No metal detectors, no problem

Concern over the removal of metal detectors at Cincinnati City Hall barely registered a beep.

Four city employees wrote to facilities manager Joel Koopman after the metal detectors were removed from the front entrance Dec. 27, but only one of them expressed concern over not having visitors screened by security guards as they enter the building.

The other three simply asked questions about which doors would be open to access the building, or whether items, such as pocket knives, could legally be carried inside.

But a woman working in the city’s Accounts and Audits Department said she didn’t think removing the metal detectors was a good idea.

"I have been feeling more safe with the detectors in place and without them I feel like each one of us are more at risk," the e-mail says. "With all of the different people and personalities walking through the door at any given time, my opinion is that it is better to be proactive at times instead of reactive. Please take into consideration the safety of city employees."

Koopman responded to the e-mail by saying security guards are still working at City Hall.