The Des Moines Register reported on Wednesday that Dallas County's courthouse will see new security improvements designed to control the entrance of potential weapons, as well as to ensure that dire situations can be reported promptly.
According to the Register, the county has funded a $28,000 X-ray machine for the entrance using monies from a DHS grant.
The paper noted that other requests, including more funding for law enforcement presence, plus panic alarm buttons, video surveillance and a card access system, a new alarm system and upgraded electronic door locks, have been tabled until they can be discussed as part of a 2007 budget.
According to the newspaper, those technological and staffing increases were recommended by a U.S. Marshall-led security assessment.
