Beaufort County Courthouse Security Measures Will Increase Beginning February 1, 2016 | Eastern NC Now

News Release:

    January 8, 2016     Beginning February 1, 2016, security measures at the Beaufort County Courthouse will increase. The additional measures will include modifying access at two exterior entrances to the building to route pedestrian traffic through security screening checkpoints.

    Previously these screening checkpoints were only located at the entrances to the Courtrooms. Public access will be through the two entrances located on the Second Street side of the building. The first will be the main first-floor entrance and the second will be the ground-level entrance by the Magistrates' Office. The remaining exterior entrances will closed. Video surveillance and a walking patrol of the building is also being added.

    The County has engaged Universal Protection Service, located in Greenville, NC, to assist with these additional security measures. The Sheriff's Office will continue to provide security within the courtrooms and in other specific areas of the Courthouse as it has always done. People are reminded that weapons are not allowed in the Courthouse building and in addition, by orders of both the Senior Resident Superior Court Judge and the Chief District Court Judge, cellular phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in the courtrooms.

    These additional security measures are intended to help increase the level of safety for the public using the Courthouse and for the staff working in the Courthouse. The implementation of the new measures will not occur all at once. They will be phased in starting February 1, 2016 to allow people the opportunity to adjust to the changes. "The Board of Commissioners understands that change can be disruptive and appreciates the public's patience as these additional measures are implemented," said County Manager Brian Alligood.

    Contacts:

       Brian M. Alligood, County Manager

          121 W. 3rd Street
          Washington, NC 27889

          (252) 946-0079  •  brian.alligood@co.beaufort.nc.us