Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 9, 2006

Collin County to enhance courthouse security initiatives

(McKinney, TX) – Collin County will enhance its security system in two McKinney courthouses beginning on June 15th. The system will include additional security staff, metal detectors and a strengthened safety mechanism for employees and visitors.

“Following September 11th and unrelated security incidents at Texas courthouses, our law enforcement leaders, including the Sheriff’s Office, along with officials in our court systems, proposed enhanced mechanisms to prevent harm or injury to our staff and visitors,” explains Collin County Judge Ron Harris. “Our various law enforcement groups have formed a partnership to improve safety. These mechanisms may be a new and surprising sight for our visitors, but they will know that safety is our top priority.”

Metal detectors and x-ray machines are being installed in the 210 South McDonald Street Courthouse and the University Drive Courts Facility, both in McKinney. Residents and persons doing business with the county will be required to enter checkpoint areas with metal detectors. McDonald Street courthouse visitors will need to enter the north side of the building beginning on June 15th. Visitors to the University Drive Courts Facility will be required to enter the main entrance on the west side of the building. However, visitors to the county’s motor vehicle area may enter and exit the building on the northeast side without needing to go through a checkpoint area.

“We recognize that time is very important to our courthouse visitors.” says Collin County Homeland Security Director Kelley Stone. “Our security staff has been through intense training so that they can make entering the courthouses as smooth and painless as possible.”

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