California County Board Adds Metal Detectors to Increase Security

California County Board Adds Metal Detectors to Increase Security

A metal detector will now greet visitors to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors chambers as part of a new, broader security policy intended to boost safety.

The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors has decided to add metal detector to its chambers, part of a new, broader security policy intended to boost safety during public meetings. The County employees and members ugh the public attending the Board of Supervisor meetings will now be required to pass through the device and hand over their bags and backpacks for inspection. 

Guns, knives and flammable substances are strictly prohibited. 

The Supervisors signed off on the screening protocol on Dec. 4. The new security measure will cost about $50,000 a year to hire a firm to conduct the security screenings, but the move will provide another security layer in addition to the deputies already stationed at the chambers, which cost $32,842 last fiscal year.

The new policy was proposed in July as the county looked to upgrade security after completing a risk assessment and putting into motion measures, such as installing more lighting. The assessment followed a 2016 incidence in which a man broke into the county counsel's office.

"We feel it is appropriate to err on the side of being overly cautious," County Administrator Sheryl Bratton told a local news station. "It's hard to enunciate the risk, but given what's going on in the nation with active shooters, it is a modest improvement."


About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report: 2025 Video Surveillance Market Set to Grow After Small Decline in 2024

    Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, “World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition.” The research indicates that the global market for video surveillance hardware and software experienced a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024. This performance fell short of previous forecasts, primarily due to a significant decrease of 7.8% in the Chinese market. Conversely, the rest of the world saw a growth of 4.9%. The global market for video surveillance equipment was estimated to be worth $25.0 billion in 2024. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.