Greeley Implements Security Screening at City Council Meetings Starting October 7
The City of Greeley will begin metal detector screening at all City Council meetings and work sessions starting October 7, making it one of the first Northern Colorado municipalities to implement comprehensive security measures at regular government meetings.
Visitors attending meetings at City Center South, 1001 11th Avenue, must enter through west side doors after 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and pass through metal detectors before entering the meeting space. Officers may also inspect bags upon entry.
"City Council meetings are an important way for residents to share their voices and stay involved in local government," said Chief Public Safety Officer Rick Ruggieri. "These proactive safety protocols will help us ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone while keeping our meetings open and accessible to the public."
The security measures will apply to regular meetings held on the first and third Tuesday of each month, as well as work sessions conducted on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. All meetings begin at 6:00 p.m. and follow a hybrid format allowing residents to participate in person or online.
Balancing Security with Public Access Requirements
Colorado's Open Meetings Law requires municipal councils to provide public access to all meetings where public business is discussed, but allows reasonable security screening that does not unduly impede public participation, according to the Colorado Municipal League. Any security measures must maintain the public's right to observe government proceedings while addressing legitimate safety concerns.
The implementation follows practices established at municipal courthouses throughout Colorado, where security screening has become standard. Fort Collins Municipal Court requires all visitors to pass through security screening including bag checks, while Aurora's Municipal Courthouse operates metal detectors and x-ray machines for all court proceedings.
Unlike courthouse security, which primarily serves judicial functions, council meeting screening represents an expansion of security protocols to regular legislative meetings where public participation is encouraged and protected under state law.
Limited Precedent for Council Chamber Security
Few Colorado municipalities have publicly documented metal detector installations specifically for city council chambers, making Greeley's implementation notable among Northern Colorado communities. Most existing security protocols focus on municipal courthouses rather than legislative meeting spaces.
The security measures require operational adjustments including staffing by public safety officers and coordination with existing meeting procedures. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to accommodate screening processes and limit personal items to expedite entry.
Municipal security screening typically involves capital costs of $3,000 to $6,000 for walk-through metal detectors plus installation fees, with ongoing expenses including maintenance contracts and staffing requirements. The city has not released specific cost information for the new security measures.
Regional Context and Implementation
The security implementation comes as Northern Colorado law enforcement agencies have handled various incidents requiring enhanced coordination and response capabilities. Recent police activity has included investigations of serious crimes and emergency response coordination across the region.
Greeley officials emphasized that the security measures are proactive rather than responsive to specific incidents, describing them as common practices in many communities designed to maintain safe meeting environments.
The city appreciates public patience as the new procedures begin and stressed that the measures are intended to preserve the open, accessible nature of council meetings while addressing security considerations.
City Council meetings maintain their established schedule with regular meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each month and work sessions on alternating Tuesdays. Residents can access meeting information and online participation options through the city's meeting portal at greeleyco.portal.civicclerk.com.