(Copyright 2024 Point/Plover Metro Wire)

Column: Let’s talk about security, because that’s all we do anymore

By Dan Kontos

You probably caught the May 19 article in the Metro Wire about security training in the County/City Building. You may have thought that this is simply a pedestrian article about some local happenings that don’t really pertain to you very much. You’d be wrong.

The scab has been picked, and it’s time to bring it up again.

I’ve told you about pervasive and persistent problems with providing adequate security for our current courthouse, for both staff and visitors alike. I’ve tried to outline the history, outlined the issues, and tried to propose solutions. This issue is near and dear to me, as I have spent a lot of time examining the problem and working to fix it. No, not just here in the Metro Wire.

Lots of people have been sounding the alarm for a long time. From Judges Patricia Baker and Louis Molepske to past sheriffs to just about anyone who works there.

 Just as a quick catch-up, in 1995 the U.S. Marshal Service conducted a study of the current, 1958 courthouse and found multiple serious safety and security issues. However, nothing was done, except to discuss the matter. In 2006, Portage County did its own needs study, and similarly found safety and security lacking, and again nothing was done but talk. In 2009, the county hired an architectural firm to study the issue, which came up with the same conclusions, and that was shelved after a formal presentation and lengthy discussion.

In April of 2010, the Sheriff’s Office did its own study and issued a report entitled Portage County Courtroom Security Plan, A plan to provide immediate short-term security to the courtrooms of Portage County. Later in June of that year, that plan was refined. How do I know? I authored that report over 14 years ago. 

On September 21, 2010, the County Board approved this stopgap measure to fill the most critical security issues while another courthouse referendum was held. It would later be voted down, and despite being non-binding, the Board dropped the issue again.

Now fast-forward 14 years and several more studies later, we are sitting at essentially the same security posture that we were at when this “temporary” plan was put into place. You could even argue that with the Stevens Point Police Department moving out of downtown, the security posture backslid a bit. Yes, some technological improvements have been made in the last decade and a half, but the truth of the matter is that little has changed.

We sure can talk about the problems, spend lots of money to hire firms to talk about the problems, and eventually talk about how we can’t get anything done, but talk. The common denominator is talk. We are good at that.

Now with an effectively new county board, it’s time to talk again. The County/City Building cannot be easily fixed. Something needs to be done to make the necessary changes to improve the safety and security of that 66-year-old building, constructed in another time for a much different community.

A lot of money was spent on the Board elections this year. Now is the time to see if it was well spent. Talk is cheap, but the solutions are not. Oh, and by the way, waiting just increases the costs. Look where all talk and little action has gotten us so far. To my friends in the 2024-2026 County Board, who I respect for your service, now is the time to solve this and other challenges.

The city of Stevens Point has other priorities. Perhaps we should work on paths that diverge on this issue. 

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, just don’t hold your breath.  Let’s still do it boldly, honestly, with an appreciation for all our public servants, and with a healthy respect for each other. Until then, remember that God loves you, and so do I.