Alton to implement new security measures days after a man was accused of threatening a public official

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) -The city of Alton will be implementing new security measures for city meetings starting later this week.

The measures will be implemented for Committee of the Whole, City Council, and Planning Commission meetings, according to the city.

The new measures include people entering the building after business hours going through a metal detector screening for weapons before entering City Hall. The screenings will be done by uniformed Alton Police Department personnel. The screenings are set to begin at the City Council meeting on Thursday, with a temporary screening in place until a more permanent metal detector is installed.

There will also be a limited-bag policy: small personal items that do not exceed 10 inches by 8 inches by 4 inches may be allowed, subject to inspection. Exceptions are medical devices or items, diaper bags and work items for legitimate municipal business.

The city of Alton says city hall officials have worked with the Alton Fire Department to review the maximum capacity inside council chambers. Public members will be asked to remain seated once a meeting starts; standing will not be allowed, according to the city.

The city said this is to prevent the chambers from getting overcrowded. The city also said that seating outside the chambers will be provided, with a broadcast on the speakers in the meeting lobby. Standing will also not be permitted outside the council chambers.

The city of Alton said these security measures will not affect public comment.

The announcement of new security measures came after a man was accused of threatening a public official after Alton’s City Council meeting on Oct. 28.