A security presence at last night’s Chatham-Kent council meeting is expected to become the norm in the near future.
Security guards were stationed at entrances of the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre on Monday night, and all visitors had to wear passes to identify themselves.
Chatham-Kent Chief Administrative Officer Michael Duben said there have been several instances of suspicious and inappropriate behaviour in and around council meetings.
A report is expected to come to council in the next five to six weeks about security issues during council meetings. Duben said the report will look at not only policy but also some recommended changes to the physical space of the council chambers. Duben said administration felt that before the report came out, it would be best to make some temporary steps by adding the security team.
“This is not just about the safety of council, but also the safety of staff and the safety of visitors that come here to participate in the process,” Duben said. “We feel pretty strongly that we need to make sure people feel secure while they are in the building.”
Duben said that given the situations they’ve had to deal with, they had no choice.
Chatham-Kent isn’t the only municipal council to review security measures. Sarnia city council is also reviewing their security after one of their councillors disrupted council and got into a heated exchange with a citizen outside of council chambers following the meeting.
London has security guards in chambers and outside the door, and also bring security in the gallery when necessary.
Police were involved during a Windsor council meeting last year when a citizen interrupted the meeting. In 2022, Essex County council postponed a meeting after capacity crowd issues and yelling, swearing and disruption of speakers.
