New Security at Two Palestine Buildings

PALESTINE — The city of Palestine is starting new security measures at city hall and the police department. Visitors to the buildings are now required to sign in at both entrances. Visitors, including elected officials, will be required to sign in their name, agency or institution they represent, city official they are visiting, the purpose of the visit, and date and time of the visit. City Manager Mike Alexander said there have been no specific threats against the buildings. The action is to ensure all city employees continue to feel secure while at work.

Those coming in to pay utility bills or court fines, applying for permits or at the court or city council will not be required to sign in. Only those who are meeting in city hall and police station offices.

Alexander says an FBI study Study of Active Shooter Incidents in the United States between 2000 and 2013 shows 10% of the 160 active shooter situations occurred in government buildings such as city halls, contractors, and military bases. In the study, 1,043 people were killed by an active shooter. He said the sign in sheet is just another safeguard to city employees.