Hot Springs Will Activate New Controlled Access Security System
By:
Updated: November 30, 2012
Doing business face-to-face with Hot Springs City Departments isn't going to be as easy as it used to be.
Crews have finished installing a high-tech security system in three buildings, among them city hall.
Starting Monday, anyone wishing to visit any department must first activate a camera-connected buzzer, state their name and say what department they are seeking before they will be allowed inside.
"From our standpoint, it's protecting our employees and making our employees safer," said Denny McPhate, Public Works Director.
McPhate said there have been thefts and incidents of vandalism in the past. No city hall staffer has been physically threatened but two years ago a man was threatening Hot Springs law enforcement.
The controlled-access system, he said, is also intended to prevent unwanted visitors from overstaying their welcome and distracting employees.
When it comes to ease of access to city officials, McPhate admits: "Some people are not going to like it, it's going to be difficult to get used to."
One of those people is Troy Webb.
KARK caught up with Webb just outside city hall.
"I don't like it," he said, adding: "Probably any American citizen doesn't like it but we have to have some security and use some sense...until something happens to make our world a safer place, this is what we are going to have to live with."'
Civil Rights attorney Bettina Brownstein says the new security system isn't a problem if that is its sole purpose but if it creates a barrier between the public and local government, then it can be a problem.
Technicians plan to activate the new security system Monday morning, McPhate said.
The project cost a combined total of $120,000 from the city's general fund and includes upgrades to fire and burglar alarm systems in those buildings.
Crews have finished installing a high-tech security system in three buildings, among them city hall.
Starting Monday, anyone wishing to visit any department must first activate a camera-connected buzzer, state their name and say what department they are seeking before they will be allowed inside.
"From our standpoint, it's protecting our employees and making our employees safer," said Denny McPhate, Public Works Director.
McPhate said there have been thefts and incidents of vandalism in the past. No city hall staffer has been physically threatened but two years ago a man was threatening Hot Springs law enforcement.
The controlled-access system, he said, is also intended to prevent unwanted visitors from overstaying their welcome and distracting employees.
When it comes to ease of access to city officials, McPhate admits: "Some people are not going to like it, it's going to be difficult to get used to."
One of those people is Troy Webb.
KARK caught up with Webb just outside city hall.
"I don't like it," he said, adding: "Probably any American citizen doesn't like it but we have to have some security and use some sense...until something happens to make our world a safer place, this is what we are going to have to live with."'
Civil Rights attorney Bettina Brownstein says the new security system isn't a problem if that is its sole purpose but if it creates a barrier between the public and local government, then it can be a problem.
Technicians plan to activate the new security system Monday morning, McPhate said.
The project cost a combined total of $120,000 from the city's general fund and includes upgrades to fire and burglar alarm systems in those buildings.
