
County employees who work in the courthouse will now access the rear of the building using identification cards, as employees at the Womack building do.