County upgrades its security
Butler County is taking advantage of federal grant funding to enhance security at the government center on Diamond Street.
Using $104,573 in U.S. Department of Homeland Security funding, county Sheriff Mike Slupe recently installed a new X-ray machine and two new walk-through metal detectors.
Slupe said the new metal detectors are more sensitive than the 13-year-old machine they replaced.
He pointed out having two machines enables deputies to bring in people more quickly.
“The reason for it is when there is a high volume of people,” Slupe said.
Busier days at the government center, which is linked to the courthouse via a walkway, include jury selection and DUI court.
The former machine is now being used in the Butler Area Rural Transit building on Hollywood Drive near Pullman Square.
The new walk-through detectors and six metal detecting wands were purchased from CEIA USA in Twinsburg, Ohio.
A new X-ray machine was acquired from Smiths Detection in Morristown, N.J. The county is trying to sell the old X-ray machine, which is 13 years old.
Slupe also acquired an Ionscan device, which detects explosives and narcotics.
He said if a suspect item is mailed or brought into the government center, a swab would be wiped onto the package for examination.
A portable metal detector also was obtained. Slupe said that device would be used at other sites, such as a district court office, when needed.
