Perth County Courthouse. (Photo provided by Ken Lund, Wikimedia CC BY-SA 2.0)
Midwestern

Metal detectors coming to Stratford courthouse

The Perth County Courthouse will have a metal detector at the entrance, beginning next week.

The new security enhancements will be operational on Tuesday, September 8 at 1 Huron Street in Stratford.

According to the County's Director of Public Works John McClelland, Stratford Police Service purchased two portable metal detectors, and have already been screening patrons at the St. Patrick Street location since last year.

Stratford Police will now have a full-time presence at the entry into the old Courthouse, and belongings will be searched if the alarm is set off.

The County encourages visitors to leave extra time to complete the security screening process.

Previously, people attending court may have been subject to wanding by police when entering the courtrooms.

The enhanced measures come as security costs at nearby County courthouses has become an issue.

"We do not expect any additional costs, to the County, for this enhanced security," wrote McClelland. "We have incurred some minor costs for additional electrical and IT work (to the building) to support the screening process."

To learn more about the security screening process, visit the County website.

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