Mike Hillwig and department head John Campbell of Butler County Facilities & Operations size up a ballistic panel that was later installed onto the information desk in the county government center lobby Friday. The panel was one of three installed Friday. A fourth was added to the two free-standing ones stationed closer to the building's entrance.

Security in the front lobby of the Butler County Government Center was bolstered Friday afternoon.

Three bulletproof panels were installed in front of the security desk manned by sheriff's deputies.

Sheriff Mike Slupe said the ballistic panels improve security for the deputies if a potentially dangerous situation occurs.

Slupe said the installation was the culmination of discussions with county court to boost security measures.

“We spoke about adding protective layers for the lobby,” he said.

Along with shielding staff, the panels, which are coated with polycarbonate, protect the main area of the electronic security system.

“The panels attached to the desk are integral to the security of the building due to the equipment housed there,” Slupe said. “It's like a Grand Central Station of security.”

Earlier in the week, a third ballistic panel was added to the ones already standing between the metal detectors and the front desk.

Slupe paid for the $9,900 cost of the four new panels, which were supplied by Ibis Tek, from Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts funding.

The government center entrance is the only access point for the public to enter that building, the county courthouse and the government center annex.

Tom Holman, deputy court administrator, said the AOPC assists local courts in funding the implementation of security measures.

“The Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts recognizes that the courthouses are often the focal point for the expression of anger and displeasure with government,” Holman said. “They make funding available for courthouse security at the local level.”

Deputies also are stationed on the other side of the panels operating the X-ray machine and use hand-held devices to check if visitors are armed.

“The deputies are trained to deal with threatening situations,” Slupe said.

He said future training sessions would involve how best to utilize the panels' placement in the lobby.

“We'll do additional training,” Slupe said.

Slupe's office regularly conducts training sessions in the building when county offices and courtrooms are closed or in areas of county buildings not being used.

In July 2016, deputies participated in a two-day active shooter training on the third and fourth floors of the courthouse during a period when no hearings were scheduled.

The panel installation is the latest in several security enhancements during Slupe's tenure.

In August 2013, a new X-ray machine and more advanced metal detectors were installed in the lobby. The first two ballistic panels were added in December 2014.

Holman pointed out additional closed circuit cameras continue to be added to the three main county buildings in Butler as well as district judges' offices across the county.

Slupe said security measures will continue to be reviewed for future upgrades.