2-3 Policy for Board Chambers Security

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Approved: Board of Supervisors
Authority: County Clerk / County Administrator
Established: 12/04/2018
Revised Date: 12/10/2018

1. Purpose
2. Policy
   

Increase safety and participation in public meetings. This policy is in effect for all agencies in the County, including the Sonoma County Water Agency, the Community Development Commission, and the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District.

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In order to provide a safe environment for all individuals attending public meetings in the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors' meeting chambers, screening measures will require all individuals to pass through a metal detector, and any hand-carried items (i.e. backpacks, handbags, briefcases, purses, etc.) to be checked prior to entry into the Board Chambers.  

Individuals planning to participate in Board meetings are advised to allow extra time to complete the screening process. The Board chambers will typically open 30 minutes ahead of the Board meeting start time to reduce traffic congestion. This time may change if large public attendance is anticipated. 

Any person refusing to pass through the screening station, or refusing to submit to a search of their person and/or belongings will be denied entry into the Chambers.  

Any person refusing to remove any prohibited items from their person and/or belongings shall be denied entry. 

In the event an accommodation is required, an alternative procedure will be provided.  Questions should be directed to the Clerk of the Board office at (707) 565-2241 or BOS@sonoma-county.org. 

Any person in possession of any weapon described in Section 171b of the California Penal Code, or any person in possession of any object reasonably deemed capable of being used as a weapon by the Security personnel, will be denied entry to the Chambers. This prohibition does not apply to peace officers on official duty, or to emergency personnel responding to an emergency situation in the Chambers. All plain clothes Peace Officers, on duty or off, including retired Peace Officers, must go through the security screening line and show proper credentials to security staff prior to entering the Chambers with a firearm.

Prohibited weapons and/or items include, but are not limited to:

• Any firearm
• Any knives or bladed objects
• Any flammable or explosive substance
• Other items that present a safety concern as determined by security staff
 

If you have any questions regarding these procedures, contact the office of the Clerk of the Board at (707) 565-2241 or BOS@sonoma-county.org.

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