DECATUR, Ala. (WHNT) — Going around a checkpoint and bypassing a security screening without authorization at Decatur City Hall may soon be illegal.
An ordinance proposal by Assistant City Attorney Chip Alexander would make it a misdemeanor to evade security measures.
“Everyone who comes into the building should go through the security system, including myself,” Councilman Billy Jackson said. “I don’t have a problem with the ordinance itself, but I do have concerns with the enforcement of the ordinance.”
The first reading of the ordinance said that only people who are authorized could bypass the security checkpoint.
City leaders agree that the measure is necessary, but Jackson, a candidate for mayor, argues that the ordinance could allow any person deemed authorized to bring weapons into City Hall undetected.
“I do know that we do background checks on people that come into this building, but that background check is done at one point, and a bad day could come at a later point so, I think that it’s important that each of us go through the security system,” Jackson explained. “It could be a timely process, but it would make it a safer system.”
Alexander proposed a $500 fine and up to 180 days in jail if you ignore or disobey a security officer at the checkpoint.
Decatur citizens told News 19 they agree with Jackson that the ordinance should apply to everyone.
“Especially of in the nature of where we are, and we’ve had councilmen threaten to openly carry into council meetings,” Sharonda Acklin said. “Anyone can be disgruntled, and anyone can have a bad day.”
A second reading and a vote on the ordinance are likely at the next city council meeting.
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