Tools

Security measures stepped up at Justice Center, more expected

By Ray Gomez

Anyone using the Justice Center today witnessed only the beginning of many security changes being made at the Justice Center.

Last night Commissioner's Court held a special meeting and their law enforcement officials agreed stricter security measures should be taken at the facility.

At last night’s, meeting County Commissioners and local law enforcement meant business when they said security changes would take effect immediately: Orange cones were directing people to the metal detectors installed this morning at each entrance on the first level of the justice center.

"Sheriff Martin Cuellar says having metal detectors installed at every entrance of the Justice Center will keep anyone wanting to cause harm to employees away."

"People see these things they turn around and go the other way. They also take it to where if they're going to come through with devices, it lets them be caught in the process of coming in, bringing a gun, knife, or things like that, " and people using the facility today say they feel much safer.

"They make me feel safe and they’re for the best of our security."

The metal detectors are only the beginning.

"The X-Ray machine we want to get also will be deployed hopefully within a week once we get it," and the $226,000 approved by Commissioners Court last night will be used to install additional camera inside and to the exterior of the building.

"Data on video camera will allow authorities to look back at who caused the individual offense so they can be prosecuted."

All those remaining changes will be done in phases.

According to Sheriff Martin Cuellar, within the next 3 months additional security cameras and barricades will all be installed.

Those X-Ray machines are expected to be in use in about a week.

You have indicated this comment should be removed.

Close

The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .

1stepforward3stepsback said on Friday, Sep 25 at 4:06 PM

Magicians use smoke and mirrors in order to deceive. Politians are like magicians. When they are in trouble they use diversion tactics in order to throw you off. Something is amiss. Something is not right in Laredo. Please excuse my spelling if there are any mistakes.

29677884
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

What's next Supermartin said on Wednesday, Sep 23 at 10:31 PM

Martin loves the media! His brother Henry has taught him well! The so-called bomb was a set-up. What's next Martin, are you going to train an inmate to hold somebody hostage and you're going to be Superman and save the day. Or can we expect a planned excape! Henry,you're the man!

29575129
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

tax payer said on Wednesday, Sep 23 at 6:27 PM

I forgot to mention during the commissioners court,some commissioners blamed previous sheriff's for not updating the security technology check your agendas before u speak out it was brought to your attention numerous times.

29566537
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

tax payer said on Wednesday, Sep 23 at 6:21 PM

i want to thank the Commissioners Court to finally accept that Webb County Justice Center,Commissioners Court,and the Administration Building are outdated on security technology. this not the first time the sheriff Department had approach the commissioners court of the security risk this buildings had since 2000 that i can remember.

29566309
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Mr. Anderson said on Wednesday, Sep 23 at 6:14 PM

This is absolutely absurd! How often has something like this happened? Does this event warrant the spending of thousands of dollars, of coarse not. Classic over reaction.

29566044
Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KGNS-TV and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. Comments are posted on site immediately and without station moderation. If you feel a comment is inappropriate you may flag it for review. For guidelines on flagging comments see our Terms & Conditions. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

The Buzz On 8