Commissioners order courthouse surveillance cameras
By Debbie Lowe

In a special Monday morning meeting, commissioners approved the submission of a grant to Homeland Security for just over $44,516 to purchase and install 10 surveillance cameras for various locations in the courthouse.

"Assaults in the courtroom are on the rise nation-wide," sheriff Dennis Randle reported. "Both judges are in favor of cameras in the courtrooms."

The question of additional system costs once it was installed was left unanswered at the Oct. 16 commissioners' meeting when the matter was tabled.

Shawn Findley of One Touch Security Plus, which is the firm that will install the system, told the county leaders associated costs would not be a significant factor.

"I can't say there won't be any (additional costs)," Findley said. "But they will be minimal." Findley said a service agreement is

available. However he recommended the county proceed with the basic package and pay for repairs by the hour as needed.

"Technology changes every day," Findley said. "The shelf life is about 15 to 20 years for surveillance systems."

There is a full one-year warranty on all system parts and labor.

"Cameras last a long time and are tamper-resistant," Findley added.

Randle said the cameras could be monitored online and at the jail. Talking

about a potential "hostage situation," he said his recommendation to purchase and install the system "boils down to employee safety."

Reiterating both Carroll County judges "were very receptive to the idea," Emergency Management Agency Director Justin Darling recommended the purchase.

"I think we need this," he said. "It's $50,000 we don't have in the budget. We need to add security in the courthouse." Camera locations include the first

floor rotunda, clerk's office, auditor's office, treasurer's office, circuit and superior courts, probation hallway, third-floor rotunda, jury hallway, an outside entrance and control equipment.

Darling said the main system monitor will be located in the courthouse, but the exact location has not been determined. Screens will be Internet accessible on a secure site and will only be able to be accessed with a secure password.

For further information about the system contact Darling at (765) 564-4243.