Clerk asks for broader courthouse camera access for elections safety; commissioners weigh privacy and countywide policy

Randolph County Clerk Jacqueline P told commissioners she needs access to courthouse security cameras to protect elections equipment, preserve chain of custody for records and improve employee safety in a high-traffic public area.

"We need the camera access especially for the elections to keep it safe and secure, identify any threats or tampering," Jacqueline P said. She recounted an incident in which a sheriff's deputy used camera footage to de-escalate an angry visitor and said camera access helps staff monitor entrances and preserve records.

Several commissioners expressed concern about granting system-wide access to every courthouse employee and emphasized a written policy. One commissioner said department heads and first deputies should have access, but the board should avoid “jeopardiz[ing] anybody” and must be careful about privacy and overuse of surveillance. The board asked staff to draft a countywide access policy and deferred final action until all three commissioners could meet.

Why it matters: camera access balances employee safety and evidence preservation for elections against privacy concerns and potential overuse of surveillance. The clerk framed the request around election security and chain-of-custody protections rather than routine monitoring of employees.

Next steps: staff will produce a policy recommendation for commissioners to consider when the full board is present.