Henry County discusses courthouse exit functionality, panic bars and camera monitoring upgrades

County staff and commissioners discussed courthouse security features at the Dec. 23 meeting, focusing on exterior/internal entry-exit functionality and prospective monitoring improvements.

Staff explained that the courthouse’s exits are accessible by push-button and that the fire alarm system releases the locking mechanism during an alarm, which staff said satisfies emergency-exit requirements. Commissioners raised concerns about crowd egress and whether panic bars should augment the existing system to facilitate rapid exit.

The conversation also turned to camera monitoring: staff said a video feed exists on a monitor near a water fountain but cannot be seen by security personnel from their station. Commissioners discussed relocating or adding monitors to the security desk and installing monitors/computers on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors so the bailiff and court staff can monitor entryways. A staff estimate of approximately $900 per computer was recorded for the additional monitors/computers.

Why it matters: Courthouse entry points and real-time monitoring affect both safety and operational security. Commissioners and the judge discussed incremental hardware moves and potential funding to improve visibility of entryways.

Next steps: Staff will follow up with the judge, court staff and IT/security contractor (Chuck referenced in the transcript) to scope the work and return with cost estimates and a plan for monitor placement and any required hardware purchases.