“The bigger question is, is that what we really want to do at the government facility?” Ramsey said. The Marshal's Office did not respond, and neither did County Attorney Van Stephens Wednesday afternoon. Williams deferred to the Marshal's Office. Ramsey was also unsure, and Hall County Sheriff’s spokeswoman B.J. “However, I don't know what is allowable in a public building that is not a courthouse. It is unclear, though, whether it would be lawful to search people who come into the building, as Eden requested. “The other big component is being able to train our employees that are in the building of what to do during any type of emergency,” he said. “Not necessarily an armed guard, but maybe do we need to put a camera somewhere? Do we need to have an area that we need to secure by lock that may not already be secured by lock? Just kind of really assessing how people can travel through the building.” “What we've done over the past few weeks, we've been able to go through and look at the entire building, see areas that we know we'd like to increase security just a little bit better,” he said. Every day, we see people walk in with backpacks and oversized bags and clothing that can easily carry many weapons.”Ĭasey Ramsey, director of the Hall County Emergency Management Agency, said he is working with local law enforcement in assessing security at the building and expects to make recommendations to Connell within the next couple of months. A visible and armed officer at the front entrance checking bags would be a great deterrent.

“It is imperative that we prepare for the risk of gun violence. “Unfortunately, every community in America, including Gainesville/Hall County must realistically face this imminent threat,” she wrote.

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