04-12-14 Retreat/Special Meeting of La Porte City Council

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Alarm and CCTV Observations: During the survey, I asked about an alarm system. I was informed that there were panic buttons at counters, but that there was not an alarm system for city hall. Panic alarm buttons were located at desk areas in the city mangers office, finance, front desk clerk, and inspections. There are specific instructions for the use of these panic button, however not all employees know how the buttons work. There was not a key pad visible. There were cameras mounted throughout city hall in all five areas;however there was not a visible monitor or recording device. Furthermore, we were unable to locate the monitor to view the cameras. There was one camera observed in the drive through window of city hall which captures images of window activity. Recommendations: Minimum: 1.Ensure that all panic button work 2.Give proper instruction to all employees 3.Place camera monitors in three different areas of city hall for monitoring. Suggested one in the front desk area, a second in the city managers or city secretary’s office, and the third in inspections. . 4.Record the CCTV with a DVR type system that can record up to 30 days of material 5.Place cameras outside at the entrances of city hall and also cameras that face the parking areas. 6.Along with the panic buttons, a general alert needs to sound or be visible to all employees. 7.Check the availability for the panic alert to be flashed on internal computers so those working on his or her computer will know of a potential problem. 8.Monthly test of the current alarm, if there is one in place, with the police department. 9.Place movement detectors within the hallways and interior rooms, glass breakagesensors on exterior windows, and door sensors on all doors. 10.Change or stagger times of money runs to the bank. 11.Consider an armored truck service which would decrease employee injury. Maximum: 1.Install motion detectors in the ceiling of the building where ceiling tile in accessible. Additional Observations: I asked about a contingency plan if a weapon was brought into city hall or if someone attempted to rob the tellers at the bill windows. I was advised that there is no plan. Along with this survey, additional training is to be held to help prevent crime from occurring and for employee safety. In the interim and past the training classes, I recommend that “safe zones” be established after minimum standards are met. By section beginning with the city council chambers, a safe zone should be considered past the west door on the north side of the room. This encompasses part of the new addition which is fortified with a concrete wall. There are also two exits which could be utilized, one at the east side of the building and one to the north. The north offices are divided by doors which utilize key swipes. The Achilles heel of this area is the glass door to the north of the city council chambers by the restrooms. If