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Security Issues Identified at Lee County Buildings

Jason Parrott
/
Tri States Public Radio

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has provided Lee County with a lengthy checklist for security improvements at five of its buildings.

Phil Pitzen, a Protective Security Advisor with the agency, spent about four hours in the county Tuesday touring these buildings.

  • North Lee County Courthouse
  • Lee County Health Department
  • Lee County Attorney's Office
  • North Lee County Office Building
  • South Lee County Courthouse

Pitzen filled a legal pad with notes during his visit, which he shared with the Board of Supervisors as part of a roughly two-hour debriefing.
"It is an advisory visit and I want to make sure that I view and advise them on areas that they want me to look at," said Pitzen.  "If they have concerns about access or whatever, I want to make sure I don't miss that while I am here."
 

The South Lee County Courthouse in Keokuk

Pitzen said he paid particular attention to weaknesses related to active shooter scenarios.

"The goal is to not make it easy for a bad guy to do things to (employees or the public)," said Pitzen.

He said there are too many building entrances and too many unlocked doors labeled "Keep Out" or "Private" in each location. Pitzen said that he understands how locking those doors could inconvenience employees.

“But, you know, also keep those people without a key out of the area," said Pitzen.  "So you become inconvenienced but everybody that works in that area is now more secure.”

Pitzen says Lee County should also look to better secure county records and better plan for emergencies not related to fire or weather.
    

The Lee County Health Department

Chairman Ernie Schiller said after hearing the report, the Board of Supervisors must act quickly.

“I would hope within two weeks, you would see some changes in our facilities and they won’t be hampering customer business," said Schiller.  "That it will accentuate the safety of customers and employees.”

Schiller said that starts with locking doors and informing the public that certain entrances will no longer be accessible.
    
Big ticket items such as construction and equipment will probably have to wait until budget discussions early next year.

Jason Parrott is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.